Bills: HB2, HB6, HB18, HB43, HB138, HB180, HB300, HB581, HB647, HB748, HB762, HB1240, HB1393, HB1397, HB1584, HB1734, HB2011, HB2254, HB2286, HB2434, HB2467, HB2468, HB2495, HB2516, HB2518, HB2529, HB2564, HB2712, HB2713, HB2715, HB2765, HB2898, HB3146, HB3161, HB3348, HB3800, HB4044, HB4341, HB4370, HB4384, HB4386, HB4396, HB4490, HB4809, HB5057, HB5323, HB5534, HB5668, SB203, SB317, SB719, SB731, SB801, SB867, SB1071, SB1232, SB1798, SB2082, SB2363, SB2603, SB2607, SB2717, SB2797, SB2841, SB2919, SB3038, SJR5, SB4, SB9, SB21, SB23, SB27, SB34, SB40, SB75, SB213, SB458, SB482, SB493, SB647, SB648, SB840, SB841, SB843, SB912, SB1241, SB1253, SB1350, SB1388, SB1423, SB1535, SB1559, SB1709, SB1789, SB1951, SB2037, SB2143, SB2155, SB2544, SB1, SB17, SB260, SB509, SB1506, SB1637, SB1833, SB2308, HB2525, HJR133, HB1393, HB26, HB388, HB2712, HB1633, HB685, HB2286, HB1606, HB1458, HB1240, HB2791, HB3146, HB1397, HB2061, HB647, HB4738, HB2563, HB128, HB581, HB766, HB2259, HB2358, HB4384, HB748, HB1734, HB5180, HB3806, HB3804, HB3803, HB1522, HB3597, HB1612, HB4224, HB1314, HB1237, HB3126, HB2856, HB3114, HB3505, HB5652, HB2025, HB3395, HB2495, HB18, HB2516, HB2713, HB24, HB519, HB609, HB1592, HB3348, HB120, HB6, HB1533, HB2421, HB2273, HB2464, HB2011, HB5057, HB5084, HB5534, HB5668, HB3424, HB2715, HB2564, HB2765, HB2898, HB3800, HB4396, HB4341, HB43, HB5686, HB2467, HB2468, HB2518, HB4310, HB4386, HB4490, HB180, HB5323, HB2, HB149, HB4945, HB2434, HB2529, HB3161, HB3745, HB4044, HB5155, HB5667, HB4996, HB2697, HB2492, HB2355, HB2282, HB2001, HB1902, HB1866, HB1445, HB1443, HB1306, HB1024, HB908, HB305, HB285, HB449, HB171, HB47, HB3464, HB2637, HB4263, HB5436, HB4429, HB3986, HB3966, HB3510, HB2560, HB2026, HB2688, HB4076, HB5246, HB3487, HB3486, HB4226, HB216, HB742, HB2402, HB143, HB5033, HB4413, HB4042, HB2440, HB4426, HB49, HB4112, HB3233, HB2310, HB5515, HB3627, HB2674, HB322, HB1481, HB126, HB3062, HB3421, HB3180, HB2530, HB2524, HB1916, HB3153, HB5650, HB4894, HB3120, HB1629, HB103, HB3234, HB3680, HB5698, HB3171, HB5693, HB2694, HB5664, HB3732, HB2508, HB2293, HB1991, HB2014, HB5331, HB5247, HB4751, HB4690, HB4668, HB4464, HB4395, HB4063, HB3833, HB3623, HB3214, HB3512, HB3250, HB3016, HB2520, HB2221, HB2213, HB3824, HB2067, HB1732, HB1562, HB700, HB1545, HB252, HB146, HB5596, HB1851, HB3619, HB3071, HB3556, HB851, HB4230, HB5320, HB5651, HB5670, HB5665, HB5437, HB5679, HB5699, HB5661, HB5662, HB5654, HB5672, HB5656, HCR141, HCR118, HCR127, HCR40, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB1449, SB1181, SB1234, SB2926, SB2841, SB1528, SB1854, SB317, SB1250, SB2082, SB1237, SB2819, SB629, SB2608, SB1602, SB2009, SB867, SB640, SB1698, SB2680, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB2334, SB1367, SB2044, SB2363, SB2565, SB1888, SB3036, SB3057, SB3043, SB3063, SB3035, SB203, SB2688, SB2522, SB2459, SB2655, SB2251, SB1884, SB2928, SB2566, SB1749, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1944, SB1232, SB1798, SB2603, SB2607, SB2683, SB1319, SB3038, SB3045, SB1538, SB3071, SB3065, SB823, SB3062, SB3074, SB1380, HB6, HB581, HB1393, HB1734, HB2286, HB2467, HB2468, HB2495, HB2529, HB2564, HB2765, HB2898, HB3146, HB3348, HB3800, HB4341, HB4386, HB4490, HB5057, HB5323, HB5534, HB5668, HB2, HB2715, SR530, SR552, SB482, SB493, SB841, SB912, SB1241, SB1350, SB1388, SB1559, SB1951, SB2143, SB2155, HB205, HB220, HB561, HB2078, HB2300, HB2652, HB3335, HB3441, HB4212, HB4879, HB5228, HB5616, HB205, HB220, HB561, HB2078, HB2300, HB2652, HB3335, HB3441, HB4212, HB4879, HB5228, HB5616

