Transcript Highlights:

• > uh<00:11:17.720> now<00:11:18.160> but<00:11:18.279> I'm<00:11:18.480><
• help<00:11:21.600> thank<00:11:21.760> you<00:11:22.680> um<00:11:23.440> so
• <00:11:24.680> uh<00:11:25.680> as<00:11:25.800> you<00:11:26.120> know
• and disinformation<00:11:35.600> out<00:11:36.000> there<00:11:37.000> um<00:11
• /c><00:11:40.320> of<00:11:41.320> all<00:11:41.600> virtually<00:11:42.040>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 233, which would impose transparency and reporting requirements on the New Hampshire Vaccine Association. The prime sponsor, Representative Comto, said the bill and a proposed amendment were intended to increase public access by requiring a physical meeting location, making meetings available online, and publishing a complete list of vaccines and pharmaceutical products purchased. She argued the association should be more transparent because it is involved in vaccine purchasing and public trust is important, especially given controversy around vaccines. Committee members questioned the sponsor about the association’s legal status, who sets vaccine requirements, whether other private entities would be covered, and whether the proposal should instead apply more broadly to all meetings or include recordings. The sponsor said the association was created by the legislature, that childhood vaccine requirements come from DHHS and CDC-related processes, and that she would be open to broader recording requirements. Some members raised concerns about misinformation and whether requiring answers to public questions could be problematic in a contentious policy area. Patrick Miller, executive director of the Vaccine Association, and attorney Mark McHugh testified in opposition. They described the association as a not-for-profit voluntary corporation created by statute in 2002 to serve as a funding mechanism for the state’s universal childhood vaccine purchase program, with no policymaking role and no public funding. They said the association already posts notices, agendas, minutes, and allows public webinar access and comments, while also providing annual audits and reports and other statutory reporting. They argued HB 233 would impose unnecessary administrative costs on a private entity, interfere with its limited charitable purpose, and ultimately increase costs borne by insurers, employers, and consumers. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:11:04.079> a<00:11:04.279> third<00:11:04.680> agency<00:11:05.360> right
• a third agency right so I guess<00:11:07.040> that's<00:11:07.200> what<00:11:07.360><
• c> I'm<00:11:07.440> trying<00:11:07.880> to<00:11:08.880> I<00:11:08.959>
• 11:10.279> yeah<00:11:10.720> but<00:11:10.839> the<00:11:11.200> but know
• <00:11:11.959> it's<00:11:12.079> unclear<00:11:12.560> right<00:11:12.680><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > I<01:11:35.280> think<01:11:35.440> there<01:11:35.679> is<01:11:35.840>
• I think<01:11:41.600> it's<01:11:41.840> important<01:11:42.239> that<01:11:42.480
• 44.320> to<01:11:44.480> the<01:11:44.719> full<01:11:44.960> house<01:11
• :11:06.320> more<02:11:06.480> stress<02:11:06.960> on<02:11:07.840> the<
• <02:11:28.800> I<02:11:29.040> say<02:11:29.199> on<02:11:29.360> it.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met in a transportation work session and executive session, with the chair explaining the format change to allow fuller discussion and possible expert input before votes. The committee first took up House Bill 209, which would have allowed a new vehicle purchased in the model year or before to be inspected in the second year after purchase. Members said the bill was rendered unnecessary by the broader repeal of vehicle inspections, and the committee voted 16-0 to deem it inexpedient to legislate (ITL), with consent. The same outcome followed for House Bill 212, which would have allowed a 180-day operation waiver when a motor vehicle failed an emissions control test, and House Bill 533, which concerned civilian employees and commercial truck inspections. In both cases, members said the inspection repeal made the bills unnecessary, and in the commercial truck bill there were also concerns that the language did not fit federal requirements and referenced state inspection laws rather than federal ones. Both bills were voted ITL 16-0 and adopted by consent. House Bill 298, dealing with vehicle identification number-related issues and antique vehicle authenticity, also received an ITL recommendation 16-0. Members said the proposal raised fraud concerns and could affect the value and authenticity of antique vehicles, and several said the bill needed more work before any future consideration. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 150, which would define electric vehicle charging stations and establish annual testing fees for the Division of Weights and Measures. That bill drew the most discussion: Representative Sykes described a personal experience with a malfunctioning charging station and a large, unclear bill, arguing that consumer protection regulation is needed. Representative Miller said the fee structure seemed high compared with other inspections and that third-party inspectors were not allowed, though he acknowledged some need for consumer protection. Senator David Watters, the sponsor, said the bill should be improved and suggested a lower annual fee and a fund-based approach to build an inspection program over time. Cheryl, the director of Weights and Measures, testified that the division needs authority, staffing, licensing categories, and expensive test equipment to oversee EV chargers, and that current rules do not adequately cover this emerging technology.

Transcript Highlights:

• So,<00:11:21.720> it's<00:11:21.839> a<00:11:21.920> combination<00:11:23.080>
• Chair, and<00:11:28.320> I<00:11:28.440> I<00:11:28.520> appreciate<00:11:29.120
• > a<00:11:35.839> partial,<00:11:36.360> I<00:11:36.440> think<00:11:36.680>
• /c><00:11:38.120> in<00:11:38.240> making<00:11:38.600> sure<00:11:38.800> we
• 11:43.040> to<00:11:43.280> and<00:11:43.400> all<00:11:43.560> of<00:11:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:06.160> And<00:11:06.399> this<00:11:06.640> will<00:11:06.880> provide
• Okay.<01:11:14.400> Seeing<01:11:14.719> none,<01:11:14.960> final<01:11:15.440>
• Murphy, worked very<01:11:23.360> hard<01:11:23.840> on<01:11:24.080> this<01:11
• <01:11:32.640> And<01:11:32.880> I<01:11:33.040> see<01:11:33.199> this
• And<01:11:52.640> members,<01:11:53.199> that<01:11:53.440> wraps<01:11:53.760><

Bills: HF4680, HF4047, HF4590, HF3757, HF3569, HF4507, HF4426, HF4927, HF4788, HF4757, HF4747, HF3561, HF4014, HF4013, HF4689, HF4766, HF4589

Keywords: wastewater treatment, improvements, capital investment, Greenfield, bonds, water treatment, infrastructure, municipal funding, state bonds, public utilities, HF4590, Tamarack, municipal infrastructure, bonding bill, general obligation bonds, Public Facilities Authority, sewer system, collection system, street reconstruction, local infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• :11:21.800> less<00:11:22.040> so<00:11:22.519> then<00:11:22.880> so<00:
• :11:24.679> will<01:11:24.800> be<01:11:24.960> a<01:11:25.040> big<01:11
• :33.199> um<01:11:33.640> one<01:11:33.840> thing<01:11:34.000> to<01:11:
• /c><01:11:40.120> Commerce<01:11:40.600> again<01:11:41.120> I<01:11:41.280>
• > you<01:11:42.400> know<01:11:43.400> um<01:11:44.400> Mr<01:11:44.719><

Bills: HF2382, HF639, SF1075, HF1243, HF1087, SF1360, HF739, HF2337, HF1220, HF712, HF1219

Keywords: accident reporting, law enforcement, data privacy, contracted service providers, public safety, HF639, Minnesota driver license, Department of Public Safety, driver medical review, loss of consciousness, voluntary control, seizure, nonepileptic seizure, epilepsy, antiseizure medication, physician statement, medical certification, commercial driver, CDL, medical examiner's certificate

Transcript Highlights:

• 11:03.120> yes<00:11:03.360> so<00:11:03.600> their<00:11:03.920> their of
• > say<00:11:04.920> that<00:11:05.279> um<00:11:05.760> it's<00:11:06.079>
• and<00:11:17.600> yeah<00:11:17.839> Mr<00:11:18.240> chair<00:11:18.720
• :20.120> thank<00:11:20.279> you<00:11:20.880> um<00:11:21.639> so<00:11:
• /c><00:11:26.320> going<00:11:26.440> to<00:11:26.519> be<00:11:26.639> in

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee met to continue work on House Bill 2, with the chair saying the goal was to finish the bill as given by the governor, though additional amendments were expected. Members first discussed the bail section and agreed to hold it for later because a separate House bail bill was expected on Thursday and could have significant county cost impacts. They also generally accepted the proposed reorganization of positions between Fish and Game, DNCR, and the Department of Environmental Services, but noted the need to review effective dates and funding details, including a possible double appropriation of $275,000 for a scientist position already funded in HB 1. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on environmental review and native plant-related sections moving functions from DNCR to DES. Members discussed changing the rulemaking timeline from 180 days to 90 days, and clarifying that “begin” means the public hearing stage. They also reviewed how fee revenue would shift between agencies in HB 1 so the budget impact would be net zero. The committee indicated it would prepare amendments reflecting these changes and revisit them at a later vote. The longest discussion concerned the boathouse provisions. Members debated whether the new definitions and construction standards were appropriate in a budget bill, with one member arguing they should be in a separate bill, while others said the provisions were urgent because of a lawsuit and the lack of clear guardrails. Concerns included the February 20, 2025 effective date, which some thought might be retroactive, the detailed limits on what may be stored in a boathouse, and a fee increase that some felt could discourage homeowners from seeking permits. The committee also questioned whether the fee structure should be tiered for smaller projects and whether permit-by-notification projects should be exempted. No final votes were taken on these sections during the discussion; instead, members agreed to seek legal and policy answers and to return with amendments and public hearing input before voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Um<00:11:07.519> I'm<00:11:07.839> going<00:11:07.920> to<00:11:08.000>
• 09.200> chairs<00:11:09.600> do<00:11:10.000> and<00:11:10.320> ask<00:11
• c><00:11:14.959> brief<00:11:15.120> sentence<00:11:15.440> or<00:11:15.680>
• > the<00:11:18.720> audience<00:11:19.040> who<00:11:19.279> don't<00:11:
• They're<00:11:42.560> out<00:11:42.720> of<00:11:42.880> reach<00:11:43.360>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing opened with House Bill 1969, which would provide state funding for colorectal cancer screenings for uninsured and underinsured residents. The Department of Human Services said it supports the goal of early screening but would need new administrative capacity, including a program manager and claim pre-screening, to run the program. The Department of Health supported the measure and cited low screening rates in Hawaii, noting an educational campaign to encourage screening. The Insurance Division raised concerns about reliance on federal FAQs, warning that guidance can change and may create state cost exposure. Supporters including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the Hawaii Medical Association argued the bill would close a preventive-care gap, reduce late-stage diagnoses, and save long-term costs; the committee also discussed implementation costs, estimated by DHS at roughly $1.4 million to $2 million annually plus administrative expenses, and a 6-month to 1-year timeline to establish the program. The committee then took up House Bill 1965, which would require health carriers to spend at least 6% of total medical expenditures on primary care providers. The Insurance Division said several provisions raise technical and legal concerns, including the premium freeze, the medical loss ratio language, the lack of an existing external review process for downcoding claims, and a new mandate for medically necessary inter-island transportation that could trigger an ACA defrayal. The Department of Human Services supported the intent but suggested broader language to include primary care supports and services, and noted that QUEST integration plans already invested at least 9% of total medical expenditures in primary care in 2024, with additional spending on supports and low-value care reductions. State health planning officials strongly supported the bill as an investment in primary care, saying it could improve outcomes and lower long-term costs, though they acknowledged a possible temporary premium increase during the transition. Testimony in support emphasized Hawaii’s physician shortage, especially on Maui, the Big Island, and other neighbor islands, and warned that clinics are under financial strain and may close without higher primary care reimbursement. The Hawaii Healthcare Task Force, AARP Hawaii, and other supporters said the bill would help retain providers, improve access for Medicare and Medicaid patients, and prevent downstream costs from emergency room use and avoidable hospitalizations. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We<00:11:02.520> will<00:11:02.600> now<00:11:02.760> proceed<00:11:03.200> to
• calendar are<00:11:09.920> given<00:11:10.200> their<00:11:10.360> first<00:11:
• All<00:11:50.680> those<00:11:50.880> opposed<00:11:51.200> say<00:11:51.320>
• I'll<00:11:54.560> now<00:11:54.840> call<00:11:55.200> on<00:11:55.440> an
• 11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The<00:11:03.839> area<00:11:04.320> that<00:11:05.120> uh<00:11:05.200> I
• ><00:11:05.480> was<00:11:05.760> invoking<00:11:06.960> that<00:11:07.280> I
• c><00:11:16.320> to<00:11:16.480> line<00:11:17.240> 12<00:11:18.400> where
• Um Um Um what<00:11:26.040> it<00:11:26.160> doesn't<00:11:26.600> discuss<00:11
• 11:34.320> things<00:11:34.880> that<00:11:35.440> I<00:11:35.560> think<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :03.880> did<00:11:04.000> not<00:11:04.120> have<00:11:04.240> the<00:11
• > not<00:11:05.280> only<00:11:05.520> me,<00:11:05.800> but<00:11:06.520
• ><00:11:10.839> us<00:11:10.920> to<00:11:11.000> talk<00:11:11.200> about
• She relied<00:11:14.320> on<00:11:14.400> my<00:11:14.520> sex<00:11:14.800>
• ed<00:11:15.240> Pacific<00:11:15.640> Way<00:11:15.800> to<00:11:15.880>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SCR 78, which urges the Department of Education to strengthen natural health education and adopt a comprehensive menstrual cycle curriculum. The Department of Education said it supported the intent and had offered technical amendments to scaffold the curriculum by grade level. The Commission on the Status of Women and several advocates, including students and Ma'i Movement Hawaiʻi, testified in support, describing gaps in menstrual health education, stigma, and the need for more inclusive, age-appropriate instruction. No opposition was heard, and the chair moved on after no questions from members. The committee then took up SCR 194, urging the Department of Education to meet the criteria to recognize cheerleading as a Title IX sport. The Department supported the measure, noting recent expansion of girls flag football and surfing as recognized sports and saying cheerleading would create additional opportunities for students. The Commission on the Status of Women also supported the resolution, saying it could improve participation, resource allocation, and representation for female students. No opposition or further action was recorded in the excerpt. Finally, the committee discussed SCR 195, requesting the Board of Education and Department of Education to revise graduation requirements to include a standalone financial literacy course. The Board of Education and Department of Education both supported the intent but cautioned against a one-size-fits-all mandate, emphasizing school-level flexibility, existing stand-alone and online options, and the requirement that the class of 2030 must complete financial literacy before graduation. Hawaii Kids Can supported the resolution while raising questions about equity, access, quality, and how different delivery models compare; it also asked for more information on community survey data. Committee members questioned the department and board about asynchronous versus in-person instruction, standards, and how the requirement would be tracked in the personal transition plan. No vote or final action was taken in the provided portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:09.400> Uh<00:11:09.520> just<00:11:09.760> a<00:11:09.880> quick<
• <00:11:11.800> there<00:11:11.920> was<00:11:12.160> once<00:11:12.480> a
• <00:11:23.720> Just<00:11:24.200> I<00:11:24.480> I<00:11:24.560> yeah,
• :11:29.480> vet<00:11:29.800> are<00:11:30.240> at<00:11:30.400> a state
• :11:53.640> make<01:11:53.840> a<01:11:53.880> lot<01:11:54.080> of<01:11

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :11.600> a<00:11:11.760> member<00:11:12.079> of<00:11:12.320> this<00:11
• :13.680> a<00:11:13.920> member<00:11:14.160> of<00:11:14.399> this<00:11
• /c><00:11:27.040> appear<00:11:27.440> to<00:11:27.680> me<00:11:28.000> to
• Sorry,<00:11:35.360> I<00:11:35.519> think<00:11:35.760> that<00:11:36.272> [
• :11:40.880> any<00:11:41.200> act<00:11:41.600> or<00:11:41.920> thing<00

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :11:20.160> per<00:11:20.399> year<00:11:21.279> but<00:11:21.399> you<00
• :11:29.000> time<00:11:29.399> time<00:11:29.720> that<00:11:30.000> gross
• > is<00:11:35.959> why<00:11:36.519> over<00:11:36.800> that<00:11:37.000
• <00:11:45.680> net<00:11:46.040> tuition<00:11:46.600> fees<00:11:47.000>
• 11:57.920> um<00:11:58.399> run<00:11:58.680> its<00:11:58.839> operation

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from the University System of New Hampshire chancellor on the system’s budget, enrollment, finances, workforce role, and response to federal policy changes. The chancellor said the governor’s recommended budget would reduce university system funding by about $16.5 million over the biennium, or roughly 8.3%, and asked that state funding be held at the governor’s level. She described planned cost reductions already underway, including lower headcount, reduced benefits and retirement contributions, property sales, and lease reductions, and said the system expects to remove about $20 million from its cost structure in fiscal year 2026. A large portion of the discussion focused on enrollment and finances. The chancellor said fall 2024 enrollment was about 23,000, with New Hampshire enrollment increasing for the first time since 2013, and noted that the system remains a major workforce pipeline, with about 3,000 graduates entering the state workforce each year. She explained that net tuition has fallen over time because of declining enrollment and increased financial aid, while research grants and contracts have grown significantly. She also walked through endowment funding, explaining that payouts are based on a 12-quarter rolling average and are intentionally smoothed to reduce volatility; members asked for follow-up information on payout comparisons, administrative salaries, headcounts, and compensation per student. Members questioned the university about the relationship between state support, tuition, endowments, and research spending. The chancellor said the system has used state capital support to leverage major investments, including the UNH Life Sciences building, Plymouth’s Hyde Hall, and the Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center, and described partnerships with businesses such as Lonza and regional manufacturers. She also explained a long-running New Hampshire 529-related revenue stream that has built endowment support for scholarships, and said the system’s endowment now totals about $988 million. In response to questions about possible cuts, she said the system is considering academic program sharing, consolidation of specialties, online delivery, AI-assisted administrative efficiencies, and footprint reductions, but declined to name specific programs. The committee also discussed DEI-related issues and federal grants. The chancellor said the system is reviewing executive orders and a U.S. Department of Education Dear Colleague letter, and that general counsel is working through websites, programs, and more than 1,200 federal grants to ensure compliance. She said the system spends about $3 million on what it calls DEI-related offices and services, but emphasized that these services include disability support, veteran support, Title IX, ADA, and employment-law compliance, and that the system does not have race-based programs, separate housing, or separate graduation ceremonies. She reported that the system had received stop-work orders on four federal grants totaling about $700,000 and warned that reductions in federal direct or indirect costs could affect research, jobs, and innovation.

Transcript Highlights:

• :11:05.840> before<02:11:06.599> it's<02:11:06.760> a<02:11:06.960> very
• of<02:11:11.239> land<02:11:11.520> and<02:11:11.719> very<02:11:11.960>
• :11:22.159> and<02:11:22.239> a<02:11:22.400> half<02:11:22.599> years<02
• :11:48.880> terrorist<02:11:49.599> responsible<02:11:50.199> for<02:11:50.440><
• :52.079> he<02:11:52.199> is<02:11:52.520> right<02:11:52.719> now<02:11:

Keywords: Presidential address to the Joint Session of the United States Congress on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:03.519> uh<00:11:03.639> in<00:11:04.079> how<00:11:04.279> frequently
• :11:08.399> the<00:11:08.519> highway<00:11:08.920> you<00:11:09.079> kind
• you<00:11:10.480> are<00:11:10.800> and<00:11:10.920> you're<00:11:11.079>
• :11:21.760> 800<00:11:22.279> ft<00:11:22.519> and<00:11:22.639> see<00:11
• 00:11:53.160> I<00:11:53.320> you<00:11:53.440> know<00:11:53.560> I<00:11

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 713, which would require mile markers on Route 112, the Kancamagus Highway. The sponsor and DOT testimony described the road as a heavily traveled but isolated corridor with little or no cell or radio service, frequent accidents and breakdowns, and serious public-safety problems when emergency responders cannot quickly locate incidents. Members discussed where markers should be placed, how frequently they should appear, whether both sides of the road should be marked, and the potential cost; DOT said the project could be done with federal funds and might be combined with other work to reduce mobilization costs. The committee agreed the bill was straightforward and voted OTP 18-0, with discussion that a friendly amendment might be offered later to refine the language. The committee then heard HB 563, concerning calculation of adequate education grants. Testimony explained that the bill would add fiscal capacity disparity aid in FY 27 and increase the special education differentiated aid factor, while also reducing extraordinary needs grants so the overall fiscal impact would be net neutral. Members noted the changes were limited to the second year because of the budget process and school district ballot timing. Supporters argued the fiscal capacity aid would help property-poor towns and should be expanded, while others emphasized the bill’s budget-neutral structure. The committee voted to retain HB 563 for further consideration in the budget process. Finally, the committee opened HB 675, which would limit the authority of school districts to make certain appropriations. A Derry resident and former local official testified in favor, arguing that property taxes are too high, that school spending has outpaced town-side tax caps, and that local voters should have more control over school budgets. Committee members questioned whether the issue should instead be handled locally through existing processes or broader governance changes, and one member noted the state’s constitutional obligation to provide an adequate education. The discussion continued, but no final action on HB 675 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:11:02.840> So<01:11:03.840> the<01:11:04.159> other<01:11:04.840> reason<
• /c><01:11:05.840> I<01:11:06.400> I<01:11:06.560> had<01:11:06.800> three
• > is<01:11:14.400> you<01:11:14.719> need<01:11:14.880> to<01:11:15.040><
• > has<01:11:24.880> to<01:11:25.040> do<01:11:25.199> with<01:11:26.320><
• c><01:11:32.560> has<01:11:32.719> to<01:11:32.880> do<01:11:32.960> with

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:11:02.519> written<00:11:03.480> um<00:11:04.079> that<00:11:04.279> I<
• when<00:11:05.600> the<00:11:05.920> um<00:11:06.160> bill<00:11:06.440>
• > and<00:11:10.480> that<00:11:10.680> is<00:11:11.120> that<00:11:11.880
• we we have<00:11:14.880> a<00:11:14.959> lot<00:11:15.079> of<00:11:15.279>
• :11:20.320> of<00:11:20.600> we<00:11:20.720> kill<00:11:20.880> a<00:11:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met in a work session on several environmental bills, beginning with HP 152, which would prohibit the sale and use of adhesive-based rodent traps. Members discussed whether the bill should be amended to allow professional pest control use while restricting retail sales to the public. Testimony and member comments focused on animal welfare concerns, the relative humaneness and effectiveness of glue traps versus snap traps, consumer education, enforcement difficulties, and whether the bill should instead be limited to professionals. No vote was taken on HP 152 during the discussion. The committee then turned to HB 171, establishing a moratorium on new landfill permits. Representative Gruber distributed an amendment shortening the proposed moratorium from five years to three years as a compromise. Members supporting the moratorium said it would give the Department of Environmental Services time to update rules and reflect recent landfill-siting reforms, while opponents argued that three years was too long, could tie the hands of a future legislature, and might be difficult to pass in the Senate. Others noted the House, Senate, and governor had each discussed different lengths of moratorium, making the bill a likely bargaining position in later negotiations. Throughout the landfill discussion, members emphasized that the three-year version was intended as a middle ground between a one-year proposal associated with the governor and a six-year Senate bill. Several members said the moratorium reflected years of bipartisan work on solid waste and landfill policy and would help create time for new rules to take effect. The transcript provided does not show a final committee vote or other action on HB 171 during this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:11:10.159> And<01:11:10.320> friends,<01:11:10.719> she<01:11:10.880>
• Um, but<01:11:19.120> she<01:11:19.360> would<01:11:19.520> be<01:11:19.760>
• She her mind<01:11:21.679> moved<01:11:22.000> a<01:11:22.239> mile<01:11:22.560
• <01:11:37.440> She<01:11:37.760> did<01:11:37.920> not<01:11:38.159> just
• She<01:11:44.400> gained<01:11:44.800> support<01:11:45.199> from<01:11:45.520><

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, approval of the February 12, 2026 journal, and reports that several bills were correctly printed or engrossed. Committee reports then moved Senate Bills 7 and 31 from Health and Human Services, Senate Bills 53 and 54 from Local Government and Housing, and Senate Bill 43 from State, Veterans, and Military Affairs to the Committee of the Whole, with some measures recommended for the consent calendar. The chamber also announced substitute prime sponsors for Senate Bills 260008 and 2631 following Senator Michaelson Jenet’s resignation. The Senate then recessed to hold a memorial for former Senator Faith Winter and later voted to proceed out of order for memorials. Senate Joint Memorial 001, honoring Winter, was read at length and adopted. The memorial described her work on transportation, climate, paid family and medical leave, environmental justice, rural health care, and bipartisan legislation, and it was ordered sent to her family members. The Senate also suspended Rule 31A by a two-thirds vote so current and former House members could address the chamber from the well. Several members and family representatives offered remarks remembering Winter as a mentor, organizer, and coalition-builder. Speakers highlighted her advocacy for paid family leave, transportation funding, cleaner air, women’s leadership, and workplace accountability, as well as her personal warmth and support for colleagues and family. No additional legislative votes or bill actions were taken beyond the memorial adoption and procedural motions.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met to review the lapse extensions in the back of House Bill 25, which governs capital budget appropriations and bonding. Members were walked through how the bill is structured: section 1 covers general, federal, and other funds; section 2 covers highway fund appropriations; later sections authorize borrowing, restrict spending to the stated purposes, and explain why community colleges and the university system operate through their boards of trustees. The chair also explained that lapse extensions are needed because capital projects can span multiple years, and that appropriations normally expire at the end of the biennium unless extended. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on how to identify unspent balances and whether they should be extended, repurposed, or allowed to lapse. Members discussed that if a project is complete or an agency confirms it no longer needs the money, the remaining balance can be reused for another project or, if not needed, lapse back. The committee also reviewed the meaning of bill references and chapter numbers, and how to read prior-year appropriations and extensions in the worksheet. One example discussed was a 2023 Department of Administrative Services courthouse generators item, and members noted that some agencies may rely on encumbered balances rather than explicit lapse extensions, though the chair said he prefers including the extension for flexibility. The committee identified at least one specific change: the Jeffrey Ringe CTE renovation was removed from the governor’s recommended budget because the required local match was not approved, freeing about $18.5 million for possible reuse. Later, the chair noted that lapse extension 49 on the worksheet was no longer needed and could be removed, leaving an unspent balance of $81,500 available for repurposing. The discussion also referenced a Department of Transportation item, Caroline Stratford Freight Rail Improvements, which the agency asked to keep alive through a lapse extension so the funds would not expire on June 30. No formal votes were taken in the portion provided.