Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:28:00.720><c> toc><00:28:00.840><c> bec><00:28:00.919><c> ablec><00:28:01.080><c> toc> schedule
• ><c> ourc><00:58:45.839><c> ourc><00:58:46.480><c> classc><00:58:46.799><c> schedulec> you uh
• ><00:59:11.480><c> they'rec><00:59:11.720><c> scheduledc><00:59:12.119><c> forc> every Friday night
• they're scheduled for every Friday night they're scheduled for proctored<00:59:12.799><c> examsc><
• <c> wec><00:59:50.079><c> wec> We monitor our class schedule so that at no time during the summer

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :31.600><c> yourc><00:10:31.760><c> schedulesc><00:10:32.079><c> toc><00:10:32.240><c> bec> taking
• > periodc> schedule.
• :58:07.040><c> schedulesc><00:58:07.440><c> andc> of the others are block schedules and of the others
• /c> Block schedules as well.
• c><01:00:22.480><c> schedulec><01:00:22.880><c> schoolsc><01:00:24.079><c> ofc> class on these

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it just the same as a teacher salary, or is it its own schedule?
• A, B, C, D would be the level four, which is a separate facility.
• This is not a typical setting C where that setting C, of course, you could have kids in there full time
• We're trying to fit them into a C, and when there's times the C is absolutely not an option anymore,
• So we're like 45 minutes ahead of schedule.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to discuss special education funding and retention, beginning with approval of the prior meeting minutes and then hearing a presentation from North Dakota United on a statewide special education survey and retention rubric. Presenters described how the rubric and survey were developed from special educator input around four domains: paperwork and due process support, workload, student and staff safety, and paraprofessional management. They reported high levels of stress and burnout, including increased workload, difficulty taking prep and lunch time, concerns about mental health, and widespread difficulty filling special education positions. Committee members questioned the survey’s lack of a general-education comparison group, the interpretation of terms like “rarely” and “sometimes,” and whether results could be broken down further by district size, unit, or disability area. The survey results showed the weakest area was workload, with respondents reporting caseloads increasing without corresponding adjustments, little additional support or compensation when workloads rise, and few negotiated-agreement protections. Paperwork and due process also scored poorly, with many teachers saying they rarely receive dedicated time during the duty day, often work outside contract hours without compensation, and take work home on evenings and weekends. Student and staff safety scored somewhat better but still showed gaps in crisis follow-up, notification about violent behavior, protective gear, and leave options after incidents. Paraprofessional management also drew concern, especially low pay, insufficient staffing, limited administrative support, and the burden placed on teachers to supervise and train paras. Several teachers then testified directly about the practical impact of these issues. One special education teacher described the job as combining instruction, legal compliance, and paraprofessional supervision, often requiring work beyond contracted hours and contributing to burnout and turnover. Another testified that special education case managers are effectively doing three full-time jobs and that the paperwork and caseload demands are a major reason people avoid or leave the field. Committee members discussed whether the problems are primarily local or state-level, whether more funding would solve them, and whether changes to the funding formula or weighting for high-cost students might be needed. No formal vote or action was taken beyond a recess and return to order for the next presentation, which continued the discussion of possible special education study objectives and potential policy directions.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:25:28.039><c> onec><00:25:28.360><c> wec><00:25:28.520><c> schedulec> Works um it'll affect
• one we schedule Works um it'll affect one we schedule ours<00:25:30.080><c> umc><00:25:30.320><c>
• c><00:48:45.040><c> schedulingc> the LBA is pretty good at scheduling the LBA is pretty good at scheduling
• c> schedulec><00:49:13.280><c> somethingc><00:49:13.599><c> forc> your best not to schedule something
• c><00:49:20.559><c> schedulesc><00:49:21.079><c> youc><00:49:21.319><c> havec> want or whatever