Keywords: public education, teacher compensation, certification, funding, school finance, educator rights, education funding, charter schools, staff compensation, state aid, retention allotment, mental health, telehealth, public schools, discipline management, behavioral interventions, rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services

Transcript Highlights:

• And with their experience and their life skills, their life experiences, everything they have, I would

Summary: The Committee on Pensions convened with eight members present and took up House Bill 3479, sponsored by Representative Hovis. The bill was described as a technical correction to Kansas City police retirement law, changing one word so the service/age requirement would read “whichever occurs first” rather than “whichever occurs later.” The sponsor explained the intent was to ensure officers retire at age 65 or after 35 years of service, and noted the current wording could allow someone to work far beyond that threshold. Members asked questions about why the system uses both a service cap and an age cap, whether benefits max out at 35 years, and whether the bill should allow officers to continue working if they are still capable. Representative Bromley raised concerns about age-based limits and possible discrimination against older workers, while Representative Haley supported retaining experienced officers longer if they remain physically able. The sponsor said he would seek additional information and indicated the bill could be modified on the floor if needed. No witnesses testified in opposition or for informational purposes, and there were no votes or formal actions taken during the hearing. The chair closed the public hearing on House Bill 3479.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that's a great skill set combination. Would you make them feel welcome? Thank you.
• think<00:04:27.840><c> that's</c><00:04:28.080><c> a</c><00:04:28.320><c> great</c><00:04:28.479><c> skill
• </c><00:04:28.800><c> set</c> think that's a great skill set think that's a great skill set combination
• allocated by the General Assembly and supported by Governor Beshear was the KSP training, or the skills
• pad at over at training or the skills pad at over at the<01:05:32.559><c> academy</c><01:05:33.359><

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:07 Office of the Attorney General Update: 00:04:52 Department of Kentucky State Police Update: 00:44:57, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a governor's recommendation relating to the governor's recommendation on disaggregating the basic skills
• page six, section five is a governor's recommendation again related to kind of untangling the basic skills
• </c><00:01:52.720><c> revenue</c><00:01:53.040><c> into</c><00:01:53.360><c> its</c> the basic skills
• revenue into its the basic skills revenue into its component<00:01:54.000><c> parts,</c><00:01:54.399
• revenue into its component parts, skills revenue into its component parts, compensatory<00:03:21.840

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, of course, is that opportunity to take classes that advance their skills.
• Structured progression reinforces our key development skills, building a cohesive school culture.
• The main question is whether a student with knowledge and skills at the borderline achievement level
• Waterford is an online, computer-based skills program.
• It is a computer-based skills program that students do several times a week in their home with their

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• into our communities of 2,000 that are really a $10 or a $20 million project that are far beyond the skills
• into our communities of 2,000 that are really a $10 or a $20 million project that are far beyond the skills
• into our communities of 2,000 that are really a $10 or a $20 million project that are far beyond the skills
• into our communities of 2,000 that are really a $10 or a $20 million project that are far beyond the skills
• Next, Really a 10 or a $20 million project that are far beyond the skills of my own staff.

Bills: SF0082

Keywords: registered agents, corporate governance, entity ownership, business regulations, transparency, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, and I want to say that if Minnesota wants to be a leader in the nation, we cannot cut skills
• job in the schools is to prepare students for the future, and yet we leave out one of the biggest skills
• We cannot cut skills that the nation.
• We cannot cut skills that every<01:18:30.800><c> student</c><01:18:31.280><c> is</c><01:18:31.679><c>
• they're going to need to biggest skills they're going to need to get<01:18:47.760><c> along</c><01:18

Bills: HF2430, HF2433

Keywords: education finance, teacher training, Read Act, state aid, school funding, education funding, children with disabilities, transition aid, special education, school district consolidation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• use the National Guard more than anyone, and I do that frankly because their pilots are the most skilled
• They're very skilled individuals.
• ><c> only</c><01:05:59.760><c> use</c><01:06:00.079><c> them</c><01:06:00.240><c> in</c> the most skilled
• uh I I only use them in the most skilled uh I I only use them in life<01:06:00.599><c> or</c><01:06:
• </c> down for hikers they're very skilled down for hikers they're very skilled individuals<01:07:17.400

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division II work session focused on Fish and Game’s budget-revenue proposals and several statutory changes the department said it needs to support its operations. The department recommended raising the fisheries habitat fee and wildlife habitat fee to $5 each, estimating additional annual revenue of about $640,000 and $144,000 respectively. Members clarified that these are habitat fees added on top of licenses, not reduced by senior or youth license categories, and discussed the need for RSA changes to allow the revenue to be transferred into the Fish and Game Fund. The department also said it would work internally on any broader license fee increases through the commission process. The committee then reviewed proposals to cap several dedicated accounts and transfer excess balances to the unrestricted Fish and Game Fund. Those accounts included the fisheries and wildlife habitat funds and the game management account, with the department proposing a $750,000 cap on each and transfer of amounts above that threshold. The department said the cap was based on several years of expenditures and the fact that dedicated funds are often used as match for federal funds. Members asked for reports on fund activity and questioned whether the cap and mandatory transfer language should be “shall” or “may,” with the department indicating it would prefer “may” for flexibility. The committee also discussed a Pheasant Management Program account, where the department said current law limits use of the money to buying and propagating pheasants and it wants authority to use it for broader program management. A substantial portion of the meeting addressed Fish and Game’s environmental review unit and the transfer of ARPA-funded positions to DEES under the governor’s initiative. The department said four positions are currently ARPA-funded, that DEES supports keeping them in place through the end of the year, and that the transition will require time because environmental review work is intertwined across the agency. The department explained that before the ARPA positions, biologists handled the work and that current staffing has helped eliminate a backlog and meet deadlines. Members also discussed a proposal to expand environmental review fees beyond private developers to state, federal, municipal, and local governments, with the department saying it would need rulemaking and stakeholder input. Additional requests included authority to conduct raffles to raise funds, creation of a revolving account for donations and raffle proceeds, and repeal of the obsolete fish food sales statute because the vending machines are no longer functional and the account generates no revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, labor is expensive in New England, materials are expensive, although that's largely pretty similar
• Yes, labor is expensive in New England, materials are expensive, although that's largely pretty similar

