Transcript Highlights:

• Coach Tom Hart and team members in individual placement were Jake Frenchennini, gold medal, first place
• Team members and individual placement were Marie Mike Sarantina, gold, seventh place in the nation; Tommy

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House convened with the South Shore Technical School leading the Pledge of Allegiance, and members recognized the school’s FFA teams for national achievements in nursery landscape and floral career development events. The chamber also introduced guests and Representative Sweezy before turning to scheduled business. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling recommended four House bills for consideration: H.2799 on protecting local retirees, H.3008 on non-continuous farmland, H.3306 establishing Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, and H.3424 enhancing cooperative purchasing opportunities for cities and towns. The House suspended Rule 7A, advanced those bills to a third reading, and then approved H.4249, as amended, relative to vital statistics, for reenactment. The House then passed several engrossed bills to be enacted, including S.1830 authorizing Brookfield to continue employing Herbert A. Chafee II, H.3388 designating September 22 as Military Service Members and Veteran Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day, H.4135 establishing an appointed clerk position in Allington, and H.4170 addressing a vacancy in the Ward 7 councillor office in Malabur. The House adopted an order to reconvene the next day at 11 a.m. and then adjourned to meet Thursday at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bettencourt moves that the committee's substitute to Senate Bill 2035 be recognized. certified for placement
• Senator Bettencourt moves that the committee sub to Senate Bill 31 be recommended and certified for placement

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• benefited from the program. benefited from the program.
• increase from 2018. increase from 2018.
• <04:13:57.760> from Certainly, I know many things from from Certainly, I know many things
• from premium pressure. from premium pressure.
• “The idea came from?” >> Lifted from, yes.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 562, which would create a home damage mitigation and resilience grant program aimed at helping homeowners make property improvements that could reduce insurance costs and non-renewals. Commissioner DJ Bettencourt of the New Hampshire Insurance Department explained that the program is modeled in part on Alabama’s safer homes program, but tailored for New Hampshire hazards such as floods, microbursts, heavy snow, ice, and falling trees. He said the grants would be limited to primary residences, subject to a means test, capped at $10,000, and intended to help homeowners make targeted improvements such as roof fortification or tree removal that could improve underwriting outcomes and lead to premium discounts. Bettencourt said the program would not use state taxpayer funds and would instead rely on philanthropic donations, possible federal or regional housing-bank funding, and other outside sources. He said the department would not need new staff, and that a current position could be reconfigured to help administer the program part-time. Committee members asked about the funding language, the meaning of “loans” in the bill, whether there were any other states using a similar no-state-funds model, and how many homeowners could be helped. Bettencourt said Rhode Island and Connecticut were moving forward in a similar way, and that the number of beneficiaries would depend on how much money is raised. Members also questioned how the grant program would actually lower premiums, whether savings would apply only to participants or more broadly, and how the IBHS evaluation process would work. Bettencourt and department staff said the direct benefit would be to the homeowner whose property is improved, though neighbors could also benefit in some cases. They explained that IBHS is a building-safety organization that certifies contractors and inspectors and that its standards can qualify homes for insurer discounts. Questions were also raised about confidentiality provisions, first-come-first-served grant awards, rollover of unused applications, and possible tax treatment of donations. The sponsor said those details would be addressed through rulemaking or existing tax rules, and no vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Bettencourt moves that the committee substitute Senate Bill 2035 be recommended certified for placement
• Senator Betancourt moves that the committee sub to Senate Bill 31 be recommended certified for placement

