Video & Transcript : 'Healthy Aging Subcabinet' :
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NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture - 03/10/2026
Agriculture
Transcript Highlights:
- We are joined by, looking around here, our great Commissioner of Ag and Markets, Commissioner Ball.
- The farmers there, the state departments of ag are there, and the research institutions are there as
- lot from farmers in New York is: do I talk to the other commissioners, secretaries and directors of ag
- So I was in Washington, and you and I spoke about this a little bit with the state departments of ag.
- Thompson a little bit, the chair of the Ag Committee. He's very excited about moving the farm bill.
Committee:
Senate Agriculture
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture first moved through a series of animal welfare bills, reporting all of them to the floor. The measures included bills on sentencing for aggravated cruelty to animals, additional aggravated cruelty provisions, penalties for animal abandonment, requiring owners or lessors of vacated properties to inspect for abandoned animals, and restricting surgical depopulation procedures on dogs and pets. Members generally expressed support, and each bill advanced by motion and voice vote with no noted opposition or recusals; one additional bill was held by the sponsor.
The committee then heard from Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball, who gave an update on state and federal agriculture issues. He discussed the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center, federal farm bill negotiations, specialty crops, labor and H-2A reform, dairy margin coverage concerns, possible cuts to EQIP, organic certification funding, trade and USMCA review, tariffs and input costs, and disaster concerns affecting Long Island seafood producers. He also highlighted state programs such as Nourish New York, Dairy Modernization, farm-to-school efforts, and workforce development initiatives.
Members asked questions about raw milk sales, H-2A labor, solar siting on farmland, farm-to-school expansion, tariff impacts, and support for farmers facing federal cuts and rising costs. Ball said raw milk sales remain limited to licensed on-farm sales with inspections and warnings, supported reform of H-2A and broader labor policy, urged protecting prime and actively farmed land from solar development, and emphasized the need to preserve food access programs like Nourish New York and farmers market nutrition benefits. The meeting ended after the commissioner’s testimony and member discussion, with no further formal action beyond the earlier bill reports.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Transportation and Public Works Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- What age of the car does it apply to? What might the study reveal, like cost?
- What age of the car does it apply to? Where would we do it?
- Age of the car—when do you do it? Three years old? After four years old? Again, where is it?
- Age of the car—when do you do it? Three years old? After four years old?
- What age does the car does apply to? All of those things would be considered.
Summary:
The committee heard House Memorial 23, which asks the Motor Vehicle Division and the Regulation and Licensing Department to study whether New Mexico should reestablish a statewide motor vehicle safety inspection program. The sponsor and expert witness argued that modern vehicles are far more complex than when the old program ended in the 1970s, and cited studies from Texas, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Carnegie Mellon, and an international inspection organization suggesting safety inspections are associated with fewer fatalities. They said the study should examine feasibility, costs, where inspections would be conducted, what vehicles would be covered, and whether small businesses could be certified to perform inspections, similar to Bernalillo County’s emissions model.
Several members raised concerns about added costs, burdens on rural drivers, possible lawsuits against inspection businesses, and whether the memorial was drafted as a study of benefits rather than a balanced look at pros and cons. Some questioned whether the Regulation and Licensing Department had the capacity to take on the work and whether the program would effectively become another mandate or fee. Supporters emphasized that unsafe vehicles endanger not only drivers but others on the road, and noted that the study could also consider subsidies for low-income drivers and the impact on areas with higher traffic density.
The committee discussed how inspections might work, including whether they would cover physical components like tires, brakes, steering, and axles as well as electronic safety systems such as lane assist and collision avoidance. The presenter said commercial vehicles already face separate inspection requirements and that tribal lands and pueblos would not be covered. After public comment, the committee voted to pass the memorial on a roll call vote, with several members voting yes and others voting no; one member explained her no vote as opposition to added regulation and costs.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Alzheimer's Task Force Innovation & Research Subcommittee Mar 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I think we'll see all of that hopefully start to evolve more as the Boomers age into the older... ...
- and the aging population.
- Yeah, so why don't we piggyback on that and just say, also including maybe people over the age of...
- There are more people over the age of 60 than there are under the age of 18.
- We all get, you know, aging. I'm in that group now in the... Baby... Baby boom.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 04/07/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, under our child protection statutes, counties are required to help kids who are aging out of the
- as they age out of foster<00:32:31.560><c> care.
- </c> reading readiness before 5 years of age. reading readiness before 5 years of age.
- </c> one in five Minnesotans will be over age one in five Minnesotans will be over age 65,<01:32:32.440
- </c> stability, and aging services. stability, and aging services.
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Maybe AG or OHA.
- I would say AG.
- I would say AG.
- I would say AG.
- I would say AG.
Bills:
HB1739 , HB1741 , HB2606 , HB2362 , HB2608 , HB2294 , HB2431 , HB2375 , HB2582 , HB2585 , HB2231 , HB1601 , HB2424 , HB1956
Committee:
House Water & Land
Summary:
The committee on Water and Land met on February 19, 2026, and the chair opened by emphasizing strict time limits and that all bills would be deferred if the agenda was not completed before the noon session. The first major measure discussed was HB 1739 HD1, which would preempt county land-use authority in transit-oriented development areas. The Department of Planning supported the bill, saying it could promote state-funded TOD and infrastructure, while the city and county’s position was raised in questioning. Unite Here Local 5 opposed the bill, arguing it would strip counties of self-determination, disrupt state-county policy collaboration, and remove a check on unrestrained development. Committee members pressed the supporters on whether the bill was really about higher density and whether it would override local zoning and sustainability concerns.
The committee then heard testimony on HB 1741 HD1, a housing bill described by supporters as reducing inclusionary housing mandates and increasing supply. Grassroots Institute of Hawaii argued affordability mandates reduce overall housing production and raise market-rate prices, while a Zoom testifier said the bill would improve housing stability, health, and community outcomes for working families, kupuna, and young residents. Members asked about the bill’s needs assessment and who would conduct it, with a witness saying the counties would likely contract it out but that the bill did not clearly specify the reviewer.
HB 2668 HD1, dealing with water heating systems, drew testimony from the Hawaii State Energy Office and industry representatives. Supporters generally backed adding heat pumps to the law, but one solar-water-heater industry witness asked for amendments to remove or extend the current 15-year statutory life limit for solar water heaters and to update outdated standards and variance rules. A Kauaʻi Climate Action Coalition witness opposed the existing solar-only structure, arguing heat pump water heaters are cheaper, align with climate goals, and should be allowed without a variance. The Energy Office said the current law already allows variances in some cases, suggested adding high-efficiency heat pump water heaters to the exemption, and said the 15-year figure may be too short, with 18 years mentioned as a possible alternative. The committee also briefly moved through several other bills, including HB 2606 HD1 on off-site construction and HB 2362 HD1 on housing, with no notable testimony or action recorded in the excerpt.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- When it comes to age, because they're not in the 30 age bracket, and they don't have any signs of cancer
- When it comes to age, because they're not in the 30 age bracket, and they don't have any signs of cancer
- ><c> 30</c><00:31:49.200><c> age</c><00:31:49.480><c> Breck</c><00:31:50.200><c> and</c><00:31:50.320
- ><c> they</c><00:31:50.399><c> don't</c><00:31:50.600><c> have</c> in the 30 age Breck and they don't
- </c> we're having more people under the age we're having more people under the age of<00:31:59.720><c
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
Summary:
The committee opened its first hearing of the 2025 session with procedural instructions about testimony limits, Zoom participation, written testimony, and a reconvening date if needed. It then heard SB 200 on speedy trials. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing it could create conflicts of interest for prosecutors, potentially make victims or witnesses quasi-parties to criminal cases, force traumatizing testimony on continuance motions, and unfairly delay trials for in-custody defendants. A World Care representative supported the bill and urged broader protections for minors, disabled people, and seniors. The chair also pressed the public defender to suggest improvements, emphasizing that the bill was driven by victims and families. No vote or final action was taken on SB 200.
The committee next took up SB 8 on jury duty exemptions for health professionals. Testimony was strongly supportive from nurses, physicians, and disability advocates, who said APRNs and other nurses are in short supply and that jury service can disrupt patient care, especially in rural and neighbor island areas. One witness suggested expanding the exemption to include registered nurses as well as APRNs, while a senator raised concerns about blanket exemptions for non-practicing APRNs and suggested a time limit. The bill remained under discussion with no final action reported.
The committee then heard SB 144 on chiropractic, with the state chiropractic board offering comments and the Hawaii State Chiropractic Association supporting the measure as a way to address workforce shortages and provide students more hands-on clinical experience. A World Care witness also supported the bill after clarifying her remarks. The chair then moved to SB 107 on medical informed consent, where the Hawaii Medical Board opposed the bill and the Healthcare Association of Hawaii and Queen’s Health System offered comments, citing concerns about duplicative standards. A support witness proposed expanding the bill to better address combined mental and physical health conditions. Finally, SB 189 on breast cancer screening drew support from the Hawaii Medical Association, Hawaii Radiological Society, Queen’s Health Systems, and others, while the Insurance Division raised concerns about possible insurance mandate defrayment and the need for a sunrise analysis. Senators also asked about local demographic data and coverage impacts; the chair indicated decision-making would be deferred to another day.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 9 February, 2026; 2:00 PM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> when they age out of the system. when they age out of the system.
- 60 and the other one is age 65. >> Okay. >> So, it's two different ages for... >> Yes, sir.
- Uh, 1%. about uh reads 60 at age 60 and the about uh reads 60 at age 60 and the other<01:33:51.920><c
- </c> other one is age 65. other one is age 65. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay.
- This simply lowers the age to 18.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Families and Children (6-25-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- He's come back summer after summer until he aged out at 17.
- And this is a picture he aged out at 17.
- is in place before they age out at 17.
- </c><00:29:49.279><c> out</c> And this is really for those aging out And this is really for those aging
- So just for your they age out um at 17.
Summary:
The Interim Joint Committee on Families and Children opened its first meeting with roll call and a reminder about the number of children in out-of-home care with active placements, which the chair said was 8,641 as of June 1, 2025. The committee then heard a presentation from the Center for Courageous Kids, a donor-funded camp in Scottville that serves children with lifelong illnesses and disabilities at no charge. Representatives described the camp’s year-round family retreats and summer sessions, its medically safe and inclusive model, and examples of campers gaining confidence and independence. They said the camp has served more than 43,000 campers from Kentucky, other states, and other countries, and that it is seeking legislative support for two capital projects: a new art barn and a medical lodge, with a combined request of $3.2 million. Members praised the program and asked about awareness, staffing, volunteer recruitment, accreditation, and how the projects would expand capacity; the camp said the medical lodge would help increase volunteer housing and allow future growth beyond its current summer cap of 128 campers per session.
The committee then moved to adult protective services and state guardianship programs. Jessica Wayne, director of the Division of Guardianship, and Cliff Bryant of DCBS explained the legal framework for guardianship and conservatorship, including state guardianship as a last-resort option when no family member or private entity is available or appropriate. They outlined the court petition process, emergency appointments, and the distinction between full and limited guardianship or conservatorship. They emphasized that guardianship is based on legal incapacity to make decisions, not simply on a medical disability diagnosis, and noted that state guardianship can be arranged for some 17-year-olds aging out of youth services.
The presenters said the state currently serves 4,645 individuals under guardianship, with most cases involving developmental intellectual disabilities, supported community living waiver participants, and people in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. They also described the division’s three branches: field services, which handles visits and day-to-day decisions in all 120 counties; a benefits branch that applies for public benefits; and a fiduciary branch that manages funds and pays bills. They reported 89 field workers statewide, an average caseload of 52, and said the agency is hiring to reduce that load. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Females um from the ages of 16 to 19 are Females um from the ages of 16 to 19 are Females um from the
- of 0 to 14 is estimated at 71 ages of 0 to 14 is estimated at 71 ages of 0 to 14 is estimated at 71
- And I wish that we had that age group. And I wish that we had that age group.
