Transcript Highlights:

• I am going to be calling folks up based on bill number.
• I am going to be calling folks up based on bill number.
• Through its partnership-based approach, DER provides grants and technical assistance.
• Our office is based in Rhode Island, but we're like a regional school.
• Our office is based on Rhode Island, but we're like a regional school.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to environmental, natural resources, and maritime issues. Representative Markey testified in support of H. 1000, which would create a commission to study financing wastewater infrastructure, especially in southeastern Massachusetts and the South Shore, citing combined sewer overflows and impacts on aquaculture. Members agreed the core challenge is finding long-term financing for wastewater solutions. The committee also heard testimony on H. 902 to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation, with supporters describing its role in expanding access, supporting underrepresented communities, and helping grow the outdoor economy. Related testimony also supported H. 986, which would codify the Division of Ecological Restoration and the Office of Fishing and Boating Access within the Department of Fish and Game, with witnesses emphasizing habitat restoration, flood reduction, public access, and boating/fishing opportunities. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 901/S. 597, “An Act Providing Nature for All,” which would dedicate existing sporting goods sales tax revenue to a new conservation fund. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Appalachian Mountain Club, Trust for Public Land, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and conservation groups argued the bill would provide a sustainable revenue stream for land conservation, parks, trails, wetlands, water protection, and climate resilience, while also advancing environmental justice and outdoor recreation. They said the state needs roughly $300 million more per year to meet land conservation goals and that the bill could generate about $100 million annually without raising taxes. Committee members asked about balancing conservation with housing and development, and witnesses said the goals are compatible and that the bill includes safeguards. Witnesses also noted similar funding models in other states. The hearing also included H. 1053, a bill to create a Merrimack River Collaborative. Regional planning and watershed advocates said the river faces bacterial contamination, heavy metals, combined sewer overflows, and other pollution, and that a formal collaborative would help coordinate municipalities, state agencies, and nonprofits across the watershed and possibly across state lines. Another bill, H. 4109, would relocate harbor lines in New Bedford Harbor to allow reconstruction of deteriorating bulkheads at a waterfront industrial site; the New Bedford Port Authority, engineers, and the property owner said the change is needed for permitting and would support port modernization and jobs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on S. 641 regarding marine pilotage in New Bedford. Supporters argued the bill would remove a District 3 pilotage restriction and improve port flexibility and offshore wind operations, while opponents warned it would undermine the state’s compulsory pilotage system, weaken safety, and allow ship owners to shop for pilots. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• in my district all the time, of someone who's in Orange County who says, I want to go to the Padres game
• in my district all the time of someone who's in Orange County who says I want to go to the Padres game
• We also tried to align monthly passes that had historically been based on a sort of break-even point
• The game was in Santa Clara. And, of course, our line connects San Francisco down to San Jose.
• In part, the games that we were drawn are all at night.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• on what the patient presented with, not based... on the final diagnosis.
• Also, I'm the director of the ALS Clinic based here in Austin.
• And that game, because of that increase, I've... I've gone and done a lot of research.
• What I learned was they're playing this game with the state of Texas and the federal government.
• The insurance company temporarily withholds depreciation from the claim payout based on the estimated

Bills: HB1464 , HB1635 , HB2516 , HB3317 , HB3502 , HB4012 , HB4268 , HB4386 , HB4877 , SB916

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: prescription drugs, drug pricing, pharmacy benefits, health insurance, health benefit plan, insurer, HMO, self-insured employer, public employer, school district, county, municipality, university system, higher education, retirees, dependent coverage, stop-loss coverage, bulk purchasing, group purchasing, purchasing pool

Transcript Highlights:

• That's called Dakota's Law, based on a real dog named Dakota that suffered from post-traumatic stress
• that there is a federal regulation requiring all fusion centers in the Commonwealth to keep records based
• are actually complying with that federal regulation, that the records that they keep are actually based
• gang database has gathered data on thousands of people, over 90% of whom are people of color, not based
• Their skill levels, what they do, and how they serve, how they bridge communities with policing, it's

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a wide range of public safety bills, with strong support from law enforcement, advocates, and other stakeholders. Several measures focused on police and correctional officer wellness and protections, including bills on critical incident leave and post-incident support for officers, a bill to improve POST Commission representation, and a bill to protect correctional officers from assaults and exposure to synthetic drugs like K2. Witnesses described traumatic incidents, rising assaults in prisons, staffing shortages, and the need for confidentiality in peer-support debriefings. Committee members asked questions about assault classifications, K2 smuggling, tablet-related contraband, and whether counseling records would remain confidential. No votes were taken during the hearing. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to canine-related bills. Testimony supported creating a fund for retired police dogs and expanding emergency care training for working dogs injured in the line of duty. Speakers described police dogs as partners who locate suspects, missing persons, drugs, and weapons, and said retirement and medical costs are currently borne by handlers or nonprofits. The committee also heard testimony in favor of a purple alert system for missing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with advocates citing wandering risks, drowning dangers, and data from other states showing faster recovery times. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to expand the definition of sexual assault by an officer to cover situations beyond formal custody, including investigations and other encounters where police have coercive power. Advocates for sex workers and anti-trafficking organizations said the change would close a loophole, protect vulnerable people, and address documented abuses. In addition, testimony was taken on a bill to protect Massachusetts residents from federal surveillance through fusion centers, with critics calling for stronger oversight of BRIC and related databases. Representative Jeff Turco also testified on bills to change POST Commission membership, arguing for more law enforcement representation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Based on your current investment?
• They use these in military bases quite a bit.
• Secas that are limited in resources and volunteer-based, just like land grants.
• The skills needed for those thinning projects are pretty much in the same ballpark as the skills needed
• That's part of the longer continuum of being land-based people.

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a proven skill that raises the level of success for students.
• That delay affects more than 20% of the state's personal income tax base.
• That's just based on the historical distribution of Proposition 98 funding.
• That's not based on a statute or a budget...
• Every district, it's strictly based on your attendance.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're increasing the base student allocation by $66, or a 1.25% increase.
• The budget also recommends $63 million in base budget reductions based on historical reversions, ensuring
• that budget resources $93 million in base budget reductions based on historical reversions, ensuring
• mental health and substance use prevention initiatives, more than $180 million. based mental health
• SPB 2506 revises the distributions from the gaming compact.

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Summary: The Appropriations Committee heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, SPB 25-200, totaling $117.4 billion. Chair Hooper and committee chairs highlighted major spending priorities including a 4% raise for state employees, continued health insurance contributions, investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and workforce development, along with reductions tied to long-vacant positions. Education funding was a major focus, with increases for K-12 public schools and scholarships, higher education workforce programs, nursing initiatives, tutoring, and university performance funding. Health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/economic development, and agriculture/environment budgets were also outlined, including Medicaid, mental health, corrections staffing, affordable housing, beach restoration, citrus recovery, and water projects. Members then questioned several budget choices, especially K-12 funding. Senators Polsky and Smith raised concerns that the Senate’s AP and dual enrollment funding changes could disadvantage public schools, while Burgess argued the budget preserves the money in the FEFP and gives districts more flexibility rather than reducing support. Questions also addressed voucher availability, school stabilization funding, and the My Safe Florida Home program. The committee adopted 171 consent amendments and three late-file amendments, then approved SPB 2500 as a committee bill. It also favorably reported implementing and conforming bills for state employees, retirement, natural resources, judgeships, K-12 education, higher education, and health and human services, along with SB 7022 on Florida Retirement System contribution rates and elected-officer DROP options, CS/SB 1320 on the Resilient Florida Trust Fund, SB 7014 ending the Mediation and Arbitration Trust Fund, SB 7028 on cancer research, CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home quality and oversight, CS/SB 168 on mental health diversion and behavioral health data, SB 114 creating an insurance and risk management research center at FSU, and SB 180 on emergency preparedness and post-storm recovery. Most bills were reported favorably with little or no opposition, though SB 180 drew discussion about local-government authority after storms and the need to balance recovery speed with local safety and planning concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• Based on your answer.
• Based on the language of the bill, what is considered?
• So based on the language of including all the felonies, what...
• Including the Seminole Gaming, which was at 40%, and Sands Casino Gaming, their initiative was at 37%
• This group paid people based on the number of petition gatherers.

Bills: HB 9 , HB 22 , HB 908 , HB 1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• At games and school events, I often see younger kids, like middle schoolers, vaping to look cooler for
• Some ways that I've been active are by doing events at Isotopes Games.
• school and educate middle schoolers, because right now this is all focused on high school. school-based

Committee: House Tobacco Settlement Revenue Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• addresses the reduction of the appraised value of a residence homestead for ad valorem tax purposes based
• proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the Hickok traditional tribe of Texas to conduct gaming
• by executing a gaming compact within the state.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a structured, science-based process... ...grounded in long-standing federal law.
• This is a structured science-based process grounded in long-standing federal law.
• Majority Leader, thank you very much, and I'm sorry that we didn't get to touch base today, Ms.
• So they're making these decisions based off of historical decisions made around bed allocation.
• The bill is based on a simple principle: If California law says that... ...an algorithm.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard a long agenda of health-related bills, beginning with AB 2651 by Bonta, which would require schools to notify parents when school vaccination rates fall below herd immunity thresholds. Supporters, including family physicians, PTA representatives, and medical groups, said the bill would improve transparency and help parents protect children and vulnerable family members. Opponents argued the data could be misleading, could identify medically exempt or conditional students, and might lead to stigma or discrimination. The bill was later moved out of committee on a due-pass-as-amended motion, with one no vote recorded on the roll call. The committee also heard AB 2123 by Aguirre-Curry on medical debt relief, AB 1570 by Wilson to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary breast diagnostic and supplemental imaging, AB 2201 by Berner to restore Medi-Cal eligibility and renewal flexibilities, AB 2448 by Berman to strengthen privacy protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care records, AB 2034 by Addis on food additive safety and transparency, and AB 2598 by Krell to require better notification of next of kin when a patient dies in a hospital. Each bill drew strong support from authors, advocates, and affected individuals, while some drew opposition from insurers, industry groups, or transparency critics who raised concerns about cost, duplication, implementation, or unintended harm. Several bills were moved forward on due-pass-as-amended motions, including AB 2123, AB 2201, AB 2448, AB 2034, and AB 2598. The committee also heard AB 2551 by Elhawary, which would require health plans to collect and publish data on how often enrollees must go out of network for behavioral health care and why. Supporters said the measure would expose access barriers and high out-of-pocket costs, especially for communities of color and people with language access needs; opponents said it would add another reporting mandate and might not solve provider shortage problems. Members generally expressed support for the bill’s goals and several described personal or district-level experiences with behavioral health access problems. The bill was then moved out of committee on a due-pass motion. The committee also took up consent items and other procedural motions, with multiple bills reported out and some placed on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• And by having base funding, we can continue this critical expansion.
• </c><00:42:35.760><c> on</c> amount varies because it's based on amount varies because it's based on
• <00:43:04.520><c> rental</c> project-based rental project-based rental assistance<00:43:06.880><c> um
• </c> HUD financed project-based HUD financed project-based um<00:43:33.000><c> uh</c><00:43:33.119><c
• </c><01:38:20.719><c> funding</c> next bium and a return to base funding next bium and a return to base

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:12.640><c> fact-finding</c><00:11:13.320><c> review,</c> science-based fact-finding review, science-based
• We switched from basing our recommendations on federal ACIP committee to basing the schedule from AAP
• and now feel very confident on speaking about the outcome of those games on Monday morning.
• </c> for those who have watched Sunday games for those who have watched Sunday games and<01:11:24.600
• </c><01:11:28.160><c> on</c> about the outcome of those games on about the outcome of those games on

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Special Committee on COVID Response Efficacy for New Hampshire held its first organizational meeting. The chair read the committee’s updated mission statement, which says the bipartisan committee will fact-find on the state’s COVID-19 response and its impact on the healthcare system, with focus areas including federal guidance, federal funds, emergency use authorization vaccination efforts, long COVID, the Patient Bill of Rights, and vaccination policies. The chair also announced committee staffing changes: Linda McGrath stepped down as vice chair and Representative Gerard was named vice chair; Representative DeRoy was named clerk. The chair emphasized the committee’s work is intended to be science-based and fact-finding, not anti-vaccine, and noted that the committee may issue follow-up reports and recommendations. Members discussed a broad list of topics for future hearings, including long COVID treatment, ongoing vaccination policies, reporting of COVID deaths, standards of care and provider discretion, COVID-related funding such as ESSER/CARES Act money, and communication of treatment developments during the pandemic. Representative Pollina argued the committee should examine specific treatments and outcomes, including remdesivir, oxygen/intubation practices, and ivermectin, and raised concerns about whether some treatments were harmful or suppressed. He also focused on pediatric vaccination policy, saying the committee should review New Hampshire’s recommendations for children and medical students, and questioned the state’s reliance on federal guidance versus independent review. The chair responded that shifting federal positions may justify an independent New Hampshire evaluation and asked him to gather more information and potential witnesses. In open discussion, members suggested additional witnesses and topics, including local funeral directors, nursing homes, and emergency medical services, as well as how nursing homes were affected by positive tests and admission restrictions. Another member suggested the committee consider what products it should produce, such as a final report, possible bill recommendations, and better documentation or footnotes tying findings to testimony and scientific sources. The chair said the committee’s deliverables could include reports, letters to department heads or legislative leaders, and other actions, and noted that the committee’s 2024 report and supporting documents are available on the House committee page. No votes or formal actions beyond the organizational appointments were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• that we're honoring Olympians today, it is fitting to mention that for the third consecutive Winter Games
• , American women have outperformed U.S. men in both gold and total medals. ...games, American women have
• is the first woman to serve as the command chief for the 60th Air Mobility Wing, Travis Air Force Base
• Community-based arts for racial justice.
• Puente founded the law office of Alma di Puente, specializing in immigration law, including family-based

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and suspended several rules and notices for floor business. The chamber approved the journals for March 9–12, 2026, and suspended Joint Rule 62(a) to allow a Budget Subcommittee on Education hearing on item 6120 with short notice. The body then took up third reading items, beginning with SCR 114 designating March 15–21 as National Surveyors’ Week. Senator Grove spoke in support, emphasizing the historical importance of surveyors and their role in infrastructure, land ownership, and economic development. The resolution passed unanimously, 40-0, and Grove introduced guest Christy Ashay, president of the California Land Surveyors Association. The Senate next considered SR 76 recognizing Women’s History Month and honoring 42 women from across California. Senator Menjivar led the resolution, highlighting women’s contributions and calling for continued policy work on equity, pay, and opportunity. Senators Richardson, Perez, Rubio, Wahab, and others spoke in support on behalf of the Black, LGBTQ+, Latino, Jewish, AAPI, and other caucuses, citing women’s historic and ongoing leadership and the need to address persistent inequality. The resolution was adopted unanimously, 40-0. After the vote, the Senate proceeded to a lengthy floor ceremony recognizing the Women of the Year honorees from each district, with brief biographies read into the record for community leaders, educators, public safety officials, veterans, advocates, business owners, and others. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of James Bernard Peth, offered by Senator Ashby in honor of the father of Senate Ethics Committee Chief Counsel Aaron Peth. The Senate announced it would recess and reconvene on March 19, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Topics this year include a workshop on soft skills, an introduction to the legislative process with the
• Students from across the state came to the Capitol to showcase those skills as part of the YMCA's 71st
• She says the new role comes with new responsibilities, which is helping her hone new skills.
• it's taught me a lot hone new skills it's taught me a lot about<00:26:38.919><c> how</c><00:26:39.039
• to have as a is a really important skill to have as a leader<00:26:58.960><c> but</c><00:26:59.120><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we truly believe based on forecasting this will be a very integrated mode of transportation for the
• If we try to calculate the best we can based on users, these are shipping other modes.
• We're based in Indianapolis just north on the north end in a city called Carmel.
• We we are working with the base commanders.
• You know, we think that this is a game changer for us.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> as towns balance what goes in the base as towns balance what goes in the base budget<01:49:22.000
• </c><03:21:28.000><c> for</c> across the the non-exempt tax base for across the the non-exempt tax base
• Um so across the whole base initially.
• </c> rate apply it against the opt out base rate apply it against the opt out base and<03:22:06.160><
• ,</c> families, contributed to our tax base, families, contributed to our tax base, empowered<03:38:47.760

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And these three-mile laterals are game-changing. They're now moving into the Permian.
• This is a game-changing piece of pipe for eastern North Dakota, for central North Dakota, and for the
• And so here's some data that we provided based on some estimates. ...data that we provided based on some
• So that might be, if the estimations were based on that, could kind of be another their support. be,
• Now, based on all of those surveys, OMB facility management came up with a proposal.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes. The committee first heard an update from the Petroleum Council on oil and gas activity in North Dakota. Ron Ness said production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with efficiency gains and longer laterals helping offset lower rig counts. He discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, northward movement of drilling activity, and the importance of new infrastructure and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) pilots. Members asked about gas taxation, natural gas liquids, pipeline impacts, and the outlook for Continental and other operators. Ness said the industry is likely to remain steady rather than see a major ramp-up or decline. Matt Pearl of the State Tax Department then explained the federal “big beautiful bill” and its effect on North Dakota income tax collections. He said the law extends or makes permanent several federal provisions and creates temporary deductions for seniors, tips, overtime, and auto loan interest, with the biggest state impact coming from the standard deduction increase and business tax changes. He revised earlier estimates downward, saying the net cash impact on state collections is likely in the $30 million to $35 million range after accounting for business prepayments and one-time FY25 oilfield transaction effects. Committee members asked which provisions apply to standard versus itemized returns. OMB staff gave a detailed update on major capital projects and facility funding. Topics included Capitol grounds improvements such as 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding, seating, lighting, tree management, and restroom and lobby upgrades; security work at the governor’s residence, which has been delayed by the discovery of human remains; and space reconfiguration efforts in Bismarck-Mandan to reduce leases and create shared offices and conference rooms. They also reported on the State Facility Maintenance Fund, including roof, window, boiler, and kitchen projects at state facilities, and on the state hospital project in Jamestown, which remains on budget and on schedule for substantial completion in winter 2027 and opening in spring 2028. OMB also updated the committee on the Minot North Central State Office Building, the use of federal State Fiscal Recovery Funds, and the status of legislative intent and trust fund reports, including school aid turnback, the school construction loan program, the Foundation Aid Stabilization Fund, the Legacy Fund, and the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund. The committee ended by discussing future agenda items, including government efficiency, cash management, Bank of North Dakota lines of credit, and the rural health transformation program, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We see it in alcohol sales, gaming, zoning, drainage, and local taxation districts.
• And we're going to hinder that vote based on what you guys say here today.
• Companies decide to place their investment in different places based on certainty.
• But it would be difficult based upon what I just heard. I haven't read the amendment.
• It would be difficult based upon what I just heard. I haven't read the amendment.

Committee: House Natural Resources & Environment

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• on all the they think that it's uh based on all the facts<00:20:45.360><c> and</c><00:20:45.600><c>
• I know we have a Life Skills 101 class that's offered in that jail.
• I know we have a life uh life skills<00:34:58.960><c> 101</c><00:34:59.920><c> class</c><00:35:00.240
• And judges can only make decisions based on the information that's put before them.
• Although based on the testimony of Judge Ward, that does appear to be an unfortunate consequence.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 958, all