Video & Transcript Research : 'regular sessions'
Page 70 of 500
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division I (02/24/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Again, that was approved last during the last legislative session.
- <04:20:06.080>
so during the last legislative session so during the last legislative session - We've already provided this session testimony on 18 bills to date.
- session um already provided this session um testimony<04:49:00.760>
on <04:49:00.958>18 <05:36:44.160>on sake of posting We Meet on a regular on sake of posting We Meet on a regular
Summary:
The committee first heard the Banking Department’s fiscal year 2026-2027 budget presentation from Commissioner Amelia Galeri. She described the department as a self-funded consumer protection regulator overseeing two main areas: the Banking Trust Division, which supervises state-chartered banks, credit unions, and trust companies, and the Consumer Credit Division, which oversees more than 7,000 licensees including mortgage and money transmitter businesses. She said the department’s budget is about 86% salaries and benefits, with 53 positions all filled, and explained that the agency funds itself through fees, fines, and end-of-year assessments on regulated entities.
Galeri said the department is facing workload growth from several directions: continued growth in the trust industry, increased fintech supervision, and a new requirement to regularly examine auto dealers that take finance applications, which adds about 300 exams over two fiscal years. She said the department was directed to flat-fund its budget based on 2025 levels but was allowed to increase travel and training. To stay within that limit, she said the department reduced office space, went paperless, converted administrative and licensing positions into examiner positions, and expects to defund an embedded DOJ database administrator position once a new SharePoint system is fully implemented.
Members asked about how the department’s revenue and assessments work, including whether fees were increasing and how much existing banks would pay. Galeri said fees are not being raised, most banks pay little or no fines, and assessments are based largely on asset size, with trust companies paying the bulk. She also explained that fines are set by statute, generally capped at $2,500 per violation for consumer credit entities, and said she would not recommend increasing that cap. The committee then voted to accept the Banking Department’s budget proposal as presented in HQ1, with a motion and second and no discussion.
The transcript then moved to the Department of Energy budget. Commissioner Jared Chakin and Chief of Operations Lenny Radio discussed federal program funding, including LIHEAP fuel assistance and weatherization. They said the apparent drop in fuel assistance funding from FY 2024 actuals to the budgeted amount is due to the loss of ARPA and CARES Act supplemental funds, while weatherization remains a federally constrained program with a waiting list and limited flexibility. Members also asked about a proposed transfer from the renewable energy fund; staff said the transfer would still allow the department to carry out its statutory duties for the year, though the committee deferred deeper discussion until House Bill 2.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Convening of a joint session. Move for Convening of a joint session.
- Sessions relating to Mobile County. Sessions relating to Mobile County.
- Seemed like sessions appreciate that. Seemed like sessions appreciate that.
- So, you know, a regular cigarette and and you know, a regular cigarette and and you know, a regular cigarette
- Seeing people um on a regular, right? Seeing people um on a regular, right?
Keywords:
appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, state budget, mental health funding, education funding, infrastructure improvements, public safety, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Actually, substitute HB 216 is clarifying a bill that was passed last session.
- You are one of the two people that wrote me back in the 86 session.
- And somebody that's a child versus somebody that's older versus a regular person that I'm not a regular
- By the end of the session, I'm going to have a that word damn.
- I think it's going to help us make decisions, maybe not for this session, but for next session.
Bills:
HB5141, HB4638, HB2264, HB2035, HB4813, HB4408, HB2684, HB1621, HB2300, HB216, HB3829, HB4466, HB1747, HB2284, HB3614, HB2587, HB3219, HB3318, HB5147, HB4014, HB216
Keywords:
lease, state property, public purpose, Travis County, Health and Human Services, pharmaceutical initiative, drug distribution, healthcare services, generic drugs, advanced pharmaceuticals, cost savings, mental health, patient discharge, medical records, health care professionals, substance use, family involvement, chemical dependency, treatment facilities, minor admissions
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- For context, for those that may be new or returning after a long absence to the hearing sessions, we're
- I testified on the same bill in the last legislative session.
- I testified on the same bill in the last legislative session, and it did not pass, and I am here today
- I know last session you were instrumental in passing the substance abuse bill, which included a provision
- So this bill aligns the enormous strides taken in previous sessions to reduce harm and promote engaging
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing focused on children’s health, disease prevention, screening, treatment, and pharmacy-related bills. The chair explained that the session was for public testimony only, with no votes or decisions taken that day, and outlined the three-minute limit for individual testimony. The committee then heard testimony on a range of bills, including H. 2413 on adding electromagnetic sensitivity to the state’s MAVEN registry, S. 1508 and H. 2433 on creating an amputation prevention task force, H. 2535 and S. 1551 on establishing a naloxone purchase trust fund, S. 1635 on authorizing pharmacists to provide opioid use disorder treatment, H. 2385 on creating a special commission on avian influenza, and S. 1497 on patient safety and non-FDA-approved compounded drugs.
Testimony on H. 2413 came largely from advocates and individuals who described electromagnetic sensitivity as a real health condition and argued that adding it to the registry would improve data collection, provider education, and public awareness. Testimony on the amputation prevention task force bills came from the American Diabetes Association and podiatry groups, who said diabetes-related amputations are often preventable, disproportionately affect people of color, and could be reduced through earlier screening, better care coordination, and improved insurance coverage for preventive foot care. On the naloxone trust fund bills, a representative, emergency physician, and nurse testified that hospitals often cannot reliably send overdose patients home with naloxone because of billing and reimbursement barriers, and that a bulk-purchase fund would expand access at no added cost to payers or providers.
The committee also heard strong support for S. 1635 from pharmacists and public health researchers, who said community pharmacists could safely initiate and maintain buprenorphine treatment and help close gaps in opioid use disorder care. On H. 2385, a local board of health chair supported a special commission on avian influenza, citing gaps in emergency preparedness and the need for clearer coordination across agencies. On S. 1497, a pharmacy representative opposed restrictions on compounded drugs from outsourcing facilities, warning that changes could reduce access to life-saving medications and harm patient safety. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- We did testify last session regarding this bill.
- bill uh we did testify last session bill uh we did testify last session regarding<00:16:22.480><
- regular regular rates<00:42:08.480>
um <00:42:09.480>and <00:42:09.720>and <00:42 - <01:32:59.360>
for <01:32:59.560>anyone executive session for anyone executive session - Executive session next week okay okay e e<01:34:23.719>
for
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Administration (01/29/2026)
Legislative Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- ><00:14:31.920>
on open the executive session on open the executive session on HB<00:14:34.800 - <00:21:39.120>
on and I'll close the executive session on and I'll close the executive session - <00:49:32.000>
calendar will go on the on the regular calendar will go on the on the regular - I think if we could put this to a work session, if we’re already going to be having work sessions on
- , we could um put this to a work session, we could um put this to a work session, if<02:30:41.359
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Families and Children (6-25-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- and I knew they CEO during um session and I knew they would<00:03:08.640>
be <00:03:08.720> - Do they come out and do regular audits as a licensed camp?
- And so, for a summer session, we can serve up to 128 kids per session.
- And so, for a summer session, we can serve up to 128 kids per session.
- , we can serve up to 128 kids per session, we can serve up to 128 kids per session. session. session.
Keywords:
Call to Order and Roll Call – 00:00:24
Discussion of The Center for Courageous Kids – 00:02:46
Discussion of Adult Protective Services and State Guardianship Programs – 00:25:22
Discussion of Annual Report of the External Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Panel – 01:00:34
Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations – 01:33:41
Adjournment – 01:42:07, 958, all
Summary:
The Interim Joint Committee on Families and Children opened its first meeting with roll call and a reminder about the number of children in out-of-home care with active placements, which the chair said was 8,641 as of June 1, 2025. The committee then heard a presentation from the Center for Courageous Kids, a donor-funded camp in Scottville that serves children with lifelong illnesses and disabilities at no charge. Representatives described the camp’s year-round family retreats and summer sessions, its medically safe and inclusive model, and examples of campers gaining confidence and independence. They said the camp has served more than 43,000 campers from Kentucky, other states, and other countries, and that it is seeking legislative support for two capital projects: a new art barn and a medical lodge, with a combined request of $3.2 million. Members praised the program and asked about awareness, staffing, volunteer recruitment, accreditation, and how the projects would expand capacity; the camp said the medical lodge would help increase volunteer housing and allow future growth beyond its current summer cap of 128 campers per session.
The committee then moved to adult protective services and state guardianship programs. Jessica Wayne, director of the Division of Guardianship, and Cliff Bryant of DCBS explained the legal framework for guardianship and conservatorship, including state guardianship as a last-resort option when no family member or private entity is available or appropriate. They outlined the court petition process, emergency appointments, and the distinction between full and limited guardianship or conservatorship. They emphasized that guardianship is based on legal incapacity to make decisions, not simply on a medical disability diagnosis, and noted that state guardianship can be arranged for some 17-year-olds aging out of youth services.
The presenters said the state currently serves 4,645 individuals under guardianship, with most cases involving developmental intellectual disabilities, supported community living waiver participants, and people in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. They also described the division’s three branches: field services, which handles visits and day-to-day decisions in all 120 counties; a benefits branch that applies for public benefits; and a fiduciary branch that manages funds and pays bills. They reported 89 field workers statewide, an average caseload of 52, and said the agency is hiring to reduce that load. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It's an Senator Betancourt: identical version passed out of this committee during the regular session
- Welcome to special session.
- session, members of the Ways and Means Committee acknowledged that mandatory newspaper Kelly Rasty:
- That would be a welcome step forward for next session.
- You all passed last session Senate Bill 843 by Kolkhorst, House Bill 3526 by Capriglione, and House Bill
Keywords:
property tax, school funding, enrollment changes, inflation adjustment, tax rate notice, property tax exemption, ad valorem tax, Texas Tax Code, nonprofit corporation, charitable organization, educational nonprofit, scientific nonprofit, agriculture support, youth programs, community education, county population threshold, large county, local government revenue, leasehold interest, possessory interest
VT
Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session - 2026-02-20 - 11:30AM
Vermont Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the state and by our constituents<00:20:03.600>
on <00:20:03.840>a <00:20:04.000>regular - <00:20:04.320>
basis constituents on a regular basis constituents on a regular basis regarding - On the last night of the session, I promise to bore you all with some longer, more sentimental remarks
- President, and although we will celebrate the Pro Tem at the end of session as well, this is our first
- as well, um prom at the end of session as well, um this<00:40:56.880>
is <00:40:57.040>our
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- better each session as we've worked to improve it.
- So I ask the legislators of the 194th session: Are you listening? Our ask is for justice.
- This is an issue that affects my neighbors on a regular, often daily basis.
- Josh Cutler did it for me in the last session, and, you know, it really kind of struck...
- However, the discharges that are still a regular occurrence put all of our health at risk.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hybrid hearing with testimony on a range of environmental bills. Early testimony focused on H. 1018, which would update management of the Commonwealth’s water resources and limit new conditions on historic water registrations. Water officials from Wellesley and the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission supported the bill, arguing that drought-related restrictions on registered withdrawals are difficult to administer, create customer confusion, and can undermine utility revenue needed for infrastructure upgrades. A Massachusetts Waterworks Association representative also backed the bill, saying registered systems have long operated within their allocations and should not have those withdrawals conditioned by regulation.
A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 1040, which would ban tire-derived materials on playgrounds and playing fields. The bill’s petitioner, environmental advocates, and an environmental chemist testified that crumb rubber and other tire-derived infill can release chemicals into soil and water and may pose risks to aquatic life and public health. Committee members asked about alternatives and costs; witnesses said natural grass and some organic infills are available, though more research is needed on some substitutes. Rep. Schwartz also testified on CSO-related bills, describing combined sewer overflows as a public health and environmental problem and saying the bills set deadlines but leave implementation methods to local and regional officials. Rep. Chacolo supported H. 909, a grant program for low-noise, low-emission landscape equipment, citing worker health, noise, and emissions concerns, and Sen. Cyr testified for bills addressing coastal and environmental acidification and nutrient pollution.
The hearing also included extensive testimony on H. 4040, which would prevent discharge of radioactive materials from the Pilgrim decommissioning process. Speakers including a Sierra Club representative, a physician, and the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association opposed Holtec’s plan to dispose of radioactive wastewater through evaporation or discharge, citing public health, transparency, and economic risks to fisheries and coastal communities. Another large block of testimony addressed CSO legislation, especially H. 1046 and related bills for the MWRA service area. Environmental groups, residents, and river users described sewage overflows into the Charles, Mystic, and Alewife Brook, impacts on health and recreation, and the need for a timeline to eliminate or sharply reduce overflows. Industry representatives opposed the CSO and waste bills, arguing they would be costly, duplicative, and disruptive, while waste facility operators said they already use continuous emissions monitoring and comply with existing regulations. No votes were taken during the hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Last session, the act for the residency was favorably through the Joint Committee on Public Safety and
- This session, it's really a priority tool for us, and, you know, it makes sense for us.
- These bills are priorities of the PFFM this legislative session.
- before the end of the session.
- thank you very much thank you questions yes the legislative session.
Summary:
The committee opened its hearing with procedural remarks, including a strict three-minute testimony limit, livestream instructions, and a July 1 deadline for written testimony. Chairs Lewis and Rauch then heard testimony on a wide range of municipal home rule petitions and related bills, with many local officials and advocates being taken out of order because of the large turnout.
A major topic was firefighter residency. Representatives of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts and Sen. Keenan supported H. 2260/S. 1449, which would replace the current 15-mile residency rule for non-civil-service fire departments with a negotiable standard, generally allowing residency within 15 miles and permitting expansion through collective bargaining. Supporters said the change would improve recruitment and retention amid the housing crisis and create parity with civil-service departments. Acton Fire Chief Anita Arnhum and Sen. Senna also backed H. 4168 for Acton, making similar arguments about recruitment, paramedics, and the need for local flexibility.
The committee also heard strong support for charter overhaul petitions for Somerville and Lynn. Somerville officials, including Rep. Barber, Mayor Ballantyne, Councilor Jake Wilson, and charter committee member Beverly Schwartz, described a years-long public process to replace an 1890s-era charter with a modern document emphasizing transparency, public participation, clearer governance, and a possible change to the mayor’s term length. Lynn Mayor Nicholson similarly supported a charter update to modernize city operations and financial procedures. Cambridge-related charter and procurement reforms were also briefly endorsed by Rep. Cabral.
Other bills discussed included a proposal by Sen. Eldridge and Rep. Scarsdale to create a state grant program for municipal sustainability directors, and regional school finance bills supported by Rep. Lanatra and Jason Frazier to expand special education reserve funds and create a regional school assessment reserve fund. Acton witnesses also supported library governance changes and a checkout bag charge proposal. The committee heard sharply divided testimony on Quincy’s H. 3897, a 50-year lease extension for Quarry Hills/Granite Links: Quincy officials and business supporters praised the public-private partnership and future investment potential, while residents argued the lease was too long, should be competitively bid, and deserved more oversight and auditing. The hearing also included testimony on Boston trash truck noise restrictions and a PEG access/cable funds bill supported by Mass Access, as well as a Southwick petition to elect part of the Conservation Commission, which one select board member opposed as contrary to current law and good governance.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Will we go into executive session? We have a motion and second to go into executive session.
- We're in executive session. I see a lot of retirement faces out there. Okay.
- Moving on to the regular package, page one. Mr.
- Moving on to the regular package, today.
- We have a out of executive session?
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- session or special session of the state legislature, including any extension of any regular session
- <01:20:35.199>
session contributions during any regular session contributions during any regular - c> session any regular session or special session any regular session or special session or<01:20
- fundraisers during session already. fundraisers during session already.
- session of the Legislature, any extension of the regular session, or any special session.
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 1525, which would appropriate funds to counties to open more voter service centers for in-person voting, provide money to the Office of Elections to print and mail the voter information guide to all registered voters, and support a public outreach campaign to increase voter participation. The Office of Elections supported the bill and estimated costs of a little over $2 million to print and mail the guide and about $178,000 for outreach, noting it spent about $441,000 on election advertising in 2024. Testimony from advocacy groups including Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, Common Cause Hawaii, and Indivisible Hawaii strongly supported the measure, emphasizing access for neighbor island voters, people with disabilities, new voters, and voters who need ballot assistance.
County election officials from Honolulu, Maui, and Kauai provided comments or testimony that were more cautious. They said additional funding would be welcome, but staffing and logistics remain major constraints, especially for election-day service centers. Honolulu’s city clerk said funding alone would not necessarily solve long lines, while Maui’s county clerk explained that voter service centers require trained seasonal employees, extensive training, and the ability to handle many ballot styles. Maui also described its current pop-up sites, including Hana, as expensive but necessary for remote communities, and said the county is already running at bare minimum staffing.
Members asked questions about who decides how many service centers are opened, how staffing is handled, and whether there is a middle-ground model between the old precinct polling places and the current voter service center system. Honolulu explained that county clerks make those decisions under current law and that the county has tried pop-up sites in addition to its main centers. The discussion also noted that in 2024 most voters used vote by mail, while a smaller number used early in-person voting or final-day service centers. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota House passes the human services finance bill, HF2434 5/5/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- record systems to make sure that we don't have a problem with the IT system that we created last session
- record systems to make sure that we don't have a problem with the IT system that we created last session
- He said there were multiple bill proposals this session from both sides of the aisle trying to address
- They ran on lowering costs for<01:28:32.000>
regular for regular for regular people.<01:28:34.080 - I'm hopeful by the end of session we I'm hopeful by the end of session we will<02:33:04.640>
have<
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- The time being 10:00, we will start our work sessions.
- It's a work session.
- We need an amendment. and I'll close the executive session on and I'll close the executive session on
- session on um 1787 and 1800. session on um 1787 and 1800.
- He gives regular updates. He's guy. He gives regular updates.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-06-16 (7:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We are thankful to be here today on the last day of session, working on behalf of the people of Florida
- on the 105th day of session.
- I won't say that I'm not happy to see this session finally come to an end.
- ... ...reason during session because it needs work.
- This session has been an incredible member-driven experience.
Summary:
The House met on the final day of session, swore in Representatives Boyles and Hodgers, and observed a moment of silence for the Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as for Representative Rosenwald’s father. The chamber then moved into final budget work, with leaders outlining the plan to take up H.J.R. 5019, HB 7031, HB 5017, HB 5015, and then the general appropriations act once the Senate transmitted it. H.J.R. 5019, a proposed constitutional amendment to expand the budget stabilization fund, was explained and amended to raise the rainy day fund cap, require annual deposits, and allow withdrawals for critical state needs by a two-thirds vote; it passed 100-1.
The House then adopted the conference report on HB 7031, the tax package. The bill repeals the business rent tax and aviation fuel tax, delays the natural gas fuel tax, creates or expands several sales tax holidays and exemptions, including permanent exemptions for disaster-preparedness items, hunting/fishing/camping items, and ammunition and firearms-related purchases, and makes changes to property, corporate income, local tax, and economic development provisions. Members debated the removal of recurring housing trust fund and transit-related revenue streams, the new ammunition exemption, and the data center tax changes; supporters argued the package reduces taxes and preserves annual budget flexibility, while opponents raised concerns about housing, transportation, and gun violence. The conference report passed 93-7.
HB 5017, creating a debt reduction program funded by a recurring transfer to retire state bonds early, passed unanimously. HB 5015, the state group insurance conforming bill, which directs DMS to develop a formulary management plan and codifies the administrative health insurance assessment, also passed. The House then began explanation and questions on the fiscal year 2025-26 general appropriations act, described as a $115.1 billion budget that is down $3.8 billion from the current year and includes more than $12 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs summarized major spending areas, including pre-K-12 funding increases, health care funding for Medicaid, KidCare, nursing homes, opioid treatment, and mental health, transportation and economic development funding, environmental and water projects, higher education, state administration, justice, and information technology. Questions focused on school vouchers, inflationary pressures on school districts, and the adequacy of funding for housing, transportation, and other priorities.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Health Policy Feb 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THOSE LACKING REGULAR ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE IN ASSESSING APPROPRIATE CARE SETTINGS.
- WE CONDUCTED IT AT DISCUSSION SESSIONS.
- GREAT SESSIONS WITH THE INDUSTRY TO GET INPUT REGARDING ADVANCED BIRTH CENTER.
- I WILL PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON FOUR BILLS THE PASSED THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION.
- I THINK THIS HAS BEEN A FEW SESSIONS SINCE WE HAD AN UPDATE.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Jun 15th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- The second was we merged, if you might recall, in the 2023 session, we merged banking.
- The second was we merged, if you might recall, in the 2023 session, we merged banking and securities,
- I just want to make sure I understand that, you know, during the last session, a priority for me and
- Once you hit 600, you get into the territory of regular Pell Grants.
- For a regular Pell, if you have a bachelor's, you're not eligible for regular Pell for those very reasons
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses
Transcript Highlights:
- MassDevelopment does informational sessions throughout the state that people can find.
- So they do a lot, and hopefully we can try and work this session to help support them.
- So they do a lot, and hopefully we can try and work this session to help support them.
- Yet there are bills this session to expand leave and the usage of leave.
- We look forward to working with you throughout the session. Thank you very much.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held an informational hearing focused on the conditions facing small and micro businesses in Massachusetts and the state programs intended to support them. Chairs Andy Vargas and Adam Gomez opened by emphasizing equitable economic development, the importance of CDFIs, and the need to help underserved entrepreneurs, especially women, minorities, veterans, immigrants, and other groups facing barriers. Committee members noted the hearing would not take up bills, and testimony was limited to 10 minutes per organization.
State and quasi-public agency witnesses described current programs and funding. Dico Gibral of the Executive Office of Economic Development highlighted the Business Front Door, multilingual access, small business office hours in Gateway Cities, and funding in the Mass Leads Act, including support for CDFIs, small business technology, and capital grants. Tom Hooper of Commonwealth Corporation described workforce training programs such as the Workforce Training Fund, Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, and Career Technical Initiative, saying they help small businesses train workers, fill labor shortages, and support returning citizens and people with disabilities. Committee members asked about federal funding uncertainty, workforce migration, training schedules, and program uptake.
Business and advocacy groups focused on cost pressures and regulatory burdens. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association urged continuation of outdoor dining and takeout alcohol sales, and pressed for relief from high credit card swipe fees, support for surcharging, and streamlining municipal licensing. The Retailers Association of Massachusetts cited survey results showing inflation, utility costs, payroll taxes, health insurance, and interchange fees as major concerns, and said many members might sell or close within five years; it also backed ending the state prohibition on surcharging and creating an Office of Main Streets Massachusetts. MACDC, BECKMA, and the Coalition for an Equitable Economy emphasized the need for more technical assistance, CDFI and small business funding, and protections against rising costs, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and immigration enforcement impacts on immigrant-heavy business districts. No votes were taken.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Rural Health Transformation Committee - Policy Division Jan 13th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Session bills need to have an effective clause in them.
- session.
- Probably not tomorrow, but in time for special session. But in the special session next week?
- So you don't want any amendments until we're in special session.
- Any amendments can be adopted, just like we do in regular session.
Summary:
The committee reviewed four bill drafts for the Rural Health Transformation effort. The first required the presidential physical fitness test in PE classes; members asked about DPI and school support, then moved and approved the draft. The second required physicians to complete one hour of continuing education on nutrition and metabolic health each renewal cycle and included legislative intent encouraging other health boards to consider nutrition-related CE; it was approved after brief discussion.
The third bill adopted the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact. Members discussed a separate issue involving occupational therapy compact background checks and whether that fix could be added now or would need to wait until later; the committee also discussed Board of Medicine input and the compact’s workforce benefits. The draft was moved forward to the full committee. The fourth bill expanded pharmacists’ prescriptive authority and therapeutic substitution. Legislative Council explained the draft, and Senator Roars proposed substantial amendments to narrow motion sickness, UTI, diabetes supply, and substitution provisions. Members debated whether to vote on amendments now or wait for the special session public hearing; concerns were raised about transparency, stakeholder input, and avoiding premature action. No amendment vote was taken, and the bill was left for later consideration. The committee then recessed until the next day.