- The trauma inflicted at a young age The trauma inflicted at a young age The trauma inflicted at a young
- 52. abuse at age 52. abuse at age 52.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
resisting arrest, penalties, criminal justice, law enforcement, public safety, youthful offender, capital murder, victims' rights, SB254, Alabama, statute of limitations, civil procedure, civil action, sex offense, sexual abuse, child sexual abuse, survivor rights, tolling, disability, minor plaintiff
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- and her chronological age?'
- and her chronological. work to close the gap between the developmental age and her chronological age
- ABA therapy is typically offered for individuals up to 21 years of age.
- of 18 months and 21 years of age.
- It's based on age, functioning, adaptability—there are all kinds of things that go into that.
Committee:
All TASK FORCE ON AUTISM
Summary:
The meeting began with approval of the June 4 minutes and then heard an update from the Attorney General’s office on Medicaid fraud investigations, including ABA-related fraud concerns. Justin Brasher explained how the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigates providers using credible allegations, hotline tips, data mining, subpoenas, surveillance, and federal partnerships, and described the choice between civil and criminal cases. He cited examples such as impossible-hours billing, caregiver fraud, DME fraud, and updates on the Brian Hyatt and Joseph Schwartz cases. Members asked about ABA fraud and safeguards; Brasher said the office is aware of the federal ABA fraud toolkit and emphasized that investigations require a credible allegation so legitimate services are not disrupted. Representative Clowney clarified that the examples discussed were Medicaid fraud generally, not ABA-specific cases.
The committee then heard extensive testimony from Rachel Dodson and ABA provider Jessica Linnehan about Dodson’s nine-year-old daughter, Ella Grace, who has autism and multiple medical conditions. Dodson described how ABA has helped Ella improve communication, school participation, safety, hygiene, and medication management, but said insurance denials and reduced authorization hours are now the biggest barrier to care. Linnehan explained the authorization process, saying insurers often issue unclear denials, caregivers are excluded from physician review calls, and delays or partial approvals can interrupt services. She said Ella’s current plan was reduced to 25 hours per week despite the family requesting 34 hours, and argued that children should not have to regress before receiving higher-intensity care. Dodson and Linnehan also cited CASP guidance supporting higher-intensity ABA when safety concerns are present.
Representatives from DHS and Empower Healthcare Solutions responded that Medicaid ABA services are covered through the PASSEs and fee-for-service, that Empower uses InterQual medical-necessity criteria, and that care coordinators help families but do not make clinical determinations. DHS said it is working on clearer ABA-related notices and a new policy/manual that is moving toward public comment and later legislative review. Members discussed whether the issue should be added to the task force’s legislative priorities, but several said they had not yet seen the draft priorities. The committee ultimately approved a motion to have the chairs finalize the report before submission to the General Assembly, then voted to expunge that vote after members objected to voting without reviewing the document. The meeting ended with a plan to circulate the draft by email and reconvene before the report deadline later in the month.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Jan 21st, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government
Transcript Highlights:
- And then our cost-share ag cost-share program, we've demonstrated success there over the years.
- Before I get to that, I want to welcome folks from Warner University Ag Policy class.
- This is an ag appropriations class. Pay attention here. It would be a lot of fun.
- cost share program and then our river community assistance program as addressed by our ag cost share
- And so it's a lot. ...get that increased because everything's coming of age as we speak right now.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard budget presentations from all five water management districts for FY 2026-2027: Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River, Southwest Florida, and South Florida. Each district described its preliminary budget, major funding sources, staffing levels, and how most of its spending is tied to the four core missions of water supply, water quality, natural systems, and flood protection. Several directors noted budget reductions from the prior year largely because major projects were completed or because grant/appropriation funding is not yet fully reflected in preliminary budgets. Committee members repeatedly asked how districts project operations and maintenance costs, how projects are selected, and what share of staff and spending is devoted to core missions versus administration or regulatory work.
Northwest Florida Water Management District said its preliminary budget is $93.4 million, down about 15%, with 97% of spending tied to core responsibilities and a request for additional regulatory services funding. Suwannee River Water Management District presented a $70.4 million budget, emphasized its rural/agricultural character and spring protection work, and highlighted the Water First North Florida reclaimed-water recharge project; members also discussed its need for an additional FTE to handle consumptive use permit reviews tied to a new lower Santa Fe rule. St. Johns River Water Management District presented a $181 million budget, highlighted major water supply, water quality, flood protection, and land management projects such as Taylor Creek Reservoir, Water First North Florida, Black Creek, Crane Creek, and Lake Jessup restoration, and said about 93% of its budget supports core missions.
Southwest Florida Water Management District presented a $227.6 million budget, with major spending on alternative water supply, water control structure repairs, watershed projects, and land management; officials said 93.4% of the budget supports core missions and discussed rising construction costs for aging infrastructure. South Florida Water Management District presented the largest budget at $1.05 billion, focused on Everglades restoration, flood control, water supply, and ecosystem recovery; the director described major reservoirs and treatment projects, the EAA Reservoir, and ongoing efforts to improve water quality and restore flows to the Everglades and Florida Bay. The committee took no formal votes on the district budgets and adjourned after the presentations and questions.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill directing state agency to overhaul child care regulations heard in House committee 3/26/25
Transcript Highlights:
- in the bill and which the testifiers referenced, um, so looking at facilities, health and hygiene, age
- Health and hygiene, age of staff, ratios, background checks, things like that, right now in our current
- three and 90% happens by age five, what could be more important?
- 25:29.880><c> development</c><00:25:30.360><c> happens</c><00:25:30.720><c> by</c><00:25:30.880><c> age
- </c><00:25:31.120><c> three</c> brain development happens by age three brain development happens by age
Summary:
The committee took up House File 2617, and first adopted a DE1 amendment. The bill, as amended, was presented as a major child care licensing reform that would narrow licensing to core health and safety requirements, reduce what supporters described as punitive or overly technical citations, and shift quality standards toward accreditation and professional organizations. The author also described the bill as a response to long-standing problems in the current licensing structure and county oversight of family child care.
Public testimony was uniformly supportive. Child care providers and directors from Duluth, Rochester, and Esko said the current system penalizes minor clerical or cosmetic issues, creates inconsistent interpretations, and contributes to provider burnout and the child care shortage. They argued the bill would separate health-and-safety licensing from quality measures, which they said are better addressed through accreditation, coaching, and national standards. One testifier also said the bill would help with background study delays by creating a liaison to improve visibility into the process.
Members asked about the difference between licensing and accreditation, how other states handle similar models, and how the bill would interact with the department’s licensing modernization work. The bill’s supporters said licensing would remain focused on foundational health and safety items such as ratios, background checks, hygiene, and facilities, while quality standards would be left to national organizations like NAEYC or the National Family Child Care Association. They cited Connecticut, Indiana, and Florida as examples of states using national standards in some form. The committee closed public testimony, took member questions, and the author renewed his motion to lay over House File 2617 as amended.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
October 15, 2025 - 11:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- I KNOW IT'S NOT PREPARED BUT MAYBE BY AGE GROUP, WHERE LIKE IF YOU HAVE ON THAT CORRELATES TO AGE GROUP
- WE BROKE DOWN IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT AGE RANGES. FROM ONE TO SEVENTEEN IT IS.05 PERCENT.
- IS THERE A WAY THAT YOU CAN CORRELATE THAT TO THE AGE GROUPS AS WELL? YOU ARE RECOGNIZED.
- BUT I DO NOT HAVE IT TODAY. >> IF YOU COULD I AM CURIOUS TO SEE YOU KNOW, WHAT CORRELATES ALONG THOSE AGE
- CERTAINLY WITH IN ALL AGE GROUPS.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Rules and Enrolled Bills (02/18/2025)
Rules and Enrolled Bills
Transcript Highlights:
- is</c><00:05:34.160><c> 17</c><00:05:34.720><c> years</c><00:05:34.960><c> of</c><00:05:35.160><c> age
- <00:05:35.960><c> and</c><00:05:36.600><c> there</c><00:05:36.759><c> was</c> um she is 17 years of age
- and there was um she is 17 years of age and there was no<00:05:37.120><c> law</c><00:05:37.400><c> against
- ><c> I</c><00:05:58.720><c> think</c><00:05:58.880><c> it's</c><00:05:59.039><c> a</c> be under the age
- of 18 um I think it's a be under the age of 18 um I think it's a good<00:05:59.759><c> it's</c><00:06
Committee:
Senate Rules and Enrolled Bills
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 5/16/26 - Part 3
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It has some of the better provisions of our ag bill, and they're good bipartisan provisions.
- didn't agree on with our fellow members on the ag committee.
- </c> with the our fellow members on the ag with the our fellow members on the ag committee. committee
- </c><00:34:13.120><c> So,</c> to the the ag bill in the Senate.
- So, to the the ag bill in the Senate.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HSH Public Hearing - Thu Mar 20, 2025 @ 10:15 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- into that kindergarten or elementary school age range.
- into that kindergarten or elementary school age range.
- We also had one written support from the Executive Office on Aging.
- We believe these kids are presumptively eligible, as you know, under age six.
- </c><00:58:22.640><c> um</c> eligible as you know under age six. um eligible as you know under age six
Committee:
House Human Services & Homelessness
Summary:
The committee met on March 20, 2025, to hear a series of Human Services and Health resolutions. HCR 146, which asks the Department of Human Services to apply for and implement the Elderly Simplified Application Project, drew strong support from disability, public health, and hunger advocates. Testifiers emphasized that the measure could create a more uniform benefits application, reduce repeated paperwork, extend certification periods from one year to three years, and ease burdens on both applicants and DHS staff. DHS said it stood on its written testimony and was available for questions. The committee also heard that a universal application could help people with disabilities avoid delays and denials caused by complex or duplicative forms.
The committee then heard HR 170/HCR 174, which requests review of Aloha-based learning programs for youth in the juvenile legal system. Supporters from Opportunity for Youth Action Hawaii and DebtFree Justice Hawaii said the resolution would help advance restorative justice, community service, and culturally grounded rehabilitation, especially if youth fees and fines are reduced or eliminated. Testimony also supported HR 133/HCR 139, which asks the Office of Wellness and Resilience to report on the developmental needs of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic. Witnesses from the developmental disabilities council, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, the Hawaii Community Foundation, and others said the pandemic’s trauma and behavioral impacts justify a multidisciplinary, evidence-based report, and the office requested more time to complete its findings, suggesting a deadline at the end of 2026.
The committee also heard HR 88/HCR 92, proposing a two-year homelessness sanctuary pilot program in Honolulu. One testifier described sleeping in a car and said the pilot could provide a safer option, while the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions said it supported the intent but stressed that a sanctuary is still an unsheltered situation and should lead people toward permanent housing. HCR 180, calling for collaboration among homelessness and law enforcement agencies, received comments that many of the issues are already being addressed locally. HR 103/HCR 107, which would convene a working group to strengthen Title 9 protections, received support from education, women’s, and LGBTQ advocates, who asked for student and queer representation on the working group and said federal Title 9 changes make state action important. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the committee moved from one resolution to the next after testimony and questions.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on HF2446 5/9/25
Transcript Highlights:
- For the record, Eric Olson, Senate fiscal analyst for the Senate Ag Committee.
- Both the Senate and the House increase the transfer to the ag emergency account, but they go about it
- Meanwhile, the House transfers $4 million from the general fund to the ag emergency account in FY 26.
- On line 94 for the Senate, there's savings to the Department of Ag to the general fund of $3 million,
- There's no impact to the ag fund.
Summary:
The Agriculture Conference Committee met for an initial organizational and comparison session on House File 2446, the agriculture broadband and rural development bill. Members introduced themselves, noted that no conference target had yet been set, and agreed to begin with a side-by-side review of House and Senate positions. No oral testimony was taken; instead, the chair listed written testimony submitted by a wide range of agricultural, environmental, local government, food bank, and industry groups.
Nonpartisan fiscal staff walked through the major funding differences. Both bills included some shared items such as operating adjustments, wolf and elk damage compensation, and certain technical changes, but they differed on several major appropriations. The House generally proposed larger increases for meat inspection, local food purchasing, and the Board of Animal Health, and added items such as county inspector grants, biofertilizer innovation, a biosolids/PFAS-related study, a soil health study, broadband installation study funding, an Agri Works program, an Agri Support program, a milk grant program, and several House-only transfers and grants. The Senate included items such as a climate coordinator position, biofuel-related reductions and policy changes, livestock processing funding, farm-to-school and urban agriculture changes, MARL funding, cottage foods licensing updates, and several Senate-only pass-through grants and transfers. Staff also noted differences in the agriculture emergency account transfer approach and in how the two bodies handled the Second Harvest Heartland and related food distribution provisions.
House Research then reviewed the policy language differences in the bill. The House language included provisions allowing more flexible use of grant administration funds, unpaid prior-year claims, county inspector grants, and updates tied to its own policy article, while the Senate language included the climate coordinator, PFAS-related commercialization language, cooperative development grant permissive language, and other Senate policy changes. The committee did not take any votes or final actions at this meeting; the session was informational and focused on identifying differences for later negotiation.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Wed Apr 2, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- of devices because that will add an age of devices because that will add an extreme<01:17:58.719><c>
- </c> have to be looked at and the a the age have to be looked at and the a the age of<01:18:17.040><c
- And I kind of agree that the approximate age is a lot of effort, especially when you're dealing with,
- for uh data on approximate age of of the for uh data on approximate age of of the material<01:20:38.560
- of the the need necessarily the age of the the approximate<01:21:34.480><c> age</c><01:21:34.639><c>
Committee:
House Consumer Protection & Commerce
Summary:
The committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 1046 SD1 on condominiums. Testimony on that bill focused on reserve funding and enforcement of reserve study requirements. The Community Associations Institute opposed the bill, saying it would create hardship, confusion, and be difficult to administer, while also urging stronger penalties for boards that fail to comply with reserve study rules. The Real Estate Commission offered comments, and one testifier spoke in support. No vote was taken during the portion provided.
The committee then heard SB 532 SD2 HD1 relating to the Department of Education, which would improve access to pre-approved medications for students with health conditions at school and during off-campus activities. The Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi nursing and medical programs, and the Department of Education all supported the measure, with DOH suggesting amendments to better identify the correct student and improve medication safety. Members had no questions, and the bill moved on.
Next was SB 1245 SD2 HD1 relating to pharmacists, a bill to allow reimbursement for clinical services pharmacists are already trained and licensed to provide. The University of Hawaiʻi, Board of Pharmacy, Walgreens, Mikai Drugs, and the Hawaiʻi Pharmacists Association supported the bill, emphasizing improved access to care, recruitment and retention of pharmacists, and better chronic disease management. The Hawaiʻi Pharmacists Association also discussed proposed amendments to prevent plans from denying coverage or network participation when pharmacists meet credentialing requirements. Members questioned whether insurers would actually use pharmacists and how the bill would affect pay and contracting; no vote was taken in the excerpt.
The committee also heard SB 1279 SD2 HD1, another pharmacists bill focused on telepharmacy and 340B-related issues. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation supported it, saying telehealth could reduce costs and avoid travel for audits, while the Board of Pharmacy opposed it. Lānaʻi representatives opposed the bill and asked for an exemption, arguing the island already has close in-person access to a resident pharmacist and clinics. The Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association supported the measure, citing large patient savings from 340B pricing, while Mikai Drugs opposed it, arguing that mail-order and telepharmacy are not necessary on some islands and can create delivery and medication-safety problems. Members asked questions about insurer participation, scope of practice, and whether the bill would meaningfully change reimbursement; the transcript ends before any final action or vote.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- want someone who is either unemployed or underemployed, has a diagnosed disability, is between the ages
- And I think for these participants as well, Hela remind me, we had a couple who fell outside the age
- Pela, remind me, we had a couple who fell outside the age range. Yes.
