Transcript Highlights:

• <00:16:55.680> and<00:16:56.000> did time at the beginning of session and did time
• Had I brought it to the floor with budget only, we'd be looking at no policy this session.
• I think the at no policy this session.
• and 24 sessions where our energy<00:27:09.120> bills<00:27:09.600> passed<00:27:10.559
• I will remind us that we are about 10 days away from the end of this session, and our top priority is

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and larger if appropriate a sessions and larger if appropriate a teacher<00:14:37.079> in<00:
• and even just one-on-one sessions with students when needed.
• and even just one-on-one sessions with students when needed.
• and even just one-on-one sessions with students when needed.
• This is above the intervention that the live teachers are doing in live sessions.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with a quorum and heard first from the Washway Nicotine Youth Advocacy Group, which urged stronger enforcement of Kentucky’s Tobacco 21 law. Youth advocates described the harms of flavored vaping products, argued that nicotine use is targeting children, and called for retailer licensing, annual compliance checks, harsher penalties for illegal sales, and more funding for enforcement. Committee members praised the presentation, and one senator said he had heard a bill on licensed retailers may be coming soon. The committee then heard a lengthy presentation from Cloverport Independent School District and the Kentucky Virtual Academy about the state’s virtual school model. Superintendent Keith Haynes and principals Brandy Fagan and Sally Johnson said KYVA serves about 2,800 students, many of whom are at-risk or have health, safety, behavioral, or family reasons for choosing virtual education. They emphasized that the program uses live synchronous instruction, provides devices and materials, and offers special education and related services. They also said the school had a large wait list and that virtual programs need more flexibility in staffing ratios, scheduling, and testing windows. School leaders acknowledged criticism of KYVA’s proficiency scores and said many students entered far below grade level, with 59% not proficient in English language arts and 79% not proficient in math on recent state testing. They argued the program is too new to judge solely on one year of data and pointed to growth in MAP scores, as well as middle and high school rankings in the top half of Kentucky schools. Fagan and Johnson outlined improvement efforts, including daily interventions, small-group instruction, literacy programs, staff training, and expanded clubs and student activities. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:22:25.120> but have during the executive session, but have during the executive session
• possible session on 29th. possible session on 29th.
• that we will have a session. that we will have a session.
• , come out of executive session.
• . session. session.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The last two sessions, 48 a year.
• The last two sessions, 48 a year.
• a year on average the last two sessions a year on average the last two sessions 48<01:19:22.600>
• Last session, over the interim, and already during this session, legislation that was proposed last session
• discussions in 2025 during this session discussions in 2025 during this session um<01:42:14.119>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention heard informational presentations from Housing First Minnesota and the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities on the state of housing in Minnesota. Mark Foster of Housing First Minnesota said the state has a severe housing shortage, with demand outpacing supply since the 2007-09 housing crash, and argued that Minnesota is nearly 100,000 units short of a healthy market. He said new homes are increasingly unaffordable, citing a median new single-family price above $530,000 and declining affordability in the Twin Cities metro, and he urged lawmakers to remove exclusionary zoning and other regulatory barriers that he said make starter homes and smaller-lot housing difficult or illegal to build in many growing cities. He also highlighted the group’s Housing for Heroes projects, including transitional housing for veterans and other crisis housing projects around the state. Members asked Foster about starter-home examples and his view that the committee’s top priority should be reforming residential development approvals. He said most new housing is negotiated through planned unit developments rather than built under base zoning, which he argued adds cost and reduces supply. The committee then heard from Elizabeth Wael of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, who said housing challenges outside the metro are different but equally serious. She said many Greater Minnesota cities face a lack of developers, inadequate infrastructure such as roads and utilities, and gaps in the housing continuum, especially starter workforce housing and senior housing. She thanked the committee for 2023 housing funding and said cities are contributing their own resources, updating zoning, reducing parking requirements, allowing ADUs, and partnering with developers and nonprofits. Wael also urged faster rollout of the Greater Minnesota infrastructure grant program and said the state should consider changes to the housing tax credit and housing TIF rules to make them easier to use. In response, senators said they shared frustration with the slow implementation of the infrastructure program and emphasized the need for state investment and locally tailored zoning reforms. No bills were heard and no votes were taken; the meeting was informational and focused on stakeholder testimony and committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's been a long session for a lot of people and it's getting to the wee hours here.
• I think it's been a long session for a lot of people and it's getting to the wee hours here.
• that<00:03:05.360> we<00:03:05.599> also<00:03:05.920> recognize night of session
• that we also recognize night of session that we also recognize that<00:03:06.640> this<00:03:
• the house being in knowing the session the house being in the<00:04:10.319> unique<00:04:10.560

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up the conference committee report on Senate File 3045, an act relating to state government operations. The authors described the bill as a broad agreement on government operations that funds state functions, limits growth in government, and includes elections and campaign finance provisions that were characterized as common-sense and bipartisan. Members also noted the bill supports legislative staff and other government operations, and one speaker highlighted that the final product reflected technical changes and input from counties and other election stakeholders. During debate, several members praised the conference process and the bipartisan work between the House and Senate co-chairs. One member specifically emphasized that the elections portion was developed to address technical fixes and to respond to concerns from those involved in election administration. Another speaker, in a lighthearted aside, referenced a “giant beaver bill” and thanked a colleague for bringing it forward again, before urging members to vote green. The House adopted the conference committee report and then repassed Senate File 3045 as amended by conference. The final roll call was 116 ayes and 18 nays, and the bill’s title was agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you have bills that won't vote out, you're going to have to probably work it past session.
• If you have bills that won't vote out, you're going to have to probably work it past session, to my chagrin
• passed the Senate unanimously, got caught up in some other stuff, and was unfortunately vetoed last session
• So last session, the 2023 Sunset Review of the Texas Water Board discovered that there is no consistent
• We worked with him and the Water Development Board last session and a number of stakeholders to work

Bills: SB480, SB767, SB790, SB971, SB1066

Keywords: water resources, interlocal contracts, local government, collaboration, planning activities, wildfire response, firefighting equipment, emergency services, state database, Texas Forest Service, customer complaints, Public Utility Commission, water service, complaint process, utility regulation, SB 971, Texas Water Assistance Program, Water Code, rural political subdivision, rural water

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs met on Texas Water Day and limited public testimony to two minutes. The chair emphasized the need to move quickly because of scheduling conflicts with other committees and noted the importance of water policy and related stakeholders. The committee heard several bills focused on water administration, rural utilities, emergency response, and public works contracting. Senate Bill 790 by Senator Alvarado would let the Public Utility Commission create a simplified process for resolving tenant complaints over water or wastewater bill discrepancies; it was described as a way to avoid lengthy contested-case hearings for small disputes. Senate Bill 971 by Senator Sparks would clean up conflicting statutory definitions of “rural political subdivision” so Texas Water Development Board programs are applied consistently; Texas Rural Water Association testified in support. Senate Bill 767, also by Senator Sparks, would expand and improve a statewide database of fire-response equipment so departments, including volunteer and rural departments, can locate and share resources more effectively during emergencies; fire service witnesses supported the bill and suggested annual updates to keep the database current. Chair Perry laid out Senate Bill 480 to clarify that local governments and special districts may enter interlocal agreements for water-related planning and research, including aquifer management and flood/water planning. He also presented Senate Bill 1066, which raises payment and performance bond thresholds for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department public works contracts to $150,000, arguing the change would reflect inflation and help smaller vendors on lower-risk projects. Witnesses were heard on the bills, with no opposition recorded in the transcript. The committee voted out all five bills favorably. SB 1066, SB 480, SB 767, SB 790, and SB 971 each received unanimous committee approval and were recommended to the local and contested calendar, with SB 767 noted as amended by a suggested annual-update requirement for the equipment database.

Transcript Highlights:

• Session forward on another bill introduced by Senator Po.
• The reader will read. 57th Legislature, First Session 2025. January 23rd, 2025.
• As I mentioned up front, we're not going to have a floor session tomorrow.
• We meet in room 321 at 1:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or 30 minutes after the floor session.
• starting with Senate Bills 5 and 85, and then we're going to have a little confirmations training session

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a work session, a continued work session by request for the Department of Health and Human Services
• <00:02:43.599> on concerns since our last work session on concerns since our last work session
• legislation going forward this session legislation going forward this session um<01:04:18.839>
• session session um<01:22:44.920> yeah<01:22:45.080> so<01:22:45.199> it's<01:22
• This work session is concluded.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session continued its review of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Medicaid budget and related policy issues, with CFO Nathan White and Medicaid Director Henry Litman presenting updated materials. The discussion focused on a crosswalk between the adjusted FY 2025 Medicaid budget and the governor’s FY 2026 recommendation, plus handouts showing service additions, eligibility changes, dental rates, and other Medicaid changes since 2019. The department also said it would provide a clearer breakdown of the pharmacy cost-sharing item by general, federal, and other funds. Members asked detailed questions about the Medicaid enhancement tax, the 80% plan, and how funds are allocated between hospital payments, directed payments, and DSH uncompensated care. The department explained that the MET is being used more toward rates and directed payments to better align with federal matching rules, while DSH remains important for uncompensated care. They also noted that a pending Senate Bill 249 would keep the 80% structure and move to Senate Finance. On the trigger law, the department identified the governing provision as Chapter 342:12, Laws of 2018, and explained that if the federal match for Medicaid expansion falls below 90%, the state must notify legislative leaders and participants and the program would sunset after 180 days unless the legislature acts. The committee also reviewed current Medicaid expansion enrollment and program trends. Officials said enrollment was just under 59,000 as of March 3, with about 87,000 people enrolled over the past year and more than a quarter-million residents having used the program over its lifetime. They said enrollment has fallen from a post-pandemic high of nearly 97,000 and may eventually settle in the low 50,000s. Finally, the department discussed federal DSH funding risk, saying New Hampshire could face a significant reduction if Congress does not extend current protections, which is part of why the state has shifted more funding toward payment rates and directed payments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Roberts, Mr.<01:19:09.679> Sessions, Mr. Sessions, Mr.
• Sessions, Mr. Sessions, >> Mr.<02:09:45.440> Shelnut.
• Roberts, Mr.<03:16:45.920> Sessions, Mr. Sessions, Mr.
• Sessions. Mr. Sessions, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Shelnutt, Mr. Shelnutt, Mr. Shelnutt, Mr. Singleton, Mr.
• Roberts, Mr.<03:55:37.199> Sessions, Mr. Sessions, Mr.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The meeting included a Senate recognition ceremony honoring the Winona High School boys basketball team for winning the 2026 Alabama High School Athletic Association 5A state championship. A resolution was read commending the team for its 101-40 victory over Silicag, noting the team’s record-setting performance, Brendan Davis’s MVP honor, the contributions of other players, and Coach Cedric Lane’s leadership. Senators and the lieutenant governor praised the players’ sportsmanship, the school community, and the team’s historic season, and copies of the resolution were presented to the team, coaches, and administrators. Several guests and school representatives also spoke briefly, including the coach and principal, who thanked the Senate and noted the team’s success and the principal’s retirement after 35 years. After the recognition, the Senate returned to session and adopted the Committee on Rules report setting the special order calendar. The calendar included Senate Bill 99 on the Ten Commandments, Senate Bill 298 on Class 3 municipalities, House Bill 381 on camp safety, Senate Bill 370 on tax increment districts, Senate Bill 363 on the Department of Economic and Community Affairs, House Bill 466 on firefighters, House Bill 95 on elections, House Bill 259 on stablecoin, and Senate Bill 342 on education. The chamber then took up SB 99, sponsored by Senators Kelly and Sessions. Senator Kelly described the bill as requiring local school boards to display the Ten Commandments, together with founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Alabama Constitution preamble, in certain history classrooms and common areas for grades five through 12, using donated displays and funds when available. He said the bill was intended as a historical and educational measure, not religious instruction, and emphasized the inclusion of a disclaimer stating Alabama is not establishing a religion. After extended debate and a petition to close debate from the Rules Committee, the Senate voted on the bill by long roll and passed SB 99, with the recorded vote announced as 30 yeas and 4 nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• We give thanks for during this session.
• followed now for two or three sessions. followed now for two or three sessions.
• of session. of session.
• , 24-hour sessions, maybe 30-hour sessions, and tempers can flare.
• most of the off session. most of the off session.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate came to order, a quorum was established, and the chamber proceeded through routine business on the February 19, 2026 agenda. Several newly introduced Senate files were given first reading and referred to committees, including SF 3658 to Health and Human Services, SF 3665 to Judiciary and Public Safety, and SF 3687 to Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development. Senate resolutions 54 through 57 were referred to Rules and Administration. The body then adopted several resolutions. Senate Resolution 58, which updates the mileage resolution to add the chamber’s three newest members, passed 60-2. Senate Resolution 59, the annual postage resolution setting each member’s postal budget at $1,170 and additional amounts for the majority and minority leaders, was adopted 56-8. Senate Concurrent Resolution 6, setting session deadlines for March 27 and April 17, was also adopted after Senator Howe questioned why the first two deadlines were on the same date and Majority Leader Murphy said the schedule matched recent sessions to expedite work. The Senate also adopted a resolution honoring Helen Marjorie Spade Levy on her 104th birthday and recognizing her World War II service as a Rosie the Riveter and her long community involvement. The chamber then moved into tributes for the late Senator Bruce Anderson, with multiple senators describing his military service, faith, veteran advocacy, committee work, and personal kindness. Senators Lucero, Grunhagen, Howe, Pappas, Lang, Putnam, and others shared memories of his leadership and character, and the presiding officer noted that members could later sing in his honor after the remarks concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• The DFA used to issue a BAR moratorium during the session.
• and this session.
• into this session.
• We cannot make it through to the next session without it for FY27, so we need to both.
• of 2025. first special session of 2025.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• on and move to go in executive session. on and move to go in executive session.
• session. All those in favor say I. I. session. All those in favor say I. I.
• Have we got an empty executive session.
• We are out of executive session.
• <02:10:40.800> We executive session? Second. All right. We executive session? Second.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So do know that while you may hear a bill this session that increases or decreases a fee that will impact
• So do know that while you may hear a bill this session that increases or decreases a fee that will impact
• So do know that while you may hear a bill this session that increases or decreases a fee that will impact
• <00:30:31.559> um about in the course of this session um about in the course of this session
• <00:58:27.119> I years uh by the end of this session I years uh by the end of this session

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The meeting was an informational walkthrough for the Health Finance and Policy Working Group, focused on committee structure, budget basics, and major health-related accounts and programs. Staff explained the roles of House Research and House Fiscal, then reviewed key funds used by the committee, including the general fund, government special revenue fund, federal funds, the health care access fund, remediation account, and drinking water revolving fund. They also outlined the committee’s main budget areas, noting that medical assistance is the largest general fund item and that the Department of Health is a substantial agency funded by a mix of federal, general fund, and special revenue dollars. A major portion of the presentation covered subsidized health coverage programs. Staff described Medical Assistance (Minnesota’s Medicaid program) as an entitlement for eligible Minnesotans, with no premiums or cost sharing, and explained its managed care and fee-for-service delivery systems. MinnesotaCare was presented as a separate federal-state basic health program for people who are not eligible for MA, with income limits, premiums for adults age 21 and older, and cost-sharing requirements; staff noted that federal premium tax credit changes affect MinnesotaCare premium ranges. The presentation also summarized MNsure’s role in the individual market and in determining eligibility for premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, MinnesotaCare, and MA. The committee also received an overview of health-related licensing boards and occupational regulation. Staff said Minnesota has 16 health-related licensing boards, funded mainly through the state government special revenue fund and subject to legislative appropriation, and explained that health occupations may be regulated by the Department of Health, the Office of Emergency Medical Services, or the boards under chapter 214. Interstate licensure compacts were briefly noted as a way to ease practice across states. No bills were debated and no votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• You passed HCR 2020, signed in open session.
• Signed in open session.
• You pass HCM 2001, signed in open session.
• You pass HCM 2002, signed in open session.
• Pass HCR 247, signed in open session.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The subcommittee received agency updates on outstanding rulemaking from the 2023 regular session and
• filed agencies' monthly written updates on rulemaking from the 2025 regular session, and all rules were
• The subcommittee received agency updates on outstanding rulemaking from the 2023 regular session and
• filed agencies monthly written updates on rulemaking from the 2025 regular session, and all rules were
• reviewed. written updates on rulemaking from the 2025 regular session and all rules were reviewed and

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you see us being able to apply more money into this area of education in this next coming session,
• either fiscal session or in the next legislative session?
• So we had the Learns Act two sessions ago. We had the LEARNS Act two sessions ago.
• Last session, we had access for higher ed. Can we work now toward maybe simplifying?
• I had a bill, not last session but the session before, that would have allowed school districts to apply

Summary: The committee met to review the minutes and then held a workshop-style discussion with Arkansas Department of Education early childhood officials about the state’s early learning programs, funding, and access. Officials explained that the state-funded ABC program has been largely flat for years, rising from $11 million to about $14 million in 2018, while the federally funded SRA/CCDF side is much larger. They described differences between the programs, including ABC’s 10-month school-year structure, current enrollment of about 23,000 children in ABC and about 14,871 in SRA, and a SRA wait list that has grown to roughly 2,971 children. Members raised concerns about rural access, school-based versus community-based providers, reimbursement rates, and the need to align early childhood funding with K-12 and kindergarten readiness goals. A major topic was the recent $14.741 million PDG B-5 competitive grant. Officials said it is a one-year systems-building grant, not a direct services grant, and will support local leads, CLASS observations, workforce efforts, and data systems while helping offset some costs that otherwise would have been paid through CCDF. Members also discussed the end of a federal pre-K funding stream in June, with children either moving into ABC slots or requalifying for SRA, and the state’s new enrollment-based payment approach, which officials said saved about $576,000. The committee also heard that the current cost-of-care study is about three years old and that a new market-rate survey is being planned. Several members questioned dual enrollment in home visiting/HIPPY and ABC, with officials saying about 1,200 children are enrolled in both and that limiting double enrollment could save about $2.4 million and affect roughly 470 children. Members also asked about provider closures after rate changes; officials said eight providers cited funding as a reason for closing, while 26 new providers have been added under the new rates. The discussion ended with broad agreement that the committee should continue regular updates, keep providers and families informed, and explore policy changes, waivers, and possible state investments to improve stability, access, and quality in early childhood education.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think that would reverse a lot of the hard-fought gains that were put into place last session.
• A statutory precedent that other cities are going to seek to exploit in future legislative sessions.
• The pilot program had been created previously last session, permitting it in Tarrant and Dallas County
• We'll see what we can do here, but no promises, because we're way late in the session and we've got a
• I don't want to go testify out in El Paso after the session. Okay, that's right.

Bills: HB103

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard a series of local and special-purpose bills, mostly with brief sponsor explanations and little or no public opposition. Topics included fireworks sales near the Texas-Mexico border for Cinco de Mayo (HB 1629), allowing larger counties to use their own inspectors for county buildings (HB 3234), updating governance and financial rules for the Wood County Central Hospital District (HB 5664), clarifying firefighter collective bargaining and impasse procedures (HB 3171), and exempting certain Fort Worth ETJ properties from release rules to protect infrastructure investments (HB 2512). The committee also heard bills on border subdivision rules in Cameron County (HB 3680), extending a property tax exemption to surviving spouses of certain veterans affected by the PACT Act (HB 2508/HJR 133), drainage district election timing and procedures (HB 5693, HB 2694), utility transparency for municipally owned systems (HB 1991), and management district and hospital district election or appointment changes (HB 5698, HB 2293). Another major bill, HB 1449, would expand a food truck permitting pilot program to counties over one million population; witnesses supported the concept but asked the committee to coordinate it with related fee and standards bills, and the bill was left pending for further work. The committee also heard HB 3732, which would let fire departments obtain extensions to comply with new NFPA protective equipment standards, and HB 5431, which would clarify that mayors and at-large council members do not need new elections after reapportionment; both were left pending after questions about their scope. Several transparency and tax-related bills were also discussed, including HB 103, creating a statewide database of local bond and tax election information, and HB 851, requiring reporting on homestead tax ceiling properties; both drew support and were later voted out. After testimony, the committee reported multiple bills favorably, often unanimously, and recommended many for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also used procedural swaps to substitute House companions for Senate bills on several measures, then recessed with plans to return later to process additional bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hopefully, we come out at the end of the session with a fully funded SSIS system so that the department
• I would like to do what I can to make sure that we don't leave this session empty-handed.
• I have had listening sessions.
• What I'm trying to do is ensure that we leave this session with something.
• The view for this whole committee this whole session...

Bills: HF2436

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

Transcript Highlights:

• We had an interim at the beginning of session because the session started a week later, so now interim
• Members can opt to receive $125 for their communication expenses during the legislative session.
• session session um<00:12:27.360> and<00:12:27.519> that's<00:12:27.639> a<00:12
• for their communication expenses during the<00:13:40.040> Bal the Bal the Bal legislation session
• changes to uh policies<00:16:19.839> from<00:16:20.079> previous<00:16:20.759> sessions

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration met with a quorum present and began with member introductions, during which members identified their districts and, informally, their favorite restaurants. The committee then turned to a housekeeping resolution, 2025-P100, covering House policies and administrative procedures. The chair explained that the resolution consolidated routine rules updates prepared by House Research. The committee adopted two amendments to the resolution. The A1 amendment gave members more flexibility in how they receive their postage and digital constituent communications allotment. The A2 amendment corrected titles in the resolution. Staff then reviewed the resolution’s contents, including service awards, donated leave, comp time and time cards, remote work, member business services payments, leadership compensation, expense reimbursement, stationery, postage and digital communications, member communication expenses, alcohol and drug policies, legal fee provisions, photographs and digital images, chaplain pay, the high school page program, and the undergraduate internship program. Members asked several questions during discussion. Representative Long confirmed there were no changes to the legal-fee policy. Representative Hollins asked about the high school page stipend, and staff said it was proposed to increase from $10 to $15 per day. Representative Pursell asked about the 50-mile reimbursement threshold for members’ expenses; the chair said it is derived from IRS tax regulations. She also suggested reviewing how other states handle reimbursement. No members of the public testified. After discussion, the committee renewed the motion and adopted the 2025 resolution as amended. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, for Democrats, we'll get together at 1:10 as well. session at 2 o'cl so um I assume session at 2
• I'll close the executive session on House Bill 452.
• All right, I'll close the executive session on House Bill 649.
• <05:57:57.718> on<05:57:58.120> host<05:57:58.478> Bill session on host Bill session
• <05:58:44.520> on<05:58:44.680> House<05:58:44.920> Bill session on House Bill session

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 758, which would establish a study committee on airport operation hours and possible noise abatement measures, including whether New Hampshire should prohibit departures between midnight and 6 a.m. The sponsor said the committee would examine the pros and cons and consult stakeholders. The Bureau of Aeronautics testified neutrally, noting that New Hampshire has 25 public airports, 12 with federal funding and grant assurances that may require them to remain open during those hours, and that cargo operations, including at Manchester, commonly occur overnight. Members also discussed existing noise abatement programs and how mitigation is determined by noise contours and FAA funding decisions. No vote was taken; the chair closed the hearing after testimony. The committee then heard House Bill 489, allowing voluntary emergency workers to use rear-facing blue lights on private vehicles when responding to emergencies. The sponsor said the bill corrects an oversight in existing law, would not cost the state or towns money, and would improve visibility and safety, especially in rural areas. Supportive testimony from a volunteer responder emphasized that blue lights help cut through fog, snow, and nighttime conditions, and that the bill would only add a single rear-facing blue light to existing red, amber, and white emergency lighting. The New Hampshire State Police opposed the bill, arguing that expanding blue lights to private vehicles would confuse the public and desensitize drivers to blue lights, which are associated with law enforcement. The hearing closed without action. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 533, which the sponsor and State Police clarified is actually two separate changes: one authorizing civilian automotive equipment inspectors to assist with vehicle inspection work, and another expanding language in motor carrier enforcement to include new entrant safety audits and compliance reviews. The State Police explained that civilian inspectors are hired and trained through the department and that any findings of state-law violations would be referred to troopers; they also said the new motor carrier language was requested to satisfy federal audit concerns about right of entry. The New Hampshire Motor Transport Association said it had no position if the civilian inspectors were not doing commercial truck inspections, but would oppose the bill if they were. Members asked about the difference between audits and compliance reviews, and the State Police said audits are for newer carriers and are non-enforcement, while compliance reviews look for violations. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 533. After a brief reset, the committee opened House Bill 594, which would repeal an alternate definition of “way” for the driving-after-suspension statute. The sponsor said the change was requested by the Department of Justice. Representative Erica Leon opposed the repeal, explaining that the prior language was intended to avoid criminalizing people who mow lawns or perform similar work near property edges while suspended, but she worried the repeal could create a loophole allowing driving on places like highway medians. Members questioned whether the issue was limited to mowing or broader vehicle use on property edges, and Leon said she would work with agencies to clarify the language so it protects lawful mowing without allowing misuse. No vote was taken in the portion provided.