Transcript Highlights:

• to face and still need to prove, so I would still need to present all those factors.
• to face and still need to prove, so I would still need to present all those factors.
• to face and still need to prove, so I would still need to present all those factors.
• to face and still need to prove, so I would still need to present all those factors.
• to reduce drug use, they have not functioned to reduce crime, and they have not functioned to reduce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• interest with our regulatory function interest with our regulatory function and<00:04:42.120>
• training programs the prioritized needs training programs the prioritized needs request<00:11:14.639
• we also stand ready to Pivot if needed we also stand ready to Pivot if needed and<00:16:50.079><
• <00:44:25.760> for were not suiting all of our needs for were not suiting all of our needs
• This language needs to be changed and it needs to be passed.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Division 2 hearing took testimony from the director of New Hampshire Police Standards and Training on the agency’s budget request and operations. He described the agency’s role in setting hiring, education, certification, and discipline standards for police, corrections, probation and parole, and court security officers, and noted that the agency runs the full-time, part-time, corrections, and court security training programs. He also outlined the agency’s staffing, facility, and budget request for FY 2026-27, including a request to keep funding level with the governor’s recommendation while shifting funds to support an IT manager position by defunding a vacant administrative slot. The agency requested several statutory changes in Chapter 106, including clarifying the definition of police misconduct, allowing a temporary member on the Conduct Review Committee, clarifying reporting requirements for misconduct allegations, and codifying the Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. The director also reviewed new responsibilities added in recent years, including crisis intervention training, statewide accreditation, the Conduct Review Committee, and increased annual in-service training requirements. He explained that crisis intervention funding is carried in a continuously appropriated, non-lapsing account and that some budget lines were reclassified, including software and janitorial services, to reflect actual spending needs. Members asked about national standards, the different academy tracks, crisis intervention funding, maintenance and contract changes, temporary positions, and the court security training program. The agency said it coordinates with national peers through IADLEST, that the part-time and corrections academies are longstanding programs, and that the new court security academy can be delivered either as a full academy or as in-service training depending on resources. The director also said the agency has been running extra full-time academies because of high vacancy rates, but expects to return to three full-time academies this year, with two corrections academies and one or possibly two part-time academies. He also explained the current approach to misconduct records and public disclosure, saying sustained findings under RSA 106-L are heard by the council and published, replacing the older, less standardized exculpatory list process.

Transcript Highlights:

• every one of us has experienced the benefits of having diversity, equity, and inclusion in the functioning
• Yeah, we need the... Good afternoon. I'm Carol Alvarado, Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus.
• every one of us has experienced the benefits of having diversity, equity, and inclusion in the functioning

Keywords: Senate Bill 688, Senate Bill 9, equity, meritocracy, social progress, policy reform, public testimony

Summary: During this meeting of the committee, significant discussions centered around Senate Bill 688 and Senate Bill 9, with members expressing deep concerns over the implications of the proposed legislation. Chair Carol Alvarado initiated the meeting by addressing the audience and highlighting the need for robust dialogue regarding the bills in question. Senator Royce West actively contributed to the discussions, emphasizing the necessity to reform existing policies that some believe would regress social progress in the state. The debate revealed a passionate division among committee members, as they navigated the complexities of equity and meritocracy in legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is funding for extended library hours, youth activities, the functioning of the ballpark authority
• I'll, if anybody needs detail, I can get it for you.
• 08:35.280> safety<00:08:35.840> deal The school safety deal, um, because I mean this needs
• Uh, we need to have a vote on this. That's what Minnesotans expect.
• infrastructure needs of the state.<00:14:08.400> So,<00:14:08.520> there's<00:14:08.840

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House leaders and members discussed a budget agreement centered on preserving Hennepin County Medical Center, with speakers saying the deal provides $705 million total for HCMC and related hospital support. They said $205 million would go directly and exclusively to HCMC, with a $500 million reserve fund available next summer for hospitals meeting narrow eligibility criteria tied to medical assistance and uncompensated care, plus a $30 million uncompensated care fund and increased Medicaid rates for critical access hospitals. They also said the agreement includes a task force to develop a long-term solution for HCMC and new governance provisions, including a professional hospital board, mediation requirements, and continued reporting on public dollars. The leaders also highlighted other parts of the budget deal, including $1.2 billion in bonding for infrastructure, $125 million for a homestead tax refund that would increase the homestead credit by 12% for qualifying homeowners, and $75 million for county IT modernization with additional ongoing funding and a possible future surplus allocation. They said the agreement preserves three-month Medicaid retroactive coverage for one year despite federal changes, provides $10 million for food banks and food shelves, and includes $12.5 million for school-linked mental health grants, $3.8 million for mobile crisis grants, and $5 million for anonymous threat reporting systems in public and private schools. Members also said the deal does not change existing law on the ballpark tax, which remains tied to Target Field bonds and other statutory obligations, and that NLX and Blue Line transit funding would only redirect to reserve accounts if those projects do not move forward. They said the agreement also includes memorial provisions for former Speaker Melissa Hortman, including a $200,000 appropriation to Helping Paws, renaming Highway 610 as the Hortman Memorial Highway, a memorial garden, and a work group on a Capitol complex state park proposal. In response to questions, leaders said they were frustrated that comprehensive gun violence prevention and some other issues were not included, and they said the session would end with an orderly finish after several long days of final work.

Transcript Highlights:

• To sustain and accelerate even further the research growth I just talked about, we need PhD students
• need PhD students<00:03:24.159> on<00:03:24.400> our<00:03:24.640> hill.
• <00:05:03.520> for pressures and risk to core functions for pressures and risk to core functions
• Craven's Library also need upgrades. Craven's Library also need upgrades.
• <00:26:40.960> additional any KCTCS student who needs additional any KCTCS student who needs

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education met without a quorum, so no minutes were approved. The committee then heard a presentation from Western Kentucky University President Timothy Kabone, who highlighted WKU’s recent gains in graduation rate, retention, degree production, graduate enrollment, research activity, and financial stability. He said WKU’s FY 2026 budget is structurally balanced without one-time reserves, and he tied the university’s growth to its strategic plan and to Senate Bill 77, which created a pathway for WKU’s first PhD program. WKU’s initial PhD offering is planned in data sciences for fall 2027, and Kabone said the university continues to pursue R2 research status. Kabone also outlined WKU’s budget requests, including a 4.5% base appropriation increase for each year of the biennium, a $30 million increase in the performance funding pool, a $30 million trust fund for tuition waiver reimbursement, and $2 million per year for the Gatton Academy. He also requested continued funding for the Kentucky Mesonet, 8.9% of proposed asset preservation funding, and support for a $280 million new Potter College facility. He emphasized inflationary pressures, rising fixed costs, and the burden of mandated tuition waivers, and said the university supports performance funding but wants the model adjusted to better reward student success rather than enrollment growth. Members asked about WKU’s student housing situation and the transition away from the former student life foundation model. Kabone said the foundation structure had run its course, that the university had lacked adequate oversight under the old arrangement, and that WKU is moving to a public-private partnership with Gilbane and the College Housing Foundation. He said the new model would not increase the university’s debt load and would replace older residence halls with a roughly 1,000-bed complex, eliminate community-style bathrooms over time, and expand living-learning communities. Representatives McCool and Tipton praised WKU’s graduation and retention results and asked questions about the housing project and its timeline. The committee then heard from CareerVXR and KCTCS about a proposed career exploration pilot. Company representatives said the platform uses web-based and virtual reality experiences to show students real jobs and workplaces, with the goal of addressing an “awareness gap” in workforce participation. They proposed a $1.8 million, two-year pilot to reach 50,000 to 60,000 students in three regions, including Hazard Community and Technical College, Southeast Community and Technical College, and western Kentucky. Members asked about cost, funding source, and locations, and were told the request would come through the KCTCS budget. The meeting ended with notice that the next meeting was scheduled for Thursday, February 26.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we need to give it time.
• Um we need to give it time. We time. Um we need to give it time.
• that is truly functioning. Thank you. that is truly functioning. Thank you.
• “Families need food, people need food.
• Even need.

Bills: HF2436

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• you have anything um that you need you have anything um that you need researched<00:11:07.600>
• I need a pink card from you.
• everybody knows who Russ is mean needs everybody knows who Russ is mean needs no<00:23:51.159>
• I think we need to recess, given that we just finished the public hearings and would you like we need
• Uh, oh, I need—there we go, that's what I need.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Waymo doesn't even need to do that.
• Well, does it need that data? Who would need that data?
• needs to be done.
• So we need to talk about it.
• But we need a process. You can draw a conclusion. I will. We need a process.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That needed to go. No shortcuts, and we didn't complete the job.
• It replaced the need for the tripod and the dark cloth, and it bypassed the need for someone to consent
• It replaced the need for the tripod and the dark cloth, and it bypassed the need for someone to consent
• Why do consumers need comprehensive data privacy? Because without...
• Today, many big tech companies and data brokers largely function this way.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first adopted several resolutions from the Committee on Rules, including congratulations to four Eagle Scouts and recognition of Sturbridge on the 250th anniversary of the United States. The chamber then took up a series of bills reported by Ways and Means and other committees, repeatedly suspending the rules to move them forward. These included the Massachusetts Consumer Data Privacy Act, a Fall River land conveyance bill, a Belmont alcohol licensing bill, a Reading senior property tax exemption bill, and a Linfield funding transfer bill, with each measure advancing by amendment or being passed to a third reading or engrossment. A major portion of the session focused on the Massachusetts Consumer Data Privacy Act, with multiple members speaking in support. Supporters described the bill as a broad consumer privacy framework that would limit data collection, require consent for sensitive data, ban the sale of precise location data, restrict targeted advertising to minors, create consumer rights to access, correct, delete, and opt out of data uses, and provide enforcement tools for the Attorney General and, in limited cases, a private right of action. Several members emphasized protections for reproductive health, immigrant communities, and neural data, while others argued the bill would not burden small businesses and would instead hold large data holders accountable. The House adopted the Ways and Means amendment and ordered the bill to a third reading, then later passed the bill to be engrossed and enacted. The House also considered and enacted Senate 2563, a bill updating language in the laws concerning individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Members described the measure as removing outdated and offensive terminology and replacing it with person-first language without changing substantive law. After debate, the House adopted an amendment, passed the bill to be engrossed, and then enacted it by roll call. In addition, the House enacted the fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill, House 5470, and approved a bill extending deadlines for Middleton and Milton, both by roll call votes with no opposition. Later, the House took up a temporary summer 2026 local-option pilot allowing municipalities to extend liquor license hours and permit public consumption in designated districts. Supporters framed it as an economic development and tourism measure tied to major upcoming events, and the House adopted an amendment, passed the bill to be engrossed, and then concurred with the Senate version. The session ended with the House adopting an adjournment order and adjourning to meet again the following Monday in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need new stuff.
• And then on the back end of it, if they have any needs, family needs or social services needs, we provide
• So if you need help with your finances, if you need a job, if you need a job after you retire, if you're
• We need to expand. We need to get new equipment.
• how many do we need, what model of F-35 do we need, how many folks are we going to need to support those

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• we really need to look at it like that. we really need to look at it like that.
• something we need to hear. something we need to hear.
• we need to address? we need to address?
• We all need to need to pay attention to.
• search functions not working well. search functions not working well.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• but the state has grown and government has grown, and this building has grown to accommodate those needs
• A couple of things needed to happen here.
• The look and feel, the ability to use that and have a more functional space is coming first week in March
• A more functional space is coming. First week in March, we're almost there.
• But they needed to be replaced.

Summary: The State Administration Budget Subcommittee met to receive an overview and tour of Capitol complex construction projects funded through the Department of Management Services (DMS). Deputy Secretary Tom Berger gave a historical and project-by-project presentation on the Capitol campus, explaining the evolution of the historic Capitol and the current tower complex, and describing major ongoing work including the Waller Park west entry/ADA and waterproofing project, the east entry security screening area, Cabinet meeting room modernization, historic Capitol re-roofing, the large Capitol HVAC replacement, window replacement, Memorial Park improvements, the Holocaust Memorial, the North Loading Zone, and Knott Plaza upgrades. He noted that the Capitol windows and HVAC work are intended to address aging systems and improve resilience, security, and accessibility, and said the broader Capitol window project will continue over several years. Members asked questions about the African-American memorial, the old bank/archives building with water damage, the roofing material and expected lifespan, the legal definition of the Capitol complex, and the history of early legislative meetings in Pensacola and St. Augustine. Berger said the African-American memorial base is built and the installation should be completed in March or April, while the archives building is owned and managed by the Department of State. He also explained that the roof uses a slate-like material designed for a 50-year life cycle, though major storms could still damage it, and clarified that the Capitol complex can be defined differently in statute versus operationally. Chair Lopez and other members requested follow-up information, including a rendering of the African-American memorial and a table summarizing the Capitol investments and when the facilities were last updated, so members can better explain the spending to constituents. Berger said he would provide the requested information, and the committee then concluded the presentation and proceeded to the tour.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then on the back end of it, if they have any needs, family needs or social services needs, we provide
• So if you need help with your finances, if you need a job, if you need a job after you retire, if you're
• We need to expand. We need to get new equipment.
• how many do we need, what model of F-35 do we need, how many folks are we going to need to support those
• But if I need to know, okay, how many MPs do we need to say, Okay, how many MPs do we need to send up

Summary: The Senate Committee on Director Nominations held a confirmation hearing for John Connolly, the current Adjutant General and Director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA). Connolly described his background in the Army, National Guard, and military law, and outlined DEMA’s dual mission of supporting the Arizona National Guard and emergency management. He emphasized readiness, modernization of aging aircraft and facilities, growth in capabilities such as drones and electronic warfare, partnerships to restore helicopter training at Silver Bell, and stewardship of resources. He also discussed DEMA’s border-related missions, including Task Force Safe at Nogales, counter-drug operations, and use of artificial intelligence to monitor drone activity and build a common operating picture for law enforcement. Committee members questioned Connolly about his interview and vetting process, his role in emergency management, disaster response in Gila County, support for rural counties and tribes, and services for Guard members and families through the Integrated Resilience Operations Center. Several members pressed him on military discipline, lawful orders, classified information, and the distinction between war and hostilities. Senator Rogers focused on chain of command, combat readiness, and whether Connolly’s JAG background prepared him to lead a combat-oriented force; Connolly responded that his role is to provide ready forces, follow civilian authority, and ensure troops have training, equipment, and family support. He also said he had experience advising commanders and teaching lawful versus unlawful orders. A major point of contention came when members questioned Connolly about the 2021 COVID-19 vaccination mandate for the Guard and whether he had treated it as unlawful or unconstitutional. Connolly said it was a lawful order at the time and that exemption processes existed under the regulations. The hearing also turned to immigration enforcement, emergency powers, and whether the Guard should support ICE; Connolly said the Guard is a support function and would respond to a direct request through the governor, but he could not identify a specific scenario in the abstract. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the committee appeared to continue its review after testimony and questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:06:45.759> a<00:06:46.759> uh<00:06:47.000> hospital that need to need more
• of a uh hospital that need to need more of a uh hospital system<00:06:48.080> type<00:06:48.960
• so that um we can better meet our needs so that um we can better meet our needs uh<00:18:38.360>
• that people might types of support needs that people might need<00:43:00.319> uh<00:43:00.960
• Are there the right waiver services right now that can meet the needs, or do we need to tweak some of

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• orders to be admissible without the need orders to be admissible without the need of<00:31:06.360
• yes there would be a increase in Need yes there would be a increase in Need for<01:29:12.440>
• <02:29:43.680> thank function thank function thank you<02:29:45.640> if<02:29:45.760>
• Why is this bill needed?
• Why is this bill needed?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• again, to have your guidance and blessing to us as we really are now in the home. stretch, as much needed
• existence of a vacancy could paralyze the commission's work in situations where prompt action is needed
• to address gross misconduct or ensure proper functioning.
• President, the power needed for quantum physics is really amazing.
• Those are the folks that need the help right now, Mr. President.

Transcript Highlights:

• You need water, you need sewer, and electricity, and sewers.
• <00:44:26.400> for needs for needs for uh<00:44:27.760> water<00:44:28.000> needs
• That's the needs list.
• Why is there this need?
• I have what we need.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:29:50.120> and types of um housing that are needed and types of um housing that are needed
• want or need.
• so critical it establishes much needed so critical it establishes much needed guard<01:12:37.040
• We need to have accountability.
• We need to clean it up.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we want to deliver results that directly reflect their needs.
• We've never had this happen before, and it needs to come to an end.
• Or do we need to have a discussion?
• A lot of the HOPE functions are centralized there.
• and need to be... ...a statewide inpatient program but still have serious mental health needs and need

Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee met to organize the new term, take roll, and hear introductory presentations from the six agencies under its jurisdiction: the Agency for Health Care Administration, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Children and Families, Department of Elder Affairs, Department of Health, and Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The chair outlined the committee process, including assigning members to review agencies and make budget recommendations. Each agency head gave a high-level overview of their budget, staffing, major programs, and priorities, with recurring themes including Medicaid, long-term care, disability services, child welfare, mental health, aging services, public health, and veterans’ health care. Several agency leaders highlighted recent initiatives and funding priorities. AHCA emphasized Medicaid managed care, provider regulation, Hope Florida, hospital-at-home, and cancer-related efforts; APD discussed iBudget services, Hope Florida, a managed-care pilot, online applications, and forensic care costs; DCF focused on child protection, foster care, adult protective services, food/cash/medical assistance, mental health, and opioid treatment; Elder Affairs highlighted Alzheimer’s services, community-based senior care, guardianship, ombudsman services, and disaster outreach; DOH covered cancer innovation, maternal telehealth, cybersecurity, HIV/hepatitis/syphilis screening, and school nursing; and Veterans Affairs described benefits and health care access for veterans, long-term care, and federal reimbursement. Several speakers also raised concerns about rising costs, provider rates, disaster response, and access to services. The committee heard two public comments from disability advocates about Medicaid redeterminations affecting iBudget waiver recipients and provider payment delays. In response, AHCA and APD said they were coordinating on data sharing, early outreach, escalation processes, and efforts to reduce disenrollments and make recertification smoother. Members then asked questions about provider rates, opioid settlement spending, managed care quality measures, pediatric rare disease grants, group home transparency, senior outreach, ABA services moving into managed care, annual Medicaid recertification, veterans’ service utilization, waiting lists for elder services, and prevention spending. No formal votes were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:46.319> On fulfill their academic needs. On fulfill their academic needs.
• we as coaches need CPR and AED training. we as coaches need CPR and AED training.
• And how many do we need? We need one within three minutes of every activity at all times.
• We need one within 3 many do we need?
• who can speak on the needs of the bill. who can speak on the needs of the bill.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all