Transcript Highlights:

• care system.
• They need care as well.
• We take turns as institutions to provide care, and part of that is through our charity care.
• It's going to hurt health care.
• Where we're helping primary care physicians in rural communities care for cancer survivors.

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee held a panel discussion on Florida’s cancer research and funding programs, including the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, the James and Esther King Biomedical Research Program, the Bankhead-Coley Research Program, and Live Like Bella. Dr. Ladapo and leaders from Moffitt, Sylvester/University of Miami, UF Health, and Mayo Clinic described how state funding has helped Florida’s four NCI-designated cancer centers expand research, recruit faculty, increase clinical trials, and build collaborations. They emphasized that the programs are intended to improve cancer care statewide, support innovation, and encourage more institutions to pursue NCI designation. The Governor’s budget recommendation was noted as including additional funding, and members asked about the cost and requirements of becoming NCI-designated and eventually comprehensive. Panelists said NCI designation requires major infrastructure, compliance, research, and training investments, with de novo development estimated at about $1 billion. They described Florida’s collaborative model as unusual nationally, with annual symposia, shared pilot funding, and joint projects across the four centers. Members also asked about rural access, home-based care, and recruitment/retention. Mayo described its “Cancer Care Beyond Walls” home-treatment model and said it could expand to rural counties within months; Moffitt and UF discussed mobile screening, satellite sites, and affiliations with local hospitals and practices. Several members raised concerns about workforce shortages, licensure delays, and the need to reach underserved areas. The discussion also covered outcomes, data reporting, and the broader economic impact of the cancer centers. Panelists cited growth in jobs, federal research funding, and clinical trial enrollment, and highlighted advances in immunotherapy, CAR-T, TIL therapy, carbon ion therapy, AI-driven screening, and the firefighter cancer initiative. They said the Florida Cancer Data System is being expanded to track recurrence and quality-of-life measures. Members also asked about philanthropy, medical tourism, and federal funding risks, including possible indirect cost reductions that could affect research budgets. The meeting ended with general support for continued investment, while some members noted an ongoing policy debate over whether future cancer research dollars should be concentrated in the four NCI centers or spread more broadly across the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is providing care, respectful care, but not providing care over and above what we would normally treat
• </c><00:20:35.200><c> care</c> as it is sb2 denies medical care care as it is sb2 denies medical care
• and denial of adequate Medical Care and denial of adequate Medical<00:23:13.400><c> Care</c><00:23:13.720
• </c> therapy for gender affirming care therapy for gender affirming care hormones<00:24:17.960><c> in
• </c> in particular obstructing access to care in particular obstructing access to care being<00:25:57.200