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses held a brief hearing on several housing and planning bills. Testimony focused on Senate Bill 176 and House Bill 313, which would update Chapter 40R smart growth zoning incentives and double municipal payments for adopting qualifying zoning districts, and Senate Bill 177, a technical correction to Chapter 40S so starter-home districts created under Chapter 40Y would also qualify for school cost reimbursement. Benjamin Fierro, representing the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Massachusetts, strongly supported the bills, arguing that the current incentives are too modest, that starter homes are needed for young and first-time buyers, and that the school reimbursement fix is necessary to align the statutes. Nally Soto of the Massachusetts Housing Coalition also supported the bills, saying the higher incentives would help municipalities approve more housing and address the housing shortage. Representative Kassner testified on House Bill 303, a remote community development planning bill modeled on Executive Order 418. She said it would restore and expand statewide comprehensive planning for land use, transportation, housing, open space, infrastructure, and climate resilience, with regional planning agencies playing a key role. Committee members asked about how Chapter 40S reimbursement is calculated and how the planning bill would interact with existing regional planning commissions. One member also spoke in support of the housing bills and described local challenges with affordability, land costs, and compliance with the MBTA Communities law. No votes were taken during the hearing. The chair closed testimony after a final call for additional witnesses and announced that the committee would continue working on the bills and hold one more hearing in September on additional measures and late-filed bills. The committee then adjourned by motion and second.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thread through me now, Mother, who labored my bones into this story.
• Mother who labored my bones into this story.

Bills: HR1037, HR1043, SB1491, SB1451, SB1286, SB1581, SB1521, SB201, SB1290, SB169, SB1377, SB1991, SB1346, SB1509, SB1928, SB2028, SB2071, SB2110, SB2117, SB2127, SB2134, SB722, SB3

Keywords: National Poetry Month, poetry, education, cultural celebration, arts and humanities, child abuse, prevention, community support, family safety, child welfare, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, elections, voter registration, election integrity, Secretary of State, cancellation of registration, gender neutrality

Summary: The House convened, completed the roll call, prayer, pledge, and a series of ceremonial recognitions and introductions. Chaplain Ronnie Wilson delivered the invocation, and the chamber honored Veteran of the Week Bobby Joe Floyd for his Army service and decades in Oklahoma law enforcement. Members also recognized a visiting youth performer, Nova Williams, and adopted House Resolution 1037 recognizing April as National Poetry Month and House Resolution 1043 recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month. The House also featured several special presentations tied to Caregivers Day, including introductions of Dr. Mukesh Perrek as Doctor of the Day, Dr. Colby Kipp as Psychologist of the Day, and Cynthia Cothram as Nurse of the Day. Additional guests from Stillwater Medical Center and Share Medical Center were welcomed, and Representative West presented Metropolitan Library System poet laureate Hallie Waugh, reading one of her poems in honor of Poetry Month. Representative Hill then recognized the week’s pages, highlighting students from across Oklahoma and their academic and extracurricular achievements. In floor action, Representative Schreiber moved to request further conference on House Bill 1851, and the motion was adopted without objection. The House also reassigned measures according to the Majority Floor Leader’s list. After announcements, Representative Kennedy hosted a special presentation for the Oklahoma Rifle Association and NRA-related guests, and the House adjourned until Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• for all urban consumers for the western region of the United States, as published by the Bureau of Labor
• Bureau of Labor Statistics. Now it's important to note this legislation supports a... Statistics.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 3248 establishes labor requirements for Aleha Products.
• Senate Bill 3248 establishes labor requirements for Aleha Products.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs heard several Department of Hawaiian Home Lands measures. SB 2635 would appropriate funds for DHHL land development, land purchases, and mortgage or rental subsidies to address the wait list; DHHL and five supporters testified in favor, and the committee later recommended passage with amendments, including a date defect, with the measure adopted as amended. SB 2924 would authorize funding for a capital improvement project for the Kaneili Community Hall, access road, and parking lot; DHHL stood on testimony in support, Randall Ao and another online testifier spoke in favor, and the committee later amended the bill to shift the funding structure from general obligation bonds to general funds before passing it. SB 3127 would raise the state liability cap for DHHL-related borrowing and guaranteed loans from $100 million to $500 million; DHHL testified, no other testimony was offered, and the committee passed it with amendments, including a date defect. The committee also heard SB 3248, which establishes labor requirements for Aleha Products. No testifier from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Board was present, and there was no additional testimony or questions during the hearing. During decision-making, the chair noted there was both support and some opposition but recommended passage with amendments, including a date defect, and the committee adopted the recommendation unanimously. The meeting concluded after all three decision-making votes were completed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee to order.
• And the meeting of the House Labor and Veterans and Military Affairs is now adjourned. Thank you.

