Transcript Highlights:

• been used for grazing purposes for the purpose of saying, perhaps agrovoltaic legislation need not apply
• that those services being provided to veterans so that their GI bills would not be stolen and be applied
• We applied the same efficiency lens to program operations and response by declining enrollment.
• This includes developing a new framework that places a stronger emphasis on fidelity to the science of
• We're looking at some changes And working with the state department of education on when we apply that

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This ensures the training is applied where it is needed most to save lives.
• So we believe this bill ensures science-based, regularly scheduled updates that reflect current wildfire
• kind of focus in on that point in particular, speaking more broadly about how this bill would be applied
• hope that that's something that you could try to address so that we can make sure that emergency applies
• to emergencies and doesn't end up, because of the definition, getting applied to so many things that

Summary: The committee first took up a consent calendar of multiple bills, moving them forward mostly to Appropriations, with AB 1531 sent to Insurance. It then heard AB 645, requiring emergency medical dispatch training for public safety dispatchers who handle medical calls. Supporters said standardized dispatcher training would improve CPR and other pre-arrival instructions, especially in rural areas with long response times; there was no opposition, and the bill was moved to Appropriations. AB 716, on statewide hydrogen fire safety standards and a State Fire Marshal hydrogen expert, also drew support and was sent to Utilities and Energy. AB 783, aimed at lowering disaster rebuilding costs by allowing state contracting for construction materials in declared disaster areas, was supported by housing and building groups and moved to Appropriations. AB 591, creating a public works mutual aid plan for disasters, and AB 1200, expanding disaster preparedness through tabletop exercises, a State Lifelines Council, and CERT training, both received supportive testimony and were sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 300, which would require regular updates to fire hazard severity zone maps; witnesses from fire agencies and cities supported moving the review schedule to every five years, and the bill was sent to Appropriations as amended. AB 986 would add landslides and climate-change-exacerbated conditions to the definition of state and local emergencies; supporters from Rancho Palos Verdes and the League of California Cities described severe land movement and major costs, while members raised concerns about overbroad emergency declarations. The bill nonetheless advanced to Appropriations. AB 478, requiring local emergency plans to include pet rescue procedures and longer holding periods for rescued animals, was supported by the author, a mayor, and animal advocacy groups; members suggested revisiting the 90-day reclamation period and transfer rules, but the bill moved to Appropriations. Later, AB 598 proposed school mapping technology for K-12 campuses so first responders can access accurate layouts during emergencies. The sponsor and dispatch representatives said the maps could reduce response times and improve coordination, while committee members asked about costs, vendor neutrality, rural school funding, and coordination with the 911 Advisory Board; the bill was moved to Appropriations with members noting possible follow-up amendments. Throughout the meeting, several votes were left open for later addition, and the committee eventually recorded additional aye votes and one no vote on AB 783 and a not-voting position on AB 986 before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are from the Albuquerque Science Language Academy. Thank you.
• He is a fourth-year student at UNM in the political science department, also majoring in philosophy,
• How is this actually going to be applied in law or rule or somewhere else?
• Plan together when they're applying for this fund and put the parameters in place should they be able
• Governments have been applying for years and being denied the opportunity to upgrade their local recycling

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's not opinion; it's science.
• And it's not opinion, it's science.
• This would have a normative effect on how prosecutors apply these holds.
• This is not new science. This is proven stuff.
• He's applied for commutation twice.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on several Judiciary bills, with the largest portion focused on S. 1178/H. 2052 to reduce mass incarceration and end life without parole. People incarcerated at MCI Framingham, MCI Norfolk, and NCCI Gardner described personal growth, rehabilitation, restorative justice work, family separation, and the belief that parole eligibility after long sentences would better reflect public safety and human development. Speakers emphasized that life without parole removes hope and can undermine rehabilitation, while supporters argued that many lifers are older, less likely to reoffend, and could contribute positively if given a chance at parole review. Committee members did not take votes during the hearing. The committee also heard testimony on S. 1139 to restore the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims involving tobacco use, with Sen. Keenan explaining that a recent SJC decision had cut off claims where the injured person did not sue within three years before death. He said the bill would restore families’ ability to seek redress in cases involving long-latency tobacco harms like COPD. Another major topic was S. 1205, which would add abusive litigation to the definition of coercive control in domestic violence law; Sen. Michael Moore said the bill would stop abusers from using repeated court filings to harass and financially burden survivors. The committee also took up S. 1114 on automatic record sealing, with Sen. Friedman and others arguing that the current petition-based process is slow, burdensome, and disproportionately harms people with criminal records, especially Black and Latino residents. Testimony also supported H. 1965/S. 1132 on compensation for wrongful conviction, with advocates and sponsors describing a faster administrative claims process, transitional support, and higher compensation without the current cap. Sen. Payano testified for S. 1241 to expand educational programming for incarcerated emerging adults, saying education reduces recidivism and improves reentry outcomes. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on S. 2522, an update to Massachusetts’ shield law for reproductive and gender-affirming care. Sen. Friedman, the Attorney General’s office, and DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said the bill is needed to strengthen protections against out-of-state legal attacks, protect patient and provider data, clarify enforcement authority, and add a state-level EMTALA-style emergency care requirement. Committee members asked detailed questions about prescription labeling, the prescription monitoring program, attorney discipline, custody and full faith and credit issues, and whether the bill’s enforcement language could create unintended limits or conflicts. The Attorney General’s office said it would provide follow-up written testimony on several technical questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• the sectors where we can be the most competitive for growth and investment, which is where our new science
• We believe that we have a right to win in three key science and tech sectors: advanced energy, climate
• These are our key opportunity sectors as it relates to science.
• All of these align to those sectors that were identified in our Science and Tech Roadmap.
• I actually wanted to refer to the science and technology roadmap that was just released.

Summary: The committee first recognized Mark Roper of the Economic Development Department for his long service and retirement, with members and the secretary praising his work on economic development across the state. Secretary Rob Black then presented EDD’s budget and special appropriation requests, describing strong recent job and income growth and outlining the department’s strategy around science and technology, site readiness, workforce development, foreign direct investment, and rural/community programs. He highlighted wins in advanced energy, quantum, space and defense, and biosciences, and asked for funding for quantum/DARPA matching funds, additional site readiness work, LIDA closing funds, JTIP training support, New Mexico Partnership, and healthy foods and other community programs. Members asked detailed questions about the quantum proposal, site readiness, the new mapping tool for industrial sites, workforce participation, trade missions, foreign investment, tariffs, water and produced water, tribal site evaluation, and public engagement on major projects. Black said the quantum request was intended to match federal dollars and build a workforce pipeline, that the site-readiness software would be a set enterprise license, and that the department was working with tribes and local partners on future site evaluations. He also said tariffs have created uncertainty but New Mexico’s infrastructure and foreign trade zones could help attract manufacturing, and he acknowledged concerns about transparency and community input while noting that some projects, such as Pacific Fusion, had gone through extensive public processes. The committee also discussed specific projects and funding balances, including Mantis Space’s move to Albuquerque, the status of Virgin Galactic’s spaceport lease, and the current LIDA fund balance and encumbrances. Black and Deputy Secretary Isaac Romero said the department was trying to use State Investment Council-backed venture funds to attract companies and that the new investments were already producing deals and jobs. Members generally supported the department’s direction but pressed for more targeted expertise, faster deployment, and stronger community involvement in future economic development decisions. Later, Secretary de Blassie of the Department of Health presented the department’s budget request and progress report. He said DOH had improved revenue cycle management, reduced old Medicaid-pending cases, increased census at facilities, improved budget and contract timeliness, and responded effectively to the measles outbreak. The department requested additional base funding for epidemiology and response, the DOH helpline, the Vital Records Virtual Vault, state labs, and the veterans home, along with special requests for respiratory vaccinations and marketing and lab equipment replacement. He also noted progress on MOUD and the medical psilocybin program, and said the department was not seeking to launch new programs given the limited time left in the administration.