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:08 SB 169: 00:01:07 SB 02: 00:05:56 Discussion in Opposition to SB 02: 00:19:22, 958, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee first took up Senate Bill 169, which would expand the Attorney General’s and Kentucky State Police’s authority to use administrative subpoenas in child exploitation investigations. Senator Danny Carroll and Attorney General’s office staff said the bill updates existing law to reflect modern online platforms, adding social networking companies, mobile payment services, and cloud storage services so investigators can obtain limited account-holder information tied to online child exploitation cases. Members raised no opposition, and the committee approved SB 169 17-0 with favorable expression. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2, which would prohibit the use of public funds for certain cosmetic or elective procedures in correctional facilities, including gender-affirming surgeries, and would also affect some hormone-related treatment. Senator Mike Wilson and supporters said the bill was intended to stop such procedures from being authorized by memo rather than regulation and to ensure taxpayer money is not used for elective care. Several members asked whether any such surgeries had occurred in Kentucky; Wilson said none had been approved, and he emphasized the bill was about public funding, not general medical care. Supporters argued the state should not pay for elective procedures, while opponents said the bill targeted a tiny population and could create constitutional problems. Opponents included incarcerated and advocacy voices, a psychologist, and legal advocates, who said gender-affirming care is medically necessary for some patients, that withholding it can cause serious mental health harm, and that similar restrictions have faced court challenges. One speaker described personal harm from being denied hormone therapy while incarcerated. Another warned the bill could violate the Eighth Amendment and lead to costly litigation. After debate, the committee moved to vote on SB 2, with members giving explanations both for and against, but the transcript cuts off before the final roll call result is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so there is a what’s called a cost of care when there’s a long-term care nursing facility resident
• </c> of care when there's a long-term care of care when there's a long-term care nursing<00:28:22.960
• <00:28:30.960><c> Medicaid</c> care Medicaid care Medicaid eligibility<00:28:33.120><c> med</c><00:28
• </c> allowance is part of that cost of care. allowance is part of that cost of care. Okay. Okay.
• </c> much a month to pay for personal care much a month to pay for personal care items,<00:33:26.399>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 118, as amended, which contains several unrelated provisions with a modest fiscal note. Nathan White of the Department of Health and Human Services explained that section 1 would change the personal needs allowance for Medicaid-eligible residents of private and county nursing homes from an adjustment every five years to an annual adjustment, increasing the state cost by about $50,000 per year. He also described section 2, a one-time appropriation of about $160,000 to make certain Hampstead employees whole for missed bonuses and lost leave during the state’s transition of the facility to Dartmouth management. White then outlined sections 3 through 5, which would create a dedicated fund for Hampstead lease revenue to cover the state’s contractual obligation to match Dartmouth capital improvements dollar-for-dollar up to $3 million. He said the state receives about $1.141 million in lease revenue in the first year, with a 3% annual escalator, and that the fund would hold lease revenue until needed for reimbursement. Members questioned how the matching arrangement would work, what happens if Dartmouth spends before the fund has enough money, and whether the state could refuse to match certain improvements. White said Dartmouth has final determination under the agreement if disputes arise, and that if the bill does not pass the state could face difficulty meeting the obligation without cutting services or finding other general funds. Several members also raised policy concerns about the personal needs allowance becoming an automatic cost driver. Brian Clark, attorney for the Bureau of Adult and Aging Services, clarified that current law requires the allowance to be updated at least every five years, but the legislature could change it in an off year if it chose. He also explained that the allowance is money residents retain from their own income, such as Social Security, as part of Medicaid cost-of-care calculations, and that the department does not regulate how residents keep those funds. No vote was taken during the discussion, and the committee paused to correct the bill copy before continuing testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• resident's homestead for an unpaired caregiver of an individual who is eligible to receive long-term care
• relating to the adoption implementation of surgical smoke evacuation system policy at certain health care
• use of preferential voting of certain elections, HB 541 by Shaheen, relating to the provision of direct
• patient care by physicians and health care practitioners, referred to the Committee on Public Health
• the expedited Presidential Link for Licensing Behavioral Analysts Providing Services Under Managed Care

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of those obligations, they can go ahead and take care of that.
• No, they get a direct involvement, but it is used exclusively for that repair. All right.
• Just look at first direction.
• I don't have the capacity budget-wise to be able to take care of this.
• They're pretty smart dogs as well and caring dogs.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bills 1993 and 2771, both sponsored by Reps. Irwin and Boykin, which would extend Servicemembers Civil Relief Act-style protections to Missouri National Guard members when they are called to state emergency duty. The sponsors and supporting witnesses said the bills would help Guard members with issues like eviction, lease termination, debt collection, and civil court proceedings while they are serving, and would align state law with federal protections already available to active-duty service members. Committee members generally expressed support, noting the financial strain on Guard members and their civilian employers, and witnesses from the Missouri National Guard Association and the Guard itself said the bills would provide clarity and stability. No opposition was presented, and the hearing ended without a vote in the transcript. The committee then heard House Bill 1869, which would create a grant program administered by the Missouri Veterans Commission to help repair and reset damaged veteran grave markers in private and public cemeteries when the damage is caused by natural events. Rep. Roberts explained the bill was prompted by a constituent’s experience with a deteriorated headstone, and members asked about eligibility, whether the money would go to families or cemeteries, and whether vandalism or non-cemetery graves would be covered. The sponsor said the bill was aimed at natural causes and family-member applications, though he was open to suggestions for expansion. The Veterans Commission director supported the concept but warned the agency lacked funding and staffing to take on another program without additional appropriations; members also raised broader concerns about underfunding the commission. No formal action or vote was taken in the transcript. After the bill hearings, the committee received informational testimony from Retrieving Freedom, a Missouri-based service dog organization, and from Compass Health on firearm suicide prevention. Retrieving Freedom described its training of service dogs for veterans and children with autism, including demonstrations of tasks such as grounding, retrieving items, and helping with mobility, and said it had a waiting list but was expanding its work in Missouri. Compass Health discussed its firearm suicide prevention grant work, emphasizing community-based education and conversations about safe access to lethal means rather than confiscation. These presentations were informational only and did not involve committee action.