Summary: The House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee heard House Bill 29, which would appropriate $8 million to the military base impact fund. The sponsor and supporters said the money would help local communities around New Mexico’s military installations compete for federal grants and fund mission-readiness infrastructure such as utilities, roads, water treatment, and other defense-critical projects. Support came from the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, the New Mexico Veterans and Military Families Caucus, the Kirtland Partnership, and others, who argued the investment would strengthen military readiness, protect jobs, and bring federal dollars into the state. Committee members asked about the types of projects eligible, whether data centers or clean-energy projects could be involved, how water and local regulations would apply, and how the grant process would work. The bill was reported out with a due pass recommendation and no opposition. The committee then heard House Bill 221, which would remove the $30,000 cap on the New Mexico income tax deduction for military retirement pay. The sponsor said the change would cost about $6 million annually but would help attract and retain military retirees, many of whom retire relatively young and may start businesses or remain active in the state economy. The Department of Veterans Services and the New Mexico Veterans and Military Families Caucus testified in support. Committee questions focused on how many retirees would be affected, the fiscal impact, and longer-term projections; department staff said the veteran population in New Mexico is gradually declining over time based on VA modeling. HB 221 also received a due pass recommendation with no opposition. After both bills were approved, the chair announced the committee was nearing its dinner hour and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the enterprise director of labor relations at Minnesota Management and Budget.
• They leave to find other professions that respect them in confidence of their skills and knowledge, but
• 58.320><c> their</c> that respect them in confidence of their that respect them in confidence of their skills
• ><c> knowledge,</c><00:37:59.839><c> but</c><00:38:00.160><c> also</c><00:38:00.480><c> their</c> skills
• and knowledge, but also their skills and knowledge, but also their financial<00:38:01.320><c> value.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we must the contribution of black labor we must the contribution of black labor we must honor A Philip
• rights in the early 20th American labor rights in the early 20th American labor rights in the early
• union porters the first black lead labor union porters the first black lead labor union to be recognized
• to push for civil rights organized labor to push for civil rights organized labor to push for civil
• as soon as the labor not to Free Labor as soon as the labor not to Free Labor as soon as the labor not

Bills: SB 26, SB 28, SJR 36, SB 616, SB 565, SB 384, SB 28, SB 28, SR 131, SR 168, SR 174, SR 175

Keywords: teacher compensation, education funding, public school educators, teacher retention, teacher designation, lottery, gambling, internet gaming, mobile application, criminal offenses, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, compliance agreement

Transcript Highlights:

• it reflects the work of um that I've been doing with Admin, with MMB, uh, of it with Department of Labor
• 01:05:02.040><c> with</c><01:05:02.160><c> Department</c><01:05:02.520><c> of</c><01:05:02.600><c> Labor
• </c> MMB, uh of it with Department of Labor MMB, uh of it with Department of Labor and<01:05:03.160><
• 16C that mandate compliance with unemployment insurance laws, workers' compensation laws, tax and labor
• </c><01:06:35.480><c> requirements</c><01:06:36.040><c> for</c> laws, tax and labor requirements for

Bills: HF3643, HF4470, HF4462, HF4366, HF4172, HF3629, HF4356, HF3093

Keywords: Melissa Hortman, Mark Hortman, memorial park, state park, working group, Minnesota Historical Society, Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board, Saint Paul, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Administration, Legislative Coordinating Commission, general fund appropriation, park planning, interpretive services, public engagement, state memorial, land use, natural resources, commemorative legislation, HF4470

Transcript Highlights:

• Labor income earned directly from the data center industry grew by 74% between 2017 and 2021, from $43
• </c><00:19:36.240><c> Labor</c><00:19:36.720><c> income</c><00:19:37.600><c> earned</c><00:19:38.080>
• Labor income earned directly many jobs.
• Labor income earned directly from<00:19:38.880><c> the</c><00:19:39.120><c> data</c><00:19:39.440><c>
• </c><00:47:06.560><c> force</c> feel today is really on the labor force feel today is really on the labor

Keywords: Meeting Start - 00:00 Roll Call – 00:15 Approval of Minutes of the July 15, 2025, Meeting 00:55 Helping Power Kentucky’s Growth – 01:25 Powering and Deploying AI – 41:00 Fueling America’s Intelligence – 56:12 Adjournment – 01:10:37, 958, all

Summary: The Artificial Intelligence Task Force met with a quorum, adopted prior meeting minutes, and then focused on energy policy and economic development as they relate to AI and data centers. John Bevington of LG&E and KU, introduced by Caroline Clark of LG&E/KU and PPL, described the utility’s Kentucky-only service territory, vertically integrated system, 1.3 million customers, and about 7.5 gigawatts of generating capacity. He said the company has supported 76 Kentucky projects in 2024 totaling about $3 billion in announced investment and roughly 3,000 jobs, with a large share of statewide announcements occurring in its service area. Bevington said LG&E and KU’s current project pipeline is unusually strong, totaling about 170 projects and 8.5 gigawatts of requested power, with data centers accounting for about two-thirds of that demand. He broke the pipeline into existing customer expansions, new-to-Kentucky projects, and 20 data center projects representing about 5.6 gigawatts of potential load. He highlighted a Louisville data center project by PO Development Company and Powerhouse Data Centers that has announced a 400-megawatt facility and may expand to 525 megawatts, estimating that such a project could represent about $4 billion in investment. He also explained that large data centers generally must locate near transmission lines and that utilities must conduct studies, order long-lead equipment, and secure reimbursement commitments before proceeding so other customers are not harmed. Members asked about how Kentucky compares with other states, the size of data center projects, and whether regulatory reform is needed. Bevington said the 20 projects reflect current Kentucky interest, which he attributed in part to the state’s sales tax exemption for data centers, and noted that states like Ohio have had similar incentives for years. In response to questions from Senator Thomas, he confirmed that data centers can vary in size and said the state should have a regulatory environment that supports economic development, while emphasizing that the benefits would flow to the state, local communities, and schools rather than just the utility. He also cited national and regional data suggesting data centers generate indirect jobs and tax revenue, and said LG&E and KU are investing in transmission, reliability, solar, and gas generation projects, including proposed additional 645-megawatt natural gas units and other system upgrades, to meet expected demand.

Transcript Highlights:

• You have changes to labor first responders critical injury benefit on row 56.
• The Office of State and Public Labor Relations has various changes made here relative to public employee
• ><01:12:38.080><c> state</c><01:12:38.320><c> and</c><01:12:38.560><c> public</c><01:12:39.280><c> labor
• </c> office of state and public labor office of state and public labor relations.<01:12:40.239><c> There
• relations board uh relative to git labor relations board uh relative to git transfers<01:12:47.199><

Keywords: LBA Briefing on Budget, 928, house, all

Summary: The presentation was an LBA overview of Senate changes to the House-passed state budget, with Michael Kane explaining how Senate Finance updated revenue and spending estimates after April revenue figures and agency discussions. He said the Senate’s revenue outlook was higher than the House’s in some areas, but lower in others, especially video lottery terminal revenue, and that the biggest differences also came from changes to revenue splits between the general fund and education trust fund, lapse estimates, and several policy changes in House Bill 1 and House Bill 2. Kane highlighted several major revenue and policy differences: the Senate changed the business tax, tobacco tax, and real estate transfer tax splits; adjusted liquor revenue dedication; removed the House’s meals-and-rooms distribution cap; delayed the Lakes Region facility proceeds plan; altered the PECARD fund treatment; added a granite patron of the arts tax credit; and changed the treatment of unique funds and video lottery terminal revenue. On spending, he noted Senate changes to judicial, corrections, HHS, human rights commission, and other budgets, including additional settlement costs, higher lapse assumptions, and a different approach to Medicaid premium revenue and retirement savings. He also described Senate additions such as a nursing home bed fee, Hampstead Hospital transition funding, and changes to the YDC claims settlement fund. The presentation focused on comparing House and Senate surplus statements across fiscal years 2025 through 2027, including projected ending balances and rainy day fund transfers. Kane repeatedly emphasized that the numbers were still dependent on final revenues and lapse amounts, and that some balances would be carried forward and trued up later in the biennium. No committee vote or final action was described in the excerpt; it was an informational budget briefing and comparison of the two chambers’ proposals.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Public Employment and Retirement Committee to notice SB 1444, Senate Committee on Labor, Public Employment
• Retirement, for a hearing on Wednesday, June 24, pending re-referral from the Insurance Committee, and the Labor
• That was two more years of slave labor, two more years of denied personhood, two more years of subjugation

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved procedural motions, and recognized several guests and honorees, including CAUSE leadership academy participants, retiring FCMAT CEO Michael Fine, a Capitol intern, environmental leaders celebrating Black Conservation Week, family members of members, and NASA astronaut Captain Victor Glover Jr. The body also took up a number of routine file items and committee referral requests, with several bills referred to committees by unanimous consent and multiple items passed or retained on file. The main floor debate centered on ACR 214, the Juneteenth resolution. Members from the Black Caucus and other caucuses spoke in support, describing Juneteenth as both a celebration of emancipation and a reminder that freedom and equality remain unfinished work. Speakers emphasized Black history, civil rights, solidarity across communities, and ongoing issues such as education, housing, health, incarceration, and economic inequality. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 coauthors were added. The Assembly also considered AB 2285 on blockchain staking and crypto regulation. The author argued the bill would provide consumer protections and clear rules for banks, credit unions, and crypto exchanges, while an opponent warned it could weaken securities oversight and consumer safeguards. The bill passed 45-1, and the author requested immediate transmission to the Senate. Later, SB 1036 on mitigation fee credits for redevelopment passed 55-0 after brief support for clarifying fee rules and reducing duplicative costs. The chamber then adopted the second-day consent calendar, including resolutions for Women’s Equality Day and the International Day of Yoga, along with several Senate bills, all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The Assembly announced it would not meet on Friday, June 19, would reconvene Monday, June 22 at 1 p.m., and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• planning efforts for a proposed provider education session in conjunction with the Executive Office of Labor
• apprenticeship liaison with the Division of Apprenticeship Standards within the Executive Office of Labor
• I was on with the Division of Apprenticeship Standards within the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce

Summary: The Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities met in June, approved the March meeting minutes, and heard a chair’s report on recent “Meet the Moment” community conversations, including a successful Lowell event and plans for a July 14 event in Northampton. The chair also announced the Commission’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebration on October 7 at the State House, which will include a MassAbility partnership panel on artificial intelligence and disability, and noted ongoing efforts to livestream future events when possible. A major presentation came from the Supplier Diversity Office on the Empowering Abilities in Contracting and Employment (EAC) program. The coordinator described the program’s history from a 2016 law and 2018 pilot to its statewide launch on July 1, 2025, and said it now applies to all new statewide goods and services contracts. The program’s goals are to increase certification and contracting opportunities for disability-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, improve workforce development and disability employment among vendors, and build a resource network for employers. Reported figures included about 292 active certified businesses, roughly 40 vendors currently on EAC contracts, a projected increase to about 80 by July and more than 130 by November, and a long-term goal of 3% disability representation in vendor workforces. Commissioners praised the program and asked about comparisons with other states, geographic reach, and the mix of disability-owned versus veteran-owned businesses. The Commission also received updates from its advisory council and subcommittees. The advisory council has been sharing expertise across employment, housing, transportation, health equity, technology, and AI, and two members will help plan the October employment event. The employment subcommittee discussed transition-to-employment barriers, the disability employment tax credit, veteran services, and a State Exchange policy brief that members want reformatted into a more usable data table. The workforce supports subcommittee reported on a May 28 webinar about apprenticeships as a strategy to address workforce shortages in disability services, with more than 45 participants and examples of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship models. The long-term services and supports/health equity subcommittee heard from the Department of Public Health’s CCATR resource center and from the Autism Self-Advocacy Network about COVID-era health care barriers and ongoing advocacy. The executive director also reported on meetings with MassHealth-related groups, caregiver organizations, agency leaders, MassAbility, and AI stakeholders, and the meeting ended with announcements and unanimous adjournment.