Transcript Highlights:

• ultrasounds, mental health support, nutrition counseling, lactation services, education, and material supplies
• ultrasounds, mental health support, nutrition counseling, lactation services, education, and material supplies
• ultrasounds, mental health support, nutrition counseling, lactation services, education, and material supplies
• ultrasounds, mental health support, nutrition counseling, lactation services, education, and material supplies
• ultrasounds, mental health support, nutrition counseling, lactation services, education, and material supplies

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and women of TDCJ are engaged in to combat both the demand for these dangerous drugs as well as the supply
• this takes place, I think it probably should, then there is going to be sort of a big gap in the supply
• The first is contractor-supplied officers through force accounts, which is the most common.
• It seems like, and we don't have enough officers, supply and demand, seems like maybe there's some way
• And so you basically have to supply what they are requiring.

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• protect consumer health from harmful and dangerous food additives that make their way into our food supply
• And at the federal level, the FDA is responsible for ensuring the safety of our food supply.
• At the federal level, the FDA is responsible for ensuring the safety of our food supply, including making
• And so there's a thousand GRAS substances that have entered the food supply, over a thousand, without
• Americans depend on the FDA to safeguard our food supply. Unfortunately, it is failing us.

Committee: House Health

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Weak oversight has enabled repeat bulk purchases that supply criminals and youth, which contributes to
• A straw purchaser also made hundreds of purchases, including an AK-47, supplying guns to teens, including
• Senator, it's true that there are laws that criminals will break, but this bill is addressing the supply
• issue, and if we cut off the supply they rely on, we can end a stream to criminals.
• Senator Woods: This bill goes to the safety of your food supply, Madam President.

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, offered an invocation, and handled several announcements and courtesy motions, including excusing some members and relaxing the dress code. The chamber then adopted committee reports on several bills, including Senate Bill 50, Senate Bill 30, and Senate Bill 43. It then moved to third reading of Senate Judiciary Committee substitute for Senate Bill 17, the “Stop Illegal Gun Trade and Extremely Dangerous Weapons Act.” SB 17 was read at length and explained by Senator O’Malley and co-sponsor Senator Bergman as a gun crime prevention measure aimed at dealer security, employee training, recordkeeping, reporting requirements, inspections, and a ban on future dealer sales or transfers of certain firearms and accessories, including high-capacity magazines, .50-caliber rifles and cartridges, gas-operated semi-automatic firearms with detachable magazines, and machine guns. Supporters argued the bill targets the retail-to-criminal pipeline, improves accountability, and would help reduce gun trafficking and violence. Opponents argued it infringes on constitutional rights, would not stop criminals from obtaining guns, and would burden law-abiding citizens and dealers. The chamber then debated Floor Amendment No. 1 by Senator Brantley, which would have struck Section 7, the portion banning certain weapons and devices. Supporters of the amendment said Section 7 was the most constitutionally vulnerable part of the bill and would likely be litigated, while opponents said the section was central to the bill’s purpose and consistent with Second Amendment case law. The amendment failed on a roll call vote, 15-22. A second amendment by Senator Block, which would have exempted certain under-21 employees from the bill’s age restriction if they were military members, veterans, or had completed hunter safety or 4-H programs, was then taken up and debated, with supporters emphasizing military training and youth firearms education as evidence of responsibility.

Transcript Highlights:

• for that or books or even regular power for that or books or even regular school<00:49:09.040><c> supplies
• > When</c><00:49:10.800><c> you've</c><00:49:10.920><c> got</c><00:49:11.200><c> some</c> school supplies
• When you've got some school supplies.
• Policies relative to the purchase of equipment, supplies, or services already...
• [Speaker continues] Equipment, supplies, or services already in Department of Education rules.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and criminal justice that increasing penalties for drug transportation does not reduce the drug supply
• So for the opposition, you brought up that this law will not help reduce the supply of drugs coming in
• She ran around town all over the place looking for food to supply to her customers.
• Obviously it's issues of supply and demand, and obviously the cost of food has gone up, which gets passed
• Fentanyl is replacing heroin in the drug supply, and it's being added to other drugs as well, and we

Summary: The committee heard several public safety and criminal justice bills. AB 837 by Assemblymember Davies would add ketamine transportation to existing drug trafficking law; supporters, including district attorneys and peace officer groups, said it would address a growing and dangerous drug trend, while opponents argued increased penalties do not reduce drug supply and can worsen health harms. The bill was approved on a due-pass-as-amended vote and sent to Appropriations. AB 352 by Assemblymember Pacheco would make threats against judges and court commissioners an aggravating factor in sentencing; judicial and law enforcement groups supported it as a response to rising threats, while ACLU and criminal justice advocates said existing law already covers threats and the bill is unnecessary. It also passed to Appropriations. The committee then took up AB 938 by Assemblymember Bonta, which expands vacatur and affirmative-defense relief for survivors of human trafficking, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence, including for some violent offenses. Survivors and advocates testified that the bill would allow people coerced into crimes to tell their full stories and seek relief, while district attorneys and sheriffs warned it could sweep too broadly and affect public safety. The chair and several members strongly supported the measure, and it passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 475 by Assemblymember Wilson would make prison work assignments voluntary and is tied to a broader effort to remove involuntary servitude language from the state constitution; supporters framed it as a rehabilitation and dignity issue, while one member objected to the premise and cited the defeat of a related ballot measure. The bill was voted out to Appropriations but left on call pending additional votes. Assemblymember Lowenthal presented AB 704, which would allow people convicted of low-level offenses before age 26 to petition to seal and destroy records after a waiting period. Supporters said the bill addresses the limits of expungement in the digital age and recognizes young adult brain development; prosecutors and police groups raised Brady/disclosure concerns and objected to treating 18- to 25-year-olds like children. The committee debated those issues at length before sending the bill to Appropriations. Lowenthal also presented AB 812, which would expand resentencing opportunities for incarcerated firefighters who serve on conservation fire crews; supporters emphasized rehabilitation, wildfire response, and reduced recidivism, and the hearing continued with support testimony and the start of opposition testimony as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• 58:09.320><c> popcorn</c><04:58:10.160><c> and</c><04:58:10.320><c> Bergman</c><04:58:10.760><c> electric
• </c> sunriser popcorn and Bergman electric sunriser popcorn and Bergman electric and<04:58:11.718><c>
• Berg</c><04:58:12.040><c> electric</c><04:58:12.680><c> who</c><04:58:12.840><c> told</c><04:58:13.040
• ><c> her</c><04:58:13.240><c> how</c><04:58:13.400><c> much</c> and Berg electric who told her how much
• and Berg electric who told her how much these<04:58:13.920><c> new</c><04:58:14.200><c> requirements

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 10, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And while this happens, the supply of CPAs across the nation, as well as here in the Commonwealth, shrinks
• And while this happens, the supply of CPAs across the nation, as well as here on the Commonwealth shrinks
• task force stated demand reduction should be a key element in any plan, but this bill addresses only supply
• and misses the 90% of supply who work elsewhere, for example in the model venue.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened a hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure and reviewed a broad agenda including credit card fees, event ticketing, music therapy licensure, senior psychologist licensure, CPA pathways, school mental health licensure, and a bill regulating alternative healing therapies. The chairs explained hearing logistics, including three-minute testimony limits and submission of written testimony, and noted that more than 70 people had signed up to testify. Legislators and advocates were heard out of order throughout the day. A major portion of the hearing focused on credit card surcharge and interchange legislation. Restaurant owners, the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, NFIB, and other small-business witnesses supported bills allowing merchants to add convenience fees and, in one proposal, preventing card companies from charging fees on tax and tip portions of transactions. They argued that swipe fees are a major and growing cost, especially for restaurants, and that Massachusetts is one of only two states that bars surcharges. Opponents from the Cooperative Credit Union Association, the Electronic Payment Coalition, and the Electronic Transactions Association warned that the proposals would create compliance burdens, fragment the payment system, raise legal preemption issues, and disrupt a system they described as efficient and secure. The committee also heard competing testimony on ticket transferability and ticket resale. Supporters, including the National Consumers League and Sports Fans Coalition, said bills on ticket transferability would protect consumers who cannot attend events and would increase competition and savings in the secondary market. Opponents, including United Musicians and Allied Workers and theater owners, argued that mandatory transferability would weaken artists’ and venues’ ability to prevent scalping and predatory resale, and that some ticket sellers should be exempt from the broader ticketing regulations. Separate testimony supported music therapy licensure, senior psychologist licensure, and new CPA education pathways, with witnesses saying these measures would expand access to care and strengthen the workforce while maintaining professional standards. The hearing also drew extensive opposition to S.261 on alternative healing therapies, with practitioners and clients arguing it would overregulate spiritual and holistic practices and was not an effective response to human trafficking concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second, um, they may stay open but close units to save money on staff and supplies.
• /c><00:05:50.880><c> on</c><00:05:51.199><c> staff</c><00:05:51.680><c> and</c><00:05:52.080><c> supplies
• </c> save money on staff and supplies. save money on staff and supplies.

