Transcript Highlights:

• school year will end, and there are workers who are going to be asking why the GOP is insisting on repealing
• all I've heard from the other side of the aisle is that Democrats are fine with allowing this to be delayed

Transcript Highlights:

• I think the better news than it could have been is most of those things are delayed a few years and come
• and purchasing new equipment due to uncertainty around federal tax incentives, while others are delaying
• Some are facing delays in production due to shortages of critical components, increased costs for raw
• More likely to delay care, which results in worsening health outcomes for everyone.
• universities, and others who are affected about how they are experiencing grant terminations and delays

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The inaugural hearing of the newly named House Committee on Federal Funding, Policy and Accountability focused on how federal policy changes could affect Massachusetts, especially in education, health care, research, infrastructure, climate, and business conditions. Chair LaNatra said the committee was created to monitor federal funding decisions and their impacts on state programs and services. Members introduced themselves, then heard testimony from Doug Howgate of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, Sarah Mills of Associated Industries of Massachusetts, and Quentin Palfrey, the governor’s Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure. Howgate argued that the Trump administration and new Congress pose ideological, practical, and process-related risks to Massachusetts, citing proposed cuts to Medicaid, education, research, and other domestic programs. He said federal dollars make up about a quarter of the state operating budget and capital plan, warned against using one-time reserves to backfill ongoing federal cuts, and urged the state to prioritize core services while protecting areas where Massachusetts is especially strong, such as higher education and research. In response to committee questions, he said the House Medicaid proposal would still cost Massachusetts hundreds of millions and that international student and NIH-related changes could harm the state’s labor force and innovation economy. He also advised that the state communicate clearly without overreacting to daily federal developments. Mills testified that AIM members are most concerned about uncertainty, tariffs, Medicaid cuts, and NIH reductions. She said tariffs are raising costs, disrupting supply chains, and hurting small and medium-sized businesses, housing construction, and exporters, with AIM’s business confidence index falling to its lowest level since the pandemic. She said Medicaid cuts would raise employer health costs, reduce productivity, and strain the health care system, while NIH cuts would threaten Massachusetts’ life sciences and academic research ecosystem. In questions, she said AIM has increased federal outreach, is coordinating with the U.S. Chamber and the Massachusetts delegation, and is hearing concerns from employers about immigration compliance and workforce disruptions. Palfrey described the Healey-Driscoll administration’s efforts to maximize federal funding, including a biweekly interagency council, a municipal partnership effort, and a statewide roadshow. He said Massachusetts has secured nearly $9 billion from major federal laws for projects such as the Cape Cod bridges, Allston Multimodal, grid modernization, clean-energy school buses, and broadband. He also said the administration launched a public website to track federal impacts and is working with municipalities, nonprofits, and the Attorney General on grant changes, legal issues, and litigation. In response to questions, he warned that cuts to NOAA, NSF, Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs could affect services and the state budget, and said the administration is tracking changes to federal grant applications and conditions. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• My bill, members, I will remind you, this is not a repeal. Don't scare people.
• I am not repealing anything.
• this is not a repeal. this is not a repeal.
• I am not repealing Don't scare people.
• I am not repealing anything.<01:11:14.120> We're<01:11:14.240> pausing<01:11:14.760>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment repeals two taxes: the business rent tax, beginning October 1, and the aviation fuel tax
• The amendment also delays the imposition of the scheduled tax on natural gas fuel from January 1, 2026
• The amendment repeals two taxes: the business rent tax beginning October 1, and the aviation fuel tax
• The amendment also delays the imposition of the scheduled tax on natural gas fuel from January 1, 2026
• The amendment allows counties and school boards to reduce or repeal certain local discretionary sales

Summary: The House convened on the final day of session, observed a moment of silence for the Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and for Representative Rosenwald’s father, then swore in and seated new members Boyles and Hodgers. The Speaker also outlined the chamber’s end-of-session priorities, including action on the budget and related conforming bills. The House then took up H.J.R. 5019, a constitutional amendment to expand Florida’s budget stabilization fund by raising the cap, requiring annual transfers, and allowing withdrawals for critical state needs. After sponsor explanations and questions about what would qualify as a critical need and how the fund might respond to possible federal funding cuts, the House adopted an amendment that added more flexibility for suspending transfers and withdrawals. The joint resolution then passed on final passage. Members next considered HB 7031, the tax package conference report. The bill repeals the business rent tax and aviation fuel tax, delays the natural gas fuel tax, creates or extends several sales tax exemptions and holidays, and makes changes affecting property taxes, local taxes, pari-mutuel taxes, and revenue distributions. Debate focused heavily on the new permanent exemption for ammunition and hunting-related items, the elimination of recurring housing trust fund and transit-related distributions, and the shift of some funding from recurring to nonrecurring status. Supporters argued the package provides tax relief and preserves annual budget flexibility, while opponents criticized the ammunition exemption and the reductions in recurring housing and transit support. The conference report was adopted and the bill passed. The House then passed HB 5017, which creates a debt reduction program funded by a recurring transfer from general revenue to retire state bonds early, and HB 5015, the state group insurance conforming bill, which directs DMS to develop a formulary management plan and codifies the administrative health insurance assessment. Finally, the chamber began explanation and questions on the General Appropriations Act conference report for fiscal year 2025-26, described as a $115.1 billion budget that is down from the current year and includes more than $12 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs summarized major budget areas, including K-12 education, health care, transportation and economic development, agriculture and natural resources, higher education, state administration, justice, and information technology, highlighting funding for school choice, Medicaid, housing, transportation infrastructure, Everglades restoration, workforce programs, cybersecurity, and technology modernization.

Transcript Highlights:

• Am I incorrect, or would there be a delay in granting services until payments are met?
• We would hope there would be no delay in services, that they would honor the IEP as is.
• in granting services until be a delay in granting services until payments<01:20:03.280> met?
• We're repealing all of RSA 194D and reenacting it with this amendment. now. now.
• <03:24:26.000> and current 194D will be repealed and current 194D will be repealed and replaced

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are the White House terms for DEI policy and Unleashing American Energy, you know, really repealed
• also, you know, just the court cases, you know, will take time, and so again that, you know, will delay
• These are the White House terms for DEI policy and Unleashing American Energy, you know, really repealed
• what they termed as, you know, repealed what they termed as, you know, Biden<00:13:34.560> era,
• things past you know the will delay things past you know the normal<00:15:50.160> state<00:15

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:35.840> Um, repealer in it. Um, repealer in it.
• of the repealer. of the repealer.
• on the reverse repealer?
• . repealer. repealer.
• . repealer. repealer.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 4 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened, confirmed a quorum, received an invocation from Dr. Lenon Duncan, and led the pledge of allegiance. Routine business followed, including unanimous consent to dispense with reading the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests were introduced, including a governmental affairs representative, a doctor of the day and medical student, a county leadership group, agricultural youth council participants, a former senator’s spouse, and MSMS students. The chamber then took up several appropriations and finance measures. Senate Bill 2189, the transfer bill for state funds and agency budget setup, passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 2190 increased the Working Cash Stabilization Reserve Fund minimum balance from 10% to 15% of general fund revenue; supporters said it would strengthen the state’s fiscal position, and it passed by morning roll call after no questions. Senate Bill 2480, a capacity project bill providing $265 million from CAPEX to MDOT for highway projects in Madison and Rankin counties and initial work on Highway 90, was amended to make it effective upon passage and then passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 2832 extended the railroad tax credit repealer to 2029, and Senate Bill 2847 required state and local tax calculations to round to the nearest nickel in response to the federal penny phaseout; both passed by morning roll call. The Senate also approved Senate Bill 2191, which expands the purposes for which municipal use tax funds may be spent to include sidewalk repair and building acquisition/rehabilitation, after questions about municipal and subdivision sidewalks. Senate Bill 2885 created the Mississippi Work and Save Program, a voluntary retirement savings option for small employers and employees, with the sponsor emphasizing that participation is optional and that the program is intended to help workers without access to retirement plans; it passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 2834, the omnibus tag bill, and Senate Bill 2838, the omnibus qualified resort area bill, were each amended with committee substitutes and passed by morning roll call. Later, the Senate suspended the rules and took up a large block of resolutions and commemorative measures, including sympathy and congratulatory resolutions, arts awards, sports championships, and other recognitions, along with House concurrent resolutions and two House bills designating observances. The transcript ends while the clerk is reading the long list of titles in the block.

Transcript Highlights:

• But maybe we should repeal the mandate instead.
• But maybe we should repeal the mandate instead.
• But maybe we should repeal the mandate instead.
• But maybe we should repeal the mandate instead.
• But maybe we should repeal the mandate instead.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It also repeals automatic annual alternative payment system property rate inflation.
• It also<00:52:07.359> repeals<00:52:07.839> automatic<00:52:08.319> annual also
• repeals automatic annual also repeals automatic annual alternative<00:52:09.359> payment<00:52
• So, that um repeal of that um 256R 53.
• was delayed one year for this proposal. was delayed one year for this proposal.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Part of the process was delayed because the fuels assessment that was also called for in legislation
• Our preference would be that the margin cap and penalty be repealed by the legislature to provide more
• Our preference would be that the margin cap and penalty be repealed by the legislature to provide more
• There is a real risk of that having the opposite effect, in delaying plugging and health protection zones
• Repeal of market cap.

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Assembly Committees on Utilities and Energy, Transportation, and Natural Resources focused on California’s transportation fuels sector, especially the state’s response to refinery closures and the broader transition away from fossil fuels. Opening remarks emphasized the tension between climate and air-quality goals, fuel affordability, refinery jobs and local tax bases, and the need to avoid crisis-driven responses as Phillips 66 and Valero consider shutting refineries in Wilmington and Benicia. Professor Emily Grubert framed the issue as a long-term managed transition in which the public already bears much of the risk and should also capture benefits from a well-planned shift. CARB Chair Leanne Randolph reviewed the state’s emissions and fuel policies, including AB 32, the low-carbon fuel standard, clean vehicle programs, and the at-berth regulation for ocean-going vessels. She said California’s transportation sector remains the largest source of greenhouse gases and a major source of smog-forming pollution, but that the state has made substantial progress and still needs to reduce demand for fossil fuels while maintaining compliance with federal air-quality standards. Randolph also said CARB’s recent LCFS amendments had not caused the predicted spike in gas prices and explained that compliance pathways for the at-berth rule include emissions-reduction technologies or payments into a remediation fund. CEC Vice Chair Gunda described declining gasoline demand, shrinking in-state refining capacity, and growing dependence on imports, arguing that the state is in a “mid-transition” period that requires both support for legacy infrastructure and continued investment in cleaner alternatives. He outlined the administration’s petroleum market stabilization proposal, which aims to return California crude production to 125 million barrels a year through four components: codifying the ban on fracking, validating the Kern County oil-and-gas permitting ordinance, creating a temporary CEQA exemption paired with a two-for-one plug-and-drill framework, and strengthening pipeline and spill-safety requirements. Department of Conservation Director Jennifer Lucasey said the proposal is intended to stabilize crude supply and pipeline throughput while preserving health and environmental protections, and noted that CalGEM would still review permits and enforce other requirements. Mayor Steve Young of Benicia testified that a Valero closure would significantly reduce city revenue and leave the community facing years of cleanup and redevelopment challenges. He said the city supports environmental protection but is worried about the economic hit, the possibility that Benicia becomes a fuel-import terminal, and the lack of local influence over refinery decisions. Members pressed the panel on the CEQA exemption, tribal and habitat review, disclosure of closure liabilities, fuel-demand projections, and whether the proposal should include more demand-side measures. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and officials said some proposals, including a margin-cap pause and further transition planning, would be taken up later in the process.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to point out that these are delays, not repeals, of the mandates.
• I want to point out that these are delays, not repeals, of the mandates.
• It's a community decision to delay or not delay any of the mandates that are listed in this bill.
• I want to point out that these are delays, not repeals, of the mandates.
• It's a community decision to delay or not delay any of the mandates that are listed in this bill.

Bills: HF6, HF52, HF53

Keywords: education, literacy, science of reading, school performance, funding flexibility, innovation zones, equity and inclusion, HF52, New Germany, wastewater treatment, wastewater facility, sewer infrastructure, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, Public Facilities Authority, municipal infrastructure, water quality, sanitation, sewage treatment

Transcript Highlights:

• And most crucially, support is offered during moments of crisis, not delayed when the opportunity may
• The bill repeals<01:26:06.159> the<01:26:06.480> requirements<01:26:07.120> for<
• 01:26:07.520> reissuance repeals the requirements for reissuance repeals the requirements for
• the Gallagher repeal that caused that. the Gallagher repeal that caused that.
• Report from the committee on delayed bills.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum, approved the previous day’s journal, and received committee and conference reports. Committee actions included favorable reports on several appropriations and local government bills, postponement of some measures indefinitely, and a conference committee report on House Bill 1357 concerning the teacher recruitment, education, and preparation program and related appropriations. The chamber also received a House message indicating House Bill 140 had been postponed indefinitely. The main floor action was consideration of Senate Joint Resolution 24, designating May 2026 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Supporters described motorcycle riding as part of Colorado culture and emphasized safety, rider education, and sharing the road. The resolution was adopted 33-0, and ABATE of Colorado was recognized in connection with the measure. The Senate then moved into special orders and took up Senate Bill 116, which as amended focused on property tax changes, including setting the business personal property exemption ceiling at $58,000 without future inflation adjustment and aligning dates for the portable senior property tax exemption pilot. Senator Weissman argued the changes simplified administration and were fiscally prudent, while Senators Pelton and Frizell opposed the bill, saying the business property tax cap would hurt small businesses and that the portable senior exemption’s sunset would raise taxes for affected seniors. The debate continued as the bill was considered in committee of the whole.

Transcript Highlights:

• Treatment is also often delayed by approvals, shipping, and coordination barriers.
• clarifying language on the type of license that is required to sell long-term care insurance, and repeals
• primarily cleans up most of the changes in the 70-page bill are simplifying the roofing statute by repealing

Bills: HB4322, HB4202, HB4203, HB4457, HB3983, HB3660, HB3802, HB2933, HB2955, HB2956, HB3781, HB3521, HB3794, HB3796, HB3800

Keywords: funeral services licensing, funeral director, embalmer, funeral director in charge, dual licensure, mortuary science, Oklahoma Funeral Board, funeral establishment, commercial embalming establishment, crematory, cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, apprenticeship, licensing requirements, professional regulation, undertaker, mortician, burial services, death care industry, workers' compensation

Transcript Highlights:

• Sorry for that delay, Madam President and members.
• Within three years, so that all noncompliant rules can be automatically repealed by January 1st, 2030
• And put in place a timeframe for compliance, and then there will be automatic repeal of all rules not

Bills: SR31, SB2060, SB2184, HB1371, HB1411, HB1933, HB2361, HB2398, HB2893, HB3006, HB3044, HB3127, HB3322, HB3147, HB1276, HB3472, HB3522, HB3704, HB4303, HB4319

Keywords: military, children, resilience, Purple Up!, military families, master development district, improvement district, public improvements, infrastructure financing, special assessments, statutory revision, consolidation, law amendment, emergency legislation, legal clarity, oil and gas, mineral rights, proceeds, royalties, escrow account

Transcript Highlights:

• nullification of the rule because the original statutory authority was passed in 1972; however, it was repealed
• nullification of the rule because the original statutory authority was passed in 1972, however, it was repealed
• The cumulative effect is regulatory uncertainty, delays, and a clear message that Florida is closed for

Bills: S0408, S0986, S0678, S0800, S1050, S0484, S1118

Keywords: vaccine advertisement, manufacturer liability, harmful vaccine, healthcare, court action, smoking regulation, public health, vaping, marijuana, public places, Florida Statutes, alcohol distribution, tax deductions, extraordinary losses, warehouse breakage, regulatory compliance, veterinary, prescription, pharmacy, client rights

