Video & Transcript : 'Ex Parte Charrette' :
Page 397 of 500
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you for Tom and the many there are coming up here and saying this is the part that we all agree
- Insects are defined by three body parts: head, thorax, abdomen; six legs; and a hard exoskeleton.
- One is the compact that we're part of, the wildlife compact with 12 other western states.
- But I think insects, they're part of the ecosystem.
- You guys coming to Rules is usually our favorite part of each session. So thank you.
Committee:
Senate Senate Rules
Keywords:
wildlife commission, removal procedures, malfeasance, appointed officials, governance, education reform, public education, state board of education, superintendent, chartering authority, constitutional amendment, policy setting, insects, insect workshop, insect identification, ecology, monitoring, management, pollinators, pollination
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Health Policy Jan 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I feel that this piece of legislation is part two, or part B, that will help educate parents at a very
- We need to start at the beginning and make this part of the core training of our nursing programs.
- The second part of OPAGA's presentation focuses on alternatives to Florida's approach.
- The cap was added back in 2012 as a part of a bill without clear justification or evidence of harm.
- The cap was added back in 2012 as a part of a bill without clear justification or evidence of harm.
Summary:
The Senate Health Policy Committee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills, most of them focused on drowning prevention and public safety. SB 428, by Senator Yarborough, would expand Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7. The sponsor and supporting testimony from a pediatric emergency physician and YMCA representatives emphasized Florida’s high drowning rates, especially among very young children, and argued that swim lessons can significantly reduce risk. Senator Harrell noted the need to revisit the funding allocation as eligibility expands. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee also heard SB 606, by Senator Smith, which adds drowning prevention and safe bathing practices to postpartum education provided by hospitals, birthing centers, and, after amendment, no longer requires home birth providers to maintain proof of compliance. A parent who lost a child to drowning and Senator Berman spoke in strong support, stressing that the bill would educate new parents at a critical time. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as a committee substitute.
SB 162, by Senator Davis, would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. The sponsor said the equipment is relatively low-cost and already used in many facilities, while several witnesses supported the bill as a worker-safety measure. Other senators raised concerns about the lack of data, possible rural hospital impacts, and whether the mandate could add costs without clear evidence of harm. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 340, by Senator Harrell, requiring nursing students to complete a two-hour human trafficking course before licensure, after amending the bill to shift the requirement from nursing programs to the students themselves. Testimony from a trafficking survivor and nursing advocates supported the measure, and it was reported favorably as a committee substitute. Finally, SB 192, presented by Senator Trumbull on behalf of Senator Martin, removed the $1,500 cap on advances chiropractic physicians may collect for examinations or treatment; chiropractic industry representatives supported the change, and the bill was reported favorably.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Jan 14th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- So education has been an incredible part of my life growing up.
- Sports is a big part of my family. It's something that I would like to preserve.
- Sports is a big part of my family. I've got five children, three of whom are adopted.
- Sports is a big part of my family. It's something that I would like to preserve.
- Sports is a big part of my family. I've got five children, three of which are adopted.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education received a presentation from the Governor’s Office and the Commissioner of Education on the proposed higher education budget. The presentation highlighted a $117.4 billion overall state budget, with education at $32.5 billion and higher education receiving a modest overall increase. Key items included no tuition or fee increases for Florida residents, major financial aid funding such as Bright Futures, Benacquisto, EASE, Open Door, and first responder scholarships, as well as workforce investments including apprenticeship programs, career and technical education, nursing pipeline funding, and performance-based funding for colleges and universities.
Committee members asked questions about the proposed expansion of the Guardian program at state colleges and the $100 million university recruitment and retention fund. Officials said the Guardian funding would give colleges flexibility to use trained personnel for campus safety, sometimes alongside or in place of campus police or private security. The Chancellor explained that the recruitment and retention money would be distributed to universities with no specific directives beyond using it for faculty recruitment and retention, emphasizing Florida’s favorable demographics and the opportunity to attract faculty from states facing enrollment declines.