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the parish... ...mentioned, which could make, do make, actually, the parish a key role in both the supply
• they begin to look inward, both for government structure, for investment, and for collaboration and supply
• Our supply chains are regional. Our workforce is regional. Our economic opportunity is regional.
• Our supply chains are regional. Our workforce is regional. Our economic opportunity is regional.

Bills: HB345 , HB502 , HB511 , HB655 , HB667 , HB713 , HB714 , HB730 , HB743 , HB777 , HB803 , HB836 , HB871 , HB1037 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1175

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Keywords: rail infrastructure, ports, Class II railroads, Class III railroads, transportation, Caddo Parish, property taxes, abatement, payment in lieu of taxes, taxing entities, governmental approval, pursuit intervention, law enforcement, safety technology, GPS tracking, public safety, ferries, Department of Transportation, contracts, state legislation

Summary: The committee heard several transportation and aviation measures. HB 1175, by Rep. Turner, updated aeronautics-related definitions and was reported favorably without objection. HB 655, by Rep. Brough, authorized DOTD to use cost-plus contracts for operation and maintenance of state ferry systems, with Secretary Glenn LaDay explaining it was intended to give DOTD flexibility for possible privatization or contracting of ferries such as Cameron; it was also reported favorably. HB 1037, by Chairman Borek, shifted certain DOTD operational responsibilities to a chief operating officer and was reported favorably, and HB 1174, also by Chairman Borek, recreated DOTD and was reported favorably as a cleanup measure. HB 714 and HB 502 were voluntarily deferred. The committee then considered several port-related bills. HB 871, by Rep. Carver, would have added two St. Tammany Parish appointees to the Port of New Orleans board, but the author asked to voluntarily defer it, saying the timing was premature given ongoing work on the Louisiana International Terminal and related access projects. HB 345, by Rep. McMakin, expanded the Rail Infrastructure Improvement Program to include rail infrastructure at ports and was reported favorably. HB 713, by Rep. McCormick, would cap the Caddo-Bossier Port executive director’s compensation at the statewide average of the top ten port directors; after extensive debate and testimony from the port, the Port Association, and Caddo Parish opposing the bill, the committee voted 12-1 to involuntarily defer it. HB 667, also by Rep. McCormick, would change Caddo-Bossier Port commissioners from appointed to elected; witnesses argued it would politicize the board, create election costs, and conflict with the port’s current structure, and the committee again voted 12-1 to involuntarily defer the bill. The committee also advanced local infrastructure and flood-protection measures. HB 743, by Rep. St. Blanc, creating the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport District in St. Mary Parish, was reported favorably after testimony that the district would help the parish manage the airport as an economic development asset. HB 836, by Rep. Hilferty, would reconfirm members of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority East by Senate confirmation; after concerns that the original August 1 date could interfere with hurricane-season operations, the committee adopted an amendment moving the reconfirmation date to December 1, 2026, and then reported the bill favorably by substitute. Finally, HB 730, by Rep. Cruz, was presented to prohibit the use of ADS-B aircraft tracking data to assess taxes or fees on aircraft owners, with an amendment narrowing the bill to smaller aircraft; the discussion continued into questions about enforcement and exemptions for carrier airports.