Transcript Highlights:

• We were running about 24% uncompensated care and charity care in the state of New Mexico, tied with Texas
• supplement the health care, etc., etc., to be sure.
• So this is a step in the right direction, and I'm really pleased.
• I don't care how many families in New Mexico.
• So we're leaving the health care authority to develop the criteria.

Transcript Highlights:

• ...the Association of Developmental Disability Providers and the Association of Behavioral Health Care
• And at that point in time, we looked at both a health care and a manufacturing organization.
• And I just have to mention because we just have invested in early education and care.
• ago when people were like, what do you mean a registered apprenticeship and health care?
• And to help solve some of our own challenges getting direct support professionals.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Workforce Support Subcommittee met to discuss using registered apprenticeships to help address workforce shortages in disability services, human services, and other high-need fields. Co-chairs and staff introduced the session as a follow-up to earlier discussions with state labor officials and representatives from developmental disability and behavioral health provider associations. The panel focused on how apprenticeships can create paid, structured pathways into jobs while also supporting credentialing and retention. Amara Ramon of the Division of Apprenticeship Standards explained how Massachusetts apprenticeship programs are registered and supported, including the roles of apprenticeship liaison staff, operations, quality assurance, and grant support. She described the core features of apprenticeships—paid on-the-job training, related technical instruction, wage progression, and industry credentials—and contrasted them with internships or co-ops. Melissa Chabelli of the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board described the intermediary role her board plays in designing programs, registering apprentices, coordinating employers, and handling compliance. She emphasized flexibility, employer investment, tax credits, retention benefits, and the importance of mentors and local workforce partnerships. Lisa Morris of UMass Chan/For Health Consulting described a developing apprenticeship for medical interpreters, built from an existing training foundation and designed to address the gap between classroom preparation and work experience. She said the model would combine pre-apprenticeship training, employer interviews, 2,000 hours of apprenticeship, and related technical instruction tied to national certification. Speakers also discussed examples for nursing, early childhood education, CNC machining, and programs serving neurodivergent learners, including Bridgewater State’s Excel program. In response to audience questions, panelists said state agencies can serve as intermediaries, recruitment can come through career centers, youth programs, community colleges, ESL centers, and incumbent workers, and accommodations or modified curricula can support apprentices with disabilities. No votes were taken; the session ended with encouragement for attendees to contact the presenters and Division of Apprenticeship Standards for help developing programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• This amendment directs not less than $20 million for infrastructure improvements at STCC, a necessary
• improve some safety upgrades to the building that houses the future educators for early education and care
• , but also has an early education and care program right on site.
• , but also has an early education and care program right on site.
• The clerk being directed to dispense the printing of a calendar.

