Transcript Highlights:

• Disabilities.
• Disabilities.
• disabilities gain independence by having more stable housing.
• disabilities.
• disabilities.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• certified school psychologists to participate in certification of certain persons as intellectually disabled
• or developmentally disabled.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The committee met for its final meeting of the year and considered a series of Judiciary-related bills. The first measure, S.48 (Walsh), proposed a constitutional amendment to bar the governor from using messages of necessity for budget-related bills. Supporters argued that budget bills should receive the normal three-day review period and that the public and legislature need more time to examine major spending and policy changes. Despite that support, the motion to advance the bill failed, and it was not reported. Several other bills were advanced with little or no opposition. S.951 (Kavanaugh), requiring disclosure of certain demographic information by real estate brokers and salespersons, was reported to Finance. S.7279 (Scarcella Spanton), allowing certified school psychologists to participate in certifications related to intellectual or developmental disability, was reported to the floor. S.9582 (Gonzalez), concerning persons ineligible to act as fiduciaries, drew concerns that judges should retain discretion and that the bill could create problems for well-intended fiduciaries, but it was still reported to the floor. S.9765 (Sunshine and Litigation Act on protective orders), S.9788 (arbitration), S.9788/9789 (jurisdiction over certain defendants in city and justice courts), S.9848 (contents of claims in the Court of Claims), and S.9894 (rape shield/evidence of a victim’s sexual conduct or dress) were also reported to the floor. The committee also discussed S.9790 (audio-visual coverage of judicial proceedings), with supporters saying cameras would increase transparency and public trust while preserving safeguards for sensitive proceedings; it was reported to the floor. Another bill, S.9798, would prohibit the use of reproductive or sexual health devices as evidence of prostitution in certain criminal or civil proceedings; it was reported to Codes. The meeting concluded after all listed bills were acted on, with the chair thanking members and guests and noting the committee would meet again the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• more than two decades of service to public education, state government, behavioral health, and disability
• focuses on strengthening postsecondary transition pathways for students with intellectual and developmental
• disabilities, helping to expand workforce readiness, independence, and community integration for Oklahomans

Bills: SB1323, SB1863, SB1932, SB1950, SB1956, SB1970, SB1599, SB1312, SB1776, SB1858, SB1985, SB1302, SB1809, SB1401, SB2053, SB1503, SB1553, SB1427, SB1642, SB1421, SB1837, SB1566, SB1567, SB1794, SB1484, SB1557, SB1564, SB1591, SB1395, SB1456, SB1562, SB1613, SB1983, SB1550, SB2065, SB2152, SB2159, SB2172, SB2110, SB2111, SB2114

Keywords: memorial designation, highway, Sheriff Marty Grisham, transportation, Oklahoma Statutes, memorial highway, road designation, John Skelley, motor carrier, administrative hearing, legal representation, corporate liability, aviation, aircraft, surveillance, regulations, fees, Oklahoma statutes, memorial, highway designation

Transcript Highlights:

