Transcript Highlights:

• So, starting from the beginning, horses disappeared from North America after the Ice Age and were reintroduced
• horses and burros, Congress has generally prohibited the BLM from using appropriated funds to destroy healthy
• <00:48:22.319><c> funds</c><00:48:22.720><c> to</c><00:48:22.960><c> destroy</c><00:48:23.440><c> healthy
• </c> appropriated funds to destroy healthy appropriated funds to destroy healthy unadopted<00:48:24.559
• Um, I think a couple of years ago in 2024, this topic was revisited by the joint ag committee, and so

Committee: Joint Select Federal Natural Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• about pushing young people out of our state, this is going to be another example of why we have an aging
• about pushing young people out of our state, this is going to be another example of why we have an aging
• So basically I think increasing those fees will put the highway fund in a very healthy financial situation
• fund</c><01:56:07.920><c> in</c><01:56:08.080><c> a</c><01:56:08.320><c> very</c><01:56:08.560><c> healthy
• </c><01:56:09.440><c> financial</c> highway fund in a very healthy financial highway fund in a very healthy

Summary: The committee met with Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre and Charitable Gaming Chief Compliance Officer Kulie Aoyo to review proposed changes in HB 2 and related amendments affecting video lottery terminals, historic horse racing, charitable gaming, and scratch tickets. McIntyre said the late-arriving amendment made revenue estimates difficult, especially because the bill would allow operators to decide when to convert from HHR to VLTs and would change the floor-space rules. He explained that the existing 70/30 floor-space split between machines and table games was negotiated to protect charity revenue, and warned that moving to a 90/10 split could reduce charity revenue, potentially by as much as $17 million, while also changing the character of the facilities. Committee members discussed whether to keep the 70/30 split, and McIntyre said he could provide updated estimates later that day, including net impacts after any offsetting gains or losses under current law. Members also asked about the governor’s proposed operator share versus the Sweeney amendment’s higher operator share. McIntyre said the governor’s 45% figure was based on his own estimate and on comparable rates in other states, and he supported it as a way to maximize revenue for the state and charities. He also described a change to high-stakes tournaments: after speaking with Rep. Sweeney, he said the amendment was clarified to apply only to those tournaments and would lower the house take from 10% to 5% to encourage participation in rare, high-buy-in events. The committee also discussed a separate proposal to raise the maximum scratch ticket price from $30 to $50; McIntyre said the change would take time to implement, would likely increase net state revenue by about $1 million in year two, and was consistent with pricing in neighboring states such as Massachusetts and Connecticut. Additional questions covered sports betting and a separate Kino-related estimate. McIntyre said March Madness is the busiest period for sports betting and that the state’s sports betting revenue has exceeded initial expectations. He also said he had estimated that removing a municipal-vote restriction for Kino could cost about $12 million total, with $2 million in the first year and $10 million thereafter. No formal votes were taken during the discussion; the chair indicated the committee would revisit the VLT amendment and other sections later, and McIntyre agreed to send updated revenue estimates to committee members.

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to see them healthy. We don't want to see them slipping away out of the timber basket.
• We want to see them healthy. We don't want to see them slipping away out of the timber basket.
• carbon markets are one tool in a toolbox in order to achieve that mission and to achieve sort of healthy
• </c><05:00:53.040><c> It's</c><05:00:53.200><c> not</c><05:00:53.440><c> a</c> sort of healthy forests
• It's not a sort of healthy forests.

Committee: House Resources, Recreation and Development

Transcript Highlights:

• landowners, frankly, need to have that protected because, you know, as we need the municipalities to be healthy
• know, as we need the municipalities to know, as we need the municipalities to be<01:22:09.240><c> healthy
• ,</c> be healthy, be healthy, landowners<01:22:11.640><c> and</c><01:22:11.840><c> the</c><01:22:12.040

Summary: The meeting opened with a quorum present and approval of the April 17 minutes. The commission then heard a presentation from attorney Jacob Rhodes of Cleveland, Waters and Bass on the history and legal basis of New Hampshire’s timber tax, explaining that timber was historically treated as part of real property, that a 1913 case confirmed that view, and that a 1949 constitutional amendment created a separate timber yield tax to discourage clear-cutting and support forest conservation. He described the tax as a tax on the yield when timber is severed, not an income tax, and noted that towns are reimbursed through a system based on Department of Revenue Administration market data and local reports of cut. Members and guests asked how “yield” is defined, how the timber tax interacts with current use, and whether carbon sequestration could be treated similarly. Testimony explained that current use generally is not affected by harvesting timber, that towns can tax standing timber under RSA 79:5 but rarely do because it is labor-intensive, and that carbon credits might be valued using a similar market-data approach. Several speakers discussed a prior bill drafted with DRA input that would have treated carbon more like timber, but noted it never fully advanced in the General Court and that the version ultimately discussed by the House differed from the earlier DRA-comfortable draft. The discussion also covered whether carbon sequestration agreements are effectively long-term leases or transfers of timber rights, with Rhodes suggesting that 99-year arrangements could be taxable transfers of real property under DRA rules, though he had not reviewed specific agreements. DRA staff said they do not currently have a timber-like survey mechanism for carbon and would likely need access to proprietary market data or a subscription service to build one. No formal vote was taken beyond approving the minutes; the commission appeared to agree to revisit the carbon/timber valuation issue and the draft bill at a future meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• But if workers who make it run cannot afford to live or to be healthy, something needs to change.
• But if workers who make it run cannot afford to live or to be healthy, something needs to change.
• testified and I want to say thank you for all of you for coming forward and to share your stories. their healthy
• and take care of their their healthy and take care of their families. families. families.

Bills: HF3889 , HF2567 , HF3878

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• fiscal year 27 for our staff and no increases for judges for the two years and uh we did have a a healthy
• 36.560><c> a</c> for the two years and uh we did have a a for the two years and uh we did have a a healthy
• 38.160><c> juror</c><00:04:38.479><c> predium</c><00:04:38.960><c> and</c><00:04:39.520><c> there</c> healthy
• ask for juror predium and there healthy ask for juror predium and there was<00:04:39.919><c> no</c><

Bills: HF3874 , HF3875 , HF3378

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a very healthy projected balance in FY26-27 of nearly $3.7 billion on the bottom line.
• We have a very healthy<00:32:49.760><c> projected</c><00:32:50.159><c> balance</c><00:32:50.480><c> in
• </c><00:32:50.720><c> FY2627</c> healthy projected balance in FY2627 healthy projected balance in FY2627

Transcript Highlights:

• This would transfer the Healthy Eating Here at Home program from the Humanities Center to the Department
• Um, and this would transfer the healthy<02:16:10.880><c> eating</c><02:16:11.119><c> here</c><02:16:11.280
• ><c> at</c><02:16:11.520><c> home</c><02:16:11.760><c> program</c><02:16:12.159><c> from</c> healthy
• eating here at home program from healthy eating here at home program from the<02:16:12.560><c> humanities

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• There's a lot of avenues that we can connect people with the right tools to be healthy, so, um, yeah,
• right</c><01:21:45.000><c> tools</c><01:21:45.320><c> to</c><01:21:45.440><c> be</c><01:21:45.600><c> healthy
• ><01:21:46.080><c> so</c><01:21:47.080><c> um</c><01:21:47.679><c> yeah</c> the right tools to be healthy
• so um yeah the right tools to be healthy so um yeah happy<01:21:48.080><c> to</c><01:21:48.159><c> have

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Distance of space and time for both the student and staff is healthy and appropriate.
• student<01:04:21.960><c> and</c><01:04:22.279><c> staff</c><01:04:22.680><c> is</c><01:04:23.000><c> healthy
• </c><01:04:23.640><c> and</c> student and staff is healthy and student and staff is healthy and appropriate

