Transcript Highlights:

• For example, they have spent their benefits on modest items they wouldn't necessarily have access to,
• None of the children's benefits may be used to pay for items or activities DCF normally purchases on
• They have income and asset tests. The asset limit is $2,000. These are needs-based benefits.
• They have income and asset tests.
• are failing that test 52% of the time.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities heard testimony on a wide range of bills affecting foster youth, child welfare oversight, homelessness services, juvenile justice, social work licensure, and human services workforce supports. Committee co-chairs Senator Robyn Kennedy and Representative Jay Livingstone opened the hybrid hearing by outlining testimony procedures and accessibility measures. Several members and legislators participated throughout the day, and many witnesses were invited to submit additional written testimony after speaking. A major portion of the hearing focused on House 227/Senate 105, which would protect federal benefits owed to children in foster care. Supporters, including advocates from Hopewell, the Disability Law Center, CPCS, the Children’s Law Center, More Than Words, Friends of Children, and youth witness Onyx Rosario, said DCF had already ended the practice of taking most Social Security and SSI benefits and now conserves them in accounts for youth, but argued the policy should be codified to prevent future reversals. Witnesses described how conserved benefits help with basic needs, housing, education, transportation, and transition to adulthood, and several noted the bill also adds financial literacy and transparency requirements. Senator Joan Comerford and others said the change would protect vulnerable youth, especially children of color, LGBTQ youth, and youth with disabilities. The committee also heard testimony on House 225, which would expand the grandparents-raising-grandchildren commission by adding appointments and helping with quorum and representation. The committee also took testimony on Senate 136, which would improve emergency housing assistance for families experiencing homelessness by easing documentation requirements, allowing use of existing state data to verify eligibility, requiring notice before benefit reductions, and creating an ombudsperson. Senator Adam Gomez and other supporters said the bill would reduce barriers for families in crisis. On House 262/Senate 148, an omnibus child welfare bill, witnesses supported provisions on data reporting, education coordination, and Office of the Child Advocate reforms, while CPCS raised concerns about expanded access to sensitive records and the OCA’s role in certain proceedings. The Office of the Child Advocate supported codifying current practices and also backed child fatality review changes in House 234/Senate 133. The committee additionally heard support for Senate 108, which would require attorneys and audio/video recording during juvenile custodial interrogations, and for House 247/Senate 116, which would update the Juvenile Justice Policy and Data Board to add supported lived-experience seats. Finally, the committee heard competing testimony on Senate 135, a bill to ensure parity in social work licensure. SEIU Local 509 and supporters argued the current exam requirement disproportionately harms Black, Latino, multilingual, and multicultural applicants and worsens workforce shortages, while the Association of Social Work Boards opposed the bill, saying the exam is a necessary public-protection measure and that removing it would conflict with interstate compact efforts. The hearing also included testimony in support of a loan repayment program for human service workers, with providers and workers describing low wages, high student debt, and the need to retain staff in essential services. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have two items to discuss today. First up, I will go in order.
• We have uh two items to discuss today. We have uh two items to discuss today.
• Before we take up the next item, Representative Brown, Mr.
• U, and then there's tests that they have to take for that.
• U and then there's tests hours 18 hours.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we have two items on the agenda.
• Section 49 is from Senator Koran's Senate File 2489 and has to do with testing of the voting system.
• It requires five days' notice of public testing of equipment.
• It deletes some obsolete language and specifies that tests must be for each question in the contest.
• a con test has been instituted.<00:23:41.679> Those<00:23:41.919> are<00:23:42.080>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm testing on their behalf. I do not, I'm not employed by the hospital. Yeah, I, okay.
• In addition, genetic confirmatory... testing and specialized care is widely available.
• through the successful completion of multiple pilot programs utilizing an FDA-authorized laboratory tests
• It could be a down payment on a car kind of level. for a test.
• bill and I went through the itemized bill and saw many things we didn't use and I thought there ought

Bills: SB437, SB528, SB626, SB636, SB884, SB968, SB1044, SB1608, SB2336

Keywords: healthcare, training, abuse, neglect, penalties, chemical dependency, safety, regulation, inpatient competency restoration, competency restoration, forensic mental health, mental health law, criminal competency, incompetent to stand trial, Chapter 46B, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission, state hospital, behavioral health, local mental health authority