The committee then heard testimony from multiple appointees and reappointees to boards of trustees at state colleges and universities, including Eastern Florida State College, Lake-Sumter State College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota, Miami Dade College, Northwest Florida State College, and St. Johns River State College. Each described their backgrounds and stressed themes of affordability, workforce alignment, nursing and technical programs, dual enrollment, and local community needs. Several cited strong nursing licensure pass rates and college outcomes. After hearing all appointees, the committee voted unanimously to confirm the full block of nominees, and the confirmations were reported favorably before the meeting adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-14 (4:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm happy to share that many of the initiatives from this bill are part of that application.
- This bill does contain provisions that would allow rural parts of the county to work with the county
- You mentioned that that was one part of the question.
- A lot of times in government, we roll out things, and the implementation part of it is a disaster.
- I appreciate, not to leave you out, Senator Burgess, you're a big part of this too.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a prayer, pledge, and several recognitions, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Founders’ Day, a visiting debate student, and later Palm Beach County Day at the Capitol. The chamber then took up committee reports and confirmed a slate of 52 executive appointments by a 39-0 vote.
On special order, senators considered SB 250 on rural communities. The bill, described as a “Rural Renaissance” package, would create an Office of Rural Prosperity, establish a Renaissance Grant Program, increase housing and transportation support, and direct new funding to rural education and health care. Two amendments were adopted to update rural health funding and hospital estimates. Members from both parties spoke in support, while raising questions about eligibility and access to grants for certain rural areas. The bill passed 39-0.
The Senate then debated CS/SB 318 on educational scholarship programs. The bill responds to Auditor General concerns by separating scholarship funding from public-school funding, requiring student identification and enrollment verification, reducing administrative fees for scholarship funding organizations, tightening payment and audit procedures, and creating a stabilization fund for scholarships. Three amendments were adopted to remove a district declining-enrollment provision from the bill, adjust private-school documentation timing, and clarify withdrawal form and parent-attestation procedures. Senators from both parties supported the measure while noting concerns about oversight, school quality, and future conforming legislation. The bill passed 38-0, and both SB 250 and CS/SB 318 were certified to the House before adjournment.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate DFL Media Availability 4/10/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, you know, for the most part it is working really well.
- , for the most part it is working<00:05:15.919><c> really</c><00:05:16.240><c> well.
- Is it part of the power-sharing agreement to not include policy in budget bills?
- That is not part of the power-sharing agreement.
- </c> and I think because we're a part-time and I think because we're a part-time legislature<00:13:17.279
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- So this is such a deep part of our state's history.
- And like I said, we were working with landowners, a lot of agricultural producers from all parts of Florida
- So when you translate that into just thoraces, that one part of the bee, over colonies, we're talking
- You know, for us and for many of us, probably 90% of people, pets are part of the family.
- keep ag alive and what commitment that we are willing to make to ensure agriculture stays a viable part
Committee:
Senate Agriculture
Summary:
The Committee on Agriculture heard two informational presentations before taking up legislation. Tracy Dean of Conservation Florida described the organization’s work protecting wild and working lands, especially ranch and timber lands within the Florida Wildlife Corridor, and argued that agricultural conservation easements are essential to preserving habitat, water resources, family farms, and the corridor itself. Senators discussed how conservation easements can help family operations remain viable across generations, and Dean emphasized strong demand for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and Florida Forever funding. Dr. Jamie Ellis of the University of Florida then gave a detailed presentation on honeybees, their role in pollination and Florida agriculture, and major threats such as Varroa mites, queen quality, nutrition issues, hurricanes, and the yellow-legged hornet; senators asked about colony losses, pollination alternatives, and the economic importance of beekeeping in Florida.
The committee then considered SB 210 on animal cremation, sponsored by Senator Harrell. The bill was described as a response to a case involving mishandled pet cremation and would require crematories to provide clear disclosures about services, prohibit false or misleading information, and authorize civil penalties enforced by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The bill was reported favorably after a roll call vote. Next, the committee took up SJR 318, a joint resolution by Chair Truenow creating a proposed ad valorem tax exemption for tangible personal property used in agricultural production or agritourism on agricultural land and owned by the landowner or leaseholder. Several industry and agency representatives appeared in support, and the resolution was also reported favorably by unanimous vote.
The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment motioned by Senator Rouson.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We've begun offering simulation experiences as part of our professional development as well.
- As part of all, we have a leadership academy.
- And as part of that, you have classroom training.
- And the trend we're seeing in Florida is part of a broader national movement.
