Transcript Highlights:

• opportunities by providing norm-referenced results on each test within 40 hours of the closing of the testing window
• back to the BOI and get the results back within, as the Chair said, 48 hours to close the assessment window
• The testing windows require that the end-of-year testing happens later in the school year. and split

Bills: HB8

Committee: House Public Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Expected to nearly double by 2040, and the state of Texas has an opportunity to take advantage of this window
• If the permit goes forward, both are operating simultaneously, and we will have missed the window to
• We have this beautiful window of reshoring, what I like to call tech shoring.

Bills: SB2037 , SB1757 , SB1758 , SB1759 , HB29

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• And luckily, our largest manufacturer—many of you may have PGT windows and glass doors in your homes.
• He has his own house, is married, and is getting his own PGT windows in that house.
• They have help wanted signs in storefront windows and what have you.

Summary: The subcommittee met to receive an informational presentation from CareerSource Florida President and CEO Adrian Johnson, joined by Anthony Gagliano of CareerSource Suncoast, on the structure, funding, and services of Florida’s workforce development system. Johnson explained that CareerSource serves job seekers and businesses through 21 local workforce development boards and nearly 100 career centers, using federal and state funding streams such as WIOA, Wagner-Peyser, SNAP Employment and Training, and TANF. She described services including case management, training, wraparound supports, job matching, rapid response for layoffs and disasters, and business services such as recruitment, customized training, and on-the-job training. She also highlighted the REACH Act’s role in consolidating local boards from 24 to 21, creating the Master Credential List and Credential Review Committee, and implementing performance-based letter grades for local boards. Members asked detailed questions about funding formulas, letter grade metrics, apprenticeships, youth services, small business access, and the demand occupation list. Johnson said federal allocations are driven largely by unemployment and poverty formulas, which has reduced Florida’s WIOA funding by about $27 million over four years because of the state’s low unemployment rate. She explained the letter grades measure outcomes such as increased earnings, reduced public assistance, employment and training outcomes, work-based learning, business engagement, and service to individuals in certain programs, and said the system is being reviewed for possible changes, including removing extra credit and adjusting weights. On youth services, she said Florida has a waiver allowing a 50/50 split between in-school and out-of-school youth funding, and that local partnerships drive outreach. On the demand occupation list, she said it is based on state labor market data and projections, but local boards can submit evidence of local demand when data does not reflect conditions in their area. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on apprenticeships and workforce training grants. Johnson and Gagliano described apprenticeship navigators funded by the $7.75 million apprenticeship expansion allocation, which help employers navigate registration and expand apprenticeships into nontraditional fields such as IT, health care, education, and hospitality. Gagliano gave examples from CareerSource Suncoast and said navigators helped employers move faster through registration and develop programs with local education providers. Johnson also discussed Incumbent Worker Training Grants and Quick Response Training Grants, noting recent awards of nearly $3 million to 69 businesses and $6.5 million to 24 businesses, respectively, and said these programs are targeted toward high-skill, high-wage occupations and priority industries. The meeting ended with no votes or formal action; the chair thanked the presenters, invited follow-up questions, and adjourned the meeting without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• the payment plan then to maybe allow people to make payments through what I call the deadbeat dad window
• the payment plan then to maybe allow people to make payments through what I call the deadbeat dad window
• because it's already already established. ...through what I call the deadbeat dad window because it's

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice heard an update from Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon on staffing, overtime, capital needs, and inmate population growth. Dixon said the prison population has risen by about 8,000 since January 2021 while staffing has not kept pace, forcing the agency to open 53 housing units without funded positions and rely heavily on overtime and National Guard support. He cited a $189 million deficit tied to salaries and overtime, noted that most staff have less than three years of experience, and argued the solution is to fully fund posts for operational housing units. He also reviewed the department’s fixed capital outlay projects, including repairs, new housing construction, and medical modular units intended to reduce outside hospital transports, and gave an update on the VINE victim notification system and its expansion. The committee then heard from Florida clerks of court representatives Jason Welty and Miami-Dade Clerk Juan Fernandez-Barquin, who described clerks’ court-related and county duties and said clerk budgets have not kept pace with the broader justice system. They requested reimbursements for injunctions for protection ($3.3 million), Baker Act/Marchman Act/sexually violent predator cases ($2.5 million), and juror management ($4.8 million), and said future funding for new judges should include the full courtroom system, not judges alone. Fernandez-Barquin also raised concerns about unfunded mandates, rising retirement and health costs, low court-side pay, and the need to revisit filing fees and trust fund allocations. Members asked about collections, payment plans, license suspensions, and whether some fees or trust fund distributions could be redirected; the governor’s budget had already picked up the $2.5 million request for Baker/Marchman/SVP cases. During public testimony, speakers urged broader criminal justice reforms and additional funding priorities. A prosecutor emphasized that adding judges requires funding for prosecutors, public defenders, and clerks as well. Other speakers called for parole or long-term sentencing reform to reduce prison populations and costs, criticized staffing and conditions in prisons, and raised concerns about inexperienced correctional officers, visitation delays, and lack of air conditioning in some facilities. The committee took no substantive votes on the items discussed and adjourned after hearing the presentations and public comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• As I mentioned before, we've been working on an agreement right now where we're in the 45 day window
• office has the availability to veto any of the issues that we are not be able to grounds or in that window
• can provide further information on these as we work with the governor's office during this 45 day window

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:07:14.640><c> as</c> businesses uh breaking windows as businesses uh breaking windows as occurred
• Windows were shot out, literally.
• </c><01:20:26.320><c> out,</c><01:20:26.719><c> literally</c> Uh uh windows were shot out, literally
• Uh uh windows were shot out, literally were<01:20:27.679><c> shot</c><01:20:27.920><c> out.
• Windows are getting smashed in cars in Alamosa, and glass is raining down on children.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:09:58.720><c> that</c> they have egress uh windows, that they have egress uh windows, that they're
• > safety like making sure there's the safety like making sure there's the egress<00:14:48.160><c> window
• </c><00:14:50.320><c> Uh</c> egress window and an evacuation plan.
• Uh egress window and an evacuation plan.
• </c> or or do they have that two-year window? or or do they have that two-year window?

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• from a 30 to 60% to a 20 to 70%, or potentially even a 20 to 80% type of window to reflect the fact
• to expand the window from a what<00:46:40.640><c> is</c><00:46:40.800><c> it</c><00:46:41.119><c> 20
• </c><00:46:51.280><c> to</c> even a 20 to 80% uh type of window to even a 20 to 80% uh type of window
• And so even expanding the window do.
• And so even expanding the window from<00:47:04.560><c> 20</c><00:47:04.800><c> to</c><00:47:05.040><c

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting on retained education funding bills, focusing on HB 366, which concerns school building aid for eligible projects, and HB 295, which would make school building aid program funds non-lapsing. The chair framed the discussion broadly around whether school building aid should remain a state program, how to address limited revenues, and whether the current system should continue to prioritize debt service and the existing formula or move toward a different model such as per-pupil allocations, a dedicated fund, or a split between new construction and renovation. He also raised questions about whether leasing should be included and how to manage any new fund under current law and the school building authority structure. Representatives and department staff discussed the current backlog of applications, the age and condition of school facilities, and the possibility that large projects can consume available funding for a year while other districts go unsupported. Tim Carney of the Bureau of School Facilities introduced himself and provided technical context on the program and current debt levels. Representative Luneau argued that under the ConVal decision, the state’s responsibility includes school buildings, construction, and renovation, and that the program also serves an equity function by helping districts with less property wealth. He noted that construction and renovation have long been recognized categories and asked about leasing, which staff said is already supported in statute for charter schools and possibly CTE, with a cap of 30% of annual lease cost or $50,000. The discussion also covered CTE facilities: staff explained that capital funding for CTE centers is state-funded, that federal Carl Perkins funds cannot be used for construction, and that the current rotational capital model means only a few centers are funded each year, which may not match changing program needs. A committee studying CTE capital needs was referenced, along with concerns that the report from that work had not yet been received. Representative Papich urged the subcommittee to focus on policy, principles, and structure rather than just numbers, saying the current system produces a few winners and many districts that never receive aid. He favored a simpler, more equitable per-capita or formula-based approach, while acknowledging the need for a transition plan for projects already in the pipeline. The chair later cautioned against mixing maintenance and operations with construction and renovation, noting that operation and maintenance are already part of the adequacy formula and should not be confused with capital funding. No votes were taken during the meeting; the discussion was exploratory, with members and staff laying out competing approaches and identifying issues for further work.

Transcript Highlights:

• The 90-day extension period is only for the purpose of providing an extra window of time for a person
• of time for a person with a extra window of time for a person with a reintegration<00:04:10.720><c>
• So to me, it almost<00:11:51.040><c> opens</c><00:11:51.440><c> that</c><00:11:51.680><c> window</c><
• 00:11:52.000><c> that</c><00:11:52.320><c> we're</c> almost opens that window that we're almost opens
• just like the rest of us might um window just like the rest of us might um to<00:13:26.240><c> get</

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• Have you ever seen young kids go by a vehicle and stick sticks into a window to try and provoke, you
• Have you ever seen young kids go by a vehicle and stick sticks into a window to try and provoke, you
• Have you ever seen young kids go by a vehicle and stick sticks into a window to try and provoke, you
• Have you ever seen young kids go by a vehicle and stick sticks into a window to try and provoke, you
• It's like a window, and then they feed them things and they watch.

Summary: The committee held a work session on a bill arising from the Lee case involving animal seizures and humane society involvement. Members and the commissioner discussed concerns about due process, lack of clear notice to animal owners, the need for owners to understand when they are surrendering ownership, and whether humane agents should have additional training or certification. Several members also questioned the role of the NH SPCA and humane societies, the absence of oversight, and whether there was any financial or policy conflict in their involvement. The commissioner said the Department of Agriculture does not have a direct relationship with humane societies, but does coordinate with police on seizures, and noted that problems tend to arise when agencies do not consult the department first. Testimony and discussion focused on possible fixes to the bill, including clearer written notice of rights, requiring a third-party qualified veterinarian or other neutral evaluator, establishing the condition of animals at the time of seizure for later court proceedings, and possibly using teleconferencing with a veterinarian in limited circumstances. Some members suggested the bill may need a broader study committee, while others said it should be amended now rather than delayed. The chair said the bill would be worked on further and sent to the subcommittee for more detailed review. The committee then opened a hearing on HB 250, which would allow local governing bodies to regulate dog muzzling. Representative Jodi Newell testified that the bill was intended to let municipalities respond to dangerous dogs, citing Keene’s attempt to require muzzling after a serious incident but lack of clear authority under current law. Deborah LeBlanc also testified about a dog attack that seriously injured her dog and said a muzzle requirement could have prevented the attack. Committee members asked about the incident, existing dog-control laws, and whether the dog had been leashed; the discussion suggested the bill was meant to clarify local authority over muzzling as a public safety measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• And with this, it seems like the window that social media has to prove on their end...
• With this, it seems like the window that social media has to prove on their end is too broad.
• I think this just opens so large of a litigious window that shifts the burden of proof onto what platforms
• And with, it seems like the window that social media, with, it seems like this, the window that social
• I think this just opens so large of a litigious window that shifts the burden of proof onto what platforms

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2, which would create enhanced civil penalties for large social media companies when negligence proven in court causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters argued the bill is needed to address addictive algorithms and harmful content, while opponents warned it was vague, could chill speech, and might be preempted by federal law. Members largely focused on whether the bill changed the standard of care or burden of proof; the bill passed out of committee on a roll call vote, with some members noting concerns but supporting it to continue the discussion. AB 282, dealing with housing vouchers and source-of-income discrimination, would clarify that housing providers may prioritize applicants who qualify for rental assistance without violating fair housing law. Supporters from housing authorities, local governments, and advocacy groups said it would help voucher holders find units and improve use of housing funds. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote, with two no votes. The committee also considered AB 882 on court reporter availability and electronic recording in certain cases when a court reporter is unavailable. Supporters said the bill is a temporary, narrowly tailored response to a shortage of reporters and would preserve access to accurate records, while opponents argued it was too narrow, raised access-to-justice concerns, and should be broadened. Members from both sides emphasized the importance of court reporters and electronic recording as a backup; the bill passed with an urgency clause and was sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 325 on algorithmic price fixing, AB 935 on civil rights data clarity, AB 1414 on tenant choice of internet service provider, and AB 67 on Attorney General enforcement of the Reproductive Privacy Act; each drew support from sponsors and advocacy groups, opposition centered on overbreadth or policy concerns, and each advanced on committee votes, with several members requesting further amendments or clarification.

Transcript Highlights:

• This changes it to 3,000 total in that new window.
• </c><00:30:17.440><c> So,</c><00:30:17.640><c> you</c> in that new that new window.
• So, you in that new that new window.
• And I think this feels weak because it opens up the door for a lot of money to go out the window.
• </c> for a lot of money to go out the window. for a lot of money to go out the window.

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• are a parent or pregnant student, and that they would then be assigned into a priority registration window
• Example would be what the window of opportunity is to begin the registration process.
• Example would be what the window of opportunity is to begin the registration process.
• Example would be what the window of opportunity is to begin the registration process.
• </c><00:45:10.359><c> of</c> Example would be what the window of Example would be what the window of

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• The data that arrives after a decision window closes does not restore public participation.
• does not restore decision window closes does not restore public<00:05:03.680><c> participation.
• </c> Both a 6-hour and a 33-hour window.
• So, that 6-hour window and that 33-hour window.
• So, that 6-hour window and that 33-hour window.

Transcript Highlights:

• These can be used for enhancements such as ballistic window film, video monitoring, and so forth.
• in ballistic film that held the windows intact. in the last year for example the windows in the last
• </c><01:49:40.280><c> that</c><01:49:40.400><c> were</c> Terror incidents the windows that were Terror
• incidents the windows that were shot<01:49:40.880><c> out</c><01:49:41.199><c> did</c><01:49:41.400>
• </c><01:49:48.280><c> intact</c> ...film that held the windows intact.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• The window for opportunity, which the town of Orleans did take advantage of, closed on January 1, 2014
• The window for opportunity, which the town of Orleans did take advantage of, closed on January 1, 2014

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources opened its first hearing with introductory remarks, instructions on three-minute testimony limits, and notice that written testimony would be accepted. The committee then heard testimony on several local bills, beginning with H. 984, which would change water management for Silver Lake, Furnace Pond, Monponset Pond, and the Jones River system. Supporters said the 1964 water arrangement has harmed water levels, water quality, and habitat, and argued the bill would add needed environmental oversight without cutting Brockton off from water. Testimony emphasized impacts on alewife, freshwater mussels, drought conditions, and the need for more balanced management; no vote was taken during the hearing. The committee also heard H. 1069, a proposal to raise the parking surcharge at Douglas State Forest from $1 to $5 to help Douglas cover emergency response costs at the DCR park. Supporters said the town bears the burden for rescues, brush fires, and other incidents and has used the current surcharge for equipment like drones and ATVs. Another bill, H. 994, would let Orleans regulate fertilizer use locally; the town argued that nutrient pollution has worsened water quality in Cape Cod ponds and coastal waters, while opponents from the lawn care and landscape industries said Massachusetts already has a strong statewide nutrient-management system and warned against a patchwork of local rules. The committee also took testimony on H. 1073 concerning wastewater treatment and disposal options at Joint Base Cape Cod for the town of Sandwich. Supporters said the base could help meet Sandwich’s immediate and long-term wastewater needs and that the region has already invested in planning. In addition, Senator Driscoll testified in support of S. 575, to add transparency to the Blue Hills Reservation Trust Fund, and S. 574, to establish memorial markers honoring law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. He also supported related park-naming legislation, including a bill to rename Farragut Park and dedicate athletic fields there. Finally, a marine trades representative supported a bill to expand pleasure boat access to Boston Harbor, arguing that boating supports the local economy and that boaters are strong environmental stewards. The hearing concluded after all registered testimony was heard, with no committee action reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I watch this through my apartment window.
• And I watch this through<00:04:54.800><c> my</c><00:04:54.919><c> apartment</c><00:04:55.280><c> window

Transcript Highlights:

• There are no windows where they have to apply or paperwork hurdles to cancel their memberships.
• There are no windows where they have to apply or paperwork hurdles to cancel their memberships.

Committee: House Legislative Review

Summary: The Committee on Legislative Review met with five members present and took up two public hearings: House Bill 369 and House Bill 3465. On HB 369, Representative Simmons said the bill would let school employees join or leave teachers’ unions at any time and would prohibit school districts from automatically deducting union dues from paychecks, citing the Janus decision and arguing members should pay directly rather than through payroll deduction. Committee members questioned why the bill was needed, whether unions and school districts had been consulted, whether current law already allows opt-in/opt-out at any time, and whether the bill would affect other payroll deductions. Opposition testimony from Missouri NEA, Missouri State Teachers Association, and the Missouri AFL-CIO said the bill was unnecessary, targeted unions, could create administrative burdens, and might raise constitutional concerns; they emphasized that payroll deduction is already voluntary and that members can cancel membership at any time. No vote was taken on HB 369 during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 3465, a severability bill sponsored by Representative Keithley. He explained that it would create a broader severability standard so that if part of a legislative act is found unconstitutional, the rest could remain in effect unless there is clear and convincing evidence the legislature would not have passed the act without the invalid provision. He said the bill is intended to give courts clearer guidance and preserve the remainder of legislation when possible. Questions from members focused on how this differs from existing severability law and whether it would improperly direct the courts; Keithley responded that it clarifies legislative intent and applies to procedural as well as substantive constitutional issues. Supporters, including Campaign Life Missouri, said the bill would apply to bills, joint resolutions, and concurrent resolutions and would give courts a clearer standard. There was no opposition testimony on HB 3465, and the hearing concluded with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Within a 30-day window, this would be against this piece of legislation if such an action takes place
• Within a 30-day window, this would be against this piece of legislation if such an action takes place

Committee: House Communications, Technology and Innovation

Transcript Highlights:

• So we again opened the survey window up to make sure that everyone was heard.
• So we again opened the survey window up to make sure that everyone had been heard.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs