Transcript Highlights:

• class sizes? Is there a way to get in? class sizes? Is there a way to get in?
• 031 repeals 301 KAR 2:030 because updated provisions are being moved to 301 KAR 3:150. 301 KAR 2:221
• Department of Workplace Standards 803 KAR 2:244 Emergency.
• Department of Workplace Standards 803 KAR 2:244 Emergency.
• This is a section 2 subsection 1.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee met in August with a quorum present and approved the prior meeting minutes without objection. The committee then reviewed several regulations, generally adopting staff-suggested amendments without objection, and heard brief explanations from agency representatives on each item. The Board of Pharmacy regulations would clarify what registered and certified pharmacy technicians may do under supervision and what certified technicians may not do, while updating registration applications. The Board of Cosmetology package included changes to executive director authority, licensure and reciprocity rules, school requirements, training hours, instructor ratios, sanitation and disease-related rules, complaint procedures, and permit terms; members asked about straight razor language and the increase in student-to-instructor ratios, and the board explained that cosmetologists are not permitted to use straight razors and that the higher ratio was intended to give schools flexibility, especially for part-time students and schools with wait lists. The Occupational Therapy emergency compact regulation added four compact rules adopted in April 2025, and Senator West raised a technical question about certification requirements under House Bill 6; the agency said it had been instructed to file the regulation as submitted. The Department for Fish and Wildlife Resources presented a package covering wildlife management area rules, a northern pintail bag limit increase, reportable disease reporting, and a repeal tied to boat registration fees. After a brief explanation of the new wildlife disease reporting rule, the agency requested and received a deferral of 301 KAR 2:031 to avoid a gap while replacement language is finalized. The Economic Development Finance Authority explained an emergency regulation for the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program, saying it was needed because the program had become oversubscribed and because administration was shifting to a new film office and council; members also asked about certification issues under House Bill 6, and the agency said it had filed the regulation as directed. The Department of Workplace Standards emergency PPE regulation was also discussed, with members asking about HB 6 certification language, and the agency gave the same response. The Department of Insurance regulation would create a $10,000 registration fee and a $1,000 annual licensing fee for pharmacy benefit manager licenses, with an agency amendment exempting PBMs that solely serve workers’ compensation plans. Members asked how many PBMs would be affected and why workers’ compensation PBMs were carved out; the agency said there were 70 registered PBMs total, four solely workers’ comp, and that workers’ comp rates are set by statute and could not absorb the fee. Finally, the Public Service Commission’s pole attachment regulation was summarized as a broadband-expansion measure that speeds application review, increases the number of poles allowed in a single application, and shortens dispute timelines; the commission explained it grew out of earlier legislative direction and subsequent emergency amendments, and the committee adopted the staff amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• no-pedal Class 2 e-bike.
• Just a quick question about the Class 3 e-bike bill.
• If a bicycle or a Class 1 and 2 bicycle is already prohibited from being on the sidewalk, will this allow
• a Class 3 e-bike to be on the sidewalk also?
• Will this allow a Class 3 e-bike to be on the sidewalk also?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hybrid hearing on 46 bills covering bicycle and pedestrian safety, autonomous and specialty vehicles, street design, and related transportation issues. Chair Jim Arciero and Senate co-chair Brendan Crighton opened the hearing, noted that Senate Bill 2347 was postponed at the sponsor’s request, and explained the hearing procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing. A major portion of testimony focused on autonomous vehicles. Labor representatives from the AFL-CIO, Teamsters, Machinists, and app-based driver organizations opposed bills that would authorize fully autonomous vehicles, arguing they could displace workers, weaken bargaining power, increase congestion, and create safety and data-privacy risks. Waymo and Chamber of Progress supported legislation creating a framework for autonomous vehicles, saying the technology has strong safety results and could improve mobility and economic opportunity, but they opposed provisions requiring a human operator in the vehicle. Transportation and environmental advocates urged stronger oversight, local control, crash-data reporting, and privacy protections before deployment. Several bills on pedestrian and bicycle safety drew support from advocates and affected residents. Testimony backed measures to improve crosswalk timing for slower pedestrians, raise penalties for crosswalk violations, expand truck sideguard and safety-device requirements, and improve roadway marking reflectivity. AARP, MassBike, and other advocates emphasized the need to protect older adults, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users, while some speakers opposed bills expanding e-bike access to sidewalks and natural-surface trails, citing safety concerns. The committee also heard strong support for the Blue Envelope program for drivers with autism and developmental disabilities, with testimony from the Arc of Massachusetts, the Developmental Disabilities Council, families, and individuals describing how the program can reduce misunderstandings during traffic stops and crashes.

Transcript Highlights:

• TAB 2 SENATE BILL 200 BY OUR OWN VICE CHAIR SENATOR BERMAN. YOU ARE RECOGNIZED.
• EVERY GAME IN THE CLASS III?
• WHAT WE REVIEWED ON A CLASS II VERSUS CLASS III GAMING MACHINE AS A RELATES TO THE VFW AMERICAN LEGION
• THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE HOMEWORK BEFORE CLASS.
• MEMBERS, WHO HAD 2:15 ON THEIR BINGO CARD LOOKING AT THAT AGENDA?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. rebuild the ladder to the middle class. I think I'll speak for myself.
• In today's California, unfortunately, we have a dwindling middle class and the ability.
• In today's California, unfortunately, we have a dwindling middle class, and the ability and the means
• to become middle-class families are less and less.
• File item number 12, AB 1, 2, 3, 5. The motion is due pass to the Appropriations Committee. Fong.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard a series of bills focused on expanding access to higher education, addressing workforce shortages, student housing, and labor standards on campus projects. AB 662 would create a South County Higher Education Task Force to explore a mixed-use, intersegmental institution in Chula Vista; supporters said South San Diego County is a “college desert,” while the bill passed on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations. AB 885 would establish a College Access for All Fund to help make CSU and UC attendance more affordable; supporters cited student debt and affordability concerns, and it also passed to Appropriations. AB 730 would provide $15 million to help establish a medical school in the Central Valley to address physician shortages, and it advanced on a due pass motion. AB 1400 would let up to 15 community college districts pilot bachelor’s degrees in nursing; supporters argued it would expand affordable BSN access and keep students local, while CSU, UC, and other higher education groups opposed it as unnecessary and inconsistent with the master plan. The bill passed to Appropriations, with members raising questions about clinical placements, faculty shortages, and possible effects on associate-degree programs. The committee also considered AB 1235, which would require CSU design-build projects to use a skilled and trained workforce, aligning CSU with other public higher education construction standards. Supporters said it would improve safety, training, and local job opportunities, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 1247 would restrict contracting out of classified school and community college jobs unless workers meet training and qualification standards and would address pension and training concerns; supporters said it would protect students and classified employees, while school and college groups warned it would disrupt services and add unfunded mandates. The bill passed to Appropriations with one no vote. AB 1470, presented on behalf of Assemblymember Haney, would allow a portion of student housing revolving loan funds to be used for affordable student, faculty, and staff housing in downtown and commercial districts; it was discussed as a housing and downtown revitalization measure, but the committee held off on a motion pending more members. ACA 3, also on behalf of Haney, would require UC to offer limited down payment loans to eligible long-term support staff first-time homebuyers; it drew extensive support from UC workers and unions, while UC and business groups opposed it as costly and outside UC’s mission, and the measure was still under discussion at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like House Amendment 2 read in by title only. Please read in House Amendment 2 by title only.
• I'd like House Amendment 2 read in by title only. Please read in House Amendment 2 by title only.
• It is now 2:26 on July 1st.
• Item number eight, Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 1.
• Sadaka's fourth grade class. Thank you.

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, roughly how long is this class?
• why you chose 2/3 in this circumstance. why you chose 2/3 in this circumstance.
• and separate classes.
• classes and and separate<03:58:33.279> classes.
• of classes. of classes.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been fighting for this for more than 2 years.
• So right now it's a class A misdemeanor and it would be bumped up to a state jail felony.
• OK, a few minutes. 2 minutes. Please excuse me, I was testifying on another bill.
• We dwarf who's number 2 and who's number 3, which is Florida and California.
• Um, it's 2 minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• my first semester in college to be a veterinarian, and I lasted a week because of all the science classes
• This, I couldn't show you prior, but this is a class taken by one of the dentists out where I live at
• Doctor, under Chapter 36-212, treatment of animals, page 2, 36-21.2-0.03, animal cruelty, definition,
• As you go around all the vet schools in the country, almost all of them increased class size.
• I'm not going to be a neurosurgeon, so I sure didn't take those classes in school, right?

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The conference committee on House/Senate Bill 2129 met to resolve the House amendment to the Senate-passed bill, which concerns exemptions related to veterinary practice. The main dispute centered on the House language adding terms such as “specialized or holistic trade” and expanding exemptions to include acupuncture/acupressure and non-veterinary dentistry, while the Senate preferred a narrower, more definitive list of exempt activities. Senators and House members discussed whether the word “includes” made the exemption open-ended, and whether equine dentistry should be treated as veterinary medicine or allowed as a separate practice. Testimony from Dr. Sarah Lyons of the North Dakota Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and veterinarian Troy Dutton emphasized that dentistry, including equine dentistry, is generally considered the practice of veterinary medicine and can involve invasive procedures and animal safety risks. They argued the House amendment lacked educational or licensing requirements and could allow untrained individuals to perform procedures such as dentistry or acupuncture. House members raised concerns about rural access, shortages of veterinarians, and the practical reality that some horse owners and equine practitioners currently perform float work and similar services. After extended discussion, the committee did not reach agreement. Members noted that the House amendment language differed from the Senate version on the key exemption provisions, and that further review of proposed alternative language would be needed. A motion was made and approved by roll call that the committee was unable to agree at this time and would schedule another meeting. The meeting was then adjourned pending rescheduling.

Transcript Highlights:

• There being 143 ayes, 2 nays, the amendment is adopted. The chair recognizes Mr.
• o'clock p.m. in room 3w to meet while the house is in session today at 2 o'clock p.m. in room 315 to
• There being 141 ayes and 2 nays, House Bill 2723 is passed to engrossment.
• There being 140 ayes and 2 nays. House Bill 2003 is passed to engrossment.
• Under Rule 11, Section 2, on the grounds that the amendment is not germane to the bill.

Bills: HB29, HB 125, HB145, HB171, HB255, HB50, HB796, HB363, HB 116, HB491, HB589, HB1495, HB368, HB 1285, HB1905, HB1360, HB2002, HB917, HB2723, HB2067, HB 1238, HB2337, HB745, HB 1188, HB1606, HB2003, HB2147, HB2391, HB2355, HB2546, HB2495, HB2818, HB2249, HB1749, HB3109, HB3228, HB3240, HB1507, HB658, HB1748, HB1851, HB1922, HB2001, HB2798, HB 107, HCR29, SB5, SB262, HB 11, HJR72, HB 106, HB18, HB48, HB27, HB37, HB1481, HB581, HB1696, HB2216, HB 1035, HB1633, HB742, HB754, HB1689, HB1690, HB2669, HB391, HB517, HB 1024, HB1607, HB252, HB1716, HB1562, HB4116, HB1866, HB1741, HB2103, HB2637, HB2884, HB503, HB 1089, HB2986, HB972, HB502, HB29, HB 125, HB145, HB171, HB255, HB50, HB796, HB363, HB 116, HB491, HB589, HB1495, HB368, HB 1285, HB1905, HB1360, HB2002, HB917, HB2723, HB2067, HB 1238, HB2337, HB745, HB 1188, HB1606, HB2003, HB2147, HB2391, HB2355, HB2546, HB2495, HB2818, HB2249, HB1749, HB3109, HB3228, HB3240, HB1507, HB658, HB1748, HB1851, HB1922, HB2001, HB2798, HB 107, HCR29

Keywords: water audit, water loss, water loss mitigation plan, municipally owned utility, municipal utility, water conservation, Texas Water Development Board, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, water leakage, leak detection, billing data accuracy, utility validation, water audit validation, water scarcity, water management, infrastructure, public utility, conservation plan, administrative penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like House Amendment 2 read in by title only. Please read in House Amendment 2 by title only.
• I'd like House Amendment 2 read in by title only. Please read in House Amendment 2 by title only.
• It is now 2:26 on July 1st.
• Item number 8, Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 1.
• Sadaka's fourth grade class. Thank you.

Summary: The House met on June 30, 2026, with opening ceremonies, guest introductions, a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence for two deceased community members. Members also adopted Consent Calendar 29, which included House Concurrent Resolutions 153, 154, and 156, and passed House Concurrent Resolution 157 directing the State Lottery to report on iLottery options to support traditional lottery retailers, as amended to set a February 15, 2027 reporting deadline. The chamber then considered several bills on agriculture, telecommunications, health, fire service standards, corrections, elections, and education. Among the measures passed were Senate Bill 53 on the Delaware Farm to Community Program, Senate Bill 307 on PSC authority for Lifeline telecom carriers, Senate Bill 339 clarifying advance health care directives, Senate Bill 235 extending manufactured home rent increase rules, Senate Bill 325 updating firefighter/EMS background check and membership standards, Senate Bill 309 discharging incarceration-related balances, Senate Bill 324 on constable-related handgun purchase exemptions, Senate Bill 94 on respiratory care practitioners and ECMO medication access, and Senate Bill 293 creating a licensure pathway for summer camp providers in the Purchase of Care program. The House also passed Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 100, proposing a constitutional amendment to protect the right to marry regardless of race or gender while explicitly preserving religious freedom. The bill drew extended debate, with supporters framing it as a safeguard against future rollbacks of marriage equality and opponents raising concerns about constitutionalizing an issue already in statute; several members explained changed votes and personal reflections before the final roll call, which passed 28-12. House Bill 188, which would allow unaffiliated voters to choose a party primary, also passed after amendment, despite some opposition over party-system effects. Two measures were tabled or amended after debate: Senate Bill 233 on removing snow and ice from vehicles was initially tabled to consider a truck-driver exemption amendment, then the amendment failed and the bill later passed as amended; and Senate Joint Resolution 19 on studying health care costs was tabled briefly pending legal clarification. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 404, creating a three-year pilot program for AI and extended reality in schools, passed after testimony from the Department of Education emphasizing guardrails, data privacy, and teacher oversight. The transcript ends as House Bill 478 is being read in, but no final action on that bill appears in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I asked for consideration for putting Continental Boulevard as a Class 2 highway back into the 10
• So, I asked for consideration for putting Continental Boulevard as a Class 2 highway back into the 10
• Continental<00:22:26.960> Boulevard<00:22:27.280> as<00:22:27.440> a<00:22:27.520> class
• <00:22:27.840> 2 Continental Boulevard as a class 2 Continental Boulevard as a class 2 highway
• The way that it's reclassified from a class five, which is a town-owned road, to a class two, which would

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS IS YEAR 2 IN A FIVE-YEAR CONTRACT WITH CENTURY ON HEALTH.
• MOVING ON TO PRIVATE PRISON OPERATIONS, 40 MILLION OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS.
• ON SLIDE 2, YOU TALK ABOUT THE PUBLIC DEFENDERS AND THE STATE ATTORNEYS BUDGETS.
• WE WILL MOVE OVER TO TAB 2.
• THAT FIRST ONE WORLD-CLASS TALENT AND LEADERSHIP.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The next is HB 2 with our innovation zone and HB 2 with the next-gen CTE. I can't explain.
• Weaving, a weaving class, silversmithing class, you know, to really bring back the foundational, some
• And this year we accepted a freshman class of 85. 85, thank you.
• So we have an average class size of about 18 to 20.
• Students, so your 2%...

Transcript Highlights:

• Do counselors start with a Level 3 license, or do we have Level 1 and Level 2 licenses?
• Is there anybody online that wishes to speak in opposition to House Memorial 2?
• Opposition to House Memorial 2, please indicate by raising your hand. There you go.
• All right, in the room on my left-hand side, is there support for House Memorial 2?
• Others on my left-hand side that wish to speak in support of House Memorial 2?

Transcript Highlights:

• That's all the same. ...on the top of page 2. That's all the same down to line 24.
• On line 25 on page 2, we're deleting the old sections 2 and 3.
• And if you flip over to page 3, we're adding a new section 2, starting on line 16.
• And this section 2 incorporates the old sections 2 and 3 in the previous bill we looked at.
• , which is what the current and Class B misdemeanor, we went back to an infraction, which is what the

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee reconvened to hear a revised version of Senate Bill 2385, with Representative Casper walking through changes made in consultation with the bill sponsor and agency counsel. He explained that the amendments restored language on change of ownership and license transfer for mobile home parks, recreational vehicle parks, and campgrounds; removed a proposed $5,000 civil penalty and returned the violation penalty to an infraction; extended the correction period before disciplinary action to 30 days with possible additional time for good-faith compliance; and removed the tenant right of first refusal, leaving park sales to willing buyers and sellers. Casper said the changes simplified the bill and addressed concerns raised earlier in committee. Members asked about how licenses would work after a sale, and Casper said a transferred license would continue for the current year, but the new owner would need to reapply annually. He also said all participating parties and the Attorney General’s counsel were amenable to the amendments. The committee adopted the Casper amendments by voice vote and then moved to a do pass as amended recommendation. The first roll call on the amended bill was confusing because several members were absent, and the committee briefly discussed whether to wait for Representative Ruby and whether votes should be repeated. Members explained their earlier no votes, with Representative Koppelman saying he had intended to vote against the amendment rather than the bill, and Representative Schauer citing concerns about provisions affecting park owners and evictions. After waiting briefly, the committee retook the vote and approved SB 2385 as amended on a 7-3-4 roll call. Representative Casper was asked to carry the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• OAC 145:15-3-2-3-3. OAC 145:15-3-2-3-L. Mr. Dair. They're going to fight over it.
• They've just launched those five new classes.
• They've just launched those five new classes.
• They have a sex offender typology and mindset class coming this quarter, as well as a beginner GIS class
• So Virtual Academy is very busy getting new classes out there.

Keywords: 914, all

Summary: The Oklahoma 911 Management Authority met with a quorum and approved the April 2 regular meeting minutes and financial reports for February through April 2026. The board then adopted the FY 2027 budget, which included a 5% staff increase, reclassifying the 911-98 liaison into a training coordinator role, adding a GIS specialist position, higher funding for training, travel, NG911 deployment, cybersecurity training, recruitment, and the 911 coordinator workshop, along with increased GIS repository funding and a new technology roadmap allocation. The budget also set aside $3 million for a one-time PSAP distribution and maintained grant closeout and reserve funding levels. The board approved the $3 million PSAP one-time distribution and its guidelines, using the statutory population-and-land-area formula, with funds restricted to GIS, eligible technology items, or grant matching rather than salaries or construction. Members also denied Washington County 911’s request to waive the 20% match for a radio console grant after staff found the county had sufficient carryover and other funding sources. The board approved an in-person 911 telecommunicator training curriculum and simulator for technical schools, with a requirement for a full simulator and NENA-approved certification, and approved a $249,820 statewide recruitment campaign with ICG Advertising to promote 911 careers. On GIS compliance, the board authorized staff, with legal counsel, to begin enforcement steps against PSAPs that do not complete required GIS data remediation and repository uploads by the June deadline, including notice and possible escrow action by the Oklahoma Tax Commission. The board also approved several individual grants, including projects for fiber/NextGen 911 transition, ADA furniture, NextGen 911 equipment, a consolidation feasibility study, recorder upgrades, and radio console upgrades for multiple counties and PSAPs. Committee and staff reports highlighted 911 Day at the Capitol, upcoming POP grant availability, new grant categories for FY 2027, cybersecurity training planning, NG911/GIS tool development, 988 outreach, and ongoing project and standards work.

Transcript Highlights:

• They do not have any hardware to support direct internet connectivity. 2.
• four felony or, under outlined conditions, as a class two felony.
• This violation is classified as a class six felony or a class five felony depending on the type of violation
• Exemptions are outlined in point 2 of your caucus sheet.
• This violation is classified as a class six felony or a class five felony depending on the type of violation

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of Senate bills covering elections, transportation, health care, land use, water, criminal justice, and local government. Several election-related measures were described, including SB 1037 on voting equipment custody and internet/port restrictions, SB 1568 on election system software timekeeping, and SB 1687 moving the primary date to May starting in 2028. Members also discussed bills on photo enforcement fines, roadable aircraft registration, motor vehicle booting, assisted living occupancy limits, and municipal permit and exaction rules. A number of measures were noted as third-read consent items, while others were flagged for further discussion or amendments. Health and public safety bills drew substantial discussion. The committee heard bills on insurance coverage for breast cancer screening, safe-haven hospital surrender of newborns, dialysis documentation, behavioral health licensing compliance, naturopathic IV drug administration, traumatic event counseling for public safety employees, sex offender registration limitations, and probation rules for dangerous crimes against children. Members raised concerns or requested removal from consent on several items, including SB 1095 and SB 1094 related to gender-affirming care for minors, SB 1346 on AHCCCS claims processing, and SB 1178 on naturopathic drug administration. There was also debate over SB 1520 on immigration data sharing and SB 1635 on warning someone about an imminent arrest, with objections citing civil liberties and First Amendment concerns. The committee also considered multiple property, water, and development bills. These included measures on effluent water use for landscaping, groundwater fee diversion in Pinal County, increasing the Water Supply Development Revolving Fund loan cap, creating a foreign entity review commission for real property transfers, and restricting transport of Mexican gray wolf pups into Arizona. Members discussed SB 1419 on solar roof inspections and financing disclosures, and SB 1787 on municipal exactions and appeals, with an amendment proposed to limit it to commercial property. Several members explained their votes or asked to pull bills from consent, and some items were noted as having split votes or anticipated floor amendments. The caucus ended with Rhonda’s election-related bills and a note that the group would move immediately into a closed caucus afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• It makes it a Class C misdemeanor. I understand you have a substitute? Yes, sir.
• This is in line 66 on page three, and it's also addressing the class… the class of misdemeanor in there
• . ...the class of misdemeanor in there.
• Representative Wadsworth, run over that again under 13A-6-2.
• Under that 13A-6-2 A2, under extreme circumstances...

Bills: HB105, HB296, HB15, HB264, HB34, HB304, HB146, HB26, HB15, HB34, HB26

Keywords: law enforcement, retirement benefits, Alabama Peace Officers, agency-issued badge, agency-issued pistol, resisting arrest, custody, public safety, Alabama law, traffic infractions, traffic ticket, disposition, criminal contempt, vessel registration, boating fees, state funds, regulatory changes, water safety, compliance, false information

Transcript Highlights:

• That's 2%.
• The House 2 recommends that MCB be funded at $30.8 million.
• The House 2 recommends that MCB be funded at $30.8 million.
• This year, we have over 1,300 individuals in our Turning 22 class...
• in the FY27 class.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was a FY27 budget session on Health and Human Services held in Mattapan, hosted by the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. Opening remarks from Senator Lydia Edwards, Representative Brandy Fluker-Reed, Representative Russell Holmes, and Boston Public Library President David Leonard emphasized the significance of holding the first Ways and Means hearing in Mattapan, the importance of community access, and the role of libraries as human services institutions. Committee members and attendees introduced themselves before agency testimony began. MassAbility testified first, describing its mission to support people with disabilities through employment, independent living, and disability determination services. The agency highlighted federal funding uncertainty, a modest FY27 budget reduction, and a proposed reworking of its home care program, which it said is outdated and should better target those most in need. Members questioned the home care cut, staffing reductions, and federal coordination. MassAbility also shared a participant story about recovery and community support to illustrate the impact of its services. The Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing then presented its FY27 request, focusing on interpreter and captioning access, workforce development, emergency communication, aging-related hearing loss, and transition services for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth. Members asked about interpreter shortages, after-hours emergency coverage, ASL education, and community training; the commission said it is expanding mentorship and referral systems but still faces staffing and vendor challenges. The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind followed with a $30.8 million request, describing services for nearly 9,000 consumers, peer support groups, vocational rehabilitation, and Turning 22 services, while noting federal funding uncertainty and a 7% budget cut. Members raised concerns about maintaining services with fewer resources, and the commissioner said the agency had trimmed overhead and could manage the proposal. The Office for Refugees and Immigrants closed the segment, outlining expanded legal, housing, workforce, citizenship, and financial literacy supports for immigrants and refugees, including Know Your Rights trainings, legal defense initiatives, and the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative. Members discussed the effects of federal policy changes, the loss of refugee resettlement funding, and the need for state support to fill gaps. No votes were taken in the portion provided; the hearing consisted of agency presentations and committee questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so they are running those classes as people in those areas receive those court orders to attend classes
• They're taking the four required graduate-level classes.
• So those are for graduate-level classes, which the tuition and fees for graduate-level class is higher
• That's about a $2 million appropriation.
• Well, here you've got $2 million. Here you're showing $2 million. That's our agency request. Mr.

Keywords: 1204, all