• As we are celebrating March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, I'm proud to present AB 984
• CalABLE savings accounts are primarily used by low-income individuals with disabilities, with 71% of
• As Assemblymember Nguyen stated, this is effectively the only vehicle for people with disabilities. .
• without disabilities.
• It would be held by the person with the disability.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met and announced that, under its suspense-file rules, every bill on the agenda would be referred to suspense because each had a fiscal impact. The chair also reminded attendees to submit position letters in advance for inclusion in the bill analysis. A quorum was established and the committee then heard six bills, all of which drew support testimony and no opposition testimony in the room. AB 814 would exempt law enforcement pensions from state income tax to encourage retired peace officers to remain in California and support recruitment and retention. AB 918 would create a targeted income tax exemption for pay earned by local first responders deployed under mutual aid during declared emergencies, with supporters saying it would help sustain disaster response and reward extraordinary service. Both bills were backed by police and public safety organizations and were referred to suspense. AB 976 would create a nonrefundable tax credit for small retailers in disadvantaged communities to help pay for security equipment in response to retail theft and violence; members discussed whether the bill should be broader and how it related to Proposition 36 and crime policy. AB 984 would allow state tax deductions for contributions to CalABLE accounts, with testimony from CalABLE representatives and families describing the program as an essential savings tool for people with disabilities. AB 1282 would create a deduction for out-of-pocket medical expenses up to $5,000 through 2030, and AB 838 would raise California’s renter’s tax credit from $60/$120 to $2,000 for eligible filers. Each of these bills was also referred to the suspense file, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Individuals with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• with no disability.
• But we've also worked directly with the Office of Disability, M.O.D., Massachusetts Office on Disability
• We've also worked directly with the Office of Disability, M.O.D., Massachusetts Office on Disability,
• The Developmental Disabilities Council, Craig Hall—yes, Greg Hall has been on.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Disability Employment Subcommittee met with roll call, approved prior meeting minutes, and shared an inspirational quote from Jane Goodall about the importance of every individual. Members then introduced themselves and their roles, including state disability advocates, providers, and commission members, before hearing a presentation from Katia Alpanis and Dina Klumkina of the State Exchange on Employment and Disability (SEED). SEED described its role as a technical assistance and policy resource for states, focused on sharing best practices and examples from other states to expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The presentation outlined SEED’s seven policy areas: career readiness and work-based learning, behavioral health and work, stay-at-work/return-to-work supports, employer recruitment and retention tools, entrepreneurship and disability-owned business development, interagency coordination, and state government as a model employer. Examples from other states included scholarship and transition supports in Kentucky and Virginia, stay-at-work programs in Alaska and Washington, accommodation funds in Minnesota, procurement and small business initiatives in New Jersey and Virginia, and model employer efforts in Colorado, New York, and Tennessee. Members also asked about digital accessibility and PEAT; SEED said PEAT has been refunded and that SEED can help with policy-level questions and peer examples, but not implementation of accessibility requirements. Discussion then shifted to possible Massachusetts projects. Members raised concerns about upcoming Medicaid work or civic engagement requirements and how people with disabilities might fall through the cracks, and they asked whether SEED could help Massachusetts use existing documentation, such as IEPs, to reduce barriers. The group identified two main areas for follow-up: a Massachusetts “state as a model employer” roadmap and a youth/young adult employment and volunteer pipeline, potentially linked to transition services and apprenticeship opportunities. SEED agreed to provide Massachusetts-specific analysis and two briefs, one on career readiness policies and one on state-as-model-employer strategies, and the subcommittee planned an offline follow-up meeting to narrow priorities and develop a scope of work.

Transcript Highlights:

• disabilities.
• All in all, we serve over 1,500 children developmental disabilities.
• Okay, next we'll welcome Linda Landry, also from the Disability Law Center.
• Other youth will receive SSI disability benefits. These are needs-based benefits.
• In most of these families, someone is disabled.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities heard testimony on a wide range of bills affecting foster youth, child welfare oversight, homelessness services, juvenile justice, social work licensure, and human services workforce supports. Committee co-chairs Senator Robyn Kennedy and Representative Jay Livingstone opened the hybrid hearing by outlining testimony procedures and accessibility measures. Several members and legislators participated throughout the day, and many witnesses were invited to submit additional written testimony after speaking. A major portion of the hearing focused on House 227/Senate 105, which would protect federal benefits owed to children in foster care. Supporters, including advocates from Hopewell, the Disability Law Center, CPCS, the Children’s Law Center, More Than Words, Friends of Children, and youth witness Onyx Rosario, said DCF had already ended the practice of taking most Social Security and SSI benefits and now conserves them in accounts for youth, but argued the policy should be codified to prevent future reversals. Witnesses described how conserved benefits help with basic needs, housing, education, transportation, and transition to adulthood, and several noted the bill also adds financial literacy and transparency requirements. Senator Joan Comerford and others said the change would protect vulnerable youth, especially children of color, LGBTQ youth, and youth with disabilities. The committee also heard testimony on House 225, which would expand the grandparents-raising-grandchildren commission by adding appointments and helping with quorum and representation. The committee also took testimony on Senate 136, which would improve emergency housing assistance for families experiencing homelessness by easing documentation requirements, allowing use of existing state data to verify eligibility, requiring notice before benefit reductions, and creating an ombudsperson. Senator Adam Gomez and other supporters said the bill would reduce barriers for families in crisis. On House 262/Senate 148, an omnibus child welfare bill, witnesses supported provisions on data reporting, education coordination, and Office of the Child Advocate reforms, while CPCS raised concerns about expanded access to sensitive records and the OCA’s role in certain proceedings. The Office of the Child Advocate supported codifying current practices and also backed child fatality review changes in House 234/Senate 133. The committee additionally heard support for Senate 108, which would require attorneys and audio/video recording during juvenile custodial interrogations, and for House 247/Senate 116, which would update the Juvenile Justice Policy and Data Board to add supported lived-experience seats. Finally, the committee heard competing testimony on Senate 135, a bill to ensure parity in social work licensure. SEIU Local 509 and supporters argued the current exam requirement disproportionately harms Black, Latino, multilingual, and multicultural applicants and worsens workforce shortages, while the Association of Social Work Boards opposed the bill, saying the exam is a necessary public-protection measure and that removing it would conflict with interstate compact efforts. The hearing also included testimony in support of a loan repayment program for human service workers, with providers and workers describing low wages, high student debt, and the need to retain staff in essential services. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing itself.

Bills: HB4319, HB4317, HB1225, HB3076, HB3081, HB4226, SCR17, HB4432, HB3304, HB3411, HB3435, HB4339, HB4331, HB4341, HB4342, HB1770, HB1016, HB4113, HB2950, HB4141, HB3277, HB2988, HB3029, HB3338, HB1889, HB3834, HB3831, HB2939, HB3045, HB3657, HB1739, HB3759, HB3755, HB4484, HB4486, HB4108, HB1250, HB2961, HB1219, HB3025, HB1782, HB1907, HB3718, HB4459, HB2976, HB3548, HB3545, HB2952, HB2929, HB2956, HB2973, HB3055, HB3086, HB3040, HB3794, HB4336, HB3151, HB1590, HB3581, HB3313, HB3429, HB3448, HB1752, HB2650, HB3584, HB4202, HB3586, HB4321, HB4280, HB3650, HCR1020, HB2116, HB2206, HB4301, HB3625, HB3147, HB3403, HB3498, HB3970, HB3975, HB3976, HB3980, HB4265, HB4266, HB3638, HB3880, HB3930, HB3942, HB3944, HB4191, HB3242, HB3678

Keywords: administrative procedures, rulemaking authority, specific authority, legislative review, agency rules, accounting, CPA, licensure, educational requirements, reciprocity, professional conduct, vital records, birth certificate, birth registration, biological sex, sex designation, male, female, nonbinary, gender identity

Bills: HB4319, HB4317, HB1225, HB3076, HB3081, HB4226, SCR17, HB4432, HB3304, HB3411, HB3435, HB4339, HB4331, HB4341, HB4342, HB1770, HB1016, HB4113, HB2950, HB4141, HB3277, HB2988, HB3029, HB3338, HB1889, HB3834, HB3831, HB2939, HB3045, HB3657, HB1739, HB3759, HB3755, HB4484, HB4486, HB4108, HB1250, HB2961, HB1219, HB3025, HB1782, HB1907, HB3718, HB4459, HB2976, HB3548, HB3545, HB2952, HB2929, HB2956, HB2973, HB3055, HB3086, HB3040, HB3794, HB4336, HB3151, HB1590, HB3581, HB3313, HB3429, HB3448, HB1752, HB2650, HB3584, HB4202, HB3586, HB4321, HB4280, HB3650, HCR1020, HB2116, HB2206, HB4301, HB3625, HB3147, HB3403, HB3498, HB3970, HB3975, HB3976, HB3980, HB4265, HB4266, HB3638, HB3880, HB3930, HB3942, HB3944, HB4191, HB3242, HB3678

Keywords: administrative procedures, rulemaking authority, specific authority, legislative review, agency rules, accounting, CPA, licensure, educational requirements, reciprocity, professional conduct, vital records, birth certificate, birth registration, biological sex, sex designation, male, female, nonbinary, gender identity

Transcript Highlights:

• disability diagnosis.
• disability diagnosis.
• special education teacher, and now my new job is Beacon of Hope, and I help adults with complex disabilities
• because it's so important to our friends, my former students, and other people with intellectual disabilities
• and physical disabilities.

Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee of the Arkansas Legislative Council reviewed several agency rules and requests. It approved without objection an Insurance Department amendment implementing Act 261’s holding company system requirements, two State Board of Election Commissioners rules on poll watchers/provisional voting and certified election monitors, and a Treasurer of State rule removing DEI-related membership requirements to comply with Act 938. The committee also held over for a month a Department of Education request related to excluding a rule from reporting requirements so it could be discussed further with the Department of Commerce. A major portion of the meeting focused on the Department of Human Services’ request to be excluded from rulemaking for Acts 567, 568, 967, and 1025. DHS said federal CMS guidance created comparability and other issues for the Medicaid-related dental and diagnostic lab provisions, making it difficult to implement the acts as written by their effective dates. DHS outlined possible paths, including broader adult dental coverage, waivers, or splitting the dental rate increase from the special-needs cap increase. The Arkansas State Dental Association disputed DHS’s approach, arguing Act 1025 is workable, that the pediatric rate increase should move forward separately, and that DHS should continue pursuing the law rather than stop rulemaking. Committee members questioned both sides extensively about CMS correspondence, waiver timelines, fiscal impact, and whether the acts could be severed. After testimony from DHS, the Dental Association, and a public commenter, the committee adopted a motion not to exclude DHS from reporting requirements for Acts 567, 568, 967, and 1025, meaning DHS must continue the normal rulemaking/reporting process. The committee then accepted the Division of Higher Education’s report, which recommended repealing three of its 32 rules and keeping the remaining 29 in effect. It also received routine written updates on older and newer rulemaking items and filed the monthly updates without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Disabilities.
• Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities.
• disabilities who also have medical complexities.
• <00:17:50.320> Uh<00:17:50.720> we u multiple disabilities um reside.
• Uh we u multiple disabilities um reside.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:05 Approval of Minutes 00:01:48 Welcome New Members 00:02:03 Information Items 00:02:35 Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:03:33 A. Cabinet for Health and Family Services 00:04:00 B. Kentucky Department of Education 00:17:03 C. Education and Labor Cabinet 00:29:33 D. Energy and Environment Cabinet 00:42:38 E. Finance and Administration Cabinet 0:53:30 F. Justice and Public Safety Cabinet 01:13:28 G. Personnel Cabinet 01:31:04 H. School Facilities Construction Commission 01:41:39, 958, all

Summary: The meeting was the first of the year for the Capital Planning Advisory Board. Members were called, a quorum was confirmed, new co-chairs and members were welcomed, and the board approved the prior year’s meeting minutes. The chair also reviewed the capital planning timeline, packet organization, and the list of agencies that submitted plans but would not testify. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented first, outlining priorities centered on public safety, protecting existing infrastructure, preventive maintenance, and improving service delivery. Its major requests included a $21 million maintenance pool for 14 campuses and 175 buildings, phase 2 construction funding for a new public health laboratory, an 18-bed psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents with severe mental health needs, and several projects at Western State Hospital, Western State Nursing Facility, Hazlewood, and Oakwood. Members asked about the youth facility’s relationship to a separate DJJ project, vacant buildings, the high per-bed cost of the children’s hospital, and how the cabinet determined the need for the youth facility. CHFS said the youth project would be a separate facility serving high-acuity youth, the cost reflected the specialized nature of the unit and an 18-bed cap, and the broader youth plan also includes prevention, in-home services, and coordination across agencies. The Kentucky Department of Education then described projects for its three state-operated facilities: the Kentucky School for the Deaf, the Kentucky School for the Blind, and the FFA leadership training center. It requested additional funding for the FFA classroom and activity building after bids came in higher than expected, plus funding for a new education finance application system to support SEEK budgeting. Other priorities included a maintenance pool, FFA pool renovation, electrical upgrades, campus education enhancements, lighting improvements, safety and security work, door and window replacements, and HVAC maintenance. Members asked about student outcomes, the size of the FFA pool, and construction cost assumptions; the department said it tracks students through the schools and short-course programs, the pool size figure may have been a typo, and current construction estimates are being adjusted upward because of inflation and supply-chain pressures. The Education and Labor Cabinet began its presentation with 12 priority projects, including a state labor exchange system to connect job seekers and employers, renovation of the McDow Vocational Rehabilitation Center, and a new adult education and family literacy management information system. The cabinet said the labor exchange would help match workers with employers at no cost, while the McDow renovation was needed because the 30-year-old facility has safety and code concerns. The adult education system was described as outdated and lacking adequate case-management and tracking capabilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• But as you can see for the forecast programs, there are developmental screening aid, early childhood
• But as you can see for the forecast programs, there are developmental screening aid, early childhood
• But as you can see for the forecast programs, there are developmental screening aid, early childhood
• But as you can see for the forecast programs, there are developmental screening aid, early childhood
• Adults with Disabilities Program Aid also had some changes that are pretty typical to see.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• SWD is simply students with disabilities. SWOD is students without disabilities.
• Our students with disabilities testers are around 9,308, and students without disabilities testers are
• Our student with disability testers, around 9,308, and students without disability testers, 50,263.
• disability.
• If they're intellectually disabled, we involve sources like developmental disabilities because they also

