Video & Transcript : 'nonemitting generation' :
Page 464 of 500
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Feb 9th, 2026 at 06:36 pm
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- In this case, this will be sort of—and generally, we’ll see where we need policy, either creation of
- Generally speaking, we make few policy changes in this committee that are more technical.
- That is not to say that in every case there won’t be an adjustment, but that’s generally speaking very
- The Public Project Revolving Fund provides stable, consistent funding that is not reliant on the general
- On the general fund. Thank you for your support. Excellent. Thank you very much. Okay.
Committee:
House House Appropriations & Finance
Keywords:
water project fund, New Mexico Finance Authority, NMFA, Water Trust Board, water infrastructure, wastewater, drinking water, flood prevention, watershed restoration, water storage, conveyance, delivery, water treatment, recycling, reuse, municipal infrastructure, local government finance, capital outlay, grants, loans
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Feb 9th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- In this case, this will be sort of—and generally, we'll see where we need policy, either creation of
- Generally speaking, we make few policy changes in this committee that are more tech.
- That is not to say that, sort of in every case, there won't be an adjustment, but that's generally speaking
- The Public Project Revolving Fund provides stable, consistent funding that is not reliant on the general
- On the general fund. Thank you for your support. Excellent. Thank you very much. Okay.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and took up several House bills, mostly related to funding for conservation, housing, education health insurance, and public projects. HB 184 as amended made technical fixes to the Conservation Legacy Permanent Fund and Investment Fund to prevent trapped balances and improve distributions to the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund; public testimony from conservation groups strongly supported it, and the committee voted due pass. HB 200 as amended created an incentive program for starter-home construction and homebuyer assistance; supporters said it would help low- and moderate-income buyers, address the shortage of starter homes, and support local builders, and the committee adopted an amendment striking the appropriation because funding was already included in House Bill 2 before voting due pass.
The committee then considered a substitute for HB 47, the school employee health insurance “80-20” bill. The substitute kept the 80% employer contribution but added statewide participation in NMSIA, removed waivers, added reference-based pricing, and expanded oversight to control costs and stabilize the risk pool. Supporters, including school employees, unions, and educator advocates, said it would improve recruitment and retention and reduce take-home health costs; the committee approved the substitute and moved do pass on the substitute while not passing the original bill.
The committee also approved HB 63, authorizing NMFA Water Project Fund loans or grants for 113 water projects recommended by the Water Trust Board, and HB 64, which appropriated $13.3 million from the Public Project Revolving Fund for drinking water, local planning, and cultural affairs facilities. HB 48, a straight appropriation already included in the budget, was tabled. The meeting ended after those actions, with no opposition recorded on the final motions.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Pro Forma Floor Session Jan 26th, 2026 at 12:30 pm
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- more than 100,000 Indian Americans living in the state, and whereas the newly established Consulate General
- The Consulate General of India in Seattle works to strengthen the comprehensive global strategic partnership
- is not to be exploited, but is a living entity and is to be honored and protected for our future generations
- In the South Gallery, as we can see, the Honorable Prakash Gupta, who is the Consul General of India
- Would you all, would the Consul General please stand and would our distinguished guests please stand
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Pro Forma Floor Session Jan 26th, 2026
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- more than 100,000 Indian Americans living in the state, and whereas the newly established Consulate General
- not to be exploited, but it is a living entity and is to be honored and protected for our future generations
- introduce and welcome to the Senate, in the South Gallery, the Honorable Prakash Gupta, who is the Consul General
- Would you all, would the Consul General Gupta please stand and would our distinguished guests please
- Would you all, would the Council General Kuta please stand and would our distinguished guests please
Summary:
The Senate convened with roll call, page introductions, the Pledge of Allegiance, and prayers offered by representatives of the Islamic Center of Olympia. The chamber then suspended Rule 46 so committees could meet during the pro forma session, approved the previous day’s journal, received a message from the Secretary of State certifying initiative I-26-001, and referred Substitute Senate Bill 5292 (Family Medical Rights) and Senate Bill 6301 (supervision of line) to the designated committees.
The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 8674 recognizing the 77th Republic Day of India. Supportive remarks emphasized India’s constitution, democratic values, and the contributions of Indian Americans in Washington in business, public service, culture, and civic life. After adoption, the Senate welcomed the Consul General of India in Seattle and members of the Indian American community in the gallery.
