Transcript Highlights:

• We are doing an enhanced air traffic control school.
• On your proposed air traffic control school, how many students would you be able to accommodate?
• on your proposed air traffic control on your proposed air traffic control school.<00:15:28.880><
• <00:16:05.600> Uh<00:16:05.839> so traffic control uh certificate.
• Uh so traffic control uh certificate.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education met to begin hearing budget requests from Kentucky universities. Eastern Kentucky University President David McFaden highlighted EKU’s enrollment growth, its large population of Pell-eligible and first-generation students, and its role in producing graduates for Kentucky’s workforce, especially in health care, public safety, manufacturing, engineering, and aviation. He said EKU is seeking support for a Center for Health Innovation, including a doctor of osteopathic medicine program, with a $50 million accreditation escrow and startup funding that would be returned to the state after accreditation. He also described EKU’s health programs, which have strong pass rates and high in-state employment outcomes, and said the university wants continued asset preservation funding, inflationary operating support, and other recurring budget items. McFaden also outlined EKU’s aviation request, including $10 million for new aircraft and support for an enhanced air traffic control program created in response to a legislative study. He said the program would enroll cohorts of about 30 students, likely attract out-of-state students, and require a $5 million startup investment plus $1.5 million in annual recurring support. He added that EKU’s lab school is seeking a revised funding model tied to enrollment rather than a flat mandated amount. Committee members asked follow-up questions about the medical school escrow, aircraft needs, and program capacity, and McFaden clarified that the escrow would remain intact until accreditation and then be returned to the general fund. Kentucky State University President Kakpo then reviewed prior capital support that helped repair a dorm and several leaking roofs, and said the university is still addressing campus infrastructure problems. He said KSU’s main request is a new health sciences building to house its growing nursing program and language program, along with $40 million for additional dorm renovations and a carve-out for its aquaculture program. Kakpo said the aquaculture PhD proposal would be federally funded and could bring in more revenue, while the new building would help relieve overcrowding and support KSU’s research role. In response to questions, he said KSU’s campus housing capacity would be about 1,334 beds if all dorms were repaired, and that the university is rotating students through renovated buildings while trying to keep them on campus. Committee members also raised safety concerns about the December campus shooting at KSU. Kakpo said the incident was isolated, expressed sympathy for the families affected, and said the university has reviewed campus procedures, added police and security positions, and is strengthening safety processes. The meeting did not include any votes or formal actions; it was a budget presentation and question-and-answer session.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Colin Beatty, CEO and co-founder of Control Z. in the Commonwealth.
• Is one of them Control Z? We hope to be. Is one of them Control Z? We hope to be. Right, okay.
• Okay, so it's over here, and then Control Z is totally separate. Okay, great.
• I would be left strapped to the bed for so long that I would lose control of my bladder.
• There is so much loss of power and loss of control.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from House Chair Mindy Domb and Senate Vice Chair Robyn Kennedy, who outlined procedures for the hybrid public hearing, noted the committee would hear testimony on 15 bills related to treatment settings, and recognized members present. The first major bill discussed was H. 4200, authorizing a pilot program for psychedelic-assisted treatment in licensed facilities. Representative Jim O’Day and witnesses from Control Z supported the bill, describing it as a tightly controlled, medically supervised pilot with DPH oversight, limited sites, and screening requirements. Committee members asked about the number of sites and whether Column Health still existed; witnesses said the bill contemplated three separate pilot programs and that Column Health no longer existed after being purchased by another company. The committee also heard testimony on S. 1405 to make the drug stewardship program permanent by removing its 2026 sunset date. Senator John Keenan and others said the program helps collect and safely dispose of unused medications, reduces diversion, and should remain in place because manufacturers should bear disposal costs. A member from Boston added support based on local concerns about people searching through bags for drugs, and Keenan explained the original sunset reflected pilot status and industry pushback. A large portion of the hearing focused on S. 1394 and H. 2193, which would strengthen implementation of the 2023 Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform. The Children’s Mental Health Campaign, Parent/Professional Advocacy League, Massachusetts Association for Mental Health, and Elliott Community Human Services testified that the roadmap’s helpline, community behavioral health centers, and crisis services are important but unevenly implemented. They urged a single point of accountability within EOHHS, regular strategic planning, a public data dashboard, and financial analysis of the behavioral health system and the access and crisis intervention trust fund. Witnesses said commercial insurance often does not fully reimburse community behavioral health center services, making sustainability difficult, and asked for better coordination across agencies and crisis response systems. Committee members asked whether the roadmap includes substance use disorder; witnesses said it is intended to cover behavioral health broadly, including mental health and substance use. The committee also heard testimony on bills to ban aversives and on suicide prevention signage. Lisa Jean Graff testified in support of S. 1394 by urging a statewide ban on aversive practices, including electric shock, withholding food or bathroom access, and other painful interventions, arguing disabled people deserve the same protections from harm as others. Fonda Bryant and Carol McLean supported a bill requiring suicide prevention signs on tall parking garages, describing personal experiences and saying the signs could create a brief pause and connect people to 988 or other help. McLean said her son died by suicide from a parking garage and that signage might have made a difference. The committee also heard strong testimony in support of creating intensive stabilization and treatment units within DMH facilities (S. 1398/H. 2204), with the Massachusetts Nurses Association and a DMH nurse arguing that highly assaultive patients need specialized, more secure units to protect staff and other patients and to improve care. Additional testimony supported creating a dedicated board for licensed mental health counselors (H. 4696/S. 1382), with Rep. John Badger, the Mass Mental Health Counselors Association, and others saying LMHCs are a large and growing workforce that needs its own licensing board, clearer standards, and faster implementation of existing licensure reforms. The committee also heard extensive testimony on H. 2223 regarding benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. Survivors and advocates described severe withdrawal, lack of informed consent, cognitive harms, and long-term disability, while a physician supported the bill as a way to improve disclosure of risks. Finally, the committee heard multiple witnesses in favor of H. 2231/S. 1383 to establish peer-run respite centers statewide. Advocates and people with lived experience said peer respites provide non-coercive, home-like alternatives to hospitalization, can reduce trauma and repeated admissions, and may be especially important for marginalized communities; they also cited cost savings and existing positive outcomes from current respite programs. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing portion reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we reflect on the out-of-control cost crisis our constituents faced this past winter, and as we prepare
• The need to control the We find ourselves trying to juggle three competing factors: the need to control
• Although, I have to say, the House appears to be in control of this situation.
• Nita Farahani talks about how the businesses could use this to control their employees.
• Sarah Haney talks about how the businesses could use this to control their employees.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a range of energy, utility, broadband, and municipal infrastructure bills. Representative Powell supported H 3466, which would create a task force to study public ownership of utilities and alternatives to investor-owned electric and gas systems. Representative Therber supported H 3574, which would use RGGI funds to reimburse cities and towns affected by power plant decommissioning, citing lost jobs, tax revenue, and service cuts in communities such as Somerset, Plymouth, Salem, and Everett. Several witnesses from municipal light plants and related organizations testified in support of mutual aid bills, including H 3486/S 2252 and H 3330/S 2277, saying the measures would clarify protections and liability coverage for MLP workers assisting in emergencies and non-emergency work. Jim Leiden of EMWIC opposed H 3514/S 2295, saying the proposed board and governance changes would reduce local control, add burdens, and weaken confidentiality protections. A committee member asked whether the mutual aid bills had been reviewed for municipal impacts, and the witnesses said they had done due diligence. The committee also heard extensive testimony on H 3551/S 2306, the smart meter opt-out bills. Supporters argued that smart meters emit harmful wireless radiation, that some residents have developed health problems or electromagnetic sensitivity, and that opt-outs should be available without fees or penalties; several witnesses urged notification, consent, and non-transmitting analog meter options. The committee also heard testimony from municipal officials and the Massachusetts Municipal Association in support of H 3462/S 2250, which would strengthen municipal authority to enforce timely removal of double utility poles, citing safety, accessibility, and construction-delay concerns. Derek Leffert of Gateway Fiber opposed H 3450, saying it would improperly shift broadband deployment costs to competitors. At the end of testimony, the chair closed the hearing by motion and vote, with members voting aye and no opposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• > the<01:13:47.920> police absolute control over the police absolute control over the police
• >> Well, uh we don't have absolute control >> Well, uh we don't have absolute control
• I want to have local control. Thank you. I totally support this bill.
• I want to have local control. Thank you. No way to.
• I want to have local control.<01:38:15.119> Thank<01:38:15.360> you. control.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused primarily on House Bill 1087 and House Bill 123, both related to firearms. HB 1087 was introduced as a Second Amendment measure, but after questions from the chair and discussion with law enforcement, the sponsor agreed it should be set aside and referred to a study committee for further review, rather than advanced as written. The New Hampshire Chiefs of Police Association testified in opposition to the bill as written, while also indicating support for the sponsor’s proposed amendment or a study approach. The bulk of the discussion centered on HB 123, which would require the return of firearms after a not guilty verdict or dismissal. The sponsor and several members described the bill’s purpose as speeding up the return of property, but law enforcement and judicial branch witnesses raised concerns about federal law, the need to ensure a person is still legally eligible to possess firearms, and the bill’