Transcript Highlights:

• Members, we have several bills that we need to refer to special language.
• All of those have special language, and refer those as special language. That takes us to C-1.
• It contains special language. All right, special language.
• It also contains special language. Special language.
• It contains special language. All right, special language.

Summary: The committee heard several subcommittee reports and adopted them. The Claims Review Litigation Reports Oversight Subcommittee reported on two Department of Corrections litigation settlements and one denied and dismissed claim, and its report was adopted. The JBC Personnel Subcommittee reported on Governor’s letters and amendments; all items were released back to the Joint Budget Committee as adopted except item 3, the Lieutenant Governor’s Office amendment, and items 3 and 4 were sent back for further review. The peer review subcommittee reported approval of several temporary appropriations, ARPA and IIJA appropriations, reserve fund transfers, and a resource reallocation. Two items were held: DHS K-2 discretionary grants and an L-4 DHS/EMS contract; after additional information was provided, the hold on the contract was released and the report was adopted. A member asked about returned ARPA funds, and staff explained the money was being returned to the federal government because it was not fully expended within the federal time frame. The committee also referred several measures to special language, including Senate Bills 63, 67, and 73 and House Bills 1089, 1090, and 1093. Special-language amendments were noted for the Department of Health, the Office of the Treasurer, and the State Board of Election Commission. The chair urged members to resolve any remaining holds by the following Thursday or they would be released, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• definition of qualified taxpayer needs definition of qualified taxpayer needs to<00:18:56.400>
• <01:08:35.440> fund animal industry special fund animal industry special fund appropriates
• repeated over over and over Farmers need repeated over over and over Farmers need stronger<01:11
• special fund from the animal industry special fund<01:14:42.920> and<01:14:43.159> rather
• don't want to create any new special don't want to create any new special fund<01:15:07.320>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:12:22.320> provided these programs it needs to be provided these programs it needs to be
• There is one state special education funding program, specifically special education funding, that's
• schools with Co relief funds special schools with Co relief funds special education<01:04:51.799
• special special education<01:07:19.440> um<01:07:20.200> Administration<01:07:21.200><
• <01:09:33.960> to can take a look at that but I need to can take a look at that but I need

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee Division II met with the New Hampshire Department of Education to review school nutrition programs and related funding. Department staff Melissa White and Kelly Rambo walked through a packet covering the National School Lunch Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Community Eligibility (CEP), After School Snack Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Summer Food Service Program, explaining that these are federally funded USDA programs, with some state supplemental funding in certain areas. They also reviewed reimbursement rates for lunch, breakfast, child/adult care, and summer meals, noting that summer rates follow calendar-year timing while most others follow the state fiscal year. Members asked several questions about how the funding works, especially the difference between federal reimbursements and the state match. Staff explained that the state lunch line in the budget is a fixed match amount tied to federal participation, while breakfast funding is broken out by meal type and reimbursement category. They also discussed why FY 2022 federal spending was much higher during COVID, when USDA covered meals at the free rate for all students, and why FY 2023 and FY 2024 dropped as normal income-eligibility rules returned. A committee member also asked about the “severe need lunch” two-cent rate, and staff said they did not know USDA’s formula. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on summer meals and the distinction between the Summer Food Service Program and Summer EBT. Staff explained that SFSP provides meals at approved sites, which can be open or closed sites, while Summer EBT is a separate DHHS-operated benefit program that provides funds to families. They said some schools or sites may not qualify under USDA rules, but eligible children can often use another nearby open site, and the department posts an interactive map and phone line to help families find locations. The committee also discussed the Community Eligibility Provision. Staff said New Hampshire currently has three CEP schools, that the eligibility threshold had recently been lowered from 40% to 25% identified students, and that the program allows participating schools to offer free meals to all students while the local district covers the non-federal share. Members asked whether any districts in the 25% to 40% range had joined; staff said no. The department offered to provide the eligibility report in Excel and noted that the CEP intent is to reduce application burden, though the lower threshold can make the local cost share harder for some districts to absorb.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have an introduction of a very special guest.
• Speaker. to introduce specials.
• Speaker. to introduce specials. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Introduction of special guests. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Introduction of special guests.
• Introduction of a special guest, Mr. Speaker. Mr.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're saying they need the data, and they need it to be opt-out.
• need this data they're saying they need need this data they're saying they need the<01:00:47.839
• We heard last year about the need, particularly in the North Country, in certain areas, some special
• We heard last year about the need, particularly in the North Country, in certain areas, some special
• <04:26:11.880> it's<04:26:12.080> not special needs in the classroom it's not special

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 695, relating to school districts and medically related grants. The sponsor argued the bill was vague and could undermine existing law, and another member said it would add an unnecessary mandate for school districts. The committee voted to recommend inexpedient to legislate, and the motion passed 18-0. Next, House Bill 765, which would consolidate school administrative units and make superintendent jobs elected positions, was also recommended inexpedient to legislate. Members said the bill raised too many questions, could duplicate other legislation, and would move away from local control. That motion likewise passed 18-0. House Bill 768, allowing public school districts to contract with approved private schools, drew more debate. Supporters described it as a language cleanup and an expansion of educational opportunity, while opponents raised concerns about the placement of the language and pending Supreme Court cases. The committee voted 10-8 to recommend ought to pass, and then 10-8 to recommend ought to pass as amended, with a minority report noted. The committee then considered House Bill 446, dealing with parental notice for non-academic surveys. An amendment was offered to make the Youth Risk Behavior Survey opt-in rather than opt-out. Supporters said parents should be informed and should choose whether their children participate, while opponents argued the survey is an important tool for mental health data, grants, and school programming, and that opt-in would reduce participation and data quality. The amendment passed 10-8, and the bill as amended also passed 10-8, with a minority report noted. Finally, the committee began House Bill 741, which would allow parents to send children to any school district they choose and expand open enrollment. The sponsor described it as broadening choice and keeping public funds in public schools, and an amendment was proposed to restore provisions for children of military personnel. Discussion on the amendment began, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on House Bill 741 or the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• That includes having three specialized firms.
• My special thanks to Madam.
• And we need to understand the dynamics of that.
• I think we need to apologize for it, we need to talk about it, and see what we can do to recover.
• I needed to keep someone in my body.

Transcript Highlights:

• We show a history of special fund major special funds or other funds, including special funds and federal
• And is it not more than you need, but just what you need? So how do we adjust?
• Is it not more than you need, but just what you need? So how do we adjust to that?
• We're working on special arrangements for how to actually figure that out and serve the needs of the
• They have different needs.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first approved the December 10 minutes and then received a DEQ base budget summary and agency overview. DEQ staff explained that the agency is largely federally and special funded, with major ongoing costs in salaries, operating expenses, grants, and continuing appropriations. Director Dave Glatt and accounting director Beth Jacobson highlighted core programs, the move to a new chemistry laboratory, the new state fuel inspection program, wastewater-related funding from HB 1577, and implementation of SB 2267 for on-site wastewater rules. They also noted the agency’s spending patterns, possible federal EPA cuts, and the likelihood of some fee adjustments or program changes if federal support declines. Members asked about DEQ’s travel, field offices, future staffing, and how the agency would respond to reduced federal regulation. DEQ said most staff are based in Bismarck, with field offices in Fargo, Sawyer, and Gwinner, and that travel is driven by inspections and spill response. Glatt said the agency would continue to rely on science and law, and that any future federal retrenchment could mean more state responsibility but likely not a wholesale increase in FTEs. The committee also discussed a feedlot enforcement case in the Minot area, with DEQ explaining its role in ensuring compliance, permitting, and animal-waste management standards. The Department of Health and Human Services then presented on FTE block grant reporting, TANF balances, child care transfers, and the Rural Health Transformation Program. Donna Ockland explained that no line-item transfers had occurred yet for the new rural health work, but about 33 positions were planned and some current staff time could be reimbursed through approved cost allocation. HHS also reviewed TANF’s frozen eligibility and block grant structure, the transfer of up to 30% of TANF funds to child care, and recent program changes that increased benefits and raised the income limit. Staff said the department is using TANF more strategically to support child care and other allowable uses, while still carrying over unused funds as many states do. Finally, Pat and HHS staff gave an update on the Rural Health Transformation Program, saying the first funding opportunity was being posted and that the state is on track to obligate the federal funds within the required timeline. They described priorities such as workforce retention, preceptor development, technical assistance for critical access hospitals, community wellness projects, and ambulance upgrades. Members asked about rural versus urban eligibility, immigrant recruitment, evaluation of year-two funding, and how the program would address varied local workforce needs. The meeting then shifted to an Office of Management and Budget update on the new State Hospital project, where Lindsay Ashley reported continued construction progress, updated cost information, and selected alternates, with photos and details showing work underway in multiple building sections.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I the flexibility that we need.
• And in some cases, they are the difference between life and death for students with special needs.
• schools as a special ed para for kiddos with special needs and usually the ones that are a lot of behavioral
• > needs<00:31:59.039> and<00:31:59.360> usually kiddos with special needs and usually
• kiddos with special needs and usually the<00:31:59.840> ones<00:32:00.080> that<00:32:

Bills: HF1049

Keywords: school library aid, education finance, school districts, charter schools, funding eligibility, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Because of the eye injury, he needs special prescription glasses that need to be checked every six months
• So so much needed. here in the Senate. So so much needed.
• mobility, who need access, who need opportunity.
• mobility, who need access, who need opportunity.
• mobility, who need access, who need opportunity.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• special funds. special funds.
• You know, Mokai, we just sometimes need some specialized equipment, and renting is a lot more cost effective
• You know Mokai we just sometimes need<02:00:51.599> some<02:00:51.840> specialized<02:00
• :52.320> equipment<02:00:52.719> and need some specialized equipment and need some specialized
• be special >> No special because it would be special fund<02:31:27.200> right<02:31:27.920

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Department of Health presented its supplemental budget requests and described several sources of uncertainty affecting federal funding, including policy changes, shutdown-related disruptions, and shifting appropriations proposals in Congress. Officials said some federal grants had been terminated and then restored, but the department still faces added administrative burden to access funds. They also said trust in public health institutions has declined, and outlined efforts to respond through community engagement, website cleanup, social media, and transparency dashboards. The department highlighted staffing and operations issues, noting a 29.7% vacancy rate and the success of its hiring pilot under Act 291, which has hired 38 candidates with an average 95-day hiring timeline. On the budget side, officials said the supplemental request includes increases in general, special, and revolving funds, and they walked through the first major general fund item for emergency medical services. After discussion, they said the EMS request was reduced from $8 million to $4.5 million to cover collective bargaining increases and keep contracts whole through August 2027. Behavioral health items included the payment crisis center in Ewa, which has connected more than 2,000 people to services, though roughly one-third remain unconnected or return frequently. Members questioned the quality of follow-up data and whether the program is reducing repeat use. The department also discussed state hospital decompression efforts, including use of the behavioral health crisis center, transfers to community hospitals, neighbor-island placements, and direct discharge to long-term care facilities; officials said the hospital is licensed for 292 beds and has seen census pressures rise again. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on Kalaupapa/Kalawao jurisdiction and preservation after patient care ends. Members pressed the department on the lack of a clear statewide plan, the roles of DOH, DNR, and DHHL, and what happens to land, buildings, and the cemetery after the last patient leaves. DOH said the current law is unclear on an end date, that the proposed bill would change the law, and that the landowners’ agreements with the National Park Service and each other will shape the transition. Officials said they would provide more information at a later hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to do more. We need to increase whether it's depository, but there's a lot of need here.
• But we've never gotten differentiated rates for special needs children—they've asked for it.
• needs.
• It's a need.
• We need to address it now. We need to address it hard. We need to fight.

Transcript Highlights:

• Nonetheless, all students need access.
• of circumstances, including maybe medical conditions, maybe children with special needs, children who
• of circumstances, including maybe medical conditions, maybe children with special needs, children who
• It depends on if it's a justice-involved kiddo or a special-needs kiddo or a kiddo who's dealing with
• Rob Reynolds, parent of a special-needs child and teacher for the San Joaquin County Office of Education

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee met without a quorum for much of the hearing and heard several bills out of order. SB 249 by Senator Umberg would move county board of education elections from the primary to the statewide general election. Supporters, including the League of Women Voters and many educators, argued the change would increase turnout and make the electorate more representative. The Orange County Board of Education opposed the bill, saying it would increase costs, reduce local control, and bury education races on crowded general-election ballots. The chair and members discussed turnout, cost, and representation, but the bill was held pending a quorum. Senator Grove presented SB 373, which adds safeguards for California students placed in out-of-state non-public schools through IEPs. The bill would require more robust LEA and CDE oversight, including annual site visits, student interviews, quarterly contact, stronger certification standards, and restrictions on prone, supine, and mechanical restraints. Testimony from a survivor of an out-of-state placement and from advocates emphasized abuse, neglect, and the need for stronger monitoring. There was broad support and no opposition testimony, but the measure was also held pending a quorum. Senator Ashby presented SB 568, the epinephrine in schools modernization act, to clarify and expand requirements for stocked epinephrine so they clearly apply to all public schools, including preschool programs. School nurses and medical experts said the bill would close gaps created by universal preschool and ensure life-saving treatment is available for anaphylaxis. The committee discussed dosing and implementation, and the bill was supported without opposition testimony. The committee also heard SB 414, the Charter School Accountability Act, which would strengthen fiscal oversight, audit standards, and transparency for charter schools and authorizers. Supporters said it responds to fraud and audit findings while preserving charter flexibility; opponents, including school employees and teachers, said it did not go far enough on authorizer accountability and small-district oversight. After discussion, the committee voted 7-0 to pass SB 414 as amended to Appropriations. The committee also briefly heard SB 743 by Senator Cortese, which would create an equalization reserve account to provide additional funding to underfunded school districts and reduce funding inequities tied to ZIP code. The author said the bill would support student achievement and teacher retention over time. The transcript cuts off before testimony or action on SB 743 was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And any risks that need to be considered.
• These are all utilized to determine where that inmate needs to go and what programs that inmate needs
• We talk about their special conditions. We monitor the progress.
• We talk about their special conditions. We monitor the progress.
• But we need some cheerleaders. We need some people to say, enough is enough.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard an informational presentation from the Florida Department of Corrections on how the prison and community supervision systems operate after sentencing. Assistant Deputy Secretary Hope Gartman described the reception process for new inmates, including intake, medical and mental health screening, classification, custody and housing levels, gain time, and the department’s academic, vocational, substance abuse, chaplaincy, visitation, and communication programs. She emphasized that reentry begins on day one and that program placement is driven by risk and needs assessments, with facilities matched to inmates’ medical, mental health, and security requirements. Members also asked about family contact, visitor applications, inmate welfare trust funds, tablet access, private prison placement, staffing shortages, overtime, contraband interdiction, and waiting lists for programs; several follow-up materials were requested for distribution to all members. Mr. Winkler then outlined community corrections, explaining the different supervision types under Florida law, including probation, drug offender probation, community control, sex offender supervision, conditional release, and addiction recovery supervision. He described the department’s monitoring tools, such as office and field visits, warrantless searches, alternative sanctioning for technical violations, telephone reporting for low-risk offenders, employment assistance, and mobile probation and reentry units. He said the department’s supervision success rate is about 62%, with more than 91% of successful completers not returning to custody within three years. Members questioned officer workloads, the use of radios and GPS check-ins, the rollout of uniforms and firearms, how violations are handled, and whether all circuits participate in alternative sanctioning; Winkler said the program is statewide and that the department is seeking funding for radios. During public comment, Florida Cares Charity urged the committee to consider evidence on deterrence, parole, and recidivism, arguing that community supervision is less costly than incarceration and can be effective. James Beardy of the Florida PBA emphasized the dangers faced by correctional and probation officers, including long shifts, field searches, and working alone, and argued for higher pay and better support comparable to other law enforcement. The meeting concluded with the chair thanking the presenters and public speakers, and the subcommittee adjourned without taking any legislative votes or formal actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Office of Special treatment.
• Remove requirement for a special special special review<00:18:31.160> board<00:18:32.160> hearing
• > review<00:19:12.799> board House carries the special review board House carries the special
• <00:19:30.559> review The House carries the special review The House carries the special review
• to and that DHS functions that it needs to and that DHS needs<00:45:16.319> to<00:45:16.880><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next order of business is introduction of special guests. Introduction of special guests.
• Introduction of a special guest. Proceed, lady.
• You need to read the next subdivision.
• Missouri doesn't need tax cuts for the wealthy. We need affordable housing.
• Missouri doesn't need tax cuts for the wealthy. We need affordable housing.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House first approved the journal for the 54th day by roll call vote, 117-5, after a prayer, pledge, and a long series of introductions of guests and school groups. The chamber then took up a motion from the Clay County member to reconsider perfection and adoption of House Committee Substitute for House Bills 3283 and 3306, which was described as a precautionary step to send the bill back for legislative review because of possible conflict with current case law involving arbitration and court jurisdiction. Members supporting the motion said the bill protects first responders and should be tightened up before returning to the floor. The reconsideration motions and the motion to commit the substitute to the Committee on Legislative Review all passed, each by roughly 98-43 or 99-43 votes. The House then considered House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 982, a sex offender registry bill. The sponsor said it would streamline Missouri’s registry by moving to a clearer tier-based system, standardizing who must register, reducing litigation exposure, and aligning state law more closely with federal SORNA requirements. The bill also included language allowing the Department of Mental Health to contract with the Department of Corrections for housing sexually violent predators, plus other technical provisions. After a small technical amendment correcting a typo, members asked about whether the bill would allow offenders to petition off the registry; the sponsor said it would make removal easier for those who meet the tier requirements. The House adopted the substitute 141-4 and then third-read and passed the bill 141-4. The main floor debate centered on House Joint Resolutions 173 and 174, which would place before voters a constitutional change aimed at eliminating the state income tax over time and potentially broadening sales and use taxes to replace lost revenue. Supporters argued the proposal would shift Missouri from taxing income to taxing consumption, improve economic development, help attract businesses and workers, and give taxpayers more control over how they are taxed. They repeatedly described the measure as revenue-neutral and emphasized guardrails such as requiring any sales-tax expansion to be tied to income-tax reduction, done in the same legislation, and limited to a five-year window. Opponents argued the plan would raise taxes on most Missourians, especially lower- and middle-income families and seniors on fixed incomes, and would shift costs onto everyday goods and services, health care, and local governments. They also warned it could weaken funding for schools, hospitals, and other public services and noted that many witnesses and constituents opposed the measure. No final vote on the joint resolution was shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, and we, we need some help.
• And so what we need. We need some help with that.
• We aren't where we need to be.
• The second exceptional item I have relates to a contract attorney for an as needed as needed basis, um
• But I recognize the agencies' needs need to come first, and so I want to make sure that those needs are

Transcript Highlights:

• So increasing the ceiling in this special fund will allow us to respond more quickly, if needed, to have
• Why do you need this special project branch? Why is it so critical?
• Why do you need this special project branch? Why is it so critical?
• Why do you need this special all about?
• Why do you need this special project<02:44:38.399> branch?

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I just want to clarify because I might have missed it: this is only for special needs.
• Yes, ma'am, this is for classrooms that have a majority of special needs students in them.
• Even, for example, a classroom of 30 but maybe have one special needs person.
• It's going to cost a lot less than the special technology you need to blur out children's faces.
• Tremont, I know that you have a heart for special needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• We don't need WH approval.
• I need Gabbert. Is he on? One Okay. I need Gabbert. Is he on?
• We need form. We need him for quorum.” “I don't need him for... He's not on my agenda.
• We need go then? No. No. We need form.
• You need me Okay. So, sorry. Okay. Sure. You need me or<03:47:00.960> not?

Keywords: Conference Notices: AGR 2:30 PM:, 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we need to do a better job, and I think we need to look at...
• I needed that reminder.
• Yeah, so they need—Mr. Chair, thank you—they need the money.
• Then he said he still needed the same amount of money you need. Thank you.
• As I said earlier, contractual needs are needed all across the state.

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first heard an Aging and Long-Term Services Department budget presentation comparing the LFC and executive recommendations. The main differences were in the Aging Network, Adult Protective Services, Program Support, and Long-Term Care Division, especially the executive’s proposed $10 million infusion into the Kiki Savadra Senior Dignity Fund and $6.2 million for expanding New Mexico Care. LFC staff explained that the committee recommendation was lower in general fund and fund-balance use, while the executive emphasized rising senior population needs, meal and transportation costs, and the cost savings of keeping older adults at home. The secretary also reviewed the department’s special requests, including the conference on aging, outreach, emergency preparedness, and the Kiki fund, and described New Mexico Care’s growth, its evaluation results, and the department’s plan to separate Kiki into its own accounting fund. Members largely focused on senior services, rural meal delivery, transportation, caregiver support, and the Kiki fund. Several members urged stronger support for non-metro aging providers and for New Mexico Care, citing its role in keeping seniors out of nursing homes and the program’s reported savings and outcomes. Questions also covered eligibility, background checks for caregivers, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer’s screening, and whether Kiki funds can support home modifications such as ramps. The committee then voted to adopt the LFC recommendation with one executive language change: adding the executive’s page 14 language allowing an additional 12.5% distribution for initial payments to aging network providers at the start of FY27. Representative Dow opposed the motion. The committee then moved to the Attorney General’s budget. LFC staff explained that the office’s budget relies heavily on the Consumer Settlement Fund, with both recommendations reducing general fund revenue while increasing settlement-fund use, and that performance measures were in consensus. The Attorney General said the office was not seeking more general fund, but wanted greater ability to use funds it recovers. He highlighted major consumer and public safety work, including litigation against major social media and AI platforms, a case involving Snapchat and child exploitation/extortion, the statewide crime gun intelligence center, efforts to address oilfield theft, work on missing and murdered Indigenous persons, and efforts to protect federal funds coming into New Mexico.