Transcript Highlights:

• the departments could start to fall forward and look at all of their facilities and do a needs assessment
• </c><00:23:46.159><c> do</c><00:23:46.320><c> a</c><00:23:46.480><c> needs</c><00:23:46.799><c> assessment
• </c><00:23:47.760><c> and</c> state actually do a needs assessment and state actually do a needs assessment
• </c><00:24:16.400><c> along</c><00:24:16.720><c> with</c><00:24:16.960><c> a</c> do a needs assessment
• along with a do a needs assessment along with a matrix<00:24:17.760><c> of</c><00:24:18.520><c> highused

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard STR 73 SD1, which requests the Office of Wellness and Resilience to develop a report on the developmental needs of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office of Wellness and Resilience testified in support, saying it was eager to work with local researchers on evidence-based, community-informed recommendations. Support also came from a Zoom testifier, the Department of Education, and the Hawaii Community Foundation. The testifier emphasized the need for trauma-informed supports for children who were ages zero to five during COVID, especially in communities also affected by the Kilauea eruption and the Maui wildfires. Members discussed the long-term impacts of the pandemic and natural disasters on children, and one member said they would support the measure but vote with reservations because they wanted the phrase “climate crisis” changed to “natural disasters.” The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass the resolution as is, with some members noting reservations. The committee then took up SCR 239 SD1, which asks DAGS, DLNR, and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation to provide universal changing accommodations in state and county facilities and parks. DAGS submitted comments, DLNR State Parks testified that it supported the intent but raised concerns about the cost and feasibility of retrofitting existing facilities, noting it has 73 comfort stations statewide, ongoing vandalism and maintenance issues, and possible ADA space conflicts. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Hawaii Disability Rights Center supported the measure, with testimony stressing that accessible changing facilities are important for independence and equity for people with disabilities. In response to questions, DLNR said it had not received complaints about the lack of such infrastructure and that any future installations should be considered in new designs rather than existing facilities. After discussion, the chair moved to defer the resolution, citing budget and implementation concerns and suggesting the issue be revisited in the future with a revised approach and possible needs assessment. The committee agreed to defer SCR 239 SD1 and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:19:37.600><c> on</c> With over 266 million in assessments on With over 266 million in assessments
• </c><01:19:58.440><c> also</c> should reinsurance assessments also should reinsurance assessments also
• </c> dates and just letting this assessment dates and just letting this assessment continue<01:27:43.840
• assessment assessment um um um as<01:29:29.680><c> an</c><01:29:29.800><c> ongoing</c><01:29:30.640>
• </c> considerations of future assessments considerations of future assessments will<01:32:39.600><c>

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for that additional assessment are 0.5%, 10%, and 14%.
• </c> the UI tax rate an additional assessment the UI tax rate an additional assessment is<00:09:04.200
• In 2025, the base rate is 4% with a 5% additional assessment.
• DOL has to assess program performance over the country.
• DOL used to assess program performance.

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Commerce technical changes and also intends to align some existing program with federal practices
• We call it often just a community of practice, wanting to get experts together to make sure that we're
• , wanting to get experts practice, wanting to get experts together<00:04:37.480><c> to</c><00:04:37.600
• So, not to take away having to do assessments, not to take away any of the actual work in making sure
• So, not to take away having to do assessments, not to take away any of the actual work in making sure

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and then you look to doing an assessment and then you look to doing an assessment<00:53:32.559><c> in
• </c> the the assessing the the assessing um<01:03:39.240><c> world</c><01:03:39.839><c> or</c><01:03:
• The standards for how the assessments should be performed are done through the Assessing Standards Board
• 05:13.960><c> that</c> yes um assessing the Dr monitors that yes um assessing the Dr monitors that the
• the assess performed are done through the assess Standards<01:05:26.440><c> Board</c><01:05:27.160><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee meeting began with an overview from the Legislative Budget Assistant Office on how Ways and Means will work with agencies and leadership during the budget and revenue-estimating process. Staff explained that the governor’s budget is still being developed, agencies are cautious about going on record early, and the committee will use worksheets and updated fiscal reports to track estimates. The presentation emphasized that the fiscal year 2025 budget status is a point-in-time snapshot and remains fluid because the annual comprehensive financial report has been delayed, which could change the beginning balances for both the general fund and education trust fund. The budget update highlighted that the general fund is currently stronger than originally assumed, while the education trust fund is weaker. The speaker said the general fund began FY25 with a much larger balance than expected, while the education trust fund came in lower due to higher-than-budgeted adequacy spending and weaker business tax performance. Revenue trends showed the general fund slightly ahead year to date, but the education trust fund down significantly. The committee also discussed unbudgeted appropriations, including attorney general litigation, legal settlements, abandoned property claims, adequacy true-ups, and education freedom accounts, as well as the role of lapses and off-budget items in the final balance. Members asked about the delayed liquor commission audit and whether it could affect revenue forecasts. Staff said the delay was mainly caused by the commission’s switch in point-of-sale systems and staffing losses, but did not expect major ongoing reporting issues. They also noted that liquor fund variances are more likely tied to Medicaid expansion costs than to commission operations. The governor’s office was said to be working on possible budget reductions, but no January request to the fiscal committee was expected. Commissioner Lindsay Stepp of the Department of Revenue Administration then presented an overview of state revenue sources, focusing first on the meals and rentals tax. She explained that DRA administers 14 taxes that account for most state revenue, and that meals and rentals tax growth has slowed after strong post-pandemic gains. She described factors affecting the tax, including employment, inflation, fuel and food prices, wages, and weather, and noted that online platforms like Airbnb have improved compliance by collecting and remitting tax on behalf of hosts. Members asked about short-term rental compliance and how DRA identifies unlicensed rentals; Stepp said referrals, anonymous tips, and platform data help enforcement.

Transcript Highlights:

• They have an archaeology team, and they've done... ...assessments using ground-penetrating radar of a
• And I'm wondering, is your assessment that the west side is not a problem based on a regular session,
• We requested a well-executed assessment that looks beyond surface-level damage. It's systematic.
• This assessment will pair with the state facility maintenance fund that is managed by OMB.
• The current FCA effort will assess 209 facilities covering approximately 4.5 million square feet.

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes before hearing a series of informational updates. The Petroleum Council reported that North Dakota oil production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with activity shifting northward in the Bakken as technology improves and three- and four-mile laterals boost well performance. The presentation also discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, the importance of pipelines and other linear infrastructure, and enhanced oil recovery pilot projects supported by state and federal funding. Members asked questions about gas production taxes, natural gas liquids, and the outlook for drilling rigs and future production. The Office of State Tax Commissioner then reviewed the federal “big beautiful bill” and its estimated effect on North Dakota individual and business income tax collections. Staff explained that most of the individual income tax impact comes from the permanent increase in the standard deduction, while temporary provisions such as senior deductions, tip and overtime exclusions, and auto loan interest deductions have smaller or limited-term effects. They also noted that business tax changes, especially depreciation and expensing provisions, create a larger near-term cash impact, and that some FY25 collections likely reflected one-time oil field transactions that may have inflated the baseline used in earlier estimates. OMB provided updates on major capital projects and facility funding. For Capitol grounds improvements, officials described plans for 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding upgrades, public seating, lighting, tree management, and possible restroom and lobby reconfiguration, while also noting the governor’s residence security project and the discovery of human remains on the Capitol grounds. OMB and its consultants also reported on the state facility maintenance fund, including window replacement, boiler work, roof and foundation repairs, and a new facility conditions assessment covering more state buildings. Updates were also given on the new state hospital in Jamestown, the Minot state office building, and the use of federal state fiscal recovery funds, including possible future reallocations to the Department of Corrections. Finally, Legislative Council staff summarized the interim compliance report on legislative intent and trust fund activity, highlighting the status of lines of credit, Bank of North Dakota profit transfers, the statewide litigation pool, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, corrections planning, HHS program updates, and a likely future general fund request for the unemployment insurance modernization project. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes; the meeting was primarily informational, with members asking clarifying questions throughout.

Transcript Highlights:

• under construction, one project in design, and nine projects that have initial site visits and assessments
• </c><00:07:18.639><c> by</c> initial site visits and assessments by initial site visits and assessments
• </c> assessments by the consultants. assessments by the consultants.
• Assessments are being made on the current marina.
• Part of this assessment requires divers to perform underwater inspections of the marina structure.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Protection received a detailed update from Kentucky State Parks Commissioner Meyer on capital projects funded through HJR 76, HJR 56, and House Bill 6. He said the department is making steady progress on a large portfolio of park improvements, with regular quarterly reporting to the legislature and ongoing coordination with the Finance Cabinet, the Energy and Environment Cabinet, the Commonwealth Office of Technology, and local utilities and governments. He emphasized that ADA accessibility is a priority across projects and noted that many completed items, including campground bathhouse renovations, broadband upgrades, life safety improvements, playground replacements, and some furniture and mattress upgrades, are already drawing positive feedback. The presentation focused heavily on campground, utility, and infrastructure work. Meyer described $40 million in campground upgrades split between western and eastern Kentucky, including projects at Ken Lake, Carter Caves, My Old Kentucky Home, Cumberland Falls, and others. He also outlined $20 million in utility improvements, including a federal matching grant for grid resiliency at Ken Lake and Kentucky Dam Village, plus wastewater and electrical infrastructure work at parks such as Dale Hollow, Blue Licks, Natural Bridge, and Cumberland Falls. Additional categories included building systems, life safety, structural repairs, accommodations and hospitality upgrades, pool and beach work, dam safety, playgrounds, and golf course improvements. Members asked about the status of Lake Barkley utilities, the possibility of transferring upgraded utility infrastructure to local providers after repairs, and how park repair priorities are set. Meyer said park managers report issues through regional directors and that projects are prioritized through a running capital list, similar to a long-range transportation plan. He said the department has already spent the current $20 million allocation and is requesting $40 million in the next budget cycle, adding that the department believes it could spend and complete projects if that amount is appropriated. The commissioner also said the department is managing 284 additional capital projects outside the main funding streams, totaling nearly $70 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> antiquated and traumatic practice. antiquated and traumatic practice.
• </c> the practice. the practice.
• Thank you." on the practice of seclusion itself. on the practice of seclusion itself.
• . practice. practice.
• </c> us to end this practice. Thank you." us to end this practice. Thank you."

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It specifies that the limitation on assessed value in an increment area adjusted by the Consumer Price
• To implement the tourism self-assessment program, the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority is going
• to be required to adopt rules and then impose assessments on businesses.
• The amendment prohibits the rules and the assessments from applying to a tribe or a business or a person
• , continuation of assessments, or taxes.

Summary: House Finance held a bill briefing and executive session on a large set of tax and revenue measures, with staff outlining proposed substitutes and amendments for bills affecting grocery store incentives, insurance premium/B&O tax treatment, tobacco taxes, financial institutions, lodging taxes, fire district levy rules, local tax increment financing, limited equity cooperatives, tourism assessments, and sustainable aviation fuel credits. Members also heard brief summaries of bills on nonprofit assembly hall property tax exemptions and a city levy adjustment related to fire protection districts. Two bills scheduled for public hearing were not reached and may be rescheduled after House of Origin cutoff. In executive session, the committee adopted or rejected several amendments before voting bills out. HB 2297 on grocery stores in underserved communities advanced after the committee rejected an amendment to remove the property tax exemption; the bill was reported out 9-5-1. HB 2487 on insurance tax treatment advanced after the committee rejected an amendment to remove retroactivity and clarify annuity treatment; it was reported out 8-6-1. HB 2382, which raises cigarette and other tobacco taxes and changes tobacco tax structures, adopted amendments redirecting some revenue to health accounts, excluding nicotine-free vapor products, and restoring current-law treatment for modified-risk tobacco products before passing 8-6-1. HB 2451 on tax increment financing, HB 2590 on limited equity cooperatives, HB 2325 on a tourism self-supported assessment program with a tribal opt-in amendment, HB 2278 extending a lodging tax charge, HB 2224 adjusting levy rules for fire protection districts, and HB 2322 on sustainable aviation fuel tax credits all advanced, with some by voice vote. During debate, supporters generally framed the bills as targeted incentives or clarifications to support food access, wildfire mitigation, tourism promotion, housing affordability, or clean fuel investment, while opponents raised concerns about tax shifts, affordability, retroactivity, and whether dedicated revenues should instead come from the general fund. Several members noted that some measures still needed further work before floor action, especially HB 2487 and HB 2382. The committee adjourned after reporting the listed bills out with due pass recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• transparency, and lastly, the bill clarifies school district responsibilities for administering assessments
• SB 320 removes unnecessary district requirements across assessments, personnel, facilities, and budgeting
• It improves assessments and accountability processes by simplifying local testing calendars, specifying
• SB 320 removes unnecessary district requirements across assessments, personnel, facilities, and budgeting
• 10-year renewable professional certificate and streamlines teacher salary supplements, improves assessments