Transcript Highlights:

• This applies to other states; does it apply to other countries as well, or?
• But we didn't apply that to charter schools.
• I mean, when you apply to college, they collect certain student data.
• .number or apply for a license.
• It applies only to students who have been here for years.

Bills: SB1798, SB1835, SB1319, SB2942, SB2928, SB784, SB1049

Keywords: higher education, tuition rates, financial support, immigration status, Texas law, SB 1835, resident tuition, nonresident students, scholarship students, public higher education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Education Code Section 54.213, tuition waiver, in-state tuition, out-of-state students, higher education finance, enrollment cap, capacity limit, workforce development area, nonimmigrant visa

Transcript Highlights:

• I think this is giving them direct experience in science and aloha and work.
• as well as working with middle Sciences as well as working with middle school<00:59:01.440> and
• <00:59:13.040> However,<00:59:13.520> we science and aloha and work.
• However, we science and aloha and work.
• research different methods of applying research different methods of applying units<00:59:34.079

Bills: HB1183, HB1656, HB1658, HB1661, HB1663, HB1664, HB1859, HB2116, HB2271, HB2276, HB2335, HB2360, HB2387, HB2472, HB1805, HB2469, HB1815, HB1860, HB2117, HB2118, HB2437, HB2438, HB2604, HB1590, HB2156, HB2268

Keywords: retirement, pension, law enforcement, public safety, Hawaii Revised Statutes, indebtedness, salary recovery, employee compensation, deductions, financial management, collective bargaining, employee relations, impasse procedures, arbitration, public employment, HB1661, cafeteria plan, Section 125, Internal Revenue Code, flexible spending account

Transcript Highlights:

• computer science?
• Yes. >> So, we have computer science and other requirements can make up for the computer science?
• <01:32:54.200> And the computer science? Right. Okay. And the computer science? Right.
• computer science or a science teacher computer science or a science teacher that<01:33:14.880>
• computer science computer science >> computer<01:33:54.040> science<01:33:54.360>

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then quickly handled routine business including excusing absent senators, adopting the prior journal, and recognizing several guests in the gallery. The chamber also paused to honor Dr. Mark Sullivan, superintendent of Birmingham City Schools, with a Senate resolution commending him as the Alabama Education Association’s 2025-26 outstanding superintendent of the year. Senator Smitherman and Dr. Sullivan both spoke, with Sullivan highlighting Birmingham’s academic gains, reduced failing schools, and lower chronic absenteeism. The Senate then processed a series of House messages and confirmations. It concurred in SB 288 on agriculture authorities and SB 317 on the Alabama Commission on the Evaluation of Services, but non-concurred and sent SB 174 on natural resources and SB 32 on solid waste collection fees to conference. The chamber confirmed numerous appointments, including Rex Jones, William Donahue, Jim Massey, Jason Windham, Alexander Atwater, Charles Dean, Steve McKinnon, Bonnie Temple, Shaniqua Johnson-Enam, Dwayne Jenkins, Troy Skipworth, Gloria Watts, Tracy Doughty, Kevin Ball, Joe D. Briggs, Josh Bryant, Dylan Turk, David R. Pruitt III, and Carol Smitherman, with most confirmations passing on near-unanimous rolls. Committee reports advanced several House bills, including favorable reports on HB 224, 591, 614, 609, 444, 248, 611, 622, 92, and 556, with HB 248 amended. The Senate also adopted a resolution honoring the University of Alabama women’s wheelchair basketball team for winning the 2026 national championship, and another resolution recognizing the seriousness of the national debt and urging Congress to establish regular budget order. A resolution honoring retired Brigadier General Vandiver H. Carter as the 2026 Marion Military Institute Alumnus of the Year and a resolution commending John R. Cooper were also adopted. In local legislation, the Senate passed HB 635 for Choctaw County, HB 639 for Escambia County, SB 10 for Tuscaloosa County, HB 315 for class one municipalities after adopting a committee substitute and a friendly amendment, and HB 404 for class one municipalities. Finally, the Committee on Rules reported and the Senate adopted a special order calendar for the next legislative day, listing a wide range of bills for priority consideration, including measures on solar power facilities, homestead exemptions, education, guardianships, tax increment districts, legal tender, college tuition, crime victims compensation, motor vehicles, entertainment industry issues, campus chaplains, tax abatements, alcoholic beverage producers, data privacy, constables, insurance, municipal audits, income tax, public high schools, taxation, state health planning, and University of Alabama matters.

Transcript Highlights:

• Most importantly, the tax would only apply to institutions with assets valued at over $100 million.
• Most importantly, the tax would only<00:02:44.319> apply<00:02:44.959> to<00:02:45.280>
• with only apply to inst institutions with assets<00:02:47.040> valued<00:02:47.760> at
• And yes, we're working with Revenue to codify how do we effectively apply that.
• And yes, we're working with Revenue to codify how do we effectively apply that.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I was able to learn skills that can apply outside of the classroom.
• to learn uh skills that can apply to learn uh skills that can apply outside<00:02:57.879> of<
• So they're applying their knowledge within the classroom and applying it to their work.
• aggregate total would would would apply aggregate total would would would apply in<00:47:57.040>
• That's what we're doing when we have caps that are so arbitrary and not connected to science.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I am assigned to the Science, Technology, Energy Committee, so I hopefully I don't get too geeky
• He was on science and tech, actually. and Lowden. And there was uh some of you and Lowden.
• Um<00:11:46.720> he<00:11:46.959> was<00:11:47.040> on<00:11:47.279> science
• Um he was on science and Howard Moffet? Um he was on science and tech<00:11:48.079> actually.
• That apply to resolutions? Since resolutions aren't government action, it's not legal precedent.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In doing that, we have applied and been accepted, and are working closely with the New Mexico Main Street
• Just real quick, I'm looking through your science and technology degrees because I'm on the Science and
• Technology Committee as well. technology degrees because I'm on the Science and Technology Committee
• I know even six months out can take that long to even apply for. a job sometimes or take a little break
• And then also in our health sciences, the students command good jobs in our health sciences, in our diesel

Transcript Highlights:

• 2021 and continues to work in applied 2021 and continues to work in applied Maternal<01:30:56.000
• In those circumstances, there is a process in place to reconcile that so that parent can later apply
• that should that parent then later apply that should that parent then later apply for<02:09:44.599
• Otherwise, this bill is an attempt to go back to the gold standard of science and placebo trials.
• according to science uh but uh<03:41:06.120> what<03:41:06.479> what<03:41:06.800>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs heard testimony on House Bill 606, as amended, a bill aimed at preventing physicians from denying medically necessary sterilizing or fertility-affecting treatment based on a patient’s age, number of children, marital status, or a doctor’s speculation about future reproductive intentions. Representative Ellen Reed, the sponsor, described the bill as a response to her own long experience with PCOS, heavy bleeding, and repeated refusals by doctors to perform a hysterectomy despite her clear wishes. She said the amendment narrows the bill to medically necessary care, adds definitions for “medical condition” and “appropriate reproductive care,” and removes earlier provisions about voluntary sterilization referrals. She also said the bill does not target religious objections, and that doctors could still refuse for medical, payment, or existing religious reasons not addressed by the bill. Committee members asked about religious freedom, informed consent versus waivers, and the scope of the new definitions. Reed responded that religion was not added to the list of prohibited reasons for denial, and that the amendment is intended to protect doctors when patients sign informed consent or waivers. She explained that “appropriate reproductive care” includes procedures such as hysterectomy, oophorectomy, orchiectomy, salpingectomy, and endometrial ablation, and that the bill now focuses on medically necessary treatment rather than elective sterilization. She said the change was intended to make the proposal narrower and more tailored after earlier concerns. Several witnesses supported the bill with personal accounts of being denied hysterectomies or other procedures despite serious symptoms. Representative Lauren Selig described a decade-long effort to obtain a hysterectomy after years of cycle problems and migraines, saying doctors dismissed her concerns and treated her symptoms as normal. Jade Flad also testified in support, saying she had long been told to simply endure her cycle problems and noted that her husband was offered a vasectomy without similar barriers. The sponsor said online support was strong and that there was little or no written opposition testimony. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The science is clear.
• Hawaii has long chosen compassion over fear and science over misinformation.
• <00:25:24.400> Science<00:25:25.200> or before you today is clear.
• Science or before you today is clear.
• Science or misinformation, misinformation, misinformation, bodily<00:25:27.600> autonomy<00:25

Bills: SB2936, SB2850, SB2851, SB2521

Keywords: accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle

Summary: The joint hearing covered House Bill 251, which would require hospitals to report costs associated with Medicare and uninsured patients, and House Bill 1875, which would expand protections for gender-affirming health care services. On HB 251, the Department of Health said it supported the intent but described the bill as complicated and potentially impractical as drafted because the department lacks the expertise to produce the required analyses without outside help. Hawaii Health Systems Corporation echoed those concerns, while the Queen’s Health System said it was willing to work with the department to provide the information. In committee discussion, officials explained that hospital support in Hawaii includes public hospital appropriations and the provider tax program, which uses hospital and nursing home contributions to draw federal matching funds; a department witness estimated the net benefit at about $150 million for hospitals and $20 million for nursing facilities, though exact figures would be provided later. On HB 1875, the Insurance Division testified with concerns that the bill’s language on prohibited actions by malpractice insurers was broad and vague, and that a rate-increase prohibition could conflict with actuarially based insurance pricing. The division also noted it was not the primary enforcement agency for the statute. In contrast, many testifiers strongly supported the bill, including the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, PFLAG Oahu, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, the Hawaii County Democratic Party, and others. Supporters argued that gender-affirming care is medically necessary, evidence-based, and protected by privacy and bodily autonomy principles, and that the bill would protect patients and providers from outside political interference. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:43.039> research and then do an applied research and then do an applied research initiative
• Then I mentioned Ava and the meat science work previously.
• Then I mentioned Ava and the meat science work previously.
• That does not tie them to have to apply, but they need to apply the pre-qualifications in order to then
• apply in the subgrantee selection.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• that: as you hear, there are clearly the anecdotal stories and the personal interactions, but the science
• shown, DOC does not require the contractor to adhere to state law, even to state law that clearly applies
• But these rights also apply to people in any DMH facilities, anywhere that's funded or licensed by the
• Department of Mental Health, so it applies to a lot of people in the Commonwealth.
• So over the 15 years, I wasn't given promotions that I applied for. My skills were not used.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on a broad set of mental health, substance use, recovery, and patients’ rights bills. Early testimony focused on H. 2227, which would replace stigmatizing substance use terminology in the General Laws, and H. 3950, which would support parents in recovery involved with DCF by requiring more individualized recovery plans, clearer benchmarks for parenting time, access to recovery coaches or counselors, family counseling after sustained recovery, and staff training on addiction and lived experience. Speakers described the bills as ways to reduce stigma, increase accountability, and improve reunification outcomes for families. A major portion of the hearing centered on S. 1386, which would transfer Bridgewater State Hospital from the Department of Correction to the Department of Mental Health. Advocates, family members, and disability groups testified that Bridgewater functions like a prison rather than a hospital, with excessive restraint, seclusion, involuntary medication, poor conditions, and racial disparities, and argued DMH should oversee a treatment setting. One DMH occupational therapist and MNA member opposed the transfer, saying the real issue is mixing forensic and continuing-care patients and that DMH should instead create designated forensic units under bills H. 228/S. 1408. Committee members asked about Bridgewater’s population, the history of DOC control, capacity, staffing, and how a transfer might be implemented. The committee also heard testimony on modernizing the six fundamental rights for psychiatric inpatients, including expanding communication options, clarifying visitation and advocacy definitions, and improving access to gender-appropriate and culturally relevant items. Another bill, H. 2216, would require stronger oversight before antipsychotic medication is prescribed in nursing homes, prompted by concerns about inappropriate use. Finally, testimony supported H. 2240 and H. 2239 on sober homes, with supporters saying discharge and relocation policies are needed when a resident returns to active use or becomes unsafe, while preserving the recovery environment and resident rights. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And with the advancement of science and how quickly science is moving, this is a piece of legislation
• And with the advancement of science and how quickly science is moving, this is a piece of legislation
• It also does not apply to agricultural cloning because that's done as well.
• So it does not apply to that either. >> Okay. Thanks, Mr. Simpson.
• It also does not apply >> That's correct.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I was told to go draw instead of playing with science models, and I was told we don't listen to girls
• I had my granddad, who was a professor of political science, and I Still wasn't involved or understanding
• Wouldn't it make sense that you have MCA data for reading, math, and science for fifth and eighth grade
• This applies at any time in the school district.

Transcript Highlights:

• MANY PEOPLE DO NOT REALIZE THAT SENATOR POLSKY MENTIONED IN HER OPENING THE TERM NOTARY IN SPANISH APPLIES
• LABELING SO MORE FOLKS KNOW WHAT BATTERIES NEED TO BE RECYCLED SO THE BILL REALLY UPDATES FROM A SCIENCE
• WE RECEIVED FEEDBACK FROM SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY.
• UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA IN A WORLD EXPERT IN KRATOM RESEARCH AND WHAT WE HAVE DONE IS BRING THE LATEST SCIENCE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If there are two kids and they're both 18 years old, it's the same amount, and they both apply to have
• Chair, I know you're familiar with this, that 10-year cooling-off period only applies to violations of
• state law and does not apply to exactly the same crimes under federal law.
• I know that I am alive today because I had not only the advances of science on my side, but I had my
• But as part of the terms of that grant, they had to apply for a conservation restriction, and so part

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on a proposed Massachusetts baby bonds program, including H. 3429, S. 2146, and the Treasurer’s related bill H. 48. Treasurer Goldberg and a broad coalition of advocates, researchers, health professionals, and people with lived experience said the program would create trust accounts for children born into low-income families or in DCF custody, with funds available at age 18 for education, homeownership, business startup, or other long-term asset-building uses. Supporters argued the program would help close the racial wealth gap, improve economic mobility, and not affect eligibility for financial aid or public benefits. Committee members asked about administration, investment returns, eligibility, and withdrawal rules; the Treasurer said the accounts would be held in trust and managed by her office with an advisory board, with funds accessible at 18 and usable through age 35 if the beneficiary remains a Massachusetts resident. No vote was taken during the testimony shown. The committee also heard testimony on legislation establishing Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day, including S. 2666 and H. 4625. Senator Ross, Representative Badger, physicians, survivors, and advocates described invasive lobular carcinoma as difficult to detect because it often grows in lines rather than forming a lump, can be missed on mammography, and is underfunded and underrepresented in research and clinical trials. Witnesses said the bill would codify an annual October 15 proclamation to raise awareness, improve diagnosis, and encourage more targeted research and treatment. Committee members asked why the disease is so hard to detect, and medical witnesses explained the imaging challenges and the lack of lobular-specific protocols. The witnesses urged favorable reports. The committee then took testimony on H. 4648, a bill concerning the purchase or lease of Fenn Farm in Stockbridge by the Stockbridge-Munsee community. Representative Davis, the Stockbridge Land Trust president, and the tribal president testified that the bill would remove a conservation restriction tied to a state MVP grant so the tribe could manage the land without a restriction that they said would conflict with tribal sovereignty and Indigenous stewardship practices. They said the parcel is a sacred site connected to Monument Mountain and that the restriction is unnecessary because the land is already surrounded by conserved property. The witnesses asked for favorable action on the bill. Finally, the committee heard testimony on H. 3416, a resolution urging Congress to create a national infrastructure bank. Representative Senna and several advocates argued that an off-budget infrastructure bank could finance major repairs and upgrades to roads, bridges, rail, water systems, broadband, and housing without adding to the state budget, while creating jobs and supporting economic growth. Witnesses cited historical precedents for national infrastructure banks and said Massachusetts could benefit substantially from such a program. The transcript shown does not include a committee vote or final action on the resolution.