Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> improves</c> Foster care also directly improves Foster care also directly improves welfare<01:07
• With vet care in the care of the rescue.
• I just wanted to take care of the ferrets. All right. Yeah, we'll take care of the ferrets.
• I just wanted to take care of the ferrets. All right. Yeah, we'll take care of the ferrets.
• I just wanted to take care of the ferrets. All right. Yeah, we'll take care of the ferrets.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Or outside of our neighboring aquifer, may not care about us.
• We want to take care of our constituents. We took two point.
• Annually, that's direct payments to chicken growers.
• about property lines. doesn't care about political boundaries.
• I care a lot about our country. I care a lot about our state. I am a Texan.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the current standard of care and practice is, and to what degree health care providers can exercise
• of care and practice is, and to what degree health care providers can exercise professional judgment
• the current standard of care and practice is, and to what degree health care providers can exercise
• the current standard of care and practice is, and to what degree health care providers can exercise
• </c> Relief, and Economic Security or CARES Relief, and Economic Security or CARES Act.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

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:

• So I want to be real careful in how we use that because I'm saying again, and I apologize for misquoting
• ,... ...careful in how we use that because I'm saying again, and I apologize for misquoting.
• Representative McCane, would you care to vote? Members wishing to vote or change your vote.
• We could take that $20 million savings and put it in health care or mental health or anywhere else.
• Here's a direct way that we can do that. It's not coming to a cost to the state.

Committee: House A&B Education Subcommittee

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the basic things we have done is we have told the military, we don't care what you think.
• We told it to the firemen, we don't care what you think.
• Your preference is, we don't care what your preference is.
• And this isn't directed at you. It's more about the party.
• And this isn't directed at you. It's more about the party. I wanted to express to you.

Committee: House Elections

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But it is a step in the right direction and a dignified choice. Choice.
• I care deeply about a lot of the work that I do in the county, which deals with day support services,
• That industry is moving in the right direction.
• This is one bill that gets us moving in that direction.
• Member has cancer, they have the ability to be with that family member to provide that care.

Transcript Highlights:

• So anything that was read has already been taken care of.
• So anything that was read has already been taken care of as far as her inter-settlement agreement.
• I think we're all rowing in the right direction.
• I think we're all rowing in the right direction.
• So if it's okay with Chairman Lent, I mean, I'm fine moving that direction as well.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bills 1371 and 1372, which were described as measures to improve student safety by requiring more consistent disclosure and sharing of personnel information across educational entities, including public, charter, private, and micro schools. Senator Nichols said the bills would help ensure that allegations of misconduct, resignations during investigations, disciplinary actions, and other relevant employment history are not kept internal but are disclosed during hiring, and that cases involving covered individuals would be referred to the Idaho Professional Standards Commission. The State Superintendent said the department shared the goal of stronger mandatory reporting and hiring safeguards, and noted ongoing work with the Attorney General’s office and school attorneys to refine the language and align it with existing law and ethics training. Several committee members questioned how the proposal differed from current background checks and mandatory reporting laws, whether it would affect out-of-state applicants, and how it would apply to private schools and micro schools. Nichols said the bills were intended to fill gaps where information is not reported or transferred, and that the language would be adjusted to request records from prior employers over the last 10 years without automatically disqualifying applicants if information is unavailable. He also said the whistleblower language from SB 1372 would likely be folded into SB 1371 so the issues could be handled in one bill. The superintendent added that the department is also working on reinforcing the code of ethics and mandatory reporting expectations for educators. Testimony included statements from a friend reading a written statement for Dr. Laura Bolton, who said she had reported misconduct in the Boise School District and faced retaliation; the chair stopped that testimony when it touched on allegations tied to a current or previously settled case. Kathy Wilson testified that her son was assaulted in a Boise school restroom and said the district failed to report properly, while Tori Dole described retaliation after she reported concerns about a registered sex offender connected to a Boise school. After discussion, Senator Woodward moved to hold both bills in committee, and the motion passed unanimously, with the chair saying the committee would bring the bills back once the language was ready.

