Transcript Highlights:

• represent over 60 federally recognized Indian tribes in California and other stakeholders to reach consensus
• represent over 60 federally recognized Indian tribes in California and other stakeholders to reach consensus

Committee: House Governmental Organization

Summary: The committee met without an initial quorum and began as a subcommittee to hear several measures before the Assembly session. AB 770 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez would authorize the City of Los Angeles to use a flexible signage framework at the Los Angeles Convention Center to generate revenue for renovation and modernization tied to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Support came from labor, business, and SEIU representatives, who said it would create construction and permanent jobs and help finance the project without taxpayer burden; there was no opposition. Members asked about the revenue estimate and how it would be used, and the bill later passed on concurrence. SB 451 was heard next and would clarify the law to allow a 50-50 charitable raffle at a championship game held at a designated venue where an affiliated sports team plays home games, addressing a Super Bowl-related loophole. Supporters from the bill’s author, the 49ers, and the NFL said it would preserve charitable fundraising and maintain existing audit and transparency rules. CalNonprofits did not take a formal opposition position but raised concerns about fairness compared with other nonprofit raffles and about expanding gambling. The committee discussed how raffle proceeds are distributed to charities, and the bill passed with 12 votes, with the roll left open for additional members. AB 831 by Assembly Member Valencia would make dual-currency online sweepstakes casinos unlawful in California while preserving lawful social sweepstakes that do not award cash prizes. Supporters, including several tribal nations, labor, business groups, and the Sports Betting Alliance, argued the bill closes a loophole, protects consumers and vulnerable populations, and defends tribal gaming sovereignty and revenues. Opponents, including sweepstakes and gaming industry representatives and many members of the Kletsel-Dehe Wintun Nation and allied tribes, argued the bill would eliminate a legal industry, reduce economic opportunity for smaller or geographically disadvantaged tribes, and should instead be regulated and taxed. Members debated consumer protection, tribal exclusivity, and the lack of consumer-group testimony; the committee ultimately passed AB 831 on concurrence, and the meeting adjourned at 9:55 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We were a 3-3 tie, and we need to have a full committee consensus here on this. So, Mr.
• I would make a motion to request, I don't know if we're doing consensus here, but to change that from

Bills: SB2003

Committee: House Appropriations - Education and Environment Division

Summary: The committee first reconsidered Senate Bill 2003 in the higher education budget and adopted several changes. It removed $3 million for enterprise resource planning, struck $2 million for a grant program for students who are pregnant or recently gave birth, and then added $3 million back into workforce education and innovative grants, restoring that line to $12 million. Members also discussed a possible purchase of the 19th Avenue building in Fargo for the State School of Science, but the motion was withdrawn for later consideration. Other higher ed items were briefly noted, including tribally controlled community colleges and a state magazine funding line, but no final action was taken on the building proposal during this segment. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 2018, the Commerce budget, and reviewed a long list of funding items. It restored a vacant workforce FTE, increased tourism marketing to $10 million and Find the Good Life to $5 million, raised Operation Intern by $1 million, removed a $100,000 infrastructure study, increased autonomous agriculture grants to $15 million, and set the Regional Workforce Impact Program at $10 million. It also kept or adjusted several other items, including the uncrewed aerial vehicle replacement program, the global talent office, tribally controlled community colleges, Native American small business grants, and technical skills training grants. A major new provision would transfer $50 million total, split between SIF and Bank of North Dakota profits, to the Theodore Roosevelt Library Museum Endowment Fund, matching a private fundraising challenge; members expressed both support and concern, and said they would revisit it later. The committee also discussed language to allow commercialization of Vantis and to permit the Turtle Mountain gaming compact proposal to move forward with required federal approvals, while clarifying that a previously discussed $100,000 study had been removed. Commerce officials said the workforce language was intended to centralize data and strategy, and they noted Operation Intern would need an emergency clause because applications begin in May. No final vote on the Commerce budget was taken in this segment, and the chair said the committee would return later to finish both budgets.

Transcript Highlights:

• This makes it more important, not less, that North Dakota pursue every possible mechanism for maximizing
• This makes it more important, not less, that North Dakota pursue every possible mechanism for maximizing
• An IMD waiver is one of those mechanisms, by securing federal matching funds for services that North
• And I&B waiver is one of those mechanisms by securing federal matching funds for services that North
• One of the concerns is that we have a screening mechanism that's taken place.

Committee: Joint Tribal and State Relations Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• That schools will implement certain local revenue generation mechanisms to double their budget.
• My colleagues will walk us through a couple of case studies that illustrate the mechanics and effects
• At the same time, as Slide 16 will show, each of these mechanisms carries practical constraints that
• Together, the mechanisms cannot exceed 15 mills.
• For a district with a consistent churn of projects, these mechanisms might be convenient, generating

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, there's no mechanism to require elections office explaining the irregularity of those. who
• have an excellent resource here from the Secretary of State's office. take us through some of the mechanics
• I didn't explain the mechanics very well.
• The public consensus is unmistakable.
• Is there a mechanism that you could think through or recommend?

Bills: SB16 , SB76 , SB310 , SB311 , SB396 , SB505 , SB827 , SB964 , SB1209 , SB1210 , SB1386 , SB1470 , SB2035 , SJR37 , SB 16

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter case is dismissed through diversion, the state will finally have a mechanism
• However, we do not share the approach of the enforcement mechanisms proposed in the bill to address this
• The ACLU recommends exhausting all non-enforcement mechanisms against community members as a case study
• So there already is a mechanism to consider hardship.
• really helped to work through all the concerns and hopefully resolve many of the issues on bill consensus

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several bills focused on active transportation, transit, road safety, and local enforcement. SB 569 would restrict removal or downgrading of bikeways built with state General Fund dollars for at least 20 years, require public hearings before major changes, and was supported by bicycle advocates and some local and environmental groups. The City of Encinitas opposed the bill, arguing it could limit needed safety fixes and should apply only to future projects; committee members discussed whether the bill still allowed safety-based modifications. The bill passed on a due pass vote to Appropriations. SB 741 would streamline the Low-Carbon Transit Operations Program by reducing administrative burden and giving transit agencies more flexibility to use funds for service improvements, fare programs, and other transit needs while maintaining oversight and disadvantaged community requirements. Transit agencies and advocacy groups supported the measure, saying it would help agencies respond to post-pandemic ridership and financial challenges. The committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended vote to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 1167, which would tighten consumer protections by clarifying that high-powered e-motos and similar motor vehicles are not e-bikes, requiring clearer disclosures and labels, and improving crash reporting. Supporters said the bill would reduce confusion and improve safety for riders, pedestrians, and parents; the Motorcycle Industry Council opposed unless amended, arguing the term “e-bike” is used broadly and the bill could affect existing businesses. The bill passed to Appropriations. Later, SB 953, dealing with vehicular manslaughter cases dismissed through misdemeanor diversion, would add DMV points so fatal conduct remains reflected on driving records; the bill was supported by the victim’s family and safety advocates and passed to Appropriations. The committee then heard SB 1218, which would let local agencies boot vehicles tied to repeated unpaid illegal dumping citations instead of using DMV enforcement. Oakland officials and community groups supported the bill as a needed deterrent, while the ACLU opposed it as punitive debt collection without a sufficient nexus to the vehicle. The bill passed to Appropriations. Finally, SB 739 would revise the Clean Miles Standard for rideshare companies by allowing CARB and CPUC to adjust electric vehicle mileage targets in light of current market conditions; Uber and Lyft supported the flexibility, while clean air advocates began raising concerns about weakening climate goals as the transcript cut off.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I hope that we can reach some consensus and actually get that included.
• And I hope that we can reach some consensus and actually get that included.
• And I hope that we can reach some consensus and actually get that included.
• And I hope that we can reach some consensus and actually get that included.
• And I hope that we can reach some consensus and actually get that included.

Bills: HF2446 , HF2563 , HF2444

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:44:52.360><c> um</c> they have um a tracking mechanism um they have um a tracking mechanism um
• me mechanism that is currently<01:44:59.800><c> maintained</c><01:45:00.679><c> so</c><01:45:00.880>
• So there is a tracking mechanism currently. It is a hard copy.
• And sometimes when we can't come to consensus, we don't vote to say you're unanimous.
• And sometimes when we can't come to consensus, we don't vote to say you're unanimous.

Summary: The committee first dealt with scheduling and housekeeping, including a plan to take a hard break at 2:00 p.m. for an early bill, hold a brief executive session, and then continue with the remaining afternoon bills. The chair also noted the next likely meeting date would be March 12, when the committee expected to take up the remaining bills before crossover deadlines. The main substantive item was House Bill 142, which would recognize the Honor and Remember flag for Gold Star families and related remembrance purposes. Prime sponsor Rep. Michael Moffett described the bill as a bipartisan measure revised to address earlier concerns, arguing that the flag honors fallen service members, can be personalized with names, and complements rather than detracts from the American flag. He said many other states have already adopted it and suggested the committee could amend details such as the number of days and locations for display. He also raised practical issues about flag dimensions and whether the bill should use "shall" or "may" for display requirements. Testimony was divided. Janine Nutter opposed the bill, saying she supports Gold Star families but objected because the flag resembles the Viet Cong flag and because she believes the American flag should remain the sole symbol representing servicemembers. Kevin Grady, representing the State Veterans Advisory Committee under RSA 115:8, also opposed the bill, saying the committee believes the American flag is the only symbol needed, while still praising the work of Honor and Remember in creating personalized flags for families. Committee members asked questions about where the flag would be flown, whether the State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen is already displaying it, and how the bill’s language would interact with cemetery policies and committee discretion. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• But would the funding mechanism be the same, or would it require a different mechanism? Mr.
• And hopefully the funding mechanism could be adjusted up from that 5%.
• It may not be the perfect mechanism, as we found out from Senator Beckett all.
• Secondly, what do you see as a funding mechanism, a sustainable funding mechanism?
• Obviously, we don't have the funding mechanism for it.

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:

• This is an important mechanism to identify children who have congenital diseases or conditions so that
• This is an important mechanism to identify children who have congenital diseases or conditions so that
• This is an important mechanism to identify children who have congenital diseases or conditions so that
• This act improves legal protections against non-consensual distribution of intimate images.
• This act improves legal protections against non-consensual distribution of intimate images.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several member introductions recognizing interns, guests, and advocates. The Rules Chair added CS for CS for SB 622 to the special order calendar, and SB 80 on state land management was temporarily postponed. The chamber then moved through a series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate bills when the measures were identical or nearly identical. The Senate passed SB 200/HB 295 on a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan, requiring DEP to develop a recycling and waste diversion roadmap by 2026; SB 492 on land development and mitigation banking, after adopting amendments related to mitigation credit use and former phosphate mine lands; and SB 494/HB 255 on aggravated animal cruelty, which increases sentencing consequences and creates a searchable FDLE database of convicted animal abusers, with an amendment clarifying the database language. The Senate also passed SB 500/HB 711 establishing the Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism, SB 524/HB 1089 adding Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening, SB 592/HB 393 revising the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program, SB 742/HB 1145 on workforce education, SB 936/HB 827 on a statewide study of automation and workforce impact, SB 964/HB 181 on parole guidelines, SB 976/HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, SB 1084/HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment, and SB 1156 on a home health aid program for medically fragile children. Most of these bills were adopted after brief sponsor explanations, questions, and in some cases amendments or House-substitute motions. Debate centered on several policy issues. Senators raised concerns about the constitutional and environmental implications of mitigation banking credits in SB 492, the scope and privacy implications of the animal abuse database in SB 494, the funding and eligibility details of the condo resilience program in SB 592, and the public-school/charter-school balance in SB 822, which drew extensive questioning about enrollment, governance, discipline, accountability, and data sharing before being placed on the third-reading calendar after amendments. The Spectrum Alert bill drew support from members who compared it to the Purple Alert and emphasized the risks faced by children with ASD. The medically fragile children home health aid bill also drew strong support, with senators describing it as a long-needed fix to help families provide in-home care without losing Medicaid coverage. Votes on the measures reported in the transcript were overwhelmingly favorable, with bills passing by margins such as 38-0, 35-3, 37-0, 36-0, and 35-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• So other than a denial of license, for you to clarify, what enforcement mechanism do the courts have?
• So while there might be one, and then you have all of the debt collection and appearance mechanisms available
• I think that when you go to a mechanic, they have a lot of tools in their toolbox.
• Under Texas law, a young adult over the age of 17 who has consensual sex relations with...
• Who has consensual sex relations with someone under the age of 17, but at least 15 years old, the new

Bills: HB1455 , HB1777 , HB2101 , HB2136 , HB2609 , HB3142 , HB3552 , HB3846 , HB4155 , HB4514 , HB4879 , HB4995 , HB5014 , HB5139 , HB5228 , HB5436 , HCR40

Committee: House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Keywords: mental health, jail diversion, law enforcement, reporting requirements, criminal justice, data collection, criminal justice reform, intellectual disability, mental illness, data reporting, public safety, reporting, substance abuse, sex offender, driver's license, identification, gunshot detection, unreported gunshots, municipal police, crime investigation

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several public safety, criminal justice, and regulatory bills. HB 4995 would create a training and certification program allowing licensed physicians and certain EMS personnel assigned to tactical units to carry firearms during high-risk deployments, with supporters saying it would let tactical medical staff protect themselves while providing immediate care; the bill was left pending. HB 2609 would repeal the failure-to-appear-or-pay/OmniBase license-hold program, with the author and advocates arguing it creates compounding debt and unnecessary barriers to driving, while judges and municipal court representatives said the program is a voluntary, cost-effective tool that improves court appearances and reduces warrants; the bill was also left pending. HB 4879 would create a grant program to help local law enforcement pay for lab testing of suspected hemp/Delta-9 THC substances, and HB 5436 would let licensed auto recyclers buy certain untitled vehicles for scrap or parts to curb illegal sales, VIN cloning, and chop shops; both measures were left pending after brief testimony in support. The committee also heard HB 1777, which would require a discrete designation on driver’s licenses and state IDs for people required to register as sex offenders. The author and supporters argued the marker would help law enforcement and businesses quickly identify potentially dangerous offenders and prevent harm, while opponents called it a stigmatizing “scarlet letter” that would increase harassment, family harm, and reintegration barriers. The bill was left pending. HB 4155 would create a two-year Family Violence Criminal Homicide Prevention Task Force in the Governor’s Office to study family violence homicides, gather stakeholders, and recommend policy changes; the author, HHSC, the Texas Council on Family Violence, and a survivor testified in support, and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4514, which would authorize DPS to use facial image verification, with consent and privacy safeguards, to help businesses confirm identities and combat fraud; supporters from the lumber and identity-verification industries said it would reduce theft and fraud, and the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 5139 would clarify that peace officers and jailers are justified in using less lethal force weapons when acting within training and official duties; law enforcement groups supported the measure as a way to encourage use of less lethal tools without fear of prosecution, and testimony was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, I do hope that you're able to get some consensus and we could maybe move it out next week or
• So, um, I do hope that you're able to get some consensus and we could maybe move it out next week or
• c><00:30:50.600><c> some</c> hope that you're able to get some hope that you're able to get some consensus
• :52.160><c> maybe</c><00:30:52.480><c> move</c><00:30:52.640><c> it</c><00:30:52.760><c> out</c> consensus
• and we could maybe move it out consensus and we could maybe move it out next<00:30:53.160><c> week</

Bills: HF4364 , HF4821 , HF4543 , HF3945

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• This process of developing this legislation has been collaborative, rewarding, and consensus-building
• While more data is needed, and certainly not all PE firms are bad actors, a troubling consensus in private
• > not all P firms are bad actors, a not all P firms are bad actors, a troubling<00:31:30.360><c> consensus
• </c><00:31:31.360><c> in</c><00:31:31.679><c> private</c><00:31:32.000><c> equity</c> troubling consensus
• in private equity troubling consensus in private equity healthcare<00:31:32.720><c> ownership</c><00

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• covers more than 4 million square feet, about eight city blocks, and requires ongoing repairs to mechanical
• And what we have heard, this sort of consensus of like, this is a statewide asset, everybody uses this
• And what we have heard, this sort of consensus of like, this is a statewide asset, everybody uses this
• And what we have heard, this sort of consensus of like, this is a statewide asset, everybody uses this
• this</c><01:08:17.319><c> sort</c><01:08:17.480><c> of</c> And what we have heard, this sort of consensus

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• use counselors, create an inherent imbalance of power that makes sexual contact exploitative, not consensual
• While consensual sexual activity between a clergy person and adult parishioner may be unadvisable, it
• While consensual sexual activity between a clergy person and adult parishioner may be unadvisable, it
• It is important to underscore the amount of people ...when these acts are consensual.
• But in the end, if there is something that's consensual, something that happened a year and a half later

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of public safety bills, with several measures pulled off calendar and one consent calendar adopted. AB 2419 by Assembly Member Quirk-Silva would extend body-worn cameras to Los Angeles County juvenile probation officers. Supporters said cameras would improve accountability, youth and officer safety, and public trust; opponents argued the bill would not solve deeper problems in juvenile halls and raised concerns about officer discretion, privacy, and labor issues. The bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote. AB 1902 by Assembly Member Pellerin, co-sponsored by Santa Cruz County, would revise the juvenile detention extension hearing process in response to the Madison Middleton case. Supporters, including the victim’s mother and county officials, said the bill would clarify jurisdiction, allow continuances, permit hearsay at the probable cause stage, extend the maximum detention period, and better protect the public and victims from repeated trauma. Opponents from public defender, youth justice, and civil liberties groups argued the bill expands civil commitment, reduces review frequency, and could lead to inappropriate adult placement. The committee approved the bill to Appropriations, with some members noting remaining concerns. AB 2052 by Assembly Member Stephanie would allow continuity in prosecution for elder and dependent adult abuse cases, including a limited continuance so the same prosecutor can stay with a case. Supporters said older victims and those with dementia or other impairments benefit from a single point of contact and less repeated trauma; opponents said the bill could undermine speedy-trial rights and was broader than necessary. The bill passed to Judiciary. AB 1588, also by Assembly Member Stephanie, would strengthen sideshow and street takeover enforcement by adding motorcycles and dirt bikes to the law and increasing penalties. Supporters framed it as a public safety and accountability measure, while opponents warned it would expand punishment, surveillance, and fines without addressing root causes; the bill was sent to Transportation on a roll call vote. AB 1753, another Stephanie bill, would tighten firearm relinquishment and protective-order enforcement, expand remote hearing access, and align firearm prohibitions across protective order categories; it passed to Judiciary. The committee also heard AB 1739 by Assembly Member Ward, which would criminalize clergy sexual exploitation when clergy provide therapeutic services, with survivors and advocates testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• That pretty much the consensus. So I think that's the consensus, and as chair, my apologies.
• </c><01:37:25.679><c> So</c><01:37:25.840><c> I</c> &gt;&gt; that pretty much the consensus.
• So I &gt;&gt; that pretty much the consensus.
• So I think<01:37:26.159><c> that's</c><01:37:26.480><c> the</c><01:37:26.800><c> consensus</c><01:37:
• 27.440><c> and</c><01:37:28.320><c> as</c><01:37:28.639><c> chair</c> think that's the consensus and

Summary: The committee chair opened by explaining that the committee has expanded from a traditional audit-follow-up role into an oversight role focused on whether audit recommendations are implemented and whether controls are in place to detect fraud. He said the committee was concerned about fraud uncovered in social service programs in other states and wanted to understand New Hampshire’s safeguards, especially around major contracts and program performance. Charles Buchanan, director of the New Hampshire Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and investigator Tim Brackett described the unit’s structure and mission. Buchanan said the unit, housed in the Attorney General’s Criminal Justice Bureau, investigates and prosecutes fraud by health care providers serving Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of residents in health care facilities. He outlined common Medicaid fraud schemes such as billing for services not rendered, upcoding, using unqualified staff, drug substitution, kickbacks, supplemental charges, and inflated customary charges. He also described resident abuse/neglect and drug diversion in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living settings. Brackett said his role is financial investigator/auditor and noted the unit is grant-funded and must include a prosecutor, investigator, and auditor. The witnesses then explained how cases reach the unit and how they are handled. Most referrals come from the state Department of Health and Human Services’ program integrity unit and from managed care organizations’ special investigations units, which look for fraud, waste, and abuse and refer credible allegations. Other sources include qui tam whistleblower actions, the national Medicaid Fraud Control Units association, citizen complaints, provider referrals, adult protective services law-enforcement referrals, local law enforcement, and federal agencies. Once a referral is received, the unit can accept or deny it; accepted matters may be investigated criminally or civilly, while nonviable matters can be referred back to HHS or other agencies for administrative action, including repayment demands and reimbursement offsets. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We think there is merit in trying to develop even stronger consensus on that type of approach as the
• </c><00:18:10.799><c> We</c><00:18:11.120><c> appreciate</c><00:18:11.520><c> the</c> through consensus
• We appreciate the through consensus.
• </c><00:18:38.320><c> on</c><00:18:38.559><c> that</c> develop even stronger consensus on that develop
• even stronger consensus on that type<00:18:38.880><c> of</c><00:18:39.039><c> approach</c><00:18:39.440

Transcript Highlights:

• that we have to do things a certain way because it's in SB 210 is fine, except SB 210 did not have consensus
• c><00:37:13.599><c> there's</c><00:37:13.920><c> not</c><00:37:14.000><c> a</c><00:37:14.160><c> consensus
• </c> except SB210 did there's not a consensus except SB210 did there's not a consensus in<00:37:14.880
• </c><05:46:45.520><c> of</c><05:46:45.840><c> both</c><05:46:46.638><c> uh</c> are because the consensus
• of both uh are because the consensus of both uh parties<05:46:47.120><c> in</c><05:46:47.360><c> the

Summary: The House Education Policy and Administration Committee met to hear a non-germane amendment to House Bill 131, which concerns bullying and cyberbullying prevention. Representative Glenn Cordelli, the prime sponsor, said the amendment was intended to revise and improve language from last year’s SB 210 and to incorporate measures from a cyberbullying bill previously passed by the House. He described changes to school communication requirements, mandatory reporting of bullying and retaliation, stronger investigation and collaboration requirements for cross-district cases, added safety and remediation language, a required conference with the alleged perpetrator and parents if available, updated reporting deadlines, and disciplinary consequences for harassment, intimidation, retaliation, and false reports. He also noted a later amendment would be needed to insert the words “the perpetrator” in one section, and he explained that some changes were meant to align with prior legislation and legislative drafting suggestions. Committee members raised several concerns. Representative Murray questioned the treatment of private and parochial schools, the change from gross negligence to negligence, and the removal of a definition of bullying based on imbalance of power and perceived characteristics. Representative Damon also objected to deleting that definition, arguing it would narrow the scope of bullying too much. Representative Han spoke in opposition, saying the amendment was too broad, unnecessary in parts, and not ready for final action; he criticized the removal of the imbalance-of-power language, the conference requirement when parents may not participate, and the reporting obligations for bus drivers and others. Cordelli responded that some issues were already addressed in prior law or SB 210 and that private schools have their own policies. Michelle Wongran of New Hampshire Legal Assistance testified in opposition, saying the bill was being heard without enough notice and that it does far more than the committee analysis suggests. She said the amendment adds undefined retaliation language, imposes reporting duties on school vendors and contractors, may conflict with FERPA and other federal privacy rules, and includes provisions that could have serious implications for schools and students. She said she supports parental involvement and some conference provisions in concept, but urged the committee to reject the amendment or at least send it through the normal legislative process for fuller review. No vote was taken during the hearing portion described in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• The language is precise, thoughtful, has consensus, I think, of all stakeholders, and addresses some
• The language is precise, thoughtful, has consensus, I think, of all stakeholders, and addresses some
• The language is precise, thoughtful, has consensus, I think, of all stakeholders, and addresses some
• The language is precise, thoughtful, has consensus, I think, of all stakeholders, and addresses some
• The language is precise, thoughtful, has consensus, I think, of all stakeholders, and addresses some

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, these changes are important because domestic violence victims who are in a consensually sexual
• sexual victims who are in a consensually sexual but<00:07:15.919><c> non-romantic</c><00:07:16.880><
• Uh if it's a non-consensual search, &gt;&gt; No.
• But if it's a non-consensual etc.
• But if it's a non-consensual search,<01:40:20.480><c> a</c><01:40:20.880><c> search</c><01:40:21.119>

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety