Transcript Highlights:

• We have found that this has been a very powerful portion of our agenda because things are changing so
• Jones and the whole team at the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development on behalf of Governor
• Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll.
• It's a priority for our administration here, certainly for the governor and Secretary Jones.
• It's been a priority for my administration here, certainly for the governor and Secretary Jones.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly virtual/in-person meeting and approved the December minutes. The chair announced plans for the next “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27, in partnership with MassAbility, focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity, along with a resource fair. The commission also began planning for its October National Disability Employment Awareness Month event and sought volunteers for a small planning group. The meeting featured an update from the Attorney General’s office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts, including challenges to federal actions on higher education diversity data collection and DEI-related funding conditions, immigration/TPS for Haitians, NIH research grant disruptions, and the nonrenewal of mental health services grants for schools. The presenter said the state has helped protect more than $3 billion in federal funding and noted ongoing or pending appeals in several cases. Commissioners asked about possible impacts on disability-related DEI work and Medicaid; the AG’s office said guidance on DEIA/employment initiatives is available and that the state is closely monitoring federal Medicaid communications and coordinating with the governor’s office. Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler and apprenticeship liaison Amara Riemann presented on registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, emphasizing paid, employer-driven pathways with classroom instruction and wage progression. They highlighted growth in nontraditional fields such as human services, IT, early education, biotech, and banking, and described Bridgewater State University’s Excel program for neurodivergent people and people with disabilities as a model that can lead from pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship. Commissioners discussed expanding similar models through community colleges and disability-focused workforce pipelines. Subcommittee reports covered disability employment, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The employment subcommittee heard from CED on state disability employment initiatives and planned future presentations from the Lawrence Partnership for Transition to Employment and Veterans Affairs. The long-term services and supports subcommittee discussed MassHealth budget pressures, anticipated federal Medicaid changes, the personal care attendant working group, and an upcoming discussion on crisis standards of care. In commissioner announcements, members highlighted recent honors for several commissioners, updates on municipal digital accessibility grants, a June Medicaid summit, and other commission activities. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rachel has been appointed by the governor.
• I would also like to acknowledge that the governor has reappointed, very wisely and very appropriately
• And then later as Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development under Governor Patrick, where I put a
• great deal of time. ...of Labor and Workforce Development under Governor Patrick, where I, you know,
• think the SNAP program, I think the issue of every six-month redeterminations, it's a very, very powerful

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly meeting on September 10, with roll call, approval of the June minutes as amended, and welcoming remarks for newly appointed commissioner Rachel Caprilyan and reappointed commissioners. Chair Denise Garlick outlined plans for a statewide community hearing series, beginning with a November 4 hybrid hearing at Needham Town Hall focused on the Boston/Metro West region, and described the creation of a nonvoting advisory council to broaden the commission’s expertise across health care, transportation, housing, education, employment, business, and local disability commissions. Commissioners discussed the nomination process, the need for geographic diversity, and the goal of having the council in place by the December quarterly meeting. The main presentation addressed proposed federal Medicaid and SNAP changes in H.R. 1, with Jennifer Bertrand of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council warning that the law could cut federal Medicaid spending by $1 trillion over 10 years, impose work requirements, require redeterminations every six months, restrict provider taxes, and reduce SNAP benefits. She said these changes could increase uninsurance, create administrative barriers, and threaten home- and community-based services, with a Massachusetts analysis projecting 141,000 to 203,000 MassHealth members could lose coverage over six months. Commissioners and attendees responded that the changes could harm people with disabilities, caregivers, and provider organizations, increase institutionalization risk, and intensify competition for limited state resources; several emphasized the need for disability groups and broader health care stakeholders to coordinate advocacy. Subcommittee reports highlighted recent and upcoming work. The Disability Employment Subcommittee reported on a June “Strength and Support” event, an August presentation by Run the Gamut, and an upcoming MAPC/Employment First workshop in Worcester, while the Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee discussed a presentation from the Lurie Institute for Policy Research on community living dashboards and disparities in Medicaid and LTSS. Commissioners also shared announcements about upcoming events, including the Paul Spooner Generational Leisure Summit, the Disability Policy Consortium’s John Winsky Memorial Award ceremony, the Massachusetts Health Council’s annual celebration, and a September 17 hearing on insurance coverage for hearing aids. The meeting ended with congratulations to commissioner Carl Richardson for an accessibility award and a motion to adjourn, which passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm grateful to the Lieutenant Governor for recently being named the chair of, I'm grateful to the Lieutenant
• Governor for recently being named the Chair of Sunset Commission, of which the Department of State Health
• this committee first convened, we said that we would not rest until we had done everything within our power
• I want to thank Speaker Burrows, Lieutenant Governor Patrick, whose leadership established this committee
• I also want to recognize Governor Abbott for his constant commitment to this investigation.

Committee: House The July 2025 Flooding Events, General Investigating

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We pray this in the name and through the power of Jesus the Christ. Amen. Journal.
• 12, the Senate was called to order at 10 o'clock a.m. by the President of the Senate, Lieutenant Governor
• Bob Ferguson, Governor. Senator Schessler. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Amina Hussein appointed July 28, 2025, by Governor Bob Ferguson. Senator Schessler: Thank you, Mr.
• Bob Ferguson, Governor. Senator Schoesler: Thank you, Mr. President.

Bills: SB5223 , SB6071 , SB5966 , SB6061 , SB5520 , SB6016 , SB5890 , SB5973 , SB5053 , SB5249 , SB5536 , SB5879 , SB5899 , SB6190 , SB6086 , SB5574 , SB5873 , SB5924 , SB6134 , SB6263 , SB6282 , SB6302 , SB5950 , SB6074 , SB6096 , SB5970 , SB5609 , SB5827 , SB5862 , SB5880 , SB5901 , SB5943 , SB5971 , SB5975 , SB5981 , SB5988 , SB6097 , SJM8016 , SB5496 , SB5907 , SB6031 , SB6155 , SB6158 , SB6227 , SB5947 , SB6085 , SB6234 , SB6274 , SB6194 , SB5909 , SB5868 , SB6026 , SB6044 , SB6239 , SB5923 , SB6045 , SB6106 , SB6089 , SB6170 , SB5954 , SB5968 , SB5489 , SB5762 , SB5832 , SB5847 , SB5963 , SB5969 , SB6027 , SB6032 , SB6049 , SB6066 , SB6079 , SB6082 , SB6113 , SB6114 , SB6160 , SB6162 , SB6164 , SB6176 , SB6289 , SB6309 , SB6319 , SB6347 , SB6308 , SB6200 , SB6080 , SB5911 , SJM8014 , SB6177 , SB6052 , SB6182 , SB5828 , SB6335 , SB6017 , SB6346 , SB6262 , SB5470 , SB5990 , SB6244 , SB5961

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, overpayment recovery, modernization, health care, legislation, healthcare, nutrition, medically tailored meals, dietary support, food security, chronic illness, tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill also directs the legislature and governor to ratify any approved constitutional amendment.
• legislation, which is there is a bill, a majority of both chambers votes for it, it's sent to the governor
• , and the governor signs it.
• and any measure should have to go through the legislative process and have a separate branch, the governor
• And I just can't, I can never vote to violate the separation of powers.

Bills: HB2424 , HB2608 , HB2775 , HB2805 , HB2908

Committee: House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections

Keywords: Arizona political parties, precinct committeeman, precinct committeemen, proxy voting, party bylaws, county committee, state committee, qualified elector, election administration, political party rules, precinct representation, adjoining precinct, county party meeting, proxy attestation, notary public, witnesses, transitional housing, military veterans, grant program, housing services

Transcript Highlights:

• directing OSPI, by October 1, 2030, and every four years thereafter, to prepare and submit to the governor
• OSPI is directed, by October 1, 2030, and every four years thereafter, to prepare and submit to the governor
• It will also require OSPI to show the legislature. ...and the governor their plan for addressing student
• Thank you. ...and the governor their plan for addressing student homelessness and what progress they've
• This bill affirms a simple but very powerful truth: young people experiencing homelessness have a right

