Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, what's the equity if these kids are getting it and these aren't? Is that fair?
• I mean, what's the equity if these kids are getting it and these aren't? Is that fair?
• I mean, what's the equity if these kids are getting it and these aren't? Is that fair?
• I mean, what's the equity if these kids are getting it and these aren't? Is that fair?

Summary: Division 3 Finance held a work session to move through five bills before noon, noting one member’s early departure and adjusting the order of bills accordingly. The first item, HB 54, would allow some alternative treatment centers in the medical cannabis system to operate for profit. Members discussed a fiscal note showing a one-time $133,000 cost, which was described as a Division 1 budget item to be handled through HB 2 rather than directly in Division 3. After discussion about keeping Division 1 informed and the distinction between retaining a bill versus funding it, the committee voted unanimously to retain HB 54 for further finance work and conversion into HB 2. The committee then took up HB 547, concerning reimbursement to counties for enhanced FMAP funds during the COVID period. The chair summarized the issue as federal enhanced Medicaid matching funds that were received by the state before authority existed to pass them through to counties, creating a disputed amount owed to counties. County representatives said the money should have gone to counties and clarified the relevant time period, while the department did not take a position. The chair proposed retaining the bill and moving it into HB 2, with discussion of a possible four-year repayment structure in equal annual installments. The committee agreed to retain the bill for continued work in the budget process. During the HB 547 discussion, members also clarified the fiscal and accounting details, including that the fiscal note had not been widely available and that some figures in the note should be treated as county revenue rather than county expenditure. Testimony explained that the enhanced FMAP increased from 50 percent to 56.2 percent, and that the state’s and counties’ shares of claims were affected by the timing of the federal change and the later state authorization. The committee emphasized that the issue was complex and budget-dependent, and that retaining the bill would allow further negotiation and incorporation into HB 2 rather than immediate final action.

Transcript Highlights:

• He understands that community empowerment begins with education and that equity must be built generation
• cyber defenses remain weakened, leaving critical infrastructure like hospitals, water systems, and energy
• hospitals, water infrastructure like hospitals, water systems,<02:34:52.960><c> and</c><02:34:53.120><c> energy
• </c><02:34:53.439><c> grids</c><02:34:53.760><c> more</c> systems, and energy grids more systems, and
• energy grids more vulnerable<02:34:54.319><c> to</c><02:34:54.479><c> attacks</c><02:34:55.120><c> from

Bills: HCR38 , HR1099 , HR1100 , HB6472 , SB723 , HR1095

Keywords: military action, war powers, Iran, foreign relations, congressional authority, terrorism, national security, military, Middle East, nuclear program, U.S. policy, sexual harassment, ethics, House of Representatives, transparency, investigation, education, tuition, territorial residents, in-state tuition

Transcript Highlights:

• , an act requiring capacity planning on the state 10-year energy strategy, having considered the same
• If I know that all this bill does is ask the Department of Energy to add a section to the state's energy
• , and if I know that this data is necessary to pursue the four pillars of New Hampshire's current energy
• The Committee on Science, Technology, and Energy, to which was referred House Resolution 35, urging the
• Members, take your seats. technology, and energy committee raised technology, and energy committee raised

Transcript Highlights:

• I really appreciate you making ...equities that have been longstanding.
• So that's the kind of stuff that we're going to be looking for, I think, in terms of equity and parity
• have been before this committee for years when it was the other way around, and we were looking for equity

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held its sixth public hearing on the Governor’s FY27 H-2 budget proposal, focused on public safety and judiciary agencies, at the Foxborough Community Center. After opening remarks and local welcomes, the committee heard testimony from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), led by Secretary Gina Kwan, who described the $1.72 billion budget as a 4% increase over FY26 and emphasized readiness, local partnerships, and support for core operations rather than expansion. She highlighted ongoing work on firearms-law implementation, State Police academy reforms, DOC’s new strategic plan, disaster response, hate-crime prevention, and planning for major 2026 events including the World Cup, Marathon, and America’s 250th anniversary. Members also raised concerns about State Police capacity, DNA backlog reporting, academy boxing/training reforms after a trooper’s death, ICE coordination, diversity in public safety leadership, the disaster relief fund, crime lab funding, reentry programming, and whether OEMS should move from DPH to EOPSS; Kwan said she would keep an open mind on some issues but was not ready to commit to an OEMS transfer. The committee then questioned EOPSS officials and the State Police colonel on several operational matters. The colonel said the academy boxing program remains suspended and likely will not return in its prior form, pending an IACP review, and that future training will likely emphasize jujitsu-style control techniques. He also said the State Police uses the civil service exam, with current advancement scores ranging from 83.72 to 98.78 for the most recent class, and acknowledged the need to improve recruitment, preparation, and diversity. On the DNA and sexual assault kit backlog, EOPSS said it supports extending the statute of limitations and is working with the courts and crime lab to identify and collect lawfully owed DNA. On disaster preparedness, officials said the new disaster relief fund is being developed with MEMA and A&F, is currently capitalized at $14 million with another $14 million expected, and should be designed to respond flexibly to different regional needs. They also said the crime lab increase is largely to cover core operations and a structural deficiency rather than expansion. Several members focused on public safety coordination and staffing. Questions from legislators from Bristol, Plymouth, Cape Cod, and elsewhere stressed the need for State Police to absorb additional forensic work if county resources shift, and to maintain strong communication with local chiefs and federal partners. Rep. Holmes pressed EOPSS on racial and gender diversity in the department and State Police; Kwan and Colonel Noble said diversity has improved but will take time to show up in senior leadership, and they pointed to internships and hiring practices as ways to broaden the pipeline. The hearing also included discussion of the World Cup security plan, with Kwan saying planning has been underway for about 18 months through 14 working groups and that current staffing and overtime resources appear sufficient for now. After EOPSS concluded, the committee recessed briefly and then began testimony from district attorneys, led by Suffolk DA Kevin Hayden, who said prosecutors are seeking a 10% budget increase to address staffing and salary pressures, especially the widening pay gap between assistant district attorneys and newly hired public defenders after recent CPCS funding increases.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's the kind of stuff that we're going to be looking for, I think, in terms of equity and parity
• So that's the kind of stuff that we're going to be looking for, I think, in terms of equity and parity
• have been before this committee for years when it was the other way around, and we were looking for equity

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• And this for us is a bit of an equity piece. So once someone... administrators.
• And this for us is a bit<01:16:11.199><c> of</c><01:16:11.280><c> an</c><01:16:11.440><c> equity</c><
• This, for us, is a bit of an equity piece.

Bills: HF3635 , HF3638

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: teacher mobility, interstate compact, licensure, military spouses, education, teacher regulation, teacher qualifications, state sovereignty, educator licensing, paraprofessional credentials, mental health, professional development, data sharing

Transcript Highlights:

• On line 48, the $90,000 per biennium appropriation for the Minnesota Education Equity Partnership is
• Line 157 would eliminate the appropriation for equity and telecommunications access aid.
• Line 157 would eliminate the appropriation for equity and telecommunications access aid.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Ruler in greater Minnesota, we have dedicated ourselves to advancing equity and social justice for refugees
• 27.440><c> advancing</c> have dedicated ourselves to advancing have dedicated ourselves to advancing equity
• > social</c><00:05:28.560><c> justice</c><00:05:29.199><c> for</c><00:05:29.520><c> refugees,</c> Equity

Committee: Senate Jobs and Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• And it gives people a better opportunity to save their home or sell the home and take out whatever equity
• It gives people a better opportunity to save their home or sell the home and take out whatever equity
• Their home or sell the home and take out whatever equity they can. And so it's a great tool.

Bills: HF1662 , HF1224 , HF1836 , HF1367 , HF1168 , HF1999 , HF1792 , HF102 , HF2127 , HF104

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• this noise that we've been bringing to the Capitol has never been about anti-er—it's actually about equity
• this noise that we've been bringing to the Capitol has never been about anti-er—it's actually about equity
• Thank you so much for letting me speak. ...about anti-er—it's actually about equity.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Summary: The Health and Human Services committee heard extensive testimony on HB 1194 HD2, a bill to regulate midwifery and require accredited education for licensed midwives. Supporters, including the Midwives Alliance of Hawaii, ACOG, a pediatrician, and several licensed midwives, argued the bill would improve maternal and newborn safety, clarify the definition of midwife, strengthen accountability, and align Hawaii with national education standards. They said accredited training is necessary to avoid gaps in knowledge and to support safe transfers and collaboration with hospitals. Opponents, including many midwives, parents, cultural practitioners, and community groups, argued the bill would restrict access to care, criminalize traditional and apprenticeship-based midwifery, and undermine reproductive autonomy and Native Hawaiian and other cultural birthing practices. Several asked for amendments to preserve a birth attendant exemption, the PET/portfolio pathway, and cultural and religious protections. Others said the bill would disproportionately harm rural, Indigenous, and low-income families by making training and licensure less accessible. The committee also heard testimony from state and county entities and professional organizations, with some standing on written testimony and others offering brief comments. The chair repeatedly reminded testifiers of the one-minute limit and the possibility that final decision-making would be deferred if quorum was lost. The transcript does not show a final vote or action taken during this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• increased reimbursement rates proposed in this bill will improve access to care and advance health equity
• increased reimbursement rates proposed in this bill will improve access to care and advance health equity
• Increasing rates will also advance health equity.

Bills: HF1005

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:59:56.839><c> of</c><00:59:56.960><c> state</c><00:59:57.200><c> private</c><00:59:57.520><c> Equity
• </c> price of the out of state private Equity price of the out of state private Equity firms<00:59:58.200

Committee: Senate Commerce

Transcript Highlights:

• Sage Development Authority is a Section 17 organization created by the tribe for energy development and
• We need it for energy independence. And we need it for economic development.
• Joe McNeil, how we're really stuck right now because we're trying to go with renewable energy.

Summary: The Tribal and State Relations Committee met at Standing Rock with tribal council members, state legislators, and agency representatives to discuss state-tribal coordination and local priorities. Early discussion focused on process concerns, including the short agenda time and the need for better communication, more advance notice, and more relevant state department staff at future meetings. Tribal leaders asked for lists of state tribal liaisons and bills affecting tribes, and state members said they would follow up, share grant and deadline information, and plan another meeting in Bismarck with program experts and agency staff. A major portion of the meeting centered on health, child welfare, law enforcement, housing, infrastructure, and sovereignty issues. Tribal speakers said rural health transformation funding and other state programs often do not fit direct-service tribes or IHS-funded systems, and they raised concerns about Medicaid, ICWA, foster care delays, human service zones, housing shortages, and the placement of Native children off-reservation. They also discussed missing and murdered Indigenous people, search-and-rescue cooperation, cross-deputization, extradition and banishment ordinances, and the need for stronger law enforcement partnerships that respect tribal sovereignty. Other concerns included poor roads, water and sewer needs in Sioux County communities, census accuracy, and the impact of data centers and other development on water and health. Economic development and regulatory issues were also discussed. Standing Rock representatives raised concerns about charitable gaming and e-pull tabs, saying the machines function like Class III gaming and have harmed tribal revenue while spreading into local businesses. They also described problems with county-issued fireworks permits and state/county liquor licensing rules that they said undermine tribal authority within reservation boundaries. In response, legislators said the committee would continue to look at these issues, and one member suggested possible legislation such as limiting e-tabs near tribal lands. The committee also heard from Joseph McNeil of Sage Development Authority about a 235-megawatt wind project on tribal, allotted, and fee land; he said federal permitting delays have stalled the project and asked for state support to help move it forward. The meeting concluded with a presentation from Dave Archambo of Wojou, a nonprofit focused on land regeneration, buffalo, food sovereignty, cultural programming, and youth wellness. He described the organization’s work on buffalo processing, gardening, fishing, hunting, language, and arts programs, and framed it as a response to historical trauma and community healing. The committee then broke for lunch and planned to resume with the Wojou presentation after the recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• committee, where many of us, myself included, admittedly so, came at this proposal with a lot of intense energy
• We came at this proposal with a lot of energy because Floridians desperately want relief from soaring
• I feel the passion, I feel the energy on both sides of the aisle, and I know that this is the most important

