Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it'll depend on the floor schedule. >> All right. >> Yeah, that's, you know, that's really what we're
• /c><00:04:56.080> on<00:04:56.200> the<00:04:56.320> floor<00:04:56.640> schedule
• Um it'll depend on the floor schedule. Um it'll depend on the floor schedule.
• <00:26:34.440> to if I'm still chair, I'll be glad to if I'm still chair, I'll be glad to schedule
• it early so we have time to get schedule it early so we have time to get it<00:26:36.280> done.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This house is scheduled to vote on HP1 1194 um relating to midwives today and their presence um and energy
• This<00:15:47.040> house<00:15:47.360> is<00:15:47.600> scheduled<00:15:48.000
• to<00:15:48.240> vote<00:15:48.480> on<00:15:48.720> HP1 This house is scheduled
• to vote on HP1 This house is scheduled to vote on HP1 1194<00:15:50.399> um<00:15:50.560>
• have made that work um our schedule have made that work um insufficient insufficient insufficient and

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the event of a network failure, it may be necessary to reschedule the hearing or schedule a meeting
• :02.160> or necessary to reschedule the hearing or necessary to reschedule the hearing or schedule
• a<00:16:02.880> meeting<00:16:03.160> for<00:16:03.480> decision-making schedule
• a meeting for decision-making schedule a meeting for decision-making in<00:16:04.680> that<00
• The substantive bills that would provide better consumer protections were not scheduled by committee

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 117 on condominiums. Testifiers were split: reserve-study professionals and the Community Associations Institute opposed tying reserve requirements to assessed value, arguing reserve studies should be based on actual components and costs and that the bill could lead to over- or under-collection. Condominium owners and advocates supported the bill, saying some associations are not completing reserve studies or are failing to provide audits and adequate funding, and urging stronger fiduciary accountability. A member later asked about compliance rates, and a witness said he was not aware of any association that had failed to do a reserve study, estimating compliance at well over 95 percent, likely close to 100 percent. The committee then took testimony on HB 544 on pet insurance, which drew support from the Attorney General’s office and the Insurance Division with comments about contract-impairment issues, as well as support from the North American Pet Health Insurance Association and the Hawaiian Humane Society. Testifiers said the bill would help consumers understand and use pet insurance as veterinary costs rise. HB 983 on certified public accountants also drew mostly support, with the Hawaii Society of CPAs and the Hawaii Association of Public Accountants offering conditional support and proposed amendments. Public accountants said the bill could help address a shortage of CPAs and expand pathways into the profession, while some speakers cautioned that the language needed clarification and that public accounting experience should be tied to CPA-firm work. An instructor from UH West Oahu said students cannot afford the extra credits currently required and would benefit from a more accessible pathway. The committee also heard HB 1050 on Title 24, with DCCA supporting the measure and no opposition or questions. The discussion then moved to HB 256 HD1 on environmental protection and incinerator emissions. The Department of Health offered comments, while Energy Justice Network and Climate Protectors Hawaii supported strengthening the bill, warning that it could weaken existing standards at H-Power unless amended to preserve stricter state rules and require modern pollution controls. A member questioned the Department of Health about H-Power’s permits and whether additional controls would be required if federal rules change; the department said permits are reviewed every five years and that the facility currently meets state and federal requirements, while EPA rules remain in a public comment process. Finally, the committee heard HB 1051 HD1 on energy efficiency portfolio standards, with support from the Consumer Advocate, State Energy Office, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Public Utilities Commission, and Hawaii Energy. The committee then heard HB 350 HD1 on energy, where the State Energy Office supported the bill, Solar Ray Corporation offered conditional comments urging any new mandated water-heating technology to meet the same efficiency level as existing solar thermal systems, and the Kauai Climate Action Coalition testified in support. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• For charter schools, because they are not subject to the minimum salary schedule, they pay the 2% on
• standpoint to have that project ready to let. on schedule.
• We're moving forward in a manner that's consistent with the one the the scheduled delivery dates that
• But then to coordinate and schedule the relocation of those utilities.
• This is enlightening and I just would like to schedule a visit sometime here.

