Transcript Highlights:

• state appropriations, tribal government contributions, municipal or political subdivision funds, nonprofits
• other public or private sources authorized by law. ...municipal or political subdivision funds, nonprofits
• So just so you know, we do have summer meal programs that are operated through nonprofits and through
• Through nonprofits and through schools. Typically, those run for a certain number of days.

Committee: House A&B Human Services Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• wants to go to law school with a goal of becoming a criminal defense attorney and establishing a nonprofit
• and becoming a criminal defense attorney and establishing<00:02:40.000><c> a</c><00:02:40.239><c> nonprofit
• </c><00:02:40.879><c> organization</c> establishing a nonprofit organization establishing a nonprofit

Committee: House State Government

Transcript Highlights:

• With the Nonprofit Leadership Collaborative.
• And together, we are proving that nonprofits can lead with purpose, partnership, and integrity.
• He has also been recognized locally and nationally for his work in the nonprofit field.
• family life, Gustavo was an advocate for his community, working with the Comite de la Esperanza, a nonprofit

Transcript Highlights:

• like a tax-deductible donation to a non- Then it'll just be like a tax-deductible donation to a nonprofit
• What I do know is that we have nonprofit partners all across the state who have, in similar programs,
• So when we've opened these types of programs up to those nonprofits, they have made that commitment.

Summary: The Appropriations and Budget Subcommittee on Education met to consider two education-related bills. Senate Bill 706, presented by Chairman Lowe on behalf of the State Department of Education, would support a grow-your-own educator initiative by providing funds for coursework and alternative certification costs to help prospective teachers become certified. An untimely PCS on SB 706 and SB 1546 was adopted without objection before the bills were heard. Senate Bill 1546, presented by Chairman Caldwell, would rename the Inspired to Teach Program as the Next Ed program and clarify that the program may accept private donations. Members discussed the value of changing the program’s name, concerns about stability and name recognition, how private donations would be collected through the State Regents, and whether donations might supplement or offset state funding. The sponsor said the change was intended to preserve the program’s function while opening it to private support. SB 706 passed the committee 7-0 with no abstentions. SB 1546 passed 7-2. The chair then noted the meeting was likely the subcommittee’s final education meeting and adjourned, thanking members for their service to Oklahoma students.

Transcript Highlights:

• And those 15 were from vendors, nonprofits, things like that.
• We had nonprofits. We had diaper manufacturers. We had diaper banks.
• Madera is a nonprofit hospital with an 85% government pay.
• As the number of Californians facing deportation proceedings has risen, nonprofits have struggled to
• And so allowing the nonprofits the ability to have more flexibility, or actually encouraging them to

Transcript Highlights:

• You'll see in the report that's in your packets on page 18 of the report only nonprofit insurers who
• You'll see in the report that's in your packets on page 18 of the report only nonprofit insurers who
• You'll see in the report that's in your packets on page 18 of the report only nonprofit insurers who
• You'll see in the report that's in your packets on page 18 of the report only nonprofit insurers who
• You'll see in the report that's in your packets on page 18 of the report only nonprofit insurers who

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• general's offices all across the country, and this is happening from the right and from the left, nonprofits
• </c><00:02:54.480><c> uh</c><00:02:54.720><c> corporations</c><00:02:55.720><c> law</c> left nonprofits
• uh corporations law left nonprofits uh corporations law firms<00:02:56.800><c> dark</c><00:02:57.080
• So when we're talking about nonprofit or corporations or other entities that are trying to influence
• Let’s go after their nonprofits, go after their small businesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• We started out with 11 entities, mostly for-profit, a couple of nonprofits.
• We got, at that point, it was two commercials and one nonprofit.
• </c> their profits or what nonprofit their profits or what nonprofit organizations<01:09:17.120><c> refer
• </c> Medica is a mission-driven nonprofit Medica is a mission-driven nonprofit health<01:14:28.840><c
• </c> operating margins with our nonprofits operating margins with our nonprofits between<01:31:50.800

Summary: The committee first took up House File 3939, a bill to support a Helping Paws service-dog litter named in honor of Gilbert and the Hortman family. Testimony from Helping Paws and service-dog graduate Angie Foley described the organization’s work, the significance of the “Guided by Gilbert” litter, and how the funding would help train dogs that provide independence and support to people with disabilities, veterans, and others. Members from both parties spoke warmly about Speaker Hortman’s connection to the organization and Gilbert, and the bill was laid over for possible inclusion. The committee then considered House File 3769, the Department of Corrections’ technical omnibus bill, with an A1 amendment adopted to clarify tuberculosis testing language. The bill updates TB screening procedures in correctional facilities, including how refusals are handled, and adds Quantiferon Gold Plus testing as an option alongside existing methods. Members discussed whether the bill would create costs for counties and jails, with some noting added testing and segregation costs and others arguing the changes would improve accuracy and reduce time in restrictive housing. The bill, as amended, was recommended to the general register. House File 3978 was next, a technical cleanup bill for a provider wellness program created last year. The bill expands eligibility and confidentiality protections from physicians to all health care providers, while supporters said the program is meant to address burnout and mental health strain in the workforce and does not require new money. Some members questioned whether the change was redundant or would broaden the program without additional funding, but the Minnesota Medical Association testified that the program is separate from insurance and was intended to serve all providers. The bill was recommended to the general register. Finally, the committee began House File 3476, which Rep. Liebling described as a cleanup bill related to Minnesota’s Medicaid managed care system and public program oversight. She argued that the state spends billions through managed care organizations and that the system has never been proven better than direct payment, setting up a broader discussion of the bill’s purpose and the state’s oversight of public health care spending.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not saying that they're doing anything illegal here in setting up this nonprofit, and in fact, in
• It's a nonprofit. People can donate to them, get tax exemptions, all kinds of things.
• and in fact in setting up this nonprofit and in fact in some<00:53:16.520><c> ways</c><00:53:16.880>
• </c> motivated which is fine for a nonprofit motivated which is fine for a nonprofit but<00:54:41.640
• </c><01:06:30.440><c> organizations</c><01:06:31.119><c> ac</c> out to 27 nonprofit organizations ac

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senate Bill 3109, taxes exempt leases and subleases of state park lands to nonprofits and sales
• to nonprofits for improvements thereto. >> Make the usual motion. >> Senator makes the usual motion.
• </c> which is probably nonprofit. which is probably nonprofit.
• And so, there’s a lot of questions. county owned hospitals or nonprofits?
• county owned hospitals or nonprofits?

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm just curious, is there any appetite for that or any appetite to pair with a nonprofit that would
• Yeah, there is a nonprofit that I have been talking to.
• Yeah, there is a nonprofit that I have been talking to.
• And so we've offered technical assistance to a variety of nonprofits across the Commonwealth, and we'd
• Again, I've been in the nonprofit space.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from Senate Chair Robyn Kennedy and House Chair Chynah Tyler, who emphasized that the fiscal year 2026 hearing was focused on the Health and Human Services budget, asked members to keep questions budget-related, and noted that no public testimony would be taken. They also highlighted the choice of Doherty Memorial High School as the venue to showcase Worcester’s investment in career and technical education. Committee members then introduced themselves before the first panel, the Executive Office of Veterans Services and the state veterans homes, began testimony. Secretary John Santiago said the governor’s FY26 proposal would support implementation of the HERO Act, which he said is now about 95% implemented, including higher disabled veteran annuities, expanded behavioral health benefits, and other service expansions. He described efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, including nearly $20 million in ARPA-funded housing and outreach initiatives, and said the agency has delivered more than 100,000 supportive services to nearly 8,500 veterans. Leaders from the Chelsea and Holyoke veterans homes reported on staffing, quality measures, electronic medical records, and major construction projects at both facilities, including a new Chelsea campus and the new Holyoke home. Members asked about funding transfers, geographic equity in access to the homes, outreach to women veterans and veterans of color, suicide prevention, Gold Star family support, and the impact of federal uncertainty; Santiago said the homes are now licensed and certified, that the current budget is sufficient, and that the agency is expanding engagement and data collection. The second panel, the Office of the Veteran Advocate, testified that its FY26 request is about $3.3 million, up from the current $2 million, to cover staffing, a larger office, and higher technology costs. Veteran Advocate Bob Notch said the office is a new independent oversight agency created in 2022 to examine systems, coordinate with local veteran service officers, and investigate fatalities or serious harm involving veterans in state care. He said the office’s work depends on research, data, and collaboration with other agencies, and that current funding is only enough for minimum operations. In response to questions, Notch and Deputy Commissioner David O’Callaghan discussed the difficulty of tracking veteran suicides, the need for better data across agencies, and the office’s role as an oversight body rather than a direct service provider. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Why is a nonprofit organization in here? And let's see.
• The person, the civilian, or nonprofit organization that wants this data.
• And I'm concerned about a nonprofit attaching itself to the state to push an... ...agenda of a small
• to help other nonprofits to have additional funding, I think that's totally fine.
• To be a referee in this context would be to say that a nonprofit who is providing That a nonprofit who

