Transcript Highlights:

• memorandum of agreement list, the memorandum of agreement amendment list, and the Kentucky entertainment incentive
• 00:09:06.320><c> the</c><00:09:06.400><c> Kentucky</c><00:09:07.040><c> Horse</c><00:09:07.400><c> Racing
• </c><00:09:07.760><c> and</c> Park, the Kentucky Horse Racing and Park, the Kentucky Horse Racing and
• 52.400><c> charitable</c> Now have oversight of both charitable gaming, sports betting, and horse racing
• , which puts our licensee base—you know, we have 35,000-plus in racing, another thousands of sports betting

Summary: The committee first approved a motion and then deferred a large batch of 246 contracts totaling about $187.8 million until the April 2026 meeting. It then moved through the agenda and reviewed several pulled items, beginning with four Attorney General contingent-fee contracts. Committee members questioned why the contracts were new, what the $20 million maximums meant, and how the fees would work; the AG’s office explained they were new awards from a September RFP, that the $20 million was an outside estimate tied to a full recovery, and that one contract would require a $380 million recovery to pay out the maximum. The committee voted to consider those contracts reviewed without objection. The Department of Highways then explained an “alternative delivery support” contract, describing it as a procurement method different from the usual design-bid-build model and noting it can help with innovation, speed, timeliness, or cost reduction. After that explanation, the committee again voted to consider the contract reviewed without objection. The Kentucky Horse Park/Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation presented eight legal services contracts; members focused on differing hourly rates and retroactive approval. The corporation said it had selected four firms through an RFP to maintain flexibility and avoid conflicts, would use in-house counsel first, and did not expect to use the maximum rates. Senator Thomas argued the committee’s statutory hourly rate cap is outdated and should be revisited. The committee then approved the contracts. One Transportation Office of the Secretary contract was deferred to the April meeting, consistent with the agency’s prior request. The committee then reviewed Cabinet for Health and Family Services items from the Department of Community Based Services: three contract amendments and one memorandum of agreement. Members asked about funding sources, service outcomes, and whether the programs reduce future need; the agency said one amendment was a $55,000 increase offset by reductions elsewhere, that the total contract amount with the agency did not change, and that follow-up data show over 90% of children remain in the home after services. The committee approved those items. Finally, the committee reviewed a LIHEAP contract amendment from the Division of Family Support, which the agency said used federal funds, not state general funds, to add newly appropriated federal money for low-income home energy assistance and crisis heating support. Members asked about future funding and were told that continuation depends on Congress. The committee approved that item. It then began reviewing Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities memoranda of agreement tied to Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center staffing; members asked for a count of personnel, and the agency said it would provide that information, after which the discussion continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then I'll also say that in the bill, when I ask the committee what's the definition of race versus
• what's the definition of color, there's no statutory definition of race or color to define this for
• would municipalities be able to do outreach as it relates to decreasing health disparities based on race
• your amendment, if some of those programs specifically cater toward targeted communities based on race
• Different hometowns and races, faiths, professions, and cultures.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sgt. Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, and several recognitions, including law enforcement guests, a Spina Bifida Week presentation, and a salute to the 2025 IPSC Handgun World Shoot team. The chamber then adopted the special order report and moved to floor consideration of Senate bills. Members passed several bills unanimously or near-unanimously after brief debate and, in some cases, floor amendments. CS/SB 590 clarified that changes to the statute of limitations for mandatory reporters of child abuse apply prospectively and passed 111-0. SB 418 required law enforcement autism-interaction training and allowed the blue-envelope program to be offered in electronic or physical form; it passed 111-0. CS/CS/SB 1668 addressed NICA’s actuarial soundness and passed 112-0. CS/SB 1246 expanded the Linking Industry to Nursing Education fund to broader health science programs and passed 112-0. CS/CS/SB 1404 set baseline standards for memory care providers and passed 111-0. CS/CS/SB 1030 revised recovery residence rules, including MAT-related provisions, and passed 168-0. CS/CS/SB 178 changed FHSAA rules so school coaches may use limited personal funds for student welfare with parent consent and passed 112-0. CS/CS/SB 422 barred use of ADS-B data for airport billing and passed 108-2. CS/CS/SB 598 modernized funeral, cemetery, and consumer services licensing and passed 111-0. The House also considered CS/CS/SB 1134, a controversial bill restricting county and municipal DEI-related official actions and contracting. Sponsor Rep. Black described broad prohibitions with numerous exceptions, while members asked about effects on observances, special events, parade participation, and local economic-vitality offices. Rep. Gant offered an amendment to narrow the bill’s DEI definition by removing vague prongs, arguing the language was ambiguous and could chill local government action; debate on that amendment was underway when the transcript ended. The chamber then moved into farewell remarks, including an extended address from Rep. Eskamani reflecting on her service, family, staff, constituents, and policy priorities, followed by remarks from the Speaker praising her energy and preparation. Rep. Overdorf also delivered farewell remarks highlighting his work on environmental policy, human trafficking, development regulation, property rights, and property taxes, with the Speaker commending his contributions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Laws ensuring individuals have access to public health services corresponding to their race or ethnicity