The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 8664 recognizing youth sports. The resolution highlighted the benefits of organized athletics for youth well-being, academic engagement, and mental health, while noting disparities in access, the need for trained coaches and injury prevention, and the value of adaptive and emerging sports. Senator Nobles and others spoke in support, stressing inclusion, belonging, and the importance of investing in youth. The Senate then welcomed youth sports and equity groups in the gallery and adjourned until the next day.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Interior, the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and the Commanding General
- intent, to provide for definitions, to require that the State Department of Education develop a generative
- intent, to provide for definitions, to require that the State Department of Education develop a generative
- We've walked with Lewis and Clark on the trail, raised our families, and stories to tell, generations
- And so let's just give a general round of applause to all of those ambassadors who are here with us today
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm not here today to ask for more from the general fund or for structural expansion.
- most never materialize, those that do require precautions that can disrupt court operations and generally
- Require precautions that can disrupt court operations and generally result in a delay of justice.
- As John Adams observed, liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people.
- That principle continues to guide our Without a general knowledge among the people.
Summary:
The Senate convened with 34 members present and one excused absence, then approved the prior day’s journal. After moving to motions and resolutions, the chamber welcomed the Chief Justice and members of the Idaho judiciary for the annual State of the Judiciary address. The Chief Justice described the courts’ workload, including rising civil caseloads, ongoing criminal and juvenile matters, and the continued use of treatment courts, mediation, remote hearings, self-help services, and online case access tools to improve access and efficiency.
The Chief Justice also highlighted courthouse facility upgrades in several counties, concerns about courthouse security and threats to judges and court staff, and cybersecurity efforts that blocked large numbers of phishing and malicious access attempts. He emphasized civic education efforts, the judiciary’s five governing principles, and the need for continued collaboration with the legislature and counties. The Senate ordered the address spread upon the journal and then returned the Chief Justice to the chamber exit.
In later business, the Senate received Senate Joint Resolution 102, proposing a constitutional amendment related to state trust lands, and referred it to the Judiciary and Rules Committee for printing. The chamber also received two gubernatorial appointments: Estella Zamora to the Idaho Commission on Human Rights and Janet Lawler to the Commission of Pardons and Parole, referring them to the appropriate committees. Two bills were introduced on first reading—Senate Bill 1224 on slow-moving vehicles and Senate Bill 1225 on presidential searches for state higher education institutions—and both were referred to Judiciary and Rules for printing. The Senate then announced a schedule change for America 250-related activities the next day and adjourned until 11 a.m. Thursday, January 22, 2026.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES Jan 8th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES
Transcript Highlights:
- this finding was referred to the prosecuting attorney, and we've also referred it to the Attorney General
- This finding was also referred to the prosecuting attorney and the Attorney General.
- I was just wondering what that was generally for. Thanks.
- This finding was referred to the prosecuting attorney and the Attorney General, and it was also certified
- This finding was referred to the prosecutor attorney and the Attorney General, and it was also certified
Summary:
The committee first approved prior meeting minutes by motion and voice vote. It then took up audit reports, with several reports without findings filed without objection. The main discussion centered on the FY24 Department of Human Services audit, which contained three findings: alleged fraud involving disaster SNAP and Medicaid benefits, a delayed notification of a nearly $610,000 altered state warrant, and asset-control issues including missing or misidentified equipment and improper sales tax paid on vehicle purchases. DHS representatives said some fraud cases had been resolved with restitution, others were pending or dismissed, and they described corrective steps such as updating internal notification procedures and asset controls. Committee members questioned the missing assets, the notification delay, and the sales tax issue, and the report was deferred to the next meeting so DHS could return with written policy changes.
The committee also reviewed the FY24 Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism audit, which had two findings: loss of nearly $3,500 in museum receipts and cash-control exceptions involving $100 missing from a park camping drawer and an $80 overage at War Memorial Stadium. Agency officials said the museum loss was believed to be theft, that controls had since been strengthened with a point-of-sale and reservation system, and that the stadium issue reflected the unique mix of cash and bank balances used for events. Members asked about the investigation, reimbursement through the bond board, and whether the employee’s final paycheck could be withheld. The chair later relayed that the prosecutor’s office said the Parks and Tourism investigation remained open and that additional information had been requested from the agency, so the report was also deferred to the next meeting.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES Jan 8th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES
Transcript Highlights:
- this finding was referred to the prosecuting attorney, and we’ve also referred it to the Attorney General
- This finding was also referred to the prosecuting attorney and the Attorney General.
- I was just wondering what that was generally for. Thanks.
- I was just wondering what that was generally for. Thanks.
- This finding was referred to the Prosecutor and Attorney General, and it was also certified to the bond
Summary:
The committee first approved the prior meeting minutes and then heard audit reports from Mr. Bullington. Four reports without findings were filed without objection. The Department of Human Services FY24 report contained three findings: suspected fraud involving disaster food assistance and Medicaid benefits by employees, a delayed notification of a forged and cashed state warrant for nearly $610,000, and several fixed-asset and sales-tax errors. DHS officials said they had referred the benefit fraud cases to prosecutors, recovered some restitution, and would change internal procedures so accounts payable staff report such incidents directly to the chief fiscal officer. Committee members questioned the missing assets, the warrant delay, and the tax issue, and the report was deferred to the next meeting so DHS could return with written policy changes.
The Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism FY24 report had two findings: the loss of nearly $3,500 in museum receipts, believed to be theft at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, and issues with change funds at Daisy State Park and War Memorial Stadium. Agency officials said they had implemented new controls, including a point-of-sale and reservation system for museum rentals and more frequent reconciliation of change funds. Members asked about the criminal case, the statute of limitations, bond board reimbursement, and whether the employee’s final paycheck could be withheld. Mr. Bullington later reported that the prosecutor’s office said the Parks and Tourism investigation remained open and that additional information had been requested from the agency. The committee then deferred that report as well, and adjourned after setting the next meeting for February 12, 2026.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
June 5, 2025 - 02:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- PROGRAM TO REDUCE THE STATE'S DEBT BY RETIRING BONDS PRIOR TO MATURITY, 50 MILLION) TRANSFER FOR GENERAL
- ME WE ARE ACTUALLY TYING OUR HANDS TO THE TUNE OF $250 MILLION BECAUSE IF WE LEFT THESE FUNDS IN GENERAL
- IS OUR STATE'S RAINY DAY FUND THE AMENDMENT DOES THREE THINGS, REDUCES THE CAP FROM 10 TO 25% OF GENERAL
- SECOND IT REQUIRES AN ANNUAL TRANSFER FROM GENERAL REVENUE TO THE BSF EITHER 750 MILLION OR THE AMOUNT
- SAYING THERE WASN'T ENOUGH FUNDS DURING THE GREAT RECESSION OR ARE YOU SAYING THERE WASN'T ENOUGH GENERAL
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- My name is Kathy DeWitt, and I serve as the Southwest Regional Manager for General Motors.
- Then, allow any number of dealers to advertise to the general public without the vehicle actually being
- Currently, these pilots operate under the General Transportation Code.
- General Statutes of the Texas Transportation Code to formalize our operations and support future growth
- I'm a third-generation auto dealer. I'm here on behalf of the Texas Auto Dealer Association.
Committee:
House Transportation
Keywords:
transportation, TxDOT, Texas Department of Transportation, road projects, highways, infrastructure, bridge construction, interchanges, corridor improvements, road widening, railroad grade separation, sound barrier, unified transportation program, legislative notice, project prioritization, capital projects, state highway system, Farm-to-Market Roads, San Antonio, Harris County
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations - Government Operations Division Apr 10th, 2025 at 11:00 am
Appropriations - Government Operations Division
Transcript Highlights:
- Sixty-five million—that's two and a half generations.
- million kids since 1973 not including the kids they would have had 65 million that's two and a half generations
- appropriation for the Uniform Laws, a $40,000 to $45,000 appropriation from—I'm not sure, was that general
- appropriation for the Uniform Laws, a $40,000, $45,000 appropriation from—I'm not sure, was that general
- for your consideration: for some of these one-time items, I do have those listed as being from the general
Bills:
HB1015
Keywords:
Office of Management and Budget, OMB appropriation, state budget, biennial appropriation, North Dakota Century Code, state facility maintenance fund, capital improvements, Capitol building fund, governor's residence, state hospital, mental health hospital, Bank of North Dakota, line of credit, strategic investment and improvements fund, SIIF, new and vacant FTE pool, state employee pay raise, performance-based compensation, guardianship grants, community corrections
Summary:
The Government Operations Division met to review proposed amendments to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) budget, with the chair noting the bill would not be voted out that day and would likely be held until the following week for any technical corrections. Members discussed a series of amendments, generally without objection: a $1.5 million appropriation for a pro-life education committee; a $40,000–$45,000 deficiency appropriation for Uniform Laws travel costs; creation of a state deferred maintenance fund with $40 million for deferred maintenance projects; adding the state hospital project to the OMB budget with $200 million from the Strategic Investment and Improvements Fund (SIF) and $85 million from a line of credit, plus construction management oversight; $110,114 for custodial equity increases; $1 million for a retirement incentive pool; $3 million to cover a shortfall in the new and vacant FTE funding pool; and $4 million for space reconfiguration and rent/moving costs. Prairie Public Broadcasting was also discussed, with a suggestion to change the purpose from local programming to infrastructure and set the amount at $850,000, likely as one-time SIF funding. The committee also heard a heads-up about a possible $180,000 federal reimbursement issue tied to an education grant, but no action was taken on that item.
The committee further discussed a broader amendment to reduce the transfer from the social services fund to the human services fund from $250 million to $232 million, based on DHS needs and available carryover funding. Members also agreed to add emergency clauses to the capital assets, deferred maintenance, and moving/space reconfiguration items. The chair indicated Brady could begin incorporating the discussed changes into a consolidated amendment, while noting there could still be additional items next week. Staff also reported the SIF balance was about $280 million positive, though some removed agency items, including airport grants, would need to be considered.
The committee then reconsidered its earlier action on House Bill 1581 and restored it to its original form at $100,000 after hearing that the funding would support tribal tourism-related events tied to upcoming 2026 celebrations and the Theodore Roosevelt Library opening. A motion for do pass on the bill as originally introduced passed unanimously by roll call. Finally, the committee postponed action on another bill until later that day, directing that revised materials be distributed and that the item be taken up in the afternoon session.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- from commercial activities on Kaho lobby, but we can do a lot of things on the Kihei property to generate
- revenue to help support our work on Kaho lobby and generate additional tax revenue for the rest of the
- from commercial activities on Kaho lobby, but we can do a lot of things on the Kihei property to generate
- revenue to help support our work on Kaho lobby and generate additional tax revenue for the rest of the
- Christina Simmons, Lisa Simmons, Lisa Sai Darcy, Attorney General. Thank you. Early Learning Board.
Committee:
Senate Ways and Means
Summary:
The Ways and Means Committee convened at 10:00 a.m. and opened with instructions about live streaming, one-minute testimony limits, and the possibility of reconvening on March 31 if technical problems interrupted the hearing. The committee then took up HB 300, which drew extensive testimony from state agencies, commissions, nonprofits, and advocacy groups. Many agencies, including Budget and Finance, Education, Health, Housing, and others, said they stood on their written testimony and supported the measure. One witness from the Kohala Island Reserve Commission supported the bill and asked for funding for a CIP project at its Kihei site to consolidate offices and generate revenue for Maui. Several groups, including the Hawaii Oral Health Coalition and the Hawaii Association for Behavior Analysis, supported funding for mandated oral health services and higher ABA provider rates for children with autism. In contrast, the Re-imagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition and Hawaii Friends of Restorative Justice opposed $30 million for jail planning and additional incarceration-related spending, urging more investment in housing, mental health, youth programs, education, and restorative justice. The chair noted the testimony totals for HB 300: 186 in support, 91 opposed, and 52 comments.
The committee then heard brief testimony on HB 794 and HB 795. The Department of Budget and Finance supported HB 794, and the Tax Foundation was listed for HB 795 but was not present. No additional testimony was offered on either bill. After the testimony phase, the committee deferred all three measures—HB 300, HB 794, and HB 795—for decision making to March 31 at 10:00 a.m. in the same room.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- Generally uh the want to participate.
- </c> are generally opposed to. are generally opposed to. So<00:41:32.880><c> Mr.
- And one day, let's say spouse—and this is generally, let's say, that the perpetrator of violence is generally
- of of violence is generally perpetrator of of violence is generally the<00:46:30.640><c> husband</c>
- Just to make a general statement on my part, I will never apologize.
Committee:
Joint Judiciary
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/25
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> amended be placed on the general amended be placed on the general register<00:07:54.479><c> those
- </c><00:10:32.000><c> crime</c> sexual assault Advocates General crime sexual assault Advocates General
- </c> Revenue without going to the general Revenue without going to the general fund<01:38:36.480><c>
- </c> amended be placed on the general amended be placed on the general register<01:41:03.599><c> all<
- </c> makes it problematic uh for Generations makes it problematic uh for Generations labor<02:10:43.639
Committee:
House Public Safety Finance and Policy
Keywords:
public safety, law enforcement, mental health, domestic violence, appropriations, criminal justice, Minnesota corrections, victim services, task force, personal safety, Independent Use of Force Investigations Unit, criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault, peace officers, law enforcement oversight, Minnesota National Guard, U.S. armed forces, military installation, armory, air base
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/28/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So that's the general gist.
- So that's the general gist.
- So, General Motors is an General Motors. So, General Motors is an existing<03:52:36.239><c> company.
- be, but presumably General Mills or or<03:59:35.920><c> sorry,</c><03:59:36.160><c> General</c><03:59
- </c> individualized, what ends up generally individualized, what ends up generally happening<04:57:33.360
Committee:
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/23/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:08:52.560><c> speaking</c> profound to say that generally speaking profound to say that generally
- </c><01:12:13.840><c> back</c> this applied to 10% of the generics back this applied to 10% of the generics
- The the reimbursement on generic $496.
- PSAO is a very generic term.
- </c> get um providers in care, generally get um providers in care, generally speaking,<01:49:47.679><
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Senator Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would clarify that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary policy for a newborn’s care unless the mother has no coverage or no employer-sponsored coverage. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure simply codifies the department’s long-standing interpretation of existing law. Representative Miles asked whether the coverage would extend to a grandchild if a young woman on her parents’ plan had a baby, and Birdsell said it would. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed.
The committee next heard Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Senator Kevin Avard. The bill requires insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, when they change Medicare Advantage offerings. Benton Court said the bill was prompted by disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers and the department were confused by carriers exiting, changing plans, or narrowing offerings. He said the department does not regulate Medicare Advantage itself, but does license the carriers, and the notice requirement would help the department advise consumers; he also said noncompliance could affect a carrier’s license and could lead to fines. Members discussed the notice period, and the department and AHIP indicated support for changing it from 120 days to 90 days to align with federal timing. The hearing was closed with plans to work on an amendment in subcommittee.
Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Representative Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion for pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole said the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell at a loss. Members questioned whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts, whether the bill would raise consumer prices, and whether it would mainly affect independent pharmacies. Cole and others said the issue has changed over time because PBMs now control a much larger share of the market, and that the bill would let pharmacies refuse loss-making fills and direct patients to mail order instead. The discussion also noted that the bill excludes Medicare and Medicaid and that the current proposal does not create a middle-ground option for patients to pay a premium at the counter.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Human Services Committee Jun 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- out on the streets all the time, and women who are out on the streets are incredibly vulnerable in general
- Generally, any others?
- . $30 million in the May revise for the McKinney-Vento and homeless supports in general.
- I'm a first-generation American born in Fresno, California, a UC Santa Cruz graduate, and a CalFresh
- , low income... ...say first generation, low income, and that's where I'm coming from.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on AB 262, which would direct the new California Housing and Homelessness Agency to study the needs of pregnant people experiencing homelessness and evaluate a voluntary “Pink Alert” notification system. Supporters, including the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and a mutual-aid volunteer, said the bill would help identify gaps in housing and prenatal services for a highly vulnerable population. Members generally supported the study concept, though one senator cautioned that the “Pink Alert” name could imply a missing-person alert. The bill was moved to Appropriations on a 3-0 vote and placed on call.
Members then heard AB 673, creating the Unaccompanied Youth Support Grant Program for 16- and 17-year-old homeless students not in a parent or guardian’s custody. The Superintendent of Public Instruction and advocates said the bill would help connect youth to housing, basic needs, tutoring, employment readiness, and mental health services, while opponents raised concerns about duplication with existing school and county services and staffing shortages. The author and supporters argued the program would fill gaps for youth who often fall through existing systems. The bill passed to Appropriations on a 3-0 vote and was held on call.
The committee also approved AB 1575, which updates the Lanterman Act to replace the term “consumer” with person-first language for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and AB 2510, which would expand CalWORKs family reunification aid so families do not lose support when only some children are removed from the home. AB 1688, requiring broader notice when abuse or neglect is alleged in foster placements so attorneys for other children in the placement can check on their safety, also passed to Appropriations. AB 2304, “Gabriel’s Law,” requiring a child in immediate medical need to be seen by a medical professional and clarifying penalties for falsifying child welfare records, passed to Public Safety after testimony from the author, Gabriel Fernandez’s aunt, prosecutors, and a dependency lawyer who opposed parts of the penalty language. The committee then heard AB 1746 on faster county processing of CalWORKs child care requests, with support from the author, advocates, and county welfare directors who said they were still working on amendments; it was moved to Appropriations and held on call.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Budget Section Human Resources Division Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Oh, are these, is it a mix of federal and general fund for these?
- Some of these are all general funds. Some are federal, some are other.
- And they would all net to zero in general, zero in federal, and zero in other. Okay.
- I do have a general fund and other fund breakout at the bottom.
- So generally, workforce, health care workforce, which is also a part of the...
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 18 minutes, and then received a series of updates on major health-related projects and programs. CHI St. Alexius representatives reported progress on behavioral health buildouts in Bismarck, Williston, and Grand Forks, including demolition and construction milestones, staffing plans, and timelines. The Bismarck project remains on track for completion in June 2027 with about $346,500 spent to date. Williston reported construction underway, a $750,000 unbudgeted air handler replacement, active recruitment for psychiatrists and other staff, and a projected substantial completion in early 2027. Grand Forks reported about 30% completion, weather-tight status expected in August, and continued staffing ramp-up as the facility expands from its current 24-bed operation.
The Department of Health and Human Services then reviewed a set of technical line-item transfers, emphasizing that they were administrative corrections with no net change in funding. The department also walked through the Salaries and Wages Block Grant and FTE counts, noting overall staffing remained within appropriated limits and that behavioral health staffing had increased. Members asked about vacancies, consultant use, and the mix of in-state versus out-of-state expertise for the Rural Health Transformation Program. HHS said it had posted 12 funding opportunities, received 422 applications, obligated $8.4 million so far, hired 26 people, and was preparing additional grant rounds and a CMS budget submission. The department said the program is structured around workforce, prevention/healthy living, care closer to home, and technology/data, with ongoing stakeholder engagement and community forums.
The committee also heard on the certified community behavioral health clinic implementation plan, SNAP payment error rates, and the state laboratory project. HHS said CCBHC certification is being implemented in four regions—Williston, Minot/North Central, Fargo/Southeast, and Dickinson/Badlands—with care coordination expanding and baseline data still being collected. On SNAP, the department reported a 2025 payment error rate of 9.89%, acknowledged cost impacts under HR1, and said it is using training, system changes, and pre-authorization quality checks to reduce errors toward a 6% target over the next 6 to 12 months. Finally, Public Health reported the state laboratory reached substantial completion on June 12, with total costs at $69.95 million of the $70 million budget, though a service elevator issue will require a new lift to be added using contingency funds.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Election Laws Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Election Laws
Transcript Highlights:
- As you heard in my opening, I am a first-generation immigrant.
- As you heard in my opening, I am a first-generation immigrant. My mom came here from Canada.
- Denying prisoners the right to vote has a disproportionate impact, not only on prisoners in general,
- Marginalized people of the right to bear children if three generations were in state institutions.
- I met Attorney General Campbell and also Governor Healey herself. They all listened.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Election Laws
Summary:
The committee heard extensive testimony on S. 7 and H. 63, proposed constitutional amendments to restore voting rights to people incarcerated for felony convictions. Sponsors Rep. Erica Iderhoven and Sen. Liz Miranda argued that Massachusetts should reverse the 2000 disenfranchisement change, describing it as a recent and racially discriminatory policy that excludes thousands of residents—disproportionately Black and Latino—from civic participation. They said the amendment would put the question before voters, likely in 2028, and noted that implementation details such as domicile and where incarcerated people would register to vote would be handled separately through legislation and existing jail-based voting work.
A large number of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people testified in support, many speaking remotely from MCI Norfolk, MCI Shirley, and MCI Framingham. They said voting would affirm dignity, accountability, rehabilitation, and connection to community, and several described civic education programs inside the facilities that had helped them engage with public policy. Witnesses repeatedly characterized disenfranchisement as “civil death,” linked it to racial injustice and the legacy of slavery, and urged the committee to advance the bills favorably. A few speakers also addressed practical questions about voting location and domicile, with sponsors saying those issues are not specified in the constitutional amendment and would be worked out later.
Committee members asked several questions, including whether incarcerated people would vote in the community where they were incarcerated or where they previously lived, and whether future legislation could include carve-outs based on offense type or time served. Testifiers and sponsors generally said the amendment itself does not decide those implementation questions, and some said they would oppose carve-outs. One member raised a broader moral objection about allowing people convicted of serious crimes to vote; supporters responded that punishment should not erase democratic rights and that voting can support rehabilitation and reentry. No vote or final committee action was taken during the transcript provided.
The hearing also briefly included testimony on a separate matter, S. 521, a proposed ratification of the federal Child Labor Amendment. Witnesses supporting that measure warned against renewed child labor rollbacks in other states and argued Massachusetts should reaffirm protections for children and education. That portion of the hearing was separate from the voting-rights discussion.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- I told this general we'll be brief.
- And I, it's a separate assault on a whole generation of people who have lost thousands of people across
- So what this bill would do is create a fund, start out with $2.5 million from the general fund, to put
- Some of the bills put the funds into the general fund, which I think is the best approach.
- I think we should do what the General Court should do. Thank you very much.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Summary:
The hearing covered a wide range of Judiciary Committee bills, with much of the testimony focused on criminal justice, public safety, and civil asset forfeiture reform. Several lawmakers and advocates supported bills to increase penalties or create new offenses related to assaults on sports officials, assaults on transit workers, reckless discharge of firearms, fires and explosives, pill press machines, and drug-induced homicide. Testifiers described rising harassment and violence against youth sports officials and transit workers, as well as the fentanyl overdose crisis and the need for stronger tools to prosecute dealers whose conduct leads to death. Supporters of the sports-official and transit-worker bills emphasized declining referee availability and repeated assaults on commuter rail and MBTA workers. District attorneys also backed bills on reckless firearm discharge and fires/explosives, saying current law does not adequately address dangerous conduct that endangers bystanders.
The committee also heard testimony on several proposals related to youth diversion and prison mitigation. Supporters of the youth court justice fund bill said youth courts are peer-led diversion programs with strong compliance and low recidivism, and argued for a stable funding source rather than annual earmarks. A representative from Bridgewater supported a prison mitigation fund for municipalities that host state prisons, saying the costs of public safety and emergency services are not fully covered. On gun policy, testimony split between supporters of a bill to ban in-state manufacture of assault-style rifles for civilian sale and opponents or skeptics of other firearm-related measures, including a bill on collateralizing firearms and a bill to increase penalties for drug trafficking combined with illegal firearm offenses.
A major portion of the hearing was devoted to civil asset forfeiture reform. Advocates from the ACLU, CPCS, the Boston Bar Association, the Institute for Justice, and others supported bills to increase the burden of proof, improve transparency and reporting, require counsel, and limit or eliminate the current practice of directing forfeiture proceeds to law enforcement. They argued the current system creates perverse incentives, lacks adequate due process, and is insufficiently transparent. District Attorney Paul Tucker defended current forfeiture practices, saying his office has reporting and oversight, uses the funds for investigations and community programs, and warned that reducing forfeiture revenue would hinder crime fighting. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing; the chairs repeatedly thanked witnesses and indicated the bills would remain under consideration.