Committee: Senate Education Pre-K - 12

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and first took up SB 124, which updates Florida Virtual School statutes to remove outdated language, clarify governance and funding provisions, authorize a direct support organization, streamline reporting, and clarify district responsibilities for student assessments. Senator Berman asked about the removed enrollment prioritization and reporting changes, and the bill sponsor explained that the reporting was largely duplicative of existing audits and other reports. Florida Virtual School’s representative testified in support, saying the school is open to all students statewide with no enrollment caps or waiting lists. SB 124 was reported favorably by a unanimous roll call vote. The committee then considered confirmation appointments in tabs 3 and 4 and recommended confirmation of all appointees on a single favorable vote. After that, the committee heard SB 320 on administrative efficiency in public schools, which would reduce district mandates, expand teacher apprenticeship and multi-year contracts, create a 10-year renewable professional certificate, simplify testing and accountability rules, increase flexibility for district finances and facilities planning, and shift oversight of district-run VPK programs to school districts. Senators Gaetz and Berman questioned the impact on charter school funding, capital dollars, teacher contracts, and how the bill differed from last year’s version. The sponsor said charter schools would retain access to operational funds, the bill does not eliminate annual audits, and the main substantive change from last year was the multi-year teacher contract provision. Several organizations and district representatives waived in support of SB 320, while Florida Citizens Alliance testified in information, praising some testing and licensure changes but suggesting a cap on multi-year contracts and outside auditing safeguards. The sponsor closed by emphasizing that districts would still be subject to annual audits and that the bill is intended to give schools more flexibility and reduce bureaucracy. SB 320 was reported favorably on a roll call vote, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And they even practice this.
• I've And and they even practice this.
• </c> and supervised driving practice. and supervised driving practice.
• </c> like the practical? like the practical?
• That's not common practice, practice, practice, not<04:25:40.880><c> just</c><04:25:41.040><c> for</c

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and spending and heard from practices, and spending and heard from many<00:11:09.279><c> key</c><00
• This practice is directly harming providers, staff, and the families they serve.
• to align with this common sense practice to align with federal<00:49:44.319><c> law.
• House Bill 776, Representative Derek Lewis, an act relating to the practice of dentistry.
• </c> Lewis, an act relating to the practice Lewis, an act relating to the practice of<01:56:19.440><c

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Between 2016 and 2025, there has been a 45 percent cut in workers' comp assessments to our employers,
• Using the assessment to fund an amendment fraud system is where we should go.
• Related to those workers' comp assessments is also the occupational clinic health network.
• It was paid through the workers' comp assessment program.
• Once again, utilizing workers' comp assessments, which have been going down year in and year out.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Human Services and Labor budget hearing opened with Senate and Assembly co-chairs introducing members and naming secretaries for the record. The agencies covered included Human Services, Labor, Temporary and Disability Assistance, Children and Family Services, Veterans Services, Human Rights, Workers’ Compensation, the Welfare Inspector General, and the Public Employment Relations Board. Members then gave brief statements on their priorities for the upcoming budget negotiations. A major theme was affordability, with repeated discussion of child care, SNAP, housing, and worker supports. Senators and Assembly members highlighted the Senate and Assembly one-house proposals for a $500 million child care worker retention grant program, additional child care slots and subsidies, cost-of-living adjustments for human services workers, and expanded support for supportive housing, youth employment, HEAP, and energy affordability. Several members also emphasized food insecurity and SNAP-related issues, including funding to address payment errors, prevent penalties, expand SNAP education, and respond to expected federal changes. Labor-related issues included workers’ compensation fraud, wage theft enforcement, workplace violence, temporary disability insurance reform, and the creation of dedicated enforcement funding for the Department of Labor. Some members supported using workers’ compensation assessments or insurance-company-related funding to pay for anti-fraud efforts, while others preferred grants to district attorneys or broader DOL enforcement. There was also discussion of occupational health clinics, labor standards in any SEQRA changes, and expanding access to doctors in the workers’ compensation system. Veterans, child care, and public assistance fraud prevention were also discussed, including funding for veterans legal defense and mental health services, microchip/secure EBT cards to reduce skimming, and restoring or protecting various programs. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with the chairs stating that the Senate, Assembly, and Executive would continue negotiations toward a final budget.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, this year our tax assessment was roughly $7,500. town of Oby.
• </c> Okay, this year our uh tax assessment Okay, this year our uh tax assessment was<02:52:14.560><c>
• </c> they're no longer going to be assessed they're no longer going to be assessed for<02:59:21.439><
• In Warner, in 2020, a mobile home in a park was assessed for $13,100.
• And so in 2025, the same mobile home with the same owner was assessed for $58,000.

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now it is still allowed in this country to practice those constitutional rights.
• country to practice those constitutional rights. rights. rights.
• Having said that, you need to assess the bill and what's in it.
• Having said that, you need to assess the bill and what's in it.
• Having said that, you need<02:12:40.840><c> to</c><02:12:40.960><c> assess</c><02:12:41.320><c> the</

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Two have been awarded contracts, and four have had initial site visits and assessments by the consultants
• </c><00:09:16.720><c> by</c><00:09:16.959><c> the</c> visits and assessments by the visits and assessments
• A consultant assessed<00:20:24.640><c> all</c><00:20:24.880><c> state</c><00:20:25.200><c> parks</c><
• 00:20:25.919><c> pools</c><00:20:26.400><c> and</c> assessed all state parks pools and assessed all state
• Part of the assessment for been awarded.

Keywords: 00:02 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:44 Approval of Minutes 01:56 Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet 54:59 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy received an update from Kentucky State Parks and the Finance Cabinet on the status of major capital projects funded through recent legislative appropriations. Commissioner Mark Keelin, Deputy Commissioner Chris Perry, and Finance Cabinet/DECA representatives described progress on campground upgrades, utility and broadband improvements, building systems repairs, life-safety work, accommodations and hospitality renovations, pool and beach projects, playgrounds, golf course improvements, marina work, and wastewater upgrades across the state park system. They emphasized that Kentucky has 44 state parks and that the funding has supported completed work and projects still under construction or in design. The presentation highlighted funding tied to House Joint Resolution 76, House Joint Resolution 56, and House Bill 6. Parks reported roughly $72 million invested to date, with 66 projects completed and 17 under construction, including campground renovations at sites such as My Old Kentucky Home, Kin Lake, Carter Caves, Cumberland Falls, and others; broadband projects at several campgrounds; electrical grid resilience work at parks including Kentucky Dam Village and Kin Lake; and completed life-safety upgrades such as lock systems. Officials also noted pool and beach work, ADA improvements, lodge and guest room renovations, marina replacements, and wastewater plant upgrades. DECA said it currently manages 1,335 active capital projects statewide, including 149 for Parks, and credited additional project management capacity and regular coordination meetings for accelerating delivery. Committee members asked for a copy of the presentation and pressed the department for more detailed accounting of House Joint Resolution 56, including how much money remains, which projects are complete, and whether current appropriations are sufficient to finish the listed work. The department also requested a larger maintenance pool appropriation of $40 million for the next budget, arguing that routine and emergency maintenance needs across 44 parks exceed current resources and that preventative maintenance would reduce long-term costs. No votes were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• lightly as we can regulate business as lightly as we as<00:34:10.960><c> is</c><00:34:11.639><c> practical
• governor originally decided and what the bill originally was, which was simply to end this whole practice
• governor originally decided and what the bill originally was, which was simply to end this whole practice
• this basically requires all schools, charter schools, public schools, to use the Department State Assessment
• this basically requires all schools, charter schools, public schools, to use the Department State Assessment

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee met to review Division One of a very large budget package, with the chair explaining that the budget was being analyzed in three divisions over multiple days. Members first discussed procedure, including when amendments and line-item votes would be taken, and agreed to proceed with the division’s presentation before questions. Representative Maguire then outlined the division’s approach as a series of tradeoffs to close a large budget gap, emphasizing cuts, some revenue changes, and a focus on overall spending levels as well as individual reductions. The presentation covered a wide range of agencies and policy areas. Major proposed changes included cuts or eliminations to several boards and commissions viewed as costly or duplicative, such as the Housing Appeals Board, Board of Tax and Land Appeals, Human Rights Commission, Commission on Aging, Office of the Child Advocate, and the Personnel Appeals Board, with some functions consolidated into other boards. The division also proposed back-of-the-budget cuts to the Information Technology Department, Judicial Branch, Justice Department, Retirement System, Corrections, and Environmental Services, along with fee increases in several areas. Other notable items included ending marketing for Paid Family Leave, reducing job advertising and tourism promotion, defunding the Arts Council, moving liquor enforcement functions out of the Liquor Commission, and shifting some funds such as the College Savings Commission money to Division Two. Several members questioned specific cuts, especially the elimination of the Council on Aging, the reduction in regional planning commission grants, and the large cut to tourism advertising. Maguire defended the choices as necessary budget tradeoffs, arguing that some programs duplicated work done elsewhere, that regional planning grants were not among the most essential items, and that tourism promotion was a form of spending he viewed skeptically. He also explained that the public defender’s budget was partially restored after a credible claim of a governor’s budget error, and that the committee would continue refining corrections-related cuts because the House was only halfway through the budget process and further changes could still occur in the Senate and conference committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, as originally written, HB 923 states that the panel may not change the scope of practice.
• There's a lot of people not practicing the law.
• Bookstaff and I used to practice together.
• HB 32 in practical effect, likely removes a whole lot of those protections.
• Practice compassion, not retribution. Any questions for Molly? OK.

Bills: HB15 , HB171 , HB204

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: flood risk, campground, safety regulations, civil penalty, guest safety, Harris County, flood control, governance, expansion, public health, local governance, environmental management

Transcript Highlights:

• So House Bill 1928 is looking to amend that, so the joint venture, the trade practice, to be avoided,
• I have a question about the practical implication of the bill, and you can maybe educate me about I have
• Yeah, but I'm thinking about the practical. So how will I know it's 25 feet?
• You're a practical on-the-ground person and I'm just a boring lawyer.
• On the face of it, this legal practice is unjust. Second, racial bias.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with procedural remarks and acknowledgments of Rosh Hashanah, followed by testimony on several criminal justice bills before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. A major focus was S. 1061, the “Raise the Age” bill, which would gradually move 18- to 20-year-olds into the juvenile justice system. Supporters included youth and young adult advocates, former juvenile court Judge Jay Blitzman, ACLU and CPCS representatives, Roca, United Way, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, and Senator Brendan Crichton. They argued that young adults are still developmentally immature, that juvenile court services improve education and rehabilitation, and that adult-system involvement leads to higher recidivism and racial disparities. Committee members asked practical questions about how the bill would work, and witnesses explained that it would expand access to juvenile court diversion, probation, and DYS services for the covered age group. The chairs also noted a notice issue, clarifying that the hearing had been posted seven days in advance rather than the usual ten. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to revise accomplice and joint venture murder liability and sentencing. Representative Sam Montaño and Senator Liz Miranda supported the reform, arguing that current law can impose life sentences on people with limited or no knowledge of a killing and that the doctrine contributes to racial bias and disproportionate punishment. A law professor, a former defendant, and advocates from the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls described cases where people were punished far beyond their actual role and said the bill would better align charges and sentences with individual culpability. Related testimony also supported a proportionality-focused reform to reduce the harshness of joint venture sentencing. Several other public safety and criminal justice bills drew testimony. Senator Robin Kennedy supported a bill redefining strangulation in domestic violence law, saying the current “substantial pressure” standard is too vague and that strangulation is often lethal without visible injury. District Attorney Ryan and a retail business executive backed a bill on organized retail theft, saying it would give prosecutors more flexible charging options and better address coordinated theft rings. Representative Vieira and the family of Kiana Barros urged action on Kiana’s Law, which would improve restraining-order notification and enforcement after Barros’s daughter was killed after an order was not served. The hearing also included support for the HALO Act, which would create a 25-foot safety zone around first responders and penalize harassment or obstruction, and for a bill to enhance courthouse security by creating specific protections for judges and their families. No votes were taken during the hearing."} 0}]}

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a dangerous practice for the department to uphold versus autonomy, and it's taken the lives of
• And none of these violations and practices need to persist at Bridgewater, but they do because of DOC
• These violations and practices need to persist at Bridgewater, but they do because of DOC oversight.
• The deficient care and illegal practices at Bridgewater do not come cheap.
• Psychiatric hospitals were never intended to assess and restore the competency of a man who is charged

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

Keywords: 995, all

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