Transcript Highlights:

• Then we'll start hearing bills.
• On one hand, I hear that AI is going to take everyone's job, and then I hear that we're going to just
• On one hand, I hear that AI is going to take everyone's job, and then I hear that we're going to just
• Seeing none, let's go ahead and hear... ...I hear one. The last part of the...
• I hear one the last part of the are seeing none let's go ahead sure I hear one the last part I'm sorry

Committee: House House Health & Human Services Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee began with a presentation from the Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter and Dr. Anna Burke of Barrow Neurological Institute on the growing impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia in Arizona, the need for earlier diagnosis, better provider education, caregiver support, and continued research funding. They described current gaps in training and access to specialists, but also highlighted new therapies, lifestyle interventions, and Arizona-based research efforts. Members expressed support and optimism, but no action was taken on the presentation. The committee then heard HB 2202, which appropriates $300,000 from the general fund over fiscal years 2027 through 2029 for a dementia care tele-mentoring grant program through the Department of Health Services. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association, a dementia specialist, and a patient advocate, said the program would help primary care providers diagnose dementia earlier and improve care. The bill was passed out of committee on an 11-0 vote. Next, the committee took up HB 2251, the midwifery bill, which would authorize certain licensed midwives to dispense and administer specified medications and devices, require liability insurance disclosure and annual reporting, and create a Midwifery Advisory Committee. A committee amendment removed some medications and renamed the bill the Jordan and MacTerry Act. ACOG and the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association opposed the bill as drafted, citing concerns about oversight, peer review, and the medication list, while licensed midwives and other supporters argued the bill would improve safety, transparency, and alignment with national standards. The bill was held for further stakeholder work, with members indicating more amendments were likely. The committee then heard HB 2252, which would allow certified nurse midwives, certified professional midwives, or licensed midwives to accompany a patient in a ground ambulance during an out-of-hospital birth if approved by medical direction. Supporters described cases where continued midwife involvement during transport helped newborns and mothers, while firefighters and EMS representatives opposed the bill as written, saying it created ambiguity about command and scene control and could raise safety concerns. The chair said the bill would be held for further stakeholder meetings and possible language changes. After a recess, the committee reconvened for presentations on federal Medicaid and rural health funding impacts, beginning with JLBC’s overview of H.R. 1’s Medicaid provisions and the rural health transformation grant program.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:45:36.400><c> I</c><00:45:36.520><c> hear</c><00:45:36.760><c> I</c><00:45:36.880><c> hear</c><00
• I hear I hear your concern I'm just hear I hear I hear your concern I'm just I'm<00:45:38.319><c> just
• setting</c><01:02:40.359><c> up</c> hearings setting hearings up setting up hearings setting hearings
• Hearing none, the measure is adopted. Thank you. Next up is SB 261.
• Hearing none, the measure is adopted. Thank you. Next up is SP 263.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Judiciary-related measures. SB 94 would increase the mandatory minimum jail term for a first knowing or intentional violation of a temporary restraining order from 48 to 72 hours. The Office of the Public Defender and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence opposed the bill, arguing the current penalty is effective, the measure treats very different conduct the same, and the mental health assessment language is unclear and could be harmful or misapplied. Some other testifiers were listed in support or opposition, but no vote was taken. SB 15 would raise the real property exemption amount for attachment or execution. The Hawaiʻi Financial Services Association offered comments rather than opposition, suggesting the bill should be clarified as applying to creditor claims rather than property taxes and possibly limited to a primary residence, with restrictions on frequency of use. Committee discussion focused on how the exemption would affect unsecured creditors, the role of recorded mortgages and judgment liens, and whether the bill should instead establish a clearer homestead-style exemption. The bill drew both support and comments, with no action taken during the hearing. The committee also took testimony on SB 117, which would protect people making sexual misconduct claims from defamation suits unless made with malice; SB 121, a constitutional amendment to give the Senate more time to confirm judicial appointments; SB 14, a reapportionment amendment tied to the decennial census and resident population; SB 175, which would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges and justices from 70 to 75; SB 173, creating a three-year pilot program for free child care for minor children of parties and witnesses attending First Circuit court hearings; and SB 261, increasing juror pay from $30 to $50 per day. Testimony on these measures was generally supportive in the case of SB 175, SB 173, and SB 261, with some opposition on SB 14 and SB 117. On SB 173 and SB 261, committee members asked questions about practical implementation, and on SB 261 the State Bar Association said the increase was overdue and intended to encourage jury participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> have to hold a notice of public hearing. have to hold a notice of public hearing.
• </c> still have to hold the public hearings still have to hold the public hearings and<00:12:10.240><
• </c> Uh, seeing none, we'll close the hearing Uh, seeing none, we'll close the hearing on<00:59:12.640
• We will open the hearing on House Bill 2026. We will open the hearing on House Bill 2026.
• </c> all of these hearing locations. all of these hearing locations.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I'm very interested to hear from... We're really impacted by the federal actions.
• And I know that you've been waiting patiently through the Ag Committee hearing.
• We can hear from Department of Social Services now. We'll see if I can do the same.
• You're hearing it across the board.
• So with that, I am going to adjourn this committee hearing. Thank you so much. Thank you.

Summary: The joint oversight hearing focused on food insecurity in California and how state and federal nutrition programs, agricultural production, and food distribution systems intersect. Assemblymembers emphasized that many Californians, including farmworkers, seniors, children, and communities of color, remain food insecure despite California’s agricultural abundance. Panelists and members discussed CalFresh, WIC, school meals, Sun Bucks, food banks, and the impact of federal policy changes, including possible nutrition cuts, tariffs, and immigration enforcement, on access to food and the agricultural workforce. Secretary Karen Ross described CDFA programs aimed at improving access to fresh food and supporting local agriculture, including the senior farmers’ market program, California Nutrition Incentive Program, Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program, Community Food Hubs, Farm to School, urban agriculture, and a proposed tribal food sovereignty program. She said these efforts help connect local producers to consumers, expand healthy food access, and build infrastructure such as refrigeration, mobile markets, and aggregation hubs. Department of Social Services Deputy Director Alexis Fernandez Garcia outlined CalFresh, CFAP, Sun Bucks, CACFP, emergency food programs, and tribal nutrition assistance, noting that CalFresh and related programs significantly reduce poverty and food insecurity, but participation gaps remain for non-English speakers, some Asian American communities, and undocumented households. PPIC researcher Tess Thorman presented data showing that 13% of California households experienced food insecurity in 2023, with higher rates among households with children and Latino, Black, and other households. She said nutrition programs reduce poverty and food hardship, but federal rules, income thresholds, immigration restrictions, and high living costs limit their reach. Members asked about simplifying applications, improving call center access, increasing outreach in multiple languages, and adjusting benefits for inflation. Officials said the state has used available federal options to streamline enrollment, improve customer service, and target outreach, but many core rules and benefit levels are set federally. The second panel shifted to food production and market access. A farmer, a UC food systems leader, and a produce distributor described efforts to connect small and medium farms with food banks, schools, universities, and Medi-Cal food-as-medicine programs. They highlighted programs such as Farms Together, the USDA Southwest Regional Food Business Center, Farm to School, food hubs, and climate-smart infrastructure grants as ways to create stable markets for local growers while improving food access. Speakers also raised concerns about land tenure, consolidation, regulatory burdens, labor constraints, and the loss of federal funding, and members discussed whether state investments and Prop. 4 funds could help sustain and expand these efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next hearing public hearing on SB545 FN.
• I'd like to reconvene the hearings for the day and open the hearing for SB 468.
• </c> difference and we hear about it. difference and we hear about it.
• </c> hearing on SP 453 and the next hearing hearing on SP 453 and the next hearing is<01:48:44.000><c
• </c> public hearing on on Senate Bill 501. public hearing on on Senate Bill 501.

