Transcript Highlights:

• We've got five bills, which is a very aggressive schedule. I understand that.
• We've got five bills, which is a very aggressive schedule. I understand that.
• Basically, the providers send a referral, and the patients get put into our schedule just as they would
• just at any other medical schedule just at any other medical professional<00:40:08.320><c> just</c><
• So, I want to thank you all for all the hard work and um and uh getting a very busy schedule done.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• however, I questioned whether, especially if as it appears we are going to be shortly moving to Schedule
• however, I questioned whether, especially if as it appears we are going to be shortly moving to Schedule
• be shortly it appears we are going to be shortly moving<00:48:32.640><c> to</c><00:48:32.880><c> schedule
• three</c><00:48:34.559><c> um</c><00:48:34.960><c> whether</c><00:48:35.359><c> a</c> moving to schedule
• three um whether a moving to schedule three um whether a physician<00:48:36.400><c> could</c><00:48:

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• itself and the district, specifying the roles, data sharing with federal and state law, coaching schedules
• itself and the district, specifying the roles, data sharing with federal and state law, coaching schedules
• appropriated to the Department of Education for SAOs will be transferred to districts on the same schedule
• be transferred to districts on the will be transferred to districts on the same<00:59:41.359><c> schedule
• </c> same schedule as our funding formula. same schedule as our funding formula.

Committee: Joint Education

Transcript Highlights:

• A House session has been scheduled for Thursday, March 13th, and the committee will be pleased to know
• for Thursday March been been scheduled for Thursday March 13th<05:34:10.878><c> and</c><05:34:11.400
• We have had a very aggressive schedule, and everybody showed up and participated in both the hearings
• committee we have um we had a very committee we have um we had a very aggressive<05:37:39.360><c> schedule
• and everybody um you aggressive schedule and everybody um you know<05:37:42.638><c> showed</c><05:37

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Transcript Highlights:

• as well, of course, but the town and districts are working together on what is the disbursement schedule
• 32:44.480><c> is</c><00:32:44.600><c> the</c><00:32:44.760><c> dispersement</c><00:32:45.279><c> schedule
• </c><00:32:45.639><c> of</c> on what is the dispersement schedule of on what is the dispersement schedule
• that page also you have<01:44:31.800><c> the</c><01:44:31.960><c> dispersement</c><01:44:32.480><c> schedule
• schedule so we disperse<01:44:33.520><c> it</c><01:44:34.000><c> throughout</c><01:44:34.440><c> the

Summary: The Department of Education’s Bureau of School Finance provided an adequacy-funding training for Division II, led by Mark Mello. He walked the committee through the adequacy formula using Albany, Allenstown, and Alton as examples, explaining average daily membership, base adequacy aid, and differential aid for free/reduced-price meals, special education, and English language learners. He also noted a recent change requiring home-education differential aid and emphasized that these aid streams are generally unrestricted district funding rather than money tied to specific students or programs. A major focus was the ongoing litigation over the adequacy base amount and the statewide education property tax, or SWEPT. Mello explained the historical basis of the current base amount, the 2008 legislative report that set the original methodology, and the later court ruling that the adequacy amount should be $7,356, which is now before the Supreme Court. He also described how SWEPT currently raises a fixed statewide amount of $363 million and how that revenue is used to offset the state’s adequacy obligation. For the example towns, Albany and Allenstown receive state adequacy grants because their SWEPT revenue is below their calculated adequacy cost, while Alton is an excess SWEPT community because its local SWEPT revenue exceeds the cost of adequate education. The discussion then turned to the pending “excess SWEPT” issue in the Supreme Court and what would happen if excess collections had to be remitted to the state. Mello said the Department is preparing a hypothetical walkthrough and explained that, if the court upholds the Superior Court ruling, DRA would likely be directed to collect excess SWEPT. Members raised concerns about whether SWEPT must be used for educational purposes and about the cash-flow burden on towns if money had to move from municipalities to the state and then back to districts. Mello and members discussed possible administrative workarounds, such as credits against other state aid distributions, and noted that the committee would continue reviewing the mechanics if the court decision comes down during budget work.

Transcript Highlights:

• addition to that, we found that live discharge rates, which we pull this directly from Medicare fee schedule
• We scheduled and have already performed additional trainings, and then we're working with HHSC on some
• of these services and doing some targeted training related to different topics that are scheduled between
• However, if a child's schedule changes and they leave the provider, we recoup the funding.
• We have a number of charges from Lieutenant Governor Patrick that we will be sending out to your schedules

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• the notice on the property, they have to get the notice, you have to pay the sheriff, you have to schedule
• the notice on the property, they have to get the notice, you have to pay the sheriff, you have to schedule
• the notice on the property, they have to get the notice, you have to pay the sheriff, you have to schedule
• </c><00:48:27.440><c> a</c><00:48:27.480><c> court</c> sheriff, you have to schedule a court sheriff,
• you have to schedule a court hearing<00:48:28.120><c> in</c><00:48:28.280><c> three</c><00:48:28.560

Transcript Highlights:

• this is really important because our parenting students are balancing coursework with child care schedules
• this is really important because our parenting students are balancing coursework with child care schedules
• <00:41:56.920><c> with</c><00:41:57.320><c> child</c><00:41:57.600><c> care</c><00:41:57.760><c> schedules
• ,</c> coursework with child care schedules, coursework with child care schedules, work<00:41:58.600><
• regularly see students come in during moments of real crisis when child care falls through, work schedules

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• 59.200><c> where</c> especially in secondary settings where especially in secondary settings where scheduling
• <00:42:59.920><c> interventions</c><00:43:00.480><c> is</c><00:43:00.720><c> more</c> scheduling interventions
• is more scheduling interventions is more complex.<00:43:02.000><c> Graduation</c><00:43:02.640><c> requirements
• Graduation requirements and secondary<00:43:03.920><c> intervention</c><00:43:04.480><c> scheduling</
• c><00:43:04.960><c> often</c> secondary intervention scheduling often secondary intervention scheduling

Bills: HF3421

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I said, did I schedule these for 11? What am I, what happened?
• But again, I'll still have to wait to get the green light from the speaker when we can start scheduling
• <c> start</c> light from the speaker when we can start light from the speaker when we can start scheduling
• </c><04:57:51.360><c> So</c><04:57:51.600><c> instead</c><04:57:51.840><c> of</c> scheduling these things
• So instead of scheduling these things.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on three transportation bills. SB 154 would add the Snow Traveler Foundation to the list of charitable organizations authorized to offer multi-use decal plates through the existing Department of Safety program. Senator David Roford said the bill would create a non-tax funding source for snowmobile trail maintenance, especially after flood damage, and Dan Gold of the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association said the foundation would accept tax-deductible donations for projects such as upgraded trail signage. He explained that the association’s 96 volunteer clubs maintain about 7,000 miles of trails and that the sign program is costly. No opposition was presented, and the hearing was closed after questions from members about the foundation’s status and fundraising goals. SB 271 would expand eligibility for veteran license plates to include veterans with a general discharge under honorable conditions. The sponsor’s representative said the change would recognize service members who are already eligible for many veterans benefits but are excluded from plates under current law. Supporters included Phil Grizzo, who argued that general discharges often reflect service that was otherwise honorable, and Kevin Grady of the State Veterans Advisory Committee, which said it strongly supported the bill and was also considering broader statutory cleanup to standardize the definition of veteran across state law. Committee members asked whether the change should be limited to plates or applied more broadly, but the sponsor said broader changes would be a separate policy question. The public hearing was then closed. SB 273, titled “Cheryl’s Law,” would update New Hampshire’s move-over requirements for motorists approaching stopped or standing vehicles on the roadside, including stranded vehicles and those with warning signals. Senator Donovan Fenton said the bill was intended to save lives and honor Staff Sergeant Jesse Cheryl and Brigadier General John Pogo, both of whom died in roadside incidents. He said the measure would require drivers to slow down, change lanes if safe, and move over for roadside vehicles, with the intent of education rather than punishment. Committee members asked about enforcement, the lack of a fiscal note, whether the bill applied statewide, and whether the language could be read as weakening the move-over requirement; the sponsor said it applied to all roads, did not change fines, and was meant to clarify and broaden safety obligations. The hearing continued with additional questions, and the sponsor said state police and other safety stakeholders supported the approach.

Transcript Highlights:

• Break in their schedule.
• Any assistance that can be provided to help open up their schedule would be appreciated.
• It does free up 12 hours, which may not seem like much, but we are trying to juggle a busy schedule.
• Thank you so much, Chairman, thank you for scheduling this bill for a hearing.
• Members, as a reminder, House Bill 2799 by Chairman Dutton was withdrawn from the schedule.

Bills: HB2242 , HB2446 , HB2799 , HB4502 , HB2920 , HB2790 , HB5620 , HB5060 , HB5076 , HB5080 , HB5081 , HB5128 , HB5130 , HB3847 , HB5116 , HB2969 , HB4546 , HB4202 , HB5624 , HB3964 , HB4803 , HB872 , HB4775 , HB4777 , HB4961 , HB5570 , HB2988 , HB4260 , HB1375 , HB5009 , HB5411 , HB5134 , HB4388 , HB3095 , HB1387

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills affecting civil practice, judicial conduct, and attorney regulation. HB 4961 and the similar HB 3095 would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision, with HB 3095 also addressing certain exceptions and limiting economic damages in some cases. Supporters said the measures would encourage insurance coverage and fairness for insured drivers, while opponents argued they would unfairly punish injured people who were not responsible for the lack of insurance, including pedestrians, passengers, children, and others. HB 3095 drew constitutional concerns from witnesses, and the committee later withdrew the committee substitute and left the bill pending; HB 4961 was also left pending after questions about its scope, including passengers. HB 5570 would expand a continuing legal education exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate who serve on boards or commissions. The author and witness said the bill would free up time for public service while still requiring ethics training. A committee member raised a discrepancy in the number of attorneys covered, and the bill was left pending. HB 2969 would prohibit the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech, especially in relation to sincerely held religious beliefs. Supporters framed it as a protection for lawyers of faith against an ABA-style speech code, while no one testified in opposition; the bill was left pending. HB 4260 would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction. The author described it as an ethics measure to avoid conflicts of interest, but county officials and the County Judges and Commissioners Association opposed it, saying existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would impose hardships, especially in rural counties. The bill was left pending. HB 4388 would require all judges, including those who serve only in administrative roles, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct; supporters said some judges avoid discipline by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents said the bill was unnecessary and could burden county judges who serve as administrators. It was also left pending. The committee also heard HB 5134, which would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect to suffer actual damages and allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill would curb harassment and fishing expeditions, but members questioned how the standard would work in practice; the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 3964 would narrow common-law public nuisance claims by barring suits over lawful conduct, conduct already addressed by other remedies, and products, while preserving other causes of action. Supporters said the bill would prevent regulation through litigation and protect legislative authority; opponents said it would eliminate important remedies and that no Texas abuse had been shown. The author indicated he would revise the bill, and it was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• here so we're going to go just cuz bit here so we're going to go just cuz some<00:09:59.600><c> scheduling
• :00.480><c> to</c><00:10:00.800><c> to</c><00:10:01.240><c> um</c><00:10:01.839><c> uh</c> Some scheduling
• set</c><00:10:42.160><c> those</c> just kind of want to set those just kind of want to set those scheduling
• <00:10:43.120><c> parameters</c><00:10:44.120><c> um</c><00:10:44.360><c> representative</c> scheduling
• parameters um representative scheduling parameters um representative Berg<00:10:45.600><c> uh</c><00

Bills: HF3023 , HF3078 , HF107 , HF2171 , HF3079 , HF689 , HF1316

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

Transcript Highlights:

• intent was to require surveys every two years, and this proposal restores the intended biannual schedule
• <c> biannual</c> proposal restores the intended biannual proposal restores the intended biannual schedule
• rather than the current schedule rather than the current semiannual semiannual semiannual requirement
• And again, thank you, Chair Schomacker, for scheduling this today.
• The reason that we're scheduled a hearing for this bill was because I do believe there are challenges

Bills: HF1937 , HF2407 , HF1678 , HF1477 , HF2040 , HF1840 , HF257

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:57:22.200><c> an</c><00:57:22.400><c> Associated</c><00:57:22.960><c> fee</c><00:57:23.280><c> schedule
• </c> there's an Associated fee schedule there's an Associated fee schedule already<00:57:24.559><c> established
• dedicated</c><00:57:32.559><c> fee</c> there's not a um a dedicated fee there's not a um a dedicated fee schedule
• 34.000><c> chair</c><00:57:35.000><c> and</c><00:57:35.480><c> the</c><00:57:35.680><c> other</c> schedule
• so the chair and the other schedule so the chair and the other power<00:57:36.400><c> seating</c><00

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• sports, I had a completely separate meeting this morning, and they had just seen that this was on the schedule
• sports, I had a completely separate meeting this morning, and they had just seen that this was on the schedule
• I had a completely separate meeting this morning, and they had just seen that this was on the schedule
• And then there's any amount of Schedule I or II, but that would be determined by a blood or urine test
• It was my intent when we scheduled this bill for a hearing, along with the other penalty enhancement

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• In the event of a network failure, it may be necessary to reschedule the hearing or schedule a meeting
• In the event of a network failure, it may be necessary to reschedule the hearing or schedule a meeting
• 34:55.080><c> including</c> care is being delivered including care is being delivered including scheduling
• ><c> inperson</c><01:34:56.679><c> care</c><01:34:56.880><c> as</c><01:34:57.119><c> needed</c> scheduling
• inperson care as needed scheduling inperson care as needed Mahalo<01:34:58.560><c> for</c><01:34:58.719

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several transportation and consumer-related bills. HB 496, relating to mamaki tea labeling, drew support from the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Weights and Measures, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, which said the bill would help protect a culturally important crop and the Hawaii brand. Members questioned Agriculture about staffing and whether the bill was being used to reopen a package-labeling inspection branch; the department said it currently has no Oahu inspectors for that function but has a place for an additional inspector. No opposition was registered on the measure. HB 978, relating to electric utilities, and HB 1316, relating to DLNR/park reservations, were also heard. HB 1316 received support from State Parks, and members discussed where reservation fees would go and whether the statewide reservation system for three parks would cover its costs; the committee indicated a change would be made so fees go to the special fund. HB 914, relating to water carriers, drew support or comments from the PUC, Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Harbor Users Group. The main discussion focused on the proposed automatic rate-adjustment mechanism tied to the GDP price index, with members asking for alternative index ideas and questioning whether the PUC already had authority to adopt such a mechanism. Young Brothers said the measure would provide clarity and help recover inflationary costs, while the chair raised concerns about repeated rate increases and asked for further testimony on possible alternative indices. HB 1161, relating to transportation and road usage charges, received support from the Insurance Division, DOT, and the State Energy Office, with comments from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and the Hawaii Food Industry Association. Members asked whether counties need state authorization to adopt mileage-based charges and why the bill included funding for implementation; DOT said it is helping counties build the data collection and billing system and that Honolulu is handling much of the collection work. A question was also raised about whether plug-in hybrids would be covered, and DOT said vehicles under the federal electric-vehicle definition would be included. HB 1301, relating to transportation network companies, drew opposition from the Hawaii Association for Justice, Lyft, and Uber, all arguing that classifying TNCs as common carriers and changing liability rules would raise costs, reduce access, and disrupt the current statewide framework. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the event of a network failure, it may be necessary to reschedule the hearing or schedule a meeting
• reschedule<00:14:20.320><c> the</c><00:14:20.440><c> hearing</c><00:14:21.000><c> or</c><00:14:21.199><c> schedule
• </c><00:14:21.560><c> a</c> reschedule the hearing or schedule a reschedule the hearing or schedule a
• Today is February 5, 2025, and this is the 9:30 a.m. agenda, starting a little bit behind schedule.
• In the event of a network failure, we may have to reschedule this hearing or schedule a meeting for decision

Summary: The joint House Agriculture and Food Systems and Tourism hearing focused on HB 189 and HB 966, both dealing with agricultural tourism. HB 189 would require counties to adopt ordinances governing review and permitting of agricultural tourism as secondary uses on working farms, require the principal agricultural use to pre-exist any tourism-related permit, and limit ag tourism to land where productive agriculture is occurring. HB 966 would create statewide uniform standards for agricultural tourism, require county registration of activities, require ag tourism to coexist with agricultural activity on a farming operation, and end the tourism use when agricultural activity ceases. Testimony on HB 189 was mixed. The Department of Agriculture and Kualoa Ranch opposed the bill, arguing that the proposed restrictions and income-based limits could burden bona fide farms and ranches, reduce flexibility for counties, and harm food production, jobs, and diversification efforts. Kualoa Ranch said ag tourism supports its food sales and community market and warned the bill could cost more than 350 jobs. The Hawaiʻi Cattlemen’s Council also opposed the measure for similar reasons. The Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported the bill with suggested amendments, including clearer language around agricultural dedication. The Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau supported the intent of the bill but urged caution, saying ag tourism should remain tied to actual agricultural production and that counties need flexibility to address abuses without imposing overly rigid standards. Members discussed how to define a bona fide agricultural operation and whether property tax agricultural dedication could serve as a clearer qualifier. They also raised concerns about how counties would enforce revenue thresholds or separate accounting for tourism and farm income, and whether state law should better target clearly non-agricultural uses such as gondolas or other abusive developments. The Department of Agriculture and Farm Bureau said counties already have authority to regulate ag tourism through ordinances, but that any new standards should avoid unintended burdens on true farmers and ranchers. HB 966 was then introduced, and initial testimony again reflected support for the bill’s intent from some agricultural groups and opposition or caution from others. Kualoa Ranch said ag tourism can help educate visitors and support agriculture, the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union supported county flexibility, and the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau reiterated concerns about the bill’s income comparison provisions and the need to distinguish legitimate agricultural tourism from misuse. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• ..our medication database that collects all of that, so we have control over that as well on the schedule
• Federally scheduled drugs will require the use of practitioner names and not practice names.
• And I think federally scheduled drugs are the drugs at most risk of diversion.
• He now has student loans and no degree, and I am scheduled to go back to court trying to get the money
• He now has student loans and no degree, and I am scheduled to go back to court trying to get the money

