Transcript Highlights:

• Basically, we remove penalties and 50% of the interest owed in order to get people to comply for some
• It's in the surplus adjustment area of the surplus statement.
• Uh, Nathan White, chief financial officer of the Department of Health and Human Services.
• c> the</c><06:41:11.360><c> Department</c><06:41:11.600><c> of</c> financial officer of the Department
• of financial officer of the Department of Health<06:41:11.920><c> and</c><06:41:12.080><c> Human</c>

Summary: The committee of conference on HB 1 and HB 2 reviewed comparison documents and worked through a long list of House and Senate positions, agreeing on some technical or already-enacted items while setting aside others for later discussion. Early on, members agreed to delete a House Bill 2 section tied to a bill already passed into law, and a representative explained a technical amendment to the EFA provisions clarifying enrollment-cap repeal language and compulsory attendance rules for EFA students. That amendment was discussed but a vote was postponed because not all members were present. The committee also noted that the overall EFA budget numbers had already been settled separately. Several items were either agreed to or held for further negotiation. Members agreed to delete sections already covered by other enacted bills, including BTLA-related language, and to accept a technical amendment changing "municipalities" to "political subdivisions" in a section affecting funding eligibility. They also agreed on some items involving workers’ compensation second injuries, certain pilot-program language, and some sections related to state loan repayment and other technical corrections. In contrast, they set aside or disputed items involving site evaluation, lottery-related provisions, opioid abatement, the Commission on Aging, Granite Advantage premium costs, renewable energy/offshore wind funding, special education funding, and several education trust fund and unique-fund provisions. The committee spent substantial time on policy disputes. The House side argued against keeping money in dedicated Fish and Game funds rather than increasing the main Fish and Game fund, while the Senate side defended its approach and raised concerns about fee impacts, including one tied to the fishing license. The members also discussed a housing appeals board proposal, with one member suggesting a possible compromise that would preserve some function while shifting duties and possibly sunsetting the arrangement later; the contracts for the positions were noted as running through June 30, 2028 and June 30, 2029. Another extended discussion concerned the child advocate records-access section, which one side wanted removed as policy that should go through the normal bill process, while another member asked to hold it and suggested a possible middle-ground, time-limited approach. Later, the committee agreed to remove sections already handled in other bills, including House sections 254 and 255, and discussed but did not resolve disputes over liquor licensing functions, cannabis-related language, cost containment, special education, and several fee and fund provisions. The Senate explained its position on the governor’s commission language, saying opioid abatement trust funds could not be used for that purpose and that the commission should continue to be funded through 5% of gross liquor profits; it also described renaming the body the Commission on Addiction Treatment and Prevention and expanding its scope to include problem gambling. The meeting ended with several major items still open for later negotiation.

Transcript Highlights:

• So let me talk through, and this is kind of an area, I think, that folks seem to be interested in where
• And then we have an interesting dynamic here to think about the experience of going to the dentist and
• If you know of a practice who might be really interested in doing this work, please let me know, and
• So it’s just... ...the standard of care for that office, which is really interesting as well.
• to both of our July presenters and the very interesting information to share.

Summary: The MAPOC Women and Children’s Health Subcommittee heard a presentation from Kate Parker Riley, executive director of the Connecticut Dental Health Partnership, on the Husky Dental Program and efforts to improve oral health during pregnancy. She reviewed the structure of Connecticut’s Medicaid dental benefit, the ASO model, provider network, utilization trends, and member barriers to care. She noted that children’s dental measures remain above the national median, but adult utilization is lower and the dental provider network has been shrinking, with longer wait times in rural areas. A major focus was the state’s goal to raise the rate of oral evaluation during pregnancy from about 17.5% to 25% by 2030. Riley described planned outreach to OB/GYN practices using a draft “snapshot” report showing each practice’s pregnancy oral-health rate compared with the state average, along with education materials based on ACOG and AAP guidance. Committee members and guests discussed barriers such as lack of provider training, workflow burden, access to dentists who will see pregnant patients, and the need for stronger referral bridges. Suggestions included adding simple oral-health screening questions in OB settings, using human support to make appointments, and exploring co-located dental hygienists or other embedded models. Riley also highlighted partnerships with DSS, DCF, Head Start, WIC, Read to Grow, YMCA programs, refugee resettlement agencies, and school-based and hospital partners, as well as data-sharing and navigation efforts. She said pregnant members newly identified through HUSKY will now receive outreach and navigation support. DSS dental director Carolyn MacArthur introduced herself and said she supports the initiative, noting the literature linking untreated maternal dental disease to poor child oral-health outcomes. No votes were taken; the meeting ended with thanks and a preview of upcoming July presentations on integrated behavioral health and home visitation programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• techniques required for a project of this nature.
• their part of this?
• both of those, because I don't know that everyone is aware of what the signs are going to look like.
• opinion of it.
• both of those, because I don't know that everyone is aware of what the signs are going to look like.

Summary: The commission received updates on several Capitol projects. For the ADA chairlift study, the consultant recommended replacing lifts in the legislative library, House chamber, and Senate chamber because of compliance and functional issues, with preliminary replacement costs estimated at about $400,000 including related plaster and finish work. Members asked whether the work would fit into the broader capital master plan, and staff said the project would be coordinated with the master plan to avoid work that might later be removed. The updated capital master plan itself was discussed, with members noting they had already voted to proceed with an owner’s representative subject to appropriations. Staff said the Office of Administration has the RFQ prepared but will not release it until budget funds are available, and the commission expects to revisit the matter after the FY26 budget is finalized. The chair emphasized that delays will increase costs and urged readiness to move quickly once funding is approved. The Governor’s Council on Disability also provided an update on the Digital Wayfinding Project. The team is working on the technical architecture, content governance, and sign design, and at this stage is only seeking approval of the signs rather than funding. Members raised questions about long-term maintenance, software updates, and responsibility for ongoing costs, and staff said those details are still being worked out. The commission then adjourned by motion and vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> of course luckily a vast majority of of course luckily a vast majority of people<00:13:57.680><c
• </c> meet Financial Obligations by June of meet Financial Obligations by June of 2025<00:24:51.000><c
• of the cost of phone calls.
• </c> of of 25 there was a a reduction uh of of of 25 there was a a reduction uh of cost<00:44:59.440>
• c> Financial</c> blamed our financial or future Financial blamed our financial or future Financial woes

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:10:36.640><c> each</c> statement at the beginning of each statement at the beginning of each meeting
• I know the governor at that time, Governor Sununu, did a lot of statements, as did Dr.
• I know the governor at that time, Governor Sununu, did a lot of statements, as did Dr.
• And the freedom of movement one, I think that's really interesting.
• So, they should have a good grasp of it, but it would be interesting to know.

