Transcript Highlights:

• And then on page six is the House remote work policy.
• This policy allows staff to begin remote work beginning in June and then return to work on December 1
• <00:10:37.399> is<00:10:38.279> the<00:10:38.639> house<00:10:39.240> remote
• then on page six is the house remote then on page six is the house remote work work work policy<
• work uh beginning in begin remote work uh beginning in June<00:10:50.600> um<00:10:51.200>

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration met with a quorum present and began with member introductions, during which members identified their districts and, informally, their favorite restaurants. The committee then turned to a housekeeping resolution, 2025-P100, covering House policies and administrative procedures. The chair explained that the resolution consolidated routine rules updates prepared by House Research. The committee adopted two amendments to the resolution. The A1 amendment gave members more flexibility in how they receive their postage and digital constituent communications allotment. The A2 amendment corrected titles in the resolution. Staff then reviewed the resolution’s contents, including service awards, donated leave, comp time and time cards, remote work, member business services payments, leadership compensation, expense reimbursement, stationery, postage and digital communications, member communication expenses, alcohol and drug policies, legal fee provisions, photographs and digital images, chaplain pay, the high school page program, and the undergraduate internship program. Members asked several questions during discussion. Representative Long confirmed there were no changes to the legal-fee policy. Representative Hollins asked about the high school page stipend, and staff said it was proposed to increase from $10 to $15 per day. Representative Pursell asked about the 50-mile reimbursement threshold for members’ expenses; the chair said it is derived from IRS tax regulations. She also suggested reviewing how other states handle reimbursement. No members of the public testified. After discussion, the committee renewed the motion and adopted the 2025 resolution as amended. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• outside of the voting station is unnecessary and proves difficult and time-consuming for election workers
• But we would have election workers who could be texting and playing video games and making phone calls
• It was mainly about electioneering and also allowing the election workers to be doing things that they
• Poll workers can check the face, check the name, and check the voter in.
• If poll workers need to start checking addresses, we could see added time and longer lines.

Transcript Highlights:

• and to the reciprocal workers and to the reciprocal collaboration<00:25:45.640> we<00:25:45.760
• related classroom instruction, and on-the-job learning under the support of a mentor or a journey worker
• of a mentor or a journey worker apprentices<00:29:25.279> are<00:29:25.480> paid<00:29
• We do have two remote testifiers, and so I'll have you two step aside, and the first one will be Chris
• for that classroom, immediate feedback, and so it is a collaborative event with both the journey worker

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We also conduct public hearings, including workers' compensation premium rates, as well as our annual
• in workers' compensation rates.
• including workers compensation premium rates<00:43:17.319> as<00:43:17.440> well<00:43
• 13th consecutive reduction in workers 13th consecutive reduction in workers compensation<00:43:33.440
• 65% reduction in our workers 65% reduction in our workers compensation<00:43:48.000> rates

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with introductory remarks for new and returning members of the House Commerce Committee, led by Chairman John Hunt. Members briefly introduced themselves and their backgrounds, and several noted the committee’s bipartisan, collegial tone. Hunt explained the committee’s structure and traditions, including the division into three subcommittees: banking and business, consumer protection, and liquor commission matters, with insurance now handled as a single area. He also reviewed basic hearing procedures, including decorum, questions for information only, and the committee’s practice of moving bills through subcommittees before full committee executive sessions. The committee then heard an overview from the New Hampshire Insurance Department, led by Commissioner DJ Bettencourt and staff. The department described its mission as promoting a safe and competitive insurance marketplace and emphasized consumer protection, market competition, and affordability. Officials outlined the department’s responsibilities, including licensing insurers, producers, adjusters, and TPAs; reviewing insurance forms; regulating companies and market conduct; overseeing financial solvency; and investigating insurance fraud. They also noted that the department is self-funded through assessments on insurers, collects premium taxes and fees for the state, and returned more than $2.7 million to companies in fiscal year 2024 due to underspending. The presentation also covered the broader regulatory framework for insurance, including the role of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in promoting uniform standards across states and territories. Officials said New Hampshire licenses about 1,200 insurance companies and roughly 245,000 producers and adjusters, and that the department’s financial examinations are part of an accreditation system used nationwide. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided; the session was primarily organizational and informational, with the insurance department presentation beginning the committee’s substantive work for the term.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some reasonable considerations... but again, anything even remotely having the word THC on it is an issue
• Counselors and social workers?

Bills: HB1022, HB2856, HB3114, HJR5, HB6, HB120, HB210, HB1458, HB1188, HB3126

Keywords: HB 1022, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College, Texas State University System, Education Code, higher education, course levels, upper-level college, lower-division courses, community college-style courses, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Uvalde, Board of Regents, academic programs, university expansion, HB 2856, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, clinical training placements, clinical rotations

Transcript Highlights:

• Coordinated mutual aid plans, these essential workers face operational challenges that slow disaster
• We do it out of survival, because we're so rural and remote.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe she is remote, so Councilmember White, if you can hear us, please unmute and proceed with your
• Growth came from foreign-born workers, which helped to mitigate historic workforce shortages in the post-pandemic

Transcript Highlights:

• These changes will also streamline the joint legislative process to remote legislative efficiency, including
• to remote legislative efficiency.
• Joint rules have been updated to reflect post-COVID remote hearing been updated to reflect post-COVID
• remote hearing participation by the public.
• The public will be able to participate in hearings remotely and submit testimony electronically.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House received a gubernatorial message requesting certain fiscal year 2026 appropriations before final action on the general appropriation bill, and referred it to the Committee on Ways and Means. It also adopted several congratulatory and honorary resolutions, including recognitions for retiring members and public servants, and later welcomed a number of guests and honorees to the chamber. The main legislative business was House Bill 423, establishing a sick leave bank for James Caruso of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. After the Public Service Committee reported the bill ought to pass, the House suspended the rules, gave it a second reading, and ordered it to a third reading. Later, the House also took up House No. 1590, a sick leave bank bill for Eric Inakwick of the Trial Court, adopted an amendment adding an emergency preamble, and passed it to be engrossed as amended. A major action of the day was adoption of the conference committee report on the joint rules for the 2025-2026 legislative session. Members from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing reforms intended to improve transparency, public access, committee notice, live streaming, posting of votes and summaries online, and more efficient handling of legislation. The report was adopted by roll call, 147-2. The House also approved an order transferring matters from the Joint Committee on Agriculture to the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, and from Elder Affairs to Aging and Independence. The House briefly questioned quorum several times, then recessed and later adjourned to meet Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session. The chamber also recognized the retirement of Chief Court Officer Gene DePersio, with remarks entered into the record.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chief clerk will call the names of the members participating remotely. Carol, go ahead.
• the names of the<00:08:09.759> members<00:08:10.160> participating<00:08:10.879> remotely
• the members participating remotely. the members participating remotely.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We have secured our own insurance policies, DNO, professional liability, auto, property, workers' comp
• In this manner, there will be continued availability of counselor training both remotely and conveniently
• counselor continued availability of counselor training<00:59:36.160> both<00:59:36.400> remotely
• training both remotely and conveniently. training both remotely and conveniently.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its August 21 meeting and then received an update from Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation leadership on implementation of Senate Bill 299 and House Bill 566. Jamie Eids and staff described the agency’s new structure after charitable gaming was brought under the corporation, including new divisions, staffing, banking, payroll, insurance, procurement, and reporting systems. They also unveiled the corporation’s new logo and tagline, and said the transition had been designed to avoid interruption for charities, licensees, and racing operations. A major focus was the fee structure required by House Bill 566. Eids outlined current licensing fees across racing, sports wagering, and charitable gaming, compared Kentucky’s fees with other states, and recommended keeping the status quo for one more year because the agency has only recently brought all three components fully in-house. Members asked about whether charitable gaming had harmed veterans’ groups or other nonprofits, whether any revenue should be transferred back to the state, and whether the charitable gaming licenses cover one-off raffles as well as standing operations. Eids said she had not heard complaints, said the licenses include all such activity with some exemptions, and agreed to look at the question of future transfers. The committee then heard from Melissa Combs Wright on pari-mutuel wagering and Hannah Sims on sports wagering. They reported continued growth in historical horse racing, more than $11 billion in total pari-mutuel wagering in fiscal year 2025, over $10.5 billion in HHR wagers, and about $161 million in pari-mutuel tax revenue, with most of that supporting the general fund and horse-breeding development funds. They also said sports wagering has generated nearly $5 billion in wagers since launch, $73 million for the public pension fund, and more than $2 million for problem gambling services, while expanding to 13 retail locations and 92 additional sports events. Members raised concerns about players being cut off after winning, the lack of local government revenue sharing from gaming facilities, and the growth of computer-assisted wagering; the witnesses said they were reviewing CAWs and that Kentucky does not license poker rooms through the corporation.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, and so when I think of remote public access, I think of remote public access in terms of documents
• <00:15:52.959> I remote public access mean to you? I remote public access mean to you?
• mean, and and so when I think of remote mean, and and so when I think of remote public<00:15:55.839
• <00:15:57.199> public public access, I think of remote public public access, I think of remote
• And so, um, I remote public access.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• body through electronic communication is approved pursuant to this subsection, such member using remote
• It just says people who are properly using remote participation will be counted as if they were physically
• body through electronic communication is approved pursuant to this subsection, such member using remote
• Chair, this would change it because it does strike the language about the person who is remote... ...
• because it does strike the language about the person who is remote being a person with a disability or

Keywords: Freedom of Information Advisory Council, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The criminal justice system, even remotely.
• session, we passed House Bill 422, which authorized juvenile courts to conduct detention hearings remotely
• Uh, which will detail how the remote proceedings will be conducted. Um, Mr.
• Testifying on behalf of 2147, the bill relates to remotely conducting disposition hearings and other
• Being able to conduct all these hearings remotely would eliminate the safety risks for transporting these

Transcript Highlights:

• co-workers trust him with their lives. co-workers trust him with their lives.
• <01:50:50.159> by economy working for hard workers by economy working for hard workers by
• Uh, even remotely suggesting that there's a cost to any taxpayer.
• Uh, even remotely suggesting that there's a cost to any taxpayer.
• Uh, even remotely suggesting that there's a cost to any taxpayer.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• [Music] The clerk will call the names of the members participating remotely.
• 00:02:59.840> e [Music] [Music] The clerk will call the names of the members participating remotely
• part<00:04:59.720> participating members part participating members part participating remotely
• [Music] [Music] The clerk will call the names of the members participating remotely.
• The clerk will call the names of the members participating remotely. Clardy votes aye.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This is where the CCA-funded geophysical remote sensing surveys, led by my colleague Mike, occurred.
• This is where the CCA-funded geophysical remote sensing surveys led by my colleague Mike where they've
• the following: the legislature or Commerce direct additional funding to DNR to oversee geophysical remote
• and our last panel on this topic includes Sam Bowers with the Clean Air Task Force, who's with us remote
• Portable batteries include common batteries such as those found in flashlights, cameras, and TV remotes

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The committee’s interim work session focused first on carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS), with presenters from industry, nonprofits, and state agencies describing Washington’s geologic potential, the role of basalt formations, and the difference between point-source capture, direct air capture, utilization, and permanent storage. Industry and project developers emphasized that Washington has major opportunities to reduce industrial emissions, create jobs, and support hard-to-electrify sectors, while state agencies explained current policy touchpoints in the Cap and Invest Program, emissions exemptions for permanently stored CO2, and the Clean Energy Transformation Act. Several presenters urged clearer statutory and regulatory pathways, including rules for pore space, subsurface rights, pipeline siting, and long-term liability; others cautioned that CCUS should be limited to real emissions reductions and not treated as a substitute for broader clean energy measures. Committee members asked about public comment opportunities, whether mineralized carbon would qualify for exemption under the Climate Commitment Act, the energy intensity of capture systems, aquifer protection, and liability if storage later proves problematic. Ecology said it is developing guidance through a public engagement process running through late June and that mineralized or otherwise permanently stored CO2 would likely qualify if it meets the 1,000-year permanence standard. DNR and outside experts also discussed trust lands, water rights, and the need for additional geophysical surveys and test wells. The panel did not take any votes or formal actions. The second half of the meeting turned to hazardous waste and extended producer responsibility. Ecology reviewed existing product stewardship programs for electronics, paint, batteries, and mercury lights, and described how moderate risk waste and household hazardous waste are currently collected through county facilities and events. Ecology said the electronics program is its best model, while the mercury lamp program is currently in transition after the prior stewardship organization exited and a new organization is seeking approval. Ecology recommended that future EPR programs have clear producer and product definitions, full producer funding, convenience standards, annual reporting, and strong enforcement authority. Local government witnesses from King County and Douglas County described rising costs, access barriers in rural areas, and the need for stable funding and flexible local delivery models. King County said it collected over 3 million pounds of hazardous products in 2025 and argued that EPR could reduce costs for ratepayers and improve equity. Douglas County stressed that rural residents are willing to participate when services are available, but travel distance and operating costs make access difficult. An industry representative supported narrowly scoped stewardship programs like PaintCare but warned that broad household hazardous waste EPR systems can become difficult to administer and may require legislative revisions if responsibilities are not clearly defined. No votes were taken on the hazardous waste topic either.

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will call the name of the member participating remotely. Kisa Watun present.
• the The clerk will call the name of the member<00:07:26.880> participating<00:07:27.680> remotely
• <00:07:28.960> Kisa member participating remotely. Kisa member participating remotely.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Music] of [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] The clerk will call the names of the members participating remotely
• The clerk will close the roll. remotely remotely remotely Gander<00:07:27.319> you<00:07:27.599

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• All the committees of the legislature do provide an option for people to testify remotely, so this one
• engagements you've had or with the state. ...but we know I've heard from some municipal and state workers
• A lot of local union workers are in the union halls filled with and looking for work.
• A lot of local seven workers are in the union halls filled with and looking for work.
• Currently, as many of you know, apprenticeship offers career paths for workers, ensures greater diversity

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight heard testimony on several procurement-related bills. Senator Lovely and steel industry witnesses supported S. 2167/H. 3411, which would require preference for U.S. manufacturers on public construction projects using steel and other materials. They argued that Canadian and other foreign fabricators underbid Massachusetts firms because of exchange rates, subsidies, and different labor-cost structures, causing local job losses and economic leakage. Committee members asked about tariffs, market share, and whether the bill should be folded into broader municipal legislation; the witnesses said public work should stay in Massachusetts and that the bill would help preserve local industry and jobs. The committee also heard strong support for S. 2107, a bill to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities in state and municipal contracting. Work Inc. testified that a preference for contractors employing people with disabilities would expand competitive employment, reduce reliance on public assistance, and generate net savings for taxpayers. Members asked about the estimated savings and whether recent federal changes to benefits would affect the numbers; the witness said the figures may need updating but that the underlying employment opportunity remains important. Another bill, H. 3339/S. 2187, would prohibit state and municipal contracts for new artificial turf fields containing zinc, plastic, or intentionally added PFAS. Sponsors and supporters cited health risks, heat retention, injuries, and PFAS contamination, while committee members discussed local bans, disposal problems, and whether indoor facilities or alternative materials could be used. Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro testified in favor of H. 12 and H. 13, which would update Chapter 30B procurement thresholds and allow municipalities to bundle snow hauling and removal with plowing contracts. He said the changes would give local governments more flexibility, reduce confusion between school and municipal procurement rules, and make snow contracts more attractive to vendors. Members questioned whether quasi-public agencies and state entities should also be subject to 30B, and Shapiro said many public entities have their own procedures but that transparency and fairness should apply across the board. The committee also heard support for S. 2150, a software licensing bill aimed at preventing vendor lock-in by ensuring state agencies can run purchased software in the infrastructure that best fits their needs; the witness said restrictive licensing can drive up costs and create cybersecurity and modernization problems, and that similar laws have already passed in several other states.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I encourage everybody that remotely cares about wildlife and the environment and your own health of
• The third element deals with a number of judicial issues, workers' compensation, judgeships, treatment
• Does it have something to do with workers' comp? It does have to do with workers' comp, yes.
• So we've got a workers'... It's an amalgam, if you will, of several different pieces.
• So we've got a workers' comp piece, I believe, that passed out, some court automation language, writing

Keywords: 959, house, all