Keywords: infrastructure, water supply, flood mitigation, Texas Water Fund, community projects, funding allocations

Summary: During this committee meeting, the focus was on discussing critical infrastructure funding, especially related to water supply and flood mitigation projects. Chairwoman Stepney and the Water Development Board presented extensive details regarding the Texas Water Fund, which included $1 billion appropriated to assist various financial programs and tackle pressing water and wastewater issues. Additionally, funding allocations aimed at compromising the state's flood risk and improving water conservation were hotly debated, emphasizing collaboration among committee members and the necessity of addressing community needs in such projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:44:50.520> testifier<00:44:51.280> on<00:44:51.440> the<00:44:51.599> schedule
• uh we have a testifier on the schedule uh we have a testifier on the schedule Rob<00:44:52.480><
• time, but we thought it was a good practice to allow the Commissioner of Revenue, because of his schedule
• /c><00:48:54.799> that<00:48:55.720> that<00:48:56.359> that because of his schedule
• that that that because of his schedule that that that he<00:48:56.920> could<00:48:57.240>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reports recommending the matter be scheduled for consideration

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first took up a resolution reported by the Committee on Rules congratulating the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health on LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week, March 17–21, 2025. The House suspended the rules and adopted the resolution by voice vote. The House then considered House No. 62, "An Act Relative to Extending Certain COVID-19 Measures Adopted During the State of Emergency." The Committee on Ways and Means reported the bill ought to pass, and the House suspended the rules, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed it to be engrossed by voice vote. Finally, the House adopted an order to adjourn when it finished for the day and to meet again Thursday at 11 a.m. The chamber then adjourned to that time in an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Report of committee: The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reports recommending that the bill
• supply water to the Linfield Center Water District within the town of Linfield, House No. 972, be scheduled

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House received a gubernatorial message returning the fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill (House No. 4244) with disapprovals, reductions, and recommended amendments. The message was filed as House No. 4250, and the portions concerning disapprovals and reductions were referred to the Committee on Ways and Means under Joint Rule 30, with the remaining matter referred to the Committee on Bills and Third Reading. The House also considered a committee-reported resolution congratulating Fire Chief Brian C. Hickey on his retirement from the Town of Webster Fire Department. After suspension of the rules, the resolution was adopted. In addition, the House took up House No. 972, authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to supply water to the Linfield Center Water District in Linfield. The House suspended Rule 7A, ordered the bill to a third reading, and advanced it accordingly. Finally, the House adopted an order to adjourn when it next adjourned until Monday at 11 a.m. Mr. Jones of North Reading then moved immediate adjournment, and the House adjourned to meet Monday next at 11 a.m. in an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• savings, it could reverse that advance payment rather than delaying cash payments from the current schedule
• years for the specific adult learner demonstration project, which is part of the strong workforce schedule
• years for the specific adult learner demonstration project which is part of the strong workforce schedule
• in the which is part of the strong workforce schedule in that item.
• I believe the current pilot that was funded is scheduled to run out in November of 2006.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up the May Revision update on Proposition 98 and the school rainy-day fund. The Department of Finance said the minimum guarantee rises by $6.4 billion over the Governor’s Budget across the three-year window, with lower average daily attendance projections offsetting some of the revenue gains. Finance also described a reduced $3.9 billion settle-up proposal, increased deposits into the Public School System Stabilization Account, and an ending reserve balance of about $10.3 billion. The LAO said the revenue and LCFF adjustments were reasonable, but urged the Legislature to be cautious about delaying settle-up payments and to consider more budget resiliency, including larger cushions or other tools to protect ongoing programs. Members then questioned the administration and LAO about the size of the settle-up, the rationale for the reserve deposit, declining enrollment, and how lower attendance is creating savings that can be redirected to other school priorities. The LAO said the May Revision’s mix of one-time and ongoing spending was generally reasonable but recommended keeping a strong cushion and considering alternatives such as advance payments or pension-related savings. Questions also focused on how the May Revision’s funding mix affects districts if revenues weaken, and on the treatment of special education, discretionary block grants, and paid family leave costs for LEAs and community colleges. The committee next heard the community colleges portion of the budget. Finance described a higher SCFF COLA, increased apportionment costs, a student support block grant, deferred maintenance, Common Cloud, Calbright, credit for prior learning, and a one-time adult learner demonstration project. The Chancellor’s Office supported the core investments but asked for more funding for enrollment growth, changes to the SCFF growth formula, and a COLA for Student Equity and Achievement. The LAO recommended funding the statutory COLA increase, noted a $52 million current-year apportionment shortfall not yet included in the May Revision, and suggested the Legislature could instead direct some funds to enrollment growth, categorical COLAs, or one-time uses. Members also clarified how COLA and hold-harmless rules apply to different community college districts. Finally, the committee reviewed the proposed state implementation of the federal Workforce Pell program. Finance proposed one-time funding for the Student Aid Commission and Cradle to Career data work, plus trailer bill changes to set up state approval of eligible programs. CSAC said the program is promising but highly complex, with new federal rules just released and significant data, regulatory, and systems work still needed; it said the state will not be ready by July 1 and that ongoing funding will likely be necessary. The LAO agreed that implementation will require careful trailer bill language and noted that ongoing administrative costs remain unresolved. Members asked about other states’ approaches and the practical effect on short-term workforce programs in California.

Transcript Highlights:

• That we are only scheduled technically for one, but I could argue for a second if we need it.
• Oh, we’ll schedule an interview or whatever it might be.
• Oh, we’ll schedule an interview or whatever it might be.
• So I'm going to try to make every effort to accommodate everybody's schedule.
• I'm going to try to make every effort to accommodate everybody's schedule. So whatever that means.

Summary: The committee first approved the December 16 minutes and then heard a presentation from Dr. Ramona Danielson on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their economic and public-system impacts. She explained that ACEs are population-level risk indicators, not individual diagnostic tools, and said higher ACE exposure is associated with more chronic illness, mental health challenges, child welfare and justice involvement, and lower workforce participation. She cautioned that precise dollar estimates are difficult because of the many interacting factors across the life course, but said the direction of the impact is clear and that evidence-based interventions and protective factors can reduce harm. Members asked about definitions of a “healthy family,” same-sex couples, divorce, substance abuse, trends in ACEs, and home visiting; she emphasized supportive relationships, protective factors, and the importance of positive childhood experiences. The committee then heard from Allison Mahoney and Missy Barranco, along with a recorded family story from Abby, about evidence-based home visiting programs in North Dakota. Abby described how Healthy Families North Dakota supported her family after a premature birth and NICU stay by providing weekly in-home coaching, developmental screenings, postpartum mental health check-ins, referrals, and parenting support. The presenters explained that home visiting is voluntary, relationship-based, and usually begins prenatally or shortly after birth, with referrals coming from hospitals, WIC, pregnancy navigators, human service zones, self-referrals, and other community partners. They said North Dakota currently has four main evidence-based models operating through 12 organizations, with Healthy Families available in all 53 counties, though only a fraction of eligible families are served. Funding was described as a patchwork of federal MIECHV/Title IV-E, Medicaid, state and tribal funds, philanthropy, charitable gaming, and other grants; members discussed whether the Legislature or agencies should expand support and how to improve outreach and sustainability. Finally, the committee received a memorandum on artificial intelligence and sexual exploitation, focusing on AI-generated child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, sextortion, and chatbot-related risks. The report summarized federal and state law, including North Dakota’s existing computer-generated image provisions, the federal PROTECT Act, the Take It Down Act, and recent federal executive orders on AI policy. Members discussed the need for child-safety protections, the limits of executive orders, and broader concerns about AI’s effect on critical thinking and misinformation. The committee then heard from BCI Special Agent Cassidy Halsef, who said AI is already driving a sharp rise in child exploitation cases in North Dakota, including AI-generated explicit images of real minors and school-based incidents involving mass-shared manipulated images. She said investigators are seeing more cyber tips, more difficult forensic work, and lasting harm to victims and families, and urged stronger legal penalties, specialized training, victim services, and prevention education in schools and communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because the lesser-earning spouse, taxpayer A, earns less than $114,000, the couple uses the Schedule
• the schedule M1 MA lookup<00:40:44.560> table,<00:40:44.880> which<00:40:45.040> is
• Using the required lookup table in part one of Schedule M1MA, their marriage credit is $106.
• And then once that penalty amount is calculated, you have to use that amount and put that on Schedule
• You have to use that amount and put that on Schedule M1C to claim non-refundable credits.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• No, we were actually scheduled for a vacation in Puntaana.
• No, we were actually<00:51:45.760> scheduled<00:51:46.079> for<00:51:46.240> a<00
• :51:46.400> vacation<00:51:47.040> in actually scheduled for a vacation in actually scheduled
• I submit that had we had a regular five-year schedule where things can be assessed on a periodic basis
• in the scheduling and and then<01:16:32.719> the<01:16:32.960> reporting<01:16:33.520>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:25:33.880> to<01:25:34.040> repay<01:25:34.480> our the state is scheduled
• to repay our the state is scheduled to repay our general<01:25:35.080> obligation<01:25:35.639
• The next table focuses on guideline number three, which again is how quickly the state is scheduled to
• <01:31:51.920> to how quickly the state is scheduled to how quickly the state is scheduled
• place is always the existing debt that the state has already sold, so we know what our repayment schedule

