Transcript Highlights:

• You know, a mother, a single mom who takes a toddler from Venezuela, walking up that path on foot, I
• A toddler from Venezuela walking up that path on foot.

Bills: HB111 , HB103 , HB109 , HB128 , HJM2 , HJM3 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50 , HB49 , HB60 , HB108 , HB120 , HB124 , HB145 , HB154 , HB158 , HB164 , HB180 , HB291 , HJR6 , HJR7 , HR1 , HJM1 , HM13 , HM47

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• He ended up, I think he lived to the age of 18.
• He ended up I think he lived to the<01:29:03.600><c> age</c><01:29:03.760><c> of</c> the age of the age
• And there's expectations for children that are age appropriate at a very young age.
• And there's expectations for children that are age appropriate at a very young age.
• And there's expectations for children that are age appropriate at a very young age.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, compared to the rest of the US where about 60% of foreign born are working age.
• Like what age were they brought into the United States, Madam Speaker, gentle lady.
• So the age ranges really vary. We don't have the average. We're looking that up right now.
• But we know that their workforce age right now, Mr.
• Speaker, gentle lady, this is the workforce age that we would want to recruit from.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you've heard before, the only really alternate method of age assurance is facial age estimation, which
• design code goes a bit further to... ...age-appropriate design code, but the Vermont age-appropriate
• By instituting a de facto age-verification mandate, these bills would require users of all ages to offer
• By instituting a de facto age verification mandate, these bills would require users of all ages to offer
• The fact is that age verification places burdens on everybody to verify ages.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity

Summary: The committee held its second hearing on a large docket of technology, internet, cybersecurity, broadband, and media bills. Early testimony focused on community media funding legislation, with lawmakers and local access advocates arguing that as cable subscriptions decline and streaming grows, revenue tied to cable franchises no longer supports community television and PEG programming. Supporters said community media remains a key source of local news, government meeting coverage, and civic transparency as newspapers disappear or consolidate. A related bill on cable contract oversight also drew support, with testimony that the Department of Telecommunications and Cable is backlogged and should more actively review municipal-provider agreements and report its workload to the committee. Another major topic was a proposal to create a Massachusetts Innovation Fund for state IT modernization. The Alliance for Digital Innovation backed the bill, saying agencies need flexible upfront capital to replace outdated systems and improve cybersecurity, and pointing to the federal Technology Modernization Fund as a model. The witness noted that funding for the state program still needs to be identified. The committee also heard strong support for a bill requiring free broadband in public housing, with Rep. Emmela Goodwin and MAPC describing internet access as essential for jobs, school, telehealth, and civic participation. They said the digital divide in Massachusetts is driven largely by affordability rather than infrastructure, though questions were raised about costs, wiring, and whether all housing sites already have broadband access available at the curb. A substantial portion of the hearing centered on bills to limit addictive social media feeds for minors. Supporters, including lawmakers, parents, teens, and advocacy groups, argued that algorithmic feeds contribute to addiction, anxiety, body image problems, and other harms, and said the bills would restrict surveillance-based curation and overnight notifications while leaving search and followed accounts available. Opponents, including FIRE, CCIA, and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, argued the bills would require invasive age verification, threaten privacy and cybersecurity, burden adults’ anonymity, and likely face First Amendment challenges. They also warned the measures could disadvantage smaller businesses and may be unconstitutional based on recent court rulings in other states. The committee also heard support for blockchain-related bills creating a commission, a pilot program, and consumer education efforts, with testimony that Massachusetts has the talent but needs a coordinated state strategy. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• to prepare our students, and we've got some fantastic examples around the state, from aquaponics to ag
• We work really closely with the families, with Idaho Infant Toddler, the Council for the Deaf and Hard