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• there is a 20% shortage of medical lab technologists and technicians in Florida, exacerbated by an aging
• So if your union is healthy, it's got 60% membership or more, this isn't an issue.
• If detected early, before age five, treatment can be highly effective.
• If detected early before age five, treatment can be highly effective.
• The resolution raises awareness. age five, treatment can be highly effective.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a brief introduction of the doctor of the day before moving to the special order calendar. The chamber first took up several claims bills, including SB 6/HB 6507 for relief of L.E. through the Department of Children and Families, which was described as compensation for severe injuries after DCF returned the child to unsafe parents; the House bill was substituted and passed 34-0. SB 26 for the estate of Mark Legata, involving catastrophic injuries tied to FDOT negligence, was also substituted with the House version and passed 35-0. SB 42/HB 47 on specific medical diagnoses and child protective investigations passed 34-0 after supporters said it would require child protection teams to consider certain medical conditions that can mimic abuse. Later, SB 1002 on child welfare passed 37-0 after sponsors said it clarifies that parental drug abuse can constitute harm or neglect and allow earlier court intervention and services, while not changing parental rights law. The Senate then considered education and health-related measures. SB 206/HB 851 on students with autism spectrum disorder was amended to the House bill and passed 35-0; the sponsor said it expands teacher preparation, requires autism-related training, creates a loan forgiveness program, and adds salary supplements for teachers with autism endorsements. SB 556/HB 453 on high school diploma requirements passed 36-0 and would allow students with disabilities to use Special Olympics participation to satisfy PE requirements, while also fixing a marching band credit issue. SB 688 on naturopathic medicine passed 33-3, reestablishing licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors. SB 878/HB 1347 on clinical laboratory personnel passed 37-0 to address staffing shortages by aligning Florida more closely with federal CLIA standards. SB 914/HB 867 on dry needling by occupational therapists passed 37-0, clarifying authority for that treatment. SB 530 on state lotteries passed 36-0 with updates to operations, security, and retailer rules. SB 964/HB 6011 on financial disclosures and gifts/honoraria passed 36-0 after an amendment restored a percentage-based reporting option. The chamber also approved several government-administration and public-records measures. SB 326/HB 131 on curators of estates passed 36-0, updating probate rules for temporary court-appointed curators. SB 758/HB 625 on the Justice Administrative Commission passed 37-0 after an amendment broadened the judicial member to a judge or senior judge rather than only a circuit judge. SB 830 on public records passed 31-5, creating exemptions for the personal information of county and city managers and certain family members. The Senate also passed SB 21/HB 218 on land use regulations, which preserves hurricane-recovery restrictions in affected counties while lifting them later for unaffected counties, and the sponsor thanked colleagues for helping address unintended consequences from prior law. SB 354 on Blue Ribbon Projects was debated extensively over concerns about local control, conservation protections, and vague standards; after a late amendment excluding data centers from commercial areas, the bill was temporarily postponed rather than passed. Finally, SB 1632/HB 1471 on ideologies inconsistent with American principles and domestic terrorist designations drew significant debate over references to Sharia law, religious freedom, notice, and due process; one amendment striking Sharia references failed, and a second amendment with broader revisions was under discussion when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't want to say my age there. In the hospital before we lost it.
• President, they age out over time. I talked about the first stage.
• My dogs live to 15 or 16 years of age.
• Senator Ramos is pretty healthy. I mean, I can pick a few out of the crowd. Absolutely.
• I thought I did, but, you know, old age, he forgets that stuff.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation from Rabbi Jack Stocker for New Mexico’s first Jewish Community Day at the legislature, and then proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance, Spanish pledge, flag salute, and national anthem. Early floor business included unanimous-consent approvals for cameras on the floor and in the gallery, a relaxed dress code for guests, and an excuse for Senator Hickey. Majority Floor Leader Peter Wirth noted it was the last day for bill introductions and reviewed the day’s observances and receptions, including Multiple Sclerosis Advocacy Day, Jewish Community Day, Santo Domingo Pueblo Day, Lincoln County Day, and UNM Day. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to honoring the Artesia Bulldogs football team, recognized for winning another state championship and for their long record of success. Senators and coaches praised the team’s resilience, community support, and the role of local fundraising and school support in sustaining athletic excellence. The Senate also observed a moment of silence for New Mexico State Police Officer Darien Jarrett on the fifth anniversary of his death in the line of duty, with Senator Brantley speaking about Jarrett’s service and the impact of his loss on law enforcement and the region. The chamber then celebrated UNM Day with a formal certificate recognizing the University of New Mexico’s role as the state’s flagship university, its enrollment, degrees awarded, research, patents, health sciences, and hospital services. Multiple senators spoke in support, emphasizing UNM’s impact on education, health care, public service, first-generation students, and athletics, and several introduced guests from UNM programs and leadership. The Senate also read and adopted a certificate recognizing Dr. V. Sue Cleveland for 32 years leading Rio Rancho Public Schools, with members praising her role in building the district and supporting its growth and success. Later, the Senate recognized Valencia County Day and Hidalgo County Day, with senators highlighting each county’s history, economic development, agriculture, transportation, and community identity, and introducing local officials, business leaders, and youth honorary lieutenant governors. Additional floor remarks honored nurses and health care professionals tied to Lincoln County Day and related observances, with senators introducing guests from nursing, education, and hospital settings and emphasizing the importance of the nursing workforce and rural health care.

Transcript Highlights:

• The witness added that telehealth may be easier for high school students to access, but elementary-age
• The witness added that telehealth may be easier for high school students to access, but elementary-age
• 00:27:03.720><c> about</c><00:27:04.159><c> an</c><00:27:04.480><c> elementary</c><00:27:05.120><c> age
• </c><00:27:05.640><c> student</c> talking about an elementary age student talking about an elementary
• age student they<00:27:07.000><c> probably</c><00:27:07.480><c> would</c><00:27:07.760><c> need</c><

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> once they reach the age of 70. once they reach the age of 70.
• </c> raised the maximum age to 75. raised the maximum age to 75.
• </c> turning age 70 myself. turning age 70 myself.
• </c> people in this age group. people in this age group.
• Thank you. have an age. Why would we push people have an age.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, he passed away at age 97 a few years back.
• </c> be no longer insured uh in this age be no longer insured uh in this age group<01:18:23.440><c> because
• Do you mind chance to go over the AGS.
• and this kind of technology at a young age.
• and this kind of technology at a young age.

Bills: HB20 , HB2612 , HB2404 , HB2459 , HB2194 , HB1880 , HB2284 , HB1969 , HB2458 , HB1546 , HB2161 , HB1721 , HB1641 , HB2137 , HB1782 , HB2360 , HB1965 , HB1897 , HB1513

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 20, which would create a lava zone insurance subsidy/fund. The Insurance Division opposed the bill, arguing that lava zones 1 and 2 are the highest-risk areas, that a subsidy would not reduce the underlying risk or loss costs, that it could invite similar subsidy requests for other hazards, and that the bill may conflict with HICV by diverting funds from the CRF. Members discussed the lack of authorized homeowners insurance in those lava zones, the role of HPIA and the surplus market, and the difference between the proposed lava-zone subsidy and the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund. The chair noted 37 submitted testimonies in support and one in opposition, and the committee then moved on without taking a vote on HB 20 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 2612, relating to mortgages, which would clarify that a mortgage does not exist independently of the debt it secures and is not independently enforceable from that debt. The Hawaii Credit Union League and Hawaii Financial Services Association opposed the bill, while several individuals testified in support, arguing it would restore Hawaii’s long-standing lien-state rule and prevent so-called “zombie mortgages” after the Hawaii Supreme Court’s White decision. Supporters said the bill would protect borrowers from delayed foreclosures and predatory lending practices, while opponents and the Insurance Division emphasized that foreclosure actions still require proof of standing and possession of the note, and that lenders generally pursue foreclosure without seeking deficiency judgments. Committee members questioned the Insurance Division about how the current market works, whether lenders could wait out the statute of limitations and then foreclose only on the mortgage, and whether equitable tolling or later defaults could allow refiling. The division said it is still trying to attract authorized insurers back into the lava-zone market, but has seen little progress. No vote or final action on HB 2612 was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• to maintain fleet efficiency, that's an area that, you know, based on all of our statistics and the age
• all of our all of our statistics<00:40:21.520><c> and</c><00:40:21.680><c> the</c><00:40:21.800><c> age
• of the fleet and statistics and the age of the fleet and so<00:40:23.040><c> forth</c><00:40:23.359>
• I think the largest change there is in 3030, and that’s a car replacement due to age and miles.”
• “That’s a car replacement due to age and miles.

Summary: The committee met with New Hampshire DOT Commissioner Bill Cass and Finance Director Danielle Shandra to review the agency’s FY 2026 budget. Cass gave a high-level overview of DOT’s mission, organization, funding structure, and staffing trends, noting the agency has about 650 employees across five divisions. He said the Governor’s recommended FY 2026 budget totals $95.99 million, essentially flat from FY 2025, with funding primarily from Turnpike funds, Highway funds, federal sources, and a small General Fund share for non-highway units. Members asked about how Turnpike and Highway funds are treated in state accounting, and DOT explained that while they are enterprise funds restricted to their purposes, they are considered unrestricted from the statewide perspective and are appropriated through the budget process. A major topic was staffing and budget targets. DOT said its full-time staffing level has remained relatively flat since 2014 even as vehicle miles traveled increased and vacancies rose. To meet budget targets, the department unfunded seven permanent positions and nine temporary full-time positions, and later noted additional reductions in Finance, including the elimination of two full-time positions, reduced print shop equipment purchases, and deeper cuts to overtime, temporary help, equipment, and supplies in FY 2027. DOT also explained that it shifted funding for one unmanned aerial system position from General Funds to Highway Funds, saying the change was workable because the position supports highway-related work and federal-aid-eligible activities. Members asked for clarification on the state transit operating match, and DOT explained that the Legislature had previously provided about $1.8 million annually in General Funds to help local transit agencies meet federal match requirements, but that funding was not included in this budget. DOT said that could reduce the ability to draw down some federal transit funds, though the impact may not be immediate because those funds can be used over several years. The department also described its unmanned aerial system program, saying it has been used for about five years for mapping, survey work, construction oversight, and storm damage assessment, and that it now has about five drones and two full-time positions supporting the program. DOT said it is expanding cross-training so more employees can operate drones without adding positions. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• addition to the International Order of Rainbow for Girls, we also have a youth group for young men ages
• addition to the International Order of Rainbow for Girls, we also have a youth group for young men ages
• in their homes longer and is a small age in their homes longer and is a small step<03:29:42.479><c>
• It's very healthy policy and I would strongly suggest that the committee supports it. Thank you.
• It's very healthy policy and I would strongly suggest that the committee supports it.

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> The majority of recipients are senior citizens who, for the most part, are well past employment age
• payments on behalf of my children, and one of my kids just actually turned 18, which means that he's aged
• which I think um and the what is healthy which I think we<02:41:23.920><c> all</c><02:41:24.399><c>
• </c><02:41:31.359><c> amount</c><02:41:31.760><c> for</c> income is um a healthy amount for income is
• um a healthy amount for housing.<02:41:33.120><c> uh</c><02:41:33.200><c> in</c><02:41:33.439><c> New

Committee: House Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members, Rand Martin, on behalf of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and its Healthy Housing Foundation
• Chair, members, Rand Martin on behalf of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and its Healthy Housing Foundation