Summary: The committee first took executive action on House Bill 1662, which would require the State Board of Education, the Professional Educator Standards Board, the Financial Education Public-Private Partnership, and the Washington State Charter School Commission to make separate administrative arrangements and operate independently. Staff explained a proposed third substitute that delays implementation to July 1, 2027, clarifies independent agency status, and directs OFM and OSPI to support the transition. The prime sponsor and another member spoke in favor, emphasizing agency independence and better use of funds. The committee approved the bill 19-0 and reported the proposed third substitute out with a due pass recommendation. The committee then acted on House Bill 1683, which sets minimum numbers of school directors elected by director district for certain school districts. The substitute changed the enrollment thresholds, clarified the effective date, and removed intent language. Supporters argued it would improve parent and student representation; opponents said it would create an unfunded mandate and micromanage local districts. The committee passed the substitute 11-8 and reported it out with a due pass recommendation. In public hearing, House Bill 2534 was heard first. The bill would expand enrollment flexibility and record-transfer protections for military-connected students, including allowing enrollment before arrival, extending proof-of-residence timelines, and adding protections for students with IEPs or 504 plans. District, military, and advocacy witnesses generally supported the bill as promoting stability, though some asked for changes to a proposed 30-day reevaluation timeline and noted possible compact-related issues. The hearing then moved to House Bill 2557, which would require school districts to provide special education evaluation reports to parents at least five school days before eligibility meetings. Supporters said this would help families prepare and participate meaningfully; district and special education staff warned it could shorten already tight evaluation timelines and create implementation challenges. The committee suspended and later closed the hearing on that bill after time ran out, with the chair noting it could be eligible for executive action the following week. The final public hearing was on House Bill 2594, which would codify McKinney-Vento homeless student protections into state law, assign related duties to OSPI and school districts, and require periodic state reporting. The sponsor and numerous advocates, school district staff, PTA representatives, and individuals with lived experience testified in support, saying it would improve stability, accountability, and access to education for homeless students. One witness asked that grant funding explicitly include community-based organizations. The hearing closed after a large number of pro and some con sign-ins, and the chair also closed the hearing on House Bill 2557, noting amendment deadlines and that the bills could be eligible for executive action the next week.

Transcript Highlights:

• May those who hold power realize their trust from you for the service of the people.
• 39, Representative Burke, a resolution honoring the life and accomplishments of former Kentucky Governor
• 23:21.200><c> Kentucky</c> accomplishments of former Kentucky accomplishments of former Kentucky Governor
• </c><00:23:24.080><c> and</c><00:23:24.320><c> House</c> Governor Martha Lane Collins. and House Governor

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 06:30 Calendar/2nd Readings 07:18 Report of Committees 08:19 Orders of the Day 09:04 HB 96 09:16 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 15:21 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 21:24 Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 23:35 ConC and Rules Report 31:06 Floor Amendments 32:42 Return to Rules Report 33:28 Adjournment 34:27, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HCR 34. 39 40 41 Message from the governor, the secretary will read the message.
• Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas.
• If signed into law by the governor, this initiative would position us as a national leader in Alzheimer's
• Reserve Bank of Dallas, El Paso branch, advised national organizations and earned the recognition from governors
• Secretary read the caption Senate bill 3044 relating to the composition of the Board of Directors and the powers