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are here today to host this very important hearing on Health and Human Services to hear directly about
• when I hear, I know mental health is coming up next, but I still hear folks having major challenges
• What I'm hearing, am I hearing that wrong? Nowadays you've improved that?
• I think you all know it; you hear it from your constituents.
• Thank you for hearing our voice today.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a Health and Human Services budget hearing in Clinton, with opening remarks from Chairs Meg Kilcoyne and Robin Kennedy, local officials, and many House and Senate members introducing themselves. The hearing focused on Governor Healey’s FY27 EOHHS and MassHealth budgets, with repeated themes of rising health care costs, federal funding uncertainty, workforce shortages, and access to care in underserved regions. Members also raised concerns about primary care shortages, rural and regional disparities, behavioral health access, maternal health, food insecurity, and the impact of federal policy changes on Massachusetts programs. EOHHS Secretary Kiame Mahaniah said the FY27 EOHHS budget totals $33.7 billion, reflecting mostly non-discretionary growth from health care costs, labor costs, caseload increases, and provider rate pressures. He highlighted targeted investments in foster care, family resource centers, maternal health, youth services, nutrition programs, immigrant legal services, and human service workforce rates, while warning that federal actions could strip roughly $3.5 billion annually from the state’s health care funding. In response to questions, he defended the administration’s cooperation with federal audits and program integrity efforts, discussed the primary care crisis, and said the state is trying to preserve core services while preparing for a more difficult FY28 budget cycle. MassHealth Undersecretary Mike Levine then described two major FY27 challenges: double-digit cost growth and the expected effects of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. He said MassHealth’s proposed $22.7 billion gross budget includes a 7.5% increase and relies on a moratorium on new expansions plus targeted reductions, including a $1,000 annual adult dental cap, ending GLP-1 coverage for weight loss only, reducing care management to peer-state levels, and work groups to slow growth in PCA, adult foster care, and adult day health spending. Members questioned the impact on Boston Health Care for the Homeless, preventive care, and regional access; Levine said the changes are meant to preserve sustainability, that children and certain disabled populations remain protected, and that the administration will continue working with providers, advocates, and the Legislature on implementation and longer-term reforms.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a joint informational hearing between a joint informational hearing between a Good afternoon,
• We've heard this in the hearing.
• We've heard this in the hearing.
• I'm glad to hear about ARDC.
• Great hearing, as always.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the impact of H.R. 1 on older Californians and related county administration issues. Chair Jackson and Chair Addis opened by emphasizing California’s rapidly aging population and the need to protect seniors’ access to food, health care, housing, and in-home support services. Testimony from the Department of Social Services, Department of Health Care Services, and Department of Aging described how H.R. 1 would expand work and reporting requirements in CalFresh and Medi-Cal, increase redeterminations, and create new eligibility barriers. Witnesses and advocates warned that these changes could lead to large coverage losses, especially for adults ages 55 to 64, people experiencing homelessness, caregivers, and some immigrant groups, while also increasing administrative burden on counties. The LAO noted that many provisions do not directly apply to Californians 65 and older, but highlighted indirect effects and some direct impacts, including a new home equity limit for certain long-term care recipients and narrower immigration eligibility rules. Committee members pressed the administration and counties on how exemptions would be identified and implemented, whether data systems could automatically protect eligible people, and how outreach would reach older adults, women, LGBTQ seniors, and people with limited digital access. DHCS and CDSS said they are working to use existing data, cross-program information sharing, and human-centered communications to maximize exemptions and reduce churn, including text outreach, print and radio campaigns, and navigator support. Members also raised concerns about the need for legal aid and county eligibility workers to help people navigate complex rules, and requested updated analyses on the number of people likely to lose both Medi-Cal and CalFresh and the broader human and system impacts. No votes were taken. The second major topic was the administration’s proposal to shift some future IHSS costs to counties by establishing a statewide baseline for average authorized hours per case. CDSS said the proposal is intended to improve consistency in assessments and not reduce services, while counties and labor groups strongly opposed it, arguing that rising hours reflect real increases in need, an aging and higher-acuity caseload, and state-mandated assessment tools rather than county error. County representatives said the proposal would strain already limited local revenues, worsen the effects of H.R. 1, and could force cuts to other safety-net services. Committee members questioned the proposal’s timing and impact, but the hearing ended without action, with the chairs asking for continued updates, additional analysis, and more information before May Revision.

Transcript Highlights:

• They will be present in House committee hearings, and each hearing will be ticketed.
• They will be present in House committee hearings, and each hearing will be ticketed.
• They will be present in House committee hearings, and each hearing will be ticketed.
• And each hearing will be ticketed.
• </c> dancing whenever he hears music. dancing whenever he hears music.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I was hearing you well just a moment ago. Chair: All right.
• Can you hear me now? Witness: Yes, I can. Chair: Okay, we can hear you.
• </c><00:31:20.000><c> about</c> costs to the state we often hear about costs to the state we often hear
• Is that what I'm hearing? Mr. Chair, that's correct.
• </c> the answer we got um while the hearing the answer we got um while the hearing was<01:27:59.920><

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do I hear a second?
• Do I uh do I hear a motion?" "I have a motion. Do I hear a second?"
• Do I uh do I hear<00:10:07.600><c> a</c><00:10:07.760><c> motion?</c> hear a motion? hear a motion?
• Do I hear a &gt;&gt; Okay. I have have a motion. Do I hear a second?
• Do I hear a second? &gt;&gt; Motion made. Do I hear a second?

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first received several information items, including University of Kentucky reports on medical and research equipment purchases, five school districts’ planned bond issues, and a School Facilities Construction Commission list of prior debt issues. Members then heard and approved an appropriation increase for a federally funded University of Kentucky project at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport in Richmond. The project will construct a terminal building and is tied to EKU’s airport operations and planned flight school; members asked about the public funding, the role of EKU, and possible aviation expansion, and the item was approved by roll call. The committee next approved a University of Kentucky lease purchase for an 85,000-square-foot facility at 415 West Sun Street in Morehead for $6.4 million. UK said the property, formerly the Rowan County Board of Education site, is directly across from UK St. Clair and will be used for multiple purposes; members questioned the quarterly payment structure and why the county preferred not to receive the full amount upfront, but the item was approved. The committee then heard three appropriation increases in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet: a Fish and Wildlife pump project at Ballard Wildlife Management Area and two Lake Barkley State Resort Park repair projects. Finance staff explained the Lake Barkley increases were mainly to cover construction contingencies after bids came in close to available funding, and the committee approved the action items. Janice Thomas then presented four pool projects requiring no action: HVAC upgrades at the Future Farmers of America Leadership Training Center in Hardinsburg, geothermal and HVAC work at the Kentucky School for the Blind, a Brady Hall HVAC project at the Kentucky School for the Blind, and a renovation of Shanti Hall at Kentucky State University for the School of Engineering Technology. Members asked no substantive questions on those items. Finally, Natalie Broner presented a new CHFS lease in Wayne County and a Transportation Cabinet lease modification in Christian County. The Wayne County lease drew the most discussion, with members questioning the rent, the lack of other bids, and whether another county location might be preferable; CHFS said it maintains county-seat offices statewide and that the Wayne County site would replace an existing office. The Christian County item was described as a replacement site for driver licensing services with renovation costs largely absorbed by the lessor. Both lease items were presented for action after the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, so ordered.
• Hearing none, so ordered.
• Hearing none, so ordered.
• Hearing none, so ordered.
• I want to hear this answer. I want to hear this one. No, we do not.

Committee: Senate Education K-16

Summary: The committee continued hearing testimony on Senate Bill 2252, which would expand early literacy and numeracy screening, parent notification, intervention supports, and teacher training, including math academies and early childhood supports. Supporters from Texas 2036, Good Reason Houston, Texas Business Leadership Council, and several parents argued that early identification of skill gaps, clearer data for families, and stronger teacher preparation would improve student outcomes, workforce readiness, and long-term earnings. They cited low math proficiency statewide, the importance of early intervention, and examples of districts using screeners and data dashboards to guide instruction and resource allocation. One witness also highlighted home visiting as a family-support model, while another urged more funding for pre-K partnerships and stronger support for parents with reading materials and guidance. A district special education administrator testified neutrally, saying the bill reflects practices already used in her district but expressing concern that it could reduce local control and teacher discretion by standardizing screening and tying it to funding. A Texas Classroom Teachers Association representative supported the intent but warned that mandatory math academies and intervention academies could burden teachers if implemented like prior reading academies, and a substitute teacher/teacher-of-the-year witness asked for clearer protections around special education information and pay for alternative certification candidates. After public testimony closed, SB 2252 was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2253, as substituted, which would phase out routine hiring of uncertified teachers over time, require parent notification when a teacher is uncertified, and expand high-quality preparation pathways such as university programs, residencies, improved alternative certification, and grow-your-own programs. Senator Creighton said the bill responds to the rise in uncertified teachers and aims to strengthen the teacher pipeline with more structured preparation, mentorship, and oversight by SBEC. Invited testimony strongly supported the measure: a Texas Tech researcher said uncertified teachers and fast-track programs are associated with significant learning losses, while year-long residencies and mentored pathways produce stronger outcomes and higher earnings for students. Leaders from Dallas College and Sam Houston State University described successful residency and grow-your-own models, high completion and retention rates, and the need for paid residencies and stipends so candidates can afford to enter the profession. Committee members asked about the difference between mentorship and residency, the cost-effectiveness of paid residencies, retention incentives, and how to scale the model statewide. The committee also adopted the substitute for SB 2253 and later paused to vote out several other bills, including SB 1191, SB 1786, SB 226, SB 326, SB 570, SB 870, SB 991, SB 60, SB 365, SB 1401, and SB 1067, all of which were reported favorably, many with unanimous votes and some placed on the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, hears none.
• The Chair hears none.
• The Chair hears none.
• The Chair hears none. The question now comes...
• The Chair hears no objection under the rule. The Chair hears objection under the rule.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up several local and procedural matters. It passed to be engrossed H. 4225, authorizing Marblehead to establish a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption, and H. 4584, further regulating the appointment of special police officers in Malden. The Chair also announced changes to the Committee on Bills in the Third Reading, with Senator Tarr and Senator Durant exchanging committee membership through resignation and reappointment. The chamber then considered multiple Senate orders extending reporting deadlines for committees under the Rules of the Two Branching Act. An extension for the Committee on Financial Services under S. 2796 was adopted, with members noting it covered seven bills through May 4, 2026. Another order for the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs under S. 2775 was amended to extend the deadline from April 30, 2026 to June 30, 2026, and then adopted. A similar order for the Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery under S. 2776 was also amended from April 30, 2026 to June 30, 2026 and adopted, with members again confirming it covered seven bills. On final passage, the Senate adopted an emergency preamble for H. 4259, designating the Wider Park tennis courts as the Kim O'Connell Tennis Courts, by a standing vote of 2-0. It then enacted H. 4602, increasing the membership of the select board in the town of Munson, and H. 4259, sending both bills to the Governor. The Senate also adopted an order to reconvene the following Thursday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, hears none.
• The Chair hears none.
• The Chair hears none.
• The chair hears none. The question now comes on the bill.
• The chair hears objection under the rule. The chair hears objection under the rule. Senator Durant.