Summary: The Senate took up Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 2F, a proposed constitutional amendment to expand homestead property tax relief, lower the assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%, and limit county and municipal ad valorem tax revenues to specified uses. Senator Avila presented the measure as a major property tax reform intended to provide relief to homeowners and restrain local government spending, while opponents argued it would shift costs to fees, services, and state appropriations and could harm local budgets, public safety, schools, and other services. Several senators also raised concerns about the ballot language and the lack of a completed fiscal analysis. The chamber considered and rejected multiple amendments. Senator Sharif’s income-based “circuit breaker” amendment failed, as did Senator Smith’s sunset clause amendment and Senator Berman’s amendment to rewrite the ballot statement for greater accuracy. During questioning, Avila said the revised language was meant to preserve flexibility for local governments and that future legislatures could set implementing procedures and, if necessary, prohibit certain local expenditures by general law. He also confirmed that the proposal would not affect refinancing or portability, and said the measure would not prevent local governments from continuing to fund many services such as libraries, parks, animal control, code enforcement, mosquito control, public housing, county health departments, and elections. Debate on final passage was extensive. Supporters described the proposal as overdue relief for homeowners and a way to force local governments to prioritize spending, while critics called it a risky tax shift that could reduce local revenue by billions and force cuts or higher fees. Some senators emphasized concerns about public safety funding, mental health and social services, and the accuracy of the ballot summary; others argued the measure would give voters a chance to decide on property tax reform. After debate, the resolution was rolled over for third reading and the Senate continued discussion, but the transcript provided does not include a final vote on the joint resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clearly, nuclear energy is clean. It's part of the future.
• Clearly, nuclear energy is clean. It's part of the future.
• Clearly, nuclear energy is clean. It's part of the future.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the House Journal by a 104-0 vote. Members then spent a large portion of the session offering personal remarks and introducing guests, including the family of Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz, school groups, a Boy Scout troop, a Highway Patrol commander, and community figures such as Corey Johnson and boxer Devin Alexander. There was also a moment of silence for a member’s mentor and a personal privilege statement recognizing Autism Month and the work of teachers and therapists serving autistic children. The main floor debate centered on House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2481, which would tighten Missouri rules for SNAP and related public benefits by requiring proof of citizenship or lawful presence, using the federal SAVE system throughout eligibility checks, and directing the Department of Social Services to seek a waiver to steer SNAP purchases toward healthier foods. Supporters framed the bill as a matter of accountability, taxpayer stewardship, fraud prevention, and improved nutrition, while opponents argued it was unnecessary because federal law already limits eligibility, could add administrative costs, and could harm children, families in food deserts, and pregnant women who rely on programs such as Show Me Healthy Babies. An amendment offered by the gentleman from Johnson to extend the bill to MoHealthNet was adopted, and after extended debate the House invoked the previous question 91-46, then adopted and perfected the bill as amended. The House also advanced House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1869, which creates a process and fund to repair damaged veterans’ headstones in public and private cemeteries, with support from members who emphasized honoring veterans and preserving gravesites; the bill was adopted and perfected without opposition. House Bill 2927 was also moved forward; it would require settlement demands tied to extra-contractual or bad-faith insurance claims to be written, held open for 90 days, and reference the relevant statute. Supporters said it gives insurers reasonable time to evaluate large claims, while opponents said it could delay compensation for injured Missourians; it too was adopted and perfected. The House then began consideration of additional bills, including House Bills 2387 and 2480, as the session continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• Blake Canfield with the Department of Conservation and Energy was present for information only.
• Hi, I'm Robert McCormick, Dustin Davis, and Secretary, Department of Conservation and Energy.
• So, Blake Canfield, Executive Counsel, Department of Conservation and Energy.