Summary: The Senate considered and amended House 4769, a major higher education bond bill titled an act to build resilient infrastructure to generate higher education transformation (the BRIGHT Act). Members adopted a series of amendments funding deferred maintenance and capital projects at public colleges and universities, including MassBay Community College (HVAC and window replacement), Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Springfield Technical Community College, Cape Cod Community College, Worcester State University, Quinsigamond Community College, Roxbury Community College, UMass Boston, Middlesex Community College, Salem State University, Berkshire Community College, and MCLA. Several amendments were rejected, including proposals related to a sustainable hand hygiene program, board membership, and some other institutional or policy changes, while a number of amendments were held or withdrawn. The bill ultimately advanced through third reading and was passed to be engrossed by a unanimous roll call, with senators emphasizing the need to address deferred maintenance and modernize higher education facilities statewide. A major floor debate centered on an amendment by Senator Tarr to dedicate $300 million of Fair Share surtax revenue to K-12 education. Supporters argued that many school districts face rising costs, minimum aid, and an outdated Chapter 70 formula, and that the amendment would create a marker for future reform. Opponents said the Commonwealth already dedicates substantial surtax and other funding to K-12 education and that the amendment was not the right vehicle. After a roll call, the amendment was rejected. The Senate also rejected several Tarr amendments on fiscal safeguards, equity analysis, bond covenant requirements, and Chapter 62F taxpayer protections, while adopting others related to UMass Gloucester Marine Station housing and coastal erosion work, and to modernizing Massachusetts State College Building Authority bonding and office-location rules. The chamber also adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Bolton Police Chief Luke Hamburger, who was remembered for his service, leadership, and community ties. Before adjournment, senators took brief statements on other issues, including a call for greater awareness of rare diseases and the need for improved access to diagnosis and treatment. The Senate also approved extension orders giving committees additional time to report on pending environmental and municipal bills, and it set its next meeting for Monday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• with the three offices identified. ...who I know are also full of hardworking public servants who care
• Madam Chair, maybe I should have directed it to you anyway.
• I think last night showed how—I don't care what party you are—that just wasn't called for or correct,
• we have around making sure that we're keeping private reproductive health issues, gender-affirming care
• So after looking at it, different health care services, medical services.

Bills: HB2356, HB2574, HB2572, HB2460, HJR4212, HB2631, HB2333, HB2462, HB2419, HB2176, HB2491

Keywords: homicide, public records, transparency, law enforcement, victim rights, election, ballot, candidates, deceased, voting law, voting access, military voters, overseas voters, Native American voters, disabled voters, election reform, accessibility, ballot measures, vacancies, elected offices

Transcript Highlights:

• equitably for communities across the state of Minnesota, focusing on ways to reduce costs in child care
• , housing, and health care while investing in important things like infrastructure and jobs.
• know that working together we can weather any storm and forestall the harm that is coming in our direction
• um that's the coming uh in our Direction um that's the job<00:03:12.040><c> that</c><00:03:12.200><c
• </c><00:20:04.880><c> it's</c> struggling to pay for health care it's struggling to pay for health care

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or beyond who want to come and speak to us, but we will post these topic areas so that people may direct
• One of the concerns, like what would be standard, there is a college of direct support.
• There is a group that's the National Association of Direct Support Workers.
• Take care. Thank you. Okay.
• Take care. Thank you.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities held its quarterly virtual/in-person meeting and approved the December minutes. The chair announced plans for the next “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27, in partnership with MassAbility, focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity, along with a resource fair. The commission also began planning for its October National Disability Employment Awareness Month event and sought volunteers for a small planning group. The meeting featured an update from the Attorney General’s office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts, including challenges to federal actions on higher education diversity data collection and DEI-related funding conditions, immigration/TPS for Haitians, NIH research grant disruptions, and the nonrenewal of mental health services grants for schools. The presenter said the state has helped protect more than $3 billion in federal funding and noted ongoing or pending appeals in several cases. Commissioners asked about possible impacts on disability-related DEI work and Medicaid; the AG’s office said guidance on DEIA/employment initiatives is available and that the state is closely monitoring federal Medicaid communications and coordinating with the governor’s office. Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler and apprenticeship liaison Amara Riemann presented on registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, emphasizing paid, employer-driven pathways with classroom instruction and wage progression. They highlighted growth in nontraditional fields such as human services, IT, early education, biotech, and banking, and described Bridgewater State University’s Excel program for neurodivergent people and people with disabilities as a model that can lead from pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship. Commissioners discussed expanding similar models through community colleges and disability-focused workforce pipelines. Subcommittee reports covered disability employment, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The employment subcommittee heard from CED on state disability employment initiatives and planned future presentations from the Lawrence Partnership for Transition to Employment and Veterans Affairs. The long-term services and supports subcommittee discussed MassHealth budget pressures, anticipated federal Medicaid changes, the personal care attendant working group, and an upcoming discussion on crisis standards of care. In commissioner announcements, members highlighted recent honors for several commissioners, updates on municipal digital accessibility grants, a June Medicaid summit, and other commission activities. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• .to the Association of Developmental Disability Providers and the Association of Behavioral Health Care
• They'll then go into a level one patient care tech program and then work their way up to hopefully an
• And at that point in time, we looked at both a health care and a manufacturing organization.
• And I just have to mention because we just have invested in early education and care.
• And to help solve some of our own challenges, getting direct support professionals.

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The Workforce Support Subcommittee held a discussion focused on using registered apprenticeships to address workforce shortages, especially in disability services, human services, healthcare, and other high-need fields. Subcommittee members and presenters emphasized that apprenticeships can help employers build pipelines, improve retention, and create career ladders by combining paid on-the-job training with related technical instruction and credentialing. The group also noted that apprenticeships can be adapted for nontraditional occupations and for people with disabilities, including neurodiverse learners, with examples such as Bridgewater State’s Excel program and a developing medical interpreter apprenticeship. Amara Ramon of the Division of Apprenticeship Standards explained the state apprenticeship process, including employer and intermediary roles, program registration, apprentice tracking, quality assurance, and available grants. Melissa Chabelli described how her workforce board serves as an intermediary, working with employers to design programs, recruit apprentices, manage compliance, and support training. She highlighted employer benefits such as tax credits, retention, and the ability to update outdated training models. Lisa Morris described UMass Chan’s effort to build a medical interpreter apprenticeship, using a pre-apprenticeship, employer interviews, and a structured sequence of classroom hours and certification exams. Members and audience participants asked about recruitment, intermediary capacity, wage progression, and how programs can serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Presenters said apprentices can come from youth programs, career centers, incumbent workers, community colleges, ESL centers, and job fairs, and that accommodations and modified curricula can be built into programs. No votes were taken; the meeting concluded with encouragement for interested organizations to contact the Division of Apprenticeship Standards or local intermediaries and to review the shared materials and recording.

Transcript Highlights:

• 11.600><c> child</c> false but have hurt children and child false but have hurt children and child care
• This is a an incredible moment in care.
• >> I think we've grown a lot in that direction. Um, and I think you will continue to see it.
• &gt;&gt; I think we we've grown a lot in that &gt;&gt; I think we we've grown a lot in that direction
• Um, and I think you will direction.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, the Legislature directed the State Archives, in consultation with other agencies, to create
• This bill reflects our shared belief that people with disabilities deserve dignity, they deserve care
• She wrote the superintendent asking to get her sister out of there, saying that she would take care of
• I want to start by saying that I'm generally supportive of the direction here.
• I'm supportive of the direction here.

Summary: The committee opened its first hearing of the 2006 session with member and staff introductions, then took up five bills. Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406 would reestablish and expand the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health through the start of the 2029 session. Lieutenant Governor Heck, Senator Lovick, and Senator Muzzall testified in support, emphasizing respectful civic discourse and bipartisan cooperation. The bill drew 20 pro and 53 con sign-ins, but no questions or vote were taken at the hearing. Senate Bill 5825 would authorize the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts, grants, and endowments. Senator Claire Wilson and board representatives said the change would help sustain youth leadership, mentorship, and civic engagement programs, with an initial fundraising goal of under $50,000 and policies to be developed with OFM and legal counsel to manage donor expectations. Testimony from board members and volunteers was strongly supportive, and the sign-in sheet showed four in favor and one opposed. Senate Bill 5842 would exempt display of previous campaign memorabilia in legislative offices from the prohibition on using public resources for campaigns. Senator Wagoner said the bill was meant to clarify ethics rules and allow harmless historical or decorative items, but members and staff raised concerns about what counts as “previous” campaign material and suggested tightening the language. The hearing on Senate Bill 5863 focused on preserving Lakeland Village historical records until at least fiscal year 2030 and allowing archival access after 75 years; Senator Kauffman and disability advocates described the bill as an act of respect and historical accountability, and testimony from family members and advocates was unanimously supportive. Finally, Senate Bill 5840 would change campaign finance reporting schedules to fixed monthly dates and require more regular C-4 filings; the PDC said the goal was greater transparency and easier compliance, while several treasurers supported simplification but warned about burdens from zero-activity filings and some timing provisions. The committee noted the bills were scheduled for executive action on Friday and adjourned after the final hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We think it encourages the wrong direction for elections.
• So we want to move away from that direction.
• They continue to refuse to acknowledge that they have any duty of care.
• Anyone else care to testify on, for, or against? House Bill 34.
• Runs out at the age of 26 to sue an institution and age 31 for a direct perpetrator.

