Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Shireen Gandhi, and I'm currently serving as temporary commissioner for the Department of
• </c> currently serving as temporary currently serving as temporary commissioner<00:01:10.920><c> for<
• </c> Workforce since stepping in as temporary Workforce since stepping in as temporary commissioner<00
• </c><01:09:15.839><c> are</c> better context so how many employees are better context so how many employees
• </c><01:41:33.920><c> immediate</c> things like a temporary immediate things like a temporary immediate

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• county, the ability to contract with whatever waste management service they would like to for that temporary
• libraries there were directors... ...in elected officials that will be taken care of by a city-paid employee
• So before, again, the city could not hire or fire their own employee, which is an issue.
• Madam Chair, Representative Price, I know that they're city-owned, so the employee is the director.
• This includes paying employees, urgent maintenance, filing necessary documents, and so forth.

Committee: House Local Government

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the core for Employee Health, Wellness, and Safety.
• The Employee Health Section cares for employees of the department, providing vaccine administration,
• They said that a temporary solution would be largely temporary.
• So I would say that would be largely a temporary solution.
• Joe, as far as drawing employees.

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• who was out on leave um during employee who was out on leave um during the<00:42:44.119><c> audit</c
• I do believe, and I know I'm a temporary acting assistant director, but I am very confident that with
• It's very temporary, very recent, so I cannot attest to that.
• I have been an employee there for 11 and a half years, but I've never been in management.
• </c> are new laws and they'd be temporary are new laws and they'd be temporary blips<00:55:45.400><c>

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on February 21 and first approved the January 30 minutes and the consent calendar, with item 2540 removed by the Department of Education and item 25057 set aside for discussion. The committee then took up FIS 25057, a Department of Transportation request tied to a federal grant for building information modeling and related data standardization across DOT systems. Transportation officials explained that the $2.405 million consultant-heavy request would connect surveying, design, construction, and asset management systems, improve efficiency and long-term asset tracking, and help the department catch up with other states. Several senators questioned the lack of immediate, quantifiable budget savings and the reliance on consultants, but the item was ultimately adopted. The committee next approved FIS 25054 for the Department of Health and Human Services after questioning a $16 million shortfall in the Children’s Health Insurance Program. DHHS explained the variance as a budgeting and accounting issue tied to separating CHIP from Medicaid managed care, pandemic-era continuous enrollment, and the new federal requirement for 12 months of continuous coverage for children. Members also approved a Cannon Mountain fee item, where park officials described a proposed price freeze for early-bird passes, a new in-season tier, and modest increases in off-season pricing, while noting operating cost pressures, strong snow conditions, and favorable customer value ratings. That item was adopted unanimously. The committee also approved the Department of Corrections item after discussion of staffing, retirement eligibility, overtime, and recidivism. Commissioner Helen Hanks said retirement-eligible staff had declined slightly, recruitment was improving, overtime hours were down, one housing floor had been closed because of lower population, and the department had reduced reincarceration by 8% over seven years, which she said produced substantial savings. The item was adopted. During informational items, the committee heard a Legislative Budget Assistant performance audit of the New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights. The audit found the commission inefficient and ineffective in processing complaints, with average case closure taking 840 days, significant backlogs dating back decades, expired administrative rules, weak management controls, disorganized and outdated procedures, unreliable data, and unresolved prior audit findings. The audit included 25 recommendations, two of which may require legislative action. Commission staff said they appreciated the recommendations and expected the additional resources from the prior budget cycle to help address the backlog and improve transparency and efficiency.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since January 1st, CYFD has hired 563 employees. So what does that tell us?
• An employee retention plan is being finalized by Ms.
• It would be run by CYFD... ...employees and run by CYFD.
• Okay, so two things: one is define temporary. What are you defining as temporary?
• So what's temporary, number one?

Transcript Highlights:

• Also for the 516 employees that we currently have at the state treasurer's office. Thank you.
• We just note that this program has temporary funding through 26-27.
• we don't want to tie ourselves in the future. to permanent if they're under temporary?
• And temporary and then temporary it has. 19. And you want to move the 19 to permanent.
• So of total temporary positions we would be at 25.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are various temporary appropriation requests.
• Chair, that's the end of the various temporary appropriation for fiscal year 27. All right.
• The spending authority was approved in the various temporary appropriation section earlier in the agenda
• What is the name of the individual who is the former employee that's suing her?
• What is the name of the individual who is the former employee that's suing her?

Committee: All ALC-PEER

Summary: The committee reviewed a large slate of appropriation, transfer, and continuation requests across multiple sections. In Section B, members considered temporary FY27 appropriations for agencies including Health, DHS, Education, Treasury, Public Safety, State Police, Emergency Management, Aeronautics, Military, Economic Development, Game and Fish, and others, covering items such as maternal health outreach, LIHEAP overpayment returns, Wynne High School tornado rebuilding, senior food services, cybersecurity, crime victim claims, airport grants, conservation incentives, and emergency tower maintenance. Questions focused on the DHS senior services carry-forward and Treasury custodial banking fees tied to lower balances after COVID funds were spent down. All Section B items were approved. The committee then approved continuation requests, ARPA reallocations, and federal grant-related items in Sections B2, C1A, D1, D2, D3, E1, E2, E3, F1A, G1, H1A, I1A, J1/J2, K1/K2/K3, L1/L2, M1/M2, N1/N2, O1A, and P1A. These included university nursing and workforce programs, environmental and recycling grants, highway safety and emergency management grants, a transfer to the Merit Teacher Incentive Program, restricted reserve transfers for military, agriculture, UAPB, Game and Fish, and AETN, and various cash-fund and budget classification transfers. Several members asked for more detail on the State Police highway safety grant, VOCA victim compensation funding, the NSGP nonprofit security grant, and the Office of State Technology’s E-Rate-related transfer; agency officials explained the uses and noted that some funding levels depend on federal awards and collections. A notable discussion occurred on the Department of Commerce reallocation, which shifts 68 positions and $3 million among divisions to support an organizational realignment and avoid shortfalls. The committee also reviewed a state central services deduction request to keep the rate at 2%, a DHS overtime request for child protection caseloads, and a year-end adjustments request authorizing up to $1 million in temporary actions to close FY26 books without disrupting payroll or vendor payments. Most items were approved or, in some sections, simply reviewed without objection. The meeting adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• These are various temporary appropriation requests.
• Chair, that's the end of the various temporary appropriations for fiscal year 27. All right.
• The spending authority was approved in the various temporary appropriation section earlier in the agenda
• What is the name of the individual who is the former employee that's suing her?
• What is the name of the individual who is the former employee that's suing her?

Committee: All ALC-PEER

Summary: The committee met to review a large slate of fiscal year 2026 and 2027 appropriation, transfer, and continuation requests across multiple sections. Early items included temporary appropriations for agencies such as Health, DHS, Education, Public Safety, State Police, Emergency Management, Aeronautics, Military, Economic Development, and Game and Fish, covering items like maternal health outreach, energy assistance repayments, Wynne High School tornado rebuilding, senior food services, cybersecurity, crime victim reparations, aviation grants, conservation incentives, and emergency tower maintenance. Members asked questions on several items, including DHS aging carry-forward funds and Treasury custodial banking fees tied to COVID-era balances; the committee also approved a disclosure by the chair on the Game and Fish-related item before voting to approve the section. The committee then approved continuation requests, CARES Act and ARPA reallocations, and federal grant appropriations. Notable discussion included the Boonville developmental disability project, ALIGN program reallocations at several universities, a small business technical assistance grant at UA Little Rock, and a Department of Public Safety highway safety grant, for which members requested more detail on operating expenses and professional fees. Additional approvals covered a transfer to the Merit Teacher Incentive program, restricted reserve fund transfers for military medical command and university projects, and a state central services deduction held at 2%. The Department of Commerce also received approval for a reallocation of positions and spending authority tied to its organizational realignment. Later sections included shared technology and higher education transfers, cash fund appropriations for school Medicaid reimbursements, corrections, youth mental health, narcotics detection canines, bike safety equipment, a state motor pool pilot, and law enforcement safety costs. The committee also reviewed budget classification transfers, including a Governor’s Office legal fee transfer related to a California lawsuit, and heard explanations about E-Rate reimbursements affecting the Office of State Technology. Members asked about VOCA funding levels for crime victim services and about the National Security Grant Program for nonprofits and faith-based organizations; officials said federal funding had declined from prior highs but appeared to have stabilized, and that the nonprofit security grant is an annual federal program. The meeting concluded with review of pay plan requests, DHS overtime funding for child protection caseloads, and a year-end adjustment request allowing DFA to make up to $1 million in transfers to close the books, after which the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• HHSC rules currently say that employees should avoid conflicts. of interest with their clients but do
• law that the agency would convey to all interested parties. who are care givers, say operators and employees
• The Human Services Commission rules say providers and their employees should avoid conflicts of interest
• My bill will provide... provide temporary financial assistance to families who have already completed
• If economics are a significant barrier, while the department retains temporary managing conservatorship

Bills: HB451 , HB645 , HB 1041 , HB 1151 , HB 1155 , HB1536 , HCR12 , HCR12

Committee: House Human Services

Keywords: commercial sexual exploitation, child sex trafficking, human trafficking, child welfare, foster care, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, juvenile probation, risk assessment, needs assessment, trauma screening, child abuse prevention, exploitation screening, validated screening tool, evidence-informed tool, conservatorship, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, trafficking prevention, Child Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> technical</c> if there's any temporary technical if there's any temporary technical glitches<00:
• </c> apply it applies to legislative employee apply it applies to legislative employee employees.<01:
• </c> employees. I'm not phrasing this right. employees. I'm not phrasing this right.
• </c> use two temporary employment agencies. use two temporary employment agencies.
• ><c> staffing,</c><01:52:24.960><c> we</c> right now our temporary staffing, we right now our temporary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2246, which would expand public financial disclosure requirements. The State Ethics Commission strongly supported the bill, saying broader disclosure could help restore public trust and potentially deter corruption, and it offered a clarifying amendment to make clear the requirement applies to board and commission members rather than all employees of listed agencies. Several organizations and individuals also testified in support. A committee member asked about the amendment, and the commission explained it was intended as a clarification rather than a substantive change. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2250, which would add homeless facilities to the locations covered by the drug-free-zone offense for promoting controlled substances. The Public Defender opposed the measure, arguing that many homeless facilities are unmarked and not easily identifiable, creating notice, fairness, and due process concerns and risking arbitrary enforcement. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying it targets distributors rather than users, that notice can be proven through evidence, and that the law is aimed at protecting vulnerable people in shelters and similar facilities. In questioning, senators asked how homeless facilities would be identified and whether the bill would cover all shelter models; the prosecutor said the definition is cross-referenced in statute and must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii and other groups testified in opposition, while several service and advocacy groups testified in support. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2325, which would allow courts to review and potentially reduce sentences for certain juvenile offenders after 15 years if the person is not a danger to the community. Judiciary staff said the court supports the bill’s intent but noted Hawaii’s indeterminate sentencing structure leaves no alternative sentence for a court to reduce to, suggesting the measure may need structural sentencing changes or could instead be directed to the Hawaii Paroling Authority. Public defender representatives and youth-justice advocates supported the bill, emphasizing rehabilitation, adolescent brain development, trauma, and the need for a meaningful opportunity for release. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:40.680><c> less</c> and prohibits paying an employee less and prohibits paying an employee
• </c> Section 2 deals with temporary Section 2 deals with temporary restraining<00:03:48.959><c> orders
• </c><00:04:15.320><c> by</c> damage may be done to the employee by damage may be done to the employee
• c> would</c><00:08:13.640><c> allow</c> temporary restraining order would allow temporary restraining
• ><01:02:06.720><c> about</c> temporary grant funding through about temporary grant funding through about

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• sit relative to KCOJ and our employees sit relative to the<00:18:41.200><c> other</c><00:18:41.360><
• So we've got a specific ask there for the temporary lease space and fit-up for the current facility in
• So we've got a specific ask there for the temporary lease space and fit-up for the current facility in
• We have done shoring with the county to hopefully secure that for a temporary measure.
• We have done shoring with the county to hopefully secure that for a temporary measure.

Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary met without a quorum and heard an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on the judicial branch budget. AOC Director Zach Ramsey and budget director Carol Henderson outlined the branch’s current funding structure, noting that fiscal year 2026 general fund support is about 2.77% of the state general fund, below the National Center for State Courts’ typical 2% to 4% range. They emphasized Kentucky’s unusual responsibility for courthouse facilities, with the judicial branch directly involved in construction, maintenance, and operations across 229 facilities in all 120 counties. AOC said nearly 91% of its general fund is spent on personnel and other non-discretionary costs, and that the branch has long relied on agency revenue, restricted fund carryforwards, and vacancy credits to balance court operations. Members were told that Senate Bill 25 required a $34.5 million transfer into a reserve account, part of which was used to purchase the Chamberlain Avenue building in Frankfort. AOC reported that only $11.9 million remains in restricted funds, while it projects needing about $13.5 million to cover fiscal year 2026 obligations, not including roughly $9 million in flood-related remediation costs for Hardin and Franklin counties, much of which it expects to recover through insurance and FEMA. Looking ahead to the next biennium, AOC said it will seek full funding of court operations at $341 million annually, a $13.5 million increase to bring current services into the base appropriation rather than relying on reserves. It also previewed additional requests, including a 15% across-the-board pay parity plan for Kentucky Court of Justice personnel, replacement of declining master commissioner fee revenue tied to 141 deputy circuit court clerk positions, funding for technology subscription and case management system costs, JAV audiovisual system upgrades, AEDs and medical kits for courthouses, and other staffing and operational needs. Senator Funky Frommeyer asked whether the 15% salary proposal was included in the $13.5 million increase; AOC said it was not, and that it would be an additional request. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we are losing people in that area, really highly skilled employees.
• House Bill 539 places common-sense limits on the conditions under which temporary rules are allowed,
• , limiting the situations where substantially similar temporary rules may be adopted or re-adopted by
• House Bill 539 will work to narrow the use of temporary rules to those circumstances when negotiated
• Temporary rules to those circumstances when no negotiated rulemaking is not feasible or practical, and

Transcript Highlights:

• In line 325, by striking out the words “a temporary” and inserting “information.”
• In line 325, by striking out the words “a temporary” and inserting “a place of the word,” and in line
• An act establishing a sick leave bank for Gregory Baker, an employee of the Suffolk County Sheriff's
• Murphy, an employee of the Department of Correction.
• Senate No. 2560, an act establishing a sick leave bank for Gregory Baker, an employee of the Suffolk

Summary: The House first adopted a series of resolutions, including memorial square dedications in Stoneham, congratulations to IBEW Local 103 on its 125th anniversary, and a commendation recognizing Massachusetts School Administrators Association in honor of National Principals Month. It also adopted orders extending committee reporting deadlines for several Public Health and Public Safety and Homeland Security matters, and concurred in a joint rule suspension to allow consideration of a sick leave bank petition for a Chief Medical Examiner’s Office employee. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee then placed several bills on the calendar, and the House suspended Rule 7A to take them up. Those bills included measures on firefighter employment and retirement in Quincy, Bedford, and Lancaster; designation of Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties; a bill on obstructed views while driving; a disability pension for Lieutenant Deputy Sheriff Brian McPherson; and a cemetery matter in Norton. All were advanced to third reading. The House also considered and adopted amendments to charter bills for Cambridge and Medford, and later concurred in a Senate amendment to the Somerville charter bill. On final action, the House passed to be enacted the Cambridge, Medford, and Somerville charter bills. It also enacted sick leave bank legislation for Gregory Baker of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and Akita Jandara Patel of the Department of Corrections. Additional third-reading bills, including the Acton Memorial Library bill, an Air Library bill, and the John C. Murphy sick leave bank bill, were passed to be engrossed. The session included a moment of silence for the September 11 attacks and a special adjournment in memory of former Representative Robert F. Donovan before adjourning to meet again Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho. This is the 2027 enhancements.
• like we've... getting off on a different issue, but I see where you're trying to find out on the employees
• When you’re looking at the table one and to talk about the fast tax and the seasonal employees, that
• And then the temporary employees, because of potential changes within the systems, we need those temporary
• employees just to get caught up because we know that this is going to be a massive ordeal.

Bills: HB146 , HB322 , HB469 , HB1183 , HB1481 , HB1509 , HB1510 , HB1511 , HB1514 , HB1515 , HB1516 , HB1520 , HB1522 , HB1524 , HB1531 , HB1535 , HB1548 , HB1550 , HB1559 , HB1573 , HB1574 , HB1590 , HB1593 , HB1601 , HB1603 , HB1615 , HB1628 , HB1643 , HB1644 , HB1645 , HB1648 , HB1663 , HB1667 , HB1671 , HB1678 , HB1679 , HB1682 , HB1688 , HB1691 , HB1692 , HB1695 , HB1696 , HB1697 , HB1716 , HB1721 , HB1724 , HB1725 , HB1728 , HB1730 , HB1733 , HB1737 , HB1738 , HB1739 , HB1740 , HB1741 , HB1742 , HB1752 , HB1753 , HB1764 , HB1768 , HB1769 , HB1777 , HB1782 , HB1790 , HB1799 , HB1810 , HB1823 , HB1824 , HB1832 , HB1839 , HB1840 , HB1844 , HB1845 , HB1850 , HB1851 , HB1858 , HB1860 , HB1864 , HB1870 , HB1873 , HB1875 , HB1877 , HB1878 , HB1880 , HB1881 , HB1886 , HB1888 , HB1890 , HB1892 , HB1893 , HB1898 , HB1921 , HB1934

Keywords: judiciary, Hawaiian language, Ōlelo Hawaiʻi, language access, cultural preservation, voter registration, automatic registration, state agencies, electoral participation, opt-out system, disability, parking, travel placard, accessibility, mobility, retirement, pension, law enforcement, public safety, Hawaii Revised Statutes