- of that age range, on the older side.
- And that age... ...and that also carries, has a disability.
Summary:
The Disability Employment Subcommittee of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities met and began with roll call, but did not have a quorum, so approval of prior minutes and an inspirational quote were tabled. A planned presentation from a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs employee was canceled shortly before the meeting, and the agenda shifted to an informal discussion with two Treasury employees, Steve Kroder and Bill Collievis, about veterans with disabilities in the workplace.
Kroder and Collievis described barriers veterans face, including stigma, employer misunderstanding, the need for frequent medical appointments, invisible disabilities such as PTSD and other service-connected conditions, and challenges for Guard and Reserve members balancing service with civilian work. They also discussed supportive practices in public employment, the need for better outreach to employers, the role of local veterans service officers, Military OneSource, TAP, and the importance of helping veterans navigate benefits and transition services. Commission members responded by emphasizing education, employer outreach, and possible resource-sharing through the commission’s website and toolkit.
The committee then heard a presentation from Commonwealth Corporation on its Young Adults with Disabilities employment grant program. Staff explained the program’s funding, eligibility, training and placement model, and data from the prior cycle, including participant demographics, completion rates, credential attainment, employment outcomes, and wages. Members discussed benefits counseling, underemployment definitions, stigma around addiction as a disability category, and the need to connect grantees and participants with work incentives and benefits information. Commonwealth Corporation said grantees now receive training on benefits impacts and that the agency is open to further partnership.
The meeting ended with a brief update on a planned commission event focused on youth and young adults with disabilities, inclusive workplaces, PCAs, and job coaches. Organizers said they were still securing a venue and were considering a hybrid or virtual format, with participation from youth organizations, the PCA Council, and the Arc of Massachusetts. The subcommittee then voted to adjourn.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets Apr 7th, 2026
Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, construction has gotten more expensive and aging infrastructure is calling out for more support
- Program for municipally owned bridges and the Rail Reliability and Modernization Program to replace aging
- here because we do appreciate that the Commonwealth has, I believe, the oldest average infrastructure age
- Thank you. ...infrastructure age in the country, and so repairing that infrastructure has been an enormous
- parts of the region that are not yet electrified, and the idea there is both to replace some of the aging
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets held a public hearing on H. 5279, a transportation bond bill financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges. MassDOT and A&F testified in support, describing the bill as a major transportation investment package centered on a $300 million annual Chapter 90 local aid program, with $200 million distributed by the traditional formula and $100 million by lane miles to better support rural communities. They also outlined funding for MBTA rail reliability and modernization, transportation projects that support housing production, a new DCR parkway resilience and safety program, and reauthorizations of existing highway and municipal grant programs such as the Municipal Pavement Program and Shared Streets and Spaces.
Witnesses said the bill would help address aging infrastructure, improve safety and resilience, support housing development, and leverage Fair Share surtax revenue through the Commonwealth Transportation Fund. They explained that some authorizations are structured to allow the state to issue special obligation bonds, and clarified that the bill authorizes the full spending amount for federally aided projects even though the state only borrows the 20 percent match, with the federal government reimbursing the rest. Committee members asked about bridge repair needs, the size of the backlog, how housing-related transportation funds would be allocated, MBTA vehicle procurement, and whether rural communities would have fair access to the new funding streams.
Several members praised the administration’s financing approach but urged future Chapter 90 increases to keep pace with inflation and requested more attention to rural municipal capacity and bridge safety needs. The Massachusetts Municipal Association also testified in strong support, emphasizing that Chapter 90 is the most important tool for cities and towns to maintain local roads and bridges and urging prompt passage before construction season. No votes were taken; after testimony concluded, the committee adjourned.