Bills: HB34, HB128, HB621, HB748, HB2259, HB2960, HB3113, HB4749, SB835, HB128

Keywords: HB 128, sister city, sister-city agreement, international exchange, municipal diplomacy, local government, state agency, political subdivision, foreign adversary, China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Taiwan, major non-NATO ally, cultural exchange, educational exchange, tourism, bilateral cooperation, foreign relations

Transcript Highlights:

• Rolo said smoking is estimated to cost the State of New Hampshire $847 million in direct health care
• But the impact of drinking water is much more direct, with a much more direct impact on our health and
• </c><04:20:08.960><c> it</c> be to education, other directions it be to education, other directions it
• Uh, in your opinion, do you see this creating a stable, directing it to go somewhere. the directing it
• fiat directed in a certain<04:21:24.239><c> direction.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 1596, which would raise New Hampshire’s cigarette excise tax from $1.78 per pack to about $2.80, using an inflation-based adjustment since the rate was last set in 2008. Representative Jerry Stringham, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure would keep New Hampshire competitive with neighboring states, generate revenue, and help offset other budget pressures. He also described the bill as repealing an income-based premium charge in Medicaid/CHIP-related programs and restoring cuts to the University System of New Hampshire, arguing that the combined package would still leave the state in a positive fiscal position. He said the tobacco tax increase would likely have some cessation effect but would remain low relative to other New England states, and he cited prior testimony from health groups supporting a larger increase. Members questioned the sponsor about how the new rate was calculated, the prior tobacco tax reduction and restoration, whether tobacco companies would absorb or pass on the tax, and the fiscal note’s estimates for Medicaid premium revenue and UNH funding. Stringham said he used Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation data, that the earlier 10-cent reduction did not produce the expected sales increase, and that the current bill would eliminate the premium charges now in the budget. He later clarified that the Department of Medicaid Services had updated the revenue estimate, but said the bill still showed a surplus overall. He also said the federal government already imposes a $1-per-pack tax and that New Hampshire would remain below neighboring states even after the increase. Two public witnesses testified in opposition to the tax increase. Anna Bettincourt, a tobacco category manager, argued that higher tobacco taxes would unfairly target smokers, reduce New Hampshire’s tax advantage, and likely shift purchases to other states or illicit markets rather than reduce use. She said tobacco companies generally do not lower prices and that Massachusetts’ flavor restrictions had not eliminated sales. In response to questions, she maintained that a smaller increase would still be harmful and that enforcement problems make bans ineffective. The sponsor and some members countered that smokers impose higher health costs and that tobacco taxes are a policy tool for both revenue and public health. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, I don't have direct numbers compared to two years ago versus today.
• We're there to provide the treatment and care of the clients that we have on campus.
• They're taking a look at exactly what the bill directed us to do.
• And often that was a direct result of their inability to pay.
• So they frankly just don't care, is what you're saying?"

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, I don't have direct numbers compared to two years ago versus today.
• They're taking a look at exactly what the bill directed us to do.
• So it directs legislative management.
• So they frankly just don't care, is what you're saying.
• Not that you just don't care, that it's so beyond their worldview at this point.

Summary: The Judiciary Interim Committee met to begin its study of charitable gaming and the ownership of alcoholic beverage establishments by licensed charitable gaming organizations, a study directed by Senate Bill 2334. Legislative Council gave an overview of the constitutional and statutory framework for charitable gaming, site authorizations, rent limits, proceeds, and recent legislative changes. The Attorney General’s Gaming Division then clarified the financial flow of gaming, explaining that in fiscal year 2025 North Dakota had about $2.5 billion in gross gaming proceeds, with roughly 88-90% paid back in prizes and about $256 million available to organizations after taxes; most of that activity came from electronic pull tabs. Members asked for more detail on winnings, replays, rent, and the breakdown of manufacturer/distributor revenues, and the AG’s office agreed to provide supplemental information. The committee also heard from the League of Cities and the Association of Counties about local site authorization. Cities said they have a limited role in approving gaming sites, can adopt policies after public hearing, may charge up to $100, and can set certain conditions, including local nexus requirements, but cannot require donations or force a specific charity or site. The League said it had worked with stakeholders on a model policy to provide more consistency, though members raised concerns that local requirements could become too restrictive for charities serving broader areas. Counties said the issue is mostly a city matter, with little county involvement beyond minimal site fees and general site approval. The North Dakota Gaming Alliance testified in support of the study and provided IRS-related material suggesting charities may use asset diversification, while emphasizing it had not taken a position on whether charities should own bars. Members questioned whether bar ownership is being used for site stability or to channel charitable gaming dollars, and whether city policies might disadvantage charities with broader missions. The committee also discussed the relationship between gaming organizations, manufacturers, and distributors, including restrictions on incentives and interference, and asked for more information on those entities and their ownership. Later in the meeting, the Racing Commission gave its regular update on live racing, pari-mutuel wagering, ADW providers, purse and promotion funds, a new TRPB contract, and concerns about cease-and-desist actions from other states. Finally, the State Hospital superintendent briefly reported on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s support services, including the SORT team, training, and security assistance for the hospital campus.

Transcript Highlights:

• The president does not care.
• The president does not care.
• The president does not care.
• He may not care, but I do. I yield back. Everything costs more. The president does not care.
• He may not care, but I do. I yield back. Everything costs more. The president does not care.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, May 15, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• .. ...and wondering about what states practice this or make sure that their firefighters are taken care
• And I'd like to have that question directed to him if I could. Let's do that. Mr. Sheldon.
• This is a small step in that direction, and I think it’s a good one.
• We’ve let things go too far in the other direction—the punitive direction, the, hey, we want to make
• life as hard for you as possible when the state comes after you direction.

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety and Law Enforcement heard several public safety measures. SB 1520 would have required state agencies to share certain immigration-related data with the federal government and included a repeal date in 2029. Representative Abatia offered a strike-everything amendment to replace the bill with a firefighter support grant program to help pay for station food, supplies, and small appliances, but the committee rejected the amendment and then gave the underlying SB 1520 a due pass recommendation. SB 1216 would repeal the sunset on traumatic event counseling for public safety employees and expand coverage to crime scene and digital forensics technicians. Supporters said the program helps officers and firefighters cope with trauma and that utilization is relatively low, while members asked about costs and usage. The bill passed 12-0. SB 1391 would create an AZ POST pilot program for law enforcement stress management, funded at $950,000 and run through a nonprofit, with emphasis on prevention, peer support, and family impacts. Some members objected that it was too prescriptive and looked like a vendor bill, and the committee failed to give it a due pass recommendation. SB 1493 would require employers to pay taxable costs, attorney fees, and expert fees when a law enforcement officer wins a wrongful termination appeal and the employer still refuses reinstatement. Supporters argued it was a fairness and due process measure for officers who must appeal twice to be made whole, while members debated whether similar treatment should apply in criminal cases and whether the bill should also restore other lost compensation. After adopting a chairman’s amendment, the committee gave SB 1493 as amended a due pass recommendation and then adjourned.