Transcript Highlights:

• We are a nonpartisan research and analysis nonprofit.
• We are a nonpartisan research and analysis nonprofit that uses our budget expertise to advance public
• We are a nonpartisan research and analysis nonprofit. budget and policy center.
• We are a nonpartisan research and analysis nonprofit that uses our budget expertise to advance public
• And we're also investing more resources to help some of our smaller nonprofit organizational partners

Summary: The committee heard an extensive Department of Social Services presentation on child care budget issues, including the Governor’s proposed 2026-27 budget, federal CCDF changes, Prop. 64 revenue adjustments, and a one-time $11.5 million disaster-related infrastructure grant for licensed child care facilities affected by 2025 declared disasters. DSS said federal formula updates and lower Prop. 64 revenues would reduce funding and could result in about 4,176 CCTR slots being reduced, but the department said it was working to avoid impacts to currently enrolled children. The LAO supported aligning general child care funding with lower revenues and asked for more detail on the disaster grant. Members pressed DSS and Finance on why reductions were not being backfilled and why so many awarded slots remain uncontracted or unused; DSS said delays are largely due to providers building new infrastructure, licensing, staffing, and enrollment challenges, and that some unspent funds revert to the General Fund. The committee also discussed whether some contract dollars should be shifted to vouchers and whether more flexibility should be allowed for infrastructure and expansion costs. A second panel focused on the state’s commitment to expand child care and on rate reform. DSS reported that nearly 125,000 new slots have been awarded since 2021-22, but speakers from Stanislaus County Office of Education, Parent Voices California, and the California Budget and Policy Center argued that unmet need remains large and that the system still leaves many families without access. Stanislaus County described a large local shortage of infant and toddler care and said reimbursement disparities between child care programs and state preschool create disincentives for providers. Parent Voices gave testimony about the burdens and instability families face when trying to access care, especially for survivors and low-income parents, and called for a universal, publicly funded system. The Budget Center said only about 16% of eligible children were enrolled in 2024, urged expansion across the mixed delivery system rather than concentrating investment in TK, and called for faster rate reform and new revenue. LAO estimated that bringing certain CCTR adjustment factors up to CSPP levels would cost $88 million to $131 million ongoing. Members and witnesses discussed the single rate structure, automation needs, and the need for deadlines and a ramp-up plan; DSS said the goal is to eliminate disparities, but that policy decisions are still needed before automation can proceed. The committee then reviewed several trailer bill proposals. DSS outlined a 2026-27 COLA proposal that would apply a 2.41% increase through cost-of-care-plus payments, though the department said it had inadvertently excluded CalWORKs Child Care and the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program and would revise the proposal; LAO recommended making the COLA methodology uniform across programs. DSS also proposed replacing the market rate survey with the federally approved alternative methodology on a triennial schedule, limiting temporary absences in family child care homes to 20% of monthly hours, defining excessive unexplained absences as more than 30 days in a year, and aligning family fee deductions with new federal requirements so providers receive the full voucher value. Members generally supported the temporary absence change and asked about implementation timing for the family fee deduction, with DSS saying it was in contact with Riverside County. The committee also heard a brief update on the Early Childhood Policy Council reappropriation, which would extend unused funds through June 30, 2028 because prior costs came in higher than expected.

Transcript Highlights:

• There was a nonprofit organization called the 1027 Healing Partnership that was created and is still
• I thank the legislature for investing in the Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant Program and the Nonprofit
• Quick question on the nonprofit security grants: Is that based on the level of the threat?
• We thank the state of Massachusetts and the legislative nonprofit security grant.
• That's why we established the nonprofit. For the future, and if this continues.

Summary: The meeting focused on the commission’s work addressing antisemitism in Massachusetts, including security, education, victim services, and legal responses. A major presentation came from former federal prosecutor Eric O’Sham, who described the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, the attack’s planning and execution, the 11 victims killed, the defendant’s white supremacist and antisemitic online activity, the federal prosecution, and the long aftermath for the victim community. Commissioners asked about prevention, radicalization online, security for houses of worship, and how to support victims; O’Sham emphasized the limits of law enforcement when speech is protected, the importance of public education, security grants, and victim-witness support. The commission also heard from Ariel Holman of Agudath Israel, who described a wide range of antisemitic incidents affecting Orthodox Jews, including assaults, threats, vandalism, school harassment, and zoning barriers, and urged expanded security personnel grants, mental health resources, kosher food access, and support for synagogue development. Other speakers included advocates and local officials who supported Holocaust education, the planned Boston Holocaust Museum, cemetery protection, and broader public education efforts, while some public commenters criticized the commission’s focus or raised concerns about definitions of antisemitism and free speech. The meeting concluded with approval of prior meeting minutes and the start of public comment, which was limited to three minutes per speaker due to time constraints.

Transcript Highlights:

• years in Somerville, we experienced the benefits, but also the less beneficial aspects of large nonprofit
• So, you know, three of the largest nonprofit institutions have, you know,...
• So, you know, three of the largest nonprofit institutions have nearly 18% of the taxable land in our
• So we have a nonprofit that, and that nonprofit does, on the 24-unit building, supportive housing.
• I am a renter in Cambridge, and I'm the executive director of a nonprofit called Kresh, which provides

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Summary: The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a long public hearing focused mainly on two sets of issues: proposals to amend or repeal the MBTA Communities Act, and bills to allow local rent stabilization. Committee chairs opened by explaining the hearing would be tightly managed because of the very large number of speakers, with testimony limited to two minutes per person and written testimony still accepted by email. Members and witnesses were called in a mix of in-person and virtual order throughout the hearing. On the MBTA Communities Act, several legislators and local officials argued the law is too rigid and should be revised to account for local conditions. Speakers from small, rural, or infrastructure-limited communities such as Hanson, Halifax, Marshfield, Winthrop, Dracut, Carver, Rehoboth, and others said the law’s one-size-fits-all approach does not fit towns with limited water, sewer, transit access, or buildable land. Some filed bills would repeal the law, exempt certain communities, or create appeals processes based on infrastructure, environmental, or historical constraints. Supporters of the law’s changes emphasized local control and the need to avoid forcing development where communities believe it is impractical or inconsistent with town character. A large portion of the hearing was devoted to rent stabilization legislation, especially S. 1447 and related House bills. Supporters included legislators, city councilors, tenant advocates, labor leaders, housing nonprofits, public health organizations, and residents who described sharp rent increases, displacement, homelessness risk, and the strain on working families, seniors, students, and people with disabilities. They argued local-option rent stabilization would let municipalities cap excessive increases and prevent no-fault evictions while preserving flexibility for local conditions. Opponents, including small landlords and property owners, said rent control would discourage investment, worsen housing quality, burden responsible owners, and drive small landlords out of the market. Some witnesses also supported a Cape Cod/Island transfer fee bill and a suburban infrastructure fund, arguing those would provide local revenue for housing or roads. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Further, the state has already spent $2.83 million in 2023 for a nonprofit to test and implement methods
• And so it is provided with nonprofit.
• </c><00:19:05.760><c> Uh</c> in the nonprofit. Uh in the nonprofit.
• Well, Bridging is a nonprofit organization that essentially gets money from government and nonprofits
• </c><00:21:27.000><c> and</c> money from government and nonprofits and money from government and nonprofits

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• My understanding is that if you have a nonprofit and you want to elect workers' comp coverage, rescue
• My understanding is that if you have a nonprofit and you want to elect workers' comp coverage, And if
• Eleven nonprofit private nonprofits, for-profits.
• private nonprofits for private for-profits.
• Private nonprofit, again, they do a great job, really true costs, but they have very limited revenue,

Summary: The committee was called to order, a quorum was established, and the minutes from the prior meeting were approved. The first major presentation came from Montana Public Employees Retirement System executive director William Hollahan, who gave an overview of Montana’s Volunteer Firefighters’ Compensation Act plan. He explained that the plan covers volunteer firefighters in unincorporated areas, is funded by 5% of state fire insurance premium taxes, and currently serves 228 departments with about 2,936 active members and 1,242 retirees. He described eligibility rules, annual training and reporting requirements, benefit levels for partial and full pensions, disability, death, medical, and funeral benefits, and said the plan is actuarially sound with roughly $60 million in assets and a funded ratio slightly above 100%. Committee members asked about prior-service credit, whether EMS personnel are included, the effect on recruitment and retention, and whether expanding coverage would require a funding analysis; Hollahan said prior service is not credited, EMS is not currently included, and any expansion would need financial review. Tim Walleen of Workforce Safety and Insurance then presented a draft North Dakota workers’ compensation solution for volunteer firefighters and volunteer EMS personnel. He explained that volunteer responders are already covered by workers’ comp for medical and wage-loss benefits, but the proposal would set a minimum annual wage of $30,000 for calculating wage-loss benefits for qualifying volunteers, with the benefit paid at two-thirds of that amount. Representative Porter suggested tying the volunteer definition to existing code rather than a fixed dollar amount, and Walleen agreed. Questions focused on whether search and rescue or other volunteer emergency services could be included, whether departments would face new paperwork, and whether volunteer organizations can already elect coverage; Walleen said there would be no additional paperwork and that volunteer coverage is already available. The committee also heard from volunteer fire service representatives and the state fire marshal. An Oakes-area firefighter, Mr. Olson, testified that small departments are struggling with retention, communication, and administrative burdens, especially around separate bookkeeping and funding rules for donated or fundraising money, and he said departments need clearer guidance from the state. State Fire Marshal Dr. Matthew Clark introduced himself and outlined a broader effort to improve education, support, and coordination for fire departments, including a planned 10% audit of certificates of existence beginning in 2027, more outreach through his office, and better assistance with training, reporting, and grant access. He said his office is authorized under current law to provide these services, but the role has been vague and underused. Finally, Arnagard Rural Fire District Chief Rick Schreiber testified in favor of new recruitment and retention ideas, including retirement-style benefits, health insurance, tax incentives, scholarships, grants, and more remote or regional training. He said volunteer departments are losing members, that local tax and donation funds are already stretched, and that any new retirement or incentive program should be sustainable and likely involve a mix of state and local support.

Transcript Highlights:

• We represent nonprofit organizations that are doing work right in destination management.
• We represent nonprofit organizations that are doing work right in destination management.
• We represent nonprofit organizations that are doing work right in destination management.
• </c> companies we uh represent uh nonprofit companies we uh represent uh nonprofit organizations<00:27
• We represent nonprofit organizations that are doing work right in destination management.

Committee: Senate Labor and Technology

Summary: The committee heard a series of Governor’s messages for confirmation to several boards and councils, with the chair noting the meeting would continue on Monday and that testimony would be limited due to the large volume of submissions. For Governor’s Message 660, Kelly Oka was nominated to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. Oka described her work in workforce development and technology, emphasizing equitable access to tech jobs for local residents, keeping young talent in Hawaii, and using HTDC to attract major technology firms and support cybersecurity and startup growth. Testimony from multiple individuals and organizations was strongly supportive, and members asked about HTDC’s challenges, federal funding, and how to attract more tech investment; no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then considered Governor’s Message 529, nominating Fono Cafi Mei to the Hoisting Machine Operators Advisory Board. Mei said he had 20 years of crane-operating experience, including work on rail projects, and union representatives and labor organizations testified in support. Next, Governor’s Message 502 nominated Ken Louie to the Workforce Development Council. Louie highlighted his four years on the council, including two as chair, his family business, and his goal of expanding opportunities for younger and adult workers. DBEDT, council members, and labor representatives supported him, and members questioned him about the council’s priorities, staffing, federal funding uncertainty, apprenticeships, and military-to-private-sector transition programs. The committee also took up Governor’s Messages 581 and 690 together, both relating to Jared Gashi’s nomination to the Workforce Development Council for different terms. Gashi, from the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, said he would bring the tourism industry’s perspective to workforce development, citing workforce shortages, internships, scholarships, and the need for a broader tourism voice on the council. Support testimony came from state officials and community members, who praised his reliability and leadership; a member asked how he would broaden the council beyond tourism, and Gashi said HLTA represents a wide range of tourism-related sectors and partners. The committee then heard Governor’s Message 571 for Eric Noi to the Deferred Compensation Plan Board, with Noi citing his fiscal and budgeting background; DHS, the board chair, and others supported him. Finally, Governor’s Message 667 nominated Ty Noara to the same board, and Keith Regan testified in strong support, citing her public service, intelligence, and ability to handle difficult situations. The excerpt ends as the committee begins Governor’s Message 560, nominating David Louie to the Employees’ Retirement System Board, with Louie, the ERS executive director, the finance director, and former Governor Abercrombie offering strong support.

Transcript Highlights:

• wage for employees of airline catering companies; House Bill 3169, to encourage donations to local nonprofits
• of airline catering companies house number 2145 the house bill to encourage donations to local nonprofits
• An act to encourage donations to local nonprofits, House No. 3169.

Transcript Highlights:

• This isn't putting on a nice, you know, nonprofit program that is great, but we're talking mental health
• I'm Karen Ogden, and my husband and I have a nonprofit, and it's Sole Effects.
• I've also trained at multiple nonprofits in San Diego County, both for youth and adults.
• looks like because that's what our nonprofits do.
• Or like, That a PTA or a nonprofit offered at a school site, or like, you know, what we're doing.

Summary: The hearing focused on youth mental health and treatment access in California, with opening remarks emphasizing that youth distress, self-harm-related emergency visits, and difficulty obtaining care remain elevated, while workforce shortages and reliance on one-time funding continue to limit access. Assemblymember Lori Davies echoed concerns about unstable funding and said lawmakers need to hear directly from providers and families as they prepare for the budget and legislation. The chair framed the hearing as a chance to hear from county, school, provider, and student perspectives, especially in San Diego County, where needs are high and investments have not always matched demand. County and school officials described the current system and recent state initiatives, including the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, school-linked fee schedules, payment reform, and the Behavioral Health Services Act transition. San Diego County Behavioral Health said it serves Medi-Cal youth with specialty mental health needs through a broad continuum of care, including outpatient clinics, school-based services, crisis response, residential treatment, and new crisis and residential facilities. San Diego County Office of Education and San Marcos Unified School District described efforts to expand school-based services and reimbursement through CYBHI, but said implementation is slowed by complex billing rules, insurance-data collection concerns from families, administrative burden, and uncertainty about sustaining staff positions funded by grants or soft money. School counselor testimony highlighted reduced stigma through campus outreach and clubs, but also noted that counselor-to-student ratios remain well above national standards and that budget cuts threaten supports. Provider testimony stressed that the system remains fragmented and that youth often move between emergency rooms, inpatient care, outpatient therapy, schools, and county programs without smooth handoffs. A child psychiatrist described crisis cases in which the main choices are brief hospitalization or discharge with limited follow-up, and argued for stronger warm handoffs, more outpatient and intensive outpatient options, better school-clinic coordination, and broader use of mobile crisis and 988. Rady Children’s Hospital and Aurora Behavioral Health described large increases in behavioral health demand, expansion of integrated care, and major barriers tied to low reimbursement rates, delayed payments, and administrative complexity. Across the panel, witnesses called for more stable funding, clearer reimbursement rules, better parent education on warning signs, and stronger collaboration among schools, counties, hospitals, and community providers to reduce stigma and improve timely care for youth.