Transcript Highlights:

• There will be 4 more resolutions that are bundles.
• I have submitted the business and commerce bundle, the energy and agriculture bundle, and we also have
• remainder of the rules that we have to consider this year, probably tomorrow, that will be the health bundle
• It is a sizeable bundle, so you all will see a larger than normal assignment.
• get back from them sometime over the next couple of weeks and then we will have again those 3 or 4 bundles

Bills: HJR1088, SB1280, SB1316, SB1433, SB1455, SB1456, SB1457, SB1459, SB1461, SB1463, SB1465, SB1466, SB1721

Keywords: education rules, administrative rules, joint resolution, Oklahoma State Department of Education, higher education, State Regents for Higher Education, Teachers' Retirement System, charter schools, Statewide Charter School Board, career and technology education, CTE, OEQA, rule approval, legislative oversight, permanent rules, school governance, teacher retirement, education agencies, excise tax, oil tax

Transcript Highlights:

• And bundle payments seem to be working in other areas. Medicare actually um has tried to do that.
• One was bundle billing, and I think Mr. Bley mentioned that. And so, Mr.
• And bundling payments is a great way to do... Bundling payments is a great way to do that.
• ... ...situation where for providers who offer bundled billing?
• So, we would look more towards an ASC or something that would take a bundled payment agreement.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, this is known as forced bundling.
• Now, this bill is not, now this bill is not optional bundling or given an incentive for bundling.
• If an insurer wants to offer a discount for bundling, I have no objection to that, and this bill doesn't
• But a customer shouldn't be forced to bundle.
• bill says you can't charge more for two separate products or that you can't give a discount for bundling

Transcript Highlights:

• it, but often it's part of a bundled it, but often it's part of a bundled arrangement,<04:39:15.480
• fast forward at a bundled rate. fast forward at a bundled rate.
• Second is, it is the bundle of the intervention.
• Second is, it is the bundle of the intervention.
• Second is, it is the bundle of the intervention.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 562, which would create a home damage mitigation and resilience grant program aimed at helping homeowners make property improvements that could reduce insurance costs and non-renewals. Commissioner DJ Bettencourt of the New Hampshire Insurance Department explained that the program is modeled in part on Alabama’s safer homes program, but tailored for New Hampshire hazards such as floods, microbursts, heavy snow, ice, and falling trees. He said the grants would be limited to primary residences, subject to a means test, capped at $10,000, and intended to help homeowners make targeted improvements such as roof fortification or tree removal that could improve underwriting outcomes and lead to premium discounts. Bettencourt said the program would not use state taxpayer funds and would instead rely on philanthropic donations, possible federal or regional housing-bank funding, and other outside sources. He said the department would not need new staff, and that a current position could be reconfigured to help administer the program part-time. Committee members asked about the funding language, the meaning of “loans” in the bill, whether there were any other states using a similar no-state-funds model, and how many homeowners could be helped. Bettencourt said Rhode Island and Connecticut were moving forward in a similar way, and that the number of beneficiaries would depend on how much money is raised. Members also questioned how the grant program would actually lower premiums, whether savings would apply only to participants or more broadly, and how the IBHS evaluation process would work. Bettencourt and department staff said the direct benefit would be to the homeowner whose property is improved, though neighbors could also benefit in some cases. They explained that IBHS is a building-safety organization that certifies contractors and inspectors and that its standards can qualify homes for insurer discounts. Questions were also raised about confidentiality provisions, first-come-first-served grant awards, rollover of unused applications, and possible tax treatment of donations. The sponsor said those details would be addressed through rulemaking or existing tax rules, and no vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The fourth evaluation was a bundle of six lawful gambling tax expenditures.
• <00:11:20.640> of The fourth evaluation was a bundle of The fourth evaluation was a bundle
• Um, so, just going back to the alcohol bundle evaluation findings.
• the it is in the alcohol bundle the it is in the alcohol bundle evaluation<00:24:04.320> findings
• Um the other thing bundle for example.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, I was looking at a bundled payment for those.
• Now, I was looking at a bundled payment for those.
• Now, I was looking at a bundled payment for those.
• Now, I was looking at a bundled payment for those.
• Now, I was looking at a bundled payment for those.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board met with a quorum, approved the November 12 minutes by voice vote, and then heard a presentation from former Governor Ernie Fletcher and Dave Johnson on Medicaid reimbursement for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Fletcher argued that addiction should be treated as a chronic disease requiring a longer continuum of care, not just short residential stays, and said recovery should combine clinical treatment with social supports such as housing, transportation, employment, peer coaching, and recovery housing. He cited data on overdose trends, low treatment rates, and high costs for people with SUD, and said current reimbursement models create poor incentives and do not adequately support long-term recovery or measure outcomes well. Fletcher proposed a “carve through” model administered at the MCO level with standardized metrics, data sharing, and an independent recovery coordinator that would assess patients, coordinate care, and connect them to clinical and social recovery services. He suggested using bundled payments, shared savings, and partial risk arrangements, with recovery housing reimbursed on a PMPM or weekly basis and funded in part through existing Medicaid spending and other sources such as opioid abatement funds. He also emphasized peer support, telemedicine, criminal justice coordination, workforce and education supports, and the use of technology, including text messaging and possibly AI, to maintain long-term follow-up and identify relapse risk. Members questioned how the model would work in practice, especially the education and staffing requirements for recovery coordinators, reimbursement levels, and how many patients each coordinator or peer would serve. Fletcher said peers could be certified and would need additional training in assessments such as ASAM and recovery residence standards, but he did not give a precise salary figure, saying the market and bundled rates would determine that. He also said follow-up should continue for years, noting relapse risk over the first 18 to 24 months and that meaningful employment and ongoing peer contact help sustain recovery. No formal vote or action was taken on the substance use presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• . um a bundle credit, which we'll present. um a bundle evaluation<00:08:19.599> of<00:08:19.919
• <00:08:31.919> evaluation<00:08:32.479> of<00:08:32.719> three um a bundled
• evaluation of three um a bundled evaluation of three separate<00:08:33.279> credits<00:08:34.640
• <00:08:45.040> of<00:08:45.200> six A fourth evaluation was a bundle of six A fourth
• of three tax exemptions from the bundle of three tax exemptions from the sales<00:08:58.160> and<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it, but often it's part of a bundled it, but often it's part of a bundled arrangement,<04:39:15.480
• An assessment also avoids two issues. preserves the bundled nature of preserves the bundled nature of
• This keeps children at a bundled rate.
• <04:53:12.120> of reimbursement for the full bundle of reimbursement for the full bundle of
• bundled bundled uh<05:20:25.480> a<05:20:25.520> bundled<05:20:25.880> intervention

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Don’t they tell us which bills they want to bundle together?
• 355 major regulations to be bundled 355 major regulations to be bundled together<06:27:00.000>
• There's no requirement that you bundle all of them together.
• There's no requirement that you bundle two together.
• <06:30:19.558> every requirement that you bundle every requirement that you bundle every regulation

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• picked up over the last 48 hours is there appear to be a number of different organizations that are bundling
• > We have tried to remove duplicate pieces of testimony from individuals whose testimony has been bundled
• from individuals whose testimony<00:19:37.039> has<00:19:37.200> been<00:19:37.360> bundled
• <00:19:37.840> by<00:19:38.559> um testimony has been bundled by um testimony has been
• bundled by um multiple<00:19:39.559> organizations.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection and Judiciary decision-making meeting on April 1, 2025 considered several measures previously heard in committee and took action on each. HB 228 HD1 SD1, relating to license plates, was recommended to pass with amendments defining the terms “cover” and “shield”; it was adopted with votes of aye from the chair, vice chair, Senator McKelvie, and Senator Richards, and a no from Senator Awa. HB 125 HD1, relating to firearms and secure storage notice requirements, was recommended to pass unamended and was adopted, though Senator McKelvie noted reservations and Senator OA did not vote. The committees also noted they would wait for a full complement on some JDC votes before finalizing all actions. HB 1194 HD2 SD1, relating to midwives, drew the most discussion and testimony. The recommendation was to pass with amendments, including DCCA-proposed changes and a revised effective date; members discussed concerns about regulation, the role of unlicensed birth attendants, and whether the bill could criminalize people present at births. The chair explained the intent was not to criminalize invited, uncompensated birth attendants who do not use the title “midwife,” while also clarifying limits on practicing midwifery without a license. The measure passed with reservations from Senator McKelvie and a no vote from Senator Awa. HB 348 HD1 SD1, relating to single-use plastics, was recommended to pass unamended and was adopted without objection. HB 874 SD1, concerning trust accounts for minors in theatrical employment, was recommended to pass with amendments accepting the Attorney General’s suggestion to remove rulemaking authority; it passed in both committees without opposition. After the CPN portion adjourned, JDC also took up HB 125 and HB 1194, adopting the same recommendations and passing both measures, with the midwifery bill again reflecting the committee’s intent to preserve invited, unpaid attendance at births while restricting unlicensed practice.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our bicycle, pedestrian, and transit infrastructure has in some ways bundled under our larger federal
• that packaging, where the convenience stores, the restaurants, and the chargers might be all in a bundle
• So specifically with regard to Newton and Lexington, is that, are you talking about bundling? Yes.
• And we are bundling that contract.
• They should be revenue-generating small businesses, either as part of bundles or possibly standalone.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on the impact of the Trump administration’s federal climate policy changes on Massachusetts, with a focus on threatened grants, regulatory rollbacks, and state options to continue climate work. Chair Creem and other senators emphasized that Massachusetts still has a 2050 net-zero mandate and needs contingency plans for clean energy, transportation electrification, offshore wind, resilience, and financing if federal support is reduced or withdrawn. Executive branch witnesses said Massachusetts has already experienced disruptions to more than $1 billion in climate-related federal funds, though many suspended grants were restored after litigation by the Attorney General’s office. EEA reported continued uncertainty around a $389 million Grid Innovation Program award and a FEMA dam-safety reimbursement, while MassDOT said its NEVI fast-charging program remains on track with about $50 million obligated, but a $14.4 million competitive charging grant is on hold and future unobligated NEVI funds remain uncertain. Senators also discussed EV rebates, charging infrastructure, the role of the Community Climate Bank, and whether the state can expand independent financing and support for municipalities, higher education, and nonprofits. The Attorney General’s office described successful multi-state litigation that won a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against the federal funding freeze, restoring access to many EPA, DOE, USDA, and Interior funds, while noting continued enforcement actions over FEMA manual reviews and other barriers. The office said it is also preparing to defend the endangerment finding, California vehicle-emissions waivers, offshore wind permits, and other federal climate protections. Outside advocates warned that federal tax-credit rollbacks, tariffs, and possible repeal of IRA and infrastructure funding could slow EV adoption and raise costs, while offshore wind testimony said federal permitting pauses and legal challenges are delaying projects and could leave Massachusetts far short of its 2030 offshore wind goals. Nonprofit witnesses also described canceled or delayed grants for wetland restoration and urban heat mitigation, and urged the Legislature to increase state funding, including for the environmental bond bill and municipal vulnerability preparedness work.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is our Revenue Rules Bundle.
• It bundles 26 legislative rules from various agencies within the Department of Revenue that have been
• The next rule in the bundle is relating to authorizing the Division of Financial Institutions The next
• rule in the bundle is relating to authorizing the Division of Financial Institutions to promulgate a
• The next rule in the bundle is relating to authorizing the Division of Financial Institutions to promulgate