- So it and it becomes then braided funding of part Department funds and part CDC but not an increased
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Committee, First Extraordinary Session Jan 27th, 2025
Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- provide the committee with an opportunity to consider two bills that passed the Senate last week as part
- It is part of their basic budget.
- Is that part of what they do? I'm not certain about that. I would have to defer, probably.
- Is that part of what we're doing here?
- In regards to time, I believe it was part of the regular budget process.
Committee:
House Budget
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Jan 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THE FIRST PART OF EACH AGENCY PROVIDES A TEN YEAR FUNDING HISTORY WHICH IS DISPLAYED ON THE SLIDE.
- PEOPLE ARE USING A LOW VALUE STUDY THAT STATES WATER FLUORIDATION AT LEVELS OF 1.5 PARTS PER MILLION
- IN A 55 A GALLON OF WATER. 0.7 PARTS PER MILLION IS SIMPLY THREE DROPS IN A 55 A GALLON OF WATER.
- THE LOWER IQ ARGUMENT DOES NOT CORRELATE TO THE OPTIMAL LEVEL OF SEVEN PARTS PER MILLION.
- THAT'S PART OF THE FEEDBACK MECHANISM IS WE GO TO WHERE THE NEED IS.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Criminal Justice Jan 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- AS PART OF OUR COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY TO REDUCE CRIME AND IMPROVE THE WELL-BEING OF OUR COMMUNITIES IN
- >> Secretary Dixon: WE PICKED UP OUR GAME IN THAT AREA IN LARGE PART DUE TO SENATOR BRADLEY WITH THE
- WE'VE GOT HOLD OF SYSTEMS AND SOMETIMES YOU DON'T JUST ORDER A PART AND GET IT OVERNIGHT.
- WE DON'T HAVE OFF-THE-SHELF PARTS FOR A LOT OF THE SYSTEMS BUT THE TURNAROUND TIME IS RELATIVELY FAST
- THE BEST PART IS LIKE-MINDED INDIVIDUALS SEEKING TO BETTER THEMSELVES.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> were not a part of that structured deal. were not a part of that structured deal.
- Uh next liquor taxes as part of that.
- </c> um gun violence safety act and as part um gun violence safety act and as part of<01:28:27.920><c
- part of an option.
- </c><02:39:55.520><c> of</c> located in the north uh north part of located in the north uh north part
Committee:
House Taxes
VA
Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commission Jun 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Mamie Locke, I represent the 23rd Senate District, all of the city of Hampton and part of the city of
- Virgil Thornton, representing the 86th House District, which is going to be part of Hampton, part of
- And so again, I'm Delegate Dolores McQuinn, representing the 81st District, all of Charles City, part
- So again, thank you again for coming and being a part of this. And if there is nothing else.
- Thank you for being a part of this, and we're going to continue to move forward in doing the great work
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jul 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And the service challenge will be part of it too, you know.
- I guess the part that is unclear to me: one, I don't understand the speaker and the pro tem.
- The coordination is the part that the pro tem... ...spending. That would be here.
- The coordination is the part that the pro tem and the majority leader are involved in.
- I want to make that part clear.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the June 24 minutes, and received a financial update showing a projected $75,171.57 remaining in the commemoration fund based on approved expenditures and accrued revenue, with additional funds expected to return after final celebration invoices are reconciled. Members then heard a lengthy update from Treasurer Julie Ellsworth on the America 250 ambassador program, including statewide Fourth of July and related events, the Liberty Bell tour, the service challenge, the to-go activity packs, and the planned Liberty Heritage Fountain. She reported strong public participation, donated in-kind support, and that the committee’s float won third place in the Boise parade, earning $1,000.
The committee considered and adopted a motion to use all currently unallocated funds for implementation of the council-approved ambassador projects, with spending coordinated through the ambassador co-chairs and approved by the council co-chairs. The motion also requested that any leftover funds be directed, through the legislature, toward a savings account for the America 300 celebration rather than reverting to the general fund. Members discussed clarifying the motion’s language and the role of the speaker and pro tem, but ultimately approved it unanimously.