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee met for an organizational opening session in which the chair, Ken Weyler, called the committee to order and members introduced themselves. The introductions established the committee’s leadership and membership, including Vice Chair Dan McGuire, ranking member Mary Jane Wallner, deputy ranking member Karen Eil, clerk Jerry Griffin, and other members from both parties. Many members briefly described prior legislative service and professional backgrounds, with several noting prior experience on Finance or related budget committees. Chair Weyler then outlined committee procedures and expectations. He emphasized that Finance handles spending bills and fiscal notes, that bills will generally be heard by the full committee and then referred to the appropriate division, and that executive sessions may be used to save time when positions are clear. He reviewed rules on attendance, dress, phones, paperwork handling, committee replacements, conflict of interest and recusal, and the process for testimony, including that members should listen without debating witnesses and that sponsors of bills must recuse themselves from questioning witnesses on their own bills. He also described the committee’s structure and workload, noting three divisions and the role of legislative budget staff. Weyler said the committee would likely see bills from many policy committees that have fiscal impacts, and he encouraged policy committees to find offsets within their own areas rather than assume new spending will be added. No bills were heard and no votes were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:03:51.680><c> Forc><00:03:52.440><c> context,c><00:03:53.440><c> whenc><00:03:53.680><c
• to struggle<00:42:35.599><c> toc><00:42:35.839><c> schedulec><00:42:36.160><c> ac><00:42:36.400
• ><c> commonc><00:42:36.720><c> trainingc> struggle to schedule a common training struggle to schedule
• That's<00:48:17.680><c> forc><00:48:17.839><c> mec><00:48:18.079><c> asc><00:48:18.400><c> scheduled
• c> That's for me as scheduled after recess. That's for me as scheduled after recess.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• topc><00:01:09.360><c> CHc><00:01:09.600><c> itc><00:01:09.680><c> soundedc><00:01:10.000><c
• /c><00:01:11.600><c> orc><00:01:11.759><c> somethingc><00:01:12.200><c> thatc><00:01:12.280><c>
• :14.119><c> arec><00:01:14.240><c> wec><00:01:14.479><c> goodc><00:01:15.479><c> okayc><00:01
• isc> the reduction in funding that is the reduction in funding that is scheduled<00:02:45.080><c> to
• > dropc><00:02:46.959><c> thec> scheduled to occur which would drop the scheduled to occur which

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 1066, a Soil and Water Conservation District funding bill. An author’s amendment, 66A1, was offered and adopted by voice vote, putting the bill in the form preferred by the author. The amendment and bill discussion centered on changing the state aid level for SWCDs, with the bill as amended described as eliminating a scheduled reduction in funding and instead increasing the annual appropriation to $22 million. Representative Ryer explained that SWCDs are long-standing, locally elected conservation entities that help preserve soil and water quality, support farmers and homeowners, and do not have levy authority. He said the funding level was based on a bottom-up assessment of district needs and was intended to help districts maintain staffing and address local problems early. Sheila Vany of the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts testified in support, saying the aid has been a major improvement in SWCD funding and describing district work such as lakeshore stabilization, cover crops, nutrient management, lake monitoring, rain gardens, and irrigation guidance. The chair noted the voluntary nature of SWCD work with willing landowners and expressed support for the bill. No opposition testimony was presented, and no department testimony was offered. The committee then laid House File 1066, as amended, over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> whichc><00:08:24.639><c> isc><00:08:24.800><c> scheduledc><00:08:25.039><c> forc><00:08:
• c><00:08:26.240><c> Ac> bill which is scheduled for today. A bill which is scheduled for today.
• U<00:08:32.159><c> that'sc><00:08:32.479><c> scheduledc><00:08:32.880><c> forc><00:08:33.120><c
• ><c> schedule.
• c><00:10:35.279><c> Ic><00:10:35.600><c> havec><00:10:35.760><c> scheduledc><00:10:36.160><c>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 17.000><c> differingc><00:16:17.399><c> schedulesc><00:16:17.839><c> forc> on different differing
• schedules for on different differing schedules for other<00:16:18.279><c> typesc><00:16:18.480><c>
• :22.039><c> ac><00:18:22.280><c> phasec><00:18:22.559><c> inc><00:18:22.840><c> schedulec><00
• phase in schedule<00:18:48.679><c> forc><00:18:49.440><c> Hc><00:18:49.679><c> howc><00:18:49.919
• ><c> thatc><00:18:50.480><c> reallocationc><00:18:51.480><c> isc> schedule for H how that reallocation

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Transportation Working Group met on January 15, 2025, with Chair John Kosnik opening by saying the committee expected to pass a transportation bill this year and emphasizing efficient use of transportation revenues, maintenance of roads and transit, and safety. Members and staff introduced themselves, and several representatives noted their interest in roads, bridges, and regional transportation needs. Kosnik also said he had spoken with Representative Kel about leadership arrangements and stressed that bipartisan support would be needed for a transportation bill. House Fiscal Staff’s Andrew Lee and House Research’s Matt Burus then gave an overview of transportation finance, focusing mainly on highways and transit. Burus explained Minnesota’s highway funding structure, including the constitutional Highway User Tax Distribution Fund and the related Trunk Highway Fund, County State-Aid Highway Fund, and Municipal State-Aid Street Fund. He reviewed the main revenue sources: the motor fuels tax, motor vehicle registration tax, motor vehicle sales tax, portions of the general sales tax tied to auto parts, vehicle rentals and leases, and the retail delivery fee. He noted several changes from 2023 legislation, including indexing of the gas tax, creation of the Transportation Advancement Account, and the retail delivery fee, which began in July 2024 and therefore would affect fiscal year 2025 rather than the fiscal 2024 data shown. The presentation also covered how highway dollars flow through constitutional formulas, including the 95/5 split from the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund, with the 5 percent set-aside used for town roads, town bridges, and flexible highway purposes such as turnbacks. Burus distinguished trunk highway bonds from general obligation bonds and explained that both are debt-financing tools for transportation projects, but with different repayment sources and uses. No votes or formal actions were taken at this informational meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• toc><00:02:08.319><c> dealc><00:02:08.479><c> withc><00:02:08.640><c> thec><00:02:08.879><c>
• c> andc><00:02:09.840><c> needingc><00:02:10.080><c> thisc><00:02:10.319><c> fundingc><00:02:
• :02:10.959><c> asc><00:02:11.120><c> possiblec><00:02:11.440><c> soc><00:02:11.680><c> youc><
• /c><00:02:22.319><c> andc><00:02:22.800><c> senatec><00:02:23.760><c> uhc><00:02:23.840><c> for
• c> ofc><00:02:24.319><c> theirc><00:02:24.560><c> inputc><00:02:24.959><c> andc><00:02:25.280

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The hearing was an informational briefing on Act 310, which set aside $50 million for nonprofit and community organizations facing uncertainty, especially amid federal funding disruptions. Speakers thanked Aloha United Way for handling applications, as well as the governor, lieutenant governor, House and Senate leadership, and legislative staff for helping craft the measure and review more than 200 applications totaling over $150 million in requests. They noted the funding was intended as a safety net for organizations serving at-risk populations and those that had lost federal support, with priority given to healthcare, human services, education, the arts, and food distribution. The co-chair then presented the recommended award list, describing it as aimed at programs with broad reach and high impact. The list included a large number of nonprofits and community providers across the state, such as food banks, health centers, youth and family services, domestic violence and legal aid organizations, cultural and educational groups, and hospitals. Several of the larger awards mentioned included Hui Food Bank, Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island, West Hawaii Community Health Center, The Food Basket, and multiple Maui and Oahu service organizations. After the full list was read, the chair asked for discussion or objections. Hearing none, the committee adopted the list of nonprofit awards as read. The briefing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:23:37.520><c> theirc><00:23:37.960><c> schedulingc><00:23:38.960><c> umc><00:23:39.120>
• <c> itc> flexibility in their scheduling um it flexibility in their scheduling um it helped<00:23:39.559
• provider um in the case of scheduled<00:26:36.279><c> appointmentsc><00:26:36.799><c> Etcc><00:26
• :37.360><c> soc><00:26:38.120><c> atc><00:26:38.360><c> thisc> scheduled appointments Etc so at
• c><00:56:56.960><c> possiblec> scheduled for for review and possible scheduled for for review and possible

