Transcript Highlights:

• There's also a minimalization of the fact that fraud is a crime, and this generally requires a rigorous
• There is a fundamental presumption of innocence when bringing forth allegations of crime, and this bill
• There's also a minimization of the fact that fraud is a crime, and this generally requires a rigorous
• There is a fundamental presumption of innocence when bringing forth allegations of crime, and this bill
• There's also a minimization of the fact that fraud is a crime, and this generally requires a rigorous

Bills: HF1, HF1384

Keywords: Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices, government transparency, accountability, law enforcement referrals, sanctions, debarment, payment withholding, public assistance fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• It's all computer controlled, very, very effective to get the flies at the right place at the right time
• These reductions are possible due to the available performance data and validated manufacturer computer
• These reductions are possible due to the available performance data and validated manufacturer computer
• Performance data and validated manufacturer computer modeling rather than pilot studies.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• going to board Board meetings, are those open to the public and virtual, like I could log into my computer
• could log the public and virtual like I could log into<01:28:51.760><c> my</c><01:28:51.920><c> computer
• <c> watch</c><01:28:52.639><c> them</c><01:28:53.199><c> or</c><01:28:53.440><c> are</c> into my computer
• to watch them or are into my computer to watch them or are they<01:28:53.760><c> more</c><01:28:54.000

Bills: SF2434

Keywords: housing, development fund, affordable housing, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, expenditure provisions

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we went from just running our test on instruments to using those instruments and attaching computers
• 25.240><c> attaching</c> using those instruments and attaching using those instruments and attaching computers
• </c><02:15:28.520><c> So,</c> computers to do our calculation. So, computers to do our calculation.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just waiting for my computer to wake up. So, um, it has my notes and such.
• ><00:47:58.160><c> waiting</c><00:47:58.319><c> for</c><00:47:58.560><c> my</c><00:47:58.880><c> computer
• I'm just waiting for my computer sorry.
• I'm just waiting for my computer went<00:47:59.680><c> to</c><00:47:59.920><c> sleep.

Bills: HF3698, HF4243, HF4239, HF4241, HF4242, HF4240

Keywords: libraries, electronic books, digital audiobooks, licensing agreements, public access, campaign finance, elections, political contributions, disclosure, reporting thresholds, economic interest statements, financial disclosure, ethics, public officials, local officials, metropolitan governmental unit, metropolitan area, candidate filings, principal campaign committee, political committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Massachusetts AI Hub, we've recently awarded $31 million to the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing
• Center in Holyoke to establish a shared AI computing resource that supports advanced research and commercialization
• Because, like I said, they're the ones that, you know, have got us here, but then they also are not computer
• . because like I said, they're the ones that, you know, have got us here, but then they also not computer

Summary: The hearing in Barnstable opened with remarks from the House and Senate co-chairs about the importance of holding Ways and Means budget hearings on the Cape, especially given the region’s seasonal economy and infrastructure needs. The committee then heard testimony from Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones on the governor’s FY27 budget proposal. She highlighted funding for workforce programs including the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, Career Technical Initiative, registered apprenticeship, YouthWorks, reentry workforce programs, and services for young adults with disabilities. She also discussed MassHire career centers, the MassHire Innovation Project, and the Department of Unemployment Assistance modernization effort, noting improved call wait times and claims processing, but acknowledging continued challenges and federal funding uncertainty. Members asked about job-seeker barriers such as child care, housing, and transportation; domestic outmigration of young workers; youth work permits; unemployment insurance costs and the COVID assessment on employers; and the state’s unemployment rate and UI trust fund solvency. Jones and Undersecretary Josh Cutler explained the difference between workforce training funds and the unemployment trust fund, described the statewide trigger that extends unemployment benefits from 26 to 30 weeks when regional unemployment averages 5.2 percent, and said the administration is reviewing the trust fund with labor and business stakeholders. They also said the administration is trying to preserve front-line DUA staffing while shifting resources to customer service and adjudication, including a Friday adjudication pilot and seasonal hires. Senators and representatives also pressed the administration on regional equity in workforce funding, especially for Hampshire Franklin MassHire, which was described as serving a large rural area with fewer resources than other regions. Administration officials said they are reviewing MassHire funding formulas and modernizing the system with a policy committee and state workforce board input, but did not offer an immediate fix. The committee also heard that early childhood education apprenticeships are expanding quickly, with state funding leveraged to secure federal grants and support new Grow Awards. The hearing then moved to the Executive Office of Economic Development, where Secretary Eric Paley outlined House 2 proposals for economic development, including support for the Community One Stop for Growth, rural economic development, workforce partnerships, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, AI, small business assistance, tourism, and tax incentives. Undersecretary Leila D’Amilia followed with testimony on consumer affairs and business regulation, describing funding for consumer protection, banking oversight, occupational licensure, and public safety inspections.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just completely irrelevant to the design, but, you know, they're flagged in the computer system.
• they're<00:20:08.120><c> flagged</c><00:20:08.480><c> in</c><00:20:08.560><c> the</c><00:20:08.640><c> computer
• </c> they're flagged in the computer system. they're flagged in the computer system.

Bills: HB1984, HB1593, HB2423, HB1691, HB2283, HB2386, HB1824, HB1697, HB2164, HB2165

Keywords: renewable energy, solar energy, self-certification, building permits, environmental regulations, HB1593, affordable housing, pet-inclusive housing, pet friendly housing, rental housing, affordable rental housing, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, tenant pets, companion animals, dogs, cats, landlord-tenant law, security deposit, pet deposit

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1984 HD2, which would require government entities issuing building permits to create a self-certification process for certain behind-the-meter rooftop solar and energy storage systems, allowing approved applicants to proceed without waiting for standard permit review. The Public Utilities Commission and DLNR offered comments, and the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, Holoholo Energy, Photon Works Engineering, Malama Solar, RevoluSun, and others testified in strong support. Supporters said the bill would reduce permitting delays, lower costs, and help meet Hawaii’s renewable energy goals while still relying on licensed engineers, electricians, and county inspections for safety. Committee members asked about risk, existing county pilot programs, and whether self-certification had been used before; witnesses said the professional liability remains with licensed signers and that current automated review systems often flag minor issues that slow projects. The committee also noted 16 additional written testimonies in support. The committee then took up HB 1593 HD1, which would require HHFDC-financed affordable rental housing projects to allow residents to own or keep common household pets. The Hawaiian Humane Society testified that the bill is a top priority because housing restrictions are a major reason pets are surrendered and because many unhoused residents with pets avoid housing that does not allow animals. In response to questions, the Humane Society said concerns about pet-related damage are overstated, suggested pet behavior screening as a safeguard, and said it would be willing to work on broader private-market pet-friendly housing policies. Members raised concerns about whether allowing pets in public housing could create problems for residents who later transition to the private market, and the witness said California has a similar law and no major negative effects had been identified. Finally, the committee heard HB 2423 HD2, which would require that by January 1, 2028, diesel fuel sold in Hawaii for on-highway vehicles contain at least 5% biodiesel by volume. The Hawaii State Energy Office offered comments, and Hawaii Transportation Association and Pacific Biodiesel Technologies testified in support. Pacific Biodiesel argued the mandate would improve energy security, stabilize fuel prices amid global supply disruptions, and support local clean-fuel production. In response to questions, the company said its nameplate capacity is 5.5 million gallons per year and it has produced over 6 million gallons annually, but much of its output is tied up in standby generator contracts that can fluctuate. Witnesses said the mandate would provide a stable market signal and could support future investment in expanded local biodiesel production, including agricultural feedstock development and a possible second refinery. No votes or final actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first is to correct what appears to be a computational error for the required number of van-accessible
• 46.000><c> a</c> first is to correct what appears to be a first is to correct what appears to be a computational
• 47.800><c> um</c><01:35:47.880><c> for</c><01:35:48.040><c> the</c><01:35:48.120><c> required</c> computational
• error um for the required computational error um for the required number<01:35:48.800><c> of</c><01:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, with most measures drawing either support or comments rather than opposition. HB 2395, relating to taking marine deposits for research, education, management, or propagation, received support from the University of Hawaii and DLNR. HB 2585, relating to agricultural tourism, drew broad support for its intent to keep agritourism secondary to farming, but agencies and farm groups raised concerns about enforcement, county authority, and the rebuttable presumption language. Testifiers included OPSD, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, Hawaii Farm Bureau, a small farm operator, and others, with some urging clearer definitions, simpler registration, and protections for bona fide farms and hosted farm stays. HB 1728, on rainwater catchment systems, was supported in principle by DLNR, which cited drought conditions and said it deferred to counties and the Department of Health on safety and regulation. HB 1881, which would prohibit passenger ropeways on mountain lands, drew strong support from community testifiers who said it would help prevent development disguised as agritourism and protect forests and country lands. HB 1990, establishing penalties and possible foreclosure for unresolved zoning violations, received comments from the Attorney General recommending removal of AG references and more county-centered enforcement, while the Hawaii Association of Realtors warned the 30-day timeline could create problems for absent or unaware homeowners. The committee also heard HB 1712, which would expand and make permanent certain seats on the State Building Code Council. The Plumbers and Fitters union supported the bill, but BIA Hawaii requested amendments to add “licensed contractor” language, and architects and other professionals opposed the measure, arguing that increasing the council from 12 to 15 voting members would make it less efficient and harder to reach quorum. Finally, HB 2151, relating to hempcrete, was supported by a Kauai workforce development advocate and the Hawaii Farm Bureau, who said hempcrete could support agriculture, manufacturing, and affordable housing while reducing carbon and reliance on imported materials. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We added a computer science class for 2026, and we're looking at expanding our I've used through my early
• We added<00:06:07.520><c> a</c><00:06:07.759><c> computer</c><00:06:08.160><c> science</c><00:06:08.479
• ><c> class</c><00:06:08.800><c> for</c><00:06:09.120><c> 2026,</c> added a computer science class for
• 2026, added a computer science class for 2026, and<00:06:10.240><c> we're</c><00:06:10.479><c> looking

