Transcript Highlights:

• So Article 1 of this bill, Mr.
• So that's the overall process for Article 1.
• <00:05:01.479> one<00:05:02.039> article overall process for article one article overall
• process for article one article two<00:05:02.560> adds<00:05:02.759> a<00:05:02.880>
• questions about it um and then article questions about it um and then article three<00:05:10.960

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill amends provisions of the West Virginia Code by adding three new articles to foster economic
• The first new article creates the West Virginia Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing Growth Act.
• The second new article creates the West Virginia Job Development Grant Program to be administered by
• The third new article creates the West Virginia MRO Workforce and Aviation Maintenance Education Act.
• New article designated the Recharge West Virginia Act.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met with a quorum present and first approved the minutes from the previous meeting. It then took up House Bill 5510, which was amended to incorporate provisions modernizing Alcohol Beverage Control licensing and fees and to treat low-proof spirits more like beer, including a $1.25 per gallon tax. The committee adopted the strike-and-insert amendment and reported the bill to the full Senate with a do-pass recommendation. The committee next considered a major education funding bill, Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for House Bill 5453. After counsel explained the proposed block-grant school funding structure and supplemental aid for special education, members discussed whether charter schools should be included. The committee adopted an amendment to include charter school students in the special education funding provisions, then adopted another amendment removing certain outdated staffing ratio and administrator limitations effective July 1, 2027. The amended bill was then reported to the full Senate. The committee also took up House Bill 5412, dealing with multi-year contracts for educational materials with technology licensing components and science-of-reading training for K-5 teachers. Members amended the bill to clarify contract language, extend the training timeline, change “endorsement” to “training,” and require charter school teachers to participate. The amended bill was reported to the full Senate. House Bill 4006, focused on aerospace and advanced manufacturing development, was explained as creating grant and workforce programs tied to aerospace investment and jobs. The committee adopted a strike-and-insert amendment that changed the funding mechanism and other details, then reported the amended bill to the full Senate. Committee Substitute for House Bill 4009 was also amended to shift from the portable benefits concept to a broader workforce-readiness package, including a microcredential program and expansion of the apprenticeship tax credit to all apprenticeship programs; it too was reported to the full Senate. Finally, House Bill 4004, the Recharge West Virginia Act, was explained as a reimbursement program for employers training employees who earn upskill credentials and receive wage increases. The committee adopted an amendment raising the annual employer reimbursement cap from $50,000 to $100,000, then reported the amended bill to the full Senate. The meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Article two just mobility across states.
• And then article three compact.
• > the Article five simply outlines the Article five simply outlines the requirements<01:10:26.320
• Article 9 requires that the commission helps facilitate this across the states.
• Article 11 simply outlines the enactment date and terms for withdrawal or amendment.

Bills: HF3635, HF3638

Keywords: teacher mobility, interstate compact, licensure, military spouses, education, teacher regulation, teacher qualifications, state sovereignty, educator licensing, paraprofessional credentials, mental health, professional development, data sharing, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• that you're pointing to for fraud, waste, and abuse, right, is a Civil Beat article.
• <00:28:40.159> it<00:28:40.399> it<00:28:40.640> you is a civil beat article
• it it you is a civil beat article it it you know<00:28:43.399> it<00:28:43.519> just<00
• for the national you with other articles for the national news<00:28:57.760> that<00:28:58.120
• The second is, even though some years ago, this is a 2016 article, we're continuing to contract with

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety met on March 21, 2025, and heard several resolutions related to corrections, emergency preparedness, and wildfire risk. Early items included HCR 62/HR 57 on flying the National League of Families POW/MIA flag year-round at the state Capitol, for which no one testified, and HCR 154/HR 49, which would request a comprehensive forensic audit of DCR and DAGS spending tied to planning and building a new jail to replace the Ahu Community Correctional Center. The ACLU strongly supported the audit, arguing that the state has spent millions on jail planning over many years without clear accounting, that a new jail is unnecessary and fiscally irresponsible, and that public-private partnership arrangements could reduce transparency. Committee members questioned the use of the term “forensic,” the age of some cited allegations, and whether the auditor could instead conduct another type of audit; the ACLU said it was open to other audit language and offered to help compile background materials. No vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee also heard HCR 63, asking DCR to provide separate clinical counseling services for correctional staff, with one supporter, and HCR 23, which asks DCR to include circuit and district court facilities in planning the new Ahu Community Correctional Center and to establish a release procedure that avoids releasing detainees into residential communities or public spaces. DCR Director Johnson said the department supported the intent of HCR 23 and had discussed it with the Chief Justice and court administrator, adding that one multi-purpose courtroom could handle both district and circuit proceedings. The chair then moved on without further discussion. A major portion of the meeting focused on HCR 37, which asks HEMA to work with other agencies on outreach and preparedness for kūpuna. Testifiers from the Pearl City Neighborhood Board, AARP Hawaii, and the Hawaii Council of Community Associations supported the measure, citing the vulnerability of older adults and people with disabilities during disasters, lessons from the Lahaina fires, and the need for clear evacuation plans, siren reliability, and better coordination with care homes and condominium associations. Several speakers described local preparedness efforts and concerns about gaps in communication and implementation. The committee also discussed HCR 69/HR 62 on creating a vegetation management working group to reduce wildfire risk; the Division of Consumer Advocacy supported it, with testimony describing dangerous incidents involving vines and bamboo contacting electrical lines and causing sparking and a utility pole fire. The meeting ended with testimony and questions continuing on that topic, and no final committee action was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are three articles and a total of 13 sections.
• In Article 6, there are nine sections related to the taxes jurisdiction.
• <00:03:34.319> and through the sections, the articles and through the sections, the articles
• So, article 1, jurisdiction in our bill.
• In article six, version of this bill.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Article 11, Section 3 of the Constitution gave rise to the important agricultural land statute and the
• Article 11, Section 3 of the Constitution gave rise to the important agricultural land statute and the
• this is very technical but as articles this is very technical but this<02:08:34.880> is<02:08
• covered article is the imported<02:08:40.040> fire<02:08:40.320> ants<02:08:40.679>
• would just allow them to of article would just allow them to enforce<02:08:48.040> the<02:08:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Remember Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution.
• Remember Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution.
• Remember Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution.
• Remember Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution.
• Remember Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution. Thank you.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 114, which would create a presidential preference primary for the 2028 election. The Office of Elections said the bill would cost about $4.1 million. Supporters, including the Hawaii Democratic Party and the League of Women Voters, favored moving the process to a state-run primary, while several opponents, including the Hawaiian Islands Republican Women and multiple individual testifiers, argued it would be too expensive, would shift control away from the parties, and would replace volunteer-run caucuses with a mail-in system. Committee members questioned the chief election officer about election timing, certification, and how a primary might be scheduled with other elections. Testimony was recorded as 11 in support, 41 opposed, and 3 comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then took up SB 725, which would require judges to make findings about a defendant’s ability to afford bail. Judiciary and Attorney General witnesses asked that the bill be deferred or amended, saying the Judicial Council is already reviewing pretrial bail reform and that the bill’s language could create practical problems for police, sheriffs, and courts. Supporters, including the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the public defender, the Community Alliance on Prisons, the ACLU of Hawaii, and disability rights advocates, said cash bail disproportionately harms low-income defendants, increases pretrial detention costs, and should require clearer findings and records. Opponents included the Hawaii County prosecuting attorney. Members questioned how bail is initially set, what records exist, and whether the bill would change current practice; Judiciary witnesses said initial bail decisions are often made by police or judges and later reviewed on the record, while supporters argued the bill would strengthen front-end due process. The ACLU said it supported the bill with amendments, including clearer standards for ability to pay and written findings. The committee also began hearing SB 733, a proposed constitutional amendment to establish a continuous legislative session. Early testimony was strongly supportive, with advocates arguing that the current 60-day session limits public participation, makes it hard for working people to testify, and prevents lawmakers from collaborating effectively. Supporters said a year-round model could improve transparency, reduce duplicate bills, and better accommodate neighbor island legislators. The excerpt ends during the opening testimony on SB 733, before any committee action or vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's talk about the difference between Article One and Article Two. continue to say yes to the corruption
• One and separate and about Article One and separate and co-equal<00:31:21.520> branches<00:31
• > and<00:31:31.679> Article<00:31:32.080> Two.
• between Article One and Article Two. between Article One and Article Two.
• Lecture us about Article One and Article Two. You've got to be kidding. And so, Mr.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, March 27, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• six section three of the Y state article six section three of the Y state constitution<00:17:24.360>
• This is another constitutional amendment proposing amendments to Article IV, Sections 4 and 6 of the
• four sections four and six of to article four sections four and six of the<00:17:57.520> Y<00
• Next up is SP 175, another constitutional amendment to Article 6, Section 3.
• <01:14:21.080> 6 amendment to this one to article 6 amendment to this one to article 6 section