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs met to consider pending business on three bills. Senator Hughes explained a committee substitute for Senate Bill 2035, which concerns foreign funding of elections. The substitute clarified that income to a U.S. citizen living overseas would not trigger notification, removed new reporting requirements, aligned the bill with existing reporting rules, and shifted civil enforcement to the Attorney General rather than the Ethics Commission. The substitute was adopted and SB 2035 was reported favorably to the full Senate by a 10-0 vote, then recommended for placement on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then took up Senate Bill 31, the “Life of the Mother Act,” dealing with exceptions to otherwise prohibited abortions based on a physician’s reasonable medical judgment. Senator Hughes said the substitute reflected stakeholder feedback and was intended to further clarify that pregnant women would not be prosecuted, with support from pro-life groups and the medical community. The substitute was adopted and SB 31 was reported favorably to the full Senate by an 11-0 vote, then recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 2880, relating to abortion pills. Senator Hughes said the substitute focused liability on manufacturers and distributors of abortion pills and imposed civil liability to the fullest extent allowed by law. The substitute was adopted and SB 2880 was reported favorably to the full Senate by a 10-1 vote. After completing the three items, the committee recessed at the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then Annie Thomas from the California Alliance of Child and Family Services.
• I should also mention our campus is located about eight miles from a naval base.
• It would include substantiated reports from law enforcement or CPS.
• Any other questions or comments from committee members?
• Any other comments or questions from committee members?

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Human Services met, adopted its committee rules, and then considered four items, including two consent bills. The chair opened with remarks about protecting California’s safety net and set limits on testimony. The committee rules were adopted by roll call, and the consent calendar later passed 5-0, with the remaining member’s vote added afterward for a 6-0 final tally on the rules and consent items. AB 276 by Assemblymember Bennett addressed delays in out-of-state child abuse registry background checks for children’s residential agency staff. Supporters, including the California Alliance of Child and Family Services and Casa Pacifica, said long clearance times were worsening staffing shortages and causing qualified applicants to leave, while the bill would allow provisional hiring only after DOJ, FBI, and California Child Abuse Central Index clearance and without unsupervised contact with children. There was no opposition, and the committee approved the bill 5-0, sending it to the Assembly Public Safety Committee. AB 319 by Assemblymember Jackson sought to improve services for foster youth with severe trauma by requiring counties to submit and update detailed plans to the Joint Interagency Resolution Team for providing effective therapeutic interventions in the least restrictive settings. A former foster youth testified in support, and a committee member noted the ongoing shortage of therapists serving foster youth. The bill was approved 5-0 as amended and sent to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. After the consent calendar and remaining votes were completed, the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And anything from LAO or DOF? No. Any questions from the dais on this proposal?
• I know I've heard a lot about this from colleagues as well as from constituents.
• I'm from the Alcove San Juan Capistrano Center and I'm from Tustin, California.
• Is there anything from LAO? Any questions from the dais? Is there anything from LAO? No?
• Anything else from anyone there? Any questions from members? Many? All right.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health heard presentations on several May Revision proposals, beginning with an overview from the Legislative Analyst’s Office and the Department of Finance on the state’s budget condition and the administration’s efforts to reduce out-year deficits through a mix of revenue measures, fund shifts, and program reductions. The chair expressed support for some administration proposals, such as added health IT funding, county administration support, a delay in Medi-Cal cuts for some immigrants, and additional Covered California subsidy backfill, but also criticized proposed Medi-Cal premiums, changes to senior eligibility, the lack of a Medi-Cal dental solution, and other cuts affecting counties, workforce, and rural access. The LAO said the budget still relies heavily on reserves and borrowing and urged more reserves and caution on new commitments. The Department of State Hospitals presented several proposals, including reduced county bed billing authority, limited contract exemption authority for online clinical subscriptions, reversion of unspent prior-year funds, additional lease revenue authority for the Metro Central Utility Plant replacement, funding for electronic health record implementation, and a shift of workforce development costs to Behavioral Health Services Act funds. The department also described savings and realignments in its IST and CONREP programs, including making the Independent Placement Panel permanent and adjusting funding for jail-based competency treatment and conditional release services. Members questioned the BHSA workforce funding swap, and the administration said it was part of a broader General Fund offset strategy. The Emergency Medical Services Authority requested funding for statewide behavioral health crisis response guidance and for continued operation of its enterprise systems, and the Department of Managed Health Care sought funds to modernize its complaint system and claims settlement data systems. The largest debate centered on the administration’s proposed use of Behavioral Health Services Act revenues to offset General Fund spending and fund state-directed behavioral health programs. The Department of Finance said the proposal would support population-based prevention, workforce programs, mobile crisis services, and other state-directed uses, while the LAO said it was still reviewing whether the uses comply with Proposition 1 and whether the non-supplement and eligible-use requirements are met. The Commission for Behavioral Health strongly opposed proposed cuts to its Innovation Partnership Fund and community advocacy grants, arguing that both programs are central to community voice, culturally responsive services, and statewide innovation. Commissioners and many public commenters said the cuts would reduce grants to community-based organizations, tribal groups, veterans, LGBTQ communities, youth, and other underserved populations, and that the advocacy program helps communities participate in local planning and access services. The Department of Finance defended the reductions as a way to prioritize direct services and said the programs fit within Proposition 1, but members criticized the proposal as a midstream shift that would weaken community engagement and redirect funds away from prevention and advocacy.

