Transcript Highlights:

• So it's a pleasure to be here, and I'll pass it on. Good morning.
• We just received our federal award on March 5th, and the contingency bill had been passed.
• March 5th, all right, that speaks, and the contingency bill had been passed.
• Before we start, I just wanted to pass the microphone over to Senator Dooner.
• Do you mind passing that mic to Rep. Pruth? Thanks. Commissioner, and thank you, Mr.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held an FY27 Health and Human Services budget hearing in Mattapan, hosted at the Boston Public Library branch. Chairs Lydia Edwards and Russell Holmes, along with Rep. Brandy Fluker-Reid, emphasized the significance of holding the first Ways and Means hearing ever in Mattapan and highlighted the importance of bringing state budget deliberations into a majority-Black neighborhood. Several legislators introduced themselves as they joined, and the committee noted that public testimony was not part of the format, though agencies were invited to discuss priorities and challenges. MassAbility opened the agency testimony. Leadership described the agency’s mission to support people with disabilities through employment, training, home and community life services, and disability determination. They said Governor Healey’s FY27 budget funds MassAbility at $93.3 million, a 1% reduction from FY26, and explained that the agency is responding to federal funding uncertainty and shifting program needs by redesigning services internally. Members questioned a proposed $1.3 million reduction to the Home Care Program, staffing changes, and whether services could be maintained with fewer resources. MassAbility said it was reviewing data on who uses the program, that it does not provide nursing or personal care, and that it is working with a transition plan and a working group. The agency also discussed federal uncertainty around vocational rehabilitation funding and said it had received delayed federal awards but remained in contact with national associations and federal partners. The testimony included a personal story from a participant, Joshua Corcoran, to illustrate the impact of services. The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing testified next, requesting $11.27 million, about a 6% increase over FY26. The commission said it serves about 1.4 million residents and focuses on communication access in health care, courts, public safety, and other public systems. It highlighted interpreter and captioner workforce shortages, a mentorship program to expand the provider pool, and a modernized referral platform funded through capital contingency money. Members asked about interpreter availability, after-hours emergency coverage, ASL access for students and families, and training for police and emergency responders. The commission said staffing remains limited, especially for after-hours services, but that it is expanding training, school outreach, and partnerships with DCF and other agencies. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind then presented its FY27 budget request of $30.8 million. The commissioner said the agency serves nearly 9,000 legally blind residents, provides training and peer support, and placed 190 consumers in competitive integrated employment this year. It also described services for older adults, vocational rehabilitation, and the Turning 22 program for young adults with additional disabilities. Members raised concerns about a 7% cut from the prior year and asked how the agency could maintain services; the commissioner said the agency had no waiting list, had trimmed overhead, and could manage the budget through internal efficiencies and strong partnerships. The Office for Refugees and Immigrants closed the session, describing expanded legal and support services for immigrants and refugees, including Know Your Rights trainings, the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative, citizenship and financial literacy programs, and the Family Welcome Center in Mattapan. Members asked about federal funding losses and the structure of the new legal services program; ORI said FY26 funding is stable but FY27 federal cuts remain uncertain, and that the legal program uses a centralized intake system with priority for emergencies and first-come, first-served access.

Transcript Highlights:

• In January 2024, Jean Carnahan passed away.
• Again, this is a bill we pass every year.
• So you want to pass this bill. Don't pass this bill. Church is going to be open.
• Pass this bill? Don't pass this bill.
• Pass this bill. Don't pass this bill. This is not about liberty.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I failed to announce that Senator Garcia is excused from today's meeting.
• And my recollection when we passed that bill was that's what it was going to be used for.
• We passed this bill three years ago.
• So this bill was passed in 2022 to authorize this emergency response fund.
• And clearly, it's going to pass that we are going to continue this fund.

Bills: S7040 , S0110 , S0434 , S0856

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Keywords: property assessment, wind damage, home improvements, real estate, tax exemption, Florida statutes, ad valorem taxes, property listings, tax estimation, disclosure, Florida, residential property

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and took up three property-tax related bills before turning to a broader discussion of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund. SB 434, which would prohibit counties from increasing a residential property’s assessed value because the owner installed wind mitigation measures, was presented by Senator Lee and reported favorably. CS for SB 110, which clarifies that holders of 98-year-or-longer residential leases remain eligible for the homestead exemption even if the lease ends at death, was also reported favorably. SB 856, requiring online residential listing platforms to display estimated property taxes using prescribed calculation methods and not the current owner’s tax bill, drew support from property appraisers, Zillow representatives, and others and was reported favorably after questions about transparency and realtor obligations. The committee then considered SPB 7040, which would recreate and extend the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through December 31, 2027. Senator DiCeglie and Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie argued the fund is needed for hurricane response, other natural and man-made emergencies, and reimbursement-based spending; they said the extension preserves legislative oversight that would otherwise lapse. Several senators questioned the use of the fund for immigration-related operations, detention facilities, and other non-disaster activities, as well as the lack of additional guardrails, reimbursement timing, and transparency. Guthrie said the division has used the fund for hurricanes, flooding, civil unrest, security operations, and other incidents, and that some reimbursements are still pending from the federal government. Public testimony on SPB 7040 was largely opposed. Speakers from the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, the Southern Poverty Law Center, Florida for All, and others argued the fund has been repurposed for immigration enforcement and detention-related spending rather than true emergencies, and raised concerns about deaths in detention and the absence of competitive bidding and oversight. Guthrie answered extensive questions about the South Florida and North Florida detention facilities, Operation Vigilant Sentry, State Guard support, reimbursement requests, equipment purchases, and legislative access to facilities. The committee did not take a final vote on SPB 7040 within the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• > law</c><00:07:39.199><c> will</c><00:07:39.440><c> not</c> Passing this bill into law will not Passing
• ,</c><00:49:51.200><c> you're</c> let's say if this bill passed, you're let's say if this bill passed
• So h how can we uh move pass this law.
• </c> freedom passing this bill. 15 seconds. freedom passing this bill. 15 seconds.
• </c> this bill passes this bill passes uptake<02:18:45.120><c> will</c><02:18:45.439><c> be</c><02:18

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You all passed a law, with the Governor's strong support, setting a legal target to conserve 30% of our
• You all passed a bill, the Governor signed, requiring our agency to identify specific targets to expand
• With that, I will pass it to Chad. Thank you, Mr. Chair, members. My name is Chad Dibble.
• And that's the California State Parks Library Pass program.
• And that's the California State Parks Library Pass program.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• bills but that course 68 votes to pass bills but that there's<00:14:48.120><c> some</c><00:14:48.279
• When we look at our failing educational rates, you know, our kids— not even half of them in some cases
• them out move them on to the pass them out move them on to the general<00:19:52.520><c> register</c>
• We'll have a Rules Committee meeting today where we're going to pass the same traditional resolutions
• We'll have a Rules Committee meeting today where we're going to pass the same traditional resolutions

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• As a committee, I urge you to pass Senate File 2000 and House File 1582. Thank you.
• We need you to pass improved pension for We need you to pass improved pension for all<00:36:08.800><c
• I failed every time. Tier 2 pensions are complex and have a long history.
• I failed every time. Tier 2 pensions are complex and have a long history.
• Um this pass a career rule at 62 and 30.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll pass it to Tracy. Good morning.
• So with that, I'm going to pass to Tracy to cover some basics about sidewalks today. Great.
• This was the only funding source that we're going to pass it.
• But that, if you look at the Supreme Court decision, is not likely going to pass muster here.
• We will be likely passing our first shared streets policy and designating a shared street.

Committees: Joint Transportation , Joint Joint Transportation Committee

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I can't speak for why the bills pass or fail. Okay.
• And then kind of more going into the bills that we would pass would be the materials.
• Before these programs passed, a school nurse and public school— critical to the success of the school
• Before these programs passed, a school nurse and public school That School Meals for All and Kit are
• Before these programs passed, a school nurse in Palm Springs used to have 17 students in his office every

Summary: The committee heard a series of budget proposals focused on education finance, with repeated questions about whether the state’s investments are coordinated, targeted to the highest-need students, and likely to produce measurable results. On the first item, the administration proposed $1 million for a study of California’s curriculum framework, standards, and instructional materials process, plus $250,000 for supplemental ELA/ELD guidance. CDE and Finance said the study would examine how other states organize standards, frameworks, and adoptions, while the chair and members questioned why California has gone so long without updating some standards, what the study would actually accomplish, and whether the proposal was too vague to justify the cost. The issue was held open. The committee then took up a proposed $25 million statewide literacy network within the system of support. CCEE and CDE said the network would coordinate multiple existing literacy leads, create a clearinghouse of evidence-based resources, and improve coherence across the state’s many literacy initiatives. Members pressed on how a one-time, five-year allocation could support a long-term system, how the work would reach distressed and rural districts, and whether the proposal would translate into classroom change rather than just another layer of coordination. The issue was also held open. Next, the committee reviewed a $500 million proposal to expand literacy coaches and reading specialists and to create a math coaches program. CDE described the existing literacy coach cohorts as producing positive reports from participating LEAs, while the LAO recommended modifications, especially for the math coach portion, including limiting eligibility to elementary schools, setting minimum grant amounts, directing funds to eligible school sites, and making eligibility automatic rather than application-based. Members focused on whether coaches were actually being placed at the schools with the greatest need and whether the state has a coherent long-term strategy for literacy and math investments. The committee also heard a $40 million proposal for training and implementation of K-2 reading difficulty screeners, which the LAO said was reasonable but could be reduced because $25 million had already been provided for training; CDE said the new funds were needed for full implementation, procurement, and sustainability. Finally, the committee heard a $10 million proposal for a developmentally appropriate TK multilingual learner screener, with CDE explaining why the preschool language-identification process is different from K-12 EL assessment and the chair asking staff to explore whether a single, more consistent approach could be developed. The meeting concluded with a presentation on universal school meals and kitchen infrastructure, including a $31.5 million backfill, an $84.1 million increase for projected meal growth, a COLA adjustment, and $150 million for kitchen upgrades and training to support freshly prepared meals.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:41:34.280><c> away</c> came in after her baby passed away came in after her baby passed away
• </c><01:50:28.119><c> they</c> everything that they have to pass they everything that they have to pass
• </c> become licensed I could probably pass become licensed I could probably pass the<02:10:07.119><c>
• </c> 1328 is the only Bill that we can pass 1328 is the only Bill that we can pass this<02:11:16.159>
• </c> 1194 chair's recommendation is to pass 1194 chair's recommendation is to pass with with with amendments