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and announced changes to the Committee on Bills in the Third Reading, with Senator Tarr resigning and Senator Durant appointed, then later the appointments were reversed. The chamber then took up several local bills on third reading and passed them to be engrossed, including H.4225 authorizing Marblehead to establish a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption and H.4584 regulating the appointment of special police officers in Malden. The Senate also considered and adopted multiple orders extending committee reporting deadlines. It approved an extension for the Committee on Financial Services until May 4, 2026, covering seven bills, and then amended and adopted an order for the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs to extend its deadline from April 30, 2026 to June 30, 2026, also covering seven bills. A similar order for the Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery was amended from April 30, 2026 to June 30, 2026 and adopted after some procedural objection. On final passage, the Senate adopted an emergency preamble for H.4259, designating the Widen Park tennis courts as the Kim O'Connell Tennis Courts, by standing vote, and then passed H.4602 increasing the membership of the select board in Munson and H.4259 to be enacted. The bills were ordered signed by the President and laid before the Governor. The Senate then adopted an order to adjourn until Thursday at 11:00 a.m. and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair's intent is to finish this hearing before the House convenes at 10 a.m.
• Chair hears none, the substitute is adopted. Chair moves that.
• Chair hears none, SB1346 left pending. Thank you. Thank you. Bill is out.
• Chair hears none, SB2864. SB2864 is left pending. Mr.
• If there are any objections, the chair hears none. SB 2167 is left pending.

Bills: SB1346 , SB1376 , SB2075 , SB2167 , SB2864

Committee: House Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Keywords: lottery, prohibited sales, winning tickets, sales agents, license revocation, code enforcement, training requirements, supervision, registered officer, occupations code, advisory boards, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, public members, occupational regulations, professional standards, massage therapy, licensing, human trafficking, regulation, Occupations Code

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair hears none; Senate Bill 1143 is unanimously recommended for certification.
• Hearing none, it is adopted by unanimous consent. All right. Any questions?
• The chair hears none.
• Hearing none, the committee substitute is adopted.
• Hearing none, thanks for sticking around after we recessed on the floor.

Committee: Senate Economic Development

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair hears none.
• The chair hears 9/11-43 is unanimously recommended for certification.
• The chair hears none.
• Chair, hears none.
• Is there any objection to adoption of the committee substitute hearing? None.

Committee: Senate Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we're going to open the hearing Uh, we're going to open the hearing, a continued hearing on HB 1287
• </c><01:56:31.840><c> hear</c> time as we very much want to hear hear time as we very much want to hear
• . hearings. hearings.
• </c> we will uh end the hearing on HR34. we will uh end the hearing on HR34.
• Uh, this is not a hearing. questions? Uh, this is not a hearing.

Committee: House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> proposals that this committee may hear proposals that this committee may hear on<00:36:36.839><c
• </c> to look into that before today's hearing to look into that before today's hearing but<01:06:13.440
• We'll hear from the cities later.
• We'll hear from the cities later.
• We'll hear from the cities later.

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, let's call this hearing of the Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications to order
• hearing of this committee, so it will not be heard today.
• So before we hear presentation on the bills, let's establish a quorum.
• All right, let's start with the hearing. I see Senator Bennett's here.
• We're going to reconvene this hearing.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Assembly Budget Subcommittee 1 would like to meet prior to the joint hearing that was noticed in
• The Assembly Budget Subcommittee 1 would like to meet prior to the joint hearing that was noticed in
• Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assembly Member Al-Annees, do you wish to close?
• Seeing and hearing none, the clerk will read the second-day consent calendar.
• Seeing and hearing no further business, I'm ready to entertain a motion to adjourn.

Keywords: 988, house, all