Transcript Highlights:

• now and five years from now.
• Next, we'll hear from Dr.
• I heard from a number of you.
• We keep hearing that from various entities. The statement, ...that from various entities.
• There is a lot of evidence out there that the students get from their exams, from the ATIs or whatever

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to focus on nursing education funding, workforce supply, and Florida’s low NCLEX pass rates. The chair emphasized that Florida ranks last nationally in nursing exam pass rates and said the committee wants to use budget decisions and a forthcoming nursing bill to improve outcomes. The Florida Center for Nursing at USF presented preliminary workforce and education data showing RN supply is moving toward equilibrium with demand through 2037, while LPN shortages are projected to worsen, especially in some regions. The center also reported on enrollment, retention, faculty vacancies, and NCLEX trends, noting Florida still underperforms the national average but has shown some recent improvement, including higher RN pass rates in 2024 despite fewer test takers. The center highlighted that students who test sooner after graduation tend to pass at higher rates. A panel of nursing education leaders from public universities, state colleges, technical colleges, and private institutions described how prior state pipeline and line-item funding helped expand enrollment, simulation labs, faculty hiring, student support services, and partnerships with hospitals. UNF, Galen College, College of Central Florida, Keiser University, and Lorenzo Walker Technical College each reported strategies such as expanded simulation, mental health and social work support, test-prep and remediation, and efforts to grow faculty pipelines. Several speakers said faculty recruitment and retention remain major barriers because of salary competition with hospitals, faculty debt, and aging faculty. Technical college representatives also stressed the need to strengthen LPN pathways, English-language support, and LPN-to-RN bridge programs. Members asked for ideas to improve NCLEX outcomes and discussed possible policy options, including student loan forgiveness, critical shortage supplements for faculty, incentives for students to test soon after graduation, and possible changes to timing or regulation around NCLEX eligibility. Several witnesses supported more flexible or recurring funding, while noting that one-time line funding has been useful for simulation, scholarships, and faculty support but is harder to sustain. The committee adjourned after the discussion, with the chair saying the ideas would be considered in future funding and policy decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we've got a motion from Representative Henry to So we've got a motion from Representative Henry to
• That from happening. But it really just expresses legislative intent from the 2023 bill. Okay.
• We've got a green card from Ms.
• Also from Mr.
• You heard from labor.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The House Insurance Committee met on April 29 with a quorum present and considered several insurance- and health care-related bills. SB 192, concerning dental reimbursement and payment methods, was amended to clarify opt-in for electronic acceptance and then reported as amended. SB 84, which expands prostate cancer screening coverage for men over 40 and bars cost-sharing, was also amended and reported as amended after testimony from the American Cancer Society supporting earlier detection and reduced out-of-pocket barriers. SB 275, dealing with reimbursement and network access for certified registered nurse anesthetists, was reported favorably with broad support from nurse anesthetists, hospitals, and related groups. SB 169, a biomarker testing cleanup bill, was amended to clarify legislative intent and reported as amended. The committee spent substantial time on two major drug-pricing bills. SB 401 would create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to study selected prescription drug prices, collect manufacturer and related pricing data, and report findings to the legislature; amendments narrowed the scope, addressed confidentiality, and delayed implementation. Supporters said it would provide transparency similar to Texas and help lawmakers understand drug pricing, while opponents warned about government overreach and confidentiality concerns. SB 387, the companion PBM reform bill, would restrict PBM compensation to flat fees and performance bonuses, require rebate pass-throughs, limit formulary practices, expand audit and reporting requirements, and create enforcement mechanisms; it was amended to delay implementation, refine definitions, and address ERISA-related concerns. Supporters argued it would curb PBM abuses and lower drug costs, while opponents from the Pelican Institute and PCMA said it would interfere with private contracts, reduce flexibility, and could raise premiums. After a roll call vote, SB 387 was reported with amendments. The committee also took up SB 241, which requires certain insurance adjusters and appraisers to include license numbers in written communications. After amendments narrowing the requirement to individual claims and public adjusters, the bill was reported as amended. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly raised concerns about unintended consequences, especially for cities, school boards, and other non-ERISA plans, and sponsors said they would continue working on the drug-pricing bills before floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• From new data out in The Guardian that 80% of economic growth in China is from green jobs and green industries
• Would they benefit from this, Mr. Chair? Mr.
• I come from Sunland Park.
• Stable placements reduce trauma, support siblings staying together, and shift the narrative away from
• Stable placements reduce trauma, support siblings staying together, and shift the narrative away from

Bills: SB241, SB145, HB2

Keywords: child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool, pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, Children's Code, early childhood education and care department, ECECD, child care facilities, licensed child care, registered child care, copayments, waitlist, subsidy, federal poverty level

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Hughes moves that Senate Bill 1448 be recommended and certified for placement on the local and
• Senator Hughes moves that Senate Bill 1448 be recommended and certified for placement on the local calendar

Summary: The Senate Committee on Jurisprudence met with a quorum present and considered several pending bills, mostly involving family law, guardianship, probate, and property association matters. The committee adopted committee substitutes where offered and heard brief references that the bills had been previously explained. Bills considered included SB 746 on guardianship matters, SB 1403 on child support enforcement and procedures, SB 1404 on orders and judgments in suits affecting the parent-child relationship, SB 942 on retroactive child support beginning at conception, SB 1448 on decedents’ estates and probate courts, SB 1536 on dementia and Alzheimer’s training for certain guardians, and SB 711 on property owners’ associations and condominium unit owners’ associations. The committee also referenced that SB 942 had been previously voted out and was being advanced again for floor consideration. Each bill received unanimous approval from the members present, with votes recorded as 5 ayes and 0 nays. The committee voted to report each bill favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. For several measures, the committee also voted to certify them as local and uncontested, including SB 746, SB 1403, SB 1448, SB 1536, and SB 711. No opposition or substantive debate was recorded, and no other business was taken up before the committee recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Messages from the house and business.
• And receive a placement within 48 hours.
• that we dropped and stepped back from that we dropped and stepped back from and<00:19:50.480>
• It was in a special reserve fund from 2023.
• was in a special reserve fund from 2023. was in a special reserve fund from 2023.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• those committees to bring materials from those committees to bring materials from previous<00:03
• disparity discourages new workers from disparity discourages new workers from entering<00:12:36.160
• <00:20:45.799> an yeah uh and this CA comes from an yeah uh and this CA comes from an Insider
• got a hand up ah oh thank you uh Miss got a hand up ah oh thank you uh Miss Brooker<01:14:49.480
• people and it's like 30 or 60 days from people and it's like 30 or 60 days from now<01:26:53.800

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will be decision-making after the hearing from what is on the agenda today.
• However, in reality, people from the various Makai Watch programs report stuff from mala areas as well
• My understanding from is that there's the state is already leasing from private commercial businesses
• <01:10:44.679> the it I think it has one option from the it I think it has one option from
• your reading on this was different from your reading on this was different from the<01:32:37.199

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several water, land, and conservation measures. HB 86, which would fund a permanent DLNR Makai Watch coordinator position, drew strong support from DLNR and community advocates. Testifiers said the coordinator is needed to connect community-based nearshore monitoring groups with government, support training and reporting, and provide stable civil-service funding instead of relying on grants and philanthropy. The committee discussed the position’s duties and cost, estimated at about $110,000 with fringe benefits, and noted broad support from organizations including Kuaʻulu, The Nature Conservancy, OHA, and others. HB 36, relating to state water code penalties, was also supported in principle by DLNR, but the agency proposed amendments to create two tiers of violations, distinguish first-time/non-harmful violations from repeat or harmful ones, and give the commission discretion on whether each day counts as a continuing violation. DLNR said the bill is intended to address egregious cases such as Red Hill while avoiding undue impact on small farmers and others without malicious intent. Testifiers from the Board of Water Supply, Lono Initiative, and others supported stronger penalties and transparency, while Earthjustice raised concerns about broader structural issues and the risk of penalties being applied unfairly. The committee then heard HB 316, which appropriates funds to continue the Green Jobs Youth Corps program. DLNR, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, Kōkua, The Nature Conservancy, and other groups testified in support, describing the program as a workforce pipeline that places young professionals in communities, builds trust, and helps recruit future state employees. Supporters said the program has expanded capacity in watershed and reef management and has drawn extensive public backing. Finally, HB 506, funding equipment for the Oʻahu branch of DOCARE, received support from DLNR and others. DOCARE said recent recruit classes are moving through training, that the new positions will expand patrol capacity, including nighttime enforcement, and that the Oʻahu-specific funding is tied to priorities such as the Māʻili Bay herbivore rules. The committee also began hearing HB 510 on water shortage and emergency declarations. DLNR proposed limiting shortage declarations to 90 days unless extended, capping groundwater reductions at 20% for lower-priority permits, removing climate-crisis language as a standalone criterion, and moving the process into rulemaking for more public input. The Board of Water Supply supported the bill and the proposed changes, while Earthjustice urged deferral absent broader Water Commission reforms. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided; the chair indicated the committee would be decision-making after the hearing on items on the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE THINK THAT IS PROBABLY THE MISSING COMPONENT OF THE BILL.
• FROM THE START BECAUSE WE WERE FOLLOWING THE RULES.
• I KNOW FROM SPEAKING I'VE NEVER TRIED THEM BUT I KNOW FROM SPEAKING WITH DOZENS OF PEOPLE WHO DRINK THC
• FROM CALIFORNIA, COLORADO OR WHEREVER THEY ARE MANUFACTURED.
• I KNOW YOU'VE SEEN MOMENTS NOT JUST BY ME BUT ALL THE LEGISLATORS FROM THE HOUSE, FROM THE SENATE AND

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have two resource folks here from Texas Legislative Council.
• If none, we do have two resource witnesses from Legislative Council. Anyone have any questions?
• Industries ranging from home building to paper manufacturing benefit from Corrigan's historical significance
• Remove SB2137 from the calendar. I see we don't have any questions or concerns on page three.
• SB2137, SB2460, and SB3052 were passed earlier today, so they'll be removed from the calendar.

Bills: HCR75, HCR93, SB644, SCR2, SCR17, HB2703, HCR92, HCR7, HCR126, HB1615, HB1610, HB1620, HCR86, HCR7

Keywords: Hemphill, bass fishing, tourism, state recognition, conservation, recreational activities, Nacogdoches, Garden Capital, public gardens, sustainability, horticultural heritage, hospice, palliative care, awareness day, healthcare, patient care, state regulation, taxation, education, local authority

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair calls Daryl Zurovec from the Texas Health Care Association.
• From Dallas to serve in the Texas Senate since Reconstruction.
• So any attempts to distract from those other two buckets and say that this would have to take away from
• Facilities are different from each other, and the best.
• It's paid from the operating entity to the real estate entity.

Bills: HB660, HB4845, HB3902, HB5396, HB4615, HB1825, HB1403, HB4336, HB4585, HB4371, HB863, SB1589, HB5223, HB3195, HB2734

Keywords: child protective services, adult protective services, caseload limits, call processing goals, child-care licensing, employee workload, reporting requirements, employee caseload limits, protective services, workload management, accountability, Department of Family and Protective Services, employee goals, call processing, child care, human resources, government accountability, Medicaid, provider enrollment, revalidation

Transcript Highlights:

• So where do we land from here?
• We need to know where to go from here.
• . or a disciplinary alternative education placement, or if they can't procure any of those placements
• doing it, but they also got funding from the transition aid from past growth allotment, the existing
• about competition from the public sector.

Bills: HB 117, HB2196, HB2689, HCR64, HB117

Keywords: early childhood education, task force, governance, Texas Education Agency, child care, education policy, virtual education, hybrid learning, school funding, average daily attendance, education technology, remote learning, education legislation, workforce development, adult education, high school diploma, industry certification, pilot program, gifted education, education support

Transcript Highlights:

• So where do we land from here?
• doing that, but they also got, uh, they, they got funding from, uh, The transition aid from fast growth
• We need that system to be strong from end to end.
• the public sector that are concerned about competition from the, or from the private sector that are
• concerned about competition from the public sector.

Bills: HB117

Keywords: county regulation, impervious cover, land use, unincorporated areas, environmental management

Transcript Highlights:

• around 10:20, 10:25 for the joint assembly, and the members of the Appropriations Committee and staff from
• the transportation fund, increases from the transportation fund, increases from federal<00:01:53.120
• one year to the next, from 11,000 to over 22,000 calls to their helpline.
• calls from one year to the next from calls from one year to the next from 11,000<00:12:23.320>
• threshold for these scholarships from threshold for these scholarships from $65,000<00:13:12.120

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House Caucus of the Whole received a budget review from House Appropriations Chair Rep. Shay on H.951, the FY27 budget. He said the budget totals about $9.334 billion across all funds, with a 1.6% increase overall and a 2.1% increase in the general fund, and stated that it balances, fills required reserves, meets pension obligations, and largely reflects the governor’s January budget requests. He also noted that budget documents were emailed to members and that Appropriations Committee members and Joint Fiscal Office staff would be available in the House well during lunch for follow-up questions. Shay described the budget as divided into ongoing base appropriations and one-time appropriations. Major ongoing investments highlighted included funding for designated and specialized service agencies, home- and community-based providers, Medicaid skilled home health services, Bridges to Health, AHEC primary care loan repayment and provider placement, Vermont screening and referral clinics, VHIP housing support, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, a homelessness and housing initiative, a disabilities housing coordinator, the Vermont Access Network, Flood Safety Act positions at ANR, a state mediator position, an attorney for the state ethics commission, an additional attorney at the Human Rights Commission, and funding for the Defender General’s public defense contracting and training. He also emphasized one-time funding for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, a pension and benefits funding task force, provider stabilization grants, Meals on Wheels, Vermont Legal Aid’s immigration attorney and hotline, rental arrears assistance, manufactured home repair programs, HomeShare expansion, NOFA food and farm programs, food banks, conservation districts, VSAC Freedom and Unity scholarships, and the Community Resilience and Disaster Mitigation Fund. No votes were taken during the presentation; the meeting ended after a brief opportunity for questions, with members directed to continue discussion during noon office hours.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator from Rutland yields to the Senator from Chittenden Southeast. Thank you, Mr. President.
• President. >> And the senator from Chittenden Southeast yields to the senator from Rutland. >> Do I?
• But exempted from that were things like terminal classes and advanced placement courses and others that
• We did increase from 1.95 total funds to 2.1 from FY26, From FY26, but that is just because we found
• Senator from Windsor.

Keywords: 927, senate, all