Transcript Highlights:

• billions of dollars giving health insurance to people who work full-time for companies who just don't supply
• companies for companies who<00:30:04.520><c> just</c><00:30:05.040><c> don't</c><00:30:05.480><c> supply
• </c> who just don't supply this for them. who just don't supply this for them.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum to consider the Senate Committee Substitute for House Bill 2, a major Medicaid bill. Members first adopted the substitute and then adopted Amendment 9770. The bill was described as a lengthy rewrite aimed at aligning Kentucky Medicaid policy with federal requirements under HR 1, while also preserving program integrity and addressing due process concerns. Senators and staff repeatedly emphasized that the measure was the product of extensive meetings with providers, associations, and work groups. The sponsor’s section-by-section summary highlighted several key changes: delaying and reducing cost-sharing requirements; pushing eligibility redetermination deadlines to the federal date; restoring some flexibility for hardship waivers; allowing self-attestation as a last resort; modifying MCO audit provisions; clarifying non-emergency medical transport GPS costs; expanding waiver attestation authority to nurse practitioners and licensed psychologists; adding qualified aliens to waiver eligibility to comply with federal law; requiring Medicaid data sharing with the oversight board; limiting changes to Medicaid benefits without General Assembly authorization; narrowing the prescription drug exclusion to drugs prescribed primarily for weight loss; and delaying the dental ASO transition until 2029. The substitute also deleted a proposed auditor review requirement and retained an emergency clause. Committee discussion focused heavily on the policy and fiscal implications of the cost-sharing and recertification provisions. Senators raised concerns about whether the co-pays would be effective or simply shift costs to providers, whether the recertification process would burden the Cabinet and cause eligible people to lose coverage, and how the bill would affect people transitioning from Medicaid into work. Supporters said the lower cost-sharing amounts were intended to encourage appropriate use of care, protect providers, and comply with federal law, and they noted that the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board would help shape future changes. A public witness, Maggie Chisholm, gave emotional testimony about her daughter’s experience with a Medicaid waiver and argued that policy delays and administrative disconnects can harm vulnerable families. No final vote on the bill itself was recorded in the excerpt, but the substitute and amendment were adopted and testimony continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• tribes, this is across the board for our grant application process—it could be that they didn't apply, supply
• extent that, you know, the company comes in and they look at your needed fire flows, your water supplies
• The company comes in and they look at your needed fire flows, your water supplies, your fire department
• We're going to bring water lines in here, which will boost our water supply.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• since I'm speaking about them or whoever, every university is going to have a certain niche that they supply
• it went away and took a state mission to provide that liberal arts education, they got away from supplying
• From supplying what the market really desperately needs right now, and that's schoolteachers, because
• But the comment I started out to make, though, is that many of these universities in certain places supply