A subcommittee update highlighted the success of the Boise Fourth of July celebration, the extensive volunteer and staff effort behind the event, and the positive public response to the refurbished Liberty Bell and related exhibits. Director Gallimore reported on additional America 250 activities, including the Spirit of America event, the Twin Peaks Ranch State Park opening, the Blackfoot Ranch Rodeo’s Smithsonian recognition, and the Great American State Fair Showcase in Washington, D.C. The committee also discussed reducing meeting frequency and set the next meeting for August 18 before adjourning.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Cabo Verdean Cultural Center Jun 21st, 2026 at 04:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- We talked a lot about how there's a three-part approach that I'm looking at, but could use some feedback
- Does this three-part prong work: site visits, traditional listening sessions, event-based outreach?
- I'm wondering, as part of the work that we do, is look for best practices, maybe of groups like ours.
- I'm part of the New Bedford Historical Society as well as part of the other Cape Verdean organization
- New Bedford Historical Society as well as part of the other Cape Verdean organization.
Summary:
The commission approved the minutes from its March 11 meeting after a motion by Jeannie Costa and a second by Senator Michael Brady, with members noting a few possible corrections to attendance and wording. The meeting then focused on updates about the commission’s timeline and funding. Staff reported that an amendment to extend the commission’s deadline from December 31, 2026 to December 31, 2027 was filed in the Fair Share budget but was not accepted, and members discussed pursuing the extension through other budget vehicles, including the regular budget, a supplemental budget, or other legislation. Commissioners also discussed the need to fill a vacancy left by Julius Brito and to potentially extend the deadline for appointing new commissioners.
A substantial portion of the meeting was devoted to brainstorming the commission’s community engagement plan for the proposed Cape Verdean Culture Center. Members revisited a three-part approach involving site visits, traditional listening sessions, and outreach at existing Cape Verdean events, while also emphasizing historical accuracy, youth engagement, visibility, and regional collaboration. Commissioners suggested using surveys, canvassing, social media, a website, and other digital tools to reach people across the diaspora, including those unable to attend in person. Several members recommended specific locations and institutions for engagement, including New Bedford, Brockton, Boston, Cape Cod, and Rhode Island, with references to museums, historical societies, clubs, and cultural organizations already doing related work.
Testimony and comments also addressed funding and organizational structure for the future center. Legislators described possible funding sources such as House and Senate earmarks, a bond bill, and a nonprofit structure that could later support fundraising and operations. Members discussed examples from other cultural institutions, including the Holocaust Museum, the African American History Museum, and the Haitian Toussaint Louverture Cultural Center, as models for governance and public support. The group also raised the possibility of future collaboration with the Cape Verdean government and institutions in Cabo Verde, though one member urged waiting until after upcoming elections there before making formal contacts. No additional votes were taken beyond approving the minutes and adjourning the meeting.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- When I was researching this issue, I came across this line in their own information that part of RGGI's
- fund communities affected by the closure of fossil fuel plants, and I'll read that one more time: part
- And I'll read that one more time: Part of the RGGI program is to fund communities affected by the closure
- Over the years, I've been privileged to take part in many mutual aid deployments.
- public in the form of fees to serve another part of the public.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on a range of energy, utility, broadband, and municipal infrastructure bills. Representative Powell supported H 3466, which would create a task force to study public ownership of utilities and alternatives to investor-owned electric and gas systems. Representative Therber supported H 3574, which would use RGGI funds to reimburse cities and towns affected by power plant decommissioning, citing lost jobs, tax revenue, and service cuts in communities such as Somerset, Plymouth, Salem, and Everett.
Several witnesses from municipal light plants and related organizations testified in support of mutual aid bills, including H 3486/S 2252 and H 3330/S 2277, saying the measures would clarify protections and liability coverage for MLP workers assisting in emergencies and non-emergency work. Jim Leiden of EMWIC opposed H 3514/S 2295, saying the proposed board and governance changes would reduce local control, add burdens, and weaken confidentiality protections. A committee member asked whether the mutual aid bills had been reviewed for municipal impacts, and the witnesses said they had done due diligence.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on H 3551/S 2306, the smart meter opt-out bills. Supporters argued that smart meters emit harmful wireless radiation, that some residents have developed health problems or electromagnetic sensitivity, and that opt-outs should be available without fees or penalties; several witnesses urged notification, consent, and non-transmitting analog meter options. The committee also heard testimony from municipal officials and the Massachusetts Municipal Association in support of H 3462/S 2250, which would strengthen municipal authority to enforce timely removal of double utility poles, citing safety, accessibility, and construction-delay concerns. Derek Leffert of Gateway Fiber opposed H 3450, saying it would improperly shift broadband deployment costs to competitors. At the end of testimony, the chair closed the hearing by motion and vote, with members voting aye and no opposition recorded.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Continuing Care Retirement Communities Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- That's part of the definition. There is no building for the purpose of selling.
- And it is important to note that prospect education is a key part of being transparent.
- And I think that's really important to make sure that that is heard as part of this commitment.
- And I think that's really important to make sure that that is heard as part of this committee.
- The fact that the independent living facility and the assisted living are both part of the same legal
Summary:
The Special Commission on Continuing Care Retirement Communities held a public hearing focused on studying CCRCs in Massachusetts, including their financial viability, consumer protections, oversight, entrance fee and refund policies, advertising, and procedures for closure or ownership changes. Chair Rep. Tom Stanley and co-chair Sen. Pat Jehlen opened by explaining the commission’s mandate under Chapter 197 of the Acts of 2024 and asked speakers to keep testimony brief. Several commissioners and staff also emphasized the importance of hearing directly from residents, providers, and advocates.
Resident testimony largely centered on two themes: the need for stronger resident representation and the need for clearer, faster refund protections. Multiple residents urged the legislature to require resident seats on governing boards, including full voting rights on national or nonprofit boards, and to make board minutes and meetings more transparent. Several speakers described long delays in receiving entrance-fee refunds after leaving a community, with one family reporting an 18-month wait and financial hardship; they called for a one-year refund limit, vacancy-order systems, escrow or reserve protections, and state oversight or guarantee funds. One resident also argued that CCRCs should be more clearly defined in state law and possibly licensed or certified so only approved communities can market themselves as CCRCs.
Providers and operators generally described CCRCs as valuable models for aging in place and emphasized transparency, resident engagement, and the benefits of nonprofit ownership. Speakers from nonprofit communities said residents often serve on boards or committees, participate in budgeting and planning, and benefit from integrated care, amenities, and financial stability. A for-profit operator also said residents receive disclosure and input, while noting that CCRCs vary widely and that consumer education is important. Commissioners echoed several recurring issues at the end of the hearing, especially the need to define what a CCRC is and to address refund timelines and information sharing. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded with notice that the next virtual meeting would be on June 23 at 10:00 a.m., and written testimony was invited by email.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Esther Kamau, and I work at the Institute for Community Inclusion, and I'm part of the LPTE
- And that just be part of, you know, sort of the process of the transition.
- And that just be part of, you know, sort of the process of the transition.
- Being part of the community? I'm really happy you asked that question.
- You know, down here on the southeastern part of the state, that's entirely lacking too.
Summary:
The Employment Subcommittee of the Permit Commission on Status of Persons with Disabilities met on April 27 and approved the prior meeting minutes before hearing a presentation from the Lawrence Partnership for Transition to Employment (LPTE). Presenters from UMass Boston’s Institute for Community Inclusion, the Arc of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport, Northeast, and Lawrence Public Schools described LPTE as a five-year grant focused on improving transition outcomes for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Lawrence through community partnerships, work groups, and family engagement.
A major focus was a family survey designed to better understand barriers to transition planning and IEP participation. Presenters said the survey response rate increased sharply after Lawrence Public Schools helped distribute it, rising from about a dozen responses to more than 200. Survey findings showed common barriers such as scheduling conflicts, language access, childcare, transportation, and limited understanding of IEPs and transition planning. The data also suggested that many families expect college or employment outcomes for their children, but fewer reported access to pre-employment training, indicating a communication gap rather than a lack of services.
Lawrence school staff explained that the district has a five-person transition team, bilingual resources, workshops, and a developing online transition hub, and that they are using the survey results to improve visibility and access to existing supports. Committee members discussed the need to start transition planning earlier, expand real-world work experiences, improve outreach to Latino families, and better connect students with college, trade, and employment pathways. Several members suggested partnerships with summer youth employment, volunteer programs, and college or alumni panels. The presenters said the grant ends in September, but the resource hub will continue through the Arc and they are exploring ways to sustain the consortium model. The meeting ended with thanks to the presenters, an update that committee members would meet with Seed on Massachusetts as a model employer, and notice that the next meeting would feature the Office of Veteran Affairs before adjournment.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Louisiana Public Defender Oversight Board Jun 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We're a part of the process, and we know what to expect.
- We're a part of the process, and we know what to expect.
- And I think that's due in a very large part to the efforts of Remy Starns.
- You can blame in part me. Give me credit. Give me blame for this.
- And the third part is local investment.
Summary:
The Louisiana Public Defender Oversight Board met on June 18, 2026, with a quorum present and adopted the agenda. Public comment was dominated by district defenders and other public defense leaders praising State Public Defender Remy Starns for improving communication, collaboration, and overall system performance. Speakers from multiple districts said the system is more unified, better supported, and more stable than in prior years, and several credited Starns with helping resolve long-standing tensions and improve coordination across capital, district, and appellate work. One speaker also paid tribute to the late Mike Ginnard, describing him as instrumental to earlier public defense reforms.
In his report, Starns said the system has improved over the last seven years but still needs a sustainable funding source. He discussed legislative changes affecting public defense, including a cleanup bill, elimination of filing fees for writs and appeals, and a new procedure related to expert-fee requests in light of recent court rulings. He also described ongoing efforts to integrate capital and appellate work into district offices, expand the laws/writs program, and continue post-conviction work under new statutory rules. Starns emphasized recruitment and retention, including the need for affordable health insurance and retirement benefits, and again honored Mike Ginnard for his leadership and service.
The board then adopted proposed bylaws, after some discussion about special committees and public meeting requirements. Members agreed to create a committee to review and refine the bylaws later, and they also elected a vice chairman and designated the Office of the Public Defender, with staff support, as secretary for recordkeeping. Finally, the board heard a presentation on the strategic plan, which was described as largely an update to the prior version with terminology changes, new accessibility-related goals, and added performance measures for training, compliance, and communications. The strategic plan was adopted by resolution, and the meeting adjourned.
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Caucus of the Whole - 2026-05-29 - 11:15AM
Vermont House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Neither of those two were part of that.
- Neither of those two were part of the<00:05:15.280><c> original</c><00:05:15.800><c> general</c><00:05
- Part of the language that's in there, the House Commerce Committee put together language related to..
- as you'll recall, really has several significant parts.
- And as part of that, it moves up the date on potential mergers from November 2028 to March 2028.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Committee of Conference on SB 564 (05/28/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, so, and then the other thing is that we, as part of our state fire code, adopt certain standards
- of our state fire code, we we as part of our state fire code, we adopt<00:07:26.640><c> certain</c><
- of a state fire code amendment, as part of a state fire code amendment, which<00:08:17.480><c> would
- Or you could put it in; we could ratify it through an NFPA one, which is part of our state fire code.
- So, we wouldn't want to lose that part of it. Okay.
Summary:
The Committee of Conference on Senate Bill 564 reconvened to review a new amendment from Representative DuMont. The amendment cleaned up prior language, added a new section carving out wetland buffers and conservation areas for special exception or conditional use permit treatment, and included an effective-date delay. Senator Murphy noted that agreed-upon language was missing to prevent municipalities from imposing new building or lot-size restrictions before the bill’s effective date, and that language was restored using wording from amendment 2070.
The committee then heard from State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey, who explained that fire-code concerns centered on road access and dead-end roads, and suggested tying road-length limits to NFPA 1141 so the bill would reference an established standard while preserving existing state fire code provisions on water supply, road widths, slopes, and turnarounds. Members discussed refining the language to say road-length caps must comply with the state fire code and NFPA 1141. Representative Alexander also explained that section 3 would expand by-right treatment for certain subdivision buffers and reduce development costs, while section 4 would require at least conditional use or special exception review for wetland buffers and conservation areas rather than allowing a flat denial.
After a brief pause to resolve concerns, participants agreed to keep section 3 and section 4, with the understanding that the changes struck a balance between lowering housing-development costs and preserving local review and environmental protections. The committee then voted unanimously to support the agreement, seconded by Rainforth, and the chair said the revised amendment would be sent to OLS for final drafting.