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:47:57.680><c> ac><00:47:57.839><c> tightc><00:47:58.079><c> schedule.
• c><00:47:58.560><c> Ic> And I know you're on a tight schedule.
• ><c> Ic><01:00:10.079><c> thinkc><01:00:10.160><c> thisc><01:00:10.400><c> there'sc> schedule
• I think that's that principle is in schedule<01:03:22.319><c> 400c><01:03:22.799><c> andc><01:03
• <c> schedulec><01:10:54.800><c> 400c><01:10:55.120><c> isc> thanks.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> sessionc><00:28:34.480><c> wasc><00:28:34.960><c> scheduledc><00:28:35.360><c> forc><00:
• 31:34.240><c> scheduledc><05:31:34.558><c> itc><05:31:34.878><c> thec><05:31:35.040><c> nextc
• c><05:31:49.760><c> Allc><05:31:50.000><c> allc><05:31:50.240><c> Ic><05:31:50.400><c> scheduled
• Ic><05:32:00.080><c> haven'tc><05:32:00.320><c> scheduledc> Tuesday.
• I would guess that I'll probably schedule schedule schedule um<05:32:18.240><c> anotherc><05:32:18.558

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 63, which concerns funding for the division of travel and tourism and its relationship to the meals-and-rooms tax calculation. Members asked for confirmation that the bill would not affect municipal distributions under RSA 78-A:26. Jennifer Ramsey of the Department of Revenue Administration explained that the amendment does not change meals-and-rooms distributions, but instead corrects the calculation for the travel and tourism appropriation by adding back the municipal fund transfer before applying the 3.15% floor. Chris Shay of the Office of the Attorney General agreed with that explanation. The committee also discussed the complexity of the meals-and-rooms statutes and the possibility of a future cleanup effort. The committee then voted 19-0 to recommend SB 63 ought to pass; it will not go on consent because it has a fiscal note. The committee next considered SB 60, relative to advanced deposit account wagering. Rep. Murphy moved ought to pass, explaining that the bill would regulate advanced deposit wagering on horse racing and impose a 1.25% revenue share on wagers from New Hampshire residents, generating roughly a quarter-million dollars in new lottery revenue in the first year. The motion passed 19-0, and the bill will not go on consent because of its fiscal note. The committee then voted 19-0 to recommend SB 147 ITL, with members noting that live racing facilities are in decline and the market is shrinking. SB 160, which updates raffle ticket pricing and prize limits for bingo-related gaming, also passed ought to pass 19-0 and will not go on consent. The committee then took up SB 73, which revises coverall bingo rules and increases prize limits. An amendment, 2025-1470H, was offered to raise the total prize amount to $5,000; members supported it as a reasonable compromise, and the amendment was adopted unanimously. The bill as amended then passed ought to pass 19-0, again with a fiscal note preventing consent placement. After those votes, the committee moved into a work session on SB 83, where members began discussing the bill’s video lottery terminal provisions, including the meaning of “maximum wager,” the absence of a cumulative betting cap, and concerns that the bill combines several distinct policy changes—tax treatment, VLT rules, renaming, and a self-exclusion database—into one measure. No vote was taken on SB 83 during the work session, and members indicated they would continue discussion later after reviewing side-by-side materials.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:44:35.320><c> schedulec><00:44:35.960><c> forc> implement a rate review schedule for implement
• ><c> wordc><00:49:26.400><c> schedule.
• c><00:49:27.120><c> Itc> at. I think it was the word schedule. It at.
• ><c> thec><00:49:58.640><c> schedulingc> hold DMS accountable for the scheduling hold DMS accountable
• for the scheduling and<00:49:59.320><c> soc><00:49:59.440><c> forth.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board met on January 12, 2026, to approve the December 10, 2025 minutes and continue finalizing its findings and recommendations. Members reviewed findings on administrative inefficiencies, Medicaid and workforce participation under HR 1, Medicaid budget growth, rural health transformation fund development, and provider tax/state-directed payment changes. The board approved a motion to change “pilot” to “partnership” in the workforce-related recommendation, and also adopted a technical amendment clarifying overlapping HCBS services by removing reference to adult daycare waiver services and revising the language to focus on reducing duplication, simplifying provider contracting, and standardizing processes across programs. A separate technical correction was noted to change “DMS” to “DPH” in the rural health transformation finding, to be handled in the final edits. Several findings drew discussion but no final substantive vote during the meeting. On the rural health transformation fund, Dr. Berg said Kentucky had done well in federal funding and noted limits on what could be shared publicly, while Commissioner Lee said a public website had been created and recommended