Transcript Highlights:

• AS STATED IN FLORIDA STATUTES THE DEPARTMENT IS DIRECTED TO A MINISTER GRANT SUBJECTED TO LEGISLATIVE
• >> IF DIRECTED WE ARE HAPPY TO ENGAGE IN THE RULEMAKING PROCESS.
• THIS IS SADLY A WHOLE NEW DIMENSION OF CARE HAVING TO PROVIDE THIS KIND OF CARE FOR SURVIVORS.
• THE DIRECTION ALSO SERVES AS THE CHIEF JUDGE OF DOA.
• DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES WHICH PROVIDES ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT AND SERVICES BUT DOES NOT DIRECT

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate you taking care of that piece of business. Some of you, like Rep.
• </c><00:37:17.400><c> towards</c><00:37:18.000><c> the</c> increase is directed towards the increase
• is directed towards the transportation<00:37:18.760><c> advancement</c><00:37:19.319><c> account</c><
• For a long time, Minnesota small cities received no direct support for their transportation needs.
• unit to receive no direct government unit to receive no direct support<01:03:19.640><c> for</c><01:03

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So what this bill does, right, is it directs our schools to have parameters around bell-to-bell, cell
• So your bill is directed at middle school and high schools, okay?
• So your bill is directed at middle school and high schools, okay?
• Students are being pulled in all different directions, which is why they require structure, guidance,
• Millions of responsible gun owners nationwide exercise great care when storing their firearms, yet it

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened a public hearing on 41 bills related to school climate and safety, with chairs Jason Lewis and Ken Gordon outlining procedures and noting more than 125 witnesses. The first major topic was the “Study Act” on cell phones in schools and related social media restrictions (House 666/Senate 335). Secretary of Education Pat Tutwiler and Attorney General Andrea Campbell testified in strong support, arguing that bell-to-bell phone-free policies would improve student focus, reduce anxiety and distraction, and support mental health. Several legislators also supported the approach, though Representative Jeff Turco and Senator John Keenan emphasized narrower bills focused only on school-day phone restrictions rather than broader social media regulation. Senator John Velis likewise backed a comprehensive school-hours restriction, citing student distraction and mental health concerns. Representative Tarsky described successful implementation of a Yondr pouch system in a school where he served as principal, saying it improved engagement and reduced bullying and discipline issues. The committee then heard testimony on a bill to prohibit Native American mascots in public schools (Senate 312/House 575). Senator Joe Comerford, Brittany Wally, and Rhonda Anderson all urged passage, saying Native mascots are dehumanizing, harmful to Native youth, and inconsistent with civil rights and educational values. They described support from tribal nations and noted that many Massachusetts schools have already changed mascots, but some still resist. The hearing also included testimony on school start times (House 647/Senate 360), where middle school students Caroline Duffy and Emery Jarvis described exhaustion and survey data showing widespread sleep deprivation. Former educator Telia Jacobs, former principal Rep. Tarsky, and others argued that later start times would improve health, learning, and student well-being, while acknowledging transportation and scheduling challenges. Zoriana Petrosian, who helped write one of the bills as a student, said the state already has enough research to act now. Additional bills drew testimony on related school issues. Dr. Raul Fernandez supported a bill promoting racially integrated schools (Senate 324), citing a recent advisory council report showing large disparities in segregated schools and urging DESE to develop a statewide integration strategy. On safe firearm storage education (House 548/Senate 397), multiple witnesses from Grassroots for Gun Violence Prevention and school communities supported annual school-based education about secure storage, saying it would help prevent child access to unsecured firearms and build on local resolutions already adopted in some districts. The committee also heard testimony on bills to expand career and academic plans (House 533/Senate 438), with speakers saying more structured planning would help students make informed college and career choices. Later, testimony on child sexual abuse prevention and survivor support bills described the prevalence of abuse, the need for training in schools and youth-serving organizations, and the importance of extending compensation and prevention measures. Throughout the hearing, chairs repeatedly closed bills with no witnesses and moved the agenda forward, but no votes were taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Has designed its strategic direction, defined requirements through policies, standards, and procedures
• We did not find very robust policies and standards that gave clear direction on what security controls
• They would be immediately eliminated because you didn't take care of some of the basics.
• of some of the basics didn't take care of some of the basics uh uh uh Osa<00:20:29.760><c> is</c><00
• </c><01:06:05.799><c> Systems</c> when we look at Health Care Systems when we look at Health Care Systems

Bills: HF1060 , HF1062

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: sports facilities, Minnesota, legislative commission, financial oversight, accountability, HF1062, driver and vehicle systems oversight committee, MNLARS, VTRS, vehicle title and registration system, driver's license system, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, MN.IT, legislative oversight, transportation finance, state government, committee repeal, sunset provision, information technology audit, vehicle registration

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 5, relating to making supplemental appropriations for disaster relief and giving direction
• So this essentially puts that in compliance with that directive.
• That when people go to shelters, they're seeking care.
• The sunset process two years ago directed T. Cole to try to find a... ...model policy.
• And health care workers. Again, I think that's what this bill is all about.

Bills: SB2 , SB3 , SB5 , SB9 , SB10 , SB14 , SB16 , SB18 , SB34 , SB6 , SB7 , SB8 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB15 , SB 2 , SB 3 , SB 5 , SB 9 , SB 10 , SB 14 , SB 16 , SB 18 , SB 34 , SB 6 , SB 7 , SB 8 , SB 11 , SB 12 , SB 13 , SB 15 , SB 17 , SB 4 , SB1 , SB2 , SB3 , SB5 , SB9 , SB10 , SB14 , SB16 , SB18 , SB34 , SB6 , SB7 , SB8 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB15 , SB17 , SB4

Keywords: flooding, public safety, outdoor warning sirens, disaster preparedness, emergency response, flood warning, outdoor sirens, local government, safety measures, flood management, emergency preparedness, municipal safety, disaster response, disaster relief, emergency funding, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, hemp regulation, consumable products

Transcript Highlights:

• I know they were aware that that occurred, and they still had some additional concerns, but I directed
• </c><00:16:38.320><c> them</c> additional concerns, but I directed them additional concerns, but I directed
• Maybe give some better highlighting and direction. Representative W.
• . direction. direction.
• Call to the direct—” “Sure. Can I just make one point?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee organized itself by electing Representative Griffin as chair and a senator as vice chair, then approved the prior meeting minutes. Director Young then gave status updates on several ongoing performance audits. The New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights audit was reported complete, with presentations already made to the fiscal committee and House Judiciary. The special education oversight audit is still in progress, with 17 observations already sent to the department, responses received on 14, partial concurrence on 12, and a full draft report expected in late summer or early fall. The education freedom accounts audit is also underway, with fieldwork focused on eligibility controls and expenses; staffing shortages at the department have slowed the work, and a draft report is hoped for in the fall. The Doorway program audit is in the planning phase, with a report targeted for the end of the year. Members then discussed whether the committee should do more follow-up on completed audits. Several members said audits often identify issues that remain unresolved for years, and suggested a more active review process, similar to the Health and Human Services Oversight Committee, where agencies would return to report on what audit findings have been fixed and what remains outstanding. Staff noted that any such follow-up would take time away from new audit work, but said they were willing to consider the committee’s direction. Members also discussed using Transparency New Hampshire updates and agency self-reporting to help track progress, and there was general agreement to move toward a system of periodic follow-up on recent audits. The committee also reviewed suspended and potential audit topics. Two Department of Health and Human Services audits, involving the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services and out-of-date placements, remain suspended because of ongoing litigation. Two other DHS topics, contract management and the Bureau of Developmental Services, remain on the potential audit list. A member raised a possible Fish and Game topic based on constituent concerns, but agreed to wait after speaking with the new director. The committee concluded by agreeing that the audit division should compile a list of audits completed in the last 10 years, with members to identify which ones they want to revisit first.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Nichols has already taken care of the most obvious one, but we are still kind of in dialogue.
• If unrecoverable and claiming owner fault, they would now have a direct cause of action under statute
• It limits the damages to the direct damages caused.
• This bill will create the Texas Grid Security Commission under the direction of the Texas Department
• It's a big job to take care of all the threats that come at us, and we ought to focus on all of them.

Bills: SB75 , SB715 , SB776 , SB1299 , SB1405 , SB1968 , SB2021 , SB2077 , SB2148 , SB2321 , SB2330 , SB2411

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:30.000><c> either</c><00:10:30.279><c> through</c><00:10:30.480><c> a</c><00:10:30.640><c> direct
• </c> latest version either through a direct latest version either through a direct adoption<00:10:31.320
• air capture which are both and direct air capture which are both included<00:27:08.279><c> in</c><00
• It has not been put into language yet, but we are on the cusp of taking care of this well enough to get
• of this well the cusp of taking care of this well enough<00:36:47.440><c> to</c><00:36:47.560><c> get

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead, the people who care for them.
• </c> go the wrong direction here? go the wrong direction here?
• </c><01:21:19.920><c> Every</c> costs without direct aid. Every costs without direct aid.
• </c><01:25:52.000><c> and</c> This funding would have a direct and This funding would have a direct and
• I appreciate the direction of this legislation.

Bills: HF3492 , HF3493 , HF3494 , HF3495 , HF3602

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: school safety, grants, education funding, Northern Lights Express, security improvements, rural schools, safe schools, charter schools, nonpublic schools, Tribal education, funding increase, safe schools aid, school security, mental health support, Tribal schools, cybersecurity, funding, mental health, evidence-based plans, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that a direct reflection of the interoperability?
• It directed the legislature in Senate Bill 7. directed the Texas Water Development Board to develop a
• I just want to ask, through folks, did the Texas Water Development Board have any direct activity, direct
• You can set it to a certain point where... or I don't care if it comes up two feet, I care if it comes
• channels, and the direct channels are range-limited.

Keywords: flooding, emergency response, communication systems, first responders, disaster management, Texas Water Development Board, regional planning, public safety

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on discussions around the recent floods in Texas, specifically addressing emergency preparedness, response coordination, and recovery efforts. Officials from various agencies provided testimonies on the challenges faced during the emergency, including issues with communication systems among first responders. Notably, the need for improved inter-agency communication and technology integration was emphasized, with recommendations for establishing regional communications units for better coordination during disasters. The audience included local government representatives and emergency management partners, who shared insights and experiences from the recent flooding events.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll start with you, and we'll move this direction.
• So, there's nobody out there working that doesn't care.
• Does the Texas Water Development Board have any direct activity or direct role in this, in the pre-flood
• You can set it to a certain point where I don't care if it comes up two feet; I care if it comes up ten
• There are also direct channels, and the direct channels are range-limited. Right?

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Why should you care about this negative trend and work with us to reverse it?
• Why should you care about this negative trend and work with us to reverse it?
• Why should you care about this negative trend and work with us to reverse it?
• Cost of living, accessible housing, child care, and tax competitiveness.
• </c> environment does have a direct impact. environment does have a direct impact.

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

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• and straining our health care system.
• and straining our health care system.
• and straining our health care system.
• and straining our health care system.
• and straining our health care system.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs met on February 19, 2025, and first heard House Bill 150, which would prohibit lending a firearm to someone who does not have a firearm permit or a registered firearm. The Department of Law Enforcement and the Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, though HPD said enforcing any time limit on a loaned firearm would be difficult. Several members of the public opposed the measure, arguing it would interfere with lawful lending for hunting, competitions, training, military-related use, and family situations, and could create unintended criminal liability. One supporter said the bill would strengthen gun safety and encourage more responsible ownership. No vote was taken during the testimony portion described. The committee then heard House Bill 186, which would make harassment by stalking a class C felony. The Office of the Public Defender requested deferral, arguing the bill would remove a misdemeanor option that can help deter escalation and could be unnecessarily severe and burdensome. Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying stalking can be a precursor to more serious violence. The Hawaiʻi State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney raised concerns about how the new felony would fit within the existing grading scheme, noting that aggravated harassment by stalking and first-degree terroristic threatening are already class C felonies. April Bautista testified in strong support, describing her own experience with domestic violence and stalking and urging passage of the bill. Committee members discussed whether other penalty structures might be possible, but no final action was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard House Bill 991, which would delete the term “agent of the contractor” from criminal history record check provisions to comply with FBI requirements. The Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center supported the bill with comments, explaining that the FBI had found the term too broad for fingerprint-based background checks tied to access to federal tax information. In addition, House Bill 995 was introduced, changing deadlines for annual firearms carry reporting; the Department of the Attorney General supported it, saying the revised deadlines would allow a more complete report, and HPD was also heard on the measure. The transcript ends before any votes or final committee actions on these bills.