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's not only a public roadway, which is kind of a good test thing.
• I mean, you know, if you were looking for a place to test and you want to spook a lot of people out,
• But like I said, I believe there have also been some test runs on I-20. I see.
• So that brings us to our exceptional item which is, uh, slide 9. So we're calling it.
• This concludes our advised test. I like the God. The House floor. Do not go to the bathroom.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the test strip amendment.
• Mike DeWine announced that his office would distribute 1 million test strips, fentanyl test strips throughout
• And most states, I believe, do use test strips.
• Why wouldn't a state use a test strip? You'd have to ask the states that don't use test strips. Mr.
• Law enforcement also wants test strips.

Bills: SB331

Keywords: fentanyl, controlled substances, drug trafficking, public health, research regulations, law enforcement, S-331, Halt All Lethal Trafficking and Fentanyl Act, fentanyl crisis, public testimony, drug legislation, bipartisan support

Summary: In this committee meeting, the focus was primarily on S-331, the Halt All Lethal Trafficking and Fentanyl Act, aimed at addressing the fentanyl crisis. The bill's key components include making permanent the class scheduling of fentanyl-related substances, confirming existing sentencing penalties, and easing registration requirements for scientific research on Schedule I substances. Numerous parents shared heartbreaking testimonies about their losses due to fentanyl, which fueled an urgent call to pass the legislation without alterations. The committee members engaged in passionate discussions highlighting the urgency of the situation as overdoses continue to claim American lives.

Transcript Highlights:

• The report that we've agreed upon the items in dispute and recommend as follows.
• We also did something to make sure that we have more testing capacity, which will be important as the
• The bill got marginally better, and it brings us one step closer to having a safe, tested, and legal
• And tested market thanks to this bill, so I'd urge support.
• This bill moves us closer to a legal, safe, and tested market.

Transcript Highlights:

• if you go in for a mammogram and the doctor says to you, we see something, you need supplemental testing
• , that you would not have to have a co-pay for that supplemental testing.
• if you go in for a mammogram and the doctor says to you, we see something, you need supplemental testing
• , that you would not have to have a co-pay for that supplemental testing.
• The last two items on our agenda are Senator Garcia's bills.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 932, which would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging under state-regulated insurance policies. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce delays in follow-up testing after abnormal mammograms and noted support from medical and cancer advocacy groups. Senators Arrington and Sharief spoke in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered CS for SB 160 on CPA licensure. The sponsor said the bill adds additional pathways to licensure in Florida without lowering standards and is similar to measures being considered in other states. The Florida Institute of CPAs supported the bill, and it was also reported favorably. The committee then took up a water management district bill, described as a comprehensive measure to increase transparency in planning, funding, budgeting, reporting, and business practices while making historic investments in Everglades restoration. Senators asked about the role of the Legislative Budget Commission and whether the bill would affect the Lake Okeechobee system operating manual; the sponsor said those issues were still being worked through and that the bill was focused on accountability and transparency. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 50 on coastal resiliency and mangroves. The bill promotes nature-based solutions such as mangroves, living seawalls, and oyster reefs, and requires DEP to establish related rules and study effects on flood risk and insurance premiums. An amendment providing $250,000 from the Resilient Florida Trust Fund for a feasibility study was adopted without objection. The bill drew broad support from environmental and coastal groups and was reported favorably. SB 56 on geoengineering and weather modification was temporarily postponed and not heard, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So far, we have two items removed from the consent calendar under tab five, item 26071.
• That item is adopted. We'll turn next to tab six. Six. And it will be item 68, 068.
• The item is Thank you very much. The item is adopted. adopted. adopted.
• Leishman moves item Representative Leishman moves item 26072. 26072. 26072.
• this item. this item.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the March 20 minutes and then adopted the remainder of the consent calendar, after removing two items for separate discussion. On item 26071, members questioned a $95,000 DoubleTree Manchester contract for a two-day conference. Department staff said the hotel was the only bidder, the conference typically draws more than 500 attendees, most of the cost is food offset by registration fees, and attendees pay their own lodging except for presenters. The committee then approved the item. On item 26068, members asked for clearer reporting on remaining federal funds in continuing items. DHHS said about $10.3 million remained as of February 28, 2026, and agreed to provide the original award amounts and a reconciliation later. The committee approved the item. The committee then took up a DHHS transfer item for the developmental disability system, where officials said projected costs had risen because of delayed pandemic-era billings, new individuals entering the system, and higher individual service budgets. They said the budget was built on older assumptions, that carryforward funds had fallen from about $94 million to $72 million, and that the transfer would not affect lapse because it shifts general funds while federal Medicaid funds are accepted in return. The item was adopted. The committee also approved a hiring request and then a late Corrections item tied to overtime and recruitment. Corrections officials said the department is about 50% staffed for corrections officers, typical overtime is an eight-hour shift, inmate populations are beginning to rise again, and the department is using academy blitzes, out-of-state recruiting, targeted advertising, and a $10,000 sign-on bonus paid after academy completion and one year of service. Senator Gray said the late item was intended to help reduce a larger request expected in June, and the committee adopted the item. Finally, members questioned DHHS item 26074 on the New Hampshire Care Connection system and its interoperability with provider and managed care systems. DHHS said the system already has SMART on FHIR integration, single sign-on, and deeper integration options, and that managed care organizations are working with the contractor on use cases and data exchange. Officials said the project has been multi-phase, including the 988 crisis-response migration, privacy/security work, a provider network of more than 100 organizations, and a searchable resource portal managed by Granite United Way. They said the closed-referral solution is funded largely with Medicaid federal funds and is planned to continue in the base budget, not the rural health grant. The discussion ended without further action noted in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's probably a much easier, more reliable test or observation.
• So I would imagine you had to pass some tests. There were a lot of tests. To be board certified.
• content, BAC, of 0.08 or higher at the time the test is conducted.
• I said it's probably good that they were able to test him. I don't know what they tested.
• didn't have tests, so you'd be charging it on the impairment definition.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2777 by Representative Rose, which would bar the death penalty for defendants who can prove by clear and convincing evidence that they had schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and active psychotic symptoms at the time of the offense. Rose said the bill would still hold defendants accountable through life without parole, would save money by avoiding lengthy capital litigation, and would address cases where severe mental illness was not adequately considered. Supporters from NAMI Texas, the Catholic bishops, and a forensic psychologist said the bill is narrowly tailored, consistent with neuroscience and moral principles, and would prevent executions of people whose psychosis substantially impaired reality testing. Committee members questioned how the bill interacts with existing competency and insanity law, whether the diagnosis is sufficiently defined, and whether the statute requires active psychosis at the time of the offense. An opponent argued the death penalty should remain available for juries to decide in all cases. The bill was left pending. The committee then heard House Bill 1221 by Representative Lozano, which would raise the cap on pretrial intervention program fees from $500 to $1,200. Lozano and a district attorney witness said the increase is needed because program costs have risen and the fees help make diversion programs self-sustaining, allowing first-time or low-level offenders to complete rehabilitation and potentially obtain expunction. Opponents from the Texas Fair Defense Project argued the higher fee could make diversion unaffordable for indigent defendants and undermine an important alternative to incarceration, especially where related supervision and monitoring costs already add up. Members discussed whether the fee applies only to PTI participants, how payment plans and waivers work, and whether ability to pay should be addressed more explicitly. The bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1738 by Representative Jones, which would repeal Penal Code Section 21.06 and related Health and Safety Code references concerning homosexual conduct. Jones said the law is unconstitutional under Lawrence v. Texas, remains harmful on the books, and has led to confusion and unnecessary costs even though it is unenforceable. Supporters said the bill simply removes outdated language and protects civil liberties, while opponents from Texas Values argued the statute still serves as a statement that homosexual conduct is unacceptable and should remain as a warning, even if unenforceable. Members debated whether the law’s remaining language is merely symbolic or still harmful, and whether other criminal statutes already cover conduct such as prostitution, incest, and offenses involving minors. The bill was left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are six bills on our proposed consent calendar: File Item 5, SB 76; File Item 7, SB 506; File Item
• 10, SB 671; File Item 14, SB 731; Item 17, SCR 79; and File Item 18, ACR 101.
• We will be going now to File Item 16, SB 800, and then resume file item order.
• We will go with— Back to file item order, we will go with item number one, followed by item number two
• Item number two, SB 791. Item number two, SB 791.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 712, which would expand California’s smog-check exemption for classic vehicles by adding model years 1976 through 1986 in phases, with a sunset in 2032. The author and supporters, including lowrider advocates and the Specialty Equipment Market Association, argued the bill would preserve car culture, support a small class of rarely driven collector vehicles, and reduce burdens on owners who struggle to find equipment for older smog tests. Opponents, including air district officials, the American Lung Association, and other environmental groups, warned the bill would weaken an important emissions-control program and increase pollution. After discussion, the committee adopted the motion to do pass as amended to Appropriations on a roll call vote of 10-0, with the roll held open for additional votes. The committee then heard SB 800, which requires Caltrans, working with local governments, to assess mitigation measures for suicide prevention on locally owned overpasses crossing state highways. The bill was presented as a response to recent tragedies in Rancho Cucamonga and was supported by local officials, health organizations, and suicide-prevention advocates, who said the measure would help identify high-risk locations and lead to life-saving interventions. There was no registered opposition. The committee members expressed support, and SB 800 was passed to Appropriations on a unanimous roll call vote, with the roll held open. Next, the committee considered SB 30, which would prohibit California public entities from selling, donating, or transferring decommissioned diesel locomotives and railroad equipment with Tier 1 or older engines unless the engine is removed, while allowing Tier 2 and newer transfers under certain conditions. The author and supporters framed the bill as a climate and public-health measure to prevent older, dirtier locomotives from continuing to pollute elsewhere, while transit agencies opposed it, arguing it could limit useful transfers of equipment that still supports passenger service and could be better handled through case-by-case air-quality review. After debate, the committee voted 6-4 to pass SB 30 as amended to Appropriations, with the roll held open for later additions. The committee also heard SB 791, which replaces the flat dealer document processing charge cap with a 1% fee capped at $350, along with new disclosure requirements. Dealers and industry groups supported the bill as a way to recover costs and improve transparency, while consumer advocates opposed it as an unjustified increase that would burden buyers. The committee approved SB 791 on a 8-? roll call vote and held the roll open. The meeting then moved on to SB 34, a port-air-quality bill presented by Senator Richardson, but the transcript ends during testimony and debate on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• That position is currently being paid for by the bowl grant, and that's one of the biggest items I would
• So, that's one of my top items I would like to see addressed.
• That's one of my top items I would like to see.
• that they need, like the M... testing that they needed, like the M... or whatever, and it's free to
• You talk, and I go into action items for today. That's where I'm going.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One of those items was the creation of the new Office of Emergency Medical Services, which transitioned
• The next item on our agenda is House File 337 from Representative Zista Card.
• on our agenda is agenda the next item on our agenda is house<00:18:49.200> file<00:18:50.000>
• The next item on the agenda is House File 93, and Vice Chair Nadeau will take the gavel.
• The next item on the agenda is House File 93, and Vice Chair Nadeau will take the gavel.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• by line item?
• There are nine items.
• There's 18 items.
• There are three items.
• There are 13 items.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The background for this item is on page 10 of the agenda.
• Remember that for when we get to item three.
• They were testing the system. They're learning.
• And so they've submitted test claims. They've been paid.
• Seeing no other questions, we'll open to public comment on this item.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've highlighted some items to show that These are part of the Governor's budget.
• Here are two new items with the revised recommendations on line 50.
• Line 146 is an item that has been there.
• The next item in the new revised reductions is around school library aid.
• For would be textbooks, instructional materials, and standardized tests.

