Transcript Highlights:

• In total, over 4,000 treatment services were provided.
• We are also working with Northwest Alabama Mental Health Center to expand mobile crisis services in Walker
• And I'm going to kind of rapid fire on a few things to provide updates.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This growth will lead to an increased demand for health services.
• This growth will lead to an increased demand for health services, and whereas the CDC reported that 44.2%
• I'm appointing Senator Kuby to the Committee on Health and Human Services to temporarily replace Senator
• Article 1 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section 36-420.06, relating to health care services
• For instance, in South Carolina, an inmate who was to be killed found that he chose firing squad and

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Economic Development Committee, or the EDC, is looking for an industry, while Amazon Web Services
• My Amazon Web Services, or AWS, was looking for some more developed up.
• is for community taxes to be lowered because the data centers will be paying so much to our public service
• Will your emergency services—fire, police, and ambulance—be able to handle the size of the structure
• So there are more simple little things that will affect your area with services and employment, and benefits

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It removes sections relating to aerial wildland fire suppression and provides that if specific funding
• to WOTEC for purposes of providing information technology related to digital experience platform services
• 17 members appointed by the governor, including representatives from veterans' homes and veterans' service
• The governor is required to appoint six rather than ten members from nationally recognized veteran service
• These positions come from the 10 existing veteran service organizations positions, keeping the total

Summary: The Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee met on February 3, 2026, for executive session on 13 bills and a public hearing on Second Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1541. One published bill, Senate Bill 6123, was not moved forward. The executive session covered election integrity, holiday recognition, agency reporting and disclosure, veterans and state government administration, and several memorial or symbolic designations. Staff briefed each bill and several proposed substitutes or amendments, including changes to Senate Bills 5763, 6215, 6160, 6049, and 5784. Members discussed policy and fiscal concerns on some measures, including the cost of the aviation support grant program in SB 5763 and the inclusiveness of holiday recognition in SB 5950. The committee adopted amendments or substitutes where offered and advanced all of the bills it took up, generally by due-pass recommendation to the Rules Committee or, for fiscal measures, to the Ways and Means Committee. Senate Bill 5950’s amendment was withdrawn before final action, and Senator Hasegawa stated he would be without recommendation on that bill because a Buddhist observance was missing from the list. Other bills passed with little or no opposition, including SB 6084 on voting more than once, SB 6044 on Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, SB 6046 creating a Civil Air Patrol division, SB 6160 on agency reports, SB 6049 on public disclosure exemptions, SB 6164 on WOTEC information, SB 6313 creating a Capitol Centennial Stewardship Account, SB 5046 designating Kim Chie Day, and SB 5489 naming the Wilkinson sandstone the state sandstone. In the public hearing on ESHB 1541, staff explained that the bill would reorganize the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee by increasing at-large seats, reducing the number of VSO-designated seats, and allowing appointments to reflect military experience and personal attributes. The prime sponsor and Representative Simmons described the bill as a compromise developed after prior concerns, including representation for formerly justice-involved veterans, and said it would broaden advice to the governor. The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs supported the bill, saying it would provide more flexibility in appointments and preserve a 17-member committee. The hearing closed with 57 pro and 1 con sign-ins, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I was not firing anybody. For those who left, good luck. I hope everything works out.
• Thank you for your service to Idaho." "I move. Can I do that? We'll approve him.
• Thank you for your contribution and your service.
• Thank you for your contribution and your service.
• During college, I received the Harry Truman Scholarship for Public Service, and so moved to D.C.

Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard gubernatorial appointment testimony from Pete Kohler for the State Board of Education and Jennifer White for Executive Director of the Office of the State Board of Education. Kohler described a long career in the military and Idaho education, including work as a teacher, principal, superintendent, State Department of Education chief of staff, and service on several state committees and commissions. In response to questions, he emphasized early reading mastery, stronger math and financial literacy, expanded career and technical education, more flexible high school pathways, and a focus on helping students become capable thinkers and resilient adults. He also discussed a major financial crisis he managed as Nampa superintendent, saying he stabilized the district without layoffs and worked openly with staff, unions, and the public. Committee members expressed support, but the appointment vote was deferred to the next meeting. White introduced her family and outlined her background in Idaho, law, and higher education, including work in state government, private practice, Boise State University, and government relations. Senators praised her professionalism and performance under questioning in prior budget hearings, and no concerns were raised. As with Kohler, the committee said the confirmation vote would be taken the following day. The committee also considered RS 32954C1, introduced by Senator Cook, which would direct the state to develop guidelines for artificial intelligence in education. Cook said the proposal was meant to help students learn about AI while adding guardrails, similar to how schools adapted to calculators, computers, and the internet. The committee moved RS 32954 to print, and the motion passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• into services as they apply.
• Yes, they do have to be active in behavioral health services, which can include recovery support services
• But part of this is for them to be in services and the services should include, you know, motivational
• So a bed could be a service or a physical literal bed. Um, or, uh, a step down service. Got you.
• Those services are typically the living support services and the day program services for the traditional

Transcript Highlights:

• Filing for one every time there's a fire, ...event consideration.
• Filing for one every time there's a fire on federal public lands doesn't really make sense, as sometimes
• Authority and the Wildfire Prevention Authority Fund under the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire
• led by a council of 13, including two state agency directors, four from local governments, two from fire

Summary: The committee heard three measures. HB 2013 would require the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to submit an exceptional event demonstration to the EPA when wildfire smoke from federally managed land affects the state. The sponsor said it would help Arizona avoid penalties tied to uncontrollable wildfire events and could ease pressure on air-quality compliance; Sierra Club opposed it, arguing the bill could create unnecessary filings and burdens, while ADEQ was neutral. The committee voted 5-1 to give HB 2013 a due pass recommendation. HB 2292, as amended, would create the Wildfire Mitigation and Risk Reduction Authority and fund under the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, with the amendment renaming the authority, capping administrative costs at 8%, and prioritizing funding for single-family and multifamily dwellings. Supporters from Coconino County and the County Supervisors Association said the program would help reduce wildfire risk, support community hardening, and address rising homeowners insurance costs by redirecting $20 million from existing insurance premium tax revenues; members clarified it was not a new tax. The committee adopted the amendment and then approved the bill 8-0. HCM 2011 urges Congress to pass federal legislation to delist the Mexican wolf, defund the reintroduction program, and transfer management to local authorities. Supporters said ranchers have been harmed by wolf predation and that delisting is overdue, while Sierra Club opposed the memorial, saying the species remains under-recovered and decisions should be based on science. The committee approved the memorial 5-2 and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• their final passage: An act extending the residency requirement for members of the regular police and fire
• departments and fire alarm and wires division of the City of Newton, House No. 2335.
• An act authorizing the town of Acton to increase the residency limit for members of its police and fire

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several House bills out of the orders of the day. It passed to be engrossed a Somerset local option bill authorizing an additional wine and malt beverage license, a Marlborough bill creating a simplified procedure for subdivision road layout and acceptance, and a bill establishing a sick leave bank for David A. Russell of the Department of Correction. The chamber also handled House petitions referred under suspension of Joint Rule 12, agreeing to the suspension and sending the matters to the appropriate committees. Later, the Senate adopted an emergency preamble for a sick leave bank bill for Jean McCarran of the Registry of Motor Vehicles. On final passage, the Senate approved and sent to the Governor three bills: one extending residency requirements for certain Newton police and fire personnel, one authorizing investments for the Richmond Free Public Library, and one increasing the residency limit for Acton police and fire department members. It also enacted the Jean McCarran sick leave bank bill. The Senate then adopted an order to reconvene the following Monday at 11:00 a.m. and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The citizens of New Hampshire expect and they deserve good law enforcement services. Thank you.
• The citizens of New Hampshire expect and they deserve good law enforcement services.
• Uh, and we train very hard to prepare our troopers for high-level competent service in law enforcement
• Thank you for your service.
• on as we fired our weapon systems.<00:17:01.440><c> Uh</c><00:17:02.000><c> it</c><00:17:02.240><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on proposed improvements to the State Police gun range and related Public Works estimates. Department of Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn and Major Brendan Davy explained that the range is used for realistic, scenario-based training that includes vehicle work, movement, cover, elevation, and stress inoculation, and that it also supports requalification and special unit training for state, local, and federal partners. They said the current facility lacks running water, continuous power, and permanent restrooms, and that the PSTC range cannot accommodate rifles because its backstop is handgun-caliber only. Public Works Director Theodore Copper said the project estimate is $2.3 million, including $1.5 million for the building and site work plus soft costs, inflation, and design fees; he described the proposed building as basic, with office space, classrooms, restrooms, and HVAC. Committee members asked about the cost and scope, and Copper provided a breakdown of the estimate. The committee also heard from Commissioner Edelblute and Milford School District Superintendent Christy Misho regarding career and technical education capital funding. Edelblute urged the committee to include $10 million for the Milford CTE project, saying the district had reduced the scope after a prior bond vote and that the project would support high-demand workforce programs. Misho said Milford’s initial bond vote received 42 percent and the revised proposal received 56 percent, short of the 60 percent needed, but that the community still supports the project; she said the district plans to move forward with a CTE-only ballot and a smaller local bond. Committee members expressed concern about holding state funds for a project that has not yet won local approval, but said the request would be taken under advisement. In work session action, the committee corrected a prior vote on the Market Street Marine Terminal warehouse removal and office replacement project, increasing the appropriation by $353,300 to $1,973,300 and raising the agency subtotal to $4,155,300. The committee also accepted a motion to add $1.8 million for the community college system, including $1.3 million for critical maintenance and $500,000 for an energy management system. The committee then discussed a Fish and Game request for a $350,000 backhoe, with members debating whether it should be funded with general funds or other funds and whether the cost was excessive; no final objection was recorded in the portion provided. Later discussion also referenced the new parking garage project, with staff saying it is expected to be operational in March 2026 and fully completed by May or June 2026, with 409 spaces and a mix of assigned and open parking.

Transcript Highlights:

• know, we've seen small batteries from cell phones, for example, go so far as to cause dangerous trash fires
• These batteries, as you know, lithium ion does get runaway fires. Our trucks are burning.
• If they get into a compactor and they get crushed and damaged, they can start a fire.
• Fire. That is, I predict our industry is very close to becoming uninsurable.
• That's how many fires we're having. I mean, literally by the week in facilities.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It really takes an organization like the Internal Revenue Service to make it work.
• The Internal Revenue Service is critical for that purpose.
• That was about enough to pay for 70% of the debt service. So not only...
• The question becomes, well, where do we cut services with?
• We can provide all the social service programs we want to them and help them out there.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> loan</c> public service for Public service loan public service for Public service loan forgiveness
• </c><05:12:27.958><c> um</c> office then this is public service um office then this is public service
• service employer.
• service employer.
• In terms of service, that counts.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first dealt with scheduling and housekeeping, including a plan to take a hard break at 2:00 p.m. for an early bill, hold a brief executive session, and then continue with the remaining afternoon bills. The chair also noted the next likely meeting date would be March 12, when the committee expected to take up the remaining bills before crossover deadlines. The main substantive item was House Bill 142, which would recognize the Honor and Remember flag for Gold Star families and related remembrance purposes. Prime sponsor Rep. Michael Moffett described the bill as a bipartisan measure revised to address earlier concerns, arguing that the flag honors fallen service members, can be personalized with names, and complements rather than detracts from the American flag. He said many other states have already adopted it and suggested the committee could amend details such as the number of days and locations for display. He also raised practical issues about flag dimensions and whether the bill should use "shall" or "may" for display requirements. Testimony was divided. Janine Nutter opposed the bill, saying she supports Gold Star families but objected because the flag resembles the Viet Cong flag and because she believes the American flag should remain the sole symbol representing servicemembers. Kevin Grady, representing the State Veterans Advisory Committee under RSA 115:8, also opposed the bill, saying the committee believes the American flag is the only symbol needed, while still praising the work of Honor and Remember in creating personalized flags for families. Committee members asked questions about where the flag would be flown, whether the State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen is already displaying it, and how the bill’s language would interact with cemetery policies and committee discretion. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Here we'll look at personal services.
• , professional services, and other charges.
• In professional services, there is a $3 million increase for consultant services contracts related to
• services that are no longer needed.
• These are more fee-for-service agencies that bill out.