Summary: The Special Committee on COVID Response Efficacy for New Hampshire held its first organizational meeting. The chair read the committee’s updated mission statement, which says the bipartisan committee will fact-find on the state’s COVID-19 response and its impact on the healthcare system, with focus areas including federal guidance, federal funds, emergency use authorization vaccination efforts, long COVID, the Patient Bill of Rights, and vaccination policies. The chair also announced committee staffing changes: Linda McGrath stepped down as vice chair and Representative Gerard was named vice chair; Representative DeRoy was named clerk. The chair emphasized the committee’s work is intended to be science-based and fact-finding, not anti-vaccine, and noted that the committee may issue follow-up reports and recommendations. Members discussed a broad list of topics for future hearings, including long COVID treatment, ongoing vaccination policies, reporting of COVID deaths, standards of care and provider discretion, COVID-related funding such as ESSER/CARES Act money, and communication of treatment developments during the pandemic. Representative Pollina argued the committee should examine specific treatments and outcomes, including remdesivir, oxygen/intubation practices, and ivermectin, and raised concerns about whether some treatments were harmful or suppressed. He also focused on pediatric vaccination policy, saying the committee should review New Hampshire’s recommendations for children and medical students, and questioned the state’s reliance on federal guidance versus independent review. The chair responded that shifting federal positions may justify an independent New Hampshire evaluation and asked him to gather more information and potential witnesses. In open discussion, members suggested additional witnesses and topics, including local funeral directors, nursing homes, and emergency medical services, as well as how nursing homes were affected by positive tests and admission restrictions. Another member suggested the committee consider what products it should produce, such as a final report, possible bill recommendations, and better documentation or footnotes tying findings to testimony and scientific sources. The chair said the committee’s deliverables could include reports, letters to department heads or legislative leaders, and other actions, and noted that the committee’s 2024 report and supporting documents are available on the House committee page. No votes or formal actions beyond the organizational appointments were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of the Department of Lambert.
• </c> Tax Foundation of Hawaii. Tax Foundation of Hawaii.
• lack of funds.
• lack of funds.
• lack of funds.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Joint Senate Committee on Education, Hawaiian Affairs, and Housing heard House Bill 1088 HD1, which would exempt housing developed by the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) from school impact fees. The Department of Education said it was open to working with DHHL and the Legislature, including possibly eliminating the construction-cost portion of the fee for DHHL and other government affordable housing projects, but it wanted to retain the land-dedication requirement for future school sites where growth would exceed existing school capacity. The School Facilities Authority supported the bill, and DHHL strongly supported it, noting that its testimony referenced an earlier emergency proclamation but that the exemption remains in the current proclamation. DHHL also said it had no objection to a proposed amendment from the Wahiawa Hawaiian Homestead Association. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii testified in opposition to the broader school impact fee program, arguing that the fund has accumulated about $29 million that has not been spent and citing concerns raised in State Auditor Report 19-13, including administrative and constitutional issues. Committee discussion focused heavily on whether the fee system is being applied fairly, especially to smaller projects and homeowners, and whether the districts and calculations used to assess fees have been updated. Members questioned the DOE and SFA about the distinction between land and construction costs, the use of fees in areas like Kīhei, Kalihi, Ala Moana, and Ewa, and whether the department had revisited district calculations as recommended in the audit. DOE said it had collected about $500,000 in construction money and $2.8 million in land contributions for Kalihi-related areas, and said it would follow up on questions about land conveyances and district updates. After discussion, the chair called for a vote. The Education committee recommended passing HB 1088 HD1 as is, with Senator San Buenaventura voting with reservation and Senators Ihara and Kole voting aye. The recommendation was adopted. The Housing committee then also deferred the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know several of you have expressed interest in getting a better understanding of what is required of
• And what we do is we issue that second line that you see we issue an official statement of status of
• And so they get a number of of vacancies that we have in Florida and even at the beginning of of this
• At any rate, my interests isn't something I can to help create for because of this teacher shortage that
• Is there a question or is that just a statement? He said cool out as yeah. Cool out of.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, of course, the last thing I think this is something that the department would be interested
• And then, of course, the last thing I think this is something that the department would be interested
• And then, of course, the last thing I think this is something that the department would be interested
• And then, of course, the last thing I think this is something that the department would be interested
• And then, of course, the last thing I think this is something that the department would be interested

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes lots of different types of projects.
• That's more of a statement. We can talk offline to see if we can come to some sort of. Thank you.
• , and a number of developers, in fact, seven of them.
• would be inadequate to provide a credit to all of the people that are interested in building new geothermal
• So this bill would attempt to expand the scope of that geothermal tax credit consistent with the interest

Committee: House House Taxation & Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• It took seven solid years for us to be financially independent after his year of treatment.
• put together a package based on member interest and a lot of things.
• :56:41.800><c> lot</c><00:56:42.120><c> of</c><00:56:42.240><c> interests,</c><00:56:43.120><c> which
• </c><00:56:43.320><c> isn't</c> their um a lot of interests, which isn't their um a lot of interests,
• </c> not in the best interest of the not in the best interest of the individual<01:25:40.800><c> and<

Bills: HF3843 , HF3597 , HF4003 , HF3167 , HF4193

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• , not its speech, is in the interest of the citizens of Massachusetts and I hope that the special commission
• And I got very interested and kind of went down the rabbit hole in terms of some of the differences.
• Of this 45%, nearly half of them... ...interesting going deep into it.
• We work with a number of partners who express interest.
• And just to answer your first statement, first of all, thank you.

Summary: The meeting began with roll call, approval of the May 5 minutes, and opening remarks thanking commissioners and the public for their attendance. The commission then heard testimony from former Ambassador Alan Solomont, who argued that antisemitism is rising in multiple forms, including white nationalist antisemitism and antisemitism tied to anti-Israel rhetoric after October 7. He said campus antisemitism should be addressed with nuance, distinguishing protected political speech from conduct that targets Jewish students, and warned against weaponizing antisemitism to attack higher education, civil liberties, or federal research funding. He urged the commission to use multiple definitions and frameworks, including IHRA, Nexus, and the Jerusalem Declaration, and to focus on campus-specific solutions, civic education, and civil discourse. Commissioners asked him about Tufts’ antisemitism training, the role of the federal government, the use of the IHRA definition, and how to improve civic education; he emphasized local campus responses, broader civics instruction, and protecting democracy and due process. The second major witness was Professor David Weber of Boston University, who testified on the BDS movement and anti-BDS laws. He described BDS as a campaign targeting Israeli businesses, universities, and institutions, and argued it functions as a propagandistic and discriminatory effort that fuels antisemitism and chills dialogue on campuses and in public life. He cited examples such as SodaStream, Ben & Jerry’s, and Brown University, and said anti-BDS laws in 37 states have been effective and constitutional because they regulate government economic activity rather than suppress speech. Weber urged Massachusetts to adopt an anti-BDS statute or executive order, saying the state’s large Jewish population and economic ties to Israel make the issue especially important. Commissioners questioned him about which states have such laws, the impact on dialogue and campus culture, possible legal frameworks, and whether BDS is really aimed at the Israeli government or at individuals and institutions; he maintained that BDS targets people and entities connected to Israel and that anti-BDS measures can help draw a line against illiberal conduct.

Transcript Highlights:

• A couple of questions. One, I know the cost of testing, there's a lot of...
• We have a question of Mr. McDonnell, our statement.
• And I found it very interesting whenever the state of Arkansas was here with Corey Gray, whenever I asked
• So going back to the Arkansas plan, which is why I was so interested, they have two tiers of positives
• , go through the full public comment period and all of that, again, just in the interest of transparency

Summary: The committee and invited witnesses discussed chronic wasting disease surveillance and response in Louisiana, focusing on both wild deer and captive deer facilities. LDWF staff said surveillance goals are being met in about 32 of 64 parishes, but there are gaps in low-sample areas, and they described current efforts using voluntary hunter-harvested deer sampling, targeted sampling in higher-risk animals, and coordination with D-MAP properties. Witnesses and members raised possible ways to improve detection, including incentives for testing, use of taxidermists and processors to collect samples from older bucks, possible mandatory testing tied to special doe days or special seasons, and better use of D-MAP or mobile sampling units. Several members also suggested environmental testing, better deer-density data, and clearer mapping of hotspots and source areas. A major portion of the discussion centered on how to respond when a positive CWD case is found. Members debated whether Louisiana should follow an Arkansas-style approach, including allowing baiting during hunting season while using other tools to manage disease, versus stricter no-bait or no-feeding rules. Some members argued that immediate restrictions after a positive discourage hunters from submitting samples and hurt landowners and feed businesses, and suggested delaying new restrictions until the end of the season while intensifying sampling. Others emphasized that any response should be science-based and should preserve hunter participation. There was also discussion of whether control areas should be parish-based or based on geographic distance, and whether the state should establish thresholds that would allow a control zone to be reduced or removed if enough negative samples are collected. For captive deer facilities, LDWF and LDAF staff reviewed the USDA herd certification program and current surveillance practices. They said Louisiana has about 350 licensed deer facilities, including breeder and hunting facilities, and that a 2024 positive in Jeff Davis Parish led to depopulation and 12 quarantine farms; follow-up testing in 2025 found no new positives in the traced facilities. Staff said the state has relied on USDA competitive grants for diagnostic testing in the last two years, covering roughly $100,000 to $150,000 annually, while department self-generated funds covered more than $800,000 over the last three years. Members and witnesses recommended mandatory enrollment in the USDA herd certification program, mandatory 24-hour reporting of positives to LDWF and USDA APHIS, and clearer, reciprocal communication between LDWF and LDAF when positives are found. No votes were taken; the chair said staff would compile the discussion and written recommendations for consideration at the April 9 commission meeting, with the understanding that the committee will later make formal recommendations to the Legislature.

Transcript Highlights:

• You had commented about just, uh, one of you make a statement about any pending matters or motions and
• We had a lot of complaints, some of which weren't a violation of the ethics law.
• We had a lot of complaints, some of which weren't a violation of the ethics law.
• We had a lot of complaints, some of which weren't a violation of the ethics law.
• We had a lot of complaints, some of which weren't a violation of the ethics law.

Summary: The commission reconvened in open session and announced it had reached a settlement that would avoid a full adjudicatory hearing. Counsel for Representative Gber waived the hearing and agreed to the settlement, and enforcement counsel recommended acceptance. The commission then voted unanimously to accept the agreed settlement. The matter proceeded to an ethics charge involving a proposed finding of probable cause, an agreed order, and a public reprimand. Representative Gber was sworn in and confirmed that he had seen and agreed to the proposed order, waived the adjudicatory hearing, agreed to the findings of violations and penalties in the agreed order, and waived his right to appeal. The commission accepted the agreement and stated that the matter before it was concluded. After the settlement, the chair noted that pending motions related to the case were dismissed and thanked the witnesses for attending, even though they did not have to testify. The chair and Representative Gber each made brief remarks about the long and difficult process, the complexity of the case, and the hope that it would serve as a learning experience. The commission said signed copies of the agreed order and public reprimand would be available, and then moved to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, members of the committee. Nathan White, chief financial officer.
• </c> to give you sort of a a broad picture of to give you sort of a a broad picture of what<00:05:51.440
• </c> some of their duties is now outside of some of their duties is now outside of the<00:17:26.799><
• </c> of the closing of Laconia State School. of the closing of Laconia State School.
• </c> problem of disparity of plans and waste. problem of disparity of plans and waste.

Summary: The committee met after recess to hear a Department of Health and Human Services overview of its contract structure, with CFO Nathan White explaining that DHS currently has 969 active agreements spanning service contracts, grants, data-sharing agreements, use-of-premises agreements, and MOUs. He said contracts are budgeted across multiple class lines and accounting units, often braided with federal funds, which makes the system complex; he also noted that the department’s top spending list was limited to 18 items rather than 20 and included both individual contracts and grouped regional/provider contracts. White emphasized that many contracts support direct services to residents, while others support departmental operations such as software support and staffing. Commissioner Hardy said the listed contracts are essential to serving vulnerable populations and supporting required administrative infrastructure, and she stressed that the department tries to work with providers and families rather than impose changes on them. In response to questions about area agencies and developmental disability services, DHS officials said the agencies’ duties are spelled out in contract and statute, including family support services, billing-related functions, and services tied to the state’s community-based system; they said some billing duties have already been moved outside the contract. They also explained that the department rejected a previously discussed two-tier waiver concept after stakeholder feedback in October 2023 and instead shifted to rate-based work, including CIS assessments, to better align payment with individual need. Members also raised concerns about possible waste, sole-source contracting, and subcontracting. Hardy said she had not seen specific evidence of waste beyond a whistleblower call mentioned by a member, but acknowledged that inefficient execution can occur in government and said the department is trying to improve management. On procurement, she said sole-source contracts require her approval and that competitive procurement is the default when possible. White added that subcontracting is allowed only with written state permission under the standard P-37 terms, and subcontractors must meet the same obligations as the prime contractor. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• What this bill does is add the National League of Families POW/MIA flag, the flag of any branch of the
• CAI is an organization that represents the interests of homeowner associations.
• To the testifier, and then if the author had a statement, I don't think that private group of self-appointed
• Support of the bill. >> Would Chair Freiberg have a closing statement? Okay. Thank you.
• >> Chair Quam, I need to clarify some of the statements that were slightly off in the fact that if half

Bills: HF2185 , HF1849 , HF3719 , HF3721 , HF3845 , HF3720

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Transcript Highlights:

• This opens it up to any type of use of epinephrine for treatment of life-threatening allergies.
• That is true of the entire chapter of 329. All of 329 is disciplined by the medical board.
• Make reproduction not advisable, contraindicated, if you will, either for the medical interest of the
• And then review of complaints asserting violation of RSA. I'm sorry, I'm going off of my version.
• </c> questions of the uh of the committee? questions of the uh of the committee?

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• But you made that decision that's in the best interest of your son.
• But then there's also what I would just call findings or statements of fact, this document here that
• That doesn't show a level of interest in cooperation and understanding of what the problem is.
• things that we have to deal with in fairness and the best interest of the children, because that's what
• And the best interest of the children, because that's what we're talking about.

Summary: The special legislative study committee met with seven members present, adopted the minutes from prior meetings, and heard public testimony from Terrell Butler and his father about a transfer-eligibility dispute affecting Terrell’s ability to play varsity sports after moving from Anacoco High School to Leesville High School in the same parish. They described the move as family-driven and in the student’s best interest, but said he was ruled ineligible for varsity athletics for a year despite strong grades and a positive adjustment to the new school. Several members responded that the current transfer rules can unfairly punish students for adult decisions and that the case illustrated broader concerns about student-athlete eligibility and consistency in enforcement. The committee then discussed and adopted factual findings about the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA), with members criticizing inconsistent enforcement, lack of transparency, limited accountability, and the association’s absence from prior meetings. Members noted that LHSAA has previously argued in court that it is a private corporation, which limits the legislature’s direct authority. Despite that, the committee adopted three recommendations: a structured transfer-eligibility process allowing one one-time transfer through junior year; making the House and Senate representatives on the LHSAA executive committee voting members; and adding a governor-appointed voting member to the executive committee. The Speaker Pro Tem then presented broader policy options. The committee adopted a “Tier 2” recommendation calling for high school athletics to be managed through a cooperative endeavor agreement between the Louisiana Department of Education/BESE and a nonprofit administering organization, with legislative oversight, public-records compliance subject to privacy exceptions, audit authority, and the ability for nonpublic schools to opt in. The committee also included a “Tier 1” concept for a new state-run sanctioned athletics office under BESE, but only as a discussion item for future consideration, not as a committee recommendation. Staff was authorized to incorporate the adopted findings, recommendations, meeting details, technical corrections, and to send the final report to the House and Senate education committees and LHSAA. The meeting ended with members thanking the chair, staff, and one another, and then adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> members of the committee University of members of the committee University of Hoy<00:33:52.880><
• </c> monitoring of of these um Appropriations monitoring of of these um Appropriations to<01:05:27.279
• And if you think of that energy as a factor of the cost of energy today, it's about a 30 to 4 million
• </c><01:16:54.600><c> business</c> course of the history of the business course of the history of the
• that have tried to take advantage of this tax credit and then some of the numbers within some of the

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• to the Board of Trustees of the Crawford to the Board of Trustees of the Teachers'<00:08:53.640><c>
• of Kentucky Board of the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees,<00:13:46.640><c> Senator</c><00:13
• He and his family, he loves the horses, very interested in a lot of different things.
• 00:53:33.120><c> different</c> very interested in a lot of different very interested in a lot of different
• </c> of the separate branches of government. of the separate branches of government.

Transcript Highlights:

• ON OGS OUR DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES BY BANKING INSURANCE.
• SENATORS AT THIS BILL SAVES REPEALED PUBLIC EXEMPTION CERTAIN INFORMATION HELD BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL
• THE EXEMPTION IS NECESSARY TO PREVENT THE RELEASE OF INFORMATION AND MAY SUBJECT INDIVIDUALS FOR FINANCIAL
• AMERICA 250 AND CELEBRATION OF THE 250th ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
• TAKING OF.