• And then I'll also say that in the bill, when I ask the committee what's the definition of race versus
• what's the definition of color, there's no statutory definition of race or color to define this for
• your amendment, if some of those programs specifically cater toward targeted communities based on race
• Different hometowns and races, faiths, professions, and cultures.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum established. Members approved the journal and adopted the special order report setting the day’s calendar. The chamber also recognized Sheriff Mike Chitwood as law enforcement officer of the day and later held several introductions and farewell remarks, including lengthy closing speeches from Representatives Eskamani and Overdorf reflecting on their service and legislative priorities. The House then took up and passed a series of Senate bills, often after adopting House strike-all or conforming amendments. CS/SB 590 on mandatory child abuse reporting was clarified to apply prospectively only and passed 111-0. SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism was amended to incorporate House language, including blue-envelope provisions, and passed 111-0. CS/CS/SB 1668 on the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) was amended to preserve House provisions and passed 112-0. CS/SB 1246 on the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund was amended to expand eligible health science programs and allow certain non-health-care contributions, then passed 112-0. CS/CS/SB 1404 on memory care passed 111-0. Later bills also advanced with broad support: CS/CS/SB 1030 on recovery residences passed 168-0 after debate over medication-assisted treatment; CS/CS/SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools passed 112-0 after amendments allowing limited coach support for student-athletes with parental consent; CS/CS/SB 422 on automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts passed 108-2; and CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services passed 111-0 after an amendment on exclusive arrangements. The chamber then began debate on CS/CS/SB 1134, which would restrict counties and municipalities from official DEI-related actions and contracting practices. Members questioned its scope and exceptions, and Representative Gant offered an amendment to narrow the bill’s DEI definition; debate on that amendment was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Laws ensuring individuals have access to public health services corresponding to their race or ethnicity
• And then I'll also say that in the bill, when I ask the committee what's the definition of race versus
• what's the definition of color, there's no statutory definition of race or color to define this for
• your amendment, if some of those programs specifically cater toward targeted communities based on race
• Different hometowns and races, faiths, professions, and cultures.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum and journal business before taking up the special order calendar. Several bills were explained and moved through amendment and final passage, including CS/SB 590 on the statute of limitations for mandatory reporters’ child-abuse reporting violations, which was clarified on the floor to apply prospectively only and passed 111-0. CS/SB 418 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder was amended to align with the House version and passed 111-0. The chamber also recognized Spina Bifida Week and guests in the gallery before considering additional measures. Members then passed CS/CS/SB 1668 on the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA), described as preserving the program’s actuarial soundness, by a 112-0 vote; CS/SB 1246 on the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund, expanded to support broader health science education programs and non-health-care partner contributions, by 112-0; CS/CS/SB 1404 on memory care facility standards by 111-0; CS/CS/SB 1030 on recovery residences, including transfer-of-ownership and MAT-related provisions, by 168-0; CS/CS/SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools, allowing limited coach support for student welfare with parental consent and other guardrails, by 112-0; CS/CS/SB 422 on automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts, limiting use of ADS-B data for airport billing, by 108-2; and CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral, cemetery, and consumer services, modernizing licensure and exclusivity rules, by 111-0. The House also took up CS/SB 1134 on official actions of local governments and DEI-related restrictions. The sponsor argued the bill would prohibit counties and municipalities from official DEI actions and related funding while preserving numerous exceptions for holidays, observances, public safety, and other activities. Members asked extensive questions about how the bill would affect local programs, events, and offices, and Representative Gant offered an amendment to narrow the bill’s DEI definition by removing two prongs; debate centered on vagueness, enforcement, and local-government impacts. The transcript cuts off during consideration of that amendment, so no final action on the bill is shown. The session also included lengthy farewell remarks from Representatives Eskamani and Overdorf, reflecting on their service, staff, constituents, and policy priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Laws ensuring individuals have access to public health services corresponding to their race or ethnicity
• versus what’s the definition of color, there’s no statutory definition of race or color to define this
• would municipalities be able to do outreach as it relates to decreasing health disparities based on race
• your amendment, if some of those programs specifically cater toward targeted communities based on race
• Different hometowns and races, faiths, professions, and cultures.

Transcript Highlights:

• statewide unless the municipality racing statewide unless the municipality specifically<01:59:14.960
• And this becomes, I think, especially critical as we move to replace historic horse racing with more
• :28.520><c> replace</c><02:01:29.520><c> historic</c><02:01:30.080><c> horse</c><02:01:30.440><c> racing
• </c> we move to replace historic horse racing we move to replace historic horse racing with<02:01:31.840
• Bureaucracy and layers of overhead, bricks and mortar, but properly incented by healthy outcomes.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> totalizer and for the uh historic racing totalizer and for the uh historic racing fees<00:13:44.480
• </c> machines uh and in historic racing machines uh and in historic racing machines<00:28:43.279><c>
• </c><00:46:12.640><c> until</c> maintains historic racing until maintains historic racing until 2028<
• with horse racing.
• horse racing machines really historic horse racing machines really have<01:13:46.080><c> nothing</c>

Summary: The public hearing opened on HB 728-FN, which would authorize video lottery terminals at charity gaming facilities and repeal historic horse racing licensing. Representative Om explained that the bill would convert the current historic horse racing terminals into true video lottery terminals/slot machines and change the revenue split, reducing the operator share from 75% to 70% while increasing the state share from 25% to 30%. He also noted the bill would increase the amount going to charities and other state beneficiaries. Former State Rep. Pat Brammy, who had served on the Charitable Gaming Study Commission, testified in support of the bill’s basic structure. He said a consultant’s report found historic racing machines cost facilities 12% to 18% more to operate because of totalizer and track-related fees, and that slot machines would be cheaper because there are more manufacturers and more competition. He argued that although the operator share drops by 5%, facilities could still benefit from lower operating costs, and he said the commission concluded that moving to slot machines would increase revenues to facilities, charities, and the state. He also said the bill would create a more stable stream of funding for problem gambling, since the current HHR “breakage” funding mechanism is limited and dependent on a single vendor. Brammy also discussed the commission’s concerns about market concentration in HHR machines, saying the commission found the market was dominated by only a few manufacturers and recommended legislation to address that issue under Article 83 of the state constitution. He interpreted the bill as allowing a phase-in of slot machines upon passage, with the remaining HHR provisions phasing out by January 1, 2028, and said facilities would likely transition as leases expire. Committee members asked about HHR contracts, machine programming, testing, and whether removing HHR would reduce competition; Brammy said he believed leases were likely short-term, machines are tested by a lab, and the legislature could decide whether the change is appropriate. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• K2 is such a big corrupting factor because of the financial incentives.
• And so our contracts offer incentives to the vendors.
• And so our contracts offer incentives to the vendors was the Sheriff's Office, the Sheriff's County has
• And so we have to create incentives to meet certain engagement metrics, certain completion metrics.
• And we know the secretary and the undersecretary have four years before the governor race.

Summary: The commission met for an open discussion focused on developing recommendations for its report on correctional consolidation and collaboration. Chairs Dan Hunt and Senator Brownsberger said the group is moving from information-gathering into idea generation, with a report due to the legislature by the end of September. Members discussed whether recommendations should be broad “guardrails” or more specific proposals, and several urged that future recommendations be grounded in firsthand experience, data, and written submissions from agencies and stakeholders. A major theme was how to create a more integrated correctional and reentry system. Participants raised the need to hear more from reentry centers, minimum-security and pre-release facilities, probation and parole, and the judiciary. Ideas included expanding step-down pathways, improving coordination among DOC, sheriffs, probation, and parole, standardizing programming and outcomes data, and better educating judges about available programs at sentencing. There was also discussion of whether the sheriff’s role should be expanded beyond the current two-and-a-half-year House of Correction limit, with questions about sentence structure, good-time credits, and how such a change would affect security and reentry outcomes. Members also emphasized the importance of consistency, transparency, and minimum standards across facilities. Several speakers said the system remains fragmented and that different counties use different definitions, practices, and program models. Suggestions included reviewing prior commission reports, looking at other states and even European models for best practices, and considering regional hubs or specialized facilities for behavioral health, workforce development, and reentry. The chairs noted that the commission has already toured several facilities and plans more visits, including Framingham and Bridgewater, and that future hearings will include unions and other stakeholders. The discussion also touched on restrictive housing, mental health, and contraband K2. Members cited recent suicide concerns and expert reports suggesting some units function like restrictive housing even if not labeled that way. There was broad agreement that custody conditions, programming access, and institutional culture affect trust and rehabilitation. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was primarily a working session to surface ideas and frame possible recommendations for later drafting.

Transcript Highlights:

• K2 is such a big corrupting factor because of the financial incentives.
• And so our contracts offer incentives to the vendors.
• And so our contracts offer incentives to the vendors was the Sheriff's Office, the Sheriff's County has
• And so we have to create incentives to meet certain engagement metrics, certain completion metrics.
• And we know the secretary and the undersecretary have four years before the governor race.

Summary: The commission held an open discussion on how to develop recommendations for its report due at the end of September, with chairs Dan Hunt and Senator Brownsberger emphasizing that the group is moving from information-gathering into idea-sharing. Members discussed the need for more testimony from stakeholders such as reentry centers, correctional officers, unions, and the judiciary, and several participants urged the commission to use prior reports and existing data as a starting point. There was broad agreement that the work should focus on outcomes, transparency, and identifying gaps across the correctional and community supervision systems. A major theme was whether Massachusetts should move toward a more integrated, step-down model that better connects DOC, county sheriffs, probation, parole, reentry centers, and community-based services. Participants raised the possibility of expanding use of minimum security, pre-release, day reporting, and community justice support centers, and some suggested exploring whether sheriffs should have jurisdiction over people with longer remaining sentences, or whether judges should have more discretion to place people in county facilities. Others stressed the importance of involving the judiciary earlier, improving sentencing information, and aligning programming across agencies so reentry planning begins at sentencing and continues through release. The discussion also focused on facility conditions, women’s housing, Bridgewater, Framingham, restrictive housing, and the relationship between correctional settings and mental health needs. Several members called for more consistent standards, better data on spending and program effectiveness, and stronger accountability for evidence-based practices. The group also raised concerns about contraband K2, the need for cultural change inside institutions, and the importance of trust, staff training, and soft handoffs to the community. No votes were taken; the meeting was primarily a working discussion, and the chairs said they would circulate a written set of recommendations and continue the conversation at future meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Luther: Okay, and my other question is what... incentives does the HFC have to provide
• In contrast to federal affordable housing incentives such as low income housing tax credits, the use
• We give cash and incentives to businesses...
• It has nothing to do with race, and to say so, it's not genuine. That's all.
• need this program simply for the fact that there's a huge disparity, and you can't help but bring race

Bills: HB21 , HB211 , HB223 , HB323 , HB524 , HB530 , HB636 , HB762 , HB21 , HB211 , HB223

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• of people that was at I my race of people that was at I my race of people that was something that wasn't
• Um but usually around these incentives. Um but usually around these incentives.
• Um but usually they are out of incentives by as early they are out of incentives by as early they are
• out of incentives by as early as the first three months of the year. as the first three months of the
• , color, or national origin in race, color, or national origin in race, color, or national origin in

Bills: HB 1535 , HB 123 , HB 111 , HB 180 , HB 342 , HB 1027 , HB 1178 , HB 610 , HB 1277 , HB 1615 , HB 1620 , HB 5342 , HB 4885 , HB 4751 , HB 4689 , HB 4530 , HB 4488 , HB 2149 , HB 2041 , HB 2071 , HB 1813 , HB 2282 , HB 2248 , HB 2243 , HB 2522 , HB 2310 , HB 2513 , HB 2300 , HB 1902 , HB 3719 , HB 4284 , HB 4327 , HB 3743 , HB 3778 , HB 3801 , HB 5153 , HB 5147 , HB 4877 , HB 4850 , HB 3158 , HB 3261 , HB 3005 , HB 3033 , HB 3138 , HB 3099 , HB 2849 , HB 2967 , HB 3488 , HB 3477 , HB 3466 , HB 3396 , HB 3469 , HB 2594 , HB 2776 , HB 2564 , HB 2298 , HB 5331 , HB 5646 , HB 5247 , HB 5323 , HB 2015 , HB 4384 , HB 3896 , HB 4014 , HB 3627 , HB 3594 , HB 2524 , HB 510 , HB 561 , HB 5111 , HB 5446 , HB 1181 , HB 3963 , HB 2785 , HB 1661 , HB 2460 , HB 24 , HJR 138 , HB 3800 , HB 42 , HB 129 , HB 677 , HB 668 , HB 2128 , HB 2038 , HB 2316 , HB 3686 , HB 2563 , HB 1160 , HB 3883 , HB 2788 , HB 2663 , HB 3305 , HB 3474 , HB 1105 , HB 3490 , HB 3597 , HB 1295 , HB 3512 , HB 3783 , HB 2017 , HB 3010 , HB 3112 , HB 4215 , HB 3223 , HB 3464 , HB 3120 , HB 4214 , HB 4081 , HB 4783 , HB 4063 , HB 2783 , HB 5085 , HB 2510 , HB 3426 , HB 4361 , HB 1169 , HB 2516 , HB 4700 , HB 3560 , HB 3860 , HB 3146 , HB 184 , HB 198 , HB 247 , HB 367 , HB 449 , HB 1778 , HB 514 , HB 632 , HB 2582 , HB 766 , HB 2715 , HB 2712 , HB 3069 , HB 3505 , HB 1269 , HB 4224 , HB 5032 , HB 2240 , HB 5180 , HB 3348 , HB 4668 , HB 4665 , HB 3395 , HB 3157 , HB 4395 , HB 4325 , HB 4386 , HB 4273 , HB 2760 , HB 2820 , HB 1828 , HB 1579 , SB 2349 , SB 1268 , SB 610 , SB 1577 , SB 1369 , SB 2032 , SB 2034 , SB 1057 , SB 1044 , SB 922 , SB 1759 , SB 1143 , SB 1506 , SB 1403 , SB 2361 , SB 870 , SB 372 , SB 72 , SB 1583 , SB 2314 , SB 1267 , SB 1273 , SB 765 , SB 552 , HB 2145 , HJR 112 , HB 1804 , HJR 110 , HB 1194 , HB 1531 , HB 5008 , HB 3421 , SCR 27 , HB 5398 , HB 1407 , HB 426 , HB 1535 , HB 123 , HB 1773 , HB 1871 , HB 2035 , HB 2448 , HB 2492 , HB 1411 , HB 4753 , HB 4666 , HB 4529 , HB 1499 , HB 1610 , HB 2028 , HB 1506 , HB 886 , HB 3546 , HB 796 , HB 223 , HB 1475 , HB 3556 , HB 4638 , HB 111 , HB 180 , HB 342 , HB 1027 , HB 1178 , HB 610 , HB 1277 , HB 1615 , HB 1620 , HB 5342 , HB 4885 , HB 4751 , HB 4689 , HB 4530 , HB 4488 , HB 2149 , HB 2041 , HB 2071 , HB 1813 , HB 2282 , HB 2248 , HB 2243 , HB 2522 , HB 2310 , HB 2513 , HB 2300 , HB 1902 , HB 3719 , HB 4284 , HB 4327 , HB 3743 , HB 3778 , HB 3801 , HB 5153 , HB 5147 , HB 4877 , HB 4850 , HB 3158 , HB 3261 , HB 3005 , HB 3033 , HB 3138 , HB 3099 , HB 2849 , HB 2967 , HB 3488 , HB 3477 , HB 3466 , HB 3396 , HB 3469 , HB 2594 , HB 2776 , HB 2564 , HB 2298 , HB 5331 , HB 5646 , HB 5247 , HB 5323 , HB 2015 , HB 4384 , HB 3896 , HB 4014 , HB 3627 , HB 3594 , HB 2524 , HB 510 , HB 561 , HB 5111 , HB 5446 , HB 1181 , HB 3963 , HB 2785 , HB 1661 , HB 2460 , HCR 98 , HCR 92 , HCR 126

