Transcript Highlights:

• The committee heard testimony from the director of the Civil Rights Unit at the Office of the Attorney
• Connecticut Attorney General William Connecticut Attorney General William Tong<00:17:39.760><c> said<
• general, the civil rights division, a constitutional attorney, and a constitutional scholar who has
• I'm thinking though, um, that in past lives I was an attorney and um, I'm thinking we're coming up on
• The Vermont Attorney General's Office reported that impersonation scams involving law enforcement are

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not an attorney, nor am I a real estate agent, but I work with the realtors.
• I'm not<01:01:49.359><c> an</c><01:01:49.520><c> attorney,</c><01:01:50.000><c> nor</c><01:01:50.240>
• , nor am I a real estate not an attorney, nor am I a real estate agent,<01:01:51.839><c> but</c><01:01
• It is adopted. >> Uh, this is the attorney general's building. The attorney general's are in open.
• Right now, the only one who's allowed to have an MOU with the federal government is the attorney general

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm grateful to Counselor Steven, Attorney General Formela, Commissioners Quinn and Cass, and everyone
• Steven, Attorney General Formela, Steven, Attorney General Formela, Commissioners<00:48:04.319><c> Quinn
• So the attorney general would have to finance the litigation.
• ><c> have</c><01:30:19.360><c> to</c><01:30:20.239><c> uh</c> the attorney general would have to uh the
• attorney general would have to uh finance<01:30:20.960><c> the</c><01:30:21.199><c> litigation.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And since then, NEPA has created a cottage industry for attorneys who have made a living suing to block
• County, east of the Continental Divide in Colorado's fourth district, where I represent. potential prosecution
• Unfortunately, potential prosecution.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, December 18, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've consulted with several prominent land use attorneys over the years in order to know property owners
• consulted with several prominent land consulted with several prominent land use<00:07:44.560><c> attorneys
• 45.520><c> years</c><00:07:45.759><c> in</c><00:07:46.080><c> order</c><00:07:46.240><c> to</c> use attorneys
• over the years in order to use attorneys over the years in order to know<00:07:47.120><c> property</
• </c><01:48:16.000><c> general's</c> counseledled with our attorney general's counseledled with our attorney

Committee: House Public Works and Highways

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Wally Davis was one of Orange County's first Hispanic attorneys and a civil rights icon.
• Wally Davis was one of Orange County's first Hispanic attorneys and a civil rights icon.
• Wally Davis was one of Orange County's first Hispanic attorneys and a civil rights icon.
• In February of this year, Attorney General Pam Bondi went on national TV and told the American people
• In February of this year, Attorney General Pam Bondi went on national TV and told the American people

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• available to judges, it’s available to police officers, it’s available to clerk magistrates and district attorneys—and
• secretariat at HHS and our sister agencies, but ...also with the affected organizations and the Attorney
• they can have English classes, citizenship classes, pass a test, have someone, have an immigration attorney
• , or a BAA-accredited individual, Have an immigration attorney or a BIA-accredited individual or a permanent

