Transcript Highlights:

• </c> disable the program disable the program okay<00:08:48.920><c> it</c><00:08:49.360><c> allows</c>
• </c> of all I I know it's an opt-in program of all I I know it's an opt-in program but<01:26:57.840><
• </c> program says that if ever that program program says that if ever that program is<01:50:30.800><c
• The district is going to have to run that program, plus charter schools, plus this other program.
• the education tax credit program to the education freedom account program.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Education Policy Committee opened a hearing on HB 748, which would establish a local education freedom account (EFA) program. The prime sponsor, Rep. Kevin Verville, described the bill as enabling legislation that would let local voters decide whether to create a local EFA program by petition and ballot vote, with a 60% threshold to approve or repeal it. He argued that public education is about funding rather than a specific school building, said the proposal would expand parental choice, and cited Deerfield’s move from a single high school option to multiple tuitioned options as an example of local flexibility. Verville said the local EFA would be funded at twice the state adequacy amount, with the district matching the state portion, while other aid categories such as free and reduced meals, English language learner, and special education aid would not be doubled. He said students using a local EFA would still count in average daily membership, that unspent EFA funds would revert to the district, and that the bill would prohibit double-dipping with other scholarship or EFA programs. He also said special education services would remain under district discretion and that local EFA participants would still take statewide assessments for accountability. Committee members pressed him on several issues, especially special education, transportation, and fairness. Rep. Woodcock and Rep. Murray asked whether districts would still have to provide special education and transportation services if a student used a local EFA; Verville responded that special education would remain in the local district at district discretion, while transportation would generally become the family’s responsibility unless already required in an IEP. Rep. Cornell raised an equity concern about no income eligibility cap, asking whether higher-income families should receive the same public support; Verville replied that New Hampshire does not means-test public education and that the local EFA is a public funding mechanism, not a tuition subsidy that would cover full private-school costs. No vote or committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Only farms of five acres or more are eligible for this tax treatment.
• was needed before now, but amid significant federal cuts to farms for their local food-to-school programs
• farms for their local now, but amid significant federal cuts to farms for their local food to school programs
• And to Representative Paulino's question earlier, the Chapter 61A is the program that farmers enroll
• question earlier, the Chapter 61 to Representative Paulino's question earlier, the Chapter 61A is the program

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held its first hearing of the session, led by House Chair Adrian Madaro and Senate Chair James Eldridge. The committee explained the constitutional amendment process and the hearing procedures, then took testimony on four bills concerning proposed amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution, with the main focus on S. 11 and H. 71, which would amend Article 99 relating to agricultural and horticultural land taxation. Senator Jo Comerford, Rebecca Miller of the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative, and Representative Natalie Blay all testified in support of the bills. They argued that the current five-acre minimum for farmland tax treatment is outdated and harms farmers, especially new, urban, and smaller-scale farmers, by forcing some land to be taxed at higher commercial rates. Supporters said the change would help preserve farmland, strengthen the local food system, and address economic pressures on farms, including high land values, climate impacts, and an aging farm workforce. In response to a question about abuse or false claims, Comerford and Miller said existing certification processes under Chapter 61A and municipal review help verify active farming, and Miller noted the bill requires land to be in production for two years before receiving the rate. Committee members asked about the status of the 21st Century Farm Commission, and Comerford said a report was expected in the spring. After testimony concluded, the chairs asked whether anyone else wished to testify and then entertained a motion to adjourn, which was made and accepted.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the part of DHS that certifies our nursing homes and our adult-day treatment centers.
• This is the appropriation for the Department of Health and Human Services Tobacco Settlement Program.
• There are two different settlement programs. So this specifically funds...
• There are two different settlement programs.
• And so this is funding that goes for that purpose and not for some of the programs that we have in the

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a quorum present, and several members granted leave. The chamber recognized guests and adopted the consent calendar resolutions without objection. House Resolution 1006, by Rep. Schulz, was adopted 92-0 to authorize introduction of a non-appropriation bill increasing the Homestead Property Tax Credit from $600 to $675, with Schulz citing the Amendment 79 fund’s capacity and rising costs as reasons for acting now. On the budget calendar, the House passed House Bill 1014, the DHS Division of Provider Services, Quality Assurance appropriation, by 82-9 with the emergency clause. House Bill 1062, funding the DHS Tobacco Settlement Program for Medicaid-related and other specified services, passed 87-4 with the emergency clause after brief questions about whether it included AED funding and whether it used general revenue; the sponsor said it was settlement money and likely did not include AEDs. The House then took up a large batch of Senate appropriation bills, passing the grouped bills 92-0-1. Several Senate bills were considered separately. Senate Bills 9 and 11, both for the Arkansas Minority Health Commission, passed 77-8-6 and 79-7-6. Senate Bill 12, for the Arkansas Ethics Commission, passed 82-9. Senate Bill 17, for Arkansas Teacher Retirement, passed 93-0, Senate Bill 18, for the liquefied petroleum gas board, passed 90-1-1, and Senate Bill 37, for the Workers’ Compensation Commission, passed 80-11-1. Senate Bill 5, the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission appropriation, failed 71-14-8, and Senate Bill 56, for continuing education of local officials, failed 30-52-4. The House then adjourned until Tuesday at 1:00 p.m., with committee meetings announced for Tuesday morning and after adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the part of DHS that certifies our nursing homes and our adult day treatment centers.
• This is the appropriation for the Department of Health and Human Services Tobacco Settlement Program.
• There are two different settlement programs. So this specifically funds...
• For clarity, the Department of Health, there are two different settlement programs.
• And so this is funding that goes for that purpose and not for some of the programs that we have in the

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a quorum call, and several leave requests. Members then recognized guests and visitors, including law enforcement officers, a doctor and nurse of the day, and various constituent and advocacy groups in the galleries. The chamber adopted the consent calendar resolutions without objection. On the floor, House Resolution 1006 passed 92-0, authorizing introduction of a non-appropriation bill to raise the Homestead Property Tax Credit from $600 to $675. The sponsor said the increase was supported by the dedicated property tax relief fund and should not be delayed given current inflation and fuel costs. The House then took up appropriations bills, passing House Bill 1014 for DHS Provider Services Quality Assurance 82-9-2 and House Bill 1062 for the DHS Tobacco Settlement Program 87-4-2 after brief questions about what the funding covered. The House also considered a large batch of Senate appropriation bills. A grouped set of bills passed 92-0-1, while several were pulled out for separate votes. Senate Bill 5, funding the Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission, failed 71-14-8. Senate Bills 9, 11, 12, 17, 18, 37, and 56 were then voted on individually; SB 9 passed 77-8-6, SB 11 passed 79-7-6, SB 12 passed 82-9-0, SB 17 passed 93-0-0, SB 18 passed 90-1-1, SB 37 passed 80-11-1, and SB 56 failed 30-52-4. The House then adjourned until Tuesday at 1:00 p.m., with committee meetings announced for Tuesday morning and after adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, the Long Range Program Plans submitted by state agencies have been in place since 2000.
• Governor, and Senators Burton, Hooper, and I have served, recommended modernizing the Long Range Program
• veterans and their families, with the focus on mental health training and increasing adult day health programs
• mental health legislation which creates model processes for diverting patients into mental health treatment
• important child welfare legislation to combat child exploitation, create a recruitment process and program

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> wrapped up in those CTE clusters program wrapped up in those CTE clusters program so<00:16:32.160
• anything to help a CTE program.
• This wouldn't just help the CTE programs; this also would help the regular Ed programs.
• </c> halfday program or a full day program halfday program or a full day program for<00:45:06.119><c>
• Again, this is not our program.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed HB 443, which would change terms and vacancy language for members of a higher education commission. Members raised concerns that the bill was too narrow to address broader issues with commission membership, including expired appointments, attendance expectations, and whether the Department of Education could replace the commission’s role. Several members suggested the bill was not ready for action and favored holding it for further work, possibly through a subcommittee or work session. One member suggested that if attendance standards were added, no more than two unexcused absences should trigger removal, given the commission’s meeting schedule. The chair said he would defer action and form a small subcommittee to report back before the committee deadline. The committee then moved to HB 484, dealing with repurposing Career and Technical Education classroom space after 20 years of exclusive use. The chair explained that the bill was aimed at the Milford CTE project, where shared use of space could allow a school to repurpose part of a CTE facility while still using it for CTE-related instruction. Members discussed other possible situations around the state, including Claremont, North Conway, and Jaffrey/Rindge, and whether the bill should be limited to Milford or broadened to allow local districts more flexibility. Some members favored passing the bill now to help CTE projects move forward, while others argued for an amendment removing the requirement that the space be vacated specifically to expand the CTE program occupying it. Testimony and discussion emphasized that the Milford project had state approval but reduced funding, requiring a smaller scope and repurposing of existing space. Supporters said the bill could help preserve CTE programs while also benefiting general education space needs, and that local districts should have flexibility after 20 years. Opponents or cautious members noted that the language might not fit every district situation and asked for feedback from Director Beard and Steve Rothenberg before final action. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, and instead discussed waiting for an amendment and additional input before acting.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:09:12.680><c> known</c> Educator Group Insurance Program, known Educator Group Insurance Program,
• employees group insurance program.
• </c><00:29:59.360><c> cost</c> pay off as the statewide program cost pay off as the statewide program
• </c> program just ended. program just ended.
• </c><01:17:05.560><c> and</c> with future amendments to program and with future amendments to program

Bills: HF3119

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: teacher compensation, educational staff, unlicensed staff, minimum wage, inflation adjustment, education finance, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the second year of the Medicaid program. the second year of the Medicaid program.
• The theory of the program was program.
• program past this year.
• </c> above the continuing the wick program. above the continuing the wick program.
• </c> fund these two programs? fund these two programs?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met in Division 3 work session on HB 2 and began by noting a delayed start to allow the Legislative Budget Assistant to finish a large packet of updated amendments and revisions. The chair said the goal for the day was to move as many items as possible, with any cleanup deferred to a Friday follow-up. Members also discussed the process for handling public and department testimony on selected items before votes. Several early amendments were taken up and voted on. The committee unanimously recommended items dealing with repealing the liquor transfer to the alcohol fund and redirecting liquor-related revenue to the general fund, and it also approved an amendment revising Granite Advantage funding so there would be no automatic transfer from the liquor fund, instead using a general fund appropriation. Members then approved repealing the foster grandparent program by a 5-4 vote, and later approved an amendment requiring DHS contractors to comply with the patients’ bill of rights by a 9-0 vote. The committee also approved incorporating House Bill 94 on Medicaid coverage of circumcision by a 5-4 vote, while deferring the Wick Farmers Market Nutrition Program repeal for more discussion. The committee spent substantial time on the youth risk behavior survey amendment. Supporters said the change was intended to clarify opt-out procedures and ensure parents, guardians, and students are clearly notified that they may opt out without negative consequences. Some members raised privacy concerns and said the language could add administrative burden, but the amendment was ultimately recommended to Finance by a recorded vote of 8-1. Another amendment on civil rights and contractor standards for DHHS was discussed but not voted on after concerns were raised about vague enforcement language and possible penalties. The committee also struck amendment 1026 as redundant, with members noting related work in existing law and Senate Bill 134, and then moved on to other items, including a revised equity/access-related amendment that was postponed for later discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are they going to stop that program?
• The drone replacement program. The drone replacement program.
• This is an infrastructure program.
• is at the root, whether it's getting them education or drug and alcohol treatment, vocational programming
• We have psychiatric residential treatment facilities, shelter care, all of those types of programs.

Summary: The committee began with roll call, introductions of a new fiscal analyst and a new member, and approval of the March 19 minutes. The first major presentation was from the Office of Management and Budget on the state’s general fund and special fund status through May. OMB reported general fund revenues were running below the legislative forecast by about $76 million, driven largely by weaker individual income tax and sales tax collections, though the projected ending balance remained positive and above the budgeted level. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap and would transfer excess earnings to the general fund, and the legacy fund balance continued to grow. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing revenue variability. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analyses, followed by discussion of a bill draft for the fixed-route city transportation network study. The draft would create a $15 million general fund grant program with a formula-based distribution to eligible fixed-route transit cities, intended to support operating and capital needs and help match federal transit funds. Transit officials from Minot and Fargo testified in support, explaining local fare and match structures and the difficulty of replacing aging buses and securing federal matching dollars. Several members questioned whether the program should be limited to the current four cities or broadened to future eligible urban areas, and whether local funding sources should be explored further. The committee did not finalize the bill draft at that point and planned to continue discussion at a later meeting. The committee also approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to approval of a bi-state authority with South Dakota, after staff explained that no agreements had ever been implemented and the provision appeared outdated. A roll call vote was taken and the motion carried. Later, the Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site presented updates on uncrewed aircraft systems initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and efforts to build a revenue model for Vantis. Test site officials said FAA approval had been secured for the radar data program, replacement of noncompliant drones was underway, and future revenue could come from state and external users once pricing and intellectual property arrangements are finalized. Members asked about Chinese-made drones, supply chain issues, automation, and how the system would manage beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation then presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and a reentry housing study. Officials said the proposed facility would relocate the minimum-security prison to the penitentiary campus, reduce costs from an earlier estimate, and provide more beds and programming space, with construction potentially beginning in 2027 and opening around 2031. They also described staffing needs, the planned move of women to the New England facility, and possible expansion of men’s housing there. The parole and probation chief described a reentry housing task force studying housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with a goal of developing data-driven recommendations for subsidies and support services; a representative from Protection and Advocacy closed by expressing general support for fixed-route and paratransit funding.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, Josh Elliot, director of the Division of Policy and Programs.
• With me I have Emily Tamasi, who works on our state energy program, who will be testifying on this bill
• Um, with me I have Emily programs.
• who will be testifying on this program who will be testifying on this bill<00:15:02.160><c> and</c><
• Uh wildlife protection comes in program.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those are the programs we should be investing in, not cutting.
• We need more investments in these programs.
• THOSE ARE THE PROGRAMS WE SHOULD BE INVESTING. IN NOT CUTTING.
• WE NEED MORE INVESTMENTS IN THESE PROGRAMS.
• to cut their energy costs and cut that program in half.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, September 8, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so to cut these programs further and compromise, as you say, and creating turnover and maybe some
• </c> least the Minnesota sex offender program least the Minnesota sex offender program should<00:26:20.880
• </c><00:43:55.880><c> um</c> mental health and SD programs um mental health and SD programs um certainly
• We know that treatment saves lives.
• We know that treatment saves lives.

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Are they going to stop that program?
• This is an infrastructure program.
• This is an infrastructure program.
• is at the root, whether it's getting them education or drug and alcohol treatment, vocational programming
• We have psychiatric residential treatment facilities, shelter care, all of those types of programs.

Committee: Joint Government Finance Committee

Summary: The committee first received a general fund and revenue update from the Office of Management and Budget. Staff reported that the state started the biennium about $176 million above prior estimates, but year-to-date revenues were now running below legislative forecast, mainly due to lower individual income tax and sales tax collections. The budget stabilization fund was above its cap, the legacy fund continued to grow, and oil revenues were slightly above forecast overall. Members also asked about federal funding uncertainty and mineral leasing variability, and OMB said agencies would be asked to address potential federal reductions case by case during budget preparation. The committee then reviewed compliance reports and trust fund analysis materials, followed by a bill draft for a fixed-route city transportation grant program. Testimony from transit officials in Fargo and Minot supported the proposal, saying state aid would help match federal transit funds and support operations, but members raised questions about the funding source, fare structures, and whether the program should be limited to the current four fixed-route cities or allow future eligible cities. Several members asked for more time to study the formula and possible funding options before moving the bill forward. Next, the committee approved a bill draft repealing obsolete language related to a proposed North Dakota-South Dakota bi-state authority. Staff explained the provision had been unused for about 30 years and that existing law likely already allowed joint powers agreements without the specific language. The committee voted to adopt the repeal bill draft. The Department of Commerce and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site then provided an update on uncrewed aircraft system initiatives, including the Vantis radar data enclave, the drone replacement program, and future revenue models. Officials said North Dakota had received FAA approval to operate the radar data pathfinder, had begun replacing non-compliant drones from restricted foreign sources, and was working on phased procurement and cost-recovery plans. Members asked about deadlines, funding, supply-chain issues, and how the system would be used; staff said the federal restrictions were already in effect and that Vantis was being positioned as infrastructure for future beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Finally, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation presented on the design of a new minimum-security prison and on a reentry housing task force. The new facility is planned for the penitentiary grounds, with a reduced estimated cost of about $263 million, 600 beds initially, possible expansion to 732 beds, and completion projected around 2031 if funded in 2027. The reentry housing task force described a data-driven effort to identify housing needs for people leaving incarceration, with the goal of reducing homelessness and recidivism through targeted housing support and possible subsidies. Members asked about staffing, site selection, housing duration, and whether employment and transportation needs would be included in the assessment.

Transcript Highlights:

• On line 148, we have the savings from the elimination of the Sentence to Serve program.
• Training funding is one of the most successful grant programs.
• We have a DPS ICPOET grant program in the Office of Justice Programs.
• Two years ago, the legislature created this program.
• And many of your colleagues who support this program.

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, the next slide for Texas, you have the word a regulatory sandbox program.
• Yeah, the next slide for Texas, you have the word a regulatory sandbox program.
• related to workforce training and artificial intelligence in those programs.
• I have a guest from there on my program a lot, and I've just learned a ton.
• When you have a logical program, you can see exactly how it works.

Summary: The committee held its first meeting on artificial intelligence and data centers, established a quorum, and heard introductory remarks from Majority Leader Hogue and the chair about the committee’s charge. Members said the goal was to build a factual foundation on AI, hear from experts and stakeholders, and develop practical North Dakota-focused recommendations rather than simply produce a large volume of bills. Legislative Council also reviewed interim committee rules and procedures before the informational presentations began. Staff and NCSL presenters then gave overviews of AI concepts and the state and federal policy landscape. The background memo and presentations covered AI categories and terms, state laws in areas such as consumer protection, algorithmic discrimination, deepfakes, chatbots, children’s safety, health, education, and government use, as well as data center siting and economic impacts. NCSL described a growing number of AI bills introduced and enacted across the states, with comprehensive laws in places like Utah, Colorado, Texas, California, and Illinois, and noted recurring issues around transparency, privacy, liability, and protections for minors. A major focus of the discussion was federal preemption and the tension between state regulation and national AI policy. NCSL said a recent White House executive order and related federal framework seek a light-touch, innovation-friendly national standard, with possible challenges to state laws and possible funding conditions tied to compliance, though no broad federal preemption has yet been enacted. Members asked about Commerce Clause concerns, industry pushback, oversight models, and whether AI policy is bipartisan; presenters said the issue cuts across party lines, with broad agreement on child safety and deepfake restrictions but more disagreement on broader regulatory approaches. No votes or formal actions were taken at the meeting, and the committee recessed briefly for technical issues during the second presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill authorizes the county commissioners to establish a relocation assistance program if they so
• I mean, is that really what we're talking about, or is it a bigger program?
• It's not a rideshare program or call up and just ask for a ride to go somewhere.
• If that's just a family member or if that's an alcohol assistance program or something along that line
• Interestingly, OTC already has a program in place to take care of their tax liens.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our first presenter today is the Water Reuse Project and Bull Testing Program at the Agricultural Experiment
• Eastern has a program called the New Faculty Investment Program.
• It's not a national program, but it utilizes national monies to do it.
• We utilize these kinds of programs. to build our infrastructure and to enhance our research capabilities
• A lot of our students go on to Ph.D. programs and other research labs very successfully.

Committee: House Science, Technology & Telecommunications Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Are they going to stop that program?
• This is an infrastructure program.
• This is an infrastructure program.
• And we were very careful to make sure that we didn't cut down on programming space because programming
• is at the root, whether it's getting them education or drug and alcohol treatment, vocational programming

Committee: Joint Government Finance Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It supports the MoGives program and other funding streams that directly...
• There could have been missing service treatment records. There could have been a lot of things.
• There could have been missing service treatment records. There could have been a lot of things.
• They've gone to different other programs, and I'm not knocking any other program, but they said that
• They've gone to different other programs, and I'm not knocking any other program, but they said that

Committee: House Veterans and Armed Forces

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our children have benefited from our public schools, robust community programming, and a commuter rail
• with our staff, and I saw her going line by line in our budget to ensure that we were funding every program
• Student Opportunity Program, Universal School Meals, that is a whole-child approach, an understanding
• on par with physical health treatment, was signed into law in 2022.
• When I think back to the day that we announced the Mass Educate Program last May, I distinctly remember

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate convened for the opening day of the 194th General Court, with ceremonial remarks, an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the formal canvass of election returns. A special committee reported that all senators had been duly elected, and a committee was then appointed to notify the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor’s Council that a quorum of senators-elect was assembled and ready to be sworn in. Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll addressed the chamber, praised public service, and administered the oaths of office to the senators. The main business of the day was the election of the Senate President. Senator Karen Spilka was nominated by Senator DiDomenico and seconded by Senator Edwards, while Senator Bruce Tarr was nominated by Senator Durant and seconded by Senator Dooner. After nominations were closed, the roll call resulted in 34 votes for Spilka and 5 for Tarr, and the Senate declared Spilka elected president. Senator Tarr then moved that the vote be considered unanimous, and the Senate agreed. President Spilka delivered an inaugural address focused on the chamber’s recent legislative record and priorities for the new session. In her remarks, Spilka highlighted prior accomplishments including education funding, free community college, early education reforms, mental health care reform, prescription drug cost reductions, tax relief, housing, transportation, climate, and veterans’ legislation. She also outlined priorities for the new session, including a statewide listening tour, more transparency in committee and joint committee proceedings, housing and transportation affordability, health care reform, career and technical education, early education, and juvenile justice reform. She emphasized continued bipartisan work and public engagement. The Senate also adopted temporary joint rules and temporary Senate rules, authorized printing of the daily journal, and scheduled the next meeting for the following day at 11:30 a.m. Michael D. Hurley was elected clerk of the Senate and sworn in, and James DiTulio was sworn in as Senate counsel. The chamber also adopted a memorial adjournment in memory of Mary J. Hurley of South Boston before adjourning.