Transcript Highlights:

• have a bill that somebody brings that you haven't had a chance to review during session, and we are racing
• And you've all lived the rat race, pardon the expression, that session is, but it's just really my belief
• service in light blue, and the percentage that received a dental service in dark blue, this time by race
• And this shows our top services by utilization that were on that table, broken down by age and race.
• again is the two charts that show the top services by expenditure, again broken down by age and by race

Summary: The committee met to review the history and current treatment of North Dakota health insurance mandates, with presentations from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, Sanford Health Plan, the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and the Insurance Department. The discussion focused on how mandates apply differently to fully insured, self-funded, ACA, Medicaid, and PERS plans; how the state’s benchmark plan and federal essential health benefits affect coverage; and how the existing process requires cost-benefit analysis and, for certain measures, a PERS pilot period before broader application. Presenters also reviewed the long list of existing state mandates, including provider, beneficiary, and coverage requirements, and noted that many were enacted decades ago and have not been revisited despite changes in medical evidence and treatment options. Witnesses from the carriers argued that mandates should be reviewed periodically because some are outdated, can create unintended costs, and may not align with current medical guidance. Examples cited included PSA screening, off-label drug coverage, prior authorization rules, step therapy, and cost-sharing provisions for mental health and substance use treatment. They emphasized that carriers often cover services without a mandate when supported by clinical evidence, and that mandates can shift costs to employers and employees, especially in the fully insured small-group market. They also suggested possible policy improvements such as clearer mandate definitions, better transparency around cost-benefit analyses, a regular 10-year review of mandates, and more timely submission of proposals through the interim process. PERS and the Insurance Department highlighted a recurring tension over what counts as a mandate and when a measure triggers the state’s defrayal obligation under federal law. PERS described its interim committee process, the April 1 deadline for fiscal-impact proposals, and the limited pilot program used for certain measures, noting that only a few bills have gone through the full pilot process. The Insurance Department explained that it views new benefit mandates through the lens of the ACA benchmark plan and essential health benefits, distinguishing true new benefits, such as infertility coverage, from changes to existing benefits, such as telehealth or insulin cost-sharing caps. No votes were taken on policy changes; the meeting was informational, with members asking questions about costs, applicability, transparency, and whether a periodic mandate review should be established.

Transcript Highlights:

• I wanna know how many folks are in my veterans' homes by race, gender, ethnicity, by income, not just
• What incentives do we have for transitioning service members to come to Massachusetts rather than stay
• It includes $29.7 million to fully fund the Healthy Incentives Program.
• The Governor's FY27 budget includes $29.7 million to fully fund the Healthy Incentives Program and better
• And I do want to mention our partnership with the Office of the Child Advocate around the Trauma Race