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries considered several bills and took final action on each. SB 986, by Senator Gruters and presented by Senator Rodriguez, would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in public places and in certain indoor spaces; restaurant and lodging representatives supported adding marijuana and vaping to clean indoor air rules but asked to preserve designated smoking areas on private property, while cannabis advocates warned the bill was overly broad and could affect patients and property rights. The committee voted the bill favorably. SB 678, by Senator Mayfield, would restore statutory authority for DBPR to continue allowing alcohol distributors to deduct unsellable alcohol from monthly excise tax calculations; the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and reported the committee substitute favorably. SB 800, also by Senator Mayfield, increases penalties for repeated unlicensed engineering practice and creates an engineering student loan assistance program for engineers working for state agencies and water management districts; after adopting an amendment clarifying eligibility, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then heard SB 408, by Senator Grall, which would create a Florida cause of action against vaccine manufacturers that advertise in the state, allowing injured individuals to sue in Florida courts. Supporters argued the bill would rebuild public trust and hold manufacturers accountable, while opponents from the Florida Justice Reform Institute, American Tort Reform Association, BIO, the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, and several medical and business groups argued the field is largely preempted by federal law, that existing federal compensation programs already address vaccine injuries, and that the bill raises First Amendment and policy concerns. After debate focused on vaccine injury data, compensation rates, and liability, the committee voted SB 408 favorably. The committee also considered SB 484 and SB 1118, both by Senator Avila, dealing with data centers. SB 484 would preserve local planning authority, bar nondisclosure agreements that prevent disclosure of potential data center development, require the PSC to set large-load tariff requirements so data centers pay their own costs, and limit consumptive use permits for large-scale data centers absent no harm to water resources and compliance with local zoning; supporters emphasized ratepayer protection and economic development, while some witnesses urged flexibility for behind-the-meter projects and confidentiality in negotiations. The bill was reported favorably. SB 1118 would create a time-limited public records exemption for county or municipal information about data center siting and protect proprietary business information; Senator Pizzo raised concerns about how the exemption would affect disclosure of competing projects and local officials’ ability to speak, but the sponsor said he would work on clarifying the language. The committee also passed SB 1050, by Senator Calatayud, which requires veterinarians to provide pet owners with written prescriptions and information about pharmacy choice while preserving veterinary judgment and emergency dispensing authority. The meeting concluded after all bills were reported favorably and members recorded additional votes on prior items.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:35:54.960> chapter<00:35:55.480> 134c<00:35:56.480> we'd office and then repeal
• chapter 134c we'd office and then repeal chapter 134c we'd be<00:35:56.880> happy<00:35:57.040
• 134c okay I'm would recommend repealing 134c okay I'm sorry<00:47:38.680> I<00:47:38.760>
• It repeals the authority of the Judiciary to contract with a collection agency or licensed attorney to
• a project so long that it the delay a project so long that it the project<03:17:22.520> loses

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee met on February 12 at 2 p.m. and heard several measures related to corrections, re-entry, law enforcement, retirement benefits, and gun violence prevention. On HB 10002, which would extend the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission coordinator’s term and clarify unannounced inspection authority, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said it had no objection to the term length or to 24/7 unannounced access. The commission’s chair, Commissioner Mark Patterson, asked for a longer term, saying the commission needs more time and stability to manage reform efforts after years without staff during COVID. Community Alliance on Prisons and Carolyn Eaton also supported a longer term, with both suggesting six years would better insulate the position from politics. The chair noted he had asked Chair Bot for background on the prior committee’s changes and said that could be discussed during decision-making. The committee then heard HB 67, which would require DCR to help inmates obtain civil identification documents such as IDs, birth certificates, and Social Security cards as soon as practicable, including for people in furlough or community placement programs. DCR said it supported the bill and described ongoing work with the city and county on ID machines and with agencies on certificates and Social Security cards. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Oversight Commission, Community Alliance on Prisons, and the Office of Public Defense all supported the measure, emphasizing that identification is essential for housing, employment, and successful re-entry and noting the disproportionate impact of incarceration on Native Hawaiians. On HB 1183, which would classify certain law enforcement administrators and Department of Law Enforcement employees as Class A members for retirement purposes, the Department of Human Resources Development, the Employees’ Retirement System, and the Department of Law Enforcement all supported the bill. DHRD said it would help recruitment and retention, ERS said it had technical amendments to suggest, and DLE said the change would help with succession planning and allow the governor to appoint the most qualified leader. The committee also heard HB 1045, an emergency appropriation bill to cover payroll fringe benefits for Department of Law Enforcement personnel after salary funding had been shifted to other departments; Budget and Finance and DLE explained the need for the supplemental funding, and no opposition was noted. Finally, the committee took up HB 664, which would create an Office of Gun Violence Prevention, a grant program, a resource bank, and a special fund. The Attorney General recommended adding standards for grant awards and warned of overlap with the existing Gun Violence and Violent Crimes Commission, suggesting consolidation and repeal of the older commission to avoid duplication. Supporters included the Brady Campaign, Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action Hawaii, a physician, and an Army veteran, who argued the office would centralize data, coordinate prevention efforts, and help secure outside funding. Testimony was mixed, with the chair noting 37 supporters, nine opponents, and three commenters, but no vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So our process got delayed by about What we did was wait, and we waited patiently because we knew what
• The limited. ballot process would also cause delays and long lines during the voting process.
• Other states have witnessed the dangers of delay. Last year.
• Many jurisdictions try ranked-choice voting only to repeal it.
• That needs to be repealed.