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met with a quorum present, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then considered a series of House bills and committee substitutes. House Bill 5438, dealing with changes to Step 7 of the school aid formula and allowable uses of certain education allocations, was amended to adopt the Education Committee’s changes and then reported to the full Senate. House Bill 4087 creating the West Virginia-Ireland Education Alliance was also reported, as was House Bill 4191, which expands child care tax credit eligibility for employer-sponsored facilities and changes subsidy payments from attendance-based to enrollment-based reimbursement; senators emphasized its workforce and economic development benefits. House Bill 5074, which reallocates medical cannabis fund balances and future revenues, was amended to increase the Child Protective Commission pilot funding from $3 million to $5 million and remove proposed ibogaine research funding for Marshall and WVU before being reported. House Bill 5353, regulating virtual currency kiosks and money transmission licensure, and House Bill 5527, creating licensure and oversight for wellness reimbursement program administrators, both received strike-and-insert amendments and were reported. House Bill 5687, which phases down the metallurgical coal severance tax and adds a temporary oil and gas tax reduction with county/municipal revenue adjustments, was amended and reported. House Bill 4418, creating an electronic system for municipal business and occupation tax filing and collection with a 1% administrative fee and a participation threshold, was also reported. The committee then took up House Bill 4245, the Revenue Rules Bundle, which bundles 26 legislative rules from the Department of Revenue and related agencies. The bundle included alcohol, banking, insurance, racing, and tax rules, with several sunset extensions and repeals of outdated rules; the committee adopted a strike-and-insert amendment affecting a lottery consumer protection rule and a pre-need cemetery company rule, then reported the bill. House Bill 5168, providing a $12 million lottery-funded stream for emergency medical services, was amended to clarify the uses of the funds, rename one fund, require a 30% county match for mental health treatment spending, and create two additional county-based EMS funds; senators described it as a needed permanent funding source for EMS, and it was reported. Throughout the meeting, members generally supported the measures, with some discussion on technical details, funding allocations, and the impact of the bills on local services and workforce needs. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced that Senate House Bills 4004, 4006, and 4009 would not be taken up that day, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hospice services are in a bundle, but I think there’s information that’s needed there. hospice making
• services<00:19:44.559> are<00:19:44.880> in<00:19:45.039> a<00:19:45.200> bundle
• <00:19:45.520> but<00:19:45.760> it's<00:19:46.320> I services are in a bundle
• <00:21:44.320> or<00:21:44.559> not pale care services are bundled or not pale care
• services are bundled or not and<00:21:45.280> then<00:21:45.520> also<00:21:45.760>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met on December 19, 2025, approved the draft minutes from the November 21 regular meeting, and received a DHS commissioners update. Patricia Tilly reported on the state’s rural health transformation application, saying CMS had provided only one question and positive feedback, that the final federal award amount was still pending, and that DHS was preparing an accept-and-expend item for fiscal review using an up-to amount. She also said the new Hampstead YDC facility remains on track, with substantive construction expected by late summer 2026 and move-in likely in early January 2027. In response to questions, she confirmed the playground/outdoor activity area had been in the original design and was added when funding became available. Henry Litman, Medicaid director, discussed the Senate Bill 248 study committee report on palliative and hospice care. He explained the distinction between palliative care, which can be provided while a patient still seeks curative treatment, and hospice care, which involves electing not to pursue curative services. He said the committee’s work pointed to a need for better education for providers and the public, and described ongoing conversations with the Foundation for Healthy Communities and Home Health and Hospice about developing materials and possibly addressing how palliative services are bundled. He also said the study committee itself did not generate future legislation, though members could pursue it separately. Litman then answered questions about Medicaid eligibility and long-term services and supports, including delays in processing, the backlog from pandemic-era redeterminations, and efforts to speed reviews. He said the department is using temporary staffing funded in part by last session’s legislation, working with the New Hampshire Healthcare Association, counties, and UNH Law to streamline policy and training, and relying more on electronic asset verification while still guarding against improper asset transfers. He emphasized the goal of balancing faster access to benefits with compliance and fraud prevention. Robert Rodler followed with the annual tuition waiver update for children in foster care or guardianship. He reported 82 applicants and 65 waivers granted, including 35 for USNH schools and 30 for the community college system, and noted a correction would be issued for inaccurate continuing/new student figures in the report. Senator Gray said he intends to pursue a separate budget appropriation for these tuition waiver costs in the future so the funding would be clearly identified and easier to track. No additional votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So if bundled sales are banned under this bill, which they're not under the pending federal bill, then
• I just wanted to highlight that California already has enacted various laws to prevent bundled sales.
• I think the MLS point was clarified, but the second point on the bundled sales wasn't.
• And this bundled-sale amendment, I think, would solve the other point.
• It's subsection F of your bill that says, notwithstanding all of that, there are no bundled sales.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So if bundled sales are banned under this bill, which they're not under the pending federal bill, then
• I think the MLS point was clarified, but the second point on the bundled sales wasn't.
• So what you said is institutional buyers can sell to, or... ...on bundled sales.
• And this bundled sale amendment, I think, would solve the other point.
• It's subsection F of your bill that says, notwithstanding all of that, there are no bundled sales.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with SB 16, which would require county behavioral health directors to create clear pathways for clinicians to be authorized to initiate 5150 involuntary holds. The author and supporters argued the bill would reduce reliance on law enforcement and create more consistent crisis response standards statewide, while county behavioral health directors opposed it as an unfunded mandate that could increase law enforcement involvement and create implementation burdens. Members raised questions about county costs and funding, but the author emphasized the bill’s role in building a more clinical response system. SB 561 would require public guardians to acknowledge conservatorship referrals, make determinations within a reasonable time, and provide status updates on request. Supporters said the bill would reduce delays that leave vulnerable adults in limbo, while the opposition from public guardian representatives was removed after amendments. SB 381 drew extensive public testimony in support; it would allow California-born adoptees, and descendants of deceased adoptees, access to original birth certificates, with a nonbinding contact preference form for birth parents. Supporters framed the bill as a matter of dignity, identity, and health, and there was no formal opposition on the record. The committee also discussed SB 880, which would give tenants and prospective owner-occupants notice and a first opportunity to make an offer when institutional investors sell certain homes. Supporters said it would expand homeownership opportunities and preserve neighborhood stability, while opponents warned about conflicts with federal law, bundled-sale restrictions, and impacts on build-to-rent and affordable housing projects. Members and the author discussed possible amendments to address those concerns. SB 1238 would impose a duty of care and additional transparency requirements on HOA managers and boards; supporters said it would protect homeowners from mismanagement, while the main opposition argued the duty should remain contractual and could increase litigation. Finally, SB 423 would require disclosure of emergency-service records related to private detention facilities, and SB 28 would make changes to the CARE Court process, including a statewide ombudsperson and expanded oversight; both drew support and opposition, with concerns focused on transparency, privacy, implementation, and the balance between treatment and coercion. SB 574, discussed at the end, would require disclosure and human oversight for AI use in courts and legal practice and create a complaint process for ADR providers, with the State Bar noting requested amendments related to complaint handling and confidentiality.

Transcript Highlights:

• outpatient services that are critical to support long-term recovery and stability through a single bundled
• to cover those core outpatient services using the same set of services included in the MassHealth bundle
• The MassHealth bundled payment provides CBHCs some flexibility to direct some of the reimbursement toward
• These bundled services are not accessible to individuals under most commercial plans.
• The bill calls for bundled payment for a package of services.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on a large group of behavioral health and insurance-related bills. Topics included expanding access to mental health services by allowing physician assistants to authorize Section 12 emergency holds and be recognized as licensed mental health professionals (H. 1131/S. 773); improving coverage for community behavioral health centers so commercial insurance matches MassHealth’s bundled outpatient and crisis services (H. 1276/S. 703); eliminating cost sharing for certain behavioral health services (S. 718); extending detox and clinical stabilization coverage from 14 to 30 days and adding transitional support services (H. 1319/S. 772); requiring coverage for dual-diagnosis treatment in psychiatric facilities (H. 1277/S. 771); and preserving access to treatment for serious mental illness through coverage of coordinated specialty care and assertive community treatment (H. 1135/S. 709). The committee also heard bills on preventive behavioral health services for children (H. 1228/S. 802) and post-pregnancy mental health care, including postpartum depression and pregnancy loss-related care (H. 1314/S. 823).

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, they kind of bundle the money together, the city, the county. skin in the game.
• . um<00:05:18.880> they<00:05:19.440> kind<00:05:19.600> of<00:05:20.000> bundle
• <00:05:20.400> the<00:05:20.639> money um they kind of bundle the money um they kind
• of bundle the money together,<00:05:21.440> the<00:05:21.680> city,<00:05:22.160> the

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• um bundled payments those types<01:15:09.679> of<01:15:10.000> things<01:15:10.800>
• ve always talked about this in the sense that, all right, well, some of those services within the bundle
• nature of that because of the bundled nature of that program<01:59:45.000> it's<01:59:45.239>
• <02:18:08.280> meth<02:18:08.719> uh<02:18:09.240> bundled<02:18:10.000>
• uh utilizes a bundled meth uh bundled uh utilizes a bundled meth uh bundled uh system<02:18:11.240

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and that they're bringing up that we don't get reimbursed in the postpartum period because it's a bundled
• access to psychiatric care, is there a mechanism that allows those visits to be billed outside of the bundled
• global obstetric fee, which is, I think, what you're referencing, or sometimes people call it the bundle
• Unless reimbursement for these screenings is part of a negotiated bundled reimbursement between a carrier