Bills: SB66 , SB317 , SB393 , SB397 , SB456 , SB614 , SB628 , SB629 , SB636 , SB715 , SB731 , SB801 , SB872 , SB905 , SB986 , SB1012 , SB1013 , SB1015 , SB1032 , SB1113 , SB1181 , SB1212 , SB1241 , SB1250 , SB1278 , SB1285 , SB1376 , SB1444 , SB1449 , SB1524 , SB1525 , SB1528 , SB1556 , SB1588 , SB1660 , SB1704 , SB1708 , SB1802 , SB1833 , SB1844 , SB1854 , SB1863 , SB1957 , SB1959 , SB1965 , SB1999 , SB2035 , SB2056 , SB2082 , SB2119 , SB2138 , SB2165 , SB2199 , SB2201 , SB2203 , SB2245 , SB2284 , SB2419 , SB2422 , SB2452 , SB2487 , SB2523 , SB2529 , SB2533 , SB2541 , SB2586 , SB2595 , SB2605 , SB2615 , SB2675 , SB2690 , SB2717 , SB2753 , SB2778 , SB2835 , SB2841 , SB2891 , SB2929 , SB2933 , SB3016 , SB3039 , SB3044 , HB912 , HB2525 , SJR3 , SB5 , SB29 , SB326 , SB494 , SB530 , SB769 , SB783 , SB963 , SB1238 , SB1271 , SB1786 , SB1967 , SB2312 , SB72 , SB616 , SB1143 , SB1172 , SB1267 , SB1273 , SB1506 , SB1759 , SB2361 , SB1 , SB260 , SB1637 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR59 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR48 , SCR19 , SB2023 , SB1524 , SB2422 , SB2119 , SB2753 , SB1863 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1376 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2681 , SB2199 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB2533 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB1013 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB2284 , SB2929 , SB2595 , SB715 , SB1640 , SB1241 , SB2538 , SB1449 , SB2529 , SB986 , SB1181 , SB1359 , SB2245 , SB410 , SB1234 , SB456 , SB1012 , SB2926 , SB2138 , SB2615 , SB2972 , SB2841 , SB3016 , SB1856 , SB2035 , SB1528 , SB1373 , SB672 , SB2891 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB2539 , SB2532 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB2203 , SB1285 , SB1959 , SB1454 , SB2520 , SB2541 , SB1708 , SB1237 , SB1844 , SB1586 , SB3039 , SB2819 , SB66 , SB629 , SB1015 , SB2342 , SB2903 , SB2933 , SB1965 , SB2477 , SB3029 , SB2605 , SB2419 , SB1957 , SB375 , SB250 , SB777 , SB628 , SB2523 , SB2367 , SB2703 , SB2608 , SB2778 , SB3044 , SB2965 , SB2521 , SB865 , SB1032 , SB2165 , SB2501 , SB2675 , SB2452 , SB2835 , SB872 , SB1212 , SB1278 , SB1588 , SB1602 , SB1704 , SB1723 , SB1833 , SB1858 , SB1946 , SB2009 , SB2177 , SB2460 , SB2785 , SB2373 , SB1660 , SB614 , SB867 , SB1608 , SB1525 , SB905 , SB640 , SB2487 , SB1698 , SB383 , SB705 , SB748 , SB1113 , SB1117 , SB1802 , SB2340 , SB2586 , SB2680 , SB2690 , SB2994 , SB2747 , SB1950 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB3059 , SB2782 , SB2781 , SB2637 , SB2633 , SB2337 , SB2334 , SB1861 , SB2043 , SB1367 , SB946 , SB945 , SB2857 , SB128 , SB571 , SB1263 , SB3058 , SB612 , SB2221 , SB2587 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2713 , HB1109 , HB1392 , HB22 , HB2525 , HB3093 , HB517 , HB912 , HB1130 , HB142 , HB1689 , HB2018 , SB2311 , SB1986 , SB2565 , SB2943 , SB1888 , SB2417 , SB3048 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3056 , SB3043 , SB3037 , SB3050 , SB3063 , SB3047 , SB3035 , HJR98 , HJR99 , HB136 , HB2884 , HB1393 , HB2730 , HB1399 , HB1244 , HB467 , HB331 , HB2559

Keywords: disability, supported decision-making, legal assistance, confidentiality, access to justice, autonomy, civil rights, advocacy, monuments, memorials, public property, historical significance, civil penalties, local governance, SB 393, Sparks, Middleton, local government, political subdivision, public securities

Transcript Highlights:

• So I count on you, the committee members, and all businesses count on you to do everything in your power
• Unfortunately, in my own state, at the end... this session, the governor needed $100 million to close
• threatened to upend his budget deal, and in a late-night deal with the Speaker, Senate President, and the governor
• I mean, I'd speculate real quickly, if the bill were to pass and be signed by the governor here, it would
• The truth is this bill is a doppelganger for Illinois legislation that's been advocated by their governor

Bills: HB245 , HB245 , HB700 , HB2783 , HB3526 , HB3900 , HB4061 , HB4124 , HB4166 , HB4395 , HB4534 , HB4609 , HB4641 , HB4736 , HB4738 , HB4739 , HB4945 , HB5015 , HJR175

Committee: House Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Keywords: property tax, delinquent taxes, ad valorem, penalties, interest cap, military service, retirement, law enforcement, custodial officer, Employees Retirement System, commercial financing, brokers, registration, disclosures, finance, consumer protection, fees, deferred compensation, automatic participation, county employees

