Transcript Highlights:

• What we do know is there will be a government efficiency department that could impact federal grants.
• earlier, that there's limits to what we can do with efficiencies, but we look for them.
• to say that that the the be efficient to say that that the the question<02:08:09.840> that<02
• <02:09:00.040> ways the state uh in in more efficient ways the state uh in in more efficient
• We appreciate the work that both systems are doing to try to efficiencies and everything else you're

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was the first session of a newly created House Education Funding Committee, which also handles career technical education and higher education legislation. The chair explained that the committee was split off from the larger education committee because of the high volume of bills in the prior biennium, and said its focus would be on education funding policy and related fiscal issues. He noted that the committee had already reviewed major topics with the Department of Education, including the foundation formula, building aid, career technical education, special education aid, catastrophic aid, and higher education funding, and that chancellors from the university and community college systems were scheduled to appear later that morning. The bulk of the meeting was an orientation on committee procedures and decorum. The chair reviewed attendance and replacement rules, hearing procedures, time limits for testimony, and how the committee would handle crowded hearings, early bills, and fiscal notes. He emphasized that hearings are not debates, that sponsors and co-sponsors may present but should not use their position to dominate questioning, and that the chair controls whether additional technical questions are asked of witnesses. He also stressed neutrality, saying members should not display buttons or placards or engage in running debates with testifiers, and that the committee should treat all testimony respectfully regardless of party or viewpoint. Additional housekeeping guidance covered security procedures, use of cell phones and computers during hearings, breaks and hydration in the dry hearing rooms, and courtesy toward the clerk and other staff. The chair also asked members to notify leadership in advance of absences and explained that some bills may require larger rooms or overflow arrangements. No votes were taken and no bills were acted on during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 133 is a bill that brings common sense reform, flexibility, and efficiency to how our local
• Senate Bill 133 is a bill that brings common sense reform, flexibility, and efficiency to how our local
• This is not about growing government; it's about making government work more efficiently.
• It increases flexibility,<00:39:24.960> improves<00:39:25.560> efficiency,<00:39:26.800
• > and flexibility, improves efficiency, and flexibility, improves efficiency, and supports<00:

Bills: SB141, SB124, SB56, SJR116, SB94, SB37, SB127, SB197, SB66, SB70, SB133, SB160, SB214, SB312, SB52, SJR62, SJR75

Keywords: legal advertisements, tax rates, public hearings, transparency, local government, sick leave, education, teacher retirement, benefits, employee compensation, Medicaid, nonopioid analgesics, pain management, health care regulation, utilization controls, physician shortage, health care access, medically underserved areas, medical education, workforce development

Transcript Highlights:

• more efficient use of state dollars. more efficient use of state dollars.
• However, I am continuing to work to refine this aspect of the program to maximize efficiency and the
• <01:04:45.039> and<01:04:45.280> the program to maximize efficiency and the program
• I just think it's maybe a less efficient way of making health insurance more affordable for Minnesotans
• I just think it's maybe a less efficient way of making health insurance more affordable for Minnesotans

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and invested in climate Efficiency and invested in climate resilience<00:48:32.400> across<00
• The PUC needs critical information technology resources and modernizations to efficiently perform its
• perform its core regulatory efficiently perform its core regulatory tasks<01:22:57.120> with<
• <01:35:00.719> resource<01:35:01.679> that goal for Energy Efficiency resource that
• Efficiency as a resource<01:35:14.719> and<01:35:14.840> so<01:35:15.000> it's<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows us to promote housing development in an efficient, resilient, and sustainable way.
• the Mass Ready Act makes permitting for resilient projects, culverts, and multi-town projects more efficient
• It allows us to promote housing development in an efficient, resilient, and sustainable way.
• Mass Ready Act makes permitting for resilient projects, culverts, and multi-town projects, more efficient
• What we wanted to do is make the process more efficient.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on the Healey-Driscoll administration’s Mass Ready Act, a $3 billion environmental bond bill. Administration officials said the bill would fund climate resilience, clean water, land conservation, parks, PFAS remediation, food security infrastructure, and coastal and inland flood protection, while also streamlining permitting for housing, restoration, and other resilience projects. They emphasized that the bond authorizes spending but does not itself obligate it, and said the proposal includes deauthorizations as housekeeping. Committee members asked about the new Resilience Revolving Fund, flood and drought management, MVP funding, land acquisition, Chapter 61 right-of-first-refusal changes, salt marsh carbon sequestration, and how the bill would help smaller municipalities and offset expected federal funding losses. Officials said the revolving fund would be managed through EEA and the Clean Water Trust, with criteria aimed at directing aid to communities most in need, and noted that drought issues would continue to be handled through existing DEP and drought commission tools. Several committee members and witnesses discussed specific policy provisions, including flood disclosure requirements for homebuyers and renters, expanded authority for regional planning and small-town access to grants, and permitting reforms that would exempt or expedite certain environmental restoration and priority housing projects from more time-consuming review processes. Administration witnesses defended the reforms as a way to achieve the same environmental outcomes faster and with more certainty, while some advocates argued the bill should go further, especially on Chapter 91 and restoration permitting. The administration also described investments in DCR facilities, water and wastewater systems, open space, agricultural easements, and a new focus on blue carbon and salt marsh restoration. Public testimony largely supported the bill. Mass Audubon, the Trustees of Reservations, the Environmental League of Massachusetts, The Nature Conservancy, MAPC, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, municipal officials, and others praised the bill’s resilience, conservation, and water infrastructure investments. Some witnesses urged additional funding for land protection, coastal resilience, buyouts, and restoration, and several called for stronger or simpler permitting reforms. Municipal witnesses from Boston, Beckett, Beverly, Conway, and regional planning organizations stressed the need for flexible financing, especially for small and rural communities facing costly infrastructure and climate adaptation projects. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the committee heard testimony and asked questions before moving on to additional panels.

Transcript Highlights:

• , potentially free up some efficiencies, potentially free up some water<00:13:07.120> field<00
• <00:13:30.160> Um, efficiency of getting water around.
• Um, efficiency of getting water around.
• <00:18:15.520> by<00:18:15.840> doing can uh do it more efficiently by doing can uh
• <01:08:31.839> as and effective as efficiently as and effective as efficiently as possible

Bills: SF0050, SF0068, SF0084, HB0087, HB0029, HB0061, HB0090

Keywords: groundwater, water resource management, state engineer, aquifer study, corrective controls, monitoring wells, public reporting, irrigation, water management, funding, maintenance projects, tax assessments, state law, water conservation, Colorado River, drought, water rights, voluntary program, interstate agreements, water development

Transcript Highlights:

• A unified approach would streamline these processes, allowing for a more efficient use of resources and
• A unified approach would streamline these processes, allowing for a more efficient use of resources and
• A unified approach would streamline these processes, allowing for a more efficient use of resources and
• A unified approach would streamline these processes, allowing for a more efficient use of resources and
• A unified approach would streamline these processes, allowing for a more efficient use of resources and

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, I'd like us to think through how such a change would affect agency efficiency, responsiveness,
• Very closely during the interim and how to make sure to get the best efficiency, which was one of our
• commitments we made to provide effective, efficient delivery of the product to the consumers.
• been very open-ended and transparent, and I'm sure they'd like to discuss ways to improve. ...the efficiency
• Please proceed. ...concerns regarding TDI's efficiency and efficacy, as well as lack of general regulatory

Bills: SB1642, SB1643, SB2530

Keywords: Texas Department of Insurance, commission appointments, insurance regulation, oversight, consumer advocacy, insurance rates, property insurance, commercial automobile insurance, rate approval, consumer protection, windstorm insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, administrative penalties, coastal counties, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're also looking to strengthen our workforce and give them the tools they need to bring efficiencies
• year is we have another phase to the community partner module as well that just gives some more efficiencies
• We're looking to achieve operational efficiencies through our technology.
• that enhances service delivery and empowers our workforce we're looking to achieve operational efficiencies
• through our technology interoperability is We're looking to achieve operational efficiencies through

Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs received a Department of Children and Families update from CIO Cole Sousa on three major technology modernization efforts: ACCESS, CWIS, and FASMS. For ACCESS, he described the six-year, $205 million project to replace the aging eligibility system used for SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid applications, noting completed releases such as the MyACCESS portal, document management, partner portal, workload management, and client registration modules. He said the system now supports mobile applications, multi-factor authentication, and bot detection, and that the next budget request is $36.625 million to continue moving workers off the mainframe, modernize notices, and complete more worker-portal functions. Members asked about performance data, interoperability with other systems, and the relationship to the FX project and APD; Sousa said API-based real-time exchanges are the goal and that current average case processing time is about 30 days, though he would provide a more exact figure later. The committee then heard about CWIS, a four-year, $75 million child welfare modernization project. Sousa said phase one is complete, including hotline intake, investigations, mandatory reporter, youth, parent, and mobile portals, along with mobile field tools, e-signatures, and customizable dashboards. Current work is focused on case management, assessment and safety planning, licensure, and placement modules, with collaboration from community-based care providers through advisory sessions. For the next fiscal year, DCF is requesting $28 million and expects to finish development by summer and launch in September, while continuing change management and training. Senators pressed on interoperability with ACCESS, FX, and FASMS, the use of a single unique identifier, and whether CBCs would be required to use the statewide system; Sousa said the department’s goal is one statewide system, with licensing costs absorbed by the state and no plan for dual systems after go-live. Finally, Sousa gave a brief update on FASMS, the financial and services accountability system used by managing entities. He said it remains in maintenance mode while DCF prioritizes ACCESS and CWIS, and that modernization of FASMS is still being planned with partner agencies. He estimated current maintenance costs at about $1.3 million and suggested a future modernization could cost roughly $5 million to $7 million, though no firm timeline has been set. The committee expressed support for using data and interoperable systems to improve decision-making, and the meeting adjourned without any votes or formal actions beyond adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, like you said, it can actually make things more efficient. It can slow everyone down.
• Everybody slows down, but you just keep moving, and it’s an extremely efficient way to handle traffic
• actually uh make things more efficient. actually uh make things more efficient.
• So, we found that to be much more efficient.
• it's performing at an efficient level. it's performing at an efficient level.

Keywords: 0:00:15 Call to Order and Roll Call 0:01:15 Maintenance Update 0:21:07 Approval of Minutes 0:21:32 Regional Offices 0:43:47 SHIFT Scoring 1:04:24 Local Assistance Road Program 1:16:41 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met without a quorum and first received a maintenance update from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials James Ballinger and John Moore. They described how repeated disasters, including floods, tornadoes, and ice storms, have strained routine road maintenance and forced crews to focus on emergency response, snow and ice removal, pothole patching, ditching, signal repairs, mowing, striping, sign work, and other day-to-day upkeep. They said snow and ice costs have averaged about $60 million to $61 million annually in recent years, disaster response has totaled hundreds of millions of dollars over five years, and the cabinet often must carry those costs until FEMA or FHWA reimbursement arrives. They also said maintenance work is increasingly contracted out because of staffing and resource limits, and that competitive pay is needed to retain employees and contractors for around-the-clock emergency work. Members then discussed traffic roundabouts and other intersection designs. Senator Hickden asked about their cost savings and safety benefits compared with traffic signals, and cabinet staff said they would provide life-cycle cost figures later. They emphasized that roundabouts and related designs reduce serious injuries and fatalities, with serious injuries down roughly 70% to 80% and fatalities over 90% in their experience. Chair Douglas and others asked about roundabout sizing for trucks and farm equipment, and staff explained that designers tailor the inscribed diameter to local traffic needs and context. The committee also briefly discussed red-light running and traffic-light cameras, with members stressing the safety risks of drivers ignoring signals. The committee adopted the minutes from the prior meeting by motion and voice vote. It then heard from Sarah Jackson and Matthew Cole on the Real ID and driver licensing transition. They said the cabinet has expanded from almost no regional offices to 35, grown driver licensing staff from 89 to 400, and now issues about 1.3 million credentials annually. They reported improvements in office capacity, queue management, staffing, and compensation, including added workstations, new or expanded offices in Louisville, Lexington, and Bardstown, and the use of contract staff. They said statewide average wait times have fallen to just under 30 minutes, and Kentucky’s Real ID adoption rate has risen to 42.9%. Members asked follow-up questions about driver testing and CDL scheduling. The presenters said all permit and CDL testing is coordinated through Kentucky State Police, with written tests available in most regional offices and CDL testing at a smaller number of KSP locations. Senator Douglas asked when the driver testing requirements were last updated, and the presenters said that was set by KSP. The discussion ended with additional questions about which regional offices lack KSP testing presence, but no further action was taken before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also conducted an efficiency review because of the funding that we had.
• Yes, yeah, and also that's one of the reasons too we're working so hard on efficiency.
• Yes, yeah, and also that's one of the reasons too we're working so hard on efficiency.
• Yes, yeah, and also that's one of the reasons too we're working so hard on efficiency.
• Yes, yeah, and also that's one of the reasons too we're working so hard on efficiency.

Bills: HF627, HF474, HF361, HF1837

Keywords: HF627, fiscal note, fiscal notes, Minnesota Legislature, state government, committee procedure, ranking minority member, minority party, standing committee, Ways and Means, Finance Committee, legislative process, budget analysis, fiscal impact, Minnesota Statutes 3.98, committee chair, legislative transparency, HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice

Transcript Highlights:

• limited access to energy efficiency limited access to energy efficiency upgrades<00:54:53.480>
• Um, and it is targeted, it's efficient, proven in structure, urgently needed.
• Um, and it is targeted, it's efficient, proven in structure, urgently needed.
• <01:12:39.200> in targeted, it's efficient, proven in targeted, it's efficient, proven in
• It is a sacred goal of ours to try to help these homes become more efficient.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then if you were to go into labor trying to figure out how to get there in the most efficient time
• <00:21:40.880> time<00:21:41.120> when there in the most efficient time when there
• in the most efficient time when the<00:21:42.000> closest<00:21:42.400> hospital<00:21:
• The efficient service delivery model eliminates a complicated web of referrals and reduces a drain on
• The efficient service assistance.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we're not—because that maybe could possibly result in efficiencies between the two systems.
• <00:26:12.320> So<00:26:12.640> this<00:26:13.039> ERP um efficiency related
• So this ERP um efficiency related.
• <00:26:40.880> it efficiencies between the two systems. it efficiencies between the two systems
• That consistency will allow us to do that more efficiently, and it does set up a pathway for the future

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met to review the annual report on collaboration between the University System of New Hampshire and the Community College System of New Hampshire, and the meeting began with approval of the prior minutes and a gubernatorial proclamation recognizing the community college system’s 80th anniversary. Both chancellors praised the proclamation and described the report as a statutory follow-up to the public higher education task force. They said the two systems have built a close working relationship and that the collaboration is intended to continue, though progress may be limited by resources and staffing changes. Much of the discussion focused on transfer pathways and new academic models. The chancellors said House Bill 1530 helped drive the creation of more than 100, and possibly about 130, “universal pathways” between the systems, with a reported 30% increase in community college associate-degree graduates transferring to the university system in the last academic year. They also discussed direct-admit outreach for community college graduates, early college and CTE-to-workforce pathways, and the development of three-year bachelor’s programs at Plymouth State and in some health-care fields. Members asked about nursing, allied dental health, and radiologic technology, and the chancellors said they are exploring whether some programs can be streamlined, while noting that nursing’s requirements may limit how short a pathway can be. Members also raised concerns about whether transfer pathways could affect university enrollment, but the university chancellor said declining enrollment is more likely due to a smaller pool of college-age students and broader competition, not the transfer programs. Another topic was the ERP/technology platform recommendation from the task force: the university system is moving to Workday, while the community college system is working to align business practices and move from an on-premises system to a cloud-based solution. Officials said a shared enterprise system could create efficiencies in the future, but it is not expected in the short term; student-facing tools like Canvas are already shared. The committee also discussed House Bill 112, which would require passing a civics test for graduation, and the chancellors said they support civic education but see implementation challenges. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the report.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill would increase efficiency and reduce barricade barriers for property owners and appraisal districts
• These changes are practical and reasonable, reduce red tape, and improve efficiency.
• Do you think this would essentially make your process more efficient?
• I think it'll make it more efficient, and I also think it'll save taxpayers money.

Bills: HB3557, HB5578, SB973, SB974, SB2068, SB2073

Keywords: ad valorem tax, property tax, incomplete structure, human occupancy, tax exemption, HB 5578, Texas Tax Code, Section 6.062, appraisal district, county appraisal district, chief appraiser, budget hearing, public notice, notice of hearing, newspaper publication, website notice, social media notice, online newspaper, county government, property appraisal

Transcript Highlights:

• AND ASSOCIATIONS AND ENHANCING OVERSIGHT AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR JUDICIAL SALES ALSO IMPROVING EFFICIENCIES
• PROCEDURES AS A WHOLE WITH MANDATORY COMPLIANCE TO DEFINED TIMELINES AND FINALIZE PROPERTY TRANSFERS EFFICIENTLY
• OPPORTUNITIES REGULATING THIS AS A WHOLE STRENGTHENING PROTECTIONS FOR HOMEOWNERS AND YOU KNOW IT CAN WORK EFFICIENTLY
• ALSO IMPROVING EFFICIENCIES OVER ALL WITH FORECLOSURE SALES.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to briefly highlight how efficiently this institute runs.
• Since water is such an important resource, that water needs to be managed effectively and efficiently
• You know, part of that is some technology to help track and have efficient use of that.
• That legislation was put in place with the idea that efficiency in spending statewide tax revenue was
• We think this approach gets it done quickly and efficiently and in the spirit of what we're all trying

Summary: The meeting began with approval of the prior minutes and opening remarks from NDSU President David Stewart, who emphasized NDSU’s land-grant mission of statewide service through teaching, research, and extension. He highlighted the university’s role in agriculture, water, soil health, and community outreach, and pointed to examples of research commercialization such as Lilac Agriculture’s work on nitrogen-fixing microbes for crops. He also said he is still early in his tenure and intends to spend time listening and learning across the state. The committee then received a detailed presentation on a state irrigation and drainage study from Tom Bodine on behalf of Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. The study estimated that North Dakota could develop about 1.3 million additional irrigated acres, with major potential in counties such as McLean, Williams, Sargent, Burleigh, Mountrail, McKenzie, McIntosh, Dunn, and Bottineau. Testimony stressed the economic benefits of irrigation for crop yields, value-added processing, dairy, and potato production, while members also discussed water availability, aquifers, downstream water use, and the need for more flexible permitting. The drainage portion of the study found significant economic benefits from legal drains, and staff explained that the impacts were calculated through increased productivity and related input purchases. Greg Lardy then gave NDSU’s required agriculture update, saying agriculture accounts for more than $41 billion in annual economic activity, one in five jobs, and about 25 percent of state GDP. He reviewed the role of SBAR, the statewide research-extension network, new crop varieties, virtual fencing, AI and weather-network tools, and Extension’s county partnerships and youth programs. He also outlined NDSU’s priorities for the next session: restoring proposed budget cuts, increasing operating support, and addressing deferred maintenance. Members asked about storage shed construction, NDSU’s relationship with Grand Farm, and whether NDSU could help with water-related research tied to drainage and aquifers. The committee also heard from the North Dakota Water Resources Research Institute and a professor on water and data centers, who described graduate fellowships, a water workforce certificate program, and research on data center cooling, water use, and “Legendary Harvest” concepts that would reuse waste heat for greenhouse or aquaculture production. Questions focused on whether the cooling systems were closed-loop, who would own any related production facilities, and whether the project was still only a feasibility study. Finally, North Dakota AgTech described its NSF-funded “engine” project, saying it has brought millions in federal investment to the state, supported startups and on-farm trials, and is focused on commercialization, workforce development, and helping producers lower input costs and improve profitability.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was supposed to be more efficient beds at Ash. Same with SASH.
• I've seen firsthand the immense benefits and efficiency the web-based tracking system for continuing
• This legislation enhances efficiency, accountability, and equity across the state.
• has brought efficiency and equity.
• We have a state plan ...efficient to have a vendor come in and conduct these reviews.

Bills: SB500, SB719, SB912, SB1232, SB1467, SB1777, SB1864, SB2023, SB2119, SB2458

Keywords: SB 500, Texas adoption law, Family Code, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child-placing agency, prospective adoptive parents, adoption records, confidential information, nondisclosure agreement, child history report, health history, social history, educational history, genetic history, termination of parental rights, permanency plan, single source continuum contractor, privacy, redaction

Summary: The committee first took up several pending bills and reported them favorably: SB 968, SB 636 as substituted, SB 1137, and SB 1138 as substituted. Each was advanced by roll call vote, and the committee also recommended the approved bills for the local and uncontested calendar. The chair then moved to the posted agenda and heard SB 719, a mental health bed-capacity study bill by Senator Eckhart, with a committee substitute that refined the data collection to distinguish state and non-state beds, child and adult beds, include two point-in-time counts, and capture jail diversion data. Testimony on SB 719 was largely supportive from Integral Care, NAMI Texas, and the Children’s Hospital Association of Texas, all of whom said Texas needs better data on inpatient psychiatric capacity, workforce needs, and future demand. Several witnesses described long waits for beds, especially for forensic restoration, and argued the study would help target future investments. Senator Perry and others noted the state has already made major investments in new beds and urged the bill to account for beds already coming online; the committee ultimately withdrew the substitute and left SB 719 pending after public testimony closed. The committee then heard SB 1864, which would allow small egg producers to sell ungraded eggs more broadly, including to restaurants and retailers, with the substitute increasing the weekly sales threshold and addressing sanitation and labeling. Supporters said grading is about size, not safety, and that the bill would help small farms reach new markets; opponents from the Texas Poultry Federation argued grading and candling help identify cracks and defects that can affect safety and quality. The committee adopted the substitute and left the bill pending. It also heard SB 1467, requiring DSHS to share death record information with hospitals for record accuracy and quality review, and SB 912, which would modernize continuing education tracking for health licensing agencies; both bills drew supportive testimony and were left pending. Finally, the committee heard SB 2023, which would create an HHSC grant program to help counties pay for indigent burial costs, with county representatives testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we found we could set up a system in-house that would be more efficient and inexpensive that would
• It is not an efficient means, but for example, if you have a water system that only serves a Uh, city
• We're, we're employing new, uh, efficiencies, both in automation, AI, but that's at our center level,
• The intent here is to roll it up into one call and, um, make it, make it more efficient.
• It's more efficient.

Bills: HB206

Keywords: HB206, school district bonds, bond election, voter approval, Education Code, Chapter 45, Section 45.003, Section 45.0034, Texas schools, school finance, local tax election, bond referendum, school construction, capital improvements, election frequency, five-year waiting period, district bonds, public school funding

Transcript Highlights:

• You just buy it from them, and everything is much more efficient, and patients have access to the products
• You just buy it from them, and everything is much more efficient, and patients have access to the products
• You just buy it from them, and everything is much more efficient, and patients have access to the products
• and patients have access to efficient and patients have access to the<00:18:16.520> products<
• But this is one of the steps toward making a more efficient model that allows us better access and to

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The work session focused on HB 54, which would allow New Hampshire’s alternative treatment centers to operate for profit. Chair David Nagel opened by identifying the main concerns: whether members agreed with the bill conceptually, whether the proposal could be shaped to avoid a gubernatorial veto, and whether it could lead to “big cannabis” taking over. He also emphasized that the bill would not change the existing oversight structure, which remained under RSA 126-X. Representative Wendy Thomas said the governor’s objections in past sessions appeared to center on the state’s preference for a state-run model and broader policy concerns, but no one present knew the current governor’s position. Several speakers argued the bill was primarily about financing and access, not expanding the number of dispensaries. Matt Simon of Granite Leaf Cannabis said the current nonprofit structure makes it difficult to raise capital, pay down debt, and open additional access points, and that the bill would be a corporate restructuring rather than a change in day-to-day regulation. Brandon Pollock of TASCAL Wellness said medical cannabis programs in most other states are for-profit, and that New Hampshire’s nonprofit requirement has left ATCs burdened with high-interest debt and higher prices that push patients to Maine, Vermont, or the street market. He said converting to for-profit status could allow conventional financing, lower prices, and help keep patients in the regulated program. Members also discussed whether for-profit ownership would invite outside corporate control. Witnesses said the bill would not open the market to new operators, would not change advertising rules, and would include restrictions on ownership transfers for a period of time; “foreign corporation” was explained as an out-of-state entity. One speaker noted that the bill is similar to earlier versions that passed both chambers with strong support but never became law. No vote was taken during the work session; the discussion was informational and aimed at addressing concerns before the bill moved forward.