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Ellen Story Commission for Postpartum Depression held its spring meeting with a large turnout, beginning with roll call and a review of the agenda. Co-chairs Representative Brandy Fluker-Reid and Senator Liz Miranda highlighted progress from the recently enacted maternal health omnibus law and the Moms Matter Act, including creation of a midwifery board, expansion of out-of-hospital birth options, doula services, lactation support, MassHealth coverage changes, and a trust fund for community-based behavioral health and substance use grants. Members also discussed implementation of the new law, the commission’s annual report, and the need to continue supporting birth centers and perinatal mental health services. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on commission membership and vacancies. Commissioners discussed whether to remain on the body, the need to fill several open seats, and whether the commission’s statutory composition should be updated to better reflect current practice and expertise. Members suggested adding more clinicians working directly with perinatal families, infant mental health experts, and a representative from PSI of Massachusetts, while also noting the value of having regulators and professional society representatives at the table. Several participants said any changes to membership would likely require legislation, and the co-chairs said they would explore options and possibly circulate a flyer or other invitation process for nominations. The commission also discussed meeting structure and future planning. Members generally supported moving to quarterly virtual meetings, with a preference for a 4 p.m. start time, and some suggested one annual in-person gathering. The group agreed to postpone the usual May Advocacy Day because the Great Hall was unavailable and instead aim for a fall event, with volunteers stepping forward to help plan it. Commissioners raised top-of-mind issues including postpartum depression screening reimbursement, care for people after miscarriage or abortion, access for undocumented pregnant people, and the impact of federal cuts. The meeting ended with agreement to crowdsource legislative priorities for the next quarter, consider future presentations from outside organizations, and send updates between meetings, followed by a motion to adjourn that passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is our revenue rules bundle.
• This bill is our revenue rules bundle. Is there objection? Chair, hears none.
• This bill is our revenue rules bundle containing 27 rules.
• Again, this is the revenue rules bundle containing 27 rules from six different agencies.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate considered and passed House Bill 4245, the Department of Revenue rules bundle covering 27 rules from six agencies. Members withdrew the committee amendment, adopted a floor amendment making changes to two lottery rules and one tax rule related to pre-need cemetery companies, then passed the bill 30-1. The Senate also adopted a title amendment and made the bill effective from passage by a 31-0 vote. Later, when the House rejected the Senate’s amendments, the Senate receded from its amendments and again passed the bill, making it effective from passage. The chamber also adopted several concurrent resolutions from the Rules Committee, including studies on school finance transparency, divorce grounds, the Southern West Virginia water crisis, athletic trainer access in public secondary schools, the eastern gray fox population, upland game bird stamp purchases, and the Public Service Commission. Senate Concurrent Resolution 50, calling for a study of the PSC, was also adopted. In addition, the Senate passed House Bill 5381, which expands the Office of Energy’s role to develop a comprehensive energy policy and grid stabilization plan, and House Bill 5412, the Future Ready Education Act, after amending it to require annual vocational and agriculture offerings unless not viable and to set science-of-reading training requirements for K-5 literacy teachers by 2028-29. The Senate passed House Bill 845, a supplemental appropriation to the Governor’s Office Civil Contingent Fund, after concurring in a House amendment that reappropriated federal match grant funds and increased the civil contingency surplus fund from $15 million to $25 million; it was made effective from passage. The chamber also concurred in House amendments to House Bill 4106 on constitutional carry for 18- to 20-year-olds, House Bill 4004 creating the Recharge West Virginia training reimbursement program, House Bill 5453 revising the school aid funding formula for special education weighting, and other measures including House Bill 4009 on portable benefits, Senate Bill 164 on substitute teacher definitions, and House Bill 4606 on pretrial release for certain felonies. A lengthy debate centered on House Bill 4198, the E-Verify Safe Harbor Act. The Judiciary Committee amendment would have required public and certain private employers to use E-Verify, while a further amendment from the Senator from Randolph would have limited the mandate to public employers and made E-Verify optional for private employers with liability protections for good-faith use. After extensive discussion about small business impacts, federal-state conflicts, and enforcement, the Senate adopted the Randolph amendment and then passed the bill 31-3, with a title amendment also adopted. The Senate later refused to concur in House amendments to House Bill 4010, concurred in House amendments to House Bill 5438, receded from amendments to House Bill 4765, and adjourned sine die.