the department reference be changed to the Department for Public Health. Finding five prompted extended discussion about provider taxes, state-directed payment reductions under HR 1, and whether the board should address the relationship between actuarial studies, MCO payments, and actual provider reimbursement more directly. Senator Meredith and others argued for a broader, more transparent baseline review of rates across provider groups, while Commissioner Lee said CMS will require certain fee schedule comparisons to Medicare beginning July 1, 2026, and that quarterly expenditure reports already go to LRC. The board did not finish resolving finding five during the meeting and agreed to return to it after staff prepared more explicit language. Members also discussed the possibility of an all-payers claims database as a better way to understand what is being paid across payers and services. No final vote on the full findings package was taken in the portion of the meeting provided, but the board did adopt the noted amendments and continued working through the remaining language.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> toc><00:09:09.560><c> addressc><00:09:10.000><c> relatedc><00:09:10.440><c> safety,c> action
• c><00:09:35.160><c> backgroundc><00:09:35.720><c> onc><00:09:35.880><c> ourc><00:09:36.080><c
• c><00:09:37.800><c> Ic><00:09:37.880><c> havec><00:09:38.040><c> livedc><00:09:38.280><c> in<
• c><00:38:46.880><c> goc><00:38:47.000><c> onlinec><00:38:47.359><c> andc><00:38:47.520><c> schedule
• c> being able to go online and schedule being able to go online and schedule that,<00:38:48.080><c>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on March 31 and heard a series of resolutions focused on roadway safety, transportation access, and infrastructure coordination. Early measures included HCR 104/HR 96 on advancing coastal trails on O‘ahu’s North Shore and HCR 63/HR 57 on clarifying responsibility for Honouliuli Bridge and addressing safety, wildfire, and emergency access concerns. The Department of Transportation supported both, and a resident testified that the Honouliuli bridge is a single-lane emergency replacement on state land that has limited access for fire protection, heavy vehicles, permits, and repairs. DOT said it was working with DLNR and that jurisdiction may ultimately lie with the County of Maui, with research ongoing. The committee also heard HCR 62/HR 56 on alternative vegetation management along Hana Highway, HCR 43/HR 39 on raised crosswalks near Ala Wai Elementary, and HCR 52/HR 48 on integrating the safe system approach into county road design; these drew support testimony and no opposition. The committee then considered HCR 120/HR 112 on regulating transportation network companies under motor carrier law. DOT and the Public Utilities Commission offered comments, while Lyft opposed, arguing the legislature already created a TNC-specific framework in 2022 and that motor carrier law is not a good fit for app-based ride platforms. In questioning, PUC explained that TNCs would fall under both PUC motor carrier jurisdiction and DOT permitting, and DOT said it would follow up on enforcement questions. Members also discussed HCR 119/HR 111 on an indirect traffic disruption grant program, with the chair asking DOT to clarify how it enforces penalties when contractors or others fail to follow road closure requirements. Other measures discussed included HCR 96/HR 88 on moving to a demerit-point driver licensing system, which DOT supported; HCR 128/HR 120 on coordinating capital improvement planning for Hawaiian Home Lands developments, which DOT and DHHL supported; HCR 127/HR 119 on a state highway police force, which DOT supported; and HCR 125/HR 117 on a statewide plan for derelict utility poles and lines, which drew support from DOT, Hawaiian Electric, and Hawaiian Telcom, with DOT acknowledging it lacks current statutory authority to force immediate removal. The committee also heard HCR 58/HR 54 on school crosswalk safety for Mililani Elementary, HCR 55/HR 51 on using artificial intelligence to mitigate traffic and improve road safety, and HCR 54/HR 146 on expanding the Hele-On Shared Ride program on Hawai‘i Island. Supporters of the Hele-On measure said expanded service would help rural residents, kupuna, and people with disabilities reach medical appointments and daily activities, while noting cost and technology-access concerns; they said missed or delayed appointments are a real issue in remote areas. The final item discussed in the excerpt was HCR 64/HR 58 on minimizing rumble strip dimensions on Kūhiō Highway on Moloka‘i, with DOT saying it had already removed some strips where large emergency vehicles were affected on narrow curves.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's called the C-43 Reservoir. Three years ago, we cut the ribbon on the C-44 Reservoir.
• It's called the C-43 reservoir. Three years ago we cut the ribbon on the C-44 reservoir. reservoir.
• It comes out with the integrated delivery schedule.
• C-44. It's only at two-thirds capacity.
• So we took a lot of the lessons from C-44. South Florida applied to C-43.