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:59:29.760> Our neurodedevelopmental disabilities.
• Our neurodedevelopmental disabilities.
• are pushing out, you know, developmental are pushing out, you know, developmental pediatric<01:11
• Again, we've said multiple times here for kiddos with the most complex behavioral developmental needs
• complex uh behavioral developmental complex uh behavioral developmental needs.<01:15:33.120>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the October 22, 2025 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel on accidental ingestion of illegal drug products by children. Panel members said pediatric ingestions have become the most common case type they review, with the highest-risk children ages one to four, and that fatal cases have increased in recent years. They reported that the substances most often involved are fentanyl, cannabinoids including THC products, methamphetamine, and increasingly xylazine; they also noted a decline in buprenorphine-related ingestions, which they viewed as a positive trend. The panel used several case examples to highlight recurring problems in investigations and medical response, including delayed DCBS involvement, failure to administer Narcan, inadequate drug testing, lack of child abuse team involvement, and limited or absent law enforcement investigation. They said law enforcement issues are especially common in pediatric ingestion cases and are concentrated in Jefferson County and the Bluegrass/KIPA regions. One example involved a one-year-old who died from fentanyl and Benadryl intoxication; another involved a two-year-old who died after ingesting multiple substances; and a third involved a four-year-old with near-fatal THC gummy ingestion where delayed treatment worsened the child’s condition. They also described a 10-month-old THC ingestion case that resulted in a criminal abuse conviction, which they presented as an example without missed investigative opportunities. Committee members discussed possible policy responses, including creating a more specific criminal child abuse offense or clarifying existing abuse and neglect definitions to cover unsafe access to illegal drugs, while preserving room for true accidents and prescribed medications. Members also raised the need for statewide standardization in reporting, investigation, and medical response, and suggested the panel should be able to call in agencies such as law enforcement, DCBS, judges, and hospitals for closed-session review of selected cases. The panel chair said they were already pursuing meetings with LMPD and would provide Jefferson County-specific breakdowns, and members expressed interest in additional data and agency follow-up before considering legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 112 ON CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES BY SENATOR HARRELL.
• PARLANCE MEANS THE CURRICULUM THAT IS DEVELOPED AND IS MODIFIED FOR THE STUDENTS ABILITIES AND DISABILITIES

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Office for Citizens and Titles 18, 36, 37, 28, and 46 relative to the Office for Citizens with Developmental
• Disabilities within the Louisiana Department of Health.
• Office for Citizens and Titles 18, 36, 37, 28, and 46 relative to the Office for Citizens with Developmental
• Disabilities within the Louisiana Department of Health.

Bills: SB525, SR112, SR109, SCR61, SCR62, SCR12, HB175, HB276, HB437, HB456, HB457, HB459, HB488, HB579, HB656, HB804, HB818, HB841, HB981, HB1052, HB1089, HB1101, HB1154, HB1166, HB1193, HB1194, HB1203, HB1209, HB1244, HB1249, HB221, HCR69, HCR58, SB57, SB405, SB414, HB62, HB193, HB203, HB205, HB210, HB220, HB222, HB228, HB246, HB420, HB475, HB486, HB574, HB584, HB750, HB799, HB813, HB815, HB826, HB870, HB949, HB953, HB1045, HB1092, HB1151, HB1162, HB1176, HB1177, HB1196, HB1214, HB1236, HB1241, SB106, SB206, SB248, SB441, SR86, SCR30, SB83, SB135, SB143, SB155, SB157, SB202, SB237, SB276, SB295, SB388, SB450, SB465, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB484, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB501, SB513, HCR31, HB301, HB358, HB359, HB384, HB413, HB428, HB450, HB462, HB547, HB613, HB631, HB657, HB669, HB675, HB680, HB691, HB712, HB716, HB720, HB723, HB727, HB728, HB735, HB747, HB759, HB825, HB845, HB846, HB903, HB904, HB907, HB923, HB929, HB941, HB962, HB965, HB1036, HB287, HB370, HB515, HB521, HB570, HB1200, HB29, HB39, HB58, HB67, HB73, HB76, HB77, HB82, HB112, HB121, HB125, HB132, HB134, HB151, HB154, HB155, HB161, HB166, HB187, HB191, HB207, HB211, HB224, HB238, HB241, HB242, HB250, HB260, HB265, HB275, HB300, HB320, HB338, HB339, HB349, HB379, HB399, HB427, HB463, HB464, HB468, HB545, HB550, HB551, HB565, HB588, HB639, HB725, HB782, HB805, HB808, HB834, HB847, HB853, HB858, HB861, HB883, HB916, HB937, HB977, HB1012, HB1027, HB1044, HB1054, HB1091, HB1117, HB90, HB127, HB138, HB150, HB201, HB268, HB273, HB285, HB315, HB354, HB355, HB360, HB376, HB445, HB506, HB606, HB649, HB665, HB681, HB721, HB746, HB757, HB781, HB835, HB844, HB857, HB872, HB886, HB889, HB892, HB972, HB982, HB987, HB1037, HB1068, HB1072, HB1078, HB1085, HB1132, HB1137, HB1167, HB1174, HB1232, HB1238, HB23, HB136, HB36, HB119, HB126, HB129, HB245, HB271, HB280, HB337, HB351, HB677, HB726, HB789, HB850, HB956, HB966, SB149, SB382

Keywords: unclaimed property, abandoned property, escheat, state treasurer, administrator, claimant, purchase agreement, assignment, property recovery, owner verification, documentation requirements, fraud prevention, bankruptcy, bankruptcy court, court order, Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, Louisiana Revised Statutes, R.S. 9:167.1, Chennault International Airport, 40th anniversary

Summary: The Senate convened with 27 members present, heard a guest minister’s prayer for the National Day of Prayer, and adopted the pledge. The chamber then dispensed with the journal and received a legislative bureau report on numerous House bills. It also received House messages on several Senate bills and joint resolutions, including concurrence on multiple Senate measures with amendments, and introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 63, which would request an audit of the fiscal note process. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 86, which would prohibit eyeglasses with video or audio recording capability on the Senate floor without approval from the President. Several Senate bills were advanced, including measures on human trafficking training in schools (SB 83), bulletproof vests for peace officers (SB 143), dental care for cancer patients (SB 155), parental leave for educators (SB 157), election board compensation days (SB 202), child welfare and the state child ombudsman (SB 237), brain injury treatment coverage (SB 295), foreign-adversary contract review and homeland security (SB 388), school safety reporting (SB 450), and prompt-pay standards for health care claims (SB 465). Most of these bills passed the Senate unanimously or near-unanimously and were moved to reconsider, while SB 513 on public works average-bid contracting was amended and returned to the calendar. The Senate also took up many House bills, passing measures on voluntary portable benefits for independent contractors (HB 301), memorial highway and terminal designations (HB 358, HB 384, HB 428, HB 657, HB 675, HB 716, HB 972), insurance and health-related changes (HB 413, HB 450, HB 631, HB 680), workforce development (HB 680), and a seafood research authorization near Grand Isle (HB 669). Several bills were amended before passage, including HB 359 on election qualifying rules and HB 675 with an added memorial corridor for crossing guard Katie Wells. Other House bills were received but not acted on or were returned to the calendar. The session ended with committee announcements, a brief recognition of mothers in the chamber, and adjournment until Monday, May 11 at 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Developmentally disabled, this budget does not touch the DDD program at all because it's formula-based
• For young adults, Developmentally disabled, this budget does not touch the DDD program at all because