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Ultimately, these landfills are funded through tipping fees or other fee schedules, and any difference
• and any you know if you're in schedules and any you know if you're in municip<00:26:28.480> it
• can't fund through their fee schedules can't fund through their fee schedules will<00:26:32.559>
• I apologize, but that's so far what I've scheduled for it.
• Tuesday is when I had the exact session scheduled, the 18th.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee held a hearing on House Bill 619, which would appropriate $1 million to the Solid Waste Management Fund for matching grants to municipalities and businesses for waste diversion projects, with 50% of the money prioritized for food waste diversion. Representative Karen Ebel, the sponsor, said the fund would help New Hampshire meet its solid waste diversion goals, preserve landfill capacity, and support composting, recycling, and related local business activity. She cited New London’s composting program as an example, saying 172 families participated and 32 tons of food waste were diverted in 2024, reducing tipping and trucking costs. Committee members asked about possible alternative funding sources, including a surcharge on landfill tipping fees. Ebel said many other states use such surcharges to fund recycling and solid waste programs, while New Hampshire relies on general funds. She also said the current fund balance was about $900,000 because some money had been used for staffing, and that the grant program was still in rulemaking. Questions also focused on how household composting works and whether municipalities could generate revenue from compost; Ebel said participation is optional, most programs use buckets and transfer stations, and the main benefit is cost savings from reduced disposal rather than compost sales. Testimony in support came from the New Hampshire Municipal Association and the Northeast Resource Recovery Association. Both said municipalities are interested in food waste diversion and composting, that these programs can reduce long-term disposal costs and property tax pressure, and that there is growing demand for technical assistance and grant support. The Northeast Resource Recovery Association said food waste makes up about 24% of municipal and business waste, that fewer than two dozen communities and fewer than two dozen businesses currently offer such services, and that a City of Lebanon pilot program saw about 30% savings by composting on site. The Department of Environmental Services said it was not taking a position but is working on rulemaking for the grant program and expects strong interest from municipalities, private composters, farmers, and anaerobic digester operators. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Steering, Policy, and Scheduling reports recommending that the following bills be scheduled

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House convened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up a slate of bills reported by the Committee on Steering, Policy, and Scheduling. The bills included measures on alcoholic beverage licenses in Holyoke and Swansea, partial payment, telemarketer disclosures, a charter for the city of Cambridge, and successor supplier laws affecting alcoholic beverage wholesalers. The House suspended Rule 7A, completed second readings, and ordered all of these bills to a third reading. The chamber also welcomed student guests from several towns participating in a Burlington High School lab collaborative. During the session, House Bill 2275, authorizing the city of Revere to pay a sum to Denise Matera, widow of Anthony Matera, was released from the Committee on Bills in Third Reading, read a third time, and passed to be engrossed. After a brief recess, the House adopted the order before it and then adjourned on motion, scheduling the next full formal session for Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Space and Rocket Center are not considered state employees, this bill allows the benefits of holiday schedules
• for employees to be... ...of holiday schedules for employees to be determined internally.

Bills: HB159

Keywords: U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission, public facilities, space exploration, education programs, bond issuance, Governor involvement, 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• share these drivers via uh scheduling share these drivers via uh scheduling issues<01:20:40.960>
• We do have our executive session scheduled for one.
• Uh, we did have our executive session scheduled for 1:00.
• Sorry, we're a scheduled for 1:00.
• Chair, did we as the committee get the price schedule?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My office then works with my schedule and the insurance company's schedule to find time for a peer-to-peer
• an appointment for can't schedule an appointment for months.<00:57:08.640> What<00:57:08.880>
• Yeah, I thank you for the schedule.
• <01:33:23.600> appointment<01:33:24.159> in trying to schedule appointment in trying
• to schedule appointment in network.<01:33:25.280> the<01:33:25.520> fact<01:33:25.679>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reports recommending that the following bills be scheduled

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House began with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several bills recommended by the Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling. Those included Senate No. 1919, providing for the retirement of Greg Heath, a former Westfield firefighter; House No. 4648, concerning the purchase or lease of property known as Fenn Farm in Stockbridge; and House No. 4805, amending the Plainville town charter. The House suspended Rule 7A to move the bills forward, ordered them to a third reading, and later proceeded on the orders of the day. The House then passed House No. 4565, establishing a sick leave bank for Marie Lettrian of the Department of Transitional Assistance, to be enacted. It also passed two bills to be engrossed: House No. 407, changing the composition of the Licensing Board for the City of Salem, and House No. 4602, relating to the Monson Select Board. No debate or opposition was recorded on these measures, and the votes were taken by voice vote. At the end of the session, the House adopted a special adjournment in memory of Michael F. Flaherty, a former Boston House member who served from 1967 to 1990. The House also adopted an order to meet again Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., and then adjourned to that time in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Due to their schedules, it's our policy to call elected officials out of turn.
• The hearing is scheduled to conclude at 5 p.m.; we may end earlier.
• in all 50 states, I've helped the 34 states that have adopted these codes onto their Medicaid fee schedules
• Yeah, so 34 states have passed the codes now on their Medicaid fee schedules.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery held a public hearing on 14 bills focused on insurance, parity, opioids, behavioral health access, and mental health system reform. Chair Mindy Domb and Vice Chair Robyn Kennedy outlined hearing procedures and noted the committee would accept written testimony. The hearing featured testimony from legislators, providers, advocates, and behavioral health organizations, with most speakers urging favorable reports on the bills they addressed. A major topic was psychiatric collaborative care, including H. 222/S. 1390, which would raise reimbursement for collaborative care codes to at least Medicare levels and allow billing outside the MassHealth primary care subcapitation model. Supporters said the model improves access, outcomes, and cost savings by embedding behavioral health in primary care, and several witnesses described successful implementation in practices and schools. Committee members asked questions about how the model works, what specialties use it, barriers to adoption, and whether copays, deductibles, and subcapitation rules should be changed. Witnesses also supported related innovation legislation, including H. 2224, which would create a mental health innovation fund and support nontraditional trauma-healing approaches. Other bills discussed included H. 2212, which would require prescribers to discuss opioid and pain-medication risks, alternatives, and addiction/overdose concerns with patients or guardians; H. 2232 and H. 2233, which would address equitable payment and equitable access for behavioral health providers serving MassHealth patients; and S. 1406, which would add opioid maintenance treatment information to MassPAT and allow patient-authorized access to that information. Witnesses also strongly backed S. 1399, which would set targets to increase behavioral health spending within the overall health care cost benchmark, arguing that Massachusetts underinvests in behavioral health and that greater investment could reduce emergency, hospitalization, homelessness, and criminal justice costs. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded after testimony and committee questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Families facing language barriers, busy work schedules, or instability of any sort often miss permission
• Families facing language barriers, busy work schedules, or instability of any sort often miss permission
• Families facing language barriers, busy work schedules, or instability of any sort, often missed Facing
• language barriers, busy work schedules, or instability of any sort often miss permission deadlines even

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education heard testimony on a wide range of bills, with the largest portions focused on the Healthy Youth Act (S.340/H.656), comprehensive and inclusive curriculum bills (H.655/S.371 and related measures), climate literacy education (H.560/S.391), computer science coursework (H.534/S.362), arts education funding and STEM-to-STEAM proposals (H.561 and H.4297), and a homeschooling reporting bill (H.518). Supporters of the Healthy Youth Act argued it would preserve local control while requiring medically accurate, age-appropriate, LGBTQ-inclusive sex education and regular updates to state health frameworks; opponents raised parental rights, age-appropriateness, and opt-out concerns, with some calling for fetal development content. Supporters of inclusive curriculum bills said they would improve representation, belonging, and civic understanding, while opponents argued they could undermine parental authority or promote ideological content. Climate, computer science, and arts advocates emphasized workforce readiness, student engagement, and the need for state support and funding to expand access and teacher training. Testimony on the climate literacy bill described increasing climate impacts in Massachusetts and argued that interdisciplinary instruction would prepare students for science, policy, and green careers; witnesses said the bill was not a mandate but a support and funding measure. Computer science supporters said access remains uneven, especially for girls, students of color, and students with disabilities, and urged stronger statewide requirements and AI-related standards. Arts advocates backed both the STEM-to-STEAM bill and the Lowell Mason arts funding proposal, citing research on student achievement, attendance, creativity, and the economic importance of the arts sector. The homeschool bill was supported by a homeschool advocacy group as a modernization of reporting requirements. The committee closed testimony on numerous bills where no one remained signed up or testimony had concluded, including several education, curriculum, and commission proposals. No votes were taken during the hearing itself. At the end of the session, the committee closed out the remaining testimony and adjourned after a motion and second.