Transcript Highlights:

• > signed<00:42:06.280> by<00:42:06.440> myself,<00:42:07.280> Doug<00:42:
• Specifically,<00:42:18.720> the<00:42:18.840> bill<00:42:19.160> makes<00:42:19.520
• <00:42:20.880> Sections<00:42:21.720> 1<00:42:21.960> through<00:42:22.200><
• Section 7 authorizes the use of active Section 7 authorizes the use of active compensation<00:42:56.120
• > judges<00:42:56.560> from<00:42:56.720> the<00:42:56.800> Court<00:42:57.040

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The eyes do have<00:42:00.320> it,<00:42:00.520> and<00:42:00.640> you<00:42:00.800
• > have<00:42:01.080> passed<00:42:01.400> the<00:42:01.480> bill<00:42:01.880
• <00:42:40.000> the<00:42:40.120> Committee<00:42:40.480> on<00:42:40.640> Health
• <00:42:46.200> Please<00:42:46.480> listen<00:42:46.800> to<00:42:46.920>
• <00:42:52.400> to<00:42:52.520> a<00:42:52.600> pathway<00:42:53.080> to<

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by former member Jason Lorber, who spoke humorously about the difference between asking questions and making statements, urging members to be direct and add value in deliberation. The chamber then took up several resolutions: JRH 11, urging Congress to enact the National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2025, was read and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development; JRS 51, setting weekend adjournment for May 1, 2026, was adopted in concurrence; and H.C.R. 261 was read, recognizing May 2026 as Older Americans Month and designating May 6, 2026 as Age Strong Vermont Day. Members also used announcements to welcome guests and highlight events, including the Age Strong Vermont initiative, a former member’s return, visitors connected to psychedelic medicine advocacy, an art social, fisheries and trout-in-the-classroom guests, a legislative intern, and a reminder about the May 16 NAMI walk. The House then took up Senate Bill 230, an omnibus labor measure relating to fair employment practices. The committee explanation described technical clarifications to parental and family leave for full-time teachers, expansion of protections for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, removal of outdated statutory language on mandatory retirement for tenured faculty, and clarification that elected and appointed municipal officers are not employees for minimum wage and overtime purposes. The main new policy in section 3B would prohibit non-compete agreements for non-exempt employees, with an exception for collective bargaining agreements, and would restrict certain non-compete and related clauses in health care provider contracts while preserving continuity of care and excluding non-clinical business support services. The committee reported extensive testimony and voted 11-0-0 to recommend the bill favorably with amendment; the House agreed to propose the amendment to the Senate and ordered third reading. The House also began consideration of Senate Bill 179, updating Vermont’s Uniform Disclaimer of Property Interests Act. The committee presentation explained that the bill would eliminate the current 9-month deadline for disclaimers, reflecting changes in federal tax law and the much larger modern estate and gift tax exclusion, and would modernize the statute in several ways. Proposed changes include clearer rules for jointly held property, allowing pre-death disclaimers, authorizing trustees and parents in limited circumstances to disclaim on behalf of trusts or minor children, permitting disclaimers by proxy for infirm persons, clarifying partial disclaimers and entity disclaimers, improving delivery rules for non-real-estate property, and specifying that a disclaimer is not a transfer for transfer-tax purposes. The bill was described as a response to outdated law in light of an impending large intergenerational wealth transfer, and the House proceeded with second reading discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tomorrow's<00:42:08.800> events<00:42:09.200> will<00:42:09.359> be<00:42:09.520
• the of the<00:42:19.520> Creative<00:42:19.920> Network<00:42:20.640> 10<00:42:
• > Now<00:42:25.520> more<00:42:25.760> than<00:42:26.000> ever,<00:42:26.560
• c> bring<00:42:33.040> us<00:42:33.280> joy,<00:42:33.760> and<00:42:33.920>
• > us<00:42:34.640> of<00:42:34.800> our<00:42:35.040> shared<00:42:35.440

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional performance, then introduced several bills. H.896 would create a New England Oregon bank specialty license plate and was referred to Transportation. H.897 would prohibit social media use by children and was referred to Commerce and Economic Development. H.898, a committee bill on transitions from copper-based to fiber-based telecommunications networks and consumer protections, was read and placed on the notice calendar. H.899 would finance multi-unit housing through the Vermont Economic Development Authority and was referred to Commerce and Economic Development. The chamber also referred H.635, eliminating Department of Corrections supervisory fees, to Ways and Means because it affects state revenue. The House adopted JRS 40, a joint resolution setting weekend adjournment for February 13, 2026, to reconvene no later than February 17, 2026. It also concurred in HCR 181 congratulating the 2025 Spirit of the ADA award winners and HCR 189 designating February 11, 2026, as Disability Advocacy Day at the State House. HCR 181 recognized a long list of employers for inclusive hiring and accommodations, while HCR 189 highlighted disability rights history, the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights, and ongoing barriers faced by Vermonters with disabilities. The House then took up HCR 192, recognizing February 11, 2026, as National 211 Day in Vermont and celebrating Vermont 211’s statewide referral and crisis-support role. The resolution noted more than 61,000 contacts and over 22,000 referrals in 2025, along with its emergency and after-hours support functions. Members also made announcements recognizing Recovery Day, the Spirit of the ADA award recipients, Disability Advocacy Day, National 211 Day, and other guests and events in the chamber. On the action calendar, the House considered the conference committee report on S.23, concerning the use of synthetic media in elections. The committee reported a strike-all compromise on definitions, disclosure requirements, exemptions, and penalties. The report defined deceptive synthetic media, required a disclosure for certain synthetic media distributed within 90 days of an election, provided exemptions for some broadcasters and parody, and set civil penalties for violations. The House was asked to adopt the conference report.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:42:01.720> also<00:42:02.560> a<00:42:02.720> very<00:42:03.000> light
• hand<00:42:04.200> the<00:42:04.319> way<00:42:04.440> you've<00:42:04.640>
• set<00:42:04.800> it<00:42:04.960> up<00:42:05.680> uh<00:42:06.000> and<
• section<00:42:29.359> five<00:42:30.119> um<00:42:30.400> that's<00:42:30.599
• > just in section five um that's just in section five um that's just renumbered<00:42:31.559><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened a hearing on HR 18, a resolution urging New Hampshire’s congressional delegation to seek federal changes that would let very small slaughter plants use custom-exempt inspection criteria with a third-party inspector present, so beef, pork, lamb, and goat could be sold as individual cuts directly to consumers. Representative Judy Aron said the resolution was drafted in lieu of state legislation because the issue is governed by USDA rules, and she noted she was also working on an amendment to ensure the measure covered federal “very small” plants. Representative Miner asked for clarification about custom slaughter versus retail sales, and Representative Scully supported the resolution while suggesting language to make clear it applied only to local end consumers. Joyce Brady of the New Hampshire Farm Bureau testified in support, saying the state’s four USDA slaughterhouses and the bottleneck in custom cutting made the issue important. After no further testimony, the chair closed the hearing. The committee then moved into a work session on several bills. For HB 616, members discussed an amendment that had been revised after public comments and Commissioner Jasper’s feedback; Representative Guber said it balanced the competing positions, and Representative Penza and Representative Ger said the language now addressed concerns about animal suffering by allowing euthanasia if a treating veterinarian determines the animal is in extreme suffering. The committee then discussed HB 77, with Representative Penza describing changes to landfill-related standards, including replacing aquifer references with drinking water wells, removing a penalty section, changing discretionary language to mandatory language for the department, and adjusting an in situ soils standard. Members praised the compromise, though Representative Scully raised concerns about the 1,500-foot setback and suggested engineering controls such as berms; Penza responded that current rules do not include such controls and that the setback was intended to address surface spills. Several members said the bill reflected a hard-fought balance and should not be rewritten at the last minute. For HB 505, the freeze-dried food bill, Representative Aron explained that the amendment replaced a simple exemption with a requirement that homestead food operations selling freeze-dried foods from a farm stand, farmers market, or retail food store obtain a homestead food license under RSA 143-A:4. She said the amendment defines freeze-dried foods as fruits, vegetables, and commercially prepared dairy products, and delays the effective date 120 days to allow rulemaking. Members generally supported the approach as a light-touch oversight mechanism for potentially hazardous foods, though Representative Ktoa asked for clarification about how the amendment interacts with existing licensing and inspection exemptions, and Aron clarified that these products would not be exempt from licensing under the relevant law. The committee then turned to HB 250, concerning local authority over dog muzzling, where members broadly supported the amendment as a simple solution, while Representative Ktoa asked about the underlying definition of a vicious dog and whether all listed behaviors would warrant muzzling. The discussion noted that the amendment would allow towns to require muzzling for dogs meeting the statutory definition, while excluding hunting, working, herding, and similar dogs.

Transcript Highlights:

• it<00:42:38.480> just<00:42:38.800> for<00:42:39.599> um<00:42:40.079> for
• > apply<00:42:42.440> for<00:42:42.680> it<00:42:42.960> is<00:42:43.160>
• c> you<00:42:47.400> okay<00:42:47.559> with<00:42:47.680> this<00:42:47.800
• > issue<00:42:49.480> in<00:42:49.599> terms<00:42:49.839> of<00:42:50.040
• but you'd probably<00:42:52.680> need<00:42:52.839> a<00:42:53.000> legal<00:42

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 818 HD1, which would establish the Waiawa Community Development District. The Attorney General’s office said the bill may not comply with requirements for a special fund, and DLNR asked for further amendments so lease revenues would remain with DLNR while it continues managing the lands. DLNR cited ongoing costs, including the Uncle Billy’s demolition debt and management needs at Banyan Drive/Banyan Country Club. HCDA/Waiawa representatives supported the bill, agreed that DLNR should keep lease revenues while it remains the land manager, and said a future transfer of land management would change where revenues should go. Members focused on whether removing lease revenue would undercut the bill and on how existing and future revenues should be allocated. The committee then took up HB 338 HD1 and HB 339 HD1 on renewable energy-related utility transactions and procurement. Testimony came from the Consumer Advocate, the State Energy Office, the Public Utilities Commission, Hawaiian Electric, IBEW Local 1260, Ulupono Initiative, and Life of the Land. Supporters generally backed the measures, while some asked for labor-related strengthening language. Discussion centered on how the PUC should handle competing bids or offers in utility merger or acquisition situations, with concerns raised about NDAs, timing, and whether the original version or amended language better allowed public and intervenor participation. A witness from Life of the Land argued that utilities should not negotiate under NDA in a way that blocks later public competition, and a PUC-related witness said the current language was changed from the original to address PUC testimony. Finally, the committee heard HB 1467 HD1 on housing resiliency. OIP was not present, while B&F raised concerns about placing federal funds into a special fund, saying federal grant money should remain in a separate P fund for transparency, accountability, and single-audit compliance. State agencies and groups including OPSD, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the Climate Advisory Team, and Hawaii Realtors supported the measure. Testimony emphasized that many older roofs lack hurricane clips and that strengthening homes could reduce disaster sheltering and temporary housing costs. IBEW Local 1260 supported the bill but argued that building to current standards upfront is preferable to retrofitting later. Members questioned funding structure, eligibility, and whether the program should be needs-based; the bill was described as limited to households under 140% AMI. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:03.440> the<00:42:03.640> ban<00:42:04.640> okay<00:42:05.119> fur
• 00:42:57.880> couple<00:42:58.079> of<00:42:58.200> years<00:42:58.440> to
• :00.159> and<01:42:00.320> I<01:42:00.440> would<01:42:00.639> love<01:42
• ><01:42:11.639> a<01:42:11.920> drastic<01:42:12.639> approach<01:42:13.480>
• > you<01:42:14.480> have<01:42:14.639> to<01:42:14.880> live<01:42:15.320

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 bill is referred<00:42:45.520> to<00:42:45.600> the<00:42:45.680> Committee<
• <00:42:50.240> its<00:42:50.520> entry<00:42:51.000> on<00:42:51.240> the
• Are<00:42:53.200> there<00:42:53.320> any<00:42:53.520> further<00:42:53.800>
• Seeing<00:42:56.320> none,<00:42:57.160> member<00:42:57.480> from<00:42:57.640>
• ><00:42:58.880> a<00:42:58.920> motion<00:42:59.360> to<00:42:59.520> adjourn

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with devotional remarks and then handled several procedural items, including referring Senate Bill 223 on Vermont water quality, which carries an appropriation, to the Committee on Appropriations. The chamber also read and recognized three House Concurrent Resolutions: honoring Maria Blair for nearly four decades of service in the Joint Fiscal Office; designating April 11–17, 2026 as Black Maternal Health Week in Vermont; and congratulating the 2025 Green Mountain Council class of Eagle Scouts. Members offered brief tributes to Blair’s institutional knowledge and service, and to the importance of addressing racial disparities in maternal and infant health. Guests connected to the resolutions were recognized in the gallery, and the House also heard announcements introducing visitors and upcoming meetings. The main legislative action was on Senate Bill 255, which would establish a pilot law enforcement governance council in Windham County. Committee members described it as a limited, voluntary pilot intended to improve regional public safety governance and funding without imposing a statewide mandate or new tax. Testimony came from legislative staff, local officials, sheriffs, police, the Vermont State Police, and municipal representatives. The Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee reported the bill favorably with a 9-0-1 vote and a small amendment adding an additional report-back requirement; Ways and Means found no fiscal impact to state revenue and reported it favorably 10-0-1. The House then agreed to propose the amendment and ordered the bill to third reading. The final action item was House Bill 956, approving Burlington’s charter amendment to formally establish the Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging as a permanent city office. The sponsor explained that Burlington voters had already approved the change and that the bill would codify existing duties, including equity strategy, policy advice, representation of underserved communities, and community engagement, with the director reporting to the mayor. The Government Operations and Military Affairs Committee reported the bill favorably 10-0-1, and the House ordered it to third reading. Later, Ways and Means reported favorably with amendment on Senate Bill 327, an economic development bill carrying an appropriation, and it was referred to Appropriations under House Rule 35A. The House then adjourned until April 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• > or<00:42:04.079> have<00:42:04.319> not<00:42:04.560> been<00:42:05.280
• > have<00:42:05.920> been<00:42:06.000> convicted<00:42:06.319> of<00:42:
• They're<00:42:11.119> dangerous<00:42:11.599> and<00:42:11.839> so<00:42:12.000>
• taxpayer<00:42:22.880> dollars<00:42:23.280> onto<00:42:23.839> an<00:42:23.920
• So<00:42:26.319> if<00:42:26.560> we<00:42:26.720> take<00:42:26.960> medical

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House first adopted non-controversial motions, then approved an urgency motion to suspend the rules so Senate File 4476, the human services program integrity package, could move quickly to conference committee before the end of session. The House then adopted a DE amendment to insert House language into the bill, and proceeded to debate several amendments focused on program integrity, fraud prevention, and reporting requirements in human services programs. Representative Schultz offered Amendment A5 to remove a sunset on the periodic data matching report requirement, arguing the report helps ensure only eligible people receive medical assistance and welfare benefits and should continue to be delivered annually. Supporters said the report had been inconsistently delivered, cited past findings of ineligible recipients, and framed the amendment as a low-cost accountability measure. Opponents, including Representative Nor, said the report had been sent to the chairs, that the issue should be handled through broader HR1-related changes and negotiations with the Senate, and that the amendment was not the right vehicle. After roll call, A5 failed on a 63-67 vote. Schultz then offered Amendment A6, which would require reporting on homelessness programs, including how many people are served, total costs, outcomes, and possible recoupment of funds if reporting is inadequate. Schultz said the state spends tens of millions on homelessness programs without clear results and that better data would help the legislature make decisions and protect taxpayers. Several members supported the idea of more accountability, while others said the state already receives reports, that homelessness work is being done in partnership with stakeholders, and that the amendment was not the best approach. The discussion continued with further comments on homelessness data and program oversight, but no final vote on A6 is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• > a<00:42:05.040> a<00:42:05.440> charger<00:42:05.760> at<00:42:06.000><
• <00:42:10.240> Um,<00:42:11.599> these<00:42:12.079> a<00:42:12.319> lot<
• > I<00:42:36.560> I<00:42:36.880> you<00:42:36.960> know<00:42:37.040>
• <00:42:53.200> So<00:42:53.440> our<00:42:53.680> what<00:42:53.839> we
• We would<00:42:59.200> love<00:42:59.359> to<00:42:59.520> revert<00:42:59.920><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I think<00:42:42.640> it's<00:42:42.800> a<00:42:42.960> good<00:42:43.119><
• c> point<00:42:43.280> and<00:42:43.520> we<00:42:43.680> can<00:42:43.839><
• Um<01:42:03.199> I<01:42:03.520> will<01:42:04.199> say<01:42:05.199> per
• <01:42:14.639> Uh<01:42:14.960> is<01:42:15.280> the<01:42:15.520> rest
• :42:31.679> Then<01:42:31.920> I<01:42:32.080> would<01:42:32.239> prefer

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:03.839> for<00:42:04.079> mental<00:42:04.400> health<00:42:04.720>
• Chair<00:42:07.920> Beerman<00:42:08.400> renews<00:42:08.800> the<00:42:08.960>
• motion that House<00:42:09.760> File<00:42:10.160> 4379<00:42:11.440> be<00:42:
• <00:42:13.119> The<00:42:13.280> bill<00:42:13.440> is<00:42:13.599> laid
• 00:42:16.319> have<00:42:16.480> six<00:42:16.720> bills<00:42:17.119> to

Bills: HF4438, HF4467, HF4379, SF3402, HF4349, HF4064, HF84, HF85, HF3804

Keywords: healthcare, WIC, community health, licensing, speech-language pathology, audiology, contract term limits, healthcare services, provider enrollment, disenrollment, premium payments, medical assistance, substance use disorders, mental health, children's mental health, early childhood, early intervention, consultation grants, Head Start, child care

Transcript Highlights:

• No, I I think<00:42:02.800> that<00:42:03.680> um<00:42:04.000> you<00:42:04.160
• > I<00:42:09.760> think<00:42:09.839> it's<00:42:10.000> a<00:42:10.160><
• <00:42:18.960> Sorry<00:42:19.200> to<00:42:19.359> step<00:42:19.599> on
• it<00:42:40.560> and<00:42:40.800> they<00:42:41.119> probably<00:42:41.440
• :42:54.640> for<00:42:54.800> possible<00:42:55.119> inclusion<00:42:55.520>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:07.840> Uh<00:42:07.960> I<00:42:08.000> just<00:42:08.200> wanted
• :42:08.920> attention<00:42:09.320> of<00:42:09.400> this<00:42:09.560> body<
• c> she<00:42:10.240> is<00:42:10.440> a<00:42:10.480> highly<00:42:10.840>
• Uh<00:42:17.200> many<00:42:17.480> ways<00:42:17.800> I<00:42:17.880> could<
• I know her personally<00:42:19.320> and<00:42:19.400> I<00:42:19.480> kid<00:42:

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 5 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with an invocation by Dr. Ryan Wade and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then handled routine business by dispensing with the reading of the journal and committee reports. Several guests were recognized, including Leadership Jackson County, Farm Bureau members, a doctor of the day, adult educators, and other visitors in the gallery. Senator Brumfield also announced support efforts for Senator Warren Barnett, asking members to contribute to him through Ms. Anita Jackson. The chamber then considered a series of House bills, most of them taken up with strike-all amendments and passed by use of the morning roll call. Measures included HB 1390 on personal services funding allocations, HB 1571 on ARPA funds and unexpended balances, HB 1655 on the State Aid Road Construction director’s personnel status, HB 1650 on dormant state accounts and pooled investments, HB 1651 on state agencies using other agencies’ facilities and charging 50% of fair market value, HB 1345 on administrative forfeiture of illegal cigarette and vaping products, HB 1386 on allowing sidewalks as an eligible use of municipal infrastructure funds, HB 671 on alcoholic beverage delivery responsibility ending when retailers transfer possession to delivery services, and HB 1385 on eliminating paper-original homestead exemption submissions. Members asked questions on several bills, especially about whether the fairgrounds language in HB 1651 would affect youth livestock shows and whether HB 1386 or other measures would change county revenue; sponsors generally said the bills were intended to address state-agency use, municipal reporting, or administrative efficiency rather than alter those programs. The Senate also advanced HB 898, creating a sales tax diversion study committee to review misallocated municipal sales tax revenues, assess impacts, examine technology and oversight, and recommend reforms by the 2027 session; Senator Hill questioned whether counties should be included, but the sponsor said that would be a separate policy decision. Later, the Senate reconsidered HB 1265, the Mississippi Debt Management Services Act extended repealer, adopted an amendment to remove the repealer instead of extending it, and then passed the bill. The body also took up SB 2632, the local governments disaster recovery emergency loan program, and voted not to concur and to invite conference. Finally, HB 1142 on bench warrant notices was called up; the sponsor explained a strike-all that would replace certified mail with personal service or electronic transmission and include a reverse repealer for further conference work.

Transcript Highlights:

• 42:04.560> we<00:42:04.720> will<00:42:04.960> cut<00:42:05.200> cut<00:42
• It's a best practice<00:42:08.640> is<00:42:08.880> how<00:42:09.040> we've<00:42
• <00:42:11.520> our<00:42:11.760> own<00:42:11.920> staff<00:42:12.560> and
• was provided<00:42:27.440> um<00:42:28.000> the<00:42:28.319> and<00:42:28.640>
• > well<00:42:30.079> as<00:42:30.319> the<00:42:31.040> um<00:42:31.200><

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 4466, the sub health supplemental budget bill, and moved it to the Ways and Means Committee after a walkthrough of the fiscal spreadsheet and the DE1 amendment. Nonpartisan staff explained that the bill produces general fund savings of about $2.4 million in FY27 for the 2026-27 biennium and about $97.7 million in the next biennium, with most savings tied to HR1-related Medical Assistance changes affecting adults without children. The Department of Health provisions were described as largely cost-neutral, with some increases for implementation, data, and IT work. Staff then reviewed the DE1, which combines several bills into four articles. The bill includes health licensing board changes, Department of Health provisions such as all-payer claims database fees, newborn screening fee exceptions, loan forgiveness and scholarship program extensions, workforce shortage grant changes, and reciprocal licensure and mortuary science provisions. The federal conformity article makes changes related to MA work and community engagement requirements, six-month renewals, retroactive eligibility limits, contact information updates, cost sharing for MA expansion enrollees, and related provider tax and disability-notice provisions. Article 4 and Article 5 were described as forecast adjustments for DHS and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Public testimony focused largely on the federal conformity and eligibility provisions. Legal aid testified that the work requirements and retroactive eligibility changes would be confusing, could expand requirements beyond intended groups, and would increase uncompensated care. The Minnesota Hospital Association said shortening retroactive eligibility would increase uncompensated care and strain hospital finances, and Unidos Minnesota criticized the immigrant eligibility changes as harmful to lawfully present immigrants and Native communities. Blood Cancer United supported the all-payer claims database provisions and urged attention to fertility coverage. Representative Elkins offered an amendment to add $55,000 for the Department of Health to include denied-claims data in the all-payer claims database; Department of Health staff said the idea was useful and provided a one-time setup cost, but the amendment was not acted on in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• :01.040> I<00:42:01.280> won't<00:42:01.440> bring<00:42:01.599> it<00:42
• >> Um<00:42:08.319> that<00:42:08.480> is<00:42:08.640> my<00:42:08.800>
• > motion<00:42:11.200> uh<00:42:11.280> to<00:42:11.440> add<00:42:11.599
• <00:42:18.560> Um,<00:42:19.040> and<00:42:19.280> we<00:42:19.520> want<
• 42:20.319> right<00:42:20.480> and<00:42:20.720> keep<00:42:20.880> this

Keywords: Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency - Room 210; 28 January, 2026: 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first nominated and elected Senator Lane Taylor as secretary by voice vote, with no opposition. It then took up several bills and reported each one out after brief explanations and no recorded opposition. Senate Bill 2372, from the Department of Archives and History, would allow county filing-fee revenues now used only for preservation of historic records to also support records management, historic preservation, and museum services in counties. Barry White said the money is not for capital projects, but could fund services such as building assessments and recommendations. The committee also heard Senate Bill 2378, which would raise court reporter transcript fees from $2.40 to $4.00 per page; the sponsor said most costs are paid by litigants, while county funds are mainly affected in indigent criminal appeals. Both bills were advanced. The committee next considered Senate Bill 2401, relating to Accelerate Mississippi. Senator Sparks said it would extend the repealer to 2029, update procurement and reporting provisions, change some federal terminology, move the annual report deadline from October 1 to November 1, and repeal obsolete workforce-area references. It was reported out after a brief question about the obsolete sections. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 2402, the Amy Act, which removes the five-day grace period for lobbyist registration so registration must occur before a person begins lobbying; sponsors said the goal is transparency and tracking misinformation, not changing the definition of lobbyist. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2445 on community mental health centers. Department of Mental Health Executive Director Wendy Bailey said the bill would create a formal performance audit process, with standards developed by June 30, 2027 and audits beginning in FY28 every two years. Centers failing standards would be placed on probation, and continued failure could lead to temporary replacement of leadership by DMH-selected contractors until compliance is restored. Members asked about current probation and decertification procedures, the number of struggling centers, and whether consolidation would be preferable; Bailey said the department wants to preserve local centers and use the process only as a temporary intervention. The bill was discussed but the transcript cuts off before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:09.599> I<00:42:09.760> I<00:42:10.160> think<00:42:10.640> this
• <00:42:15.760> Seeing<00:42:16.160> none,<00:42:16.480> all<00:42:16.640>
• <00:42:19.280> All<00:42:19.440> those<00:42:19.680> opposed<00:42:20.000>
• Senator<00:42:35.119> Lang<00:42:35.760> moves<00:42:36.160> item<00:42:36.560><
• <00:42:38.560> number<00:42:38.720> nine<00:42:38.960> if<00:42:39.119> I

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:00.960> to<00:42:01.200> section Section 53 deletes the requirement that the
• section<00:42:30.960> 53.
• <00:42:46.400> Section<00:42:46.920> 53<00:42:47.920> deletes<00:42:48.319><
• Section 53 deletes requirement that<00:42:48.880> the<00:42:49.119> office<00:42:49.280
• proposal.<00:42:57.200> Section<00:42:57.680> 54<00:42:58.400> on<00:42:58.640>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:42:05.319> if<00:42:05.400> it<00:42:05.560> was<00:42:05.760> fully
• :50.079> some<00:42:50.319> time<00:42:50.520> to<00:42:50.720> look<00:42
• 00:42:53.280> the<00:42:53.480> mindset<00:42:54.079> of<00:42:54.599> uh
• the<00:42:56.559> solid<00:42:56.880> waste<00:42:57.240> bills<00:42:57.520
• chairwoman Aaron<01:42:36.080> yes<01:42:37.080> 130<01:42:37.840> motion<01:42:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee opened by noting member absences and then reviewed the governor’s HB 2 trailer bill language creating a solid waste site evaluation committee. The chair explained that Finance would want the committee’s input on the proposal and also announced a temporary change to the committee’s schedule, with additional Wednesday meetings planned around school vacation. The committee then moved into a work session on several bills. On HB 150, Representative Ktoa offered a simple amendment changing food-processing language from “washed and rinsed” to “cleaned and sanitized” in the processing area. Members agreed the change better matched food safety practice, and the committee indicated support for advancing the bill. On HB 307, dealing with homestead food production areas, members discussed proposed amendment language that would add clearer sanitary requirements, including handwashing access, sanitary storage, sanitizable food-contact surfaces, and pest exclusion. The committee also discussed whether to replace “potentially hazardous food” with “time temperature control safe food,” but several members favored keeping the existing term because it is already well defined in food safety law. The bill was held for further amendment work rather than being executed immediately. The committee spent substantial time on solid waste legislation. For HB 479, members recalled a prior plan for a letter to the solid waste working group and agreed to proceed with the bill in executive session, with an offer of drafting help from Representative Bixby. For HB 77, which would require DES to establish site-specific setback distances for proposed new landfills, Representative Penza said his amendment was not ready yet but was close, and the bill was left for further discussion. The most detailed discussion was on HB 2115, which would require landfill permit applicants to submit a report on the project’s harms and benefits. Representative Germana explained an amendment that would replace section one, expand the list of benefits to include economic potential and infrastructure improvements, and set up a third-party review process in which the applicant submits a list of reviewers, DES screens the list, and the commissioner selects a reviewer if no agreement is reached within 60 days. Members asked about who could serve as contractors, whether they had to be local, and how DES would judge qualifications; the response was that environmental engineering and similar firms could be used, local or outside the community, and that the process would remain somewhat flexible. Representative H. Haskins asked whether the legislature or subcommittee would be formally notified of preliminary review problems, and the chair said no additional notification process would be built in beyond existing practice. The committee planned to continue work on the bills in upcoming executive sessions, including after school break.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:18:15.280> designed section section three is really designed section section three is
• know<00:42:29.160> uh<00:42:30.160> uh<00:42:30.359> we're<00:42:30.520>
• :42:48.800> one<00:42:48.960> way<00:42:49.079> or<00:42:49.240> the<00:42
• > of<04:42:29.520> this<04:42:29.718> section<04:42:30.718> provide effective
• date of this section provide effective date of this section provide notice<04:42:31.480> to<04

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• um this section to the uh DHS section. um this section to the uh DHS section.
• <00:42:04.480> Uh<00:42:04.800> we<00:42:05.040> will<00:42:05.200> move<
• Um,<00:42:23.359> Madam<00:42:23.680> Chair,<00:42:23.920> Senator<00:42:24.160>
• Uh, thank<00:42:41.520> you,<00:42:42.000> chair<00:42:42.240> and<00:42:42.480>
• the<00:42:48.160> changes<00:42:49.280> um<00:42:49.440> in<00:42:49.680

Keywords: 1187, senate, all