Bills: HB145 , SB29 , SB37 , SB64 , HB279 , HB292 , SB35 , SB40 , SB43 , SB48 , SB96 , SB143 , HB132 , SB20 , SB21 , SB101 , SJR1 , HJM1 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM13 , HM47 , HM20 , HM51 , HM1 , HM31 , HM35 , HM36 , HM46 , HM53 , HM54 , HM39 , HM29 , HM43 , HM59 , HM30 , HM52 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50 , HB2 , SB264 , SB241

Keywords: high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, SB29, math requirements for teaching license, teacher licensure, teacher endorsement, mathematics methods, elementary education, secondary education, special education, early childhood education, reciprocity, Public Education Department, Mathematics and Science Education Act, mathematics instructional leadership framework, professional learning plan, K-3 screening

Bills: HB145 , HR1 , SB29 , SB37 , SB193 , SB58 , SB64 , HB195 , HB234 , HB279 , HB287 , HB292 , HB303 , SB30 , SB35 , SB40 , SB43 , SB48 , SB96 , SB143 , HJM1 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM13 , HM47 , HM20 , HM51 , HM1 , HM31 , HM35 , HM36 , HM46 , HM53 , HM54 , HM39 , HM29 , HM43 , HM59 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50 , HB332

Keywords: high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, House Resolution 1, HR1, House investigatory subcommittee, special committee, legislative investigation, subpoena power, public corruption, criminal activity, Zorro ranch, Santa Fe County, public accountability, government oversight, impeachment power, children and vulnerable persons, public funds

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, secondly, it'll increase the potential pool of eligible employees. Thank you, Mr.
• Employees. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and kind gentlemen.
• Under item three, the designated employee is added, 'his' is removed.
• It only includes an employee of that nonprofit or a board member of that nonprofit.
• They also have their employees come here, Mr. Speaker, gentlemen.

Bills: HB145 , HB164 , HR1 , HB20 , HB65 , HB66 , HB80 , HB306 , SB29 , SB37 , HB99 , HB206 , HB213 , HB270 , SB104 , SB193 , HB38 , HB254 , HB256 , SB58 , SB64 , HJM1 , HM7 , HM17 , HM4 , HM22 , HM23 , HM24 , HM26 , HM2 , HM16 , HM32 , HM13 , HM47 , HM20 , HM51 , HM1 , HM31 , HM35 , HM36 , HM46 , HM53 , HM54 , HM39 , HM29 , HM43 , HM59 , HM11 , HM14 , HM21 , HM34 , HM50 , HB253

Keywords: high-wage jobs, tax credit, job creation, New Mexico, economic development, lobbying, transparency, public records, government oversight, accountability, House Resolution 1, HR1, House investigatory subcommittee, special committee, legislative investigation, subpoena power, public corruption, criminal activity, Zorro ranch, Santa Fe County

Transcript Highlights:

• We only have two full-time employees right now, so it's really like the two of us.
• We only have two full-time employees right now, so it's really like the two of us digging in.
• So our biggest challenge: we have, again, two full-time employees, and we have 36 temps.
• But it is, we are definitely spread thin by only having two full-time employees.
• Okay, and what is the cost for the additional employee?

Summary: The committee heard a budget presentation from the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission, which regulates professional boxing, MMA, kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, wrestling, and newer combat sports such as slap fighting and bare-knuckle fighting. The director apologized for missing an earlier appearance and explained that the agency now operates as its own standalone agency rather than under the Health Department. She described the commission’s safety role, including licensing participants, requiring blood testing, and sending inspectors to events, while promoters pay for doctors, ambulances, referees, judges, and other event personnel. The commission said its main accomplishments included securing its own agency number, updating outdated statutory language, adding authority to regulate slap fighting and bare-knuckle events, and moving to credit-card payments. Major challenges discussed were staffing and modernization: the agency has only two full-time employees, 36 temporary inspectors, and still relies on Excel as its database. The director said the commission needs a new licensing system, training for officials, and more outreach to attract larger promotions. She noted that in fiscal year 2025 the commission licensed 1,287 participants, oversaw about 40 combat events plus weekly wrestling events, and reported combined event sales of more than $3.1 million. Members asked about event operations, referee certification, charitable-event fees, and how the commission could grow combat sports in Oklahoma. The director said the agency is seeking a recurring $500,000 annual appropriation, plus a $300,000 supplemental, to cover new standalone-agency costs, hire an additional employee, and begin purchasing licensing software. She explained that the supplemental would help fund immediate expenses and allow the agency to hire a current temp worker. The chair encouraged the agency to coordinate earlier with committee leadership next session and closed the meeting after a brief discussion of “chess boxing.”