Summary: House Republican caucus met on April 29 to review the FY 2027 budget package and several related “budget implementation” bills, with Chairman Livingston noting that HB 2415 was being held. Staff and members walked through HB 4138, the General Appropriations Act (“feed bill”), which appropriates about $17.96 billion from the general fund and includes one-time fund transfers, 5% lump-sum reductions for most agencies, funding for the state health insurance plan, school facilities, child care, correctional officer stipends, public safety, and other prior-year items. Members emphasized that the budget reflected House and Senate negotiations after the governor left budget talks, and Republican leaders framed it as a package that lowers taxes, shrinks government, and funds priorities such as K-12, child care, foster care, and public safety. The caucus then reviewed a series of mostly standard budget bills: HB 4139 on gaming/racing assessments; HB 4140 on federal monies, the budget stabilization fund, and ACE initiative savings reporting; HB 4141 on capital outlay, highway construction, airport funding, and rural transportation match funds; HB 4142 on commerce and lottery distributions; HB 4143 on corrections reporting; HB 4144 on environmental provisions and water-related fund uses; HB 4145 on state employee health insurance premiums and DES reforms; HB 4146 on higher education funding provisions; HB 4147 on SNAP administration and error-rate reduction; HB 4148 on K-12 inflation adjustments, school facilities, and ASDB property-sale oversight; HB 4150 on county expenditure flexibility and state office rent rates; HB 4151 on the Department of Revenue’s integrated tax system funding and related charges; HB 4152 on tax conformity, deductions, and repeal of several renewable-energy tax preferences and the Rio Nuevo diversion; and HB 4153 on transportation reporting. Discussion repeatedly centered on health plan solvency, SNAP/ACCESS eligibility and fraud controls, school funding, rural transportation, and tax conformity and relief. The caucus also took up several blue-sheet bills: HB 2035 on extended-family placement notifications in child welfare cases; HB 2170 restricting certain PRC-controlled companies from state IT contracts; HB 2249 expanding Parents’ Bill of Rights provisions; HB 2573 on DUI interlock/restricted-license rules and psychotherapy definitions; and HB 2873, which was amended to allow withdrawal of referendum petitions before ballot qualification. HB 2415 was held. The Speaker closed by praising the caucus for its budget work, saying the package delivers tax relief, protects vulnerable populations and public safety, and reflects months of Republican negotiations, and the meeting adjourned to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our division mission is to strive to provide continuous services to New Hampshire's developmentally disabled
• <00:58:01.520> uh Hampshire's developmentally uh Hampshire's developmentally uh developmentally
• <00:58:02.599> disabled<00:58:03.000> and<00:58:03.280> mentally developmentally
• disabled and mentally developmentally disabled and mentally ill<00:58:04.039> population<00:58
• Then we specialize in serving people with mental illness and developmental disabilities.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: Division 3 opened a work session focused on direct care agencies, with the chair saying the day would center on the Veterans Home and other state hospitals and homes. Members first discussed the upcoming Finance Committee process, including how many bills would be assigned to Division 3, whether they would appear on the House calendar, and how much time would be allowed for each bill. The chair said the division would likely spend about an hour on each bill, then return for a second day of review before making recommendations. Staff later identified three bills expected on the calendar: House Bills 704, 751, and 54. Members also raised a question about the use of educational trust fund money in the budget, but that issue was deferred. The main presentation came from Kim McKay, commandant of the New Hampshire Veterans Home, who described the facility as a long-term care intermediate facility serving eligible veterans. She said the home is licensed for 250 beds, budgeted for 225 veterans, and currently has 135 residents with four more scheduled to arrive. McKay highlighted improvements over the last two years, including a reduction in the admission wait list from more than a year to about three to six months, the creation of an LNA training program, energy-saving and Wi-Fi upgrades, and a new electronic learning management system that will provide mandatory training and continuing education units for staff. She said the home’s long-term goal is to return to a 225-bed census, but staffing remains the biggest hurdle. Members asked about admissions, wait times, staffing, vacancies, and the home’s use of contract nurses. McKay explained that the wait time is measured from the initial application date, not from a completed packet, and that staff now help families gather records and paperwork more quickly. She said the home averages about 45 deaths per year, residents stay about 2.5 years on average, and the vacancy rate is around 35 percent, though some positions are intentionally held open until census grows. She attributed staffing shortages largely to retention problems, citing higher private-sector pay, bonuses, and more flexible hours, and said the home has a handful of contract nurses, mainly on second shift. On finances, she said pharmacy services are contracted, the VA reimburses some medication costs based on disability, and the home is pursuing federal changes to cover high-cost medications and catastrophic disability cases. The discussion also covered the home’s off-book donation account, which is overseen by the state and transferred into the state system when funds are spent.

Transcript Highlights:

• disability, refer to the Committee on Human Services HB 2543 by or relating to requiring the display
• Kane relating to prohibited manufacture and sale of motor vehicles equipped with a remote vehicle disabling
• Metcalf relating to increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of indecent assault against a disabled
• exempt from adviarum taxation all a part of the market value if the resident homestead of certain disabled
• veteran or their surviving spouse as such veteran based on the disability rating of the veteran.

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires that one credit of disability training must include autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities
• So that's for the education programs, Down syndrome, and other developmental disabilities and emotional
• or behavioral disabilities.
• It empowers our students with disabilities and promotes a more inclusive, efficient education system
• with disabilities, and wanted to say how much we are very excited about this opportunity.

Summary: The Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee met with a quorum and took up several bills. SB 420, by Senator Burgess, would require George Washington and Abraham Lincoln portraits to be prominently displayed in social studies classrooms and K-5 classrooms, with the Department of Education selecting the portraits. Supporters framed the bill as a patriotic and educational measure tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary, while senators raised concerns about exclusivity, precedent, local control, and whether the measure could be expanded politically. Burgess said the bill was intended to be nonpartisan, historically rooted, and not to affect curriculum, and he committed to seeking funding so it would not be an unfunded mandate. The committee reported SB 420 favorably. The committee then considered CS for SB 206, by Senator Harrell, which revises teacher preparation and training related to autism spectrum disorder. The strike-all amendment requires teacher preparation programs to include autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities, requires ESE-certified teachers to complete an autism microcredential by August 1, 2027, creates an Autism Education Loan Forgiveness Program, authorizes salary supplements and stipends, and requires district professional development to include autism-specific training with local CARD centers. Senators asked about implementation timelines, grandfathering current teachers, and whether the endorsement requirement should include a grace period; Harrell said she was open to further discussion and wanted to make the bill workable. Public testimony was largely supportive, including from an Orange County Public Schools representative and a parent of a child with autism. The committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee considered CS for SB 556, by Senator Berman, which allows students with disabilities to satisfy the high school physical education requirement by participating in Special Olympics for one year if included in the student’s IEP. An amendment also clarified that two years of marching band participation satisfies both PE and fine/performing arts credit requirements. Testimony supported the bill as an inclusive option that could reduce administrative burdens and give students more flexibility. The committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also voted to recommend confirmation of appointees in tabs 4 through 7, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• adjudication of certain sexual or assaultive offenses committed against a child or a person with a disability
• referral of certain students receiving special education services to a local intellectual and developmental
• disability authority for services, to Education K-16.
• from ad valorem taxation of part of the appraised value of the residence homestead of a partially disabled

Summary: The Senate met briefly and referred a large number of first-reading bills and resolutions to standing committees. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including hemp regulation, dementia research funding, parental rights and public education, municipal library funding, tax and local government issues, criminal justice, health care, education, transportation, natural resources, and election law. Several constitutional resolutions were also referred, including proposals related to the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and a severance tax revenue fund. Most of the transcript consists of the reading of bill captions and committee referrals, with no substantive debate or testimony recorded. The listed measures included proposals on school uniforms, charter schools, Medicaid fraud remedies, insurance practices, occupational licensing for people with criminal convictions, water and sewer utility cybersecurity, agricultural protections, public meeting broadcasting, and various local and state governance matters. No votes were taken on the bills in this segment. The only formal action reflected was referral of the bills and resolutions to the appropriate committees, followed by adjournment of the Senate until the next scheduled meeting.