Bills: HF2430, HF2433

Keywords: education finance, teacher training, Read Act, state aid, school funding, education funding, children with disabilities, transition aid, special education, school district consolidation

Transcript Highlights:

• Like, you know, in the news there has been a lot about lead testing.
• I think you see some states using that language when they consider tests like biomarkers.
• So that's another rising cost nationally is biomarker testing.
• uh analytical validity for a new test uh analytical validity for a new test that<02:12:03.520>
• <02:14:13.760> to<02:14:13.960> look hb2 item to look hb2 item to look at<02:14:15.719

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division III held an informational hearing on Medicaid, Medicare, Choices for Independence, and related financing, while postponing nursing facility financing and the county cap discussion to a later date. DHHS officials Ann Landry, Jonathan Ballard, and Medicaid Director Henry Litman provided an overview of Medicaid’s role, noting it is a federal-state partnership with state-specific eligibility and benefits, and emphasizing that Medicaid is a major funding and programmatic support for other DHHS initiatives. They also distinguished Medicaid from Medicare and explained that Medicaid funding is not the same as grant funding, though some providers may also receive federal grants through other channels. The presentation focused on New Hampshire’s relatively small Medicaid program and why it differs from national averages. Officials said about 184,000 residents are covered, roughly one in seven Granite Staters compared with one in five nationally, and attributed the difference largely to the state’s higher per-capita income and older population. They highlighted that about 65% of Medicaid-enrolled adults in New Hampshire are working, that only 22% of births are covered by Medicaid versus 42% nationally, and that the state’s uninsured rate is lower than the national rate. Members asked about covered services, income limits, federal matching rates, and the names of optional eligibility groups; staff explained that New Hampshire offers the optional groups discussed, with matching rates varying by category, including 90% for Granite Advantage and certain other groups, and 65% for children above the required level. A substantial portion of the hearing covered eligibility rules and recent policy changes. Officials reviewed the history of Medicaid, including HCBS waivers, the CFI program, Katie Beckett, the Olmstead decision, the ACA, and the end of continuous enrollment after the public health emergency. They also discussed the 2023 legislative expansion of postpartum coverage from 60 days to 12 months and child eligibility changes. In response to questions, DHHS said it is tracking utilization and costs for the postpartum expansion and reported that many maternal deaths occur after the prior 60-day coverage period, often involving substance use disorder or suicide; they said the longer coverage is intended to improve access to treatment and prevention. The committee also walked through household-income examples, clarified that Medicaid eligibility is based on household income and categorical rules, and confirmed that Granite Advantage ends at 138% of the federal poverty level unless another categorical basis applies. No votes were taken, and the hearing remained informational.

Transcript Highlights:

• , study legislative operations, and just when he was an educator, he also had to throw in one last test
• at he also had to throw in one last test at the<00:19:30.680> end<00:19:30.960> of<00:
• The most needed items are diapers in newborn through size four and baby wipes.
• The most needed items are diapers hands.
• The most needed items are diapers in<00:22:49.400> newborn<00:22:50.080> through<00:22:

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional performance by the State House singers, then moved to routine chamber business. The Speaker announced that the Committee on Ways and Means had reported favorably on Senate Bill 214, which concerns pre-kindergarten education in geographically isolated school districts and includes an appropriation; it was referred to Appropriations under House Rule 35A. House Resolution 17, affirming that all Vermonters are presumed competent to communicate and must be provided effective communication resources of their choice, was read by title only and placed on the calendar for action on the next legislative day. The chamber also took up two adopted House Concurrent Resolutions honoring long-serving State House staff. HCR 279 honored Head Doorkeeper Michael C. Waite and his wife, Sergeant-at-Arms Administrative Assistant Donna Waite, for their public service, and HCR 282 honored Doorkeeper Dennis Miles for his dedication to the General Assembly and Vermonters. Both resolutions recounted the honorees’ military, law enforcement, educational, and State House service and directed the Secretary of State to send copies to the honorees. Several members then offered remarks recognizing the Waite and Miles families, praising their mentorship, service, and support for the page program and chamber operations. Additional announcements included a diaper and wipes drive in the State House lobby to support Vermont military families through the National Guard Family Readiness Program, a welcome for Vermont nurses participating in a national rally, and recognition of guests from Champlain Community Services. The House then recessed until approximately 2:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• and technicians—those types of roles as well—that would be helping build the systems and build our test
• People can come test their products, whether that be in training for educating folks.
• What are three action items? And this is again, we want to hear from the LFC as well.
• What are three or four action items that we're going to be evaluating and talking about then?
• Items that you'll want to share from your end as we go into crafting this next budget.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that DSHS works hard to test the products and issue the permits. and state law says it has to
• When it comes to testing for these products, we would need somebody with a laboratory that could test
• that they've been checked, we can always go out. and maybe pull some out of the market have them tested
• You'll see a request in our LAR, an exceptional item request for 19.5 million dollars. 1.7 million for
• I mean, through the budget, regardless of whether it held the test of law or not.

Keywords: 1184, house, all