Committee: House Natural Resources & Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• Typically, the highest-profile part of a rate case filing like that is the cost of energy itself.
• rate case filing like that is the cost rate case filing like that is the cost of<04:50:11.600><c> energy
• That gets addressed as of energy itself.
• </c><04:52:17.760><c> who</c> who is from the Department of Energy who who is from the Department of
• Energy who will<04:52:18.160><c> also</c><04:52:18.480><c> speak</c> will also speak will also speak

Committee: House Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• I didn't realize I was that full<01:08:22.880><c> of</c><01:08:23.120><c> energy</c><01:08:23.520><c>
• </c> full of energy today. full of energy today.
• Products are often displayed on open shelves right next to energy drinks.
• But primarily, it's used for energy and focus.
• </c><02:21:56.080><c> and</c> But primarily, it's used for energy and But primarily, it's used for energy

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's continue this work with the same heart and energy for the rest of those bills.
• Let's continue this work with the same heart and energy for the rest of those bills.
• c> the</c><00:26:58.240><c> rest</c><00:26:58.400><c> of</c><00:26:58.559><c> those</c> heart and energy
• for the rest of those heart and energy for the rest of those bills.<00:26:59.760><c> I</c><00:27:00.000
• </c><01:02:43.359><c> policy</c> happened under the energy policy happened under the energy policy advocates

Transcript Highlights:

• The fund would have replaced the most expensive part of the capital stack, private equity, with low-cost

Summary: The Select Committee on Downtown Recovery held an informational hearing on the future of public transit and its role in downtown recovery. Chair Haney framed the discussion around how downtowns have changed since the pandemic and how transit, walkability, housing, and street design can support more 24/7 activity. The hearing included three panels: transit agency representatives, street design and curb management experts, and housing/transit development advocates. Transit agency witnesses from BART, LA Metro, and Sacramento Regional Transit described post-pandemic ridership shifts, with more weekend, evening, and event-based travel and less reliance on traditional weekday commute patterns. BART highlighted downtown San Francisco’s dependence on transit, its event service, safety investments, and transit-oriented development pipeline, while asking the state to protect transit funding and honor SB 125 and greenhouse gas reduction fund commitments. LA Metro emphasized special event service, especially around the World Cup and Union Station activations, as a way to make transit a destination and improve customer experience. Sacramento Regional Transit reported bus ridership recovery above pre-pandemic levels, light rail lagging behind, new vehicles and stations, stronger security measures, and concerns about future funding cuts affecting student fares, capital projects, and service levels. The second panel focused on making downtown streets more walkable and transit-friendly. Jeff Speck argued that walkability depends on places being useful, safe, comfortable, and interesting, and urged cities to restripe streets, reduce lane widths, add bike protection, improve crossings, and redesign one-way streets. Mark Vuksevich of Streets for All said downtowns are statewide economic assets and called for frequent transit, bus priority, modern curb management, parking pricing tied to availability, and parking benefits districts that reinvest revenue locally. He also said the state should provide model enabling legislation and more flexibility for local experimentation. The final panel focused on housing near transit. California YIMBY’s Aaron Eckhouse supported AB 2074, which would encourage large-scale housing in transit-rich downtowns, and argued for more financing tools, condo reform, and building code changes to reduce costs. Transbay Joint Powers Authority Executive Director Adam Van Water described the Transbay Transit Center and surrounding district as a case study in transit-oriented downtown growth, with millions of square feet of development, thousands of residents, and a major portal project still awaiting funding and pre-construction work. Members discussed office-to-housing conversions, the need to repurpose underused office stock, and the importance of state funding and policy support for transit, housing, and downtown revitalization.