Transcript Highlights:

• We could get that from a private vendor. There's no question we'd have to pay for it.
• For example, that's nothing that even the best private vendor could do.
• For example, that's nothing that even the best private vendor could do.
• </c><00:31:00.919><c> of</c> haven't mentioned is the vendors of haven't mentioned is the vendors of
• </c> adopted rule except in the cases of rate adopted rule except in the cases of rate setting<01:32:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So there's the pet vendor license in the State of New Hampshire. I closed my rescue in 2020.
• Landowners put land in current use; they get a reduced tax rate.
• the assessment rate based on what an acre of land generates for revenue, based on timber growth.
• the assessment rate based on what an acre of land generates for revenue, based on timber growth.
• </c> affordable housing that's market rate affordable housing that's market rate yes<01:15:36.960><c>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have to officially set a millage rate by resolution or ordinance.
• I was here for all of that with a vendor, a nationwide vendor, and then came back in 2008 back to the
• County commissioners set the millage rates, which is part of that. But you set the valuation.
• So county commissioners set the millage rates, which is part of that. But you set the valuation.
• Suggs, one final question on the rollback rate.

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee met to review how county budgets are developed and how constitutional officers fit into that process. Davin Suggs of the Florida Association of Counties gave an overview of county budgeting, explaining the statutory framework, the role of property taxes and TRIM notices, the fiscal-year timeline, fund balances and reserves, and the Department of Revenue’s oversight. He emphasized that county budgets include the board’s budget plus the budgets of constitutional officers, and that relationships and communication are critical to resolving budget issues. A panel of constitutional officers then described their offices’ budget processes and responsibilities: Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons discussed law enforcement budgeting and the importance of negotiated agreements with county commissions; Alachua County Property Appraiser Aisha Solomon explained the June 1 budget deadline, valuation methods, and the appeal process for property assessments; Manatee County Clerk and Comptroller Angelina Coleniso outlined the clerk’s court and finance duties, the county-side budget process, and the clerk’s personal liability under section 129.09 for unlawful expenditures; Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark Early described the cyclical nature of election costs, staffing, equipment, and the impact of turnout and election law changes; and Columbia County Tax Collector Kyle Keene explained that tax collectors’ budgets are reviewed by the Department of Revenue, with fee offices funding themselves through service charges and budget offices relying on county support. Members asked about personal liability for unlawful spending, conflicts between clerks and county commissions, property valuation and storm damage adjustments, reserve levels, and whether tax collectors can retain excess fees. Responses noted that clerks must refuse illegal expenditures, property appraisers use market-based assessments with VAB and court review available, counties should maintain healthy fund balances for cash flow and emergencies, and tax collectors generally must zero out year-end balances and distribute excess revenues to taxing authorities. The committee took no votes and adjourned after thanking the panelists for their testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've hired a third-party vendor.
• The vendor presented a specific timeline of events in order to interact with and engage specifically
• </c><00:20:09.760><c> third</c><00:20:10.039><c> party</c><00:20:10.280><c> vendor</c> thirdparty vendor
• third party vendor thirdparty vendor third party vendor presented<00:20:12.200><c> um</c><00:20:12.600
• </c> um those areas that are in dark rate um those areas that are in dark rate have<01:27:32.880><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• However, the state does not require law enforcement agencies to vet these firearm vendors or even ensure
• As stated, it is important that taxpayer dollars go to responsible vendors, especially when we're talking
• And unfortunately, identifying responsible vendors hasn't been as easy as you'd think.
• Are we finding that some of the agencies that are working with some of these vendors have had problems
• A study of 3 million workers found female employees left their jobs at nearly three times the rate of

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely in support and some opposition on a few measures. AB 458 would direct the Department of General Services, in consultation with the Department of Justice, to develop model procurement guidelines for state purchases of firearms, ammunition, and accessories so agencies avoid vendors that violate gun laws; law enforcement and San Francisco representatives supported it, and members discussed adding oversight and vetting. AB 1729 would update state telework policy by requiring written telework plans for return-to-office decisions and restoring public reporting on telework savings; supporters cited cost savings, productivity, climate benefits, and worker flexibility, while the author clarified it would not alter collective bargaining under the Dills Act. AB 1754 would require post-completion reporting on bond-funded programs’ goals and outcomes; supporters framed it as a transparency and accountability measure, while counties and water agencies opposed it unless amended, warning of added bureaucracy, delays, and litigation risk. AB 1841 would create a paid state holiday recognizing California Native American Day, and AB 2115 would issue a formal legislative apology to California’s first peoples and install a commemorative plaque at the Capitol; both drew strong tribal and labor support and broad committee praise, with members emphasizing education, historical acknowledgment, and healing. AB 2211 would allow craft distillers to operate a satellite room and use certain alcohol modifiers on premises, and AB 1991 would authorize wineries, breweries, and craft distilleries to conduct sensory tastings for research with guardrails; both had industry support, with AB 1991 drawing one opposition voice from Alcohol Justice. AB 1578 would require elected officials to take anti-hate speech training as part of existing sexual harassment training; it drew sharp First Amendment objections from opponents and mixed committee views, but the motion to send it to Appropriations passed on a recorded vote. The committee also heard AB 1807, which would bar state-owned property from being used for federal immigration enforcement operations; the author and supporters argued it would protect communities and prevent state complicity in federal actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• In committee, it sounded to me that there was only one vendor that does this, so it kind of lends to
• a vendor-supported bill, which I'm not in favor of.
• one vendor, then I have big concerns about this.
• There is indeed more than one vendor, and I'll get the exact number. So this is not a vendor bill.
• There is indeed more than one vendor, and I'll get the exact number. So this is not a vendor bill.

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, welcomed Judges Day guests and other visitors, and read a proclamation recognizing March 2026 as Social Work Month. Members also made brief introductions of guests and the doctor of the day, Dr. Philip Williams. The chamber then moved through a long Committee of the Whole agenda, taking up numerous bills with committee and floor amendments, most of them receiving do-pass or due-pass recommendations after brief explanations and some debate. Notable discussion included HB 2444, where several members raised concerns about pharmacist-led care, patient safety, and rural health impacts, while the sponsor argued it would expand affordable access to care; HB 2726, which drew comments about a new sleep apnea device and whether it was a vendor-driven proposal; HB 2991, a bipartisan effort to address social media harms to children; and HB 4070, a bill framed as a “corporate death penalty” approach to combat sex trafficking. Other measures addressed kinship placement in child welfare, midwifery oversight, vulnerable adult protections, tuition waivers for children of disabled veterans, license plate omnibus language, and county and education-related issues. After the Committee of the Whole reported, the House adopted the report and assigned measures for engrossing. The chamber then proceeded to third reading votes on several bills. HB 2123, dealing with financial institutions and gold/silver legal tender, failed on a 24-28 vote after an excusal request was granted to one member with a financial conflict. HB 2270, concerning county authority and sheriff’s posse dissolution procedures, passed 50-3. HB 2324, creating a state fire marshal-related provision, passed 53-0, as did HB 2404 on mental health services. HB 2495 on sentencing failed 26-27. HB 2557 on patient records passed 37-16, HB 2574 on traffic violation appeals passed 52-0, HB 2594 on domestic relations and address confidentiality passed 44-9, HB 2611 on child welfare passed 51-0, HB 2681 on the county employee merit system passed 53-0, and HB 2697 also passed 51-0. The session continued into additional votes beyond the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• In committee, it sounded to me that there was only one vendor that does this, so it kind of lends to
• a vendor-supported bill, which I'm not in favor of.
• one vendor, then I have big concerns about this.
• There is indeed more than one vendor, and I'll get the exact number. So this is not a vendor bill.
• There is indeed more than one vendor, and I'll get the exact number. So this is not a vendor bill.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• it posted for 30 days with the expectation and the hope of, like other agencies, having a pool of vendors
• So that if there's ever a capacity issue or a conflicts issue, there would be plenty of vendors to choose
• So competitive, it was sent to 76 vendors that can do this. Two responded. RFD won the award.
• Accumulative inflation rate for the consumer price index that's used for costs. the living adjustments
• He is barred from accepting employment with that vendor before the second anniversary of the date the

Keywords: Texas Ethics Commission, HB18, SB12, political contributions, civil penalties, Attorney General, criminal election offenses, legislation

Summary: In the latest meeting of the Texas Ethics Commission, significant discussions centered around newly passed legislation, specifically HB18 and SB12. HB18 introduces a civil penalty for members who accept political contributions while absent from the state, addressing potential obstructions to legislative actions. Senators and commissioners engaged in an in-depth dialogue about the implications of this bill, with many expressing concerns regarding enforcement and compliance. In contrast, SB12 expands the jurisdiction of the Attorney General to prosecute criminal election offenses, further tightening the oversight of election activities. The meeting concluded with acknowledgement of the efforts put forth by previous commission chairs, highlighting their contributions to the commission's success.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not a vendor. It's something developed for us.
• It's not a vendor. It's something developed for us.
• those vendors anywhere from 8% to 20%, depending on the vendor.
• I had to do it every year, so I'm not—it doesn't matter to me if this is a different vendor.
• ...have a piece from that vendor or whoever we would hire to do that.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, if you are driving an OHV, you can pay a flat rate of $3.
• Currently, you can, if you are driving an OHV, pay a flat rate of $3.
• Do you know how many vendors are out there?
• If I was going out shopping, do you know how many vendors I could go and see for the different OHVs?
• Do you know how many vendors are out there?

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• DESE was responsible for finding the vendor and overseeing the program, which was funded through a budget
• If the student did not progress and pass the course, the vendor does not get paid.
• It would still be a pay-for-performance model at a rate of 14% of the state adequacy target per course
• The model would be at a rate of 14% of the state adequacy target per course, with a total not to exceed
• We pay the vendor on a per-course completion model, so it's outcome-based.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 3239, which would make the Missouri Workforce Diploma Program permanent and move it into the MoCAP framework. Representative Hurlbert and supporters said the program has helped about 1,200 adults earn diplomas, mostly women with children, and that it improves employment and health coverage outcomes. Members raised concerns about funding, the use of the foundation formula, and how the program differs from existing adult education options. Supporters said it is tuition-free, pay-for-performance, and intended for adults with a short path to graduation; no vote was taken on the bill. The committee then took up House Bills 2335 and 2230/2978 in executive session. HB 2335, dealing with teacher training, was amended and then given a do pass recommendation by a 19-0 vote. HB 2230 and 2978, as amended, were also approved do pass by an 18-1 vote after extensive discussion of the Student Screen Time Standards Act, including limits on screen time, a new advisory council, and a related cursive-writing amendment. Members generally supported the direction of the substitute, while some raised questions about local control, implementation, and the role of experts. Later, Representatives Irwin and Steinhoff presented House Bills 2913 and 3228, which would provide legal protection for teachers who intervene in violent situations to protect students or themselves. Supporters said the bills would reduce fear of liability and encourage reasonable intervention, while committee members and witnesses discussed possible limits, training, whether the protection should extend to other school staff, and how the proposal interacts with existing discipline and restraint rules. Public testimony was largely supportive, with school and teacher groups asking for clearer definitions and coordination with federal law; no vote was taken. The committee also heard House Bill 2304, which would require parental consent before major changes to a child’s special education placement or services. The sponsor and advocates said it strengthens parent involvement and collaboration, while members questioned delays, due process, safety exceptions, and the effect on school operations. Testimony from advocates and parents supported the bill, and the hearing concluded without action.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's simply not been enough vendors and contractors.
• Chair and Senator, and a very robust plan on expanding the number of vendors.
• So we'll have vendors in both of our major basins that can do this.
• Is that going to help with the vendors?
• It's great for families to get access to more affordable rates for private health insurance.

Bills: HB2, SB152

Keywords: general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion

Summary: The committee heard a series of capital, bond, environmental, economic development, juvenile justice, and health care bills. Senate Bill 240, the capital outlay package, was presented as a $1.3 billion statewide appropriation, including discretionary capital projects and agency projects; after questions about CYFD projects and House/Senate capital allocations, the committee voted do pass on the committee substitute. House Bill 248, the general obligation bond package totaling about $392.5 million for senior centers, libraries, higher education, and tribal projects, also received a do pass after questions about project vetting, bond timing, and school bus funding. House Bill 80, which increases the share of oil and gas conservation tax revenue going to the Oil and Gas Reclamation Fund to speed orphan well plugging and site cleanup, drew strong support from business, environmental, and industry groups; members discussed funding balances, procurement bottlenecks, and the distinction between abandoned and orphan wells before voting do pass. House Bill 184, making technical fixes to the Conservation Legacy Permanent Fund and related distribution rules, passed with little debate. The committee also heard Senate Bill 172, which expands the TRIGGER program allowing companies to access national laboratory expertise; supporters from the labs, the governor’s office, universities, and business groups cited job creation, follow-on investment, and commercialization gains, while one senator raised concerns about the long extension of the program. The bill passed do pass. House Bill 95, creating a judge for the First and Second Judicial Districts, was described as matching a previously heard Senate bill and passed do pass. Senate Bill 165, a major juvenile justice bill, generated the most extensive debate: the sponsor said it updates the juvenile code, raises the age for certain serious offenses, extends services for youth sentenced as adults, and expands community corrections; law enforcement supported it, while the Public Defender, youth advocates, the ACLU, and a Bernalillo County commissioner opposed it, arguing it expands adult sentencing and relies too heavily on incarceration. Despite those objections, the committee voted do pass. Finally, House Bill 4, which increases the Health Care Affordability Fund distribution to support premium assistance and related coverage programs, was amended so that a portion of the premium surtax would go to the Behavioral Health Program Fund and any unexpended balance would revert to the affordability fund. Supporters from BeWell, health advocacy groups, the insurance office, and homeless services said the bill would protect coverage gains and help offset federal changes; members asked about the amendment’s effect on the behavioral health fund and the bill’s flexibility if revenues decline. The amendment was adopted, and discussion on the bill continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• and they get to create their product, and then they get to sell their product alongside other local vendors
• They get to sell their product alongside other local vendors at a farmer's market hosted by the library
• They allow local vendors to come, sell their products, and engage with one another.
• McKinley County's labor force participation rate hovers around 50%, which I'm sure you recognize is well
• While our unemployment rate is said to be about 3.4%, it often feels closer to zero when employers of

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy presentation from the New Mexico Rural Library Initiative in support of fully funding the rural library endowment with an additional $29.5 million. The presenters described rural libraries as essential community infrastructure that provide not only books and internet access, but also early childhood programs, adult education, workforce support, telehealth, disaster response, and civic meeting space. They argued that the endowment would provide stable annual support for staffing and operations, help sustain libraries in very small towns and tribal communities, and support new or developing libraries. Members asked about eligibility, county coverage, how funds are distributed, and whether the state tracks broader outcomes such as job placements or certifications; the presenters said the State Library administers the funds and that the initiative itself is a nonprofit capacity-building organization, not the fund manager. Some members raised concerns about whether an endowment is the best long-term model versus recurring annual appropriations, and about the need for better reporting and state-library involvement. The committee then heard from food bank leaders Jill Dixon and Katie Anderson about food security and its economic impact. They said New Mexico’s five food banks and more than 500 partner agencies serve all 33 counties, distribute over 45 million meals, and rely mostly on philanthropy, with some state and local support. They emphasized that SNAP is a major economic driver, supporting grocery access, jobs, and local spending, and that recent legislative growth funding helped food banks respond to a surge in demand during a SNAP disruption. They also highlighted food banks as community hubs that can connect people to health care, job training, and other services, including through clinic referrals and closed-loop systems. In response to questions, they said food access gaps remain in some rural areas, that clients can generally seek food at other distribution sites without barriers, and that longer-term solutions should include more grocery access, healthy corner stores, and stronger broadband and health care infrastructure. The final presentations came from the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce. Gallup-McKinley described a shrinking workforce, youth outmigration, crime, health care shortages, malpractice costs, and gross receipts tax burdens as major barriers to rural economic growth, and urged action on workforce pipelines, housing, public safety, malpractice reform, and tax/regulatory changes. Artesia highlighted its murals, library, sports tradition, oil and gas, agriculture, federal training center, and refinery, while also noting workforce shortages, health care recruitment challenges, housing constraints, and the need for quality-of-life investments and more flexible regulation. The committee also briefly heard a bill presentation proposing a New Mexico-Ireland Trade Commission to promote bilateral trade and investment, especially in technology, agriculture, and energy sectors. No votes were taken because quorum was not reached, and the endorsement item was not acted on.

Transcript Highlights:

• That money from the vendor.
• From the vendor with the state level, that'd be a better question for a resource about exactly. how that
• There's no support to help. us advocate that when it's for a prescription medication that vendor drug
• the rate would be.
• No, I'm okay with the rate because the representative said it was about two to three thousand dollars

Bills: HB2646, HB3941, HB5153, HB5155, HB5394, HB 1106, HB426, HB4529, HB3984, HB4273, HB 1097, HB3940, HB1941, HB4377, HB3153

Keywords: child care, task force, high-quality care, affordability, prekindergarten partnerships, foster care, transitional living, Medicaid reform, youth assistance, independent living, services for youth, employment training, educational support, mental health services, health care, public health, child health program, reimbursement, local health entities, maternal health

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> assessments for homeowners, fewer vendor assessments for homeowners, fewer vendor options<00:28:
• </c> management company sided with vendors management company sided with vendors when<00:37:15.680><c
• We have since gotten rid of vendors.
• vendors vendors that<00:37:55.680><c> was</c><00:37:55.920><c> left</c><00:37:56.160><c> behind</c><
• </c> property, they've got what 10 days rate property, they've got what 10 days rate of<00:53:47.119>

Bills: SF1750, HF704, HF3479

Keywords: common interest community, CIC, homeowners association, HOA, condominium, planned community, cooperative, unit owner, association board, declarant, declarant control, special declarant rights, assessment lien, foreclosure, late fees, fines, attorney fees, resale disclosure, annual report, maintenance plan

Transcript Highlights:

• I also talked about bringing on an external claims vendor to help...
• Access responded that the rate study focused on the fee-for-service rates.
• Those are the only rates that Access pays directly to providers.
• MCOs are not required to base their rates on the MCO's fee schedule.
• MCOs are not required to base their rates on the MCO's fee schedule.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• money for our pre-K-12 students, overtaking it from our Missouri schools to give to out-of-state vendors
• money for our pre-K-12 students, overtaking it from our Missouri schools to give to out-of-state vendors
• take a home that is a residential dwelling, that is zoned residential, and tax it at the commercial rate
• take a home that is a residential dwelling, that is zoned residential, and tax it at the commercial rate
• If they're using it for a business, it should be taxed at a corporate rate.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House met with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the House Journal for the 45th day by a vote of 124-1, and welcomed several student groups and advocacy visitors, including elementary students, Rotary Interact clubs, pediatric advocates, and other special guests. Committee reports were then read, recommending passage of several deferred bills and substitutes. The chamber then took up a series of budget and capital-improvement measures. House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 were debated and passed, covering reappropriations, maintenance and repair, new capital projects, and remaining ARPA federal pandemic funds. Members generally supported the bills, though some raised concerns about general revenue spending and the use of one-time infrastructure funds. The House also adopted Senate changes and finally passed House Bill 2641 on hemp/cannabis-related regulation, and House Bill 2423, which was described as giving the Department of Finance tools to retain staff and expand capacity. Several policy bills were also debated and passed. House Bill 1919 aligned Department of Revenue electronic filing thresholds with IRS rules; House Bill 3239, on the Workforce Diploma Program, was defeated after concerns about cost and shifting K-12 funds to adult education; House Bills 1768 and 2016 passed on short-term rental property tax classification despite concerns about local flexibility; House Bill 1855 passed to add alpha-gal syndrome to reportable conditions; House Bill 2355 passed to create a Food is Medicine waiver pilot; House Bills 1717 and 1643 passed to establish a controlled psilocybin therapy program for veterans and first responders; House Bill 2372 passed as a broad health care package; House Bill 2408 passed to remove limits on the Deaf-Blind Fund; House Bill 3113 passed to require naloxone in public buildings and designate Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month; House Bill 3000 passed to prevent changing audit goalposts for political subdivisions; House Bill 2898 passed to restore land bank tools; and House Bill 1740 passed as “Melanie’s Law,” increasing penalties for serious intoxicated-driving offenses and adding ignition interlock requirements. House Bill 2760, the “Praise Act,” also passed after debate over equal treatment of houses of worship during emergencies, though the transcript ends amid further discussion on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the error rate means penalties. So that's going to be additional costs.
• It's really important because we get very low base rates in our Medi-Cal program.
• a much lower rate that will not cover true costs.
• At a much lower rate that will not cover true costs.
• We also just completed an RFP process to select an outreach vendor, and that vendor has been selected

Summary: The subcommittee heard an extended briefing on the impacts of H.R. 1 on Medi-Cal and CalFresh, followed by testimony from the Legislative Analyst’s Office and county officials. DHCS described major Medi-Cal changes in H.R. 1, including work/community engagement requirements, six-month redeterminations, reduced federal matching for some emergency services, narrower immigrant eligibility, reduced retroactive coverage, and limits on provider taxes and directed payments. CDSS outlined CalFresh changes, especially the expanded able-bodied adults without dependents time limit, reduced exemptions and waivers, and the new federal-state-county administrative cost split. Both departments emphasized implementation plans, automation, outreach, and county coordination, while acknowledging significant expected coverage losses and administrative burden. The LAO and an independent policy expert discussed how H.R. 1 could increase demand on county indigent care systems and public hospitals as people lose Medi-Cal. They reviewed the history of county indigent care, 1991 realignment, and AB 85, explaining that counties already rely on a patchwork of funding and that current realignment revenues are often used for public health rather than indigent care. They warned that counties may face large increases in uninsured residents, with wide variation in how counties respond, and raised concerns about equity, financing, and whether a more standardized state-county program should be created. Committee members pressed witnesses on county funding, exemptions, homelessness, older adults, undocumented residents, and the effect of administrative burden versus true ineligibility. County representatives from Los Angeles, Santa Clara, Tulare, and San Bernardino described the expected local impacts and asked for additional state support. They said H.R. 1 would drive major losses in Medi-Cal and CalFresh enrollment, increase uncompensated care, strain eligibility staff, and worsen homelessness and food insecurity. Several counties urged the Legislature to fund eligibility workers, preserve enrollment, and consider a CalFresh match waiver; Santa Clara and San Bernardino also cited local tax measures and staffing reductions already underway. No formal vote or committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> and</c> have issues with rate negotiations and have issues with rate negotiations and things<00:
• And so that's where the IT and the implementation side comes in as far as the 50/50 rate.
• That's all we get on federal match rates for admin services now.
• So I hope I'm answering all three of your questions appropriately as to your rates.
• That's all we get on federal match rates for admin services now.

Keywords: Due to a technical issue in the room, the quality of the stream will be diminished. We apologize for the inconvenience. Meeting start 00:00:00 Roll Call 00:02:00 SB 61 Discussion Only 00:03:25 SB 13 Discussion Only 00:07:19 SJR 25 Discussion 00:25:33 SJR 25 Vote 00:28:40 SB 61 Discussion Only 00:29:44, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 61, relating to swimming pools, but initially had no representative from the governor’s office or cabinet available to explain the fiscal estimate. Senators questioned why the executive branch’s estimate was $4.25 million to $8.5 million while the committee’s internal fiscal note showed little or no impact. When Department for Public Health staff later joined, they explained their estimate was based on a roughly $85,000 cost for a large outbreak investigation, using a 2014 outbreak as a benchmark, and said the bill could increase workload and outside laboratory costs if private swimming pools became more common as rental properties. They reported 822 waterborne cases in 2024, with 8 tied to private swimming pools, and later corrected an earlier figure to 14 private-pool-related investigations over five years. Senators pressed on the discrepancy between those numbers and the projected 50 to 100 incidents, and staff said the higher figure was a ballpark estimate. The discussion also clarified that private pools are generally excluded by definition, while pools held out for rent may be treated as public pools under current definitions. No vote on SB 61 was taken in the portion provided. The committee then heard Senate Bill 13, concerning the reprocurement of managed care organizations for Medicaid. Department for Medicaid Services officials said the bill would require work on a new RFP, system changes, and oversight improvements, and estimated the cost at $2.8 million based on prior procurement spending of about $2.5 million in 2018-2019, with a 10% growth adjustment. They explained that the work is administrative and therefore matched at 50/50 federal-state funding, not the 80/20 rate used for benefits, and said the expense would be incurred whether the bill passed or not if the state proceeded with an RFP. Senators discussed possible savings from reducing the number of MCOs from five to three, but agency staff said those savings were hard to quantify and that provider and member disruption could create offsetting costs. The committee later moved on to Senate Joint Resolution 25, which would ask the Revenue Department to report on the cost of issuing farmers a wallet-sized tax-exempt card instead of a paper certificate. The resolution was adopted by roll call, with all members present voting aye, and it was reported favorably to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:00:43.599><c> case</c> facing software by filing a rate case facing software by filing a rate
• Uh the Medicaid provider rates by 3%.
• . rating. rating. um<06:02:38.400><c> um</c><06:02:38.638><c> for</c><06:02:38.878><c> several</c><06
• </c> have an effect on our future ratings. have an effect on our future ratings. one<06:02:59.920><c>
• </c> methodologies that the bond rating methodologies that the bond rating institutions<06:04:25.400>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 66, a right-to-know measure that would broaden access from “citizen” to “person,” including out-of-state requesters. Members also adopted an amendment removing the current no-filing-fee provision for appeals of unfavorable right-to-know ombudsman rulings, citing budget concerns. The bill was then reported ought to pass as amended on a 16-9 vote, with a minority report requested. House Bill 187, which would let a parent or guardian seek a protective order on behalf of a minor alleging abuse by someone outside the family or household, was described as a narrow fix with little fiscal impact. It passed unanimously, 25-0, and was placed on the consent calendar. House Bill 215, requiring landfill permit applicants to submit a report on potential harms and benefits, was retained because its policy had been folded into House Bill 2; the committee voted 25-0 to retain it. House Bill 219, dealing with renewable portfolio standard changes and lower renewable energy certificate values, drew opposition from members who said it would weaken renewable energy development and raise concerns about energy costs, but the motion to retain was adopted 14-11, allowing the bill to be moved into House Bill 2. The committee then retained House Bills 365, 552, 566, 572, 607, 611, and 624, all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes, generally because the relevant policy or funding had been incorporated into House Bill 2 or because the bills were viewed as technical or low-impact. HB 566 was described as a landfill leach-management bill with a fiscal note under $10,000 annually and was sent to consent. HB 572 and HB 607 were retained because their money components were moved into HB 2, though one member objected that HB 607 represented an unfunded mandate for the Hampton Beach Area Commission. House Bill 511, concerning ICE detainers and county detention practices, generated the most debate. Supporters said the amendment clarified how long counties may hold detainees without a federal contract and compared the detention period to existing bail rules; opponents argued the bill could sanction detention of people not charged with crimes and raised due-process concerns. The committee adopted the amendment 14-11 and then reported the bill ought to pass as amended on another 14-11 vote, with a minority report requested. House Bill 639, involving securities and digital currency issues, was also reported ought to pass after members noted unresolved concerns but said the Secretary of State’s Securities Division was willing to continue working on it in the other body; the vote was 16-10.