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House Committee on Health and Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard two midwifery bills, with testimony focused primarily on HB 1194. Committee chairs opened the hearing with rules for Zoom testimony and noted the bills relate to midwives. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs said it supported the intent of HB 1194 and offered comments. Supporters of the bill, including the Midwives Alliance of Hawaii, argued that midwifery should remain subject to mandatory licensure to protect consumer safety, citing the state’s regulatory licensing standards and a 2025 state auditor sunset analysis. They said the bill would strengthen educational standards and public protection, and some offered clarifying amendments. Opponents argued HB 1194 would restrict access to care and fail to protect traditional, cultural, and community-based birth practices. Testifiers from the Hawaii Home Birth Task Force, the Hawaii Home Birth Collective, the Libertarian Party of Hawaii, the Center for Reproductive Rights, Pacific Birth Collective, and Papa Ola Lōkahi said the bill would limit licensure pathways, reduce access in rural and underserved areas, and burden Native Hawaiian and traditional practitioners. Several speakers said the measure could worsen Hawaii’s maternal health shortages, especially on Maui, and urged lawmakers to defer HB 1194 or instead advance HB 1328, which they said better protects practitioner access and cultural practices. The Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives said it opposed HB 1194 because it did not align with national or state standards for certified midwives and could create conflicts with Medicaid reimbursement and prescriptive authority. The ACLU also opposed the measure, emphasizing reproductive rights, privacy, and the need to preserve apprenticeship pathways to licensure. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, they fail their background checks.
• </c><00:35:04.760><c> And</c><00:35:05.040><c> so,</c><00:35:05.320><c> they</c><00:35:05.560><c> fail
• And so, they fail a background check.
• And so, they fail their<00:35:06.000><c> background</c><00:35:06.480><c> checks.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Artificial Intelligence Task Force met and adopted the prior minutes before turning to AI in education. Jeff Gagne of the Southern Regional Education Board described SREB’s Commission on AI in Education, which has organized its work into committees on policy, K-12 instruction, postsecondary instruction, and skills development. He highlighted eight commission recommendations covering statewide AI networks, targeted guidance for different user groups, professional development, standards and curricula, local capacity assessments, risk management, procurement, and AI-ready workforce skills. He also emphasized that states need more specific guidance for students, teachers, faculty, administrators, and parents, and that training is essential because many educators have not been prepared to use AI in instruction. Gagne also summarized two recent SREB reports: one on AI-ready workforce skills and one on AI use in K-12 classrooms. The workforce report recommends embedding AI across standards, strengthening computer science and digital learning standards, collaborating with industry and workforce agencies, building AI competencies into training and upskilling, providing educator professional development, and monitoring readiness. He said the report identifies three skill areas: success skills, industry baseline skills, and technical skills. The classroom guidance report promotes responsible AI adoption, with four pillars focused on increasing cognitive demand, streamlining teaching and administrative work, supporting personalized learning, and developing ethical AI users. He also noted that the report includes an AI procurement tool for school districts. Members thanked Gagne for providing outside examples and resources. One member noted JCPS has an introductory AI professional development offering for educators. Gagne said Kentucky’s David Couch serves on the SREB commission and that the commission’s member list and reports are available on SREB’s website. The committee then heard from Travis Powell of the Council on Postsecondary Education, who said CPE had surveyed campuses and found that Kentucky institutions have broadly embraced AI in teaching, research, student services, and administrative operations. He said all institutions have AI-focused degrees, minors, or courses, and many are integrating AI into general education and across disciplines. Powell also said CPE is considering an AI consortium and that campuses are using AI in research partnerships and applied work, while continuing to focus on ethical and effective use.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing as of June 13th of 2024, the OA report says that they failed in having to act on warning signs
• c><01:09:37.279><c> says</c><01:09:37.520><c> that</c><01:09:37.640><c> they</c><01:09:37.759><c> failed
• </c> 2024 the OA report says that they failed 2024 the OA report says that they failed in<01:09:39.000

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, yes, they've been heard in committees and they failed to pass every committee they went through.
• So, yes, they've been heard in committees and they failed to pass every committee they went through.
• </c> like this would be passed. like this would be passed.
• . pass. pass.
• So no, the bill isn't ready to be So no, the bill isn't ready to be passed. passed. passed.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And let's say this law passes.
• Um, in doing legislature passed in 2024.
• I urge you to pass this bill and harm.
• </c> women experience, we should be passing women experience, we should be passing more<02:40:02.800>
• If this law were to pass Plan B.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:12:26.839><c> and</c> amended um be recommended to pass and amended um be recommended to pass
• </c> like a stien or a gas card or a bus pass like a stien or a gas card or a bus pass that<00:30:21.080
• Our state is failing families in situations like mine.
• </c><02:43:11.040><c> a</c> confused as to why this was on passing a confused as to why this was on passing
• </c><02:52:17.040><c> through</c> to move this bill um pass through to move this bill um pass through

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I failed on that front too.
• And that's a result of in 2007 we passed a law that no new licenses will be issued.
• I failed on that front too.
• And that's a result of in 2007 we passed a law that no new licenses will be issued.
• It has gone &gt;&gt; So we was passed in 2014.

Bills: HF3707 , HF3732 , HF2581 , HF3731

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

Keywords: unemployment insurance, judicial officials, paid leave, economic development, worker protections, workforce development, unemployment benefits, youth training, grants, job creation, grant funding, revolving loan, underserved communities, disadvantaged groups, electrical licensing, installation, Class A installer, regulations, labor and industry, 1183

Summary: The committee first adopted the minutes from February 26 and then heard House File 2581, authored by Representative Frazier, which sought $1 million for Fortis Capital, a nonprofit economic development lender. Frazier and Fortis CEO Brian Smith described Fortis as a gap-financing lender that helps underserved entrepreneurs who cannot meet traditional bank underwriting standards. They said the organization has made 37 loans totaling more than $4 million since 2021, leveraged another $29.5 million, and created 314 jobs. Smith said Fortis typically charges around 6.5% interest, has had two defaults, and uses a revolving loan fund model that recycles repayments; members discussed how the proposal fits with other state economic development programs and whether Fortis should instead be part of a competitive grant process. The chair laid HF 2581 over for possible inclusion in a budget bill. The committee then heard House File 3707, brought by Representative Berg, which would extend confidentiality protections to unemployment insurance and paid leave judges and related staff by adding them to the definition of judges for purposes of protecting personal information. Berg and testifiers from the Department of Economic Development and MAPE said the bill responds to harassment and safety concerns, including threats, doxxing, and an attack near an office, and is intended to protect people making sensitive determinations. MAPE supported the bill as an update to existing protections for similar workers. Members raised concerns that the bill’s language was too broad, especially the reference to the paid leave division, and questioned whether it should cover only judges or also call-center and other staff. Department and committee members agreed the language likely needed narrowing and discussed possible amendments and whether to move the bill to Judiciary and then revisit it. No final vote was taken on HF 3707 during the discussion, and the bill remained under consideration for further language work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year, this bill passed the Missouri House with bipartisan support.
• Well, I don't remember when they passed Hancock, so I don't know what their ideas were.
• Well, I don't remember when they passed Hancock, so I don't know what their ideas were.
• So what will happen if this doesn't pass at the ballot?
• Do you think by passing...

Summary: The House first established a quorum after several members were absent, then moved into bills for perfection. House Bill 261, dealing with anti-Semitism in public schools and higher education, drew extensive debate. The sponsor described rising anti-Jewish incidents and said the bill would require educational institutions to adopt nondiscriminatory policies, use the IHRA definition as a guide, and treat failures to address harassment as Title VI issues. An amendment from the gentleman from Pulaski was adopted to clarify that protected First Amendment speech, religious expression, and political viewpoints would not be reported or cataloged. Supporters said the bill was needed to protect Jewish students; opponents argued it singled out one group, could chill speech about Israel and Palestine, and created unequal reporting requirements. The House ultimately ordered the bill perfected and printed as amended. The chamber then took up House Bill 2384 on housing affordability and building codes. The sponsor said the bill would lower housing costs by rolling back energy-code mandates to 2009 standards, setting clearer permitting timelines, and allowing certain multifamily buildings to use a single staircase. Supporters argued current codes raise costs, discourage builders, and contribute to Missouri’s housing shortage. Opponents raised concerns about local control, preemption of municipal energy standards, and public safety, especially the single-stair provision; the sponsor responded that the design has been used safely in other states and cities. A Pulaski amendment requiring municipalities with online ordinances to keep only one hard copy available was adopted, and after debate the previous question was moved and approved. The House then adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed. House Bill 1766, addressing personal property tax, was also perfected and printed. The sponsor said the bill would apply Hancock/CPI-style tax limitations to personal property tax growth, arguing that rapidly rising vehicle values had created a windfall for political subdivisions and unfairly increased taxpayer burdens. Supporters said the bill would slow growth without eliminating it, while opponents argued local governments need revenue to keep up with inflation and that the measure would reduce resources for schools and other services. Finally, the House began consideration of House Joint Resolution 154, which would place into the Missouri Constitution a Medicaid work requirement mirroring federal policy. The sponsor said adults ages 19 to 64 would need to work, volunteer, participate in a work program, or attend school for 80 hours a month to remain eligible, and the discussion began with questions about whether the constitutional change was necessary and how documentation requirements would work.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:35.360><c> All</c> So, ought to pass as amendment. All So, ought to pass as amendment.
• And my understanding is that is a federal pass-through state.
• . passed.
• Um recommendation of ought to pass.
• </c> but it needs if it should pass. but it needs if it should pass.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And our goal is to try to get through one pass of our pages by the end of next week.
• > and our goal is to try to get through and our goal is to try to get through one<01:46:27.280><c> pass
• 46:30.159><c> by</c><01:46:30.320><c> the</c><01:46:30.440><c> end</c><01:46:30.560><c> of</c> one pass
• of of our Pages by the end of one pass of of our Pages by the end of next<01:46:31.080><c> week</c>
• I do have a power that says I can make a negative inference if someone fails to abide by things that

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first reviewed House Bill 1, focusing on the legislative branch budget, especially the Senate and House lines. Members discussed that the Senate’s fiscal year 2025 adjusted authorized amount was higher than 2024 actual spending, largely due to personnel, benefits, and travel, and one member proposed a $500,000 annual cut. Staff explained that any reduction would need to be allocated across specific line items such as personnel, benefits, and travel, and noted that the Senate budget is entirely General Funds. After discussion of how the adjusted authorized figures were calculated and why the branch no longer staffs some joint committees as it once did, the committee moved on without taking a vote on that section. The committee then heard a detailed presentation from the New Hampshire Retirement System. NHRS officials described their statutory administrative budget, which is funded through the retirement trust rather than the General Fund, and said the FY 2026-2027 increase is driven by IT modernization, cybersecurity, a new strategic plan, and additional staff positions. They also reviewed the system’s funding progress, clean audit opinions, investment performance, and changes to asset allocation, while noting that several recent pension-related laws required major database changes. Members questioned the large increase in salaries and benefits, the need for new employees versus contractors, the purpose of training costs, and the source of the Group Two benefit funding. NHRS said the governor’s budget includes General Funds for Group Two benefit changes, with $5 million in FY 2026 and $27.9 million in FY 2027, and that the figures reflect the governor’s recommendation and related HB 2 provisions. Committee members also asked about employer and employee contribution rates for Group Two police and fire members, which NHRS said were not included in the budget document but were about 31.2% for police and 30.35% for fire, with employee shares around 11.55% and 11.8%. The committee did not make a decision on the NHRS budget during this exchange and indicated it would review the details further before returning to it later. The committee then heard from the Community Development Finance Authority on the State Treasury Department budget line for the required state match to administer the federal Community Development Block Grant program. CDFA explained that its $280,000 annual request for FY 2026 and FY 2027, totaling $560,000, supports administration, technical assistance, contracting, and monitoring of roughly $19 million in annual federal CDBG funds. Members asked about the leverage of the state match, oversight of projects, staffing, and grant prioritization. CDFA said it has 18 employees, uses public hearings and a scoring system to prioritize awards, and conducts both desk and on-site monitoring, with annual audits to ensure compliance. No vote was taken on the CDFA item in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So just because we pass these bills, I appreciate that.
• In 1987, the state water code was passed.
• So, in 1987, the water code was passed.
• to pass the legislature.
• So I think the... ...passed the legislature.

Keywords: 910, house, all