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, I recognize that we as legislators have the power to convene, and it is a...
• Now, I recognize that we as legislators have the power to convene, and it is a wonderful power, but at
• It's a soft power.
• You don't need to show market power. You don't really need to show a relevant market.
• Currently, under Section 2, if you don't have 60, 50% market power, you can't bring a case.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on transparency, public health, labor enforcement, health privacy, high-speed rail oversight, and antitrust policy. AB 1544, by Assemblymember Crowell, would strengthen transparency and access to courthouses; the author said it was aimed at protecting press and public access, and the bill was pulled pending quorum. AB 1604, by Assemblymember Stephanie, would ban BPA and other bisphenols in thermal receipt paper by 2027-2028; supporters from Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Californians Against Waste, and a broad coalition argued receipts are a major source of toxic exposure and recycling contamination, while the author said she would continue working with opposition. AB 1859, by Assemblymember Jackson, would let Joint Labor Management Committees visit public works sites to help identify wage and safety violations; labor groups supported it as a low-cost enforcement tool amid a large wage-theft backlog, while contractors and local government groups opposed it as creating private enforcement, liability, and safety concerns. The committee later took up AB 1930, by Assemblymember Burr and sponsored by Attorney General Bonta and Equality California, which would require notice to the Attorney General before certain entities respond to subpoenas or inquiries involving legally protected reproductive or gender-affirming care; supporters framed it as a patient privacy and anti-intimidation measure, while opponents said it would shield providers from scrutiny and interfere with lawful investigations. The bill was approved on a 6-2 vote and placed on call. The consent calendar, including several unrelated bills, was also approved. The committee also heard AB 1584, by Assemblymember Jackson, which would create an Office of Civil Rights within the California Air Resources Board to provide training, language access, and compliance oversight. Supporters said CARB needs a stronger legal framework and dedicated office to enforce civil rights commitments, while an opponent argued CARB already has a civil rights office and should expand existing structures instead of creating a new one. The bill was moved to Appropriations after a roll call vote. AB 1608, by Assemblymember Wilson, would expand the powers and staffing tools of the High-Speed Rail Office of the Inspector General, including public reporting requirements and authority over classifications and purchasing; supporters said stronger independent oversight is needed for the costly project, while opponents criticized the project itself and raised concerns about confidentiality and who should receive reports. The bill was also passed to Appropriations after extended discussion. Finally, AB 1776, by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry, would revise California antitrust law to address single-firm conduct under the Cartwright Act. Supporters, including small business and labor advocates, argued dominant firms can harm competition and that the bill would protect small businesses and workers; opponents from business, biotech, retail, housing, and other sectors warned it would create legal uncertainty, expand litigation, and chill investment. The transcript ended during that bill’s testimony and debate, before a final vote was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the governor has a reasonable concern about short-term. basic assessment as we have in January
• So it's one powerful tool you can use to manage some of the uncertainty.
• So we'd recommend you deposit at least as much as what the Governor is proposing in the May Revision.
• And hats off to the governor for doing that. And I really appreciate it.
• And hats off to the governor for doing that. And I really appreciate it.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We cannot change what happened to Payton, and we cannot bring Harvey back, but this body has the power
• It is your duty to answer our call and put all of your power and support into Harvey's law.
• You have the power and duty to camera.
• </c><00:52:30.240><c> and</c> our call and put all of your power and our call and put all of your power
• </c> house, with a governor house, with a governor not<01:38:14.000><c> running</c><01:38:14.239><c>

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and seven state universities, and we're governed by a 15-member Board of Trustees appointed by the governor
• Trustees appointed by the governor and Trustees appointed by the governor and confirmed<00:02:10.599>
• </c><00:48:13.079><c> line</c> mechanic program carpentry power line mechanic program carpentry power
• </c><00:58:21.920><c> and</c> negotiated outside of your power and negotiated outside of your power and
• to um have often has the least power to um have their<01:02:13.760><c> requests</c><01:02:14.240><c>

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities presented an overview of the system and several budget riders. Board Chair George Soul described the system’s structure, noting 26 colleges and seven universities governed by a 15-member board, and emphasized that Minnesota State serves about 270,000 students annually, including many students of color, adult learners, Pell-eligible students, first-generation students, and veterans. He highlighted the system’s workforce role, saying it offers more than 4,000 programs, extensive employer partnerships, and that 86% of graduates find jobs in their field or a related field. He then turned the presentation over to system staff to discuss specific funding requests. Associate Vice Chancellor Kim Lynch focused on the Z-degree textbook program, which supports zero-textbook-cost courses and degrees. She said prior legislative support has produced about $3.1 million in savings in academic year 2024 and more than $12.6 million in aggregate savings, with 10 colleges now offering Z degrees and 12 more on track or exploring implementation. She described the program’s use of open educational resources, instructional design support, and library resources to fill gaps where free materials are not available, and said students save roughly $7 to $10 for every $1 invested. Members praised the program and asked about its expansion. Associate Vice Chancellor Paul Shepard discussed student support funding, including a centralized basic needs resource hub, the Mantra Health mental health platform, and the emergency grant program. He said student surveys showed significant food, housing, and homelessness insecurity, and that the basic needs hub has served over 2,400 students with a 97% positive response rate. He said Mantra provides telecounseling, peer support, self-paced courses, and crisis support, and clarified in response to questions that it is not AI-driven and does not sell student data; general usage data is collected, and follow-up with campus counselors occurs only at the student’s request. He also said the emergency grant program has distributed over $3 million to more than 4,800 students, with grants averaging just under $700, and that campuses use application review and recordkeeping to manage repeat requests. Members asked about counselor staffing, data privacy, and grant safeguards. The final item addressed sexual assault reporting and prevention funding. System staff said the appropriation supports technology infrastructure for statutory reporting, case management for investigations, campus prevention training, and professional development for Title IX coordinators and related staff. They noted that the statutory student training requirement is funded by individual colleges and universities, not by this appropriation. No formal votes were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:47.080><c> even</c> account uh program the governor even account uh program the governor even
• It's that which I helped Governor Merrill write the BET back in '93.
• </c> that which I helped Governor that which I helped Governor Merill<00:53:17.839><c> write</c><00:53
• </c><04:02:32.399><c> Jud</c> committee the new governor Jud committee the new governor Jud Greg<04:02
• So what you've heard is that the governor has, you know, has a hiring freeze.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened a public hearing on HB 402, a bill dealing with whether Education Freedom Account (EFA) payments should be described in state law as not constituting taxable income. The bill sponsor argued that the current statute is misleading because New Hampshire should not imply a federal tax result, and said the bill would remove that language and could also be amended to clarify that families should consult tax advisors. He emphasized that the measure was not intended to impose a state tax on EFAs, but to avoid giving inaccurate advice about possible federal tax liability. Testimony was divided. A retired representative and a tax preparer both opposed the bill, saying EFA payments are already treated consistently with IRS rules and that the bill would create confusion, administrative burden, and possible tax consequences for low- and moderate-income families. They argued the bill is a solution in search of a problem and warned that requiring 1099s could add costs for the scholarship organization and recipients. A tax attorney supported the bill’s repeal of the state language, saying New Hampshire should not put tax advice into statute and that the current wording is inaccurate because federal law, not state law, controls taxability. He cited IRS Section 117 and Publication 970, explaining that only some scholarship-like payments are tax-free and that many EFA-eligible expenses may not qualify for federal exemption. Members asked questions about what would be misleading, whether the bill was trying to tax EFAs, and the cost of issuing 1099s. The sponsor and witnesses repeatedly said the bill was not a state tax on voucher payments, but a clarification about federal tax treatment. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so he has come here today and tomorrow to visit with us, to visit with the governor, to visit with
• President, move adoption of the committee report. the governor to include in the annual the governor
• </c> the political divide that nuclear power the political divide that nuclear power is<01:35:47.520>
• </c><01:36:34.320><c> uh</c> level relating to nuclear power uh level relating to nuclear power uh because
• Delegate Foley, Local Government, Regulatory Powers, Regulation of Invasive Trees. >> All right.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It says, 'There is nothing more powerful than a light that refuses to be hidden.'
• objection, the House now returned to the Fourth Order of Business: Consideration of Messages from the Governor