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from Senate Chair Robyn Kennedy and House Chair Chynah Tyler, who emphasized that the fiscal year 2026 hearing was focused on the Health and Human Services budget, asked members to keep questions budget-related, and noted that no public testimony would be taken. They also highlighted the choice of Doherty Memorial High School as the venue to showcase Worcester’s investment in career and technical education. Committee members then introduced themselves before the first panel, the Executive Office of Veterans Services and the state veterans homes, began testimony. Secretary John Santiago said the governor’s FY26 proposal would support implementation of the HERO Act, which he said is now about 95% implemented, including higher disabled veteran annuities, expanded behavioral health benefits, and other service expansions. He described efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, including nearly $20 million in ARPA-funded housing and outreach initiatives, and said the agency has delivered more than 100,000 supportive services to nearly 8,500 veterans. Leaders from the Chelsea and Holyoke veterans homes reported on staffing, quality measures, electronic medical records, and major construction projects at both facilities, including a new Chelsea campus and the new Holyoke home. Members asked about funding transfers, geographic equity in access to the homes, outreach to women veterans and veterans of color, suicide prevention, Gold Star family support, and the impact of federal uncertainty; Santiago said the homes are now licensed and certified, that the current budget is sufficient, and that the agency is expanding engagement and data collection. The second panel, the Office of the Veteran Advocate, testified that its FY26 request is about $3.3 million, up from the current $2 million, to cover staffing, a larger office, and higher technology costs. Veteran Advocate Bob Notch said the office is a new independent oversight agency created in 2022 to examine systems, coordinate with local veteran service officers, and investigate fatalities or serious harm involving veterans in state care. He said the office’s work depends on research, data, and collaboration with other agencies, and that current funding is only enough for minimum operations. In response to questions, Notch and Deputy Commissioner David O’Callaghan discussed the difficulty of tracking veteran suicides, the need for better data across agencies, and the office’s role as an oversight body rather than a direct service provider. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Or do you often feel like consultants, who are often attorneys, understand the system, are applying for
• consultants<01:09:32.720><c> who</c><01:09:32.839><c> are</c><01:09:32.960><c> often</c><01:09:33.279><c> attorneys
• </c><01:09:33.799><c> who</c> consultants who are often attorneys who consultants who are often attorneys

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• today by Angela Pontes with Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California and Tiffany Brokaw with the Attorney
• Chair and members, Tiffany Brokaw here on behalf of Attorney General Rob Bonta, who's proud to co-sponsor
• Congi, who will be talking about the bill, along with Anthony Chikotel, senior staff attorney with the
• patient whose death notification was significantly delayed, as well as Anthony Chichotel, senior staff attorney

Committee: House Health

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• some really good ideas from different folks, maybe some folks from private industry, maybe some attorneys
• 30.360><c> maybe</c> industry, maybe industry, maybe some<00:56:32.160><c> uh</c><00:56:32.240><c> attorneys
• ><c> are</c><00:56:33.000><c> experts</c><00:56:33.480><c> in</c><00:56:33.600><c> a</c> some uh attorneys
• that are experts in a some uh attorneys that are experts in a certain<00:56:34.000><c> area</c><00:56

Bills: HF2715 , HF2499 , HF3420 , HF3657 , HF2303

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: HF2715, homestead credit refund, property tax refund, property tax relief, homeowner tax relief, homestead credit, co-pay reduction, Minnesota property taxes, tax rebate, state refund, income thresholds, inflation adjustment, property tax circuit breaker, housing affordability, elderly homeowners, fixed income, taxation, Minnesota Statutes 290A.04, renters credit, income tax

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Uh, I'll be happy for us to get with the attorneys and to make sure that this isn't just unlimited
• gt;&gt; Uh I'll be happy for us to get with the &gt;&gt; Uh I'll be happy for us to get with the attorneys
• 00.159><c> make</c><00:04:00.400><c> sure</c><00:04:00.480><c> that</c><00:04:00.799><c> this</c> attorneys
• and to make sure that this attorneys and to make sure that this isn't<00:04:01.280><c> just</c><00:04

Committee: Joint Public Health and Welfare

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 25 February, 2026; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That was a $4 million grant from the Attorney General's office that allowed us to open our outpatient
• That was a $4 million grant from the<00:32:36.000><c> Attorney</c><00:32:36.320><c> General's</c><00:
• 32:36.799><c> office</c><00:32:36.960><c> that</c> the Attorney General's office that the Attorney General's

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Families and Children met with a quorum, approved the August minutes, and received an update that the number of children in out-of-home care with active placements was 8,647 as of September 7, 2025. The first presentation was from Isaiah 117 House, a nonprofit that provides a home-like setting for children on removal day so they do not have to wait in a state office. Speakers described the mission as reducing trauma for children, lightening the burden on case workers, and easing transitions to foster or kinship placements. They said the Kentucky home in Logan County opened on August 15 and had already served 10 children in its first six days. Committee members asked about logistics, including whether children placed with kinship caregivers would still come to the house, how long children can stay, who remains responsible for them, and how volunteers are screened. The presenters said children are brought to the house regardless of whether they are headed to kinship or foster placement, that 72 hours is not a hard cutoff, and that a case worker remains in charge at all times while volunteers provide support. They also said volunteers undergo background checks, trauma-informed training, confidentiality instruction, and annual continuing education. In response to questions about funding and expansion, they said Isaiah 117 House is community-funded without state or federal money, and that new homes are opened only when fully funded, with construction costs typically ranging from $80,000 to $150,000 and first-year budgets around $180,000. The committee then heard a presentation from Remy Eastep Homes on its Family Centered Integrated Healthcare and related services. Leaders described the organization’s history from its origins as separate orphanages in Boyd County to residential treatment, treatment foster care, prevention services, and outpatient behavioral health. They said the organization shifted about 15 years ago toward engaging families more directly because family involvement improves outcomes and helps keep children safely at home when possible. The presentation continued into program details, but no votes or formal actions were taken on either presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the attorney general's office and leadership worked out that agreement.
• Hi, I’m Brian Clark, attorney for the Bureau of Adult and Aging Services, and I worked on the fiscal
• Hi, I'm Brian Clark, attorney for true?
• Hi, I'm Brian Clark, attorney for the<00:26:08.720><c> Bureau</c><00:26:08.960><c> of</c><00:26:09.120

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 118, as amended, which contains several unrelated provisions with a modest fiscal note. Nathan White of the Department of Health and Human Services explained that section 1 would change the personal needs allowance for Medicaid-eligible residents of private and county nursing homes from an adjustment every five years to an annual adjustment, increasing the state cost by about $50,000 per year. He also described section 2, a one-time appropriation of about $160,000 to make certain Hampstead employees whole for missed bonuses and lost leave during the state’s transition of the facility to Dartmouth management. White then outlined sections 3 through 5, which would create a dedicated fund for Hampstead lease revenue to cover the state’s contractual obligation to match Dartmouth capital improvements dollar-for-dollar up to $3 million. He said the state receives about $1.141 million in lease revenue in the first year, with a 3% annual escalator, and that the fund would hold lease revenue until needed for reimbursement. Members questioned how the matching arrangement would work, what happens if Dartmouth spends before the fund has enough money, and whether the state could refuse to match certain improvements. White said Dartmouth has final determination under the agreement if disputes arise, and that if the bill does not pass the state could face difficulty meeting the obligation without cutting services or finding other general funds. Several members also raised policy concerns about the personal needs allowance becoming an automatic cost driver. Brian Clark, attorney for the Bureau of Adult and Aging Services, clarified that current law requires the allowance to be updated at least every five years, but the legislature could change it in an off year if it chose. He also explained that the allowance is money residents retain from their own income, such as Social Security, as part of Medicaid cost-of-care calculations, and that the department does not regulate how residents keep those funds. No vote was taken during the discussion, and the committee paused to correct the bill copy before continuing testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• including the Debt Management Office at MMB, our partners at the Department of Administration, and the Attorney
• 11.760><c> the</c> the department of administration and the the department of administration and the Attorney
• c> General's</c><00:20:12.919><c> office</c><00:20:13.760><c> of</c><00:20:13.919><c> course</c> Attorney
• General's office of course Attorney General's office of course we've<00:20:14.320><c> also</c><00:20

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My suggestion is we put this item last on the agenda because I’m sure Attorney Williams has already got
• </c><01:38:29.760><c> um</c> on the agenda because I'm sure um on the agenda because I'm sure um attorney
• :31.840><c> has</c><01:38:32.040><c> already</c><01:38:32.320><c> got</c><01:38:32.480><c> a</c> attorney
• uh Williams has already got a attorney uh Williams has already got a choca<01:38:33.040><c> block</c

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Health and Human Services Oversight Committee met on February 2 and first approved the draft minutes from the prior meeting, with minor corrections to the meeting date and attendance notation. DHHS Associate Commissioner Patricia Tilly then gave a department update, describing the current uncertainty around federal priorities and funding, and provided two substantive reports: progress on the new Hampstead Youth Development Center and an update on the department’s review of an ALS registry proposal. She said the YDC project is underway with tree clearing, fencing, stormwater and site-prep work, and remains on track for completion by June 30, 2026 and operation by August 30, 2026. The center currently has 12 youth, and the new design is intended to provide flexibility for fluctuating census levels. On ALS, Tilly explained that HB 576 had prompted the department to examine whether a registry could be built, but the estimated cost of a HIPAA-compliant system was about $750,000. She said DHHS is reviewing whether existing data sources, such as hospital discharge data and CHIS claims data, could provide useful information, but noted both are incomplete for registry purposes. Committee members discussed whether the Rare Disease Advisory Council, Dartmouth, or existing cancer registry infrastructure could help reduce costs. DHHS said it is neutral and willing to continue exploring alternatives, while members emphasized the value of a registry and the need to consider shared infrastructure and funding. The committee also heard from Jenny Horan of the Alzheimer’s Association, who presented the subcommittee’s report on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. She said the subcommittee spent the past year gathering information on dementia care, abuse and exploitation issues, caregiver strain, and available services, and is now moving into a second phase focused on identifying gaps and developing a state plan. Members asked about geriatric psychiatric capacity and long-term care availability; Horan said the state has limited capacity and that the plan will help clarify where needs are greatest. She offered to return for follow-up questions at a later meeting. Finally, Olivia May of DHHS presented the quarterly report on the 12-month postpartum Medicaid coverage extension. She said New Hampshire implemented the extension after federal and state action, and the first claims data are still emerging because of reporting lags. In the initial cohort studied, 95% received some medical services during the extended period, 52.4% received mental health or substance use disorder treatment, 26.7% received preventive visits, and 3.2% received heart or hypertension services. Members asked about return on investment and whether higher federal matching rates are being used appropriately; DHHS said it claims the highest possible match based on eligibility group and will return with more data over time. The committee then heard the annual therapeutic cannabis program report from Michael Holt, who said the program had 1,475 registered patients as of June 30, 2024 and that growth has slowed, with New Hampshire having the lowest per-capita medical cannabis enrollment nationally.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our loggers undergo about as much annual training as probably more than most attorneys.
• 00:56:05.880><c> most</c> training as probably more than most training as probably more than most attorneys
• > trees</c><00:56:08.760><c> themselves</c><00:56:09.039><c> are</c><00:56:09.240><c> carbon</c> attorneys
• um trees themselves are carbon attorneys um trees themselves are carbon vacuums<00:56:10.079><c> if<

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee heard testimony on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and Minnesota’s efforts to build a SAF industry. Andrea Veble of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture said the Walz administration strongly supports SAF because it could benefit agriculture, forestry, clean energy, and rural economies. She highlighted the 2023 state SAF tax credit and sales tax exemption for facility construction, describing the credit as a nation-leading incentive designed to stack with federal IRA credits and attract producers and blenders to Minnesota. Jeff Davidman of Delta Airlines said aviation is difficult to decarbonize and that SAF is the airline industry’s best available tool to reach net-zero goals by 2050. He explained that SAF is a certified drop-in fuel that can be blended with conventional jet fuel and used in existing aircraft and infrastructure, and he cited growing global demand and limited supply. He said Minnesota has many potential feedstocks, including used cooking oil, corn, soybeans, and camelina, and praised the state’s SAF tax credit and the Minnesota SAF Hub as important steps toward making Minnesota a leader in the sector. Peter Fros of Greater MSP described the Minnesota SAF Hub as a public-private partnership aimed at building an industrial-scale SAF value chain in Minnesota. He said the state has key advantages, including airport demand, corporate partners, research institutions, and agricultural inputs, and estimated that three SAF biorefineries could create tens of thousands of jobs and significant emissions reductions. He also said the Hub is working on blending infrastructure, private demand commitments, a winter camelina expansion study, and efforts to secure additional refineries before 2030. Members raised questions about how sustainability is measured, and Fros said the Hub relies on the federal GREET model but wants a clearer, transparent, and standardized national method that also accounts for issues like water quality and biodiversity. Amanda Bellik of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association said corn-based ethanol is a strong fit for SAF production through the alcohol-to-jet pathway because it is abundant, affordable, and supported by existing infrastructure. She said SAF development could create a new value-added market for corn without requiring new acres, but emphasized the need for significant capital investment, stable tax policy, and efficient permitting. She also said the group has worked with a consultant on third-party sustainability assessments of corn production practices to help fill data gaps and support the carbon-intensity requirements tied to SAF incentives.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we have the Attorney General's office offering comments or in person.
• Good afternoon, Chair Woodson, Vice Chair Le, members, and Herichi from the Department of the Attorney
• Good afternoon, Chair Woodson, Vice Chair Le, members, and Herichi from the Department of the Attorney
• in</c> Good afternoon, Chair Woodson, Vice Chair, members, and herichi from the Department of the Attorney

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Education met on February 6 at 2:00 p.m. and heard testimony on a series of education-related bills. HB 1200, which would codify teacher ratios in statute, drew support from the Department of Education, the Democratic Party of the Education Caucus, and 11 individuals; no opposition was noted and the committee moved on without questions. HB 1344, concerning mandatory FAFSA completion, received testimony from the Department of Education, Hawaii P20, and a University of Hawaiʻi student who cited unclaimed Pell Grant funds and low FAFSA completion rates as reasons to support the bill. Committee members asked about current outreach efforts, and DOE and P20 described FAFSA tracking data, hotlines, email support, school-based FAFSA nights, and coordination with counselors; members also raised concerns about federal education funding and Pell Grants. The committee then heard HB 1499, which would authorize staff and volunteers to administer certain medications. The Department of Education, Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi nursing leadership, and the Hawaii State Center for Nursing all testified in support, along with several individuals and the Democratic Party Environmental Caucus. The next measure, HB 902 on the Public Safety Power Shutoff program, was supported by DOE, the Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaiian Electric, but it prompted extensive questioning from the Vice Chair about whether taxpayers should fund a study to help schools remain open during shutoffs. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would help DOE assess impacts in wildfire-risk areas and noted its wildfire safety strategy, outreach efforts, and potential community resource centers, while the Vice Chair argued the utility should bear more of the cost. The committee also heard HB 961, a bill on school libraries and a CASS pilot program, with DOE offering comments and HSTA and the Hawaii Library Association strongly supporting it. HSTA argued certified librarians are important for literacy, research, and digital literacy, and said many schools lack them because of cost; the association and 14 individuals testified in support. HB 962, a related bill on DOE libraries and the system, also drew support from DOE, HSTA, and the Hawaii Library Association, with 15 individuals in support. Finally, HB 730, concerning the Civil Rights Compliance Branch, received support from DOE, White Children’s Action Network, AAW of Hawaiʻi, and many individuals. Testifiers said the branch needs more resources and training and handles more than Title IX, including Title VI, Title VII, and ADA matters. A student plaintiff in a Title IX lawsuit described unequal treatment in athletics and facilities, and another supporter said the bill would help ensure compliance with federal civil rights laws. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• LFC recommendation includes a reauthorization of an appropriation you all made back in 2021 to the Attorney
• This year, we were informed by the Attorney General's office that we will now be responsible for the
• So, just on line 265, these are supplemental appropriations to the district attorney in this case.
• Under attorney supervision, we can do it, but there are better ways to do it as well.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> including more than a dozen attorneys including more than a dozen attorneys general<06:21:13.360
• someone who spent nearly two decades working in the justice system as a public defender, defense attorney
• , judge, and as a defense attorney, judge, and as a prosecutor.<06:24:26.798><c> I</c><06:24:26.958><
• In the last cycle under President Biden, yes, half a dozen or so attorneys general came and disagreed
• </c> yes, half a dozen or so attorneys yes, half a dozen or so attorneys general<06:35:02.718><c> came

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He then said that, as mentioned by attorney Spidel, the bill addresses D4, but in D5 the legislature
• He said his name is Nick Coff with the Conservation Law Foundation, that he is a senior attorney there
• </c> law Foundation I'm a senior attorney law Foundation I'm a senior attorney there<02:44:22.600><c>
• Spidel, who's an attorney at the Public Utilities Commission, mentioned that when they have questions
• </c><05:35:43.958><c> at</c> testimony Mr spidel who's an attorney at testimony Mr spidel who's an attorney

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Keywords: 1189, house, all