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Judiciary-related measures. SB 94 would increase the mandatory minimum jail term for a first knowing or intentional violation of a temporary restraining order from 48 to 72 hours. The Office of the Public Defender and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence opposed the bill, arguing the current penalty is effective, the measure treats very different conduct the same, and the mental health assessment language is unclear and could be harmful or misapplied. Some other testifiers were listed in support or opposition, but no vote was taken. SB 15 would raise the real property exemption amount for attachment or execution. The Hawaiʻi Financial Services Association offered comments rather than opposition, suggesting the bill should be clarified as applying to creditor claims rather than property taxes and possibly limited to a primary residence, with restrictions on frequency of use. Committee discussion focused on how the exemption would affect unsecured creditors, the role of recorded mortgages and judgment liens, and whether the bill should instead establish a clearer homestead-style exemption. The bill drew both support and comments, with no action taken during the hearing. The committee also took testimony on SB 117, which would protect people making sexual misconduct claims from defamation suits unless made with malice; SB 121, a constitutional amendment to give the Senate more time to confirm judicial appointments; SB 14, a reapportionment amendment tied to the decennial census and resident population; SB 175, which would raise the mandatory retirement age for judges and justices from 70 to 75; SB 173, creating a three-year pilot program for free child care for minor children of parties and witnesses attending First Circuit court hearings; and SB 261, increasing juror pay from $30 to $50 per day. Testimony on these measures was generally supportive in the case of SB 175, SB 173, and SB 261, with some opposition on SB 14 and SB 117. On SB 173 and SB 261, committee members asked questions about practical implementation, and on SB 261 the State Bar Association said the increase was overdue and intended to encourage jury participation.

Transcript Highlights:

• were a clear federal requirement, you would not have had—I would not have been able to attach the article
• <00:09:34.800> discussing article discussing article discussing um um um incidences<00:09:39.200
• There are also concerns with a constitutional issue under Article 7, Section 5, and the use of public
• in this article, we don't have any case law that talks about actual innocence.
• , we don't have any case law this article, we don't have any case law that<00:32:32.640> talks

Bills: HB1997, HB2343, HB2566, HB2493

Keywords: students with disabilities, individualized education programs, emergency plans, evacuation procedures, support services, Hawaii education law, HB2343, Maui State Veterans Home, veterans home, veterans, long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, hospice, Alzheimer's care, respite care, assimilate, transfer deadline, Act 99, Session Laws of Hawaii 2024

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1997, which would require IEPs for students with disabilities to include individualized emergency accommodations and evacuation supports. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended amendments to explicitly include students with Section 504 plans and to change references from “department schools” to “public schools” so charter school students are covered. Testimony in support came from disability advocates and several individuals, including Peter Fritz, who said emergency evacuation planning should be made explicit because it is not clearly required by federal law, and Ka Swan, who emphasized student safety during emergencies. No vote or final action was taken on the bill in the transcript. The committee then took up House Bill 2343, relating to the Maui State Veterans Home. The measure would repeal a deadline for transferring the home to a state agency with a Maui affiliation and instead require the transfer to occur as soon as practicable. The Department of Defense, the Office of Veterans Services, HHSC Oahu Region, and several individuals testified in support. Committee members asked whether a more definite deadline should be used, but the department said the open-ended language was preferable because the Maui entity is not yet ready and Oahu is currently providing oversight. No vote or final action was recorded. House Bill 2566, authorizing special license plates for Hawaii Civil Air Patrol members, was also heard. The City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services testified in opposition, while Johnny Perry testified in support. The committee did not take a vote in the transcript. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2493 on wrongful imprisonment compensation procedures. The Attorney General’s office opposed the bill, arguing it would create an automatic payment mechanism without a sufficient finding of actual innocence, could trigger payments within five days of dismissal, and raised concerns about insufficient time for prosecution review and about funding and appropriation issues. Supporters, including people who said they had been wrongfully convicted and later found actually innocent, argued the bill would reduce delays and help released individuals survive while awaiting compensation. Judiciary staff requested technical amendments and said operational details still needed review. Members questioned the AG about the meaning of “actual innocence,” burden shifting, and whether the bill would better define the standard, but no vote or final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a in uh, articles 2 to five.
• So I'll start with Article Two.
• This article defines those terms.
• Article three includes a series of other Article three includes a series of other firearms<00:12:14.000
• And then Article Five is simply conforming changes related to Article Two. And, Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There was a Star Tribune article that says...
• I'll note there was also an article from the Heritage Foundation.
• I'll note there was also an article from the Heritage Foundation.
• Um, that's what that article was about. So, um, I think that this bill is not ready.
• Um, that's what that article was about. So, um, I think that this bill is not ready.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• One, the creation of the Court of Criminal Appeals is found in Article V. of the Texas Constitution.
• Similarly, Texas Supreme Court is created in Article 5, Section 3 of the Texas Constitution.
• Article 5, Section 5 differently from you.
• I have two separate words, one Article III, Section 39, for the Court of Criminal Appeals and one Article
• Article 5, Section 3 to do what I've represented, but also under Article 5, Section 5, when you look

