Transcript Highlights:

• We had about 11 to choose from. We picked the best five.
• We have the beam signing scheduled for the afternoon of September 22nd.
• And then... ...of September 22nd. There'll be more to come with that.
• The next meeting will be September 30th.
• I think September 30 is the date.

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes before hearing a series of informational updates. The Petroleum Council reported that North Dakota oil production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with activity shifting northward in the Bakken as technology improves and three- and four-mile laterals boost well performance. The presentation also discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, the importance of pipelines and other linear infrastructure, and enhanced oil recovery pilot projects supported by state and federal funding. Members asked questions about gas production taxes, natural gas liquids, and the outlook for drilling rigs and future production. The Office of State Tax Commissioner then reviewed the federal “big beautiful bill” and its estimated effect on North Dakota individual and business income tax collections. Staff explained that most of the individual income tax impact comes from the permanent increase in the standard deduction, while temporary provisions such as senior deductions, tip and overtime exclusions, and auto loan interest deductions have smaller or limited-term effects. They also noted that business tax changes, especially depreciation and expensing provisions, create a larger near-term cash impact, and that some FY25 collections likely reflected one-time oil field transactions that may have inflated the baseline used in earlier estimates. OMB provided updates on major capital projects and facility funding. For Capitol grounds improvements, officials described plans for 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding upgrades, public seating, lighting, tree management, and possible restroom and lobby reconfiguration, while also noting the governor’s residence security project and the discovery of human remains on the Capitol grounds. OMB and its consultants also reported on the state facility maintenance fund, including window replacement, boiler work, roof and foundation repairs, and a new facility conditions assessment covering more state buildings. Updates were also given on the new state hospital in Jamestown, the Minot state office building, and the use of federal state fiscal recovery funds, including possible future reallocations to the Department of Corrections. Finally, Legislative Council staff summarized the interim compliance report on legislative intent and trust fund activity, highlighting the status of lines of credit, Bank of North Dakota profit transfers, the statewide litigation pool, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, corrections planning, HHS program updates, and a likely future general fund request for the unemployment insurance modernization project. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes; the meeting was primarily informational, with members asking clarifying questions throughout.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had the City of Portland do a program area tour in September.
• We've been continuing to reach out. a tour in September.
• need to obligate $927 million of that $1.5 billion Bridge Investment Program grant by the end of September
• so we can secure those funds, get them programmed for construction... ...before the end of September
• The public comment period that just got started last week ends on January 11.

Committee: Joint Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee

Summary: The committee met for a work session and public hearing on the Interstate 5 bridge replacement program. Program staff provided updates on permitting and environmental milestones, including the biological opinion, the Coast Guard navigation review, the final supplemental environmental impact statement, and the amended record of decision expected in 2026. They also discussed the Bridge Investment Program grant deadline, the need for an initial finance plan, and the transition from Greg Johnson to interim administrator Carly Francis. Johnson thanked the committee for its support as he prepared to step down, and members praised his leadership and the program’s outreach and transparency. A major focus was the bridge configuration and cost-estimating process. Staff said the Coast Guard is reviewing the Navigation Impact Report and will decide whether a fixed 116-foot span or a movable span is permissible. They said the final environmental document will also resolve open questions such as one versus two auxiliary lanes and single- versus double-deck configurations. Members pressed staff on why a cost estimate was not yet available, whether the federal decision could delay funding deadlines, and what cost drivers were most significant. Francis said the estimate is still being developed, that a movable span would cost more and affect schedule, and that the program is also considering value engineering and other efficiencies. The committee also reviewed transit-related costs and operations. Staff explained that light rail remains part of the modified locally preferred alternative, and that ridership and operations estimates are based on federal modeling methods. They said updated annual operations and maintenance costs are about $10.3 million, down from a prior estimate of $21.8 million because the current service plan assumes 15-minute train frequency rather than a more intensive schedule. Oregon’s share is estimated at about $5.15 million and Washington’s at $4.12 million, with TriMet said to have committed its portion while Washington-side funding sources are still being identified. Members asked for more detail on TriMet’s fiscal stability and on how the transit operating costs will be covered. In public testimony, economist Joe Cortright criticized the program for not providing an updated cost estimate and argued that the project is behind schedule and has been inconsistent about the Coast Guard process. He said the committee needed the most critical information—total project cost—before moving forward. The hearing then continued with additional public testimony not included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had the City of Portland do a program area tour in September.
• We've been continuing to reach out A tour in September.
• need to obligate $927 million of that $1.5 billion Bridge Investment Program grant by the end of September
• To sum up, the Bridge Investment Program grant amendment that we need by the end of September next year
• But the public comment period that just got started last week ends on January 11.

Committee: Joint Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee

Summary: The Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee met for a work session and public hearing on the Interstate 5 bridge replacement program. Program staff outlined major milestones, including the recent biological opinion, the Coast Guard’s opening of a public comment period on the Navigation Impact Report, expected decisions in early 2026 on navigational clearance and the final supplemental environmental impact statement, and a possible amended record of decision in 2026. They also discussed the Bridge Investment Program grant amendment deadline, the need for an initial finance plan, and ongoing community outreach and contractor engagement. Greg Johnson announced he was stepping down as program administrator, and Carly Francis introduced herself as interim administrator. A large portion of the meeting focused on design and cost questions. Staff said the program is studying fixed and movable spans, single- and double-deck configurations, and one versus two auxiliary lanes, with final recommendations to be made through the federal environmental process. They said the Coast Guard’s decision is central to what bridge configuration is permittable and to the timing of the updated cost estimate, which has not yet been released. Members pressed for more detail on cost drivers, potential impacts to businesses upriver, and whether the states would need to seek additional funding. Staff said they had reached agreements with four impacted river users, but the underlying evaluation materials are protected and not publicly releasable. The committee also reviewed transit-related questions. Staff explained that light rail remains part of the modified locally preferred alternative and that ridership and operations estimates are being updated using federal modeling methods. They said projected opening-day transit operations and maintenance costs have dropped from an earlier estimate of $21.8 million to about $10.3 million annually because the current model assumes lower frequency, with Oregon and Washington shares split by geography and fare recovery. Members raised concerns about TriMet’s financial stability and the need for a funding plan by fall 2027, ahead of a planned federal transit funding application in fall 2028. During public testimony, several speakers criticized the delay in releasing a new cost estimate and argued the project scope should be reduced if costs continue to rise. Testifiers from City Observatory and the Just Crossing Alliance said the project appears to be avoiding bad news, urged the committee to consider scope reductions, and questioned whether the active transportation and freeway components align with the project’s core purpose. The meeting ended with thanks to Johnson for his service and a transition to public hearing testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• No later than September 7th, the working No later than September 7th, the working group is supposed to
• Instead of a preliminary report September 7th, it says July 15th.
• Somewhere in that first week or so of September, it's when it gets set.
• &gt;&gt; Special interests. one<05:11:45.360><c> sword</c><05:11:45.680><c> or</c><05:11:45.840><c> another
• Printed in House Journal on May 11, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:11:01.839><c> leadership,</c><00:11:02.680><c> and</c><00:11:02.800><c> lived</c> center the
• of</c><00:11:03.880><c> black</c><00:11:04.200><c> mothers</c><00:11:04.600><c> while</c><00:11:05.040
• And<00:11:12.400><c> whereas</c><00:11:13.120><c> coinciding</c><00:11:13.680><c> with</c><00:11:13.800
• <00:11:15.280><c> in</c><00:11:15.480><c> justice</c><00:11:16.000><c> and</c><00:11:16.160><c> joy.
• <c> years</c><00:11:17.480><c> of</c><00:11:17.600><c> building</c><00:11:17.920><c> the</c><00:11:18.000

Transcript Highlights:

• That will be done before September. Okay. Thank you. I appreciate it.
• This was stood up in September 2025.
• This will be in the afternoon on September 22nd. More details are to come.
• If not, I think it was said that our next meeting date will be September 30th.
• If not, I think it was said that our next meeting date will be September 30th.