Summary: The committee began without a quorum and first heard AB 748, which would create pre-approved housing plans for single-family homes and small multifamily projects under 10 units, with delayed implementation for smaller cities and counties. The author said the bill is modeled on the state’s ADU preapproval process and is intended to make housing approvals ministerial and faster. Support came from housing and business groups, while several cities opposed it. Senators raised concerns about local control and whether small or rural jurisdictions have the staff and infrastructure to implement the program, but the author emphasized that local agencies would still control the plans and land-use decisions. No vote was taken because there was no quorum. The committee then heard AB 1621, which would tighten timelines and accountability for post-entitlement permits, limit plan-check resubmittals, and restrict field changes unless needed for health and safety. The California Building Industry Association and many housing groups supported the bill, arguing that permitting delays raise costs and slow housing production. The League of California Cities, counties, and several local governments opposed it, saying the two-plan-check limit is too rigid and that the bill could create litigation risk and reduce local flexibility to ensure code compliance. Members debated the proper standard for additional review and whether the bill should allow exceptions for state mandates; the author said the bill was meant to stop endless back-and-forth while preserving health-and-safety exceptions. The bill was recommended for a due-pass motion to Appropriations when quorum is reached. AB 2748 was next, proposing a three-year delay in the new electric-vehicle readiness requirements for 100% affordable housing projects, keeping the older 40% standard during that period. The author and affordable housing advocates said the change would reduce costs and help scarce housing dollars go further, while opponents from environmental, transportation, and clean-energy groups argued the current code is already cost-effective and that the bill would create a double standard and reduce EV access for low-income residents. Senators discussed whether the bill should require additional EV-capable infrastructure if projects use the older standard, and several members said they supported the bill but urged continued work on amendments. The committee also heard AB 1732, which would expand CEQA streamlining to student housing projects at public universities and community colleges with long-range plans. The author and student housing advocates said campus housing shortages are driving student homelessness and that the bill would help projects move faster; some senators supported the concept but questioned the bill’s geographic limits and whether labor standards or rural-campus criteria might be too restrictive. The meeting also included AB 1738, which would require jurisdictions to offer virtual inspections for certain simple home inspections. Supporters said remote inspections save time and money and have been used safely in California, while one senator said she could not support virtual inspections for more complex items like roofs and solar work. No final votes were taken during the transcript, and several bills were held pending quorum or further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've already lost, in just the last three weeks, $12 million in federal funding to provide local healthy
• Funding to create a healthy and sustainable schools office to conduct energy audits at our schools, many

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The hearing focused on House Bill 55, the governor’s FY25 supplemental budget proposal to spend about $1.3 billion in surplus Fair Share revenue. House and Senate chairs framed the bill as a one-time opportunity to invest fairly in education and transportation, while also noting the need to protect the state’s long-term fiscal balance. Administration officials said the proposal should be considered alongside the FY26 budget and related bills, since the governor’s broader Fair Share plan aims for roughly an even split between education and transportation over time. Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew Gorzkowicz, Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt, and Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler outlined the administration’s priorities. Transportation funding would go mainly to the MBTA and related reserves, including money for the Federal Transit Administration reserve, MBTA stabilization reserve, low-income fares, winter resilience, RTA workforce support, MassDOT workforce and project delivery, and micro-transit grants. Education funding would support universal preschool expansion, early education and care capacity, early literacy tutoring, adult basic education and ESOL, early college and career technical education, MyCAP expansion, and special education circuit breaker funding. The administration emphasized that many of these investments are one-time or multi-year measures designed to address current needs without creating unsustainable recurring costs. Committee members raised concerns about regional equity, especially the large share of transportation money going to the MBTA versus regional transit authorities and rural areas. Several members asked for more detail on how the proposal would benefit Western Massachusetts and other non-MBTA regions, and whether micro-transit and Chapter 90-related investments would be sufficient. Education questions focused on special education reimbursement shortfalls, federal funding cuts to school districts, and how CTE and vocational investments would align students with workforce needs. The administration said it would provide additional data on MBTA versus RTA investment and explained that the special education circuit breaker and transportation reimbursement changes were intended to improve predictability and relief for districts. After the administration panel, Jessica Tang of AFT Massachusetts testified in support of using Fair Share funds to protect public education amid federal uncertainty and cuts. She argued that schools are facing a fiscal cliff, that vulnerable students would be hit hardest by funding losses, and that the Fair Share revenue should be used to preserve services and support students’ needs.