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The hearing was a FY27 budget session on Health and Human Services held in Mattapan, hosted by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Opening remarks from Senator Lydia Edwards, Representative Brandy Fluker-Reed, Representative Russell Holmes, and Boston Public Library President David Leonard emphasized the significance of holding the first Ways and Means hearing in Mattapan, the importance of community access, and the role of libraries as human services institutions. Committee members and attendees introduced themselves before agency testimony began. MassAbility testified first, describing its mission to support people with disabilities through employment, independent living, and disability determination services. The agency highlighted federal funding uncertainty, a modest FY27 budget reduction, and a proposed reworking of its home care program, which it said is outdated and should better target those most in need. Members questioned the home care cut, staffing reductions, and federal coordination. MassAbility also shared a participant story about recovery and community support to illustrate the impact of its services. The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing then presented its FY27 request, focusing on interpreter and captioning access, workforce development, emergency communication, aging-related hearing loss, and transition services for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. Members asked about interpreter shortages, after-hours emergency coverage, ASL education, and community training; the commission said it is expanding mentorship and referral systems but still faces staffing and vendor challenges. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind followed with a $30.8 million request, describing services for nearly 9,000 consumers, peer support groups, vocational rehabilitation, and Turning 22 services, while noting federal funding uncertainty and a 7% budget cut. Members raised concerns about maintaining services with fewer resources, and the commissioner said the agency had trimmed overhead and could manage the proposal. The Office for Refugees and Immigrants closed the segment, outlining expanded legal, housing, workforce, citizenship, and financial literacy supports for immigrants and refugees, including Know Your Rights trainings, legal defense initiatives, and the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative. Members discussed the effects of federal policy changes, the loss of refugee resettlement funding, and the need for state support to fill gaps. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the hearing consisted of agency presentations and committee questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is the thing that I still continue to have a concern about: diversity, not only of race and ethnicity
• I want to know how many folks are in my veterans' homes by race, gender, ethnicity, and income, not just
• What incentives do we have for transitioning service members to come to Massachusetts rather than stay
• It includes $29.7 million to fully fund the Healthy Incentives Program.
• It includes $29.7 million to fully fund the Healthy Incentives Program, and better supports working TAFDC

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

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

Transcript Highlights:

• , the human race.
• And finally on this... we're all related, one race, the human we're all related, one race, the human
• </c><02:21:39.760><c> Secretary</c><02:21:40.399><c> of</c> race, but dear friends, Mr.
• Secretary of race, but dear friends, Mr.
• Just align the incentives. I just found you a trillion dollars.

Transcript Highlights:

• or races.
• </c><04:34:41.840><c> It's</c> actually recount all the races. It's actually recount all the races.
• They choose one race and then only do a supplemental parallel hand count of that one race.
• We choose one race place.
• </c> parallel hand count that one race. parallel hand count that one race.

Committee: House Election Law

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:37:22.800><c> of</c> think when you look at the incentives of think when you look at the incentives
• </c> Medicare at 65 anyway, the incentives Medicare at 65 anyway, the incentives for<00:37:31.000><c>
• </c><01:24:25.240><c> correct</c><01:24:25.560><c> incentive</c> the incentive correct incentive the
• incentive correct incentive correctly<01:24:26.440><c> for</c><01:24:26.560><c> the</c><01:24:26.640>
• So, really, what is the incentive?

Committee: Joint Health Insurance Affordability Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• tax and cigarette tax because it's the state law, and willingly, they do it with a big financial incentive
• tax and cigarette tax because it's the state law, and willingly, they do it with a big financial incentive
• with a law, and willingly, they do it with a big<00:46:58.200><c> financial</c><00:46:58.960><c> incentive
• that the state big financial incentive that the state has<00:47:00.880><c> agreed</c><00:47:01.320><
• </c> sure that that there was an incentive sure that that there was an incentive for<04:05:11.920><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• School Colts relay team on a remarkable achievement, winning the all-state title in the 4x4 relay race
• The CRA ensures regulatory fairness and restores real incentives for emissions reduction.
• This not only increases operational costs, but also removes a key incentive for companies to invest in
• </c><02:37:12.880><c> This</c><02:37:13.120><c> is</c> goals with economic incentives.
• This is goals with economic incentives.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was an incentive to cut early and to clear cut, right? That's bad for the forests.
• </c><00:18:59.600><c> It</c><00:18:59.760><c> was</c><00:18:59.919><c> an</c><00:19:00.080><c> incentive
• It was an incentive management, right?
• It was an incentive to<00:19:00.960><c> cut</c><00:19:01.280><c> early</c><00:19:01.919><c> and</c><00
• I've seen tax policy race ahead of knowledge before.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources