Transcript Highlights:

• The other thing I would say is we have to be aware... ...going back.
• The other thing I would say is we have to be aware that, and I think it was Assemblymember Jackson who
• When you said you weren't aware, you mean you initially weren't aware and then you participated?
• We're involved, but just wasn't aware, you know, originally with the specific part of it.
• We are a program dedicated to bringing LGBT awareness to our Southeast Asian community.

Committee: House Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• So what we're doing is kind of increasing awareness.
• So we need to be aware of that.
• So that's an important thing to be aware of. It takes a follow-up.
• So that's an important thing to be aware of.
• So that's an important thing to be aware of.

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on California’s Mental Health Crisis held an informational hearing focused on the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline and the broader crisis response system around it. Chair Pellerin and Assembly Member Schiavo opened with personal remarks about the importance of the issue and the need to strengthen California’s crisis infrastructure, especially as federal actions and funding uncertainty threaten services for youth and LGBTQ+ callers. The hearing was organized into panels covering state implementation, county coordination, and community crisis services, with public comment to follow. State officials from CalHHS, DHCS, Cal OES, and the 988 California Consortium described progress since AB 988 and the five-year implementation plan, including governance structures, statewide network buildout, call-routing technology, public awareness campaigns, and integration with Medi-Cal mobile crisis services. They said California has created or enhanced more than 485 mobile crisis teams, built crisis stabilization and residential facilities, and expanded youth behavioral health supports such as BrightLife Kids and Soluna. They also noted ongoing work to replace lost Trevor Project support with enhanced LGBTQ+ youth training, and to develop a 988 resource directory and future public awareness campaign. Cal OES explained that the 988 surcharge is recalculated annually based on budgeted needs and fund balance, and that text-to-911 and next-gen 911 interoperability are being expanded. County and community witnesses emphasized that the system is still strained by rising demand and uneven local integration. Lake County described a peer-led rural mobile crisis model that has reduced law-enforcement holds and helped place residents into housing, but said 988 calls still do not reliably route to the county’s mobile crisis team and that rural counties need more flexible funding, vehicles, technology, and reimbursement support. Santa Clara County reported strong performance metrics and major growth in 988 call and text volume, but said sustained funding is needed to support staffing, text/chat expansion, and commercial payer reimbursement. The Mental Health Association of San Francisco said the California Peer Run Warm Line is a key part of the continuum of care, but recent budget changes forced cuts to Spanish-language services, federation support, and hours, despite high demand. Across the hearing, members and witnesses agreed that 988 is saving lives but still misses thousands of calls each month and needs more stable, multi-year funding, better coordination, and clearer roles among state agencies, counties, and crisis centers. Witnesses repeatedly called for stronger feedback loops, better integration between 988 and mobile crisis dispatch, and more investment in staffing, technology, and outreach so Californians can be connected to the right help without unnecessary law enforcement or emergency room involvement.

Transcript Highlights:

• Macklin, are you aware of that... Mr. Chair, Ms.
• Are you aware of that? Mr. Chair, Representative de los Santos, I'm not aware of that.
• I am not aware of how much money Veterans Guardian has made. Mr.
• Chair, Representative de los Santos, I'm not aware of...
• Got it, and you are not aware of that. Are you, Mr. Chairman, Mr.

Bills: SB1003 , SB1060 , SB1134 , SB1275 , SB1327 , SB1429 , SB1618 , SB1634 , SB1654 , SB1803 , SCR1002 , SCR1005 , SCR1023 , SCR1027

Committees: House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections , House House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference

Keywords: election, canvass, certification, ballot tabulation, write-in candidates, registration, voting procedures, voter registration, temporary absence, absentee voting, residency, military voters, overseas voters, election law, Arizona Revised Statutes, political signs, campaign materials, public safety, municipal regulation, veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's really focused on building that awareness there.
• </c> relevant public health awareness relevant public health awareness campaigns.<00:40:07.200><c> were
• And then building that awareness there.
• So, you know, certainly we are very aware at the association.
• </c><00:50:40.000><c> I</c><00:50:41.440><c> that's</c> >> No, not that I'm aware of.

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including roll call and approval of the prior meeting minutes, with one member abstaining because of absence and one member opposing. The main informational items were a Department of Health and Human Services update on the rural health transformation grant and a public health briefing on vaccines, followed by a quarterly budget and staffing update and an annual report from the Permanent Subcommittee on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Related Dementias. Commissioner Lori Weaver reported that the department submitted the rural health transformation grant application on November 4, described it as reflecting input from communities and providers statewide, and said CMS review and budget negotiations would follow before final approval on December 31. She said the grant could support hiring as long as administrative costs stay within the 10% cap, and that the governor’s office will oversee administration with HHS. Ian Watt then testified that New Hampshire remains committed to vaccine access, including through the universal purchase program and annual respiratory virus guidance for flu, RSV, and COVID-19. He said the state continues to use evidence-based review for vaccine policy, noted the CDC’s change regarding the combined MMRV vaccine for the first dose in young children, and said New Hampshire’s school vaccine mandates remain at nine for schoolchildren and 10 for child care, with statutory exemptions still in place. Department staff also said there have been no supply or funding problems affecting childhood vaccine access. Nathan White, the department’s CFO, reviewed the DHHS budget and vacancy trends. He said DHHS makes up a large share of the state budget, that about 31% of its budget is general funds subject to lapse, and that lapse projections are difficult because much of the budget is driven by utilization rather than personnel. He reported current projected general fund lapse of just under $20 million, compared with about $39 million in the statewide surplus statement, and explained that only about a third of DHHS general funds can actually lapse because of statutory restrictions. He also said the department has about 400 unfunded positions, contributing to roughly a $30 million general fund reduction across the biennium, and that the hiring freeze has pushed vacancy trends upward while critical direct-care positions are being prioritized. The Alzheimer’s subcommittee reported six meetings this year, presentations on state services, silver alerts, brain health awareness, and palliative/hospice care, and work toward a new state Alzheimer’s plan. The subcommittee is developing a needs-assessment survey for people living with dementia, caregivers, and service providers, with the goal of using the results and other data sources to inform the plan. Its recommendations focus on integrating Alzheimer’s and dementia materials into chronic disease and aging outreach, embedding brain health into systems of care, adding cognitive health measures to BRFSS, and continuing partnerships with statewide organizations. Members also discussed recent research and prevention efforts, and the committee noted that a separate bill is being pursued to include Alzheimer’s and dementia in existing public health awareness campaigns.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:49:16.920><c> and</c> fill them as you're probably aware and fill them as you're probably aware
• were both aware of this situation<01:06:05.480><c> and</c><01:06:05.680><c> were</c><01:06:06.039><c
• I just want to make sure that the committee is aware of that, because that is not what it says.
• </c><01:11:03.560><c> of</c><01:11:03.760><c> that</c> the the committee is is aware of that the the
• Connectors are from that area, so they’re aware of the churches and the food banks and everything, so

Summary: The committee approved the January 14 minutes and then considered a large agenda of contracts, including personal services contracts, amendments, memoranda of agreement, and Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program items. The chair noted the agenda contained 240 items and emphasized the need for transparency in how contract approvals work. Several items were pulled for questions, while the rest were approved without objection. The first major discussion involved seven contingency-fee contracts for the Attorney General’s office. Committee members asked about the apparent $20 million maximum per contract, and staff explained that the amount was a ceiling, not a guarantee, and that under the statutory waterfall in KRS 45A.717 a $20 million fee would require roughly $355 million returned to the Commonwealth. Staff also said the new batch included some new firms, that these contracts are being handled in 6- to 12-month batches, and that no money had yet been spent from the prior cycle. The committee then approved those contracts. Members also questioned a Cabinet for Health and Family Services training contract, which officials said was needed because Finance provides only Kentucky-specific training, while the outside vendor offers broader procurement and federal-funds training; the committee approved that item. A University of Kentucky capital project contract for the State Capitol exterior renovation was approved after questions about the open-ended date, total project cost, and expected completion, with staff saying the overall project is projected for substantial completion by the end of 2026 and final warranty work could extend into 2027. A DCBS amendment for SSI eligibility determinations for children in out-of-home care was explained as an increase caused by a protest, a reissued RFP, and more children entering care; the committee approved it after discussion of the protest and scoring details. The committee also approved a Transportation Cabinet amendment for an I-71 widening and interchange project in Oldham County after staff explained it was a time extension with no additional funds, though the project had evolved due to traffic changes and now includes an eight-lane bridge design. Finally, the committee discussed two Finance Cabinet facilities and support services amendments tied to the Capitol renovation and juvenile justice facility retrofits. Staff said the Capitol project contract covered the full design team, with completion projected around 2029, while the juvenile justice amendments covered additional design work for McCracken and Breathitt facilities, with final bid documents expected in June or July and construction anticipated to begin in the latter half of 2025. Both items were approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, by building awareness. could look into ways to increase this use for example by building
• awareness or making it easier to enroll in new children another thing the legislature could do is to
• To be sure that they are really, truly aware of all their choices there, too.
• Community outreach and awareness of our expanded availability of child care vouchers was also key.
• So it's really important to continue to build that awareness of TK as an option.

Transcript Highlights:

• Early awareness supports accountability, helps prevent escalation, and strengthens coordination among
• Early awareness supports accountability, helps prevent escalation, and strengthens coordination among
• Early awareness supports accountability, helps prevent escalation, and strengthens coordination among
• Early awareness supports accountability, helps prevent escalation, and strengthens coordination among
• &gt;&gt; We're not aware of any of that happenings. happenings. happenings.

Bills: HB2264 , HB2336 , HB2298 , HB1518

Committee: House Public Safety

Summary: The committee opened by announcing that it would hear testimony but would not take decisions on the day’s bills, with action deferred to a later decision-making agenda. The first measure, HB 2264, would require notification to military security forces when a protective order is issued involving a military-affiliated person. Support came from the U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii National Guard, and DBEDT’s Military Affairs office, all emphasizing better coordination and faster notice to help protect victims and support command oversight. Family Court Judge Jesse Hall supported the intent but asked for deferral, explaining that a prior fax-and-email notification system had broken down and that the military had not re-engaged with the court. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the bill but recommended narrowing it so it applies only when the respondent is actually marked as military-connected and delaying the effective date to January 1, 2027 to allow implementation. In questions, members discussed the current breakdown in communication, the number of military-marked TROs statewide, and whether the bill would be necessary if the old system were restored; the military witness said she would try to reestablish contact with the court. The committee then took up HB 2336, which would authorize the Department of Transportation to enter into agreements with the U.S. Department of Defense for services at federal military installations and charge an administrative fee. DOT and the Military Affairs office supported the measure, describing it as a way to speed projects, combine state and federal resources, and strengthen infrastructure that also supports disaster response and the economy. Members questioned why the bill was needed if similar arrangements had existed before, and whether Title 23 federal highway funds could be used; DOT responded that the bill would help expedite projects and supplement, not supplant, federal funding, while each project would still require review of the appropriate funding source. The committee also heard HB 2298, which would allow the Department of Education to award high school diplomas to qualified people whose schooling was interrupted by military service or wartime practices during World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War. The U.S. Defense State Liaison Office, the Hawaii Office of Veterans Affairs, and DOE supported the bill, and DOE said implementation would have only a minimal printing cost. Finally, the committee heard HB 1518, which would require DHS, upon obtaining a federal waiver, to create a pre-release SNAP application process for inmates nearing release by January 1, 2028. DHS said it was already working on a pilot and stood on its testimony; the County of Hawaii, the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported the measure, arguing it would improve reentry outcomes and would not cost the state additional money. No votes or final committee actions were taken on any of the bills during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I became aware in 1969 of an event that took place in Vietnam.
• Most of you I became aware in 1969 of an event that took place in Vietnam.
• But I became aware in 1969 of an event that took place in Vietnam.
• Most of you I became aware in 1969 of an event that took place in Vietnam.
• Yes, sir, I am aware.

Bills: HR308 , HR309 , HR310 , HR311 , HR312 , HR313 , HR314 , HR315 , HR316 , HR317 , HR318 , HR319 , HR295 , HR296 , HR297 , HR298 , HR299 , HR300 , HR301 , HR302 , HR303 , HR304 , HR305 , HR306 , HR307 , HCR115 , HCR116 , HCR117 , SCR71 , SCR72 , SCR73 , HR73 , HR118 , HR144 , HR196 , HR237 , HR249 , HR260 , HR267 , HR272 , HR273 , HR276 , HR278 , HCR85 , HCR100 , HCR105 , HCR107 , HCR113 , HCR114 , SCR5 , SCR29 , SCR33 , SCR37 , SCR63 , HB255 , HB378 , HB509 , HB1090 , SB80 , SB131 , SB143 , SB251 , SB254 , SB279 , SB367 , SB384 , SB388 , SB389 , SB398 , SB408 , SB431 , SB468 , SB469 , SB496 , SB25 , SB132 , SB155 , SB157 , SB202 , SB295 , SB433 , HR179 , HR223 , HR225 , HR274 , HCR89 , HR252 , HR253 , HCR96 , HCR103 , HCR108 , HCR26 , HB250 , HB265 , HB339 , HB427 , HB445 , HB463 , HB468 , HB606 , HB639 , HB649 , HB665 , HB746 , HB781 , HB853 , HB861 , HB872 , HB886 , HB916 , HB937 , HB1054 , HB1068 , HB1117 , HB1237 , HB74 , HB108 , HB956 , HB1085 , HB1137 , HB62 , HB193 , HB210 , HB220 , HB246 , HB364 , HB420 , HB475 , HB584 , HB622 , HB772 , HB784 , HB949 , HB953 , HB1043 , HB1070 , HB1092 , HB1134 , HB1162 , HB1176 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1199 , SB268 , SB283 , HB782 , SB149 , HR84 , HB646 , HB998 , SB56 , SB163 , SB197 , SB97 , SB326 , SB341 , SB518 , SB123 , SB353 , SB479 , SB495 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HR168 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HCR98 , HB284 , HB302 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB625 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1191 , HB1240 , HB1255 , SB82 , SB89 , HB134 , HB258 , HB359 , SB29 , SB42 , SB43 , SB217 , SB274 , SB300 , SB379 , SB382 , SB441 , SB449

Summary: The House convened with prayer, pledge, and a quorum, then spent much of the day on recognitions and commemorative resolutions. Members honored coach Jeffrey Craig Whittington, tourism and the Louisiana Oil Makers Association, Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the Tangipahoa Parish Fair, Washington Parish festivals, ACOG’s 75th anniversary, Louisiana Tech women’s basketball, and Memorial Day. A major Memorial Day presentation commended Lane Frenchy Boudreau for helping recover the body of Army Sgt. First Class James H. Moore in Vietnam; the House observed a moment of silence and presented a flag to Moore’s family. The chamber also received Senate messages, enrolled bills, and committee reports, and introduced several new resolutions on topics including Pope Leo XIV, orphan wells, scenic rivers, Teche water quality, and the LaMelle family’s pilgrimage to Rome. The House then took up numerous resolutions and bills, often adopting them without objection. Among the measures adopted or advanced were studies on neighborhood crime prevention districts, parish solid waste and disaster resiliency in Washington Parish, the Louisiana Climate Action Plan, the Louisiana Maneuvers museum/trail, cash-rounding practices after penny production ends, residential construction costs and inspection practices, roundabout education, Taiwan relations, TSA worker loan assistance in Shreveport, human growth and development standards, and the state income tax credit for water utility customers. The chamber also adopted or concurred in several Senate amendments on bills dealing with financial disclosure, video voyeurism, personal information protections, online child safety, STEM advisory council changes, dual enrollment tuition, fleet vehicle registration, menhaden fishing rules, recording fees, amusement ride insurance, drone footage authentication, garbage and trash contracts, insurance prescription periods, retirement system changes, juror qualifications, fireworks, inspection stickers, employment discrimination, and inactive boards and commissions. Several measures drew discussion or division. H.B. 1199, requiring coverage for genetic testing and treatment for SCN2A-associated disorders, passed 94-0 after being discharged from Appropriations. H.B. 302, which would prohibit vape sales within 300 feet of schools, passed 86-4. H.B. 84, encouraging an interest-free loan program for TSA workers at Shreveport Regional Airport, passed 64-27. H.B. 1054 on self-authentication of law enforcement drone footage passed 78-12, and H.B. 1137 limiting employment discrimination protections to state employees passed 71-23. The House rejected Senate amendments on H.B. 468 (residential real property wholesaling), H.B. 1117 (insurance contractual payments and prescriptive periods), H.B. 956 (fireworks dates), and H.B. 74 (Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism), while concurring in or adopting amendments on many other bills. The session ended amid continued consideration of Senate Bill 56 on the West Bank/Lafitte levee governance structure, including an adopted amendment to ensure Lafitte-area representation on the board, with extended remarks about the history and accomplishments of the existing levee authority.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we are going to recognize and bring more awareness to missing and murdered Indigenous people in
• And whereas the Oklahoma Day of Awareness for MMIP calls for action and accountability to address the
• but I'm not aware of that.
• Now the entity that I'm aware of raises funding Here.
• So just want to make sure you're aware of that. Mr.

Bills: HJR1101 , SB1319 , SB1264 , HB4237 , SB1277 , SB2069 , HB3066 , HB2115 , HB2153 , HB2268 , HB2961 , SB1679 , SB2018 , HB4294 , SB2095 , HB4113 , SB1894 , SB1810 , HB4268 , HB1752 , HB3413 , SB625 , HB3644 , HB3940 , HJR1096 , HJR1100 , HJR1099 , HB2992 , SB1636 , HB4302 , SB1613 , SB1443 , HB1409 , HB1675 , HB1225 , HB1381 , HB4359 , SB1503

Summary: The House convened, completed the roll call, prayer, and pledge, and then took up a series of Senate amendments, conference reports, and Senate bills. Early action included unanimous adoption and passage of House Bill 3940, which added a five-year Oklahoma National Guard service requirement for benefits. Members also passed H.J.R. 1096 on Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority rule changes, H.J.R. 1100 on Office of Management and Enterprise Services fleet-related rules, and H.J.R. 1099 on Oklahoma Health Care Authority rules, with little debate. The chamber also rejected Senate amendments to H.J.R. 1067 and held a special recognition for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People awareness, including a citation honoring MMIP advocates and Oklahoma’s response through Ida’s Law and related efforts. Several other measures were considered and passed, including House Bill 2992 on Corporation Commission/data center ratepayer protections, Senate Bill 1636 establishing a procedure for cold-case review, House Bill 4302 on children-related disclosure language, Senate Bill 1613 on liquefied petroleum gas, Senate Bill 1443 on anesthesiologist payment in health benefit plans, House Bill 1409 on open meetings, House Bill 1675 on emergency management, House Bill 1225 on vital records, and House Bill 4359 on extending the school testing window from the last three weeks to the last four weeks. House Bill 1381 on alcoholic beverages failed on final passage after debate. Several bills also carried emergency clauses, including House Bill 2992, House Bill 1225, and House Bill 4359, and those emergency votes were adopted where applicable. The longest and most contentious debate centered on Senate Bill 1503, the Choosing Childbirth Act. Supporters argued it would help pregnant women choose childbirth, connect them to resources, and save babies’ lives, while opponents raised concerns about women’s autonomy, maternal health, privacy of online data, out-of-state nonprofit involvement, and whether state funds should instead support Oklahoma-based services and broader health care needs. After extensive debate and multiple questions, the House passed the bill 73-18. The chamber also heard announcements recognizing the Doctor of the Day, Nurse of the Day, Beef Day at the Capitol, and a farewell acknowledgment for Representative Kevin West, who was noted as having presented his last bill on the House floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're creating space for awareness, space for understanding, and space to console our constituents through
• Whereas the Endometriosis Alliance of Massachusetts will recognize March 2026 as Endometriosis Awareness
• Whereas the endometriosis alliance of Massachusetts will recognize March 2026 as Endometriosis Awareness
• Month. 2006 as Endometriosis Awareness Month.
• those living with endometriosis through education and advocacy, while working to increase public awareness

Summary: The Senate opened with ceremonial items and several unanimous or voice votes, including adoption of a resolution congratulating Grant Marshall on earning Eagle Scout. It then enacted two bills: a sick leave bank for a Department of Correction employee and a measure directing the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for a police officer applicant. The chamber also handled a communication from Senator Rush stating he would have voted yes on S. 3014 while on Navy training, and it printed that statement in the journal. The Senate next considered multiple local bills and committee reports, including third-reading and engrossment votes for a Rutland recall elections bill, a Boxford liquor license extension bill, and another Boston police age-waiver bill. It also adopted several extension orders for the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security and the Committee on Health Care Financing, with senators explaining that some matters were late files or required additional stakeholder input, hearings, or coordination with larger bills. Most of these procedural motions were adopted by voice vote after brief debate. A major portion of the session focused on H. 2145, designating October 15 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day, which passed to be engrossed by roll call, 38-0. Senator Feeney gave an emotional floor speech describing the bill as a way to create space for awareness and support for families experiencing pregnancy loss. The Senate then adopted a resolution recognizing March 2026 as Endometriosis Awareness Month, with Senators Kennedy and others highlighting the need for greater awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of endometriosis. The chamber then took up the omnibus “Pets Act,” S. 3014, which combined several animal welfare measures. Senators Montigny, O’Connor, Todd, Rauch, and Payano spoke in support of provisions banning retail sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits from pet shops, strengthening animal cruelty enforcement, expanding protections for pets in housing, and prohibiting breed discrimination in certain housing and insurance contexts. Senator Keenan offered amendments on renter insurance, nuisance/quiet enjoyment, and property damage; one nuisance-related amendment was adopted, while the insurance and property-damage amendments were rejected. Senator Tarr’s amendment on research animals was adopted, as were amendments expanding animal welfare standards and, after negotiation, a compromise amendment broadening tethering protections to all domestic animals and directing related funds to the homeless animal fund. The Ways and Means amendment was then adopted as amended, the bill was ordered to a third reading, and the Senate began a roll-call vote on engrossment when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• All of the camp staff and even volunteers were required to be made aware of the emergency plan during
• The point of the flood watch is to increase awareness and preparedness.
• This was the exact circumstance that was warned about in the B-Flood-Aware video published by the Upper
• The next conclusion, as the flooding events unfolded, adult camp staff in their residences became aware
• This was the exact circumstance that was warned about in the B-flood-aware video published by the Upper

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, you may know that Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month was the month of May.
• Legislative proclamation: Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month, whereas motorcycles are an important
• And whereas... ...motorist awareness all contribute to reducing preventable crashes and injuries.
• And whereas Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month provides an opportunity to educate the public, promote
• and... ...programs and community organizations across Arizona continue to promote motorcycle awareness

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of whom previously were not even aware that lung cancer screening guidelines existed.
• And this bill just brings awareness. That's it: awareness.
• That's basically it: awareness.
• But the important thing is to go forward and bring awareness.
• And I know that you're aware of that and are sensitive to that.

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• The second thing I would like to discuss with you is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
• Our next agenda is an early update on National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
• The second thing I would like to discuss with you is the National Disability Employment Awareness Month
• Our next agenda is an early update on the National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
• For those that aren't, maybe everyone's aware, but there's a lot of concern about Medicaid right now,

Summary: The commission approved the December minutes and heard opening remarks on upcoming initiatives, including a second “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27 focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The chair also previewed planning for National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October, including formation of a small planning group to help select employer awardees and shape the program. A major portion of the meeting featured an update from the Attorney General’s office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts. The presentation covered lawsuits and amicus work involving higher education diversity data requests, anti-DEI funding conditions, immigration and Haiti Temporary Protected Status, NIH research grant disruptions, and Department of Education mental health training grants. Commissioners asked about possible impacts on Medicaid and whether disability is included in the federal administration’s undefined “DEI” restrictions; the AG’s office said it was monitoring Medicaid developments closely, had not seen a CMS letter at that time, and would share guidance on DEI and employment initiatives. The meeting also included a workforce and apprenticeship presentation from Undersecretary Josh Cutler and Amara Riemann. They described registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, emphasizing paid, employer-driven training, classroom instruction, wage progression, and transferable credentials. Commissioners highlighted the Bridgewater State University Excel program for neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities as a promising model and discussed the need to build similar pathways through community colleges and employer partnerships in fields such as direct support, CNA work, and other in-demand jobs. Subcommittee reports noted that the disability employment subcommittee heard from SEED and will host future presentations from the Lawrence Partnership for Transition to Employment and the Office of Veterans Affairs. The long-term services, supports, and health equity subcommittee discussed MassHealth budget pressures, a projected $3.5 billion budget gap tied to federal changes, upcoming Medicaid eligibility changes, and crisis standards of care. The executive director reported on collaboration with the Massachusetts Office on Disability, planning for the Lowell event, participation in statewide disability employment and autism advocacy work, and upcoming engagement with the Massachusetts Caregiver Coalition. Commissioners also announced several honors, including awards for Regina Marshall, Jay Livingstone, and Vanna Howard.

Transcript Highlights:

• number 39 by Assemblymember Ramos and others relative to missing and murdered indigenous people awareness
• As California's missing and murdered Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month.
• resolution, but let it not just be one day. let it not just be one month that we come and bring awareness
• Islander Caucus in strong support of ACR 39, recognizing Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness
• Which recognizes May 2025 as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month.

Transcript Highlights:

• So just kind of the general overall awareness and education of people as to what’s going on here.
• prepared for today’s hearing is the idea that training needs to not only increase knowledge and awareness
• In that group, which is a subset of individuals that are aware of the problem, is.
• That are aware of the problem.
• Just the education and awareness that we might want to make available to them.

Summary: The Working Group on Education and Training of the Special Commission on Xylazine held its first meeting to begin developing findings and recommendations on education and training for first responders, the medical community, the substance use treatment community, and people who use drugs. Members discussed the need for baseline information on what xylazine is, its clinical effects and harms, signs of exposure or poisoning, wound care, and immediate response steps, while also noting that training should be tailored by audience, geography, and role. Several members emphasized that the training should be practical and action-oriented, helping people recognize xylazine exposure and know what to do next, including whether naloxone is relevant and how to reduce risk and mitigate harm. A major theme was whether the group should recommend a needs assessment or survey to identify what different audiences already know and what they still need to learn. Members suggested that BSAS, DPH, local public health departments, licensing boards, and other stakeholders could help gather this information, and that existing resources such as DPH materials, MADS data, Brandeis materials, and trainings already being funded at BMC should be reviewed. The group also discussed the importance of using plain language for non-clinical audiences while still including clinical detail for providers, and of distinguishing between clinical and non-clinical training tracks. The working group agreed to divide into subgroups: Senator Keenan will focus on first responders, Dr. Simon on the medical community, and Millie Batiya on the substance use treatment community, while Chair Domb will focus on people who use drugs. Staff will send meeting notes, an early draft PowerPoint framework, and a shared Google Drive folder for materials. Members were asked to gather sources and ideas by November 25 ahead of the December 11 public meeting. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, a second, and unanimous thanks to staff and participants.

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise today during Sexual Assault Awareness Month to present Senate Concurrent Resolution 118, which
• Senate Resolution 100 by Alvarado-Gil relative to Breaking the Silence Day of Awareness. Senator.
• April is recognized across the nation as Child Abuse Awareness Month or Prevention Month, and a time
• We must come together as lawmakers and families, educators, providers, and communities to raise awareness
• Breaking the Silence Day of Awareness is about changing that.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was not aware of that, and this morning when we talked about this, you talked about that they don't
• I did not was not aware lesson for me.
• I did not was not aware of<00:09:57.960><c> that</c><00:09:58.280><c> and</c><00:09:58.960><c> uh</c>
• Uh, with that being said, uh, be aware that we don't expect it, but there could be a possible called
• that we don't expect it, but be aware that we don't expect it, but there<00:18:00.840><c> could</c><

Committee: House Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• Is the Department of Agriculture aware that you're no longer running the bill that they requested?
• It will put them in a category where there is a carve-out Was the senator aware that they would not be
• So, my next line of question is: is the author aware that there are tremendous health benefits for drinking
• President, are you aware that the other donkey dairies that are commercially operational are in Brazil
• Was the president aware of that? I thought government subsidies were bad.

Bills: HB1427 , SB1403 , SB1448 , SB1489 , SB1546 , SB1557 , SB1614 , SB1377 , SB1990 , SB1439 , SB1630 , SB1632 , SB1696 , SB1796 , SB1824 , SB1362 , SB1849 , SB2066 , SB2071 , SB2104 , SB933 , SB1633 , SB1224 , SB1246 , SB1280 , SB1303 , SB1346

Transcript Highlights:

• So make sure that you're at least aware what's going on there.
• Make sure that you're at least aware what's going on there.
• I'm aware of IDLA. DLA. Last question. I'm aware of IDLA, another supplemental online-type option.
• So I'm not aware of a funding mechanism that gives schools money just for student athletes.
• So I'm not aware of a funding mechanism that gives schools money just for student athletes.

Committee: House Education