Summary: The committee was called to order, the roll was taken, and the March 18 minutes were approved. Members then received several project and program updates, beginning with CHI St. Alexius’s behavioral health buildouts in Bismarck, Williston, and Grand Forks. St. Alexius reported that the Bismarck project remains on track for June 2027 completion, with demolition underway and final design work nearing completion. Williston reported construction is progressing, staffing recruitment is underway for psychiatrists and other staff, and an air handler replacement is creating a roughly $750,000 unbudgeted barrier that will slightly delay the timeline. Grand Forks reported its expansion is about 30% complete, with no major barriers beyond weather, and leaders said the project should be substantially complete in the first quarter of 2027. The Department of Health and Human Services then presented a series of budget and program updates. Donna Ockland explained several recent line-item transfers as technical corrections that net to zero and do not require new spending, then reviewed salaries, wages, and FTE counts, noting the department remains within its authorized staffing levels. Pat Rainer followed with an update on the Rural Health Transformation Program, saying 12 opportunities have been posted, 422 applications received, and $8.4 million obligated so far, with a goal of obligating the full $199 million by September. He described grants for workforce retention, rural rotations and housing, community gardens, school wellness, behavioral health promotion, safety net services, equipment, technology, EMS, and other initiatives, emphasizing that the program is intended to be transformational and tied to metrics. Members asked extensive questions about how rural eligibility is defined, how grants will support both rural facilities and hub hospitals, and how future years of funding will build on current awards. The committee also heard an update on certified community behavioral health clinics from Elena Zeller, who said North Dakota has been accepted as a demonstration state, implementation is underway in Williston, North Central/Minot, Fargo, and Dickinson, and care coordination and service counts are increasing. Rebecca Askins then reviewed SNAP payment error rates, saying the 2025 rate was finalized at 9.89%, with the state aiming to get below 6% through policy updates, training, data tools, and a quality assurance team. Members pressed her on the causes of the error rate, the role of the SPACES software system, and the need for accountability and improvements. Finally, Dirk Wilkie reported the state laboratory project reached substantial completion on June 12 and is on budget at about $69.95 million, though a service elevator had to be redesigned because it was too small for equipment.

Transcript Highlights:

• some<01:11:43.199><c> of</c><01:11:43.280><c> the</c><01:11:43.440><c> spending,</c><01:11:43.760><c
• </c><01:11:46.800><c> We</c><01:11:46.960><c> want</c><01:11:47.040><c> to</c><01:11:47.199><c> bring
• one</c><01:11:48.560><c> idea</c><01:11:48.800><c> this</c><01:11:49.040><c> group</c><01:11:49.280>
• <01:11:53.199><c> report</c><01:11:53.520><c> every</c><01:11:53.760><c> year</c><01:11:54.000><c> so
• ><c> around</c><01:11:57.120><c> all</c><01:11:57.360><c> spending</c><01:11:57.679><c> in</c><01:11:

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its July 30, 2025 meeting. Members then heard a presentation from Roger McCann of the Department for Community Based Services on Kentucky’s 2026-2027 Community Services Block Grant state plan. He explained that the federally funded grant, now about $12 million annually, is distributed through 23 local community action agencies that use flexible funds for locally identified needs such as housing, nutrition, transportation, Head Start, and domestic violence services. McCann said the plan is submitted every two years and that the agencies served about 264,000 Kentuckians and 130,000 families in 2024. Senator Meredith asked whether there was a central place to review local projects, and McCann said regular reports exist and could be shared with members. The committee then approved the CSBG state plan by roll call vote. After that, members received an update on Kentucky’s state-designated domestic violence shelter programs from Angela Yanelli of ZeroV, Mary Foley of Maryman House Domestic Crisis Center, and Elizabeth Martin of the Center for Women and Families. The presenters described ZeroV’s role as the statewide domestic violence coalition, its 15 member programs across all area development districts, and its contract with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to provide emergency shelter, supportive services, housing assistance, and batterers intervention programming. They emphasized that services are available 24/7 and are trauma-informed, with a strong focus on children and family support. The domestic violence providers reported high demand and rising costs. ZeroV said its network served more than 14,000 adults and children in fiscal year 2025, including nearly 900 children in shelter and more than 500 in outreach, while Maryman House reported operating at 90-92% capacity, with 53 households waiting for emergency shelter and 63 more waiting for intake. Maryman House also described an 8-unit transitional housing complex and plans for a 48-unit apartment complex if tax credit funding is approved. The Center for Women and Families highlighted school-readiness support for children, tutoring, counseling, and family services, including back-to-school supplies and rights information for homeless students. No additional votes or formal actions were taken during the domestic violence presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.080><c> that</c><01:11:00.320><c> streamed</c><01:11:00.800><c> across</c><01:11:01.120><c> the</
• &gt;&gt; So<01:11:02.400><c> I</c><01:11:02.640><c> really</c><01:11:02.880><c> wanted</c><01:11:03.120
• ><c> to</c><01:11:03.760><c> get</c><01:11:04.000><c> a</c><01:11:04.239><c> better</c><01:11:04.560>
• the economist on 50<01:11:09.360><c> Magnum</c><01:11:09.840><c> PI</c><01:11:10.640><c> wrecking</c
• ><01:11:11.120><c> crew</c><01:11:11.760><c> chief</c><01:11:12.159><c> of</c><01:11:12.320><c> war.

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard seven bills on consumer protection, DBEDT-related matters, and tourism/creative industry issues. On SB 2031, DCCA supported aligning state law with the FTC’s 2025 rule on hidden fees and pricing misrepresentations in live event ticketing and short-term lodging; hotel and financial industry witnesses also testified, and senators asked for complaint and enforcement data. On SB 2129, DBEDT and business groups supported a study of minimum wage impacts, with testimony emphasizing effects on hours, employment, prices, and business viability; a senator asked whether the study could also examine the gig economy and business closures, and DBEDT said that may be possible but would require more research and data access. On SB 2259, which would promote dementia-friendly businesses, DBEDT said the measure fit better with another agency and lacked the department’s expertise, while the Executive Office on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association supported the intent and offered to help with curriculum, branding, and training. Testifiers described dementia as a spectrum and said businesses should be trained to communicate effectively with customers and employees living with the disease; suggested amendments included changing the branding language and requiring at least 85% of employees to complete training rather than all employees. A senator also raised concerns about stigma and whether early-stage dementia should affect a person’s ability to function, and the witness responded that people can often function well in early stages. The committee also heard SB 2577 on sports tourism, which DBEDT and the Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported as a way to better understand which events draw visitors and economic benefits. SB 2578, creating a film commission, drew broad support from DBEDT, Creative Industries, SAG-AFTRA, the Hawaii Film Alliance, the Hawaii Film Office, and others, but several witnesses urged changes to the commission’s composition and authority, including more labor representation and limits on the commission’s ability to adjust the production cap. Senators questioned staffing, costs, and whether current film office employees should transfer to the new commission, and one senator proposed a friendly amendment to add musicians, SAG, IATSE, and Teamsters, though the department cautioned that too many members could make the commission difficult to manage. The transcript ends during discussion of the film bill, with no final votes or committee actions stated for the measures heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• Prior to even unboxing our office in September of last year, or in February of last year, the first six
• what Amendment One does is it just strikes out the word that is allowing our elections to occur in September
• clerk will read the order: Ordered, that when the House adjourns today, it adjourns to meet tomorrow at 11
• Ordered that when the House adjourns today, it adjourns to meet tomorrow at 11 a.m.
• The House stands adjourned to meet tomorrow, Thursday, at 11 a.m. in an informal session.

Summary: The House first suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition to designate the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court as the Judge Leslie E. Harris Courthouse. It then took up two election-related bills reported out of Ways and Means: House 5093, to protect against election misinformation, and House 5094, to enhance disclosure requirements for synthetic media and political advertising. Supporters described both measures as targeted responses to AI-generated deepfakes and deceptive election content, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and protecting voter trust rather than banning speech outright. House 5094 was debated first. An amendment was adopted to exempt certain broadcasters, cable/satellite operators, program producers, and streaming services when paid to broadcast deceptive election-related material. The bill then passed to be engrossed on a roll call of 156-0. House 5093 was then debated, with supporters saying it would prohibit deceptive AI use within 90 days of an election and address materially deceptive audio, visual, and election-related communications. Two amendments were offered and defeated: one to move the state primary earlier, and another to narrow the bill’s scope by striking part of the definition of materially deceptive media. The bill passed to be engrossed on a roll call of 153-3. Earlier in the session, the House also passed to be enacted several local bills, including measures affecting Rockland’s charter, Williamstown’s senior property tax exemption eligibility, and Rochester’s fire chief employment. Later, the House rejected concurrence with Senate amendments on a bill related to teacher preparation and student literacy and instead appointed a committee of conference. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for former Quincy public servant Arthur Tobin before adjourning to meet the next day at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE AGENCIES AMENDED ITS WAIVER REQUEST IN SEPTEMBER 2023 FOR TWO PILOT REGIONS AUTHORIZED BY THE LEGISLATION
• STATEWIDE WE NEEDED TO AMEND OUR WAIVER TEXT AND STATEWIDE, WHICH WE DID AND WE RECEIVED APPROVAL SEPTEMBER
• 11, 2025 PERCUSSIVE CAN SEE HERE FROM THE TABLE ON THE SLIDE THE PILOT PROGRAM ROLLED OUT OCTOBER 01
• EXTENT A PROGRAM FOR WHICH YOU ALSO RECEIVED FEDERAL APPROVAL FOR THROUGH THE APPROVAL RECEIVED SEPTEMBER
• 11 WILL BEGIN JULY ONE OF 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are the metrics that were approved in our September board meeting to better track this.
• Our board approved that September 11th.
• the State University System legislative budget request, which was approved by our board during the September
• They are currently meeting 11 of the 13 metrics.
• you'll see some details on UCF there are one emerging pre-eminent university they are currently meeting 11

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education heard a presentation on the State University System’s new strategic plan, SUS 30, and its legislative budget request. University officials described the plan’s five priorities: One SUS collaboration, elevating student success, operational excellence, world-class talent, and innovative research and economic development. They highlighted Florida’s continued status as the top higher education system in the nation, low tuition, strong graduation outcomes, rising median wages for graduates, and expanded use of the My Florida Future website to help students and families compare degree outcomes and earnings. Members asked for follow-up information on programs of strategic emphasis, mental health and social work workforce needs, wage data over time, and how the system supports innovation moving toward commercialization. The committee also discussed campus safety, prompted in part by recent events at FSU. System officials said universities and the Florida College System recently held a safety summit to share best practices on building security, threat assessment, and coordination with law enforcement, and they agreed to provide a report back to the committee after the Board of Governors reviews recommendations in November. Senators also raised questions about Pell student support, first-generation student success, and whether liberal arts graduates’ earnings catch up over time. Officials said Pell students are tracked through performance-based funding metrics and that the system’s accountability plans will continue to emphasize access and completion. A separate update covered line funding for nursing and health care partnerships. Officials said the $6 million appropriation was fully subscribed through 24 proposals from all 10 nursing programs, supporting scholarships, faculty recruitment, internships, simulation, and licensure preparation. They reported over 1,900 new nursing graduates, more than 200 new student slots, over 300 scholarships, and a 92% NCLEX pass rate. Senators asked about expanding eligibility for the program, and staff said that issue would be revisited this year. The Board of Governors’ legislative budget request totaled $634.5 million and included $295 million for performance-based funding institutional investment, a request to restore and increase the state investment portion to $400 million, $125 million for preeminence funding, $100 million for faculty recruitment and retention, $6.4 million for UF/IFAS extension workload, and $3.1 million for State Fire Marshal inspections. The chair noted that resources are limited and that difficult budget decisions lie ahead. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, with 11 present, 9 being absent, we don't need a quorum today as this is public testimony, so we
• But they don't take office until September 1 of the next year.
• You basically start an assessment cycle in September.
• Now, as it does work out when September comes, if it's a year they've raised values and taxes go up,
• a lot of times a new assessor comes in on September 1.

Committee: House Special Committee on Property Tax Reform

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Linda Lopez, state senator, District 11, the southwest quadrant of Bernalillo County.
• you again, Who served on the committee last year, know that Director Senna presented to you all in September
• regarding that motion of noncompliance and request for a remedial action plan that was filed in September
• So in the actual um plaintiff motion in September, we noticed that there was a large focus on student
• the pandemic and educational inequities around technology being available to students and so the September

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> um</c><04:11:05.800><c> uh</c><04:11:05.960><c> which</c><04:11:06.080><c> is</c><04:11:06.239><
• is</c><04:11:09.680><c> local</c><04:11:10.080><c> control</c><04:11:10.880><c> but</c><04:11:11.000>
• July a brand new course starting this July next<04:11:21.600><c> year</c><04:11:22.560><c> September
• </c><04:11:23.080><c> actually</c><04:11:23.840><c> in</c><04:11:24.000><c> World</c> next year September
• actually in World next year September actually in World Civics<04:11:25.040><c> that</c><04:11:25.279

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 695, relating to school districts and medically related grants. The sponsor argued the bill was vague and could undermine existing law, and another member said it would add an unnecessary mandate for school districts. The committee voted to recommend inexpedient to legislate, and the motion passed 18-0. Next, House Bill 765, which would consolidate school administrative units and make superintendent jobs elected positions, was also recommended inexpedient to legislate. Members said the bill raised too many questions, could duplicate other legislation, and would move away from local control. That motion likewise passed 18-0. House Bill 768, allowing public school districts to contract with approved private schools, drew more debate. Supporters described it as a language cleanup and an expansion of educational opportunity, while opponents raised concerns about the placement of the language and pending Supreme Court cases. The committee voted 10-8 to recommend ought to pass, and then 10-8 to recommend ought to pass as amended, with a minority report noted. The committee then considered House Bill 446, dealing with parental notice for non-academic surveys. An amendment was offered to make the Youth Risk Behavior Survey opt-in rather than opt-out. Supporters said parents should be informed and should choose whether their children participate, while opponents argued the survey is an important tool for mental health data, grants, and school programming, and that opt-in would reduce participation and data quality. The amendment passed 10-8, and the bill as amended also passed 10-8, with a minority report noted. Finally, the committee began House Bill 741, which would allow parents to send children to any school district they choose and expand open enrollment. The sponsor described it as broadening choice and keeping public funds in public schools, and an amendment was proposed to restore provisions for children of military personnel. Discussion on the amendment began, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on House Bill 741 or the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• On September the 27th, the... applications.
• On September the 27th, the governor awarded $82,450,000 to Fiber Utility Network, also known as the Alabama
• Through two rounds of funding, the governor announced 21 projects and 11 subrecipients.
• Project completion dates range from February 26 to September 26, determined by the date of their subaward

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 9 and 10 and 11 of Senate Bill 330, Behavioral Health Teaching Hospitals, appropriated funding
• We are in the middle right now of updating 59A-11 for standards for patient safety for advanced birth
• That site went live in September for vendors or parents to register for vouchers.
• The site went live in September for vendors or parents to register for vouchers.
• And I see on slide 11, we only had 4,561 applications and only 1,311 licensed.

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Summary: The Senate Health Policy Committee received updates from the Agency for Health Care Administration and the Department of Health on implementation of 2024 health care laws. AHCA reviewed progress on workforce and reimbursement measures in Senate Bill 7016 and related bills, including FRAME and TEACH funding, graduate medical education reporting, behavioral health teaching hospitals, acute hospital care at home, advanced birth centers, non-emergent care access plans, and rural emergency hospitals. Agency officials said several programs are already operational or have begun payments, while others are still in rulemaking, federal approval, or report-preparation stages. Senators asked about timing, funding reversion concerns, and whether appropriated dollars would be spent on schedule, especially for behavioral health teaching hospitals and the new birth center category. The Department of Health then reported on practitioner licensure and public health programs. MQA described implementation of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, the Mobile Act licensure pathway, massage therapy enforcement changes, background screening expansion, liposuction safety requirements, pharmacist HIV post-exposure prophylaxis authority, and chiropractic dry needling. Public health staff updated the committee on FRAME and dental loan repayment, the Sinati screening grant program, the cancer research and innovation changes, the health care innovation council and loan program, the pediatric rare disease grant program, telehealth maternity care expansion, newborn screening for congenital CMV, the sickle cell registry and grants, and the swimming lesson voucher program. Members focused questions on how practitioners were being recruited to underserved areas, the pace of licensure approvals, and whether new programs were on track to use appropriated funds. The committee also heard a lengthy update from the Office of Medical Marijuana Use. The director reported more than 900,000 qualified patients, real-time seed-to-sale tracking now integrated across most dispensaries and labs, and ongoing compliance work on product testing, advertising, diversion, and patient safety. Senators questioned the decline in qualified physicians, how THC potency is labeled and verified, and what the agency can do about diversion to non-patients. The director said the office relies on complaints, inspections, lab audits, and coordination with law enforcement, and that patients can be suspended if violations are confirmed.

Transcript Highlights:

• However,<00:11:20.800><c> presently</c><00:11:21.360><c> local</c><00:11:21.839><c> property</c><00:11
• ><00:11:25.600><c> and</c><00:11:25.839><c> in</c><00:11:26.079><c> many</c><00:11:26.320><c> cases</
• <c> find</c><00:11:37.040><c> a</c><00:11:37.279><c> way</c><00:11:37.360><c> to</c><00:11:37.519><c>
• /c><00:11:47.760><c> can</c><00:11:47.920><c> be</c><00:11:48.079><c> delivered</c><00:11:49.200><c>
• </c> line 11. line 11.

Committee: House Education Funding

Transcript Highlights:

• 11 terrorist attacks.
• On September 11, first responders faced tremendous challenges trying to communicate with each other and
• Years later, we would have 9/11.
• Years later, we would have 9/11.
• YEARS LATER, WE WOULD HAVE NINE OVER 11.

Bills: SCR29 , HB7380 , HB5200 , HB1681 , SB98 , HB5201 , HR1343 , HB7022 , HB7386

Keywords: internet freedom, Iran, cybersecurity, VPN, DTC technology, information access, human rights, digital tools, Emergency Reporting Act, FCC, Federal Communications Commission, Disaster Information Reporting System, DIRS, network outage reporting, outage notifications, 9-1-1, public safety answering point, PSAP, emergency communications center, broadband

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> that</c><00:11:02.560><c> would</c><00:11:02.720><c> look</c><00:11:02.880><c> like</c><00:11:03.040
• &gt;&gt; Would<00:11:20.959><c> the</c><00:11:21.360><c> department</c><00:11:21.920><c> be</c><00:11
• ><c> month</c><00:11:25.200><c> SNAP</c><00:11:25.680><c> benefits</c><00:11:26.399><c> if</c><00:11:
• &gt;&gt; Yeah,<00:11:29.040><c> if</c><00:11:29.279><c> money</c><00:11:29.600><c> is</c><00:11:29.839
• </c><00:11:34.240><c> We</c><00:11:34.399><c> we</c><00:11:34.720><c> needed</c><00:11:34.959><c> to<

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:

• I<03:11:20.880><c> I</c><03:11:21.279><c> put</c><03:11:21.520><c> all</c><03:11:21.760><c> of</c><03
• :11:21.920><c> this</c><03:11:22.160><c> into</c><03:11:22.560><c> my</c><03:11:23.840><c> collection
• > thoughts</c><03:11:25.760><c> and</c><03:11:26.000><c> as</c><03:11:26.240><c> I</c><03:11:26.479><
• c> do</c><03:11:26.640><c> so</c><03:11:27.600><c> I</c><03:11:27.920><c> have</c><03:11:28.080><c> to
• </c><03:11:57.520><c> power</c><03:11:58.240><c> after</c><03:11:58.560><c> the</c><03:11:58.800><c>

Bills: HR1049 , HR1069

Keywords: Seattle Seahawks, Super Bowl, MVP, football, victory, sports, community, Olympics, Paralympics, Team USA, 2026 Games, Athletics, International competition, Sportsmanship, Unity