Bills: SB16, SB76, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB827, SB964, SB1209, SB1210, SB1386, SB1470, SB2035, SJR37, SB 16

Keywords: voter registration, proof of citizenship, Election Code, criminal offenses, limited federal ballot, transportation, infrastructure, funding, public safety, state regulation, election, polling places, voter access, state oversight, electronic voting, voting, polling place, elections, countywide program, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• What happened is a member of the committee put in an amendment that repealed the entire RSA.
• What happened is a member of the committee put in an amendment that repealed the entire RSA.
• What happened is a member of the committee put in an amendment that repealed the entire RSA.
• What happened is a member of the committee put in an amendment that repealed the entire RSA.
• And I was very surprised to see the bill come forward as a repeal of it.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So Is it possible that homeowners would delay necessary upgrades to avoid reassessment?
• Last year, I passed a bill repealing our mandatory 6% markup in retail goods and services.
• And one other thing, we also repealed the grocery tax a couple of years ago, and we said that it might
• Last year, I passed a bill repealing our mandatory 6% markup in retail goods and services.
• We repealed it last year; just keep that in mind.

Bills: SB65, SB248, SB330, SB378, SB844, SB1330, SB1410, SB1475, SB1476, SB1565, SB1618, SB1623, SJR39, SJR47, SB2084, SB1655, SB1679, SB2174, SB1775, SB1873, SB1204, SB1884, SB1916, SB1937, SB1447, SB1500, SB2007, SB2074, SB1944, SB2018, SB1984, SB2026, SB2045, SB2049, SB2062, SB2112, SB2118, SB2127, SB2134, SB2135, SB2139, SB2154, SB1195

Keywords: SB65, naloxone, Narcan, opioid overdose, overdose reversal, opioid antagonist, emergency opioid antagonist, substance abuse services, harm reduction, public health, overdose prevention, good samaritan, civil immunity, criminal immunity, controlled substances, addiction treatment, fentanyl, opioid crisis, school overdose response, first aid

Transcript Highlights:

• It says it was repealed in 1994, but it doesn't say why or what it was.
• It says it was repealed in 1994, but it doesn't say why or what it was.
• It says it was repealed in 1994, but it doesn't say why or what it was.
• ,<01:32:11.280> emotional developmental delay, emotional developmental delay, emotional disturbance
• ,<01:32:52.639> emotional blind, developmental delayed, emotional blind, developmental delayed

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission met to approve the May 18, 2026 minutes and then focused on how SB 57’s special education cost study should inform HB 1099, which creates a separate study committee on residential placements and related education costs. Members discussed sending the commission’s minutes and findings to that new committee, noting the short timeline for its work and the need to be specific about unresolved issues so the new group does not duplicate the same questions. A major topic was the cost and responsibility for students placed at Spalding and similar residential programs, especially transportation and whether costs are paid through the Department of Education’s episode-of-treatment (EOT) fund, local districts, DHS, or Medicaid. Staff explained that for students with disabilities, EOT funds cover special education and transportation costs tied to the placement, while students without disabilities are handled through DHS care-management and best-interest meetings. Members raised concerns about whether some students at Spalding are receiving no schooling, whether transportation costs are substantial, and whether Medicaid reimbursement could offset some expenses. The commission also discussed confusion over district responsibility when students placed in residential programs attend school in another district, using Winnisquam as an example. Several members said the receiving district was not notified that DHHS-approved programs could bring in additional students and costs, and they suggested DHHS or its care-management entity should notify both the district of residence and the receiving district when a program is approved. The group agreed this notification issue, along with transportation funding, privacy concerns in Medicaid-to-schools billing, and the distinction between special education placements, EOT placements, and other voluntary residential placements, should be passed to the HB 1099 study committee for further work.