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sorry, I have a giant computer here.
• /c><01:05:19.520><c> have</c><01:05:19.599><c> a</c><01:05:19.839><c> giant</c><01:05:20.240><c> computer
• Sorry, I have a giant computer &gt;&gt; Yes.
• Sorry, I have a giant computer here.<01:05:20.720><c> I'm</c><01:05:20.880><c> just</c><01:05:21.039>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• of impressions that you have on there, but also when an individual in New Hampshire goes on their computer
• of impressions that you have on there, but also when an individual in New Hampshire goes on their computer
• know from the data is that 132,000 times in the state of New Hampshire, when somebody went to their computer
• know from the data is that 132,000 times in the state of New Hampshire, when somebody went to their computer

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the draft minutes from September 26. Senator Gray then raised the idea of creating a continuing subcommittee or recurring agenda item on palliative care and hospice, noting that the issues are evolving and suggesting the committee revisit the idea in coming months. The bulk of the meeting focused on Department of Health and Human Services updates. Officials described contingency planning for SNAP amid the federal shutdown, including a USDA notice that November benefits may not be fully funded, letters to participants warning of possible delays, and coordination with the New Hampshire Food Bank and local pantries. They said New Hampshire serves about 42,000 SNAP households, with average benefits around $300 a month, and that the department is also preparing to transfer funds for a special fiscal committee meeting. WIC was discussed separately: officials said WIC benefits had been extended through November 7 using additional USDA funds, but that some community agency-based WIC services may need to pause while money is redirected to food benefits. Officials also outlined New Hampshire’s rural health transformation grant application under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill, describing a potential five-year, up-to-$1 billion opportunity focused on critical access hospitals, small rural hospitals, federally qualified health centers, community mental health centers, and EMS. Members asked about transportation, workforce, and nursing retention; officials said transportation is included in the proposal, housing is not, and workforce supports may include lower tuition or awards but not loan repayment or traditional scholarships. They also said the final application would be submitted in early November and that priorities would be adjusted depending on the eventual federal award. Finally, Medicaid director Henry Lipman gave a quarterly postpartum coverage update. He said postpartum coverage is now nearly universal nationwide, and in New Hampshire 2,351 women had used the benefit through May 2025. He reported that mental health services were the most frequently used postpartum service, followed by preventive care, substance use disorder treatment, and cardiovascular-related care, and noted that Medicaid women have experienced a disproportionate share of maternal deaths. Committee members asked about rural distribution and the share of women receiving mental health services, and Lipman said the department would follow up with additional data. The meeting then moved into the annual update on New Hampshire’s 10-year mental health plan, with staff describing progress toward a more integrated continuum of care and improved data infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, leadership indicated to us that there's a way to have tasks that come up on your computer screen
• come</c><01:15:32.640><c> up</c><01:15:32.800><c> on</c><01:15:32.960><c> your</c><01:15:33.120><c> computer
• </c> tasks that come up on your computer tasks that come up on your computer screen<01:15:33.600><c>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board meeting began with a roll call and approval of the October 7 meeting minutes. The chair then reordered the agenda to hear the item on Medicaid reimbursement rates and network adequacy first because of scheduling issues. Dr. Steve Robertson of the Kentucky Dental Association was sworn in and testified at length about Kentucky’s dental Medicaid program, arguing that reimbursement rates are unsustainably low, have been largely flat for decades, and are often below the cost of providing care. He said Kentucky ranks near the bottom nationally in oral health, dental Medicaid rates are often 60% or less of commercial rates, and the program’s share of the Medicaid budget has effectively remained around 2% despite growth in enrollment and services. Dr. Robertson said the low rates are contributing to provider losses, rural access gaps, longer wait times, dental deserts, and greater use of emergency rooms for preventable dental problems. He cited examples of office costs exceeding reimbursement for basic procedures, noted that many dentists are small private businesses, and said the state is struggling to recruit and retain dentists because of low payment levels and high student debt. He also pointed to disparities with neighboring states and said recent increases in some oral surgery and cleaning codes were not enough to address the broader problem. His recommendations included completing the rebasing study, increasing dental reimbursement in the upcoming budget, tying future reviews to inflation and cost data, aligning benchmarks, and prioritizing preventive and restorative care to improve workforce stability and access. Board members asked about the size of the needed increase, the effect of private insurance on dental practice finances, and what a new dentist might expect to earn. Dr. Robertson said the association is working on an appropriations request and that private insurance pressures are part of the problem as well, since many plans are HMOs or PPOs with limited provider control over rates. He also said the association can no longer conduct reimbursement surveys because of FTC restrictions, but would try to obtain current ADA data. In response to questions about the future of the program, he warned that without significant changes it could become unsustainable and cited Ohio and Missouri as examples where higher reimbursement improved provider participation and access. The board then heard from Mr. Bowman of Baldwin Consulting, who discussed outpatient behavioral health providers, including ABA therapy and mental health/substance use disorder services. He said these providers face similar issues of rising costs, flat reimbursement, and access problems. He reviewed Kentucky’s network adequacy standards, including travel-time standards, 30-day appointment limits, and newer federal requirements that will require services within 10 business days by 2029. He said wait times for outpatient behavioral health, especially children’s services and ABA, have grown substantially, sometimes to more than a year, and emphasized that the Medicaid department must enforce these standards.

Transcript Highlights:

• And what Dodge has done, guys, they have gone through every computer, and anything that said contract
• Thank you. gone through every every through the gone through every every through the computers, computers
• , computers, and<00:09:46.600><c> anything</c><00:09:47.320><c> that</c><00:09:47.600><c> said</c><00

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with the pledge and prayer, a roll call established quorum, and members announced a Veterans Caucus meeting to follow the session. The committee also recognized distinguished veteran Joe Mash Masterson of Bardstown, who was praised for his Army service, long-time advocacy for veterans, and leadership in the American Legion and local veteran organizations. Masterson thanked his family, the American Legion Post 121, and the VA staff, and several members offered remarks honoring his service and the committee’s practice of recognizing veterans. The committee then briefly addressed a referred administrative regulation, 017 KAR 001 030, which leadership described as technical updates to existing policy; no vote was taken. After that, members heard testimony from KDVA and Finance and Administration officials on the ongoing HVAC replacement project at the Radcliffe Veteran Center. Officials said the system had been problematic for years, that design work began early to accelerate the project, and that the work was complicated by the need to replace the system in an operating nursing facility. They explained that the project was bid in March, awarded to Less Mechanical, and that protective measures, shop drawings, and equipment orders were underway. Committee members pressed officials on why the problem had taken so long to resolve, why the original system had been installed, whether the issue had been communicated regularly, and whether the state should be paying for a replacement in a relatively new facility. Officials said the original system’s components and warranties had failed, that they had tried to replace parts before moving to a full replacement, and that the system’s manufacturer and quality differed from a similar facility in Glasgow that had not had the same issues. They said the current phase one contract was about $6 million, with the remaining funds held for phase two to restore full occupancy; phase two design was nearly complete and could be bid later if funding is approved. Officials estimated phase one completion around January 2026 and full completion around March 2027, depending on funding and scheduling.

Transcript Highlights:

• this go away, and that in fact it is going to require a significant investment in modernizing DHS's computer
• modernizing<01:07:44.640><c> uh</c><01:07:45.079><c> dhs's</c><01:07:46.079><c> uh</c><01:07:46.279><c> computer
• </c><01:07:46.720><c> systems</c> modernizing uh dhs's uh computer systems modernizing uh dhs's uh computer

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Back in the day, we used to run kids through computer labs to complete those assessments.
• Back in the day, we used to run kids through computer labs to complete those assessments.
• Technology-based, back in the day, we used to run kids through computer labs to complete those assessments
• Technology has great promise for us, and the state is also investing in computer science education so

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• there was some pretty egregious homeowner stories where you just wanted to bang your head in the computer
• 34.880><c> the</c> you just wanted to bang your head in the you just wanted to bang your head in the computer
• 13:37.920><c> this</c><01:13:38.040><c> was</c><01:13:38.199><c> a</c><01:13:38.400><c> very</c> computer
• as well um but this was a very computer as well um but this was a very repetitive<01:13:39.280><c> thing

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't do site visits to look at their, you know, whatever computer system they're using, whether it's
• visits to look at their you<00:48:27.480><c> know</c><00:48:27.640><c> whatever</c><00:48:27.960><c> computer
• </c><00:48:28.359><c> system</c> you know whatever computer system you know whatever computer system

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• She said that was the end; she's done working on these computer systems.
• 01:07:23.520><c> working</c><01:07:24.440><c> on</c><01:07:24.960><c> these</c><01:07:25.200><c> computer
• </c> end she's done working on these computer end she's done working on these computer Compu<01:07:25.920

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• support programs for landscapers, electricians, elders, surgery technicians, gunsmiths, accountants, computer
• gunsmiths</c> surgery technicians gunsmiths surgery technicians gunsmiths accountants<00:44:59.599><c> computer
• </c><00:45:00.000><c> scientists</c><00:45:00.839><c> artists</c> accountants computer scientists artists
• accountants computer scientists artists engineers<00:45:01.880><c> and</c><00:45:02.040><c> nurses</

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• include the cost of a documented disability or child care, and it can include the cost of a first-time computer
• /c> and it can include the cost of a and it can include the cost of a firsttime<01:29:55.520><c> computer
• </c><01:29:56.040><c> purchase</c><01:29:57.040><c> or</c> firsttime computer purchase or firsttime computer

Keywords: 1183, house