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on several Judiciary bills, with the largest portion focused on S. 1178/H. 2052 to reduce mass incarceration and end life without parole. People incarcerated at MCI Framingham, MCI Norfolk, and NCCI Gardner described personal growth, rehabilitation, restorative justice work, family separation, and the belief that parole eligibility after long sentences would better reflect public safety and human development. Speakers emphasized that life without parole removes hope and can undermine rehabilitation, while supporters argued that many lifers are older, less likely to reoffend, and could contribute positively if given a chance at parole review. Committee members did not take votes during the hearing. The committee also heard testimony on S. 1139 to restore the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims involving tobacco use, with Sen. Keenan explaining that a recent SJC decision had cut off claims where the injured person did not sue within three years before death. He said the bill would restore families’ ability to seek redress in cases involving long-latency tobacco harms like COPD. Another major topic was S. 1205, which would add abusive litigation to the definition of coercive control in domestic violence law; Sen. Michael Moore said the bill would stop abusers from using repeated court filings to harass and financially burden survivors. The committee also took up S. 1114 on automatic record sealing, with Sen. Friedman and others arguing that the current petition-based process is slow, burdensome, and disproportionately harms people with criminal records, especially Black and Latino residents. Testimony also supported H. 1965/S. 1132 on compensation for wrongful conviction, with advocates and sponsors describing a faster administrative claims process, transitional support, and higher compensation without the current cap. Sen. Payano testified for S. 1241 to expand educational programming for incarcerated emerging adults, saying education reduces recidivism and improves reentry outcomes. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on S. 2522, an update to Massachusetts’ shield law for reproductive and gender-affirming care. Sen. Friedman, the Attorney General’s office, and DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said the bill is needed to strengthen protections against out-of-state legal attacks, protect patient and provider data, clarify enforcement authority, and add a state-level EMTALA-style emergency care requirement. Committee members asked detailed questions about prescription labeling, the prescription monitoring program, attorney discipline, custody and full faith and credit issues, and whether the bill’s enforcement language could create unintended limits or conflicts. The Attorney General’s office said it would provide follow-up written testimony on several technical questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, what's the schedule today?
• And I would assume, you know, the reason why this was picked is because the schedule, trying to get when
• Anna and Sam looked at scheduling, it was—that's what it is.
• And I would assume, you know, the reason why this was picked is because the schedule, trying to get when
• Anna and Sam looked at scheduling, it was—that's what it is.

Summary: The joint hearing opened with chairs explaining that the program integrity omnibus bill is a combined draft assembled from individual member bills and governor proposals, many of which had already been heard in committee. Members emphasized the compressed end-of-session timeline, said the language was not yet ready for enactment, and invited continued revisions as the bill moves next to judiciary and finance. Several speakers stressed the need for bipartisan collaboration, while also warning that the Legislature must act this session on program integrity rather than defer reforms. The fiscal staff then walked through a spreadsheet showing the bill’s overall budget effects and major provisions. The package includes DHS proposals on transforming human services, market- and receipt-based rate reform, enhanced program and payment integrity, uniform service standards, nursing facility rate changes, ICS reforms, and a repeal/redesign of housing stabilization, along with child care assistance integrity and human services redesign items in DCYF. Staff highlighted that the bill combines multiple sources, including governor proposals and member bills, and noted several items that are also in the supplemental human services budget. Committee discussion focused heavily on prepayment review, remote supports, ICS, and provider accountability. Chairs said the bill would codify prepayment review with a 60-day notice requirement after providers were caught off guard by prior rollout, and that remote supports and ICS language were placeholders or under active debate. One member argued the system needs stronger standards but cautioned against harming compliant providers, while another urged the committee to learn from good providers and warned against repeating failed implementations. Staff also reviewed thematic indexes covering billing and service delivery oversight, EVV, administrative reform, licensing and background studies, provider enrollment, sanctions, and child care provider compliance training. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided. The hearing ended with staff beginning the index walkthrough and members indicating that posted amendments would be considered as the bill advances through the remaining committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's two toll schedules here. >> Okay.
• 01:06:44.079><c> There's</c><01:06:44.400><c> two</c><01:06:44.720><c> toll</c><01:06:45.200><c> schedules
• There's two toll schedules pass users. There's two toll schedules here.<01:06:47.039><c> Okay.
• Um, the next meeting will be whenever we schedule it, but I don't have anything right now.

Committee: House Ways and Means