Summary: The House convened with 68 members present and approved the House Journal from the previous legislative day. The chamber also received notice of a temporary substitute for Legislative District 17, Seat B, and a Senate Joint Memorial transmitted from the Senate. House Concurrent Resolutions 23 and 24 were introduced and referred for printing; HCR 23 seeks a U.S. constitutional convention to impose congressional term limits, while HCR 24 honors fallen Kootenai County and Coeur d’Alene firefighters and supports Idaho first responders. Standing committee reports moved several bills forward. The Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee reported House Bills 532-539 printed and referred them to the Transportation, Local Government, and State Affairs committees as appropriate. The Business Committee recommended House Bill 514 do pass. The House also received first readings for a large group of bills, including measures on juvenile correction public records, child enticement, social media restrictions for children, public employee retirement contributions, military leave, counselor licensure for military chaplains, restroom access, cosmetology licensing, boating enforcement, hospital district dissolution petitions, midwifery authority and rules, and property tax assessment. On the Third Reading Calendar, Representative Ben Adams asked unanimous consent to hold House Bill 493 for one legislative day while the sponsor works with an affected stakeholder; there was no objection. During announcements, members welcomed visiting county officials, the Idaho Vacation Rental Alliance, nurses in the gallery, and noted upcoming meetings including the Rural Health Transformation Program and an Energy Caucus luncheon. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn and recessed until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Military and Veterans Affairs and Adjutant General, for a term expiring at the pleasure of the governor
• teaches all students and families how local, state, and national systems work and how they have the power

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened on January 22 with a quorum present, approved the January 21 journal, and confirmed the Governor’s appointment of Robert Davis as Executive Director of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and Adjutant General by a 31-0 vote. The chamber also added several senators to the roll as they arrived and acknowledged Senator Betty Boyd as a special guest. During announcements and personal privileges, the Senate recognized FaithBridge Colorado with a tribute commending its advocacy and work to improve education and opportunity for Colorado children and families. The chamber also welcomed several Miss Rodeo titleholders visiting the Senate, including Miss Rodeo America Olivia Fero, and heard brief announcements about a Healthier Colorado legislative reception that evening and upcoming Judiciary Joint Committee SMART Act budget hearings. Additional announcements noted Senator Cutter would be excused on Monday the 26th, and Senator Ko advised that Linsky Elementary students from her district would be visiting the building. The Majority Leader then moved that the Senate recess until 11:00 a.m. to read bills across the desk, and the motion passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• bills are passed to be enacted, and the bills will be signed by the President and laid before the Governor
• They are a grassroots, boots-on-the-ground, shelterless, foster-based, and volunteer-powered organization

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted a resolution congratulating Anna Karaz on her 100th birthday. It then took up and passed to be engrossed a home rule bill authorizing bilingual ballots in English and Haitian Creole for the Town of Randolph. The sponsoring senator spoke in support, saying the measure would improve access, inclusivity, and voter participation for Randolph’s growing Haitian Creole-speaking population, and noted the town’s low recent turnout and the importance of not waiting for a federal language-access review. The Senate also passed to be engrossed a bill authorizing the Town of Milford Select Board to appoint a highway surveyor. It later adopted a Ways and Means order advancing a House bill on teacher preparation and student literacy with a new draft, and suspended rules to refer several Senate petitions. Additional local bills were enacted, including measures concerning Provincetown’s charter, the appointed town clerk in Avon, and Westwood liquor license authority. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer a House petition on retirement benefits for a Massachusetts Maritime Academy associate professor. Later, the Senate amended and passed a bill validating and confirming certain acts and proceedings of elected and appointed officials in the Town of Plymouth. A senator also offered remarks congratulating Sweet Paws Rescue on its 15th anniversary and new facility, which were ordered printed in the Journal. The chamber then adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Gerard W. Moynihan of North Reading, followed by a moment of silence, and adjourned until the following Monday at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• bills are passed to be enacted, and the bills will be signed by the President and laid before the Governor
• They are a grassroots, boots-on-the-ground, shelterless, foster-based, and volunteer-powered organization

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To the God of the rich To the God of the powerful. To the god of the powerless.
• Otherwise known as Cactus Jack and Governor Dolph Briscoe Junior, both of whom have left a lasting impact