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources met to hear presentations on Lake Okeechobee from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the South Florida Water Management District, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. FWC described the lake as a major recreation, water supply, and habitat resource, and outlined its habitat management plan, including control of invasive plants, prescribed fire, and restoration of native vegetation. The agency said low water levels have helped submerged aquatic vegetation recover, with gains in 2025 exceeding 24,000 acres and meeting its target, while torpedo grass and floating invasive plants remain active management priorities. Senators asked about bass fishing trends and blue-green algae; FWC said water levels are the main driver of fishery health and that it was not seeing current water-quality impacts on bass, though algal blooms can affect habitat and wildlife. The South Florida Water Management District focused on nutrient pollution, lake ecology, and restoration projects across the watershed. Director Drew Bartlett said the district’s work is aimed at reducing harmful discharges, improving water quality, and moving more water south to the Everglades through storage and treatment projects, including the EAA Reservoir, C-43 and C-44 reservoirs, aquifer storage and recovery, and wetland treatment areas. He said the state and federal governments have invested about $9 billion in restoration, roughly split 50-50, and that the EAA Reservoir is now targeted for completion in 2029. He also said Lake Okeechobee BMAP participation is around 92% and that recent data show phosphorus and nitrogen loading declines, though the lake remains impaired and eutrophic. An industry witness from Associated Industries of Florida said the BMAP and agricultural best management practices are producing measurable improvements and urged continued funding for water storage and treatment. The Army Corps of Engineers then explained LOSOM and Lake Recovery operations, saying the new operating approach balances flood control, water supply, navigation, ecology, and estuary protection. Colonel Brandon Bowman said Lake Recovery was implemented in late 2024 to bring the lake below 12 feet long enough to help submerged vegetation rebound, and reported that the lake met both recovery metrics, with water levels low enough to support a major increase in SAV from about 4,000 acres to 28,000 acres in 2025. He also noted benefits such as improved water clarity and more Okeechobee gourd plants, but acknowledged drawbacks including reduced navigation and some impacts to wading birds and snail kites. Senators pressed the Corps on the C-44 reservoir’s sloughing issue; Bowman said repairs are underway, the problem is geological rather than a safety failure, and the Corps expects to award a contract by 2027 and complete work by 2030. The committee did not take any substantive vote on the presentations and adjourned after Senator Smith moved to do so.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.320><c> andc><00:01:01.519><c> wec><00:01:01.680><c> willc><00:01:02.680><c> andc><00:01:
• c><00:03:26.360><c> wec><00:03:26.480><c> arec><00:03:26.640><c> herec><00:03:26.840><c> toc>
• work on committees we<00:10:20.920><c> havec><00:10:21.160><c> schedulesc><00:10:21.680><c> wec
• ><00:10:21.839><c> havec><00:10:22.079><c> peoplec><00:10:22.360><c> linedc> we have schedules
• we have people lined we have schedules we have people lined up<00:10:23.279><c> inc><00:10:23.519><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :12.720><c> whichc><00:07:13.520><c> withc><00:07:13.840><c> ac><00:07:14.000><c> fewc><00:07
• ><c> havec><00:09:43.040><c> ac><00:09:43.200><c> lotc><00:09:43.279><c> ofc><00:09:43.440><c
• ><c> toc><00:10:30.160><c> getc><00:10:30.320><c> itc><00:10:30.560><c> forc><00:10:30.720><c
• c><00:16:16.639><c> We'llc><00:16:16.880><c> I'llc><00:16:17.199><c> schedulec> on the calendar
• We'll I'll schedule that that that uh<00:16:19.839><c> wheneverc><00:16:20.160><c> it'sc><00:16:20.399

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met in executive session on HB 25, the capital improvements appropriations bill. Representative Jack moved ought to pass and also offered Amendment 1455H. Discussion focused largely on several capital items and, in particular, a disputed freight rail public-private partnership. Representative Kazinski opposed the rail subsidy, arguing it favored connected private interests and reflected excessive spending, while Representatives Clutier and others defended the rail funding as a public-private partnership that supports rail maintenance, reduces truck traffic, protects roads and bridges, improves safety, and benefits the environment. Representative Jack explained that the amendment was intended to appropriate enough money to cover bids rather than a fixed purchase price. The committee then voted on Amendment 1455H, which passed 17-1. After that, the committee voted on HB 25A, the bill as amended, and it also passed 17-1. Representative Kazinski indicated he would vote no and was asked whether he wanted to write a minority report; he agreed to do so. The chair noted the bill could not go on the consent calendar and would need further discussion. After completing the bill, the chair announced the committee had one Senate bill expected later, with a due date of May 29, and said the committee would take next Tuesday off and schedule the Senate bill when convenient. Members also discussed an upcoming community college system lunch at the Lakes Region campus, thanked staff for their work on the bill, and noted the committee had brought HB 25 in about $10.5 million under the governor’s request.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> appealc><02:27:00.560><c> um,c><02:27:00.720><c> forc><02:27:00.880><c> ac> schedule that
• /c><02:28:53.439><c> ac><02:28:53.600><c> finalc> um, scheduling conference or a final um, scheduling
• c><02:37:56.080><c> Umc><02:37:56.560><c> wec><02:37:56.960><c> wec><02:37:57.840><c> schedule
• ><c> filedc><02:38:05.280><c> andc> of being scheduled uh of being filed and of being scheduled uh
• ><c> ac><02:38:10.319><c> lotc><02:38:10.479><c> ofc> scheduled.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is declining<00:27:54.320><c> toc><00:27:55.200><c> providec><00:27:55.480><c> schedulingc><00
• :27:55.880><c> forc> declining to provide scheduling for declining to provide scheduling for services
• personc><01:04:54.000><c> who'sc><01:04:54.200><c> ac><01:04:54.319><c> schedulerc> who's just
• :04:55.880><c> schedulec><01:04:56.240><c> ac><01:04:56.359><c> patientc><01:04:56.720><c> because
• ><c> toc><01:05:04.319><c> ac><01:05:04.440><c> differentc><01:05:04.760><c> schedulerc><01:05

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 232, which would protect health care workers’ conscience rights in connection with certain procedures, especially abortion and sterilization, and also referenced contraception. The prime sponsor, Rep. Mark Pearson, said the bill is meant to prevent medical professionals from being forced to participate in procedures that violate their beliefs, while still prohibiting discrimination against patients based on protected characteristics. He said the measure was intended to help retain health care workers in New Hampshire and noted he had added an amendment to address concerns about people taking jobs only to later refuse duties, as well as emergency situations where a provider is the only one available. Committee members raised concerns about how broadly the bill and amendment were written. Questions focused on whether the protections could apply to non-physician staff such as schedulers, receptionists, or pharmacy employees; whether a provider could refuse to schedule, refer, or otherwise assist with services; and how “emergency” would be determined in practice. Several members also questioned whether the bill could affect access to contraception, including pharmacy sales and procedures such as tubal ligation, and whether the language was clear enough to prevent confusion or unintended refusals of care. Pearson said the bill was not intended to allow refusal of emergency care or general patient discrimination, and he acknowledged some language could be tweaked. Rep. Paige Boerman, a maternal-child health nurse, testified in opposition, saying she had seen pharmacists question prescriptions related to miscarriage care and that the bill could create barriers to contraception and other reproductive health services. She warned that the lack of a disclosure requirement and the broad definitions could create risks, especially in rural areas with limited providers. She also pointed to problems she said had occurred in other states, arguing the bill could lead to delayed care in emergencies. The hearing ended after questions and discussion; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Schedule C is a classification on the pay scale. It is used to compensate state employees.
• By moving their pay classification into Schedule C, which is designed for commissioned law enforcement
• Chief, it may be beneficial when you say Schedule C.
• Right now, our peace officers are in Schedule B, moving them up to Schedule C would align them with game
• There's only a handful of state peace officers that are not in Schedule C.

Bills: SB 36, HB 1065, HB2929, HB2956, HB3009, HB3420, HB3626, HB3649, HB4956, HB4993, HB5293, HB5308, HB5528, HCR118, SB36, HB4023

Keywords: transportation, regional authorities, mobility, infrastructure, sales tax, employee classification, private security, misclassification, workforce regulations, Texas Workforce Commission, autism, peace officers, training program, law enforcement, intervention, communication, developmental disability, family violence, central database, criminal offense