Transcript Highlights:

• Oh gosh, you know, I have a brain injury that's going to really push me, but that's ripped into...
• injury that's going to really push brain injury that's going to really push me<00:22:32.320> but<
• I've got something bug in my brain that there was some certain conditions where I want to say the EFA
• I've got something bug in my brain that there was some certain conditions where I want to say the EFA
• Spending infers a net drain, while with investment there's an expectation of a return in this budget

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division 2 work session first took up HB 506, a bill dealing with the return of seized firearms. Members discussed how the measure would shift background-check processing for firearm returns through the Department of Safety, while the physical firearms would still remain with local police unless State Police had taken custody. The department said the bill would change which cases come to it, and members clarified that the bill concerns the background-check decision rather than possession of the firearms. The committee then voted OTP on HB 506 FN by a 7-0 roll call. The committee next discussed HB 671, establishing a kindergarten literacy readiness program. Department of Education staff explained that the bill grew out of a COVID-era Waterford contract that provided home-based early literacy support for families using federal relief funds, at a cost of about $600,000 per year, but that the program ended when those funds expired. Members raised concerns that the bill’s $1 appropriation was not realistic, that the prior program lacked sufficient outcome data, and that the references to ESSA tier-one benchmarks were unclear. The department said it was conducting a broader literacy needs assessment and updating the state literacy plan, including data from the zero-to-five range, K-5, and dyslexia-related work. Waterford representatives described the program as an early-literacy, pre-K readiness service for children ages zero to five, originally designed to work in homes with computers and internet provided where needed, and later expanded in some settings such as daycares and pre-K classrooms. They said the program used assessments at the beginning and end, had served hundreds of children, and was intended to support family engagement and kindergarten readiness. Despite that testimony, members remained concerned about funding and the lack of clear results, and one member moved to retain the bill for more information. The discussion ended with the bill retained rather than advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• the example, uh, that was just given, if there was a chiropractor out there, you know, performing brain
• neural development and negatively affects attention, learning, and impulse control in adolescent brains
• This can lead to lasting changes in brain function.
• Early cannabis use leads to long-term consequences, including risk of addiction, harmed brain development
• These products are everywhere, littering our neighborhoods and addicting and ruining the brains of young

Transcript Highlights:

• We have been experiencing a brain drain for a very long time and have also, as a result of very aggressive

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The treatment journey that follows is physically draining, emotionally challenging, and financially often
• products are often filled with harmful additives and specifically engineered to interfere with our brain

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , there are lots of consumer products that we use every day in our households that can go down the drain
• I guess it's what I'm wondering, where my brain is going here.

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the Environment Department on PFAS contamination in private wells in La Cienega, Santa Fe County. Staff said the plume likely came from historic use of firefighting foam associated with airport and National Guard fire-training activities, with possible additional contribution from septic systems and consumer products. They described the contamination as affecting about 200 private wells, the short-term response of providing residential filters through a $2 million legislative appropriation, and ongoing work to define the plume’s full extent, identify responsible parties, and consider longer-term regional water solutions. Members asked about filter costs, replacement schedules, disposal of used cartridges, follow-up testing, health studies, and whether cleanup or containment had begun; the department said cleanup would follow once the plume is fully mapped and that DOH is soliciting interest in a blood study. The committee also discussed the need to track disposal of PFAS filters and the possibility of broader statewide capacity for similar work. The committee then took up abandoned uranium mine cleanup. NMED and EMNRD staff reviewed the new uranium mine reclamation program created by HB 164, the state dashboard tracking sites, and the FY26 appropriation of $20 million for neglected contaminated sites, of which $12 million is being used for neglected uranium mines and the remainder for other contaminated sites. They said six contractors were hired, three priority sites in Grant County are moving forward quickly, and additional sites are being prepared for possible FY27 work. Members pressed for details on how funds are spent, why the revolving fund remains unfunded, how federal, state, tribal, and landowner requirements are coordinated, where contaminated material will be moved, and whether cleanup could also address homes built with contaminated materials. Staff said the work is governed by multiple regulatory layers, that the state is seeking an additional $25 million for FY27-FY28 plus a time extension, and that partnerships with tribes would require longer-term agreements. The committee also discussed federal cleanup efforts and the new Good Samaritan law, with members urging stronger advocacy for New Mexico sites, including tribal lands, and asking whether the Attorney General should pursue legal action against federal parties responsible for legacy contamination. Staff explained that some sites are already covered by settlement funds tied to responsible parties, while neglected sites are those with no responsible party and no other cleanup program. The committee then heard from EMNRD on Class VI carbon sequestration primacy. Staff said New Mexico currently has no operating Class VI wells, about 27 Class II acid-gas injection wells are operating, and only a small number might be candidates for conversion. They explained that the state’s primacy application would require more public outreach than federal rules alone, and that cost estimates for post-injection site care are based on long planning horizons, with some costs borne by operators and some by the state after closure. No votes were taken on the substantive items discussed; the committee approved the prior meeting minutes and took a brief recess between presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• that means tackling all forms of it, including white-collar crimes that are, you know, quietly and draining
• Given AI is getting our brains around this is very complex. But yours is a simple request.

Summary: The committee heard several AI- and consumer-protection-related bills, with extensive testimony from authors, supporters, and industry opponents. SB 53 by Senator Wiener would create transparency requirements for large AI developers, including disclosure of safety and security protocols, reporting of critical safety incidents, whistleblower protections, and the CalCompute public cloud. Supporters said it is a narrower, transparency-based follow-up to last year’s vetoed AI safety bill, while opponents argued it still relies too much on company size, could expose trade secrets, and should be narrowed further. The committee approved SB 53 on a do-pass-as-amended vote to Appropriations, with the roll held open for absent members. SB 766 by Senator Allen would codify the FTC’s Cars Rule and create a three-day cooling-off period for certain used-car purchases, along with stronger disclosure rules on pricing, add-ons, and government affiliation claims. Supporters said it would save consumers money and time and help buyers avoid bad deals, while dealer and industry groups said amendments addressed many of their concerns. Several former opponents moved to neutral, and the committee passed SB 766 unanimously as amended to Appropriations. SB 7 by Senator McNerney would regulate automated decision-making systems in employment by requiring notice, human review for discipline and termination, and limits on predictive behavior analysis. Labor and consumer advocates supported the bill as a safeguard against biased or overly automated workplace decisions, while employer and industry groups raised concerns about scope, notice burdens, and the predictive-analysis ban. The committee passed SB 7 to Appropriations on a 4-2 vote, with the roll held open. SB 833, also by Senator McNerney, would require human oversight of AI used in critical infrastructure, along with training and system assessments; it drew limited opposition focused on scope, and the committee passed it as amended to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote, also holding the roll open. Later, the committee took up SB 11, which would address AI-generated voice, image, and video cloning and deepfakes by clarifying likeness protections, requiring consumer warnings, and addressing misuse and evidence tampering. Supporters framed it as a targeted response to nonconsensual deepfakes, while industry groups said recent amendments improved the bill but still had concerns about penalties and warning language. The committee also heard SB 720, the Safer Streets Act, which would let cities opt into a revised red-light camera system that shifts from driver to owner liability, removes facial identification, makes violations civil rather than criminal, and directs revenue toward transportation safety projects; the author presented the bill, but the transcript ends before any final action on SB 720.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a brain tumor and brain injury survivor.
• Not only was my life turned upside down by a brain tumor and the resulting brain injury, but due to some
• Before becoming a DIL, I was an advocate for the brain tumor and brain injury communities.
• There are plenty of brain tumor and brain injury survivors that are in wheelchairs, but I never once
• And unlike adults, children's brains, organs, and reproductive glands are still forming while they're

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure opened with logistical remarks about testimony procedures, time limits, accessibility supports, and the large number of witnesses. The first bill discussed was H. 451, which would allow professional license applicants who do not have a Social Security number to use an ITIN instead. Supporters said the bill would help qualified workers, especially immigrants, enter licensed trades and professions without lowering training or testing standards, while addressing workforce shortages. Committee members asked a few questions, and the bill was framed as a uniform statewide licensing reform. The bulk of the hearing focused on S. 210 and H. 1278, two bills aimed at improving wheelchair repair and warranty protections. Supporters included the Attorney General’s Office, disability advocates, wheelchair users, clinicians, and legislators, who described long repair delays, missed work and medical appointments, loss of independence, hospitalizations, pressure injuries, and other harms caused by broken wheelchairs and slow service. They argued for stronger timelines, two-year warranties, required parts availability, loaner chairs, and enforcement mechanisms, with H. 1278 modeled on a Connecticut-style repair deadline and S. 210 focused on warranty protections. Several witnesses emphasized that wheelchairs are essential medical equipment, not ordinary consumer goods. Opposition came from NCart, which said it supports solutions but raised concerns that the bills, as written, could be difficult to implement for complex rehab technology. NCart said some warranty provisions may not fit wear-and-tear components and noted that MassHealth has already taken steps such as preventive maintenance, reduced prior authorization, and transportation support. Other witnesses and advocates countered that the current market is dominated by a few profitable companies and that the legislature needs to impose clear standards because voluntary fixes have not worked. The committee also heard testimony on S. 195, a toxic-free kids bill from Senator Comerford and Representative Hawkins, which would restrict PFAS and other toxic chemicals in children’s products and create disclosure and phase-out requirements. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the earliest years of life from birth to age five are the most important, critical years of brain
• We know now what's going on in that child's brain.
• Um, the earliest years of life from birth to age five are the most important, critical years of brain
• We know now what's going on in that child's brain.
• what's going on in that child's brain. what's going on in that child's brain.

Bills: HB329, HB8, HB353, HB329, HB8, HB353, HB50, HB78, HB225, SB75, SB209

Keywords: military installations, tall structures, local government, construction approval, wind energy facilities, tobacco regulation, vaping, sales restrictions, youth protection, tobacco compliance, public health, education programs, electronic nicotine delivery systems, judicial compensation, salary adjustments, district attorneys, Judges, local officials, computer science, education reform

Transcript Highlights:

• products are often filled with harmful additives and specifically engineered to interfere with our brain
• They are literally irresistible because they change the way signals are sent to our brains in ways that
• They have been measured in the brain, testes, breast milk, and placenta, among other places where we
• For example, a new study shows that microplastics can pass the blood-brain barrier, enter the brain,
• and with the resulting problems that go along with... ...same opioid receptor in the brain and with

Summary: The committee heard a series of environmental safety and toxic materials measures, with several bills moving forward on unanimous or near-unanimous votes to Appropriations. Early in the meeting, the consent calendar was approved, including AB 372, AB 455, AB 1096, AB 1102, and AB 754. AB 362 by Assembly Member Ramos, which would recognize tribal beneficial uses of water and strengthen consultation and protection for tribal water uses, drew strong support from tribes and environmental groups. Water agencies and local government representatives opposed unless amended, raising concerns about CEQA requirements, co-management language, and conflicts with existing water law. The bill advanced to Appropriations, with some members voting aye and others not voting or absent. AB 728 by Assembly Member Lee would require age verification for the sale of certain anti-aging skin care products to minors. The author and a youth witness described social media-driven use of adult skin products by children and alleged skin damage, while supporters argued age checks are a reasonable consumer protection. Dermatologists and retailers opposed the bill, saying it could restrict legitimate acne and other medical uses of over-the-counter products, create compliance problems, and lacked a clear scientific basis. The committee discussed possible ambiguity in the bill’s definition of anti-aging products, but the measure still passed to Appropriations. AB 532 on low-income water rate assistance, AB 773 on copper-based anti-fouling paint, AB 998 on household hazardous waste disposal of vape pens, AB 1031 on geothermal hazardous waste fees, and AB 864 on solar panel hazardous waste and recycling all received strong support and advanced to Appropriations. Supporters for AB 532 emphasized water affordability and local program authority; AB 773 supporters said conflicting state water and pesticide rules are creating confusion for harbors and cities; AB 998 was presented as a practical way to let schools and local facilities dispose of confiscated vape devices safely; AB 1031 was framed as reducing DTSC fee burdens on geothermal development in Imperial County; and AB 864 would ease recycling and reuse of end-of-life solar panels. The committee also began hearing AB 1264 on ultra-processed foods in school meals, with the author and supporters arguing it would phase out the most harmful ultra-processed foods from school meals by 2032, but the transcript cuts off before the full discussion and any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• You use your brain, you use your body.
• You use<00:19:43.040> your<00:19:43.160> brain,<00:19:43.640> you<00:19:43.720><
• <00:19:44.760> It's use your brain, you use your body.
• It's use your brain, you use your body.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House convened with a devotional led by former Representative Carolyn Partridge, accompanied by bagpiper Ben Partridge. Partridge read Billy Collins’s poem “The Lanyard,” and the chamber then observed music and applause. Members also honored two former House members who had recently died: Representative Jason A. Barney of Highgate and Representative Noel E. Neely of Pomfret, followed by a moment of silence. The Speaker recognized the final group of legislative pages for their service and thanked them for their work during the busy end of the biennium. The House also read two concurrent resolutions adopted on the consent calendar: H.C.R. 273 recognizing May 2026 as National Tennis Month in Vermont, and H.C.R. 289 congratulating the 2026 Brattleboro Union High School championship mock trial team. The mock trial resolution noted the team’s first-place finish at the Vermont Law and Graduate School competition in South Royalton and identified the student advocates, witnesses, coaches, and advisor. Several members made announcements and introductions. A member from Jericho spoke in support of tennis and welcomed USTA Vermont representatives in the gallery. A member from Westminster introduced Carolyn Partridge and Ben Partridge, and a member from Brattleboro welcomed the mock trial students, noting they would visit committees later in the morning. A member from Winooski introduced family members in the balcony. House Democrats and House Republicans announced caucuses at 11:15. No floor votes were taken on legislation during this segment. The Speaker said the House would return to address bills on the calendar at 1:00 p.m., and the chamber stood in recess until then.

Transcript Highlights:

• Neurorites Foundation, a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to shaping the future of brain
• shaping the organization dedicated to shaping the future<00:16:09.600> of<00:16:09.759> brain
• ><00:16:10.079> science<00:16:10.399> and<00:16:10.639> innovation, future of brain
• science and innovation, future of brain science and innovation, a<00:16:11.680> future<00:16:

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional led by Rep. Anne Donahue and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved into first readings of 10 House bills. The bills covered building energy standards and a residential building code (H.717), building energy efficiency (H.718), hospital collaboration and state action immunity (H.719), cloud computing/public utility issues (H.720), juvenile proceedings and forensic facilities (H.721), municipal regulation of surface water use for drinking water supplies (H.722), posting of land (H.723), involuntary psychiatric medication in emergency circumstances (H.724), the State Labor Relations Act (H.725), and flexible working arrangements (H.726). Each was read the first time and referred to the appropriate committee; H.648, affecting state revenue through banking, insurance, and securities, was referred to Ways and Means under House Rule 35A. On the action calendar, the House took up and passed H.84, allowing telehealth appointments to be recorded with patient and provider consent, and H.534, relating to community action agencies. Both bills were read a third time and approved by voice vote, with the chair announcing that the ayes appeared to have it. The chamber then completed its orders of the day. Several announcements followed, including guest introductions, caucus meetings, an ice cream social, and notice of a press conference on immigration protections. The chair also reminded members to return later in the day for the joint assembly to hear the governor’s budget address. The House then adjourned until Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 3 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It adds people, our loved ones that have dementia, Alzheimer's, or a traumatic brain injury to the list
• Alzheimer's,<00:10:18.720> or<00:10:18.880> a<00:10:19.120> traumatic<00:10:19.600> brain
• <00:10:19.839> injury Alzheimer's, or a traumatic brain injury Alzheimer's, or a traumatic
• brain injury to<00:10:21.040> the<00:10:21.120> list<00:10:21.279> of<00:10:21.560

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• stranded, economically collapsed, and unable to function for years economically because they had drained
• <02:24:44.040> because<02:24:44.400> they<02:24:44.520> had<02:24:44.720> drained
• economically because they had drained economically because they had drained their<02:24:45.400><

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is particularly troubling at a time when recent state budgets have drained hundreds of millions
• 25:10.480> have a time when recent State budgets have a time when recent State budgets have drained
• 11.159> of<00:25:11.240> millions<00:25:11.559> from<00:25:11.679> the drained
• hundreds of millions from the drained hundreds of millions from the healthcare<00:25:12.120> access

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• bucket is going to get filled up each year, hopefully in a sufficient amount, but it's also going to drain
• <01:57:23.760> also<01:57:24.000> going<01:57:24.119> to<01:57:24.320> drain
• <01:57:24.760> off amount but it's also going to drain off amount but it's also going to drain

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• when we allow our bodies to be exposed to man-made radio frequency radiation: insomnia, headaches, brain
• It harms brains, bones, and your thyroid, and is especially harmful to developing fetuses and babies.
• Fluoride builds up over time in the pineal gland in the brain. Dr. Thomas referred...
• Fluoride builds up over time in the pineal gland in the brain. Dr.
• Your brain doesn't need fluoride. Your thyroid doesn't need fluoride.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing focused on children’s health, disease prevention, screening, treatment, and pharmacy-related bills. The chair explained that the session was for public testimony only, with no votes or decisions taken that day, and outlined the three-minute limit for individual testimony. The committee then heard testimony on a range of bills, including H. 2413 on adding electromagnetic sensitivity to the state’s MAVEN registry, S. 1508 and H. 2433 on creating an amputation prevention task force, H. 2535 and S. 1551 on establishing a naloxone purchase trust fund, S. 1635 on authorizing pharmacists to provide opioid use disorder treatment, H. 2385 on creating a special commission on avian influenza, and S. 1497 on patient safety and non-FDA-approved compounded drugs. Testimony on H. 2413 came largely from advocates and individuals who described electromagnetic sensitivity as a real health condition and argued that adding it to the registry would improve data collection, provider education, and public awareness. Testimony on the amputation prevention task force bills came from the American Diabetes Association and podiatry groups, who said diabetes-related amputations are often preventable, disproportionately affect people of color, and could be reduced through earlier screening, better care coordination, and improved insurance coverage for preventive foot care. On the naloxone trust fund bills, a representative, emergency physician, and nurse testified that hospitals often cannot reliably send overdose patients home with naloxone because of billing and reimbursement barriers, and that a bulk-purchase fund would expand access at no added cost to payers or providers. The committee also heard strong support for S. 1635 from pharmacists and public health researchers, who said community pharmacists could safely initiate and maintain buprenorphine treatment and help close gaps in opioid use disorder care. On H. 2385, a local board of health chair supported a special commission on avian influenza, citing gaps in emergency preparedness and the need for clearer coordination across agencies. On S. 1497, a pharmacy representative opposed restrictions on compounded drugs from outsourcing facilities, warning that changes could reduce access to life-saving medications and harm patient safety. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• That would be what my brain was thinking when you were speaking is is that absolutely we it's going to
• That would be what my brain was thinking when you were speaking is is that absolutely we it's going to
• That would be what my brain was thinking when you were speaking is is that absolutely we it's going to
• That would be what my brain was thinking when you were speaking is is that absolutely it's going to be
• That would be what my brain was thinking when you were speaking is is that absolutely it's going to be

Bills: HB329, SB5, HB329, SB5, HB43, HB75, HB396

Keywords: military installations, tall structures, local government, construction approval, wind energy facilities, archives, history, board of trustees, vacancies, government control, computer science, education reform, digital literacy, high school graduation, teacher training, education, public schools, constitution amendment, national anthem, weekly broadcast

Transcript Highlights:

• So those are tremendous programs or features of the RAMP program I want to mention. the brain injury
• One other item with respect to the brain injury program now.
• So, that is to prevent a brain injury.
• Or will the child need to have had a disability to prevent further brain injuries with respect to the
• And so our brain injury manager goes out with a van full of bicycle helmets and hands them out to kids

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Their brain, only a one in an aneurism cannot be coiled into its a 7.
• And this new doctor chose to do a procedure where we start to throw her growing and to her brain.
• Forgive me this which 42 pieces of plaque in the mileage brain causing her 42 strokes and masks used,
• which I my mother was brain dead.
• She would have been dead as we know her severely brain damaged and a shell of her former self.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Keywords: 1189, house, all