Transcript Highlights:

• , of suicidal ideation, of different types of... maybe aggressive behaviors, it could be a whole... a
• number of things.
• Recent research done by University Health Systems also shows that the use of whole blood for trauma patients
• I am the president. elect of the Texas National Association of EMS Physicians.
• Items of clothing.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Article II

Transcript Highlights:

• That was a point of contention with a lot of litigation going on.
• So if he wanted to take 50% of his retirement and draw 50% of his salary for a set number of years, it
• or university.
• of any stripe.
• So one of the pieces of Senator Price's bill is to narrow the applicability of retirees who come back

Committee: Senate Retirement

Summary: The Senate Committee on Retirement met on May 5 with four members present. HB 41 was deferred until the following week, and the committee approved the April 20, 2026 minutes. The committee then took up several retirement-system bills, many of them negotiated measures involving municipal police, firefighters, teachers, district attorneys, and judges. HB 45, by Rep. Bacallat, was amended and reported favorably. It makes changes to the Municipal Police Employees Retirement System, including retention bonuses, recognition of out-of-state police service, benefits for three officers killed in the line of duty before full enrollment, a DROP fix, and more competitive accrual rates. Testimony from the Louisiana Municipal Association, MEPERS, police representatives, and Mayor Helena Marino was strongly supportive, emphasizing that the bill resolves longstanding disputes and litigation. HB 1237, also by Rep. Bacallat, was reported favorably after testimony that it eliminates partial dissolution penalties for municipal police and adjusts related firefighter provisions; witnesses said it was a negotiated fix supported by municipal and fire stakeholders. HB 42, concerning phased retirement in the Teacher Retirement System, was reported favorably as a permissive framework allowing universities to offer phased retirement options. HB 17, by the District Attorneys’ Retirement System director, was reported favorably to add the Louisiana District Attorneys Association to the definition of employer and require annual reporting on the rehire statute. HB 21, a cleanup bill for the Municipal Employees Retirement System, was also reported favorably. HB 1134, creating a backdrop retirement option for certain judges whose positions are abolished, was amended and reported favorably after LASERS raised questions about early retirement eligibility and the need to bar future judicial candidacy. HB 24, by Rep. Owen, drew the most discussion. It would allow retired or certified teachers to return to work through contracts with school systems, with a three-year sunset. The sponsor argued it would help keep qualified teachers in classrooms and avoid midyear departures, while TRSL, the Louisiana School Board Association, and committee members raised concerns about fiscal impact, contractor status, workers’ compensation, leave rules, and overlap with a separate bill being worked on by the chairman. After an amendment clarifying the independent-contractor definition was adopted, the committee chose to hold the bill in committee for further work rather than advance it immediately. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we do oversee the educator preparation programs for the University of Wyoming College of Education
• Um, we do oversee the educator preparation programs for the University of Wyoming College of Education
• Um, we do oversee the educator preparation programs for the University of Wyoming College of Education
• the University of Wyoming, and one from the state board, which is Fred Boner.
• </c> superintendent, one from the University superintendent, one from the University of<00:48:34.640>

Committee: Joint Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Do we have questions of staff? We do. And first of all, I... We do.
• And first of all, I want to acknowledge and thank both the maker of this striking amendment and the Vice
• and their School Information Research Services as an example of the research on student use of mobile
• students must be informed of for purposes of their high school and beyond plans.
• up pathways for universities.

Bills: SB6278

Committee: House Education

Keywords: teacher preparation, principal preparation, educator preparation, alternative route certification, teacher certification, principal certification, Washington Professional Educator Standards Board, PESB, field placement, student teacher, residency, mentoring, school district partnerships, K-12 education, preK-12, high-need schools, Title I, special education, English language learner, rural schools

Transcript Highlights:

• And on behalf of all of our members here in the Arizona House of Representatives, the leaders, the majority
• the entire state of Arizona.
• Each of us, all of us in this room, brings a unique perspective and strengths to the table.
• They are vital to our way of life and livelihood. Arizona is drying up of water.
• You must meet the spirit of the spirit of the... ...your hands, say a prayer.

Summary: The Arizona House and Senate held the joint protocol session for the 31st Annual Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day, opening with a tribal blessing, presentation of the colors, the national anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance. House Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen welcomed tribal leaders, elders, and guests, emphasizing the importance of government-to-government collaboration, tribal sovereignty, and the role of Arizona’s 22 federally recognized tribes in issues such as water, energy, infrastructure, public safety, and economic development. The tribal address was delivered by Fort Mojave Chairman Timothy Williams, who focused heavily on Colorado River water rights, drought, climate change, and the need to include tribes in any future river management framework as current guidelines expire. He also discussed tribal economic development, education, public safety, border security, and the importance of protecting culture, language, land, and water. Thana Autumn Nation Chairman Verlin Jose similarly stressed unity, tribal sovereignty, border issues, water stewardship, and the economic impact of tribal gaming, arguing that tribes should be full partners in state and federal policy discussions and opposing a fixed border wall. Dr. Laura Tohi of the Navajo Nation gave a poetry reading and spoke about her background, the importance of language and oral tradition, and her role as Arizona State Poet Laureate. Her poems centered on food, water, weaving, and homeland. The session concluded with closing remarks from legislative leaders thanking participants for their perspectives and contributions, and the joint protocol session was dissolved. No votes or formal legislative actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• :05.080><c> of</c> people sometimes tens of thousands of people sometimes tens of thousands of people
• I grew up on Laurel, Igo, Har, Capital Heights, and on Dale in the corner of University.
• </c><01:18:44.160><c> So,</c><01:18:44.480><c> I</c> Dale in the corner of University.
• So, I Dale in the corner of University.
• You heard from Vamondo about Little Mekong and a similar parallel effort on another corner of University

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Julio Frenk, having served as president of the University of Miami and dean of Harvard School of Public
• > powers</c> violation of the separation of powers violation of the separation of powers the<00:37:56.480
• of sections of the perceived violations of sections of the immigration<00:38:09.920><c> and</c><00:38
• <c> Notions</c><00:50:01.960><c> of</c> flies in the face of all Notions of flies in the face of all
• > a</c><01:12:13.080><c> lot</c><01:12:13.199><c> of</c> lot of debate a lot of lot of debate a lot of

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the mayor of City of Beulah.
• More importantly, we are home to Minnesota State University Mankato, which produces more pilots out of
• So, Mankato State, is that the name of the university? Minnesota State University. Mankato.
• Minnesota State University. University. University.
• I serve as the mayor of the city of<00:37:37.720><c> Corcoran.</c> of Corcoran. of Corcoran.

Bills: HF4156 , HF3835 , HF3995 , HF4383 , HF4091 , HF4084 , HF4311 , HF198 , HF4486 , HF4302 , HF4309 , HF4032 , HF3855 , HF3673 , HF4265 , HF4012 , HF4339 , HF4298 , HF3852

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, are there questions of the sponsor? Any questions of the sponsor?
• of Chicago.
• I just want to kind of reiterate a little bit of what has been said.
• of the system.
• I don't know the University of Miami, FIU, Aston Martin. I do a lot.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Tourism

Transcript Highlights:

• uh, as we heard, a 10% or 10,000% increase at the University of Minnesota.
• uh, as we heard, a 10% or 10,000% increase at the University of Minnesota.
• 10,000% increase at the University of Minnesota.
• </c> the part our partners at the University the part our partners at the University of<01:23:43.520>
• of Minnesota Medical the University of Minnesota Medical School<01:24:00.840><c> come</c><01:24:01.320

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't believe that it is the intention of this legislation to have the university look into uh the
• :30:12.480><c> be</c><00:30:12.720><c> looking</c> University of Maryland also be looking University
• c><00:52:57.520><c> System</c><00:52:57.839><c> of</c> development by the University System of development
• by the University System of Maryland.<00:52:59.119><c> Program</c><00:52:59.520><c> students</c><00:
• the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, has shown up here on the eve, or the cusp, of crossover.

Transcript Highlights:

• I plan to participate in PSO during my senior year through the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and
• And so if you review this one-page document, you'll see that, for example, a University of Iowa professor
• And so if you review this one-page document, you'll see that, for example, a University of Iowa professor
• My name is Leroy Swart and I am a PSO student at the University of Minnesota. class structure because
• </c><01:49:14.560><c> of</c> professor emeritus at the University of professor emeritus at the University

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Hampshire and then also add some residency rules as established by the University System of New Hampshire
• O'Brien made note that the University System of New Hampshire establishes residency based on, or establishes
• O'Brien made note that the University System of New Hampshire establishes residency based on, or establishes
• O'Brien made note that the University System of New Hampshire establishes residency based on, or establishes
• Uh, if we could classify University of New Hampshire system as equivalent to the Department of Motor

Committee: House Election Law

Transcript Highlights:

• But of sort of the universe of young people who may or may not have been impacted in the '50s, '60s,
• And that's because we're a large employer, other than maybe the University of Washington.
• Catherine Beckett of the University of Washington, entitled *Prosecutor-Initiated Resentencing in Washington
• This is a really interesting one from the University of Kansas that points out that parole, like, according
• This is a really interesting one from University of Kansas that points out that parole, like, according

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Summary: The committee work session began with a staff presentation on state tort liability, focusing on why Washington’s tort payouts and claims have risen and how sovereign immunity, statutes of limitation, damages rules, and case law shape state exposure. Staff and the Attorney General’s Office highlighted that DCYF, DSHS, and DOC account for the largest share of claims and payouts, with Washington’s broad waiver of immunity and lack of caps on non-economic damages making it unusual compared with many other states. The discussion emphasized childhood sexual abuse claims, foster care and juvenile rehabilitation liability, and the impact of recent cases and the 2024 statute of limitations changes. Agency witnesses from DCYF, DSHS, and DOC described rising claims, delayed payout timing, difficulty defending older cases with limited records, and efforts to reduce future liability through practice changes, electronic health records, medication-assisted treatment, staffing, and early resolution programs. The committee then shifted to parole and sentencing. Staff from the Sentencing Guidelines Commission and Public Safety Policy and Research Center reviewed Washington’s move from indeterminate sentencing and parole to the current determinate sentencing system under the Sentencing Reform Act, and explained that parole can coexist with sentencing guidelines in other states through different models. They also summarized Criminal Sentencing Task Force recommendations related to three-strikes, persistent offender review, and a second-chance review process, noting that the task force did not reach consensus on those ideas. Judges Veronica Galvan and Cindy Larson, speaking for the Minority and Justice Commission and the Superior Court Judges Association, supported considering a parole or review-board model as a way to address racial disparities, improve fairness, and create a more centralized and transparent review process with data collection and judicial review. The final panel began with prosecutors, with Eric Eisenger introducing himself and indicating he would speak from both his role as Benton County prosecutor and as a former defense attorney. The transcript cuts off before the prosecutors’ full testimony or any committee action on the parole topic, and no votes were taken during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• in favor of this piece of legislation.
• of dollars, that we're currently wasting because we don't have these protocols comprehensively, universally
• I'm a second-year law student at Northeastern University School of Law, currently living in Somerville
• I am a law student at Northeastern University School of Law, currently living in Somerville.
• Hello, my name is Camila Clevejo, and I'm a law student at Northeastern University School of Law, currently

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. Representative David Linsky supported HB 3383, which would designate the song “Roadrunner” as the official rock song of Massachusetts, describing its Boston roots and cultural significance. Representative Sean Garberle supported HB 3335 on public access to historical records, arguing that records from state institutions should be released after 75 years and that families and researchers should be able to identify people buried in unmarked graves at former state institutions. Representative Rodney Elliott and Lowell officials supported HB 4138, authorizing easements for a Lowell sewer separation project; they said the project is needed for Clean Water Act compliance, will reduce combined sewer overflows into the Merrimack River, and must proceed quickly to meet SRF and consent-decree timelines. Committee members asked about Article 97, the location and scope of the easement, environmental justice impacts, and minority/small business participation in construction. The committee also heard extensive testimony on Senate 2183 and its House companion, which would elevate the Massachusetts National Guard to a cabinet-level position reporting directly to the Governor. Senators Mike Moore and John Velis, along with the National Guard Association’s Matthew McKenna, argued the change would reduce bureaucracy, improve communication and readiness, and reflect the Guard’s broad domestic and military missions. Velis cited the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home tragedy as an example of a breakdown in communication, while committee members said they wanted more information, including input from the Governor’s office and Guard leadership, before acting. The committee noted the distinction between state-controlled and federalized Guard missions and said it would continue reviewing the issue. Senator Liz Miranda and a large panel of survivors, advocates, and Northeastern law students testified in support of S. 2174 and S. 2177, which would create an office and task force on unsolved homicides, allow families to petition for case review after three years, require written responses, and establish a tip line, database, and dedicated funding. Witnesses described long-standing lack of communication, low clearance rates, and the disproportionate impact on Black and Brown communities. Senator Becca Rausch also testified on S. 2210, extending public records law to the governor and Legislature, and S. 2207, creating stronger information-governance and records-retention standards; she said both would improve transparency and reduce waste. The transcript does not reflect any votes taken during the hearing, though chairs repeatedly indicated support for moving some bills favorably and said the committee would continue reviewing the National Guard proposal.

Transcript Highlights:

• In just a few years of war, 3% of the total population of Japan perished.
• The term was coined by a professor of Palestinian scholarship at Oxford University in 2009 in the context
• Every university, every power plant, all 36 of its hospitals bombed, most leveled, and...
• tens of thousands of Gazans.
• service of the people of Massachusetts.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing focused first on teacher retirement legislation, especially H. 2932 and S. 1884, which would give long-serving educators a one-time opportunity to enroll in Retirement Plus after the program’s 2001 rollout was described as confusing and inconsistently communicated. Legislators, union leaders, and many teachers testified that some educators missed the opt-in window because of faulty notices, leave status, transfers, or misinformation about payroll deductions, and that many have had to work several extra years as a result. Supporters said the bills would correct an unfair administrative error, provide a buyback option with interest, and could also save local school districts money by allowing earlier retirements. Representative Mark Sylvia also testified for H. 4234, a Fairhaven-specific bill to raise the age limit for special police officers from 65 to 70 and clarify appointing authority, citing experience and budget needs. The committee then heard testimony on several pension investment and divestment bills. Supporters of H. 2811 and related climate-risk measures argued that PRIM should assess, disclose, and address climate-related financial risk in the state pension fund, warning that fossil fuel investments could threaten long-term returns and public finances. Environmental advocates and financial experts said climate risk is systemic and urged transparency, divestment planning, and alignment with the Commonwealth’s climate goals. Another set of speakers supported H. 2984, which would divest pension investments from companies selling weapons to Israel; they argued the state should not be complicit in violence in Gaza and cited humanitarian and human rights concerns. Additional testimony supported H. 2900 and S. 1869 to divest from the firearm industry, with speakers saying pension investments should not undermine Massachusetts gun laws. No votes were taken during the hearing. The chairs repeatedly thanked speakers, limited testimony time, and noted that written testimony could be submitted later. The hearing concluded with the committee moving through the sign-up list and hearing extensive public testimony on the teacher retirement and divestment proposals.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of good summary of what happened during the session.
• This is sort of the proposed order of events.
• And so, of a population of 2 million, of course, a significant amount are children.
• And one of them, well, a few of them are economic, but not all of them are economic.
• That's another key part of all of that.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Tufts Medical School, vice president of the American
• In the best cases, this is a story of strength, of welcoming a new family member, of joy, of empowerment
• A lot of those, most of those, have been deferred.
• at Boston University School of Law.
• I have an MPH from the University of Michigan, I have an MPH from the University of Michigan, Go Blue

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services

Summary: The committee held a public hearing with testimony on several health care bills, with most of the discussion focused on primary care access, community health center reimbursement, midwifery and birth centers, telehealth, hospital-at-home, direct primary care, and trans-inclusive health care access. Chair Feeney and Chair Murphy opened by noting the large number of signups and asking testifiers to keep remarks brief because of time constraints. Legislators and witnesses repeatedly emphasized that Massachusetts’ primary care system is under strain and that federal policy changes and reimbursement gaps are worsening financial pressure on providers. On community health centers, Representative Blay, Senator Lovely, Michael Curry, Bethany Keeley, Jag Deep Trevetti, Sean Cahill, and Christina Severin all supported H. 1096/S. 711, which would require commercial insurers to pay federally qualified health centers at least the MassHealth prospective payment system rate. They argued that commercial plans currently reimburse health centers below Medicaid rates, threatening sustainability, staffing, and access, especially as federal cuts and coverage losses could increase uncompensated care. Testifiers said the bill would stabilize health centers, protect primary care access, and not cost the state money. A second major topic was H. 1117/S. 784 on sustaining birth centers and the midwifery workforce. Senator Lovely, Senator Miranda, Emily Anesta, Rebecca Orden, Catherine Rushworth, Nishira Burrill, Joel Sutherland, Rachel Blessington, Joelle Ward, and others described the 2024 maternal health omnibus as an important first step, but said birth centers and midwives still face low reimbursement, workforce shortages, and financial instability. They urged reimbursement parity, a workforce development fund, and support for freestanding birth centers, citing improved outcomes, lower C-section rates, better patient experience, and racial equity in maternal health. Several speakers shared personal birth stories and said the bill would help preserve and expand birth options in communities like Roxbury, Worcester, and the North Shore. The committee also heard support for H. 1343 on direct primary care from Dr. Garofalo, Dr. Altman, Dr. Nair, Stephanie Cameron, Dr. Haley Moke-Blessed, and others, who said current insurance rules force patients to use a separate in-network primary care doctor for referrals and sometimes prevent physicians from dispensing medications. They argued the bill would reduce delays, administrative burden, and costs while improving continuity of care. In addition, Dr. Miklides and Sue Stempeck supported H. 1141 on hospital-at-home parity, saying the model has strong outcomes and should be reimbursed at the same rate as brick-and-mortar hospital care. Heather Myers and Katrina Cook testified on telehealth and digital health equity, urging broader coverage for asynchronous care, remote monitoring, interpreter services, and digital literacy supports. SEIU Local 509 supported H. 1188/S. 681 on trans-inclusive health care access, saying it would remove arbitrary insurance barriers to gender-affirming care. No votes or committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• In person, University of Hawaii. Hey. Welcome. You're the first testifier.
• My name is Dolan Eversole on behalf of University of Hawaii.
• Uh I have a question just because we have time for University of Hawaii.
• </c><00:15:24.839><c> Um</c><00:15:25.839><c> what</c> time for University of Hawaii.
• Um what time for University of Hawaii.

Bills: SCR8 , SCR40 , SCR83 , SCR179 , SCR90 , SCR94 , SCR159 , SCR165 , SCR177

Committee: House Water & Land

Summary: The committee heard several resolutions related to water, coastal management, and permitting. Early measures included SCR 8 on faster county action for certain home-modification permits for older adults and people with disabilities, SCR 40 on banning disposable body boards, SCR 83 on creating a lithium-ion battery disposal facility, SCR 179 on enforcing Maui fire-code provisions for brush clearance and emergency access, and SCR 90 on kupuna-friendly permit requirements. No testifiers were present for those measures, and the chair moved through them without taking votes in the portion provided. The most extensive discussion was on SCR 94, endorsing Waikiki as a world surfing reserve, and SCR 159, urging shared guiding principles for restoring and maintaining Waikiki’s beaches and shoreline. University of Hawaii testimony said the surfing-reserve designation would bring recognition, could help attract grants, and would require a stewardship committee and management plan, but would not itself block beach nourishment or shoreline restoration. Members asked about possible effects on dredging, beach nourishment, and shoreline structures; the witness said impacts on surfing were not expected to be immediate or significant. For SCR 159, the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the resolution but requested clarifying amendments to broaden references to law, stakeholder collaboration, and coastal science expertise. The Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District Association also supported the measure, emphasizing coordinated maintenance, public access, and the economic importance of Waikiki beaches, while noting that existing legal agreements and court decisions should be reflected in the resolution. The discussion also covered whether the state and private owners share repair and maintenance obligations for Waikiki seawalls; testimony said existing agreements remain relevant but must yield to current law. The committee also heard SCR 165 designating March as Water Month, with support from the Board of Water Supply and others, and SCR 177 requesting DAGS to convene a cooperative working group on state projects needing county permits. Mary Alice Evans said the latter would help expedite permitting, especially for housing and other state projects, and would complement efforts to standardize county permitting processes. No final votes or dispositions were announced in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the director of the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. I stand on the written testimony.
• I'm the director<00:19:35.440><c> of</c><00:19:35.600><c> the</c><00:19:35.760><c> University</c><00:
• 19:36.080><c> of</c><00:19:36.240><c> Hawaii</c> director of the University of Hawaii director of the
• University of Hawaii Cancer<00:19:36.960><c> Center.
• Laura Nagle, University of Hawaii system, in support. Are you present on Zoom? Not present on Zoom.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Higher Education hearing took up HB 441 HD2, a measure to increase cigarette taxes and dedicate the revenue to the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. The Department of Taxation said it had no substantive objection but requested an effective date of January 1, 2026 if tax rates change so it can order new stamps. The Department of Health, the Deputy Attorney General/tobacco enforcement, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the American Cancer Society, the Hawaii Medical Association, and several other health organizations and youth advocates supported the bill, arguing that higher cigarette prices reduce youth initiation, encourage cessation, and help fund cancer research and care. Several supporters asked for a larger increase, including at least $1 per pack, while opponents from retail, wholesale, and tobacco-related groups argued the tax would be regressive, burden low-income smokers, and drive sales to the illicit market. The Tax Foundation and other opponents also criticized reliance on sin taxes and said smoking rates are already at historic lows. After testimony and questions, members discussed how the revenue should be used and whether higher taxes change smoker behavior or push people toward vaping or other alternatives. The chairs announced they would pass HB 441 HD2 with amendments, replacing the contents with SB 528 SD1 except for changes reflecting the Department of Taxation’s request and a provision directing all proceeds from the tax increase to the Hawaii Cancer Center’s debt reduction, with an effective date of December 31, 2025. The House Health, Human Services, and Higher Education committees then voted to adopt the recommendation; the Health, Human Services committee vote was adopted with Chair and several members voting aye and one member voting no in the Higher Education committee vote. The hearing also briefly covered HB 1334 on meat donation, which drew support from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, food industry, and community groups, though no action was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1098 on crimes against protective services workers. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying assaults on protective services workers can have chilling effects and deserve stronger deterrence; a committee question raised whether the bill should instead be part of a broader, more proactive approach to assault statutes. The Department of Human Services also described safety steps such as panic buttons and phone apps for social workers. The excerpt ends before any final vote on HB 1098.