Bills: HB 1181, HB3704, HB1363, HB1610, HB1615, HB1620, HB3223, HB1317, HB2884, HB2176, HB4027, HB1664, HB933, HB2613, HB3353, HB2086, HB4101, HB3441, HB4145, HB3455

Keywords: judiciary, judges, justices, retired, legal assignments, judicial conduct, notary public, criminal offense, education requirements, official documents, record retention, implicit bias, bias training, judicial training, judge education, court personnel, continuing legal education, CLE, state bar, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

Transcript Highlights:

• Article two seeks to address another common issue.
• That's the overall process for article one.
• Article two addresses another problem, which is deceptive business mail.
• <00:09:56.120> one<00:09:56.760> article overall process for article one article overall
• process for article one article two<00:09:57.240> addresses<00:09:57.640> another<00:09

Bills: HF2543, HF2566, HF2627

Keywords: garnishment, wage garnishment, earnings levy, bank levy, execution, judgment debtor, judgment creditor, exemption notice, exempt property, bank account freeze, financial institution levy, employer disclosure, garnishee, writ of execution, debt collection, consumer debt, collections, bankruptcy exemptions, public benefits, means-tested benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• MCGOVERN: I REQUEST UNANIMOUS CONSENT TO INSERT INTO THE RECORD AN ARTICLE FROM "THE WASHINGTON POST"
• McGovern: I ask unanimous consent to insert into the Record an article titled "No, You're Wrong."
• McGovern: I ask unanimous consent to insert into the Record an article entitled "Republicans Shrug as
• I ask unanimous consent to insert into the Record an article entitled "Republicans Shrug as Consumers
• An article called "Trump's Argentina Bailout Hurts Americans."

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Third reading of Senate Bill 124, Senate Draft 1, proposing amendments to Article 4, Sections 4 and 6
• 6 sections 4 and amendments to article 6 sections 4 and six<00:41:46.280> of<00:41:46.359>
• 4 I'm sorry reapportionment Article 4 I'm sorry article<00:41:52.960> four<00:41:53.359> sections
• four sections four and six of article four sections four and six of the<00:41:55.560> voice<00
• <00:43:22.559> 17 proposing an amendment to article 17 proposing an amendment to article 17

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this bill would exempt the diesel generating facility from Article 10?
• Operating an uninsured motor vehicle and responsible, under Article 6.
• Operating an uninsured motor vehicle and responsible, under Article 6.
• OPERATING AN UNINSURED MOTOR VEHICLE AND RESPONSIBLE, UNDER ARTICLE 6.
• WHICH EXEMPTS MAJOR ELECTRIC GENERATING FACILITIES FROM ARTICLE 10. WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT?

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then moved through a series of budget-related and ceremonial items. The chamber accepted Rules and Finance Committee reports and took up several budget extender and budget implementation bills, including the main appropriations extender and later a transportation, economic development, and environmental conservation budget bill. Senators questioned the sponsor extensively about the status of the remaining budget bills, the use of messages of necessity, and the absence of joint budget conference committees. The extender bill passed 59-2, and later budget-related measures were advanced after reconsideration and amendment. A major portion of the session focused on the environmental and energy provisions in the budget bill, especially changes to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Senators debated extending emissions targets, the role of cap-and-invest, utility affordability, ratepayer impacts, and the structure of a proposed blue-ribbon commission. Supporters said the changes were needed to give the state more time to implement the law and to protect affordability, while opponents argued the bill was a political delay that would not lower energy costs and relied too heavily on subsidies and future planning. The bill also drew questions about electric vehicle rebates, thermostat control programs, emergency diesel generation for Micron, and how imported electricity and out-of-state emissions would be treated. The Senate also adopted several previously adopted resolutions honoring the 50th anniversary of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, India Independence Day, the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame, and the 50th anniversary of Interfaith Works of Central New York. Senators spoke in support of each resolution, highlighting the contributions of Black legislators, Indian-American communities, veterans, and refugee and interfaith service organizations. The Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony was specifically noted as a chamber event, and guests were recognized from the floor and gallery. In addition, the Senate restored recalled bills to the third reading calendar through reconsideration votes and amendments, including a highway law bill and another recalled bill, and then stood at ease for scheduled conferences and a Veterans Hall of Fame ceremony before resuming session. The transcript ended with discussion of a separate bill affecting automobile insurance serious-injury standards, with questions about what claims would remain available and whether the change would improve affordability.

Transcript Highlights:

• It updates provisions within Articles 4 and 5 of Chapter 23 of the West Virginia Code, articles that
• House Bill 5527 creates a new article requiring the insurance commissioner to regulate the licensure
• Again, it's the article of code dealing with county boards of education and states that county boards
• The bill creates three new articles.
• The bill creates three new articles dealing with aviation and aerospace.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate considered and passed a series of House bills on third reading, with several title amendments and a few effective-date motions adopted. Early in the session, members passed HB 4452 removing acreage limits on land owned by church or religious trustees, HB 4577 creating reciprocal driver’s license recognition agreements with Ireland and Japan, HB 4588 authorizing West Virginia participation in a federal tax credit scholarship program, and HB 4592 requiring higher education institutions to create coordinated campus safety maps. HB 4602 was amended to align with a prior Senate child welfare pilot program, and members discussed its projected cost and implementation timeline before passing it. HB 4603 created a pre-adjudicatory alternative disposition process in abuse and neglect cases, and HB 4606 narrowed bail rules by requiring consideration of residency and community ties while prohibiting personal recognizance bonds for violent felony offenses after an adopted amendment. The Senate also passed HB 4710 changing the party-registration deadline for candidates from 60 to 180 days before an election, with debate over its impact on independents, and made it effective January 1, 2027. HB 4712, known as Bailey’s Law, increased penalties for DUI causing death and related conduct, with emotional testimony from members about the victim and similar tragedies. HB 4765 established a pay raise for teachers, school personnel, and state police and added a market-pay enhancement system based on county cost-of-living differences; an amendment to the amendment capped county differentials and guaranteed at least a 1% increase in every county. HB 4865 created an optional program for high school and homeschool students to serve as election official trainees, and HB 4869 established narrow guaranteed-issue rights for Medicare supplement policies. Later bills included HB 4995, which strengthened video/audio recording rules in special education classrooms and was passed, then reconsidered and passed again; HB 4996 creating a new crime for making threats of violence against schools or children; HB 5048 guaranteeing virtual instruction for foster children in temporary placement; HB 5065 adding recordkeeping and geolocation requirements for hotel marketplace facilitators to ensure proper hotel tax remittance; and HB 5074 reallocating medical cannabis fund revenues to child protection, homeless services, research, law enforcement, and other purposes. The Senate also passed HB 5101, the Joanna Phillips Domestic Violence Prevention Act, which increased penalties for domestic violence offenses and adjusted bail provisions, after amending it to conform with the earlier bail bill. Additional measures passed included HB 5166 requiring notice before political committees are fined for filing violations and allowing limited extensions, HB 5168 directing $12 million in lottery funds to EMS first responders and county EMS support, HB 5182 authorizing certain state treasurer security personnel to carry concealed firearms, HB 5212 streamlining higher-education financial aid rules, HB 5214 allowing court-ordered drug testing of parents before reunification in abuse and neglect cases, HB 5353 regulating virtual currency kiosks with licensing, disclosures, and transaction limits, and HB 5366 exempting J-LAP records from FOIA to protect confidentiality for lawyers and judges seeking assistance. Most bills passed with strong bipartisan support, though HB 5074 and HB 5353 drew some dissenting votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clarification on the last one: the conference report on SB 5 is adopted in accordance with Article 3.
• As to the law right now, Article III, Section 10 of the Texas Constitution requires two-thirds of each
• The Constitution gives the House broad authority to punish quorum breaking in Article 3, Sections 10
• It simply said that just as Article III, Section 10 enables quorum breaking by a minority faction of
• I do not believe they should, because we have constitutional authority under Article III, Section 10

Bills: SB 1, HCR 20, HR 131, HR 133, HR 135, HR 136, HR 137, HR 144, HR 145, HR 146, HR 149, HR 150, HR 151, HR 152, HR 158, HR 161, HR 162, HR 163, HR 165, HR 166, HR 168, HR 169, HR 170, HR 175, HR 178, HR 127, HR 129, HR 130, HR 132, HR 134, HR 138, HR 139, HR 140, HR 141, HR 142, HR 143, HR 153, HR 154, HR 155, HR 156, HR 159, HR 160, HR 164, HR 167, HR 172, HR 173, HR 176, SB 1, HB 8, HB 15, HB 27, SB 5

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, memorial, remembrance, legacy, condolences, community, higher education, university merger, research, public health, economic impact, healthcare, insurance, affordability, medical coverage, state regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• is, and to address the vice chair and her point that was made about the constitutional rights of Article
• is, and to address the vice chair and her point that was made about the constitutional rights of Article
• The constitutional rights of Article 2B.
• And to address the clerk's question, I mean, Article 2-B reads: "An individual's right to live free from
• 2B reads, "An individual's right article 2B reads, "An individual's right to<00:51:32.800> live

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up several Senate messages on House bills. It recommended non-concurrence and a committee conference on HB 428 after Representative Pearson raised a constitutional concern about a retroactive provision in the building code bill. It also recommended non-concurrence on HB 156, which had been rewritten by the Senate to create a permanent subcommittee related to food/procurement; members said they did not want to create a permanent subcommittee and preferred to let the issue return next year if needed. On HB 85, concerning temporary student licenses for respiratory therapists, the committee concurred with a Senate rewrite that added restrictions but preserved the bill’s main purpose. On HB 82, a cleanup bill for occupational licensing, the committee concurred with a Senate amendment explicitly allowing the electricians board to create subcommittees, with members noting they did not think the authority was necessary but that it would not do harm. The committee then considered SB 178 on laboratory water testing. Representative Leyon offered amendment 2025-1743H to clarify how fees would be deposited and to direct a portion of certain fees and grants into a non-lapsing lab equipment and replacement fund rather than the general fund. Members said the amendment made the bill’s fiscal flow easier to understand. The amendment passed unanimously, and the committee then voted ought to pass as amended on SB 178, also unanimously, and placed it on consent. For SB 180, dealing with Coos County distressed-area designation, the committee adopted amendment 1748H to remove a provision requiring commissioners to give extra consideration to Coos County and to add a 20-year sunset on the designation. The amendment passed 14-2, and the committee then voted ought to pass as amended 15-1; Representative Schmidt said he would file a minority report because he viewed the provision as unenforceable rather than objectionable. The committee also voted to retain SB 185, which concerned OPLC-related issues, so the agency could continue working on a policy and report back later; that motion passed 16-0. Finally, the committee voted inexpedient to legislate on SB 198, establishing New Hampshire Service Dog Week, after debate over whether the recognition should be statutory or left to a gubernatorial proclamation. Supporters argued the bill would raise awareness and help promote service dogs, while opponents said the effort could continue without a statute and that special-day statutes often lose attention once enacted. The committee also voted inexpedient to legislate on SB 182 after extensive discussion of proposed changes to the maternal mortality review process. Opponents argued the bill would broaden access to personally identifiable information, change panel structure, and affect data comparability; supporters said it was a housekeeping update requested by DHS that would add DCYF and Corrections and improve review of maternal deaths. The ITL motion passed 10-6, and Representative Long said he would file a minority report and explain the committee’s reasoning to the bill’s sponsor.