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy presentation on the K-12 public school support budget, including how support units, career ladder funding, health insurance, discretionary funding, transportation, facilities, and the Public Education Stabilization Fund (PSIF) work. Legislative Services explained that FY 2026 support units were revised downward, creating a $22.3 million ongoing general fund reduction, and walked through the FY 2027 agency request and governor’s recommendation. The governor recommended no increase for population forecast adjustments, but did recommend some statutory and policy changes, including shifting certain interest earnings to the general fund and reducing funding for some virtual school and IDLA-related items. The agency request also included one-time proposals for a high-needs special education fund and a regional service model for related services. Members asked extensive questions about how career ladder dollars are distributed, how health insurance and discretionary funds interact, why the health insurance increase in the budget differed from current plan estimates, and how facilities money under House Bill 292 is used. There were also questions about the size and use of the Idaho Career Ready Students fund, the maintenance-of-effort implications of special education funding, and whether some special education costs are being used for student housing or other noninstructional expenses. The superintendent and budget staff emphasized that many of the budget lines are formula-driven or statutorily required, that local districts determine actual staffing and spending within those formulas, and that special education costs continue to outpace available funding. Superintendent Debbie Critchfield then framed the budget request around enrollment trends, shifting demographics, and the need for more flexibility in how districts use existing dollars. She highlighted proposed categorical flexibility for some funds, changes to digital content and curriculum distribution, continued literacy gains, growth in career technical education programs funded through Idaho Career Ready Students, and the importance of endowment and Millennium Fund support. She also described the special education proposals as a temporary bridge while the state considers larger formula changes and noted a near $100 million gap between special education spending and funding. She further outlined planned federal waiver requests on assessments and flexibility, and said the department is seeking more state control over testing and reporting requirements. The committee did not take final action on the budget during this portion of the meeting. Members raised concerns about interest transfers from dedicated funds, the complexity of the funding formula, special education accountability, and whether the state should revisit the overall school funding model. Several follow-up data requests were made, including information on health insurance participation, regional special education service needs, and school contingency fund balances.

Transcript Highlights:

• Unfortunately, these disposable devices are incredibly popular and have become an accessory for several age
• distributors, and overseas manufacturers do not comply with California regulations, testing requirements, age
• A recent report found that ICE has detained over 500 babies and toddlers since January 2025, of which

Committee: Senate Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:

• And by the way, it's very rare for someone to have an onset of, let's say, schizophrenia at the age of
• So she wasn't able to see her toddler for the 10-plus days that she was held in the facility.
• And as we move more and more into the digital age and technology, that's how people communicate.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on a broad set of mental health, substance use, recovery, and patients’ rights bills. Early testimony focused on H. 2227, which would replace stigmatizing substance use terminology in the General Laws, and H. 3950, which would support parents in recovery involved with DCF by requiring more individualized recovery plans, clearer benchmarks for parenting time, access to recovery coaches or counselors, family counseling after sustained recovery, and staff training on addiction and lived experience. Speakers described the bills as ways to reduce stigma, increase accountability, and improve reunification outcomes for families. A major portion of the hearing centered on S. 1386, which would transfer Bridgewater State Hospital from the Department of Correction to the Department of Mental Health. Advocates, family members, and disability groups testified that Bridgewater functions like a prison rather than a hospital, with excessive restraint, seclusion, involuntary medication, poor conditions, and racial disparities, and argued DMH should oversee a treatment setting. One DMH occupational therapist and MNA member opposed the transfer, saying the real issue is mixing forensic and continuing-care patients and that DMH should instead create designated forensic units under bills H. 228/S. 1408. Committee members asked about Bridgewater’s population, the history of DOC control, capacity, staffing, and how a transfer might be implemented. The committee also heard testimony on modernizing the six fundamental rights for psychiatric inpatients, including expanding communication options, clarifying visitation and advocacy definitions, and improving access to gender-appropriate and culturally relevant items. Another bill, H. 2216, would require stronger oversight before antipsychotic medication is prescribed in nursing homes, prompted by concerns about inappropriate use. Finally, testimony supported H. 2240 and H. 2239 on sober homes, with supporters saying discharge and relocation policies are needed when a resident returns to active use or becomes unsafe, while preserving the recovery environment and resident rights. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• throughout the Senate. ...and testimony not on the record, but throughout the summer of minors who have now aged
• lack of sufficient earning ability or sufficient property, or they can be a parent of a child whose age
• Or they may be of an age or have had a marriage of such duration that employment may be precluded.
• four-year-old children... ...with those families, mothers with four-year-old children, fathers with toddlers
• with... ...some of them being tracked down by drug cartels, some of them with young boys, my nephew's age

Summary: The Senate met in multiple Committee of the Whole sessions and later took third-reading votes on several measures, with the day dominated by election administration bills, immigration-related bills, public safety measures, and a series of bills affecting transgender youth and health care. The chamber also heard ceremonial remarks recognizing Lutheran Day at the Capitol, introduced the Doctor of the Day, and handled routine appointments, messages, and committee reports. Several bills were retained on the calendar, including SB 1431 and SCR 1005. Among the major policy items, senators debated and advanced SB 1049 on spousal maintenance, SB 1053 on concealed weapons permits, SB 1415 on insurance adjuster license eligibility, SB 1015 on health care actions related to gender transition procedures and provider liability, SB 1095 on gender transition care for minors, and SCR 1006 on school-related sex and privacy requirements. Members opposing the transgender-related bills argued they were discriminatory, harmful to youth, and an intrusion into family and medical decisions; supporters said the measures protected children, parental rights, privacy, and medical judgment. The chamber also considered election and campaign finance measures including SB 1003, SB 1006, SB 1037, SB 1040, SB 1057, SB 1168, SB 1237, SCR 1002, SCR 1010, SCR 1013, and SCR 1014, with debate centering on transparency, ballot procedures, voter registration, and disclosure thresholds. Additional bills addressed immigration enforcement and foreign influence concerns, including SB 1055, SB 1058, SB 1093, SB 1152, SB 1289, and SB 1308. Supporters framed these as public safety, election integrity, or enforcement measures, while opponents warned they would chill reporting to police, harm asylum seekers and immigrants, or expand punitive government power. The Senate adopted Committee of the Whole reports and assigned bills accordingly throughout the day, and several measures later received third-reading passage votes, including SB 1049, SB 1053, SB 1415, SB 1015, and SB 1095, with recorded roll-call outcomes and transmission of passed bills to the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• My toddler was a warrior.

Bills: HB170 , HB865 , HB748 , HJR112 , HB 1110 , HB1495 , HB786 , HB 1130 , HB170

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: civil liability, self-defense, force, deadly force, legal immunity, attorney's fees, criminal justice, firearms, liability, veterans, gun ownership, immunity, firearm hold agreement, sexual abuse, nondisclosure, confidentiality, public policy, Trey's Law, parental rights, child upbringing

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of my fellow advocates here today have been coming here since they were babies and toddlers.
• SB 971 is geared toward individuals ages 60 and over, for opportunities that allow them to And over,
• It encourages collaboration while allowing each individual Around shared healthy aging goals.
• That sense of purpose and connection is itself an important part of healthy aging.
• That sense of purpose and connection is itself an important part of healthy aging.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 331 by Sen. Menjivar, which would require large-group health plans to cover hearing aids for children. The author and supporters described the bill as a long-running effort to address a developmental emergency and reduce out-of-pocket costs for families, while opponents were absent. Testimony from parents, advocates, medical experts, and organizations emphasized the importance of early access to hearing aids; committee members voiced strong support, and the bill was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, with several members requesting to be added as coauthors. The committee then heard SB 608, also by Sen. Menjivar, to expand access to condoms in school-based health centers and related settings and to prevent barriers such as ID checks. Supporters, including students and school health advocates, argued the bill would improve sexual health and reduce stigma, while opponents from family and faith groups argued it would undermine parental authority and normalize early sexual activity. The bill was supported by committee members and moved forward on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. Next, SB 971 by Sen. Choi proposed community-based healthy aging partnerships for older adults, with testimony from the California Senior Legislature and supporters from aging and dementia organizations. The measure was described as voluntary and focused on connection, independence, and local collaboration; there was no opposition, and the committee moved it on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 869 by Sen. Weber Pierson, which would require warning icons and statements on chain restaurant menus for beverages with very high added sugar content. Supporters framed it as a transparency and public health measure, while restaurant and beverage industry representatives opposed it unless amended, citing cost and menu-space concerns; the bill was nevertheless moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations after a roll call vote, with some members voting no and the measure placed on call. The committee also considered SB 950 by Sen. Weber Pierson, aimed at ensuring timely coverage of FDA-approved, medically necessary treatments for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease on commercial plans. Supporters, including the Alzheimer’s Association and a patient advocate, said the bill would reduce delays and barriers to care, while health plan representatives opposed it over step therapy and utilization-management concerns. Members discussed the limited treatment window and the need for early access, and the bill was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. In addition, SB 490 by Sen. Umberg would set timelines for DHCS investigations of unlicensed sober living homes and allow counties to assist if the department cannot act in time; supporters from Anaheim and a patient-brokering survivor described serious abuse and oversight gaps, while county behavioral health representatives opposed the county role as an unfunded and potentially liability-creating burden. After discussion, the bill was also moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1037 by Sen. Weber Pierson on health insurance affordability and rate review, with supporters arguing it would tie premium increases more closely to affordability targets and public reporting; the transcript cuts off before the committee completed action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that ag has been a big part of it, but it's tourism that really helps to lead the way.
• , age 13 to 17.
• The second leading cause of premature death among those ages 10 to 24 is suicide.
• of death among teens ages 13 to 14 is suicide.
• I had to help my mother at a very early age because of the challenges she faced.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for fallen Oviedo Officer Jimmy Serrano-Torres, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Chief Joseph Tuminelli as law enforcement officer of the day. The chamber approved the journal and adopted the special order report, and the Speaker announced a schedule change canceling the floor on Monday and starting Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. The main business was CS for HB 7033, the House tax package, presented by Rep. Duggan. He described a broad set of tax changes, including the previously passed sales tax rate reduction from 6% to 5.25%, exemptions for certain bullion sales, changes to tourist development tax (TDT) use, property tax administration updates, affordable housing-related exemptions, repeal of the aviation fuel tax, delayed natural gas fuel tax implementation, corporate income tax changes, and other provisions. Debate focused heavily on the TDT section and the bill’s property tax relief structure. Amendments to preserve local flexibility or remove the TDT restrictions were offered and debated; one Duggan amendment was adopted to allow local governments to keep 25% of TDT revenues for general use while directing 75% to property tax relief, and another amendment requiring audit certification of compliance was also adopted. A combined reporting amendment offered by Rep. Eskamani to close corporate tax loopholes was debated at length but failed. On final passage, supporters argued the bill provides immediate, permanent tax relief and affordability help, while opponents said it diverts tourism dollars away from local needs and could harm tourism-dependent counties and services. CS for HB 7033 passed the House 78-29. The chamber then took up CS for CS for HB 1221 on local option taxes, which would give local governments more control over certain local taxes and, as presented, redirect TDT revenues toward property tax relief with some local flexibility. After questions and amendments, including a Miller amendment allowing 25% of TDT revenue for general purposes and another accountability amendment, the bill moved to final debate. Members split sharply: supporters framed it as immediate tax relief and local accountability, while opponents warned it would undermine tourism marketing, infrastructure, and county budgets. The transcript ends during closing debate on HB 1221, before final passage is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of my fellow advocates here today have been coming here since they were babies and toddlers.
• SB 971 is geared toward individuals ages 60 and over, for opportunities that allow them to And over,
• That sense of purpose and connection is itself an important part of healthy aging.
• That sense of purpose and connection is itself an important part of healthy aging.
• Alzheimer's disease, while often thought of as a condition of aging, reflects broader disparities in

Committee: House Health

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the mother of four children ages 15 to 23, and two of them are aspiring teachers.
• </c><03:30:50.160><c> So,</c><03:30:50.960><c> my</c> This was the age that they Yes.
• So, my This was the age that they Yes.
• </c> that age? that age? &gt;&gt; Thank<03:35:49.200><c> you</c><03:35:49.520><c> representative.
• Um, I an infant at home and a toddler.

Committee: House Education Policy and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• So you have in front of you what we call the placemat, reminds us of toddler placemats for protecting
• But they are ag-tech and farm equipment, space defense and satellites, which is rapidly growing, life
• or the arts or... ...across the state, whether that's journalism or the arts or space and defense or ag
• So ag tech and other solutions could change the cost structures and what have you.
• Instead of yielding to this age-old habit, the legislature should be a firm supporter of the value of

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, a mother, a single mom who takes a toddler from Venezuela walking up that path on foot, I don't
• You know, a mother, a single mom who takes a toddler from Venezuela walking up that path on foot, I don't

Bills: HB111 , HB103 , HB109 , HB128 , HJM2 , HJM3 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50 , HB49 , HB60 , HB108 , HB120 , HB124 , HB145 , HB154 , HB158 , HB164 , HB180 , HB291 , HJR6 , HJR7 , HR1 , HJM1 , HM13 , HM47

Summary: The House opened with a series of ceremonial recognitions, including Bernalillo County Day, Pecos Elementary, Las Vegas, New Mexico Highlands University, the New Mexico International School, and the Sun Country golf organizations. Members and guests offered brief remarks praising county staff, educators, university programs, and local public service, and several caucus and committee announcements were made. The House also received a gubernatorial message authorizing consideration of House Bill 303, which was then removed from Rules, ordered printed, and referred to the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee. The chamber then adopted a long slate of committee reports, moving multiple bills and memorials forward, including House Bills 294, 298, 38, 127, 151, 165, 47, 63, 64, 184, 200, 309, 311, 329, 310, and memorials 20 and 51. Most reports were adopted without objection, and several measures were advanced with committee substitutes or amended versions. The House then proceeded to third reading on selected bills. On final passage, House Bill 128 passed 61-1. The bill updates presumptive workers’ compensation coverage for full-time firefighters with occupational cancers and other illnesses, and debate focused on the exclusion of volunteer firefighters, the evidentiary burden for exposure claims, and whether the bill should be expanded later. House Bill 109, dealing with the Water Project Fund and allowing the New Mexico Finance Authority to award funds without legislative authorization through December 2029, passed 61-0. House Bill 158, requiring accountability and evaluation plans for agencies receiving growth funds, passed 63-0. House Bill 49, increasing the penalty for serious violent felons who possess firearms or destructive devices to a second-degree felony, was debated extensively over sentencing discretion and the distinction between serious violent and nonviolent felons; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• of age and older with civil legal needs.
• I'm general counsel for the Bureau of Adult and Aging Services.
• So I will keep this commission on Aging.
• And when you look at the way age of 80.
• And in 2030, which is scary age of 80.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• children under the age of 14.
• children under the age of 14.
• children under the age of 14.
• children under the age of 14.
• children under the age of 14.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• He was five years old, the same age as my daughter, who happens to be with me today.
• In our hyper-technological age, it is extremely easy for individuals to upload non-consensual sexually
• They're violating babies and toddlers and uploading those videos to adult sites.
• It requires age and consent verification.
• Before it gets uploaded to adult sites, it requires age and consent verification, so children, women,

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on public safety, labor protections, family stability, and legal process. AB 57 would reserve 10% of California Home Purchase Assistance Program funds for descendants of formerly enslaved people. Supporters, including the NAACP and reparations advocates, said it would address historic housing discrimination and build generational wealth. Opponents argued the bill is an unconstitutional race proxy. After quorum was established, the committee voted to pass AB 57 as amended to Appropriations, with some members voting no or not voting, and the bill was placed on call. AB 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, would expand and clarify caregiving tools for children whose parents face immigration-related separation, including broader use of caregiver authorization affidavits, recognition of non-relative extended family caregivers, and a short-term guardianship option that preserves parental rights. Supporters said the bill would reduce trauma and help families plan for emergencies; one member raised concerns about safeguards for non-family caregivers. The bill passed to Human Services on a do-pass motion and was placed on call. AB 392 would regulate non-consensual sexually explicit online content by requiring age and consent verification before upload, mandating removal after complaint, and creating civil remedies. A survivor of the iCloud hack testified in support, and members discussed implementation details and possible amendments. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations and was placed on call. AB 692 would ban employer debt agreements that require workers to repay training or related costs if they leave or are fired; labor groups supported it as a response to “stay-or-pay” traps, while business and industry groups warned it could affect bonuses and voluntary training programs. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations and was placed on call. The committee also heard AB 1234 on wage theft enforcement, AB 1522 on expedited licensing for certain former federal attorneys and protection for reproductive-health legal work, and AB 394 on stronger protections for transit workers facing assault and harassment. AB 1234 would let the Labor Commissioner enter judgment when employers fail to participate in wage-claim proceedings; supporters emphasized long delays and unpaid wages, while opponents objected to the 30% administrative fee. AB 1522 and AB 394 both drew support and were advanced on do-pass motions, with AB 1522 and AB 1234 placed on call after roll-call votes. The committee also approved a consent calendar of multiple bills and took up additional procedural motions before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Upwards of 15,000 people, people like Wana, who lives in Rochester, a middle-aged working woman with
• Upwards of 15,000 people, people like Wana, who lives in Rochester, a middle-aged working woman with
• Upwards of 15,000 people, people like Wana, who lives in Rochester, a middle-aged working woman with
• Upwards of 15,000 people, people like Wana, who lives in Rochester, a middle-aged working woman with
• </c><00:29:23.440><c> of</c> were diagnosed before the age of were diagnosed before the age of 50.<00

Transcript Highlights:

• She was able to get services when she was a baby through age three, right?
• Even so, he did not receive support until he was correctly diagnosed at age 26.
• And from a young age, they called Diego 'El Chillon.'
• And from a young age, he was called Diego 'El Chillon.'
• I went undiagnosed until age 25.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing on several Department of Developmental Services proposals, with no votes taken. The first item focused on equitable access to intake and services for regional center clients, including standardizing eligibility assessments and modernizing the strengths-and-needs evaluation used to inform individual program plans. DDS said the changes would create a more consistent, equitable, and evidence-based process statewide, while the LAO explained the proposals as a response to disparities and inconsistent regional center practices. Advocates and regional center representatives were divided: Disability Rights California, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, and some providers supported modernization but urged clearer safeguards, more community co-design, and stronger legislative review; others, including some regional center leaders and family advocates, warned against replacing the CEDER too quickly and stressed the need to preserve the person-centered IPP process. Committee members emphasized fair process, fidelity, and the need for a validated tool, while also noting that the proposals would not change eligibility definitions or replace IPPs. The second major item addressed state-operated transitional and rehabilitative services, including proposed time limits for stays at Porterville Developmental Center and Canyon Springs, plus the merger of the Community Placement Program and Community Resource Development Program. DDS argued that people should not remain in locked facilities for years and that the proposal would create urgency, clearer transition planning, a right of return, and a more efficient single program for community resource development. Supporters, including Disability Rights California, the State Council, the Public Defenders Association, and some service providers, said the proposals align with Olmstead and the Lanterman Act, reduce overreliance on institutions, and should be paired with stronger mental health supports, oversight, and notice to counsel. Opponents, including a district attorney representative, argued that a blanket 24-month limit could endanger public safety and that some individuals require longer, case-by-case commitments. Committee members said they wanted a more comprehensive plan showing that community placements and supports will be ready before people are moved, and they questioned whether an arbitrary timeline could work for such a complex population. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly stressed that any implementation must be fair, transparent, and backed by valid tools, adequate community capacity, and public input. DDS said both sets of proposals would require legislative approval and that the department is still open to changes in trailer bill language and further stakeholder consultation. The hearing ended with the committee indicating it would continue reviewing the proposals and hear public comment, but no formal action was taken.