Summary: The committee began a series of House Appropriations budget hearings focused on the fiscal year 2026-2027 executive budget, the preamble, and the executive department. Staff presented revenue and spending trends showing projected declines in revenues alongside increasing expenditures, with members emphasizing the need for a standstill budget and additional efficiencies. The House Fiscal Division also reviewed the FY25 surplus and FY26 excess, the constitutional uses of surplus funds, and the overall FY27 budget structure, including the distinction between discretionary and non-discretionary spending. The commissioner of administration described the administration’s use of one-time money, efficiency reviews, and budget reductions, while members asked about revenue forecasts, the motor vehicle sales tax dedication, corporate tax changes, and the impact of federal policy changes on state costs, especially SNAP and Medicaid administration. The committee then moved through several executive department agencies. The Division of Administration presentation covered its budget, vacancies, debt service, and reductions tied to statewide adjustments and efficiency measures. GOSEP’s functions were described as transferred into the Department of Military Affairs under Act 262 of 2025, and military officials outlined the new combined structure, emergency response duties, overseas deployments, youth programs, and concerns about future federal funding. The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority reviewed its largely dedicated funding and explained that large apparent balances reflect long-term project planning and multi-year capital work. The Office of the State Inspector General presented a budget increase for consulting services tied to the governor’s DOGE-style efficiency initiative, and the inspector general said the effort had identified nearly $1 billion in savings across the executive branch, largely through eligibility reviews in Medicaid and SNAP and implementation of prior audit recommendations. Members raised questions throughout about how budget figures were calculated, why some totals appeared to rise while state general fund support fell, and how federal changes would affect state agencies. There were also questions about the transition of GOSEP into Military Affairs, the status of school safety centers, and whether the new structure would change local emergency responsibilities. No formal votes or amendments were taken during the portion provided; the meeting consisted of presentations, explanations, and member questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a number of positions that are carved out of the classified service.
• There is a number of positions that are carved out of the classified service.
• There is a number of positions that are carved out of the classified service.
• </c> facilities police and fire facilities police and fire needs needs needs Etc<01:15:33.520><c> I</
• Services Services committee<01:18:38.480><c> all</c><01:18:38.679><c> in</c><01:18:38.880><c> favor<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> some changes to the Public Service some changes to the Public Service Commission.<00:34:38.760><
• Um, we are Public Service Commission.
• And so, a administer services for us.
• </c> familiar with how the Public Service familiar with how the Public Service Commission<00:39:43.720
• Uh I services and needed uh support.

Bills: SB8

Keywords: utilities, public service commission, energy regulation, appointment, emergency declaration, tax increases, consumer protection, The first couple minutes of the livestream was cut off. This recording restored the beginning of the meeting Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:51 Approval of Minutes 00:02:07 Legislator Comments 00:02:18 LIHEAP Public Hearing 00:04:19 PSC Update on RS 26 SB 8 00:32:18 WaterStep Presentation 01:04:08, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So under Student Support Services, you could have STEM.
• They weren't fired; they just... They weren't fired.
• They weren't fired.
• So by way of introduction, I was born into public service.
• I am the daughter of a military... ...service.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held an informational hearing on “Protecting Equity in Higher Education” and emphasized that no bills were being heard. Members and witnesses focused on the effects of recent federal actions on DEI, admissions, financial aid, student loans, international students, and campus equity efforts in Massachusetts. Opening remarks from the co-chairs and the chair of Higher Education highlighted Massachusetts’ investments in free community college, expanded financial aid, and early college programs, while warning that federal policy changes could undermine those gains. Testimony from BU law professor Jonathan Feingold argued that many DEI practices remain legally defensible after Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, and that the decision did not end all race-conscious or equity-oriented efforts. He said the Trump administration’s anti-DEI actions and funding threats were legally suspect and had created confusion and a chilling effect. Bahar Akman-in-Boden of the Hildreth Institute testified that proposed federal cuts to TRIO, Gear Up, Pell Grants, SEOG, work-study, and student loan programs would disproportionately harm low-income, first-generation, Black, Latino, and other underserved students, and urged the state to prepare hold-harmless and advising supports using Fair Share revenue. Commissioner Noe Ortega described Massachusetts’ long history of equity in higher education and said the state has expanded aid, success programs, and early college, but still has work to do on attainment and completion. He said the state responded to SFFA by creating ACARE and continuing to defend equity practices, while also warning that federal disruptions and “dear colleague” letters have created uncertainty. In the second panel, state university leaders and campus officials said federal threats to Pell, DEI grants, Medicaid, and international student policies could affect access, campus operations, and the economy; they stressed that most state university graduates stay in Massachusetts and that institutions are continuing their equity practices despite federal pressure. Roxbury Community College’s president said RCC remains committed to open access and inclusion, noted enrollment growth, and said executive orders do not change existing law or the college’s obligations.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to move to tab 27, SB 1002 on utility service restrictions.
• Senator Leak, take up Tab 12, CS for SB 576 on service of process.
• Tab 13, SB 606 on public lodging and food service establishments.
• I did lose my house one time in a house fire.
• Now, note that 200,000 veterans leave service each year.

Summary: The Rules Committee took up a large agenda of bills, with many measures reported favorably after brief explanations, amendments, and testimony. Early bills included CS/SB 658 on lien waivers and releases, which was amended to preserve enforceability despite form differences and then passed; CS/CS/SB 736 on brownfields redevelopment, which drew support from business and redevelopment interests and passed; and CS/SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, which was amended to bar certain building or fire code provisions affecting fuel-source choices and then passed despite opposition from environmental advocates. The committee also advanced CS/CS/SB 1132 on right-to-repair for certain equipment, where manufacturers, dealer representatives, and industry groups warned the bill could undermine dealer networks and existing repair programs, while supporters argued it would improve consumer access and help farmers and equipment owners. The bill still passed. Other measures reported favorably included CS/SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of property-damage crashes, CS/CS/SB 768 on foreign-country controlling interests in health care licensing, CS/SB 772 on school access to glucagon for diabetes emergencies, CS/SB 1400 on removal of nonconsensual altered sexual depictions, and CS/SB 1696 on transportation network company impersonation and transit funding. A major portion of the meeting focused on affordable housing. CS/SB 1730, a follow-up to the Live Local Act, made several changes to zoning, height, density, parking, moratorium, and enforcement provisions, with members raising concerns about parking reductions, attorney’s fees, local control, and impacts in the Keys and other sensitive areas. Supporters said the bill closes loopholes and improves workforce housing implementation, while some witnesses urged additional exemptions for areas of critical state concern. The bill was reported favorably after amendment. Later, the committee considered several bills from Senator Leak, including CS/SB 576 on service of process, CS/SB 606 on public lodging and food service establishments, and CS/SB 1164 on electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices. CS/SB 606 drew substantial debate over whether hotels and extended-stay properties should be able to remove nonpaying guests without treating them like residential tenants; the sponsor said the bill clarifies transient occupancy and removes mandatory arrest provisions, and it passed. CS/SB 1164, which allows email notice delivery by agreement, passed despite concerns from tenant advocates that the bill should include clearer consent and safeguards. The committee also approved CS/SB 1374 on school district reporting of educator arrests and misconduct, CS/SB 940 on third-party restaurant reservation sales, and began hearing CS/SB 1690 on surrendered infants, which would authorize infant safety devices or “baby boxes” as a legal surrender option, with supportive testimony from proponents describing crisis situations and the need for anonymous surrender options.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> from the Department of Human Services. from the Department of Human Services.
• </c> work of our direct service providers. work of our direct service providers.
• </c> the budget for services. the budget for services.
• </c><01:25:24.480><c> So</c> services in the community. So services in the community.
• </c> &gt;&gt; We do get we do pay that service. &gt;&gt; We do get we do pay that service.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:22:02.559><c> is</c> health and human services is health and human services is approximately<
• as to the services and understanding as to the services and supports<00:33:34.080><c> that</c><00:33
• Services Oversight Committee. Services Oversight Committee.
• </c> still monitor the police and fire still monitor the police and fire transmissions transmissions
• They have done some um Services.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, approving the prior meeting minutes with one abstention from a member who had been absent. It then received an update from DHHS Commissioner Lori Weaver on the department’s rural health transformation grant submission. Weaver said the grant was submitted ahead of the deadline, reflected input from communities and providers statewide, and would now enter a CMS review and negotiation phase. She explained that the governor’s office will oversee the grant with DHHS, that some proposals may be limited by federal parameters, and that the department may need to hire some staff to administer the grant, within the grant’s administrative cap. Members also discussed DHHS budget pressures and staffing. The department’s CFO, Nathan White, reviewed the agency’s budget mix, noting that DHHS accounts for a large share of the state’s operating and general fund budgets, and explained projected general fund lapse estimates, which he said are currently just under $20 million for the department. He also described why lapse projections are difficult to predict in DHHS because many costs are driven by utilization and because some funds are statutorily non-lapsing. White reported that vacancy rates have risen, citing about 400 unfunded positions in the current biennium and the department’s hiring freeze, while emphasizing that direct-care positions are being prioritized. Committee members raised concerns that back-of-the-budget cuts and weak revenue collections could affect the department’s ability to manage lapse projections. The committee then heard from Division of Public Health Director Ian Watt on vaccine policy and federal changes. Watt said New Hampshire continues to support access to safe and effective vaccines, including through the universal purchase program and seasonal respiratory virus guidance. He explained a recent CDC change regarding the MMRV vaccine, which now discourages the combined shot for the first dose in children under four because of febrile seizure risk, while still allowing it for the second dose. Watt said New Hampshire’s school and child care vaccine mandates remain stable, with nine vaccines required for schoolchildren and 10 for child care, and that the state continues to review federal recommendations cautiously. He also said there have been no supply or funding disruptions affecting vaccine access, and that childhood vaccine funding through commercial insurers remains intact. Finally, the Permanent Subcommittee on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Related Dementias presented its annual report. The subcommittee said it met about six times, heard presentations on state services, silver alerts, brain health awareness, and palliative/hospice care, and began work on updating the state’s Alzheimer’s plan, which had last been updated in 2015-2016. To gather more direct input, the subcommittee formed a needs-assessment work group to develop a survey for people living with dementia, caregivers, and service providers. It recommended integrating Alzheimer’s and dementia materials into chronic disease, aging, and public health outreach; embedding cognitive health into systems of care and the state health improvement plan; adding cognitive health measures to BRFSS; and continuing partnerships with aging and advocacy organizations. Members praised the report and suggested it should clearly identify the subcommittee and include page numbers in future versions.

Transcript Highlights:

• value-added agricultural products grown within an Enterprise Zone, the provision of professional services
• value-added agricultural products grown within an Enterprise Zone, the provision of professional services
• This is very technical, but this is the imported fire ant quarantine, and the first covered article is
• the imported fire ants and queens and reproducing colonies.
• this is the imported fire ant quarantine and<02:08:37.800><c> the</c><02:08:37.960><c> first</c><02:

Keywords: 910, house, all