Transcript Highlights:

• coalition responsible for accrediting and supporting Louisiana's 11 accredited sexual assault centers
• Even pursuing accreditation, I'm not given any money through accreditation to be able to meet those needs
• for accreditation.
• for accreditation.
• We have three levels of accreditation.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several budget requests tied to health and human services. Louisiana Children’s Advocacy Centers asked for continued support and a supplemental appropriation of $1.173 million for infrastructure and standardization, explaining that the money would expand use of the Guardify digital evidence system, improve chain of custody, and reduce reliance on DVDs. Baton Rouge and statewide CAC leaders said prior funding helped eliminate a therapy wait list and speed services for abused children. Members asked detailed questions about the digital system, MDT coordination, and how the request related to SB 237, which would strengthen multidisciplinary review of child abuse cases. The Alzheimer’s Association sought $824,000 to sustain the dementia care specialist program, saying it helps families navigate services, keep loved ones at home longer, and reduce Medicaid costs. AARP and the Live at Home Coalition also testified for 750 additional Community Choice waiver slots at a state cost of $3.3 million, arguing that home- and community-based care is cheaper than nursing homes and that the current wait list is more than 11,000 people. Legislators discussed the size of the need, the state’s long-term care spending mix, and whether more support should go to family caregivers and community-based options. Testimony also focused on disability support services, substance use treatment, and developmental disability provider rates. A parent and direct support worker described the Children’s Choice waiver’s 20-hour cap and low pay, saying it makes it hard to retain caregivers and meet the needs of medically fragile children. Odyssey House and O’Brien House asked for higher Medicaid reimbursement rates under ASAM 4, warned that removal of room-and-board payments and weak Medicaid eligibility pathways are reducing access, and called for more oversight of sober living homes; members questioned outcomes data, length of stay, and links to homelessness. Finally, the Arc of Louisiana said the LDH rate study confirmed underfunding and supported a $53.6 million increase in state general funds, with local ARC leaders describing the services they provide and the need for higher direct support professional wages.

Transcript Highlights:

• what was required to achieve accreditation.
• intersects with, excuse me, accreditation?
• A Kalia accreditation? Um, thank you.
• Director Skipper: I believe we accept Kalia accreditation toward New Hampshire accreditation, but it
• </c> through the uh national accreditation through the uh national accreditation can<03:35:46.520><c>

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 146, which would require longer retention and quicker disclosure of certain video recordings from traffic stops and similar motor vehicle violations when a citation is disputed. The prime sponsor described the bill as a response to a constituent who challenged a speeding ticket but could not obtain a cruiser video before it was deleted under the current 30-day retention practice. Supporters argued the bill is about fairness and access to potentially exculpatory evidence, and one member suggested a simple 60-day retention period might avoid confusion over different timelines. The sponsor also noted that the bill would not affect criminal cases and that victims and complainants should have access to the same evidence as law enforcement when a recording is relevant to a defense. Major Brendan Davey of the New Hampshire State Police testified in opposition. He said the proposal would create a different discovery standard for one type of evidence, could discourage agencies from adopting body-worn or cruiser cameras, and would add cost and administrative burden. He explained that the State Police already retain routine traffic-stop videos for at least 30 days, but keep videos much longer when complaints or possible litigation are involved, and said the current system balances efficiency with accountability. He also argued the underlying speeding case did not make the trooper video directly material to the citation, though he acknowledged the legislature could choose a longer blanket retention period if it wished. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then opened a public hearing on House Bill 638, which would allow people serving life without parole sentences to become eligible for a parole hearing at age 60 after serving at least 18 years, provided they have had no major conduct violations in the prior 10 years. The sponsor said the bill is intended to give a narrow second look to a small number of elderly prisoners, citing the high cost of incarceration and the health challenges of aging in prison. He emphasized that the bill would not automatically release anyone, would not apply to capital murder convictions under RSA 630:1, and would still allow victims to participate in the parole process. Testimony on HB 638 was mixed. Alexander Bailey, a survivor of violent crime and domestic violence advocate, supported the bill, saying many survivors favor rehabilitation, second chances, and restorative justice, and that people in prison often age faster and face serious health and safety problems. Another supporter, Russell Roy, began offering a personal story about crime, addiction, and violence in Concord, but the transcript cuts off before his full remarks. Committee members asked about why age 60 was chosen, how released individuals would support themselves, and whether victims or families would be consulted; the sponsor said 60 was meant to limit eligibility and reflect the health realities of prison, and that parole boards already consider support networks and victim input. No action or vote was taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• , nationally recognized accrediting bodies.
• So we encourage the BRN to review its current accreditation standards and provide clear justification
• Our understanding of existing laws is that if a program is nationally accredited, forms such as the EDP
• laws is that if a program is nationally accredited, forms such as the EDP, PO2 are no longer needed.
• California is home to 19 CAPTE-accredited physical therapy programs and 27 CAPTE-accredited physical

Transcript Highlights:

• Many people get much more, but that is the minimum of what these accredited programs require.
• </c><00:15:33.199><c> Um</c> hours within accredited universities.
• Um hours within accredited universities.
• </c> what these accredited programs require. what these accredited programs require.
• </c> place before the rigors of accreditation place before the rigors of accreditation within<00:20:52.000

Committee: Senate Licensing & Occupations

Transcript Highlights:

• Strengthens accountability while increasing flexibility in higher education by expanding accreditation
• This does not mean that our colleges cannot use the ABA as their accrediting body.
• This does not mean that our colleges cannot use the ABA as their accrediting body.
• The accreditation situation has been a movement for a while, and that concerns me as well.
• The accreditation situation has been a movement for a while, and that concerns me as well.

Committee: House Education & Employment Committee

Summary: The committee first took up PCS for CS for HB 1279, a higher education bill focused on Florida’s preeminent universities. The sponsor said the measure would increase access for Florida students, strengthen accountability and transparency, update accreditation references, adjust performance metrics, and address issues such as GPA weighting, engineering credit-hour differences, and certain fee-waiver and dental-program provisions. Members raised questions about the 95% Florida-resident enrollment target, possible funding impacts, Pell Grant metrics, and whether the bill would affect community college pathways; the sponsor said the bill was aimed at first-time-in-college students and that the 95% standard would be measured on a three-year rolling average. After an amendment removing an adjustment to the four-year graduation metric was adopted, the bill was reported favorably by a 17-2 vote. The committee then heard PCS for CS for HB 1059, which would strengthen speech and debate education by designating the Florida Debate Initiative as the statewide organization, supporting coach and judge training, statewide data collection, tournaments, and a Florida Speech and Debate Week. The sponsor and several students and advocates testified that speech and debate builds confidence, civics knowledge, leadership, and opportunities for English learners and other students, with multiple speakers describing how the program changed their lives. Members from both parties spoke strongly in support, and the bill was reported favorably without opposition. Finally, the committee considered PCS for HB 725 on political activity at public institutions of higher education. The sponsor said the bill would standardize campus policies, require notice to students and employees about free-expression and political-campaign rules, and align state practice with federal guidelines while preserving free speech and nonpartisan voter engagement. An opponent argued the bill could create barriers to civic engagement and student organizing, while supporters said it would clarify existing rules and prevent institutions from favoring one viewpoint over another. The sponsor closed by emphasizing that the bill was about information and neutrality rather than restricting speech.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is a criterion of getting name accreditation, and so we're running at full gas.
• Our ACGME fellowship continues accreditation. We have trained people now. We're full.
• We need to maintain name accreditation, and that's expensive.
• Our goals are to maintain the accreditation. We're doing our annual review next year.
• Because we staffed up and we got the accreditation.

Summary: The Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and Judiciary heard presentations from several agencies. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported full National Association of Medical Examiners accreditation, major improvements in turnaround times, staffing growth to 18 forensic pathologists, and expanded rural coverage, but warned that a flat budget would leave it short of funds by August. The agency requested $4.5 million in recurring funding for professional staff and operations, citing rising supply, transport, IT, and facility costs, and said failure to fund the request would cause a catastrophic collapse. Members asked about cremation fees, other revenue sources, and the consequences of not funding the request; the chair said the recommendation would be forwarded but not necessarily adopted. The Council on Judicial Complaints said complaints against judges have roughly doubled since 2018, with most complaints involving dissatisfaction with judicial rulings rather than misconduct. The council emphasized its goal of responding within 90 days, its new judges college to prevent ethics problems, and the cost of removal proceedings. It requested an additional $125,000 on top of its current $300,000 appropriation to cover rising operating costs, a lease increase, judicial college expenses, and salary adjustments. Senators asked about case prioritization, turnover, staffing, and whether a specific courtroom incident could be investigated; the director said it would be an appropriate complaint to review. The Oklahoma Indigent Defense System described heavy caseloads in rural counties, a mix of satellite offices and county contracts, and a need to reduce attorney workloads, especially in Norman and Lawton. It requested funding for six resource navigators, a project manager, direct-care support, eight additional attorneys, internal training, and continued county contract funding, while also discussing possible diversion programs and grant opportunities. The Department of Corrections requested increases for county jail backup per diem and ICON maintenance, highlighted contraband interdiction, centralized visitation, mobile check-ins, and tablet-based efficiencies, and discussed an ICE detention contract at Watonga that brings in monthly revenue and jobs but is not counted in the budget request. The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs presented a revised legacy-fund request tied to purchasing and remodeling a building shared with OSBI, saying the new plan would cost about $25 million total and save money compared with new construction; it also noted declining wire-transfer revenue tied to fewer grow operations and other enforcement changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's not what we were created for, nor is it what we are accredited for.
• I was just one of the ones that accredited the schools.
• I was just one of the one of the one of the uh person that accredited the schools.
• Um, we're In student support, so we didn't work directly with the actual accreditation officers.
• So they now work with the accreditation officers, which, in my opinion, I think is a wise move.

Committee: House Common Education

Summary: The committee held an interim study on how to educate and support students with severe violent or disruptive behavior while protecting classmates, teachers, and school staff. Members framed the issue as one involving students who have often experienced trauma and may be removed from class through suspension, expulsion, or juvenile placement, but who still need a meaningful path back to school. Several legislators shared personal experiences as former educators or administrators and emphasized that schools need clearer criteria for removal and return, along with stronger support for families and staff. Dr. Michelle Butler, an alternative education director, testified that Oklahoma’s current alternative education system is not designed to serve students removed for major discipline issues because placement is generally voluntary and programs are built around students who need a different learning environment, not punitive removal. She argued for early intervention, stronger attendance enforcement, trauma screening, teacher training, and a regional or cooperative model that would combine credentialed educators, social workers, therapists, and family counselors. She also described existing programs such as Trace Academy, Rogers County Youth Services diversion programs, and the limitations of virtual-only models and current funding, saying the system lacks sufficient resources and staffing. Representatives and senators asked about funding, staffing, credentials, and whether statutes should be changed to prevent alternative education dollars from going to programs that do not provide direct services. Other testimony came from Family and Children’s Services and Mid-Del Youth and Family Services, both of which described embedded school-based mental health, crisis response, intensive outpatient services, family engagement, and juvenile diversion programs. Witnesses stressed that wraparound services, school-community partnerships, and a bridge back to the home school are essential, and that many students and families need mandatory or strongly supported participation rather than purely voluntary help. The study concluded with members noting possible next steps, including expanding or supplementing alternative education, improving early intervention, and examining participation requirements and transition supports; no votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1169 does not inadvertently interfere with or duplicate existing federal regulation of accredited
• basically clarifies that the bill's provisions apply only to individuals or entities that are not accredited
• Just to give you a number, there are 75 accredited VSOs in North Dakota, while there are 55,000 veterans
• Only the VSOs have to be accredited.
• If you're not accredited, you don't go before the VA.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then moved through a series of conference committee appointments and reconsideration motions. Senator Axtman successfully moved to reconsider House Bill 1160, which had previously failed, and the chamber later passed it. HB 1160 creates a statewide bell-to-bell policy restricting personal electronic devices during instructional time; supporters argued it would reduce distractions, improve mental health and academic outcomes, and help teachers, while opponents raised local control concerns. The bill passed 42-4. The Senate also passed several other measures, including HB 1247 on protecting student victims of sexual offenses, HB 1489 consolidating civil protection orders into one chapter, HB 1032 making municipal courts courts of record and updating related procedures, HB 1487 authorizing a Minot facility for the Highway Patrol and Bureau of Criminal Investigation with a line of credit and emergency clause, HB 1469 requiring annual online statements of interest for public officials, HB 1199 creating the Missing and Indigenous People Task Force and related MMIP initiatives, HB 1169 regulating paid veterans benefits claim assistance with consumer protections, HB 1209 directing a foreign adversary threat assessment, and HB 3018 as amended to study water, wetlands, and taxation of inundated lands. Most of these passed with strong bipartisan support, though HB 1169 drew substantial debate over veterans’ service options and HB 1209 passed on a narrower 40-7 vote. The chamber rejected or declined several other measures. HB 1455, which would have required the Indian Affairs Commission to review introduced legislation for tribal implications, failed 7-40 after concerns about an unfunded mandate and duplicative duties. HB 1259, which would have put North Dakota on year-round daylight saving time, was defeated 15-32 after debate over time zones, construction, recreation, and whether the issue should be left to future legislatures. HB 1555, dealing with statements of ownership for foreign organizations of concern, also failed 3-44. The Senate then moved to announcements and committee scheduling for later meetings and conference committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• When we define the providers, do we have an accreditation that these providers have to meet?
• If you kind of look at who's out there, there's one called CAEP, Council for the Accreditation of Educator
• It's another national accreditation often used by these alternative prep programs.
• But I do have very strong feelings on an accreditation that we know they're going to meet.
• But I do have very strong feelings on an accreditation that we know they're going to meet.

Bills: HB4274 , HB3076 , HB4358 , HB3312 , HB3288 , HB3885

Committee: House Common Education

Summary: The committee first took up HB 4274, with a PCS accepted without objection. The bill concerns military students and military school choice, restoring language from the Open Enrollment Act, removing a six-month residency requirement for military families, and addressing early enrollment administration. After brief discussion, the committee voted 10-0 to report the bill out as due pass. HB 3076, authored by Rep. Lepak, would create a new alternative certification pathway for teachers to help address the teacher shortage by allowing third-party certifiers outside the traditional higher-education route. Members asked about accreditation, existing pilot language, and how this differs from emergency or adjunct certification. The author said the bill is intended as an additional route for career changers, with examples from other states and a model that includes follow-up support after hiring. The committee also discussed adding mentor-teacher language, and the bill passed 10-2 as due pass. The committee then considered HB 4358, which would limit screen time for K-5 students to one hour per day, with the author noting possible changes for class-based use, testing, and virtual schools. HB 3312, with a PCS, would require schools to offer firearm safety education in grades K-12, while allowing parents to opt their students out; it passed 9-2. HB 3288, also with a PCS, would increase physical activity for school-age children and prohibit withholding recess or physical education from pre-K through 5th grade as punishment; it passed 11-0. Finally, HB 3885, with a PCS, would impose mandatory disciplinary actions for third- through fifth-grade students who assault or attempt to assault teachers or school employees. The author said the bill is aimed at improving teacher safety and retention, while still allowing in-school suspension and case-by-case superintendent discretion. Members discussed whether schools already have such authority and whether suspension is always the best response. The bill passed 8-3 as due pass. HB 4277 and HB 4173 were laid over.

Transcript Highlights:

• A safety standard has been developed by Underwriters Laboratories, and we strongly urge the committee
• </c> regarding um the underwriters laboratory regarding um the underwriters laboratory certifications
• uh laboratories and we strongly<01:31:24.159><c> urge</c><01:31:24.239><c> the</c><01:31:24.480><c>
• being in the underwriters laboratories being in the process<01:37:44.960><c> of</c><01:37:45.199><c>
• Right now, with the outline of investigation that Underwriters Laboratories has put out, products can

Bills: HB1697 , HB1678 , HB1679 , HB2282 , HB1940 , HB1671 , HB1481 , HB2015 , HB2207 , HB2486

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1697, which would exempt natural hair braiders from licensing requirements under certain conditions. The DCCA Board of Barbering and Cosmetology said it recognizes braiding as within the scope of cosmetology practice but warned that a broad exemption could create consumer protection gaps, especially around sanitation training, tool use, and enforcement. Supporters from the Institute for Justice and the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii argued the current licensing regime is overly burdensome and unrelated to braiding, citing the 1,250-hour training requirement, high tuition costs, barriers for low-income entrepreneurs, and the fact that many other states already exempt braiders. Committee members asked whether a standalone sanitation course or similar training could address the board’s concerns, and the board said it would bring that idea back for discussion. The committee also noted 16 written testimonies in support and 2 in opposition. The committee then took up HB 1678, relating to condominium and planned community association elections using cumulative voting. Supporters, including the Hawaii State Association of Parliamentarians, said the bill would clarify that cumulative voting applies to all candidates, including write-ins, and would help resolve confusion in association elections. One testifier urged the committee to remove proxy voting, calling it an abuse of power in some associations, while another asked whether cumulative voting and proxies could be manipulated to stack votes. In response, the parliamentarian explained that cumulative voting and proxy voting are different, that proxies simply allow someone to vote on another’s behalf, and that existing deadlines and counting procedures reduce opportunities for abuse. Testimony also emphasized that electronic or mail voting can be secure and efficient, and that the bill would make the process clearer and more democratic. Finally, the committee heard testimony on HB 1679, which would clarify an association board’s authority over electronic meetings, electronic voting, voting without a meeting, and mail voting without a meeting. Supporters said the measure would clean up statutory language, make electronic voting optional, and fix problems created by a 2024 change that made written-consent timing rules difficult to use for association actions. They also said the bill would clarify that proxies are only used at meetings, not for actions taken without a meeting. One opponent argued the bill needs further amendment because electronic voting is not well defined and could be abused, and questioned the neutrality of parliamentarians testifying on condominium bills. No votes were taken on any of the measures during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The enhancements, I will say, is foster care accreditation.
• bodies and was chair of our accrediting commission.
• I served a lot of time on those accrediting bodies and was chair of our accrediting commission for my
• institution or an accredited degree program.
• And that degree needs to be from an accredited institution.

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• We have had a lot of intensive review recently as part of our ABA accreditation and our membership in
• There were seven members of an accreditation team.
• , how we teach students, or who teaches students in their accreditation process.
• Have reviewed the use of adjunct professors, and you have received accreditation.
• Have reviewed the use of adjunct professors, and you have received accreditation.

Bills: SB1 , SB3

Committee: House House Judiciary

Keywords: interstate medical licensure compact, physician licensure, medical license reciprocity, expedited licensure, medical practice act, New Mexico medical board, compact commission, physician mobility, telemedicine, license portability, background check, disciplinary action, joint investigation, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, scope of practice, medical board transparency, multistate compact, licensure renewal, health care workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• Right here it says the report is still pending, and it did not require mandatory accreditation.
• education beyond the non-accredited apprenticeship pathway.
• Finally, on page 34, lines 3 to 5, add accreditation by another nationally recognized accrediting agency
• <03:03:53.439><c> birth</c> accredited birth accredited birth facilities<03:03:56.000><c> further</c>
• another nationally accreditation by another nationally recognized<03:05:02.239><c> accrediting</c><03

Summary: The joint House Committee on Health and Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard two midwifery bills, with testimony focused primarily on HB 1194. Committee chairs opened the hearing with rules for Zoom testimony and noted the bills relate to midwives. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs said it supported the intent of HB 1194 and offered comments. Supporters of the bill, including the Midwives Alliance of Hawaii, argued that midwifery should remain subject to mandatory licensure to protect consumer safety, citing the state’s regulatory licensing standards and a 2025 state auditor sunset analysis. They said the bill would strengthen educational standards and public protection, and some offered clarifying amendments. Opponents argued HB 1194 would restrict access to care and fail to protect traditional, cultural, and community-based birth practices. Testifiers from the Hawaii Home Birth Task Force, the Hawaii Home Birth Collective, the Libertarian Party of Hawaii, the Center for Reproductive Rights, Pacific Birth Collective, and Papa Ola Lōkahi said the bill would limit licensure pathways, reduce access in rural and underserved areas, and burden Native Hawaiian and traditional practitioners. Several speakers said the measure could worsen Hawaii’s maternal health shortages, especially on Maui, and urged lawmakers to defer HB 1194 or instead advance HB 1328, which they said better protects practitioner access and cultural practices. The Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives said it opposed HB 1194 because it did not align with national or state standards for certified midwives and could create conflicts with Medicaid reimbursement and prescriptive authority. The ACLU also opposed the measure, emphasizing reproductive rights, privacy, and the need to preserve apprenticeship pathways to licensure. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• So anyway, until now the evidence regarding these laboratories has been withheld from the American people
• So anyway, until now the evidence regarding these laboratories has been withheld from the American people
• Nothing on the Wuhan laboratory, but it's very clear that there was surreptitious funding of the Ukraine
• Nothing on the Wuhan laboratory, but it's very clear that there was surreptitious funding of the Ukraine
• Nothing on the Wuhan laboratory, but it's very clear that there was surreptitious funding of the Ukraine

Summary: The committee met to review its mission and to discuss recent work on a letter sent to the governor and legislative leaders regarding COVID vaccine safety and related scientific references. Members said the letter, which included 31 cited sources, had been delivered to the governor’s office, the Speaker’s office, and the Senate President’s office, and a press release had been issued. Several members defended the letter’s sourcing and urged the public to read the materials and evaluate the evidence themselves, while also acknowledging questions about the trustworthiness of some cited articles. A major portion of the meeting focused on a research assistant’s effort to use AI tools to help reconstruct and verify the committee’s 2024 COVID report with citations. She reported mixed results from Copilot and Gemini, noting that the tools often produced broad or incomplete outputs and that she would need to break the report into smaller sections and ask for more specific source types. Members advised using more precise prompts and emphasized that any AI output would still need human verification. The committee said it hoped to produce a revised, fully footnoted 2024 report by early September. The chair then outlined the committee’s fall agenda, saying it would examine long COVID treatment, the patient bill of rights as it relates to COVID vaccinations and death reporting, standards of care and professional judgment by New Hampshire health care providers, and oversight of federal COVID-related funding such as CARES Act education relief dollars. He also referenced a recent fraud case involving misuse of COVID funds and suggested the committee may ask the DOJ for information. The committee will not meet in July or August and plans to resume in September and October, with a final report targeted for the end of October. The chair also introduced a recent DNI/Tulsi Gabbard press release about U.S.-funded biolabs overseas, which members discussed as a possible transparency issue relevant to future pandemic policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• That sample has to be collected and then driven two and a half hours to the closest laboratory by somebody
• There are larger ones, but that's for laboratory testing where you're doing six or seven samples at one
• honorable members, the difference is that the transportation time and the requirement to test in a laboratory
• probably operate three or four different plants, but they still have to send their samples to a laboratory

Bills: SB1137 , SB1176 , SB1287 , SB1335 , SB1336 , SB1445 , SB1677

Committees: House Natural Resources, Energy & Water , House House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee of Reference

Keywords: underground utilities, utility locating, dig safe, call before you dig, excavation safety, damage prevention, one-call center, locate request, white lining, large project coordination, buried infrastructure, subsurface utilities, utility marking, locator wire, locator strip, interactive positive response system, landlord duties, apartment community, mobile home park, sewer line

Transcript Highlights:

• general fund by $2.77 million each fiscal year to remove Madison County's Eastern Kentucky University laboratory
• Eastern Kentucky Universal<00:13:29.680><c> la-</c><00:13:30.040><c> model</c><00:13:30.480><c> laboratory
• </c> Universal la- model laboratory Universal la- model laboratory adjustment. adjustment. adjustment

Summary: The Kentucky Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 503, the legislative branch budget, adopting a committee substitute and reporting it favorably. The chair said the Senate version fully funds defined calculations, provides 2% raises in each fiscal year for legislative employees, removes a paragraph on operating expense reductions, and includes $1 million in the first year for a judicial branch salary study. House Bill 504, the judicial branch budget, was then amended and reported favorably; changes included 2% annual raises for judicial employees, revised operating expense language, $1 million each year for county current services, retention of Boyle County fit-up language, reporting requirements for smaller capital projects, full funding for nine judges added in 2022, and removal of furlough prohibitions and certain budget implementation language. Both bills passed the committee unanimously with favorable expressions to the floor. The committee then considered House Bill 500, the executive branch budget, adopting a committee substitute before hearing a lengthy summary of major spending and policy changes. The chair described statewide 2% annual employee raises, agency base reductions with many exemptions, increased school safety and 911 funding, veterans and military funding, local government and severance-related changes, attorney general and auditor funding, pension and retirement system support, education funding changes including SEEK, postsecondary and scholarship provisions, public safety and corrections funding, and multiple capital projects. The chair also highlighted Medicaid-related provisions, including added waiver slots, increased state-directed payments, a 2.5% reduction in managed care vendor payments for plan years 2027 and 2028 with savings redirected to fee-for-service rates, and additional funding for behavioral health and public health programs. The bill was reported favorably after members explained their votes, with several noting they had only recently received the full 228-page bill and wanted more time for detailed review. Finally, the committee adopted a committee substitute for House Bill 900, an appropriation measure for government agencies, and reported it favorably. The chair said the bill remains a work in progress and that one-time funding requests from across the Commonwealth and across party lines would continue to be addressed as the process moves forward. All measures considered during the meeting passed the committee with unanimous or near-unanimous favorable votes, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• If a person who performed a chemical test or a toxicologist from the laboratory where the test was performed
• If a person who performed a chemical test or a toxicologist from the laboratory where the test was performed
• The ability of the laboratory analysts and toxicologists to appear via video will not only allow for
• streamlined court processes, but will permit critical laboratory analysts and toxicologists to perform

Summary: The committee first heard HB 206, which would expand eligibility under the Crime Victims Reparation Act to cover additional offenses: simple assault, simple battery, criminal sexual contact, and robbery while armed with a deadly weapon. The sponsor, the Crime Victims Reparation Commission, and multiple supporters said the change would help victims access compensation for medical care, counseling, lost income, and related costs, with no added state administrative burden. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 6-0. The committee then took up HB 20, which would allow Native American designation on driver’s licenses and state IDs for people who provide proof of membership in a federally recognized tribe. Sponsors and tribal supporters said the designation could help with identification, Turquoise Alert notifications, and jurisdictional issues, while also serving as a voluntary option for tribal members. Some members raised concerns about possible profiling, lack of consultation with every tribe, and the absence of data from other states; supporters responded that the designation is optional and intended to assist, not harm. The bill passed 4-2. HB 52, a technical cleanup bill correcting statutory cross-references after prior competency-law amendments, passed unanimously 6-0. HB 58, which updates the telephone harassment statute to include electronic communications such as texts and social media, also passed 6-0 after supporters said the current law is outdated and too limited for modern harassment cases; committee members discussed possible definitional refinements. HB 57, allowing certain lab analysts and toxicologists to testify by interactive video in misdemeanor and DWI cases, drew support for efficiency and reducing travel burdens, but also concerns about confrontation rights and technical drafting issues; it passed 6-0 with a no recommendation. Finally, HB 79, which would lower the burden of proof for juvenile probation violation hearings to a preponderance standard, drew strong opposition from defense advocates and a law student who argued it would reduce due process protections for youth; after debate, the committee tabled the bill on a 4-2 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• , they're really in urgent need of update in terms of heating, plumbing systems as well as the laboratories
• heating, plumbing systems as well as of heating, plumbing systems as well as the<00:06:06.000><c> laboratories
• ><c> They</c><00:06:07.440><c> were</c><00:06:07.600><c> built</c><00:06:07.840><c> in</c> the laboratories
• They were built in the laboratories.

Summary: The Capital Project Overview Committee met at 9:00 a.m. and first approved the September 29 minutes. The committee then considered University System of New Hampshire Capital Project 260001, a $70 million request involving two residence hall renovation projects at UNH. UNH officials said the work is needed to address aging 1970-era buildings, including heating, plumbing, and other deferred maintenance, and to improve student recruitment, retention, and living conditions. Members asked about the construction timeline, which was estimated at about four years, and about enrollment decline, which was estimated at roughly 15% over 10 years. The committee approved the project after discussion, with members noting the buildings’ age and need for repair. The committee next heard Capital Project 26003 from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources for Cannon Mountain. Commissioner Sarah Stewart and staff described an $893,000 tranche, part of a larger effort to address deferred maintenance at the mountain, including guest facilities, lift infrastructure, a passenger ramp for scenic chairlift use, snowmaking improvements, a line replacement, a pump rebuild, and operations equipment. Members asked about the $6 million bonding limit established in 1999, and the department said it appears insufficient and may need updating in the future. The committee approved the Cannon Mountain request. The department also provided an informational update on the Cannon Mountain aerial tramway. Officials said a structural engineering firm is analyzing towers, terminals, and footings, with the goal of confirming the existing infrastructure can support a new tram system and refining bid specifications. They said the work is on track, with an updated cost estimate expected in January and a bid targeted for May. Members asked about the limited number of manufacturers capable of doing the work and whether the project could be delayed; the department said it is in active discussions with the likely bidders and pre-qualifying them. The meeting ended with brief discussion of informational reports, including a question about apparent delays in some New Hampshire Veterans Home projects, which staff said they would follow up on, and the committee adjourned with the next meeting set for March 16 at 9:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mighty Ducks Grant Program, $1 million; public safety, BCA Southern Minnesota Regional Office and Laboratory
• Office</c><00:03:26.720><c> and</c> Minnesota Regional Office and Minnesota Regional Office and Laboratory
• 03:29.760><c> And</c><00:03:29.920><c> then</c><00:03:30.159><c> in</c><00:03:30.319><c> the</c> Laboratory
• And then in the Laboratory, 67 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also creates the Oklahoma National Laboratory Development Program so that the state has a formal process
• It also creates the Oklahoma National Laboratory Development Program so that the state has a former process
• ultimate goal, and it would be for these subject matters that have not been addressed in those other laboratories

Bills: HB1782 , HB2293 , HB3176 , HB3544 , HB3546 , HB3619 , HB4358

Committee: Senate Technology and Telecommunications

Summary: The Senate Technology and Telecommunications Committee considered several House bills focused on artificial intelligence, data infrastructure, broadband, and education technology. House Bill 3176 would create an Oklahoma Gas Artificial Intelligence and Space Research Hub under the Department of Commerce and a National Laboratory Development Program to help Oklahoma pursue federal research designations; members questioned the fiscal impact, public reporting, and agency placement, and the bill passed 7-1. House Bill 3544 would prohibit minors from accessing AI social companions and authorize civil penalties; supporters cited research and safety concerns, and it passed 8-0. House Bill 3619 would modernize state geographic data collection and mapping for census and boundary purposes; members raised concerns about county boundaries, costs, and possible impacts on property and taxation, and it passed 6-2. The committee also advanced House Bill 3546, which bars artificial intelligence and other non-human entities from being granted legal personhood under Oklahoma law, passing 8-0 without debate. House Bill 1782 would create an Oklahoma AI Education Innovation Act with an advisory council and grant fund; members asked about funding formulas, membership, and dual office-holding, and it passed 8-0. House Bill 2293 would extend the Oklahoma Broadband Office sunset while requiring a wind-down plan and legislative review; members discussed the office’s consultation and termination process, and it passed 8-0. Finally, House Bill 4358 would limit screen time for pre-K through fifth grade students to one hour per school day. After questions about enforcement, classroom logistics, and special events, the author struck the title to continue working on the measure, and the bill passed 8-0. Throughout the meeting, members generally expressed support for the policy goals of the bills while flagging implementation, fiscal, and jurisdictional concerns.