Committee: House Budget

Summary: The committee heard extended discussion of the chair’s House budget substitute, especially House Bill 2 for elementary and secondary education and House Bill 3 for higher education. The chair said the operating budget leaves roughly $300 million in reserve, explained several cuts and restorations, and described proposed changes to child care, including cutting enhancement payments and keeping attendance-based rather than enrollment-based subsidy payments. Representative Fogle objected to the child care cuts and the proposed language limiting the department’s move to prospective payment and enrollment-based reimbursement; State Budget Director Dan Hogg testified that the governor’s office still intended to move to payment on enrollment in May if the budget language did not block it, while prospective payment remained under review because of federal funding concerns. The chair also explained a restriction on Parents as Teachers services for children already in public pre-K, and members debated whether that would reduce duplication or improperly limit services. The chair further proposed a new competitive Title I innovation grant program funded by a reallocation of some Title I dollars, with questions raised about what services would be reduced to offset it. The bulk of the meeting focused on a major higher education funding overhaul in House Bill 3. The chair and vice chair proposed replacing the current base-plus model with an FTE-based formula that would distribute the same overall state funding according to student credit hours, with community colleges funded on a 12-hour FTE, four-year undergraduate students on a 15-hour FTE, and graduate enrollment discussed as a separate issue. They said the goal was to make funding follow students rather than institutions and to reduce long-standing disparities between schools. Several members supported the idea as overdue and more transparent, while others warned it was being done too quickly and could harm institutions with high-cost programs, research missions, or smaller enrollments. Concerns were raised about possible closures, accreditation problems, and unintended effects on workforce programs such as nursing, engineering, and technical training. The chair and vice chair said there was no intent to force consolidation, but acknowledged that some institutions would gain and others would lose under the new model. Members also questioned how the formula would treat research and doctoral funding, especially at the University of Missouri, and whether graduate programs were properly counted. The chair said some special-purpose lines were retained, but a large portion of MU’s research and doctoral funding was folded into the broader pool and redistributed through the FTE model. Several members asked for clarification on whether graduate hours were counted at nine credits, and the chair said he was not certain and would seek follow-up from staff or the department. Community college representatives were discussed as having unanimously opposed the recommendation, and the chair noted that the institutions were briefed only shortly before the hearing. No votes were taken during the exchange, and the committee appeared to be gathering testimony and concerns ahead of markup and future action on the budget bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• But on the international front, yes, I think there'll probably be reduced labor supply in a number of
• think there'll probably be uh reduced I think there'll probably be uh reduced labor<00:40:49.599><c> supply
• </c> labor supply in a number of areas. labor supply in a number of areas.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Minnesota Management and Budget officials presented the February 2026 budget and economic forecast, saying the state remains in a strong financial position but faces continued structural imbalance and significant uncertainty. Commissioner Aaron Campbell said the FY 2026-27 balance is now projected at more than $3.7 billion, up about $1.3 billion from November, and the FY 2028-29 planning period is projected to end with a $377 million positive balance. He emphasized that the improvement comes largely from higher projected revenues, especially individual income and corporate franchise taxes, but warned that the state is increasingly reliant on more volatile sources such as capital gains, interest income, and corporate profits. State Economist Dr. Anthony Becker said the national outlook improved slightly, with stronger projected GDP, consumer spending, and investment, but weaker payroll growth and ongoing trade-policy uncertainty. He noted that the forecast was complicated by missing federal data because of the federal shutdown, and that tariffs, immigration policy, equity markets, and possible AI-related shifts all present risks. Revenue projections were raised for the current biennium, including individual income tax receipts, sales tax revenue, corporate franchise tax revenue, and other revenues, while Becker stressed that federal funding threats, especially involving Medicaid and other entitlement programs, could materially alter the outlook. State Budget Director Anna Mingi said general fund spending in the current biennium is projected to be $68 million lower than previously estimated, but planning-year spending is up $152 million. The biggest spending changes came from education, where special education costs rose sharply after updated local spending data, and from human services, where a new prepayment review process for certain Medicaid benefits reduced projected spending by $133 million this biennium and $105 million in the next. She also said discretionary inflation is now estimated at $1.04 billion, up $104 million from November. Campbell closed by saying the state’s reserve remains at a record $3.8 billion and that Minnesota’s AAA bond rating and reserve policy help protect against downturns. He cautioned, however, that the long-term structural imbalance remains about $3.4 billion in the planning years, or $2.3 billion excluding discretionary inflation, and urged policymakers to offset any new spending with reductions. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was a presentation and question-and-answer session on the forecast.

