Transcript Highlights:

• something happens to a service member, and 99.9% of the time it's bad, we will hear all of us collectively
• So, to Senator Rush's point, we... ...99.9% of the time it's bad, where we will hear all of us collectively
• Additionally, I would like to express our association's strong opposition to H. 3829 and S. 2471, known collectively
• By abdicating the responsibility, Congress is refusing to exercise this duty under the U.S.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hybrid public hearing on seven House bills and seven Senate bills related to the Massachusetts National Guard and U.S. Armed Forces Reserves. Opening remarks covered hearing procedures, livestreaming, testimony limits, and expected reporting dates, and chairs noted the committee’s focus on Guard and Reserve issues. Testimony then moved through several bills, including S. 2465 to expand the National Guard welcome-home veterans bonus to all deployed Guard members regardless of residency, H. 3876/S. 2462 to authorize military-style headstones for long-serving or deceased Guard members, and S. 2482/H. 3833 to establish a Massachusetts National Guard Museum in Salem. Supporters of the bonus and headstone bills argued they would correct inequities and better honor service; Senator Lovely described the museum proposal as a way to preserve the Guard’s history in Salem and potentially support federal funding for the project. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 3829/S. 2471, the “Defend the Guard” proposal that would bar Massachusetts National Guard deployments into active combat absent a formal congressional declaration of war. Supporters argued the bill would restore constitutional war powers, reduce repeated undeclared deployments, and protect Guard members’ mental health and state readiness. Opponents, including retired Guard leaders and current service members, warned it could conflict with federal law and Title 10 authority, undermine federal funding and training, and harm readiness, force structure, and unique Guard capabilities. Committee members repeatedly questioned the bill’s legal authority, constitutional basis, and practical effects under the Supremacy Clause and Title 10, and several witnesses were asked to submit additional written legal support. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3831, which would extend Chapter 115 benefits to currently serving Guard and Reserve members who do not meet federal veteran-status thresholds, and on related proposals to clarify Guard command structure and the duties of the Adjutant General. Supporters said these changes would improve access to benefits, reduce confusion in the chain of command, and strengthen discipline and responsiveness. Separately, the National Guard Association of Massachusetts backed H. 3860/S. 2458, the Guard Enlistment Enhancement Program, as a recruiting tool, while opposing the Defend the Guard bills. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So penalties collected from the hospitals that receive public funding and exceed profit and compensation
• legislation seeks to make it an unfair and deceptive business practice for a for-profit entity to refuse
• MAP represents 13 health plans and one behavioral health organization that collectively provide coverage
• MAP represents 13 health plans and one behavioral health organization that collectively provide coverage

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing held a public hearing on a broad set of health care bills focused on cost, market oversight, pharmaceutical access, transparency, hospital closures, and pharmacy access. Chairs John Lawn and Cindy Friedman opened by emphasizing recent health care reforms and the need for further action on the drug supply chain, PBMs, private equity, and affordability. The committee heard testimony on several measures, including a Betsy Lehman Center bill to make technical changes and create a permanent trust account for federal and private funding, and bills on hospital profits and fairness, hospital closures and health planning, pharmacy deserts, and health care market oversight and pharmaceutical access. No votes were taken during the hearing. On the hospital profits bill, physicians and labor advocates strongly supported capping hospital CEO compensation at 50 times the lowest-paid worker, requiring greater financial transparency, and directing penalties from high-margin public hospitals into a Medicaid reimbursement fund. Testifiers argued that executive pay is excessive while frontline staff and safety-net services are under strain. Committee members raised concerns about unintended consequences, including whether hospitals might shift workers to contract status or lose executive talent, and whether the bill would actually direct money to the safety net. Supporters responded that the measure is one piece of a larger effort and that the bill’s Medicaid reimbursement provisions would help underserved hospitals. Testimony on market oversight and pharmaceutical access centered on rising health care and drug costs, PBM practices, and the proposal to give the Health Policy Commission authority to set upper payment limits for certain drugs. Consumer advocates, disability advocates, an independent pharmacist, the Attorney General’s office, and others supported stronger oversight, citing premium increases, affordability problems, and the impact of high drug prices on patients and community pharmacies. Pharma and some industry witnesses opposed parts of the bill, warning that upper payment limits could disrupt access, create legal issues, and fail to address the broader supply chain. The committee also heard support for stronger hospital closure notice and public hearing requirements, and for a pharmacy deserts bill aimed at identifying and addressing closures like the one in Roxbury that affected thousands of patients.

Transcript Highlights:

• much larger Sergeant First Class Moore in the fireman's carry while under continuous enemy fire and refused
• A simple resolution to look at trash collection and study in Washington Parish.
• A simple resolution to look at trash collection and study in Washington Parish.
• House Bill 1068 by Representative Villeo, municipal parish authority over collection and disposal of

Bills: HR308, HR309, HR310, HR311, HR312, HR313, HR314, HR315, HR316, HR317, HR318, HR319, HR295, HR296, HR297, HR298, HR299, HR300, HR301, HR302, HR303, HR304, HR305, HR306, HR307, HCR115, HCR116, HCR117, SCR71, SCR72, SCR73, HR73, HR118, HR144, HR196, HR237, HR249, HR260, HR267, HR272, HR273, HR276, HR278, HCR85, HCR100, HCR105, HCR107, HCR113, HCR114, SCR5, SCR29, SCR33, SCR37, SCR63, HB255, HB378, HB509, HB1090, SB80, SB131, SB143, SB251, SB254, SB279, SB367, SB384, SB388, SB389, SB398, SB408, SB431, SB468, SB469, SB496, SB25, SB132, SB155, SB157, SB202, SB295, SB433, HR179, HR223, HR225, HR274, HCR89, HR252, HR253, HCR96, HCR103, HCR108, HCR26, HB250, HB265, HB339, HB427, HB445, HB463, HB468, HB606, HB639, HB649, HB665, HB746, HB781, HB853, HB861, HB872, HB886, HB916, HB937, HB1054, HB1068, HB1117, HB1237, HB74, HB108, HB956, HB1085, HB1137, HB62, HB193, HB210, HB220, HB246, HB364, HB420, HB475, HB584, HB622, HB772, HB784, HB949, HB953, HB1043, HB1070, HB1092, HB1134, HB1162, HB1176, HB1196, HB1214, HB1199, SB268, SB283, HB782, SB149, HR84, HB646, HB998, SB56, SB163, SB197, SB97, SB326, SB341, SB518, SB123, SB353, SB479, SB495, HB901, HR20, HR74, HR168, HCR65, HCR71, HCR98, HB284, HB302, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1191, HB1240, HB1255, SB82, SB89, HB134, HB258, HB359, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB379, SB382, SB441, SB449

Keywords: HR 308, House Resolution 308, Pope Leo XIV, Catholic Church, Holy See, Vatican, commendation, resolution, Louisiana Catholic heritage, St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans, South Louisiana parishes, religious recognition, ceremonial resolution, faith leadership, pontificate, spiritual solidarity, human dignity, peace, mercy

Transcript Highlights:

• Sections 8 through 10 cover the data collection and reporting.
• The Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice collects the data and provides an annual report to the
• commissioner determines that a person is violating the part, the commission may suspend, revoke, or refuse
• We're collecting Social Security number, proof of funds, things like that.

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• mutual respect, and unity among all Californians through the recognition of shared history and collective
• Who here would refuse?
• California needs to stand up and have a loud voice collectively.
• would also hurt our businesses, hurt our educational goals for our children, and frankly hurt our collective

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then held its Latino Spirit Awards ceremony. Members adopted House Resolution 16, proclaiming May 4–11, 2025 as Cinco de Mayo Week, after supportive remarks from several caucuses emphasizing Mexican history, women’s contributions, LGBTQ solidarity, Black and Brown unity, and AAPI and Jewish community support. The chamber then recognized 11 Latino Spirit honorees for achievements in human rights, business, arts, public service, community empowerment, health and science, environmental justice, philanthropy, and entertainment. After the ceremony, the Assembly returned to floor business and approved a series of measures. AB 60, banning synthetic nitro musks in cosmetics and personal care products, passed 56–3. AJR 6, urging Congress to protect federal school meal and local food funding, drew extensive debate and broad bipartisan support; members cited child hunger, farm economies, and local food systems, and it passed 76–0 with 73 coauthors added. Other measures adopted included AB 679 on state park land acquisitions, AB 681 expanding Dream Loan Program caps for undocumented graduate students, AB 1224 on substitute teacher continuity, AB 831 on gaming technical changes, AB 259 extending Brown Act teleconferencing flexibility, AB 467 extending Los Angeles Neighborhood Council teleconferencing authority, and AB 519 targeting deceptive puppy mill sales. The chamber also passed AB 1522, an urgency Judiciary Committee bill protecting attorneys from politically motivated discipline and creating an expedited licensing path for some former federal attorneys, and AB 263, which extends temporary water flow requirements on the Shasta and Smith Rivers; that bill drew sharp disagreement over water rights, tribal participation, and impacts on farmers, but ultimately passed 51–16. Additional measures approved included AB 428 on pooled insurance for water corporations, AB 492 requiring notice to local jurisdictions when recovery treatment facilities are licensed, and AB 536 preserving colorectal cancer screening coverage. The Assembly also adopted a motion to suspend file notice so Appropriations could hear AB 379 on May 7.

Transcript Highlights:

• behalf of Children Now, as well as PFLAG Sacramento, Gender Justice LA, Phoenix Coalition, Diversity Collective
• organizations in opposition: PFLAG Sacramento, Gender Justice LA, Phoenix Coalition, and Diversity Collective
• the following organizations: PFLAG Sacramento, Gender Justice LA, Phoenix Coalition, Diversity Collective
• only political points I saw scored here today were Speaker Revis, who came down to give a speech and refuses

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• paperwork to support it from a judge that it's false, one of the four news stations that covered it has refused
• just found out yesterday that I have another member that has two to three fires a week at post-collection
• Our members are working on legislation in 12 other states to expand the collection of all portable batteries
• Recyclable inserts can be collected, recycled, and then reused.

Summary: The committee first took up a committee substitute for SB 752, which would require newspapers and television stations to remove online reports later found to be false or defamatory in certain circumstances, and would change when the statute of limitations begins to run. The sponsor said the bill was intended to address lasting harm from false accusations that remain searchable online. Several speakers opposed the measure, arguing it would chill reporting, punish accurate historical coverage, and create vague legal risks for the press. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then approved CS/SB 846, a bill aimed at preventing immigration service fraud by non-attorneys and misuse of the term "notario." Supporters, including an immigration attorney, said the bill would protect vulnerable immigrants from bad advice and fake legal services. The committee also approved CS/SB 800, which updates battery labeling and recycling requirements to reduce fires caused by discarded batteries; waste and recycling representatives supported it, while a battery industry group warned the bill could effectively ban battery-embedded products. CS/SB 578, dealing with wine container rules and allowing recyclable inserts and boxes up to 5.16 gallons, was also reported favorably. The committee next approved CS/SB 1734, the Florida Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which sets product standards, labeling rules, age limits, testing, and enforcement provisions. Supporters said it reflects current science and consumer safety needs, while opponents warned it could burden small businesses and overregulate the market. SB 918, which would loosen state child labor restrictions for certain minors and align Florida law more closely with federal standards, drew extensive opposition from advocates, students, and labor groups who said it would increase exploitation and harm education; several senators also raised concerns, but the bill was still reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 854 on unlicensed contractors and deposit fraud, and confirmed several appointments to state boards and commissions. A separate bill on online encryption and child safety, SB 868, was taken up with an amendment and public testimony, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• The United States will no longer subsidize nations that refuse to pay their fair share.
• of the Alliance have consistently pulled together to maintain peace through their cooperation. collective
• the uniform view of our NATO allies that defending Ukraine against Russian aggression is in our collective
• wants to talk about article 5 senator but article 3 says that each NATO ally commits to both the collective

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, how much was collected on that tax at all last, last year or the year before?
• But may I add that the work that went into collecting that $5000 was a huge burden on those businesses
• The state has a $24 billion surplus this session over collected taxpayer money that should be returned
• I just refuse for that to be the answer. So like, if there's a way to figure it out, figure it out.

Bills: HB8, HB9, HJR1, HB 22

Keywords: HB 8, Texas public school accountability, school accountability, public school transparency, STAAR, state assessments, instructionally supportive assessment program, Student Success Tool, Texas Education Agency, TEA, accountability ratings, A-F ratings, through-year assessment, benchmark testing, norm-referenced assessment, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plan, school district performance, campus turnaround

Transcript Highlights:

• orders issued pursuant to state law orders issued pursuant to state law governing<00:16:19.360> collective
• <00:16:19.680> bargaining<00:16:20.040> and governing collective bargaining and governing
• collective bargaining and public<00:16:20.440> employment<00:16:20.880> in<00:16:21.000
• the Bar of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and certain licensing boards to automatically revoke and refuse

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection and Judiciary decision-making meeting on February 21, 2025, considered a long list of previously heard measures and generally recommended passage, often with amendments that delayed effective dates to July 1, 2050 or made technical clarifications. Among the measures acted on were bills relating to property, hotels, service disruptions, transportation, consumer protection, license plates, condominium disputes and fines, election fraud intimidation, vehicle inspection fines, restaurant reservation services, insurance claim checks, foreclosed home sales, labor relations court authority, public housing authority powers, community outreach boards, arson penalties, driving without a valid license, pet animals in vehicles, important agricultural lands, public records retention, transit-oriented development review, sex offender-related licensing actions, National Guard assault penalties, federal recognition timing, medical cannabis caregivers, cease-and-desist orders, and critical infrastructure information sharing. Several measures drew specific discussion or reservations. SB 1030 on election fraud intimidation was amended after consultation with the Attorney General to focus on unconcealed carry and add definitions. SB 5 on legislative vacancies was recommended to pass unamended, but the committee noted constitutional concerns and requested an Attorney General opinion. SB 95 on inspection fines was amended to set a $400 fine amount, though one member objected and the recommendation failed in at least one committee. SB 102 on third-party restaurant reservation services was amended to clarify who may sue and to allow contracted reservation services to distribute reservations on a restaurant’s behalf. SP 1022 on leaving pets in vehicles was amended to remove duplicative language because existing animal cruelty law already covered the conduct. SP 1451 on critical infrastructure information sharing was amended to tighten confidentiality language from “would reveal” to “could reveal” vulnerabilities. Most measures were adopted by the committees with little or no opposition, though several members noted reservations or objections on particular bills, including transportation, consumer protection, and inspection-fine measures. One bill, SB 1255 on records retention for government-function contractors, was deferred to a later meeting on February 26, 2025. Overall, the committees advanced most measures with amendments and recorded the recommendations for transmission to the next committee or chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• That’s on top of the severe administrative burden of having to collect and turn over the large swaths
• state SNAP data directly from collect state SNAP data directly from those<00:24:34.799> vendors.
• In fiscal year 24, the collection titles were read over 23,000 times.
• In fiscal year 24, the collection titles were read over 23,000 times.
• In fiscal year 24, the collection titles were read over 23,000 times.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing on the State of Hawaii’s affirmative litigation against the federal administration, with no public testimony. Attorney General Lopez and deputies said the office’s goal is to enforce the rule of law, not make partisan points, and noted that Hawaii is involved in 27 ongoing cases. They grouped the cases into four broad areas: immigration, funding freezes and grant terminations, federal agency dismantling/reductions in force, and protecting elections, health, and safety. Several immigration-related cases were discussed in detail. These included a challenge to the federal sharing of Medicaid data with DHS for immigration enforcement, a similar challenge to USDA’s demand for SNAP applicant and recipient data, and litigation over immigration-enforcement conditions attached to federal grants. The office also described the birthright citizenship executive order, saying it conflicts with the 14th Amendment and Supreme Court precedent; lower courts granted preliminary relief, and the U.S. Supreme Court later addressed only the scope of nationwide injunctions, not the merits. In the Department of Transportation case, the court granted a preliminary injunction against the “Duffy directive,” finding the immigration conditions lacked statutory authority, were arbitrary and capricious, and violated the Spending Clause and APA. The briefing also covered multiple funding disputes. In the education funding freeze case, the Department of Education and OMB withheld about $6 billion in formula funds, including roughly $33 million for Hawaii; after suit was filed, the funds were released. Other cases included the termination of over $11 billion in public health grants, which affected Hawaii Department of Health grants, the NIH indirect cost cap case, and NIH grant terminations tied to DEI, transgender issues, and vaccine hesitancy. The speakers said some cases have already resulted in preliminary or permanent injunctions, while others remain on appeal or are still being litigated.

Transcript Highlights:

• Collecting license plates from dash cam, body cam, and surveillance footage before it may be released
• These provisions collectively ensure that the adoption of AI is conducted safely and transparently.
• So I think, you know, HHSC collects all kinds of metrics and reporting from us.
• But who would have thought that the data that the state 8 collects on its own.
• It's not part of it, and you refused to even comment on that. So that's interesting.

Bills: HB149, HB252, HB643, HB1442, HB1500, HB1672, HB1851, HB1893, HB2028, HB2768, HB2818, HB149, HB252

Keywords: artificial intelligence, regulation, biometric data, ethical AI, consumer protection, AI governance, employment compensation, state agencies, salary payments, general appropriations, government efficiency, public works, contractors, payment bonds, government contracts, construction law, transparency, open meetings, government accountability, public access

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead, our Republican colleagues refused to stand up to Trump.
• Instead, our Republican colleagues<00:08:26.639> refused<00:08:27.039> to<00:08:27.199>
• colleagues refused to stand up to Trump. colleagues refused to stand up to Trump.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• says the House should be protected against dilatory or frivolous motions by the presiding officers refusing
• frivolous motions by the presiding frivolous motions by the presiding officers<00:48:11.440> refusing
• <00:48:12.000> to<00:48:12.160> entertain<00:48:12.800> such officers refusing
• to entertain such officers refusing to entertain such motions?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So, having said that, in terms of this issue of allowing the hotel to deny or refuse rental agreements
• /c><00:11:33.200> hotel<00:11:33.760> to<00:11:33.920> deny<00:11:34.399> refuse
• um allowing the hotel to deny refuse um allowing the hotel to deny refuse rental<00:11:35.120>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee took up Senate Bill 19, which was described as repealing an archaic requirement that hotel keepers post rental-rate notices in rooms. Most of the discussion focused on an amendment addressing whether hotels may refuse rentals to people under 21. Supporters argued the bill’s purpose was to clean up outdated, unenforceable laws and that the amendment would clarify the age-discrimination issue by allowing businesses to set and consistently apply their own policies, such as 21-and-under thresholds, to avoid problems like underage drinking, property damage, and liability. A representative from the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association said the current language is unclear because it does not define the age threshold, creating uncertainty about whether a hotel could be compelled to rent to very young minors. Several members emphasized that owners should be able to set policies for their properties, including age-based rental restrictions, so long as they are clear and consistently applied. One member said the amendment should be more explicit about policy and thresholds, while another noted a future bill might further tighten the language. The discussion also touched on vacation rentals, deposits, and the practical differences between hotels and other rental properties. The amendment was approved by the subcommittee, and the bill was then moved as amended. In the later executive session, the committee voted 11-0 to adopt amendment 1689, then voted 11-0 ought to pass as amended, and finally voted unanimously to place the bill on the consent calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Interpretive rules and policy statements are collectively known as "guidance" documents.
• Line 14 on page four, a refusal to make reasonable accommodation when such accommodations are necessary
• <02:01:29.920> page<02:01:30.159> four,<02:01:30.560> a<02:01:30.800> refusal
• <02:01:31.199> to<02:01:31.360> make Line 14 on page four, a refusal to make Line 14
• on page four, a refusal to make reasonable<02:01:31.920> accommodation<02:01:33.119> when<

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal from January 30, 2026, and then moved several bills to special order. The chamber first took up House Bill 1068, which would authorize the Legislative Council Executive Committee to set remote-participation policies for legislators serving on joint committees. Supporters described it as a bipartisan, zero-fiscal-note measure to provide flexibility and consistency for joint committee meetings. An amendment offered by Representative Luck to give the House’s majority position precedence in tie situations was debated and failed, and the bill then passed. The House next considered House Bill 1027, concerning boards of cooperative services (BOCES). The sponsor explained that the bill would allow BOCES executive directors to remain eligible for PERA retirement benefits while working full-time and would expand BOCES eligibility for postsecondary and workforce readiness funding. Supporters emphasized the importance of BOCES to rural education, special education, concurrent enrollment, and workforce training. The committee report was adopted and the bill passed. The chamber then took up House Bill 1045, dealing with housing protections for individuals with disabilities and assistance animals. Supporters said the bill would restore and codify federal housing guidance in Colorado law after federal guidance was withdrawn, reducing confusion for tenants and landlords and protecting people who rely on service animals. Opponents argued the bill could create presumptions, increase liability, and impose vague standards on housing providers. Amendment L005 to the committee report passed as a clarifying change, but Amendment L008 and a later amendment from Representative Brooks (L006) both failed. After the committee report was adopted, the bill itself passed. Representative Brooks then introduced another amendment package, including L007, and a title ruling was requested, leading to a brief recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 26-27, sales tax collections are projected to be 59% of all tax collections.
• We've got skyrocketing tax collections. And what do we do?
• Unidentified Speaker: …to collect case-level data.
• Unidentified Speaker: …to collect different information.
• In 2017, the agency began collecting complaints online.

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in one way you could say the state backfills it, but in another way, it's actually just the state collects
• I think that, again, the jury is still out because we haven't really collected all that data, at least
• We believe those have raised expectations and improved data collection on our campus.
• Students cannot succeed academically until they believe someone sees them, values them, and refuses to
• Yeah, I think when we look at those things, we need to collect data on the allotment for basic costs.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• James Mgram, a mathematician who served on the Common Core Math Standards Committee and refused to endorse
• <00:17:35.520> and Core Math Standards Committee and Core Math Standards Committee and refused
• The analysts will also be using data-driven decision-making to collect and analyze data and utilize the
• Representative Hall. will be collecting and analyzing will be collecting and analyzing statewide<03:55
• data-driven decision- making to collect data-driven decision- making to collect and<03:55:49.120

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But he refused and said only the House of Representatives could rule.
• But he refused and said only the House of Representatives could rule.
• In his jurisdiction, but he refused and said only the House of Representatives could rule on the matter

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Election Laws held a hearing on several election-related bills, with most testimony focused on voting access, ballot administration, and election procedures. Senator Driscoll testified for S. 509, a Randolph home rule petition to require bilingual ballots in English and Haitian Creole, and Randolph officials and community members strongly supported it, saying it would improve access, confidence, and participation for Haitian Creole speakers. Other speakers, including advocates and residents, described language barriers as a form of voter suppression and urged favorable action. Leader Donato testified on H. 822, which would remove the word “physical” from the absentee voting disability standard, and on a bill to raise the signature threshold for creating political designations and allow dormant designations to be dissolved. Senator Rausch testified on several bills, including one expanding the State Ballot Law Commission’s jurisdiction over presidential primary candidate placement and a broader elections infrastructure bill that would change registration deadlines, primary dates, reporting systems, ballot design, mail voting procedures, and voter outreach. Representative Cattelda also testified on a bill to rename the ballot title for governor’s councilor to “governor’s counselor.” The Massachusetts Town Clerks Association, through Tom Joyce and Ben Kaufman, said it supported a number of the bills and offered local election administration expertise. Former Representative Lenny Mera and Sandra Cato testified for S. 536, a bill on accountability for defective and spoiled ballots, citing a disputed 2022 Revere recount and arguing that spoiled ballots should be documented and publicly inspectable so improperly rejected ballots are not lost. Emma Chinman of Partners in Democracy supported multiple reforms, including the elections infrastructure bill and a bill allowing unenrolled voters to serve on boards of registrars. After testimony concluded, the committee accepted written testimony by email and then adjourned without taking any votes.