Transcript Highlights:

• Corporate landlords are buying up properties across Arizona, drastically rising prices and decreasing our supply
• corporate landlords are buying up properties across arizona drastically rising prices and decreasing our supply
• The Committee on Water and Supply, Assets, and Groundwater submits the following report.
• about estimating total groundwater available, and I put that in quotations, or years of remaining supply

Summary: The Senate met in several Committee of the Whole sessions to consider a large number of bills, with most measures receiving do-pass recommendations and several being amended before advancing. Early action included bills on fentanyl penalties (SB 1061), firearm suppressors/prohibited weapons (SB 1069), DCS attorney appearance and hotline/case-history access (SB 1081 and SB 1174), mandatory reporting and scrap metal theft (SB 1127 and SB 1128), and a narcotic-drug-to-minor offense bill (SB 1170). Senators Ortiz, Kuby, and others argued against the drug bills as harmful mandatory-minimum policies that would reduce judicial discretion and worsen addiction and incarceration outcomes, while supporters framed them as public-safety measures. SB 1170 ultimately failed on third reading; SB 1061, SB 1069, SB 1127, SB 1128, SB 1171, SB 1174, and SB 1188 passed, while SB 1021 later failed after concerns were raised about possible federal anti-kickback conflicts. The chamber also advanced health-care and regulatory measures, including chiropractic board compliance training (SB 1021), radiation protection and health-care institution requirements (SB 1120 and SB 1121), health care cost containment system changes (SB 1171), and pharmacy scheduling/prescription authority (SB 1188). Several of these bills were amended with technical changes or rulemaking authority, and most passed on third reading. SB 1243 and SB 1244 on court-ordered treatment also moved forward after amendments; supporters said the changes would improve notice and allow guardians or agencies to act more effectively, while opponents warned about due-process concerns and expanded coercive treatment authority. In later calendars, the Senate considered local planning and permitting (SB 1241), school access and GED preparation (SB 1166 and SB 1370), water and groundwater issues (SB 1202 and SB 1287), tax and finance measures (SB 1180, SB 1221, SB 1293, SB 1294, and SB 1429), and a constitutional resolution on legislative boundaries (SCR 1031). SB 1166 was amended to limit GED preparation to grades 11 and 12, SB 1241 and SB 1287 received technical amendments, and SB 1180 was clarified to align tax forms with federal conformity. SB 1075 on foreign entities and land sales drew the most debate: an Ortiz amendment would have shifted it toward corporate homebuyer restrictions and housing affordability, but that amendment was defeated on a roll call vote before the bill advanced as amended. Most remaining measures passed their third readings, with the Senate adopting Committee of the Whole reports and transmitting the approved bills to the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's integral to the partnership with our community and supplying, being a partner in workforce development
• with our intricate to the partnership with our community<00:24:18.880><c> and</c><00:24:19.039><c> supplying
• /c><00:24:19.919><c> being</c><00:24:20.159><c> a</c><00:24:20.320><c> partner</c> community and supplying
• being a partner community and supplying being a partner in<00:24:20.799><c> the</c><00:24:21.039><c>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education and Workforce Development met for an information-gathering session and opened by clarifying that the subcommittee would not be voting on budget requests. Because there was no quorum at first, the committee did not take up approval amendments. The first presentation focused on a budget request to incentivize national certification for school social workers and school psychologists. Rep. Vanessa Gracal, along with Amy Oats and Leslie Gilpin, argued for a $500,000 annual appropriation to provide $2,000 salary supplements to nationally certified school social workers and school psychologists working primarily in their certification areas. They said the stipend would help recruit and retain professionals amid shortages, noted that current Kentucky certification numbers are low, and explained the rigorous certification and renewal requirements. In response to questions, they said there is currently no appropriation for this purpose in HB 500 and none they were aware of in HB 6 in 2024. The next topic was school facility funding needs, led by Rep. Bob McCool, Johnson County Superintendent Tom Cochran, Commissioner of Education Robert Fletcher, and other district representatives. They described the “gap funding” issue for school construction projects that had already started before COVID-era inflation sharply increased costs. Johnson County and Harrison County were highlighted as examples of districts that had already committed local funds, passed nickel taxes, and begun construction but now need additional state support to finish projects. Speakers emphasized that many projects were audited and approved, that the state has already funded about half of the gap, and that roughly $130 million more is being sought in HB 500 to complete the remaining work. They stressed that unfinished projects would leave districts with half-built schools and that completing them would bring long-term savings and better facilities for students. The committee then turned to testimony from KASA representatives on the impacts of HB 500 as introduced. The witnesses discussed the importance of school psychology and school social work certification, the benefits of advanced training for student services, and the need to recognize and support highly qualified staff. A member asked whether HB 500 or HB 6 included an appropriation for the certification stipend, and the witnesses answered no. The meeting also included a motion to approve the minutes from the prior meeting once a quorum was present, and the minutes were approved by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• with ice storms, wind storms, uh, so some of the severe weather we've had where uh feed, water, supplies
• weather we've had where uh feed, severe weather we've had where uh feed, water,<00:04:08.080><c> supplies
• </c><00:04:08.480><c> couldn't</c><00:04:08.799><c> be</c><00:04:08.959><c> delivered</c> water, supplies
• couldn't be delivered water, supplies couldn't be delivered some<00:04:09.360><c> of</c><00:04:09.439

Committee: Senate Agriculture

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:32 SB 155 Discussion: 03:00 SB 155 Roll Call Vote: 07:50 SB 45 Discussion: 08:39 SB 45 Roll Call Vote: 36:00, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• question is on the statement that appears here that they make up a relatively small share of the total supply
• New strategies to grow the supply even further are underway.
• It has 12 million in there, and so we're asking for another 20 million again to support the supply building
• that our zoning and our land use regulations aren't unnecessarily inhibiting growth of child care supply

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The sales of medical equipment, supplies, and drugs to health practitioners are still included in the
• But I think the supply of healthcare practitioners is quite complicated. And I think you're right.
• And if I'm right, I think Arizona charges maybe on certain supplies but not on services, whereas we have
• receipts state, we tax everything from, you know, sales, excuse me, services, and merchandise that a supply

Committee: House Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• doing it and scheduling things monthly at the same time because they want to keep their customers in supply
• keep their time because they want to keep their customers<00:21:54.960><c> in</c><00:21:55.280><c> supply
• </c><00:21:57.760><c> Um</c> customers in supply of meat. Um customers in supply of meat.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee met in work session on retained House Bill 396, which would exempt meat and meat food products slaughtered and prepared in-state for in-state sale from certain inspections. The discussion centered on the bill’s conflict with federal law and whether any state action could help small farmers process and sell cuts of meat locally. Representative Comtois argued the current federal system unfairly burdens New Hampshire farmers and consumers, while committee members and witnesses repeatedly noted that federal action would likely be required. Mr. Johnson explained that the committee’s prior resolution asked USDA to allow small and very small slaughter plants to use custom-exempt criteria with a third-party inspector, and said discussions had been held with federal offices, but no change had been secured. Members and witnesses described the practical limits facing small producers, including the scarcity of USDA-inspected facilities in New Hampshire, long booking lead times, and the cost of shipping animals out of state. Representative German and others noted that slaughter schedules and seasonal grazing patterns make compliance difficult for smaller farms. Farm Bureau representatives said they were continuing to educate federal officials, but that the USDA secretary’s visit to a local operation had been rejected. They also explained that one local operation can process USDA-inspected meat, but that still involves federal inspection. Several members asked about possible exemptions, workarounds, or whether a state bill would be needed if federal relief were granted; the response was that a federal exemption or rule change would be sufficient and no state action would then be required. The committee also heard broader policy views. Senator Dan Innis said there was strong Senate support for helping small farms and that the issue is mainly federal overreach and economics, not food safety, while acknowledging the risk of federal enforcement against farmers. He compared the issue to other federal-state conflicts and said the current law reflects outdated concerns from the early meatpacking era. Members discussed whether the bill should be amended to include limits on the number of animals processed, similar to poultry rules, to make it more politically viable. No vote was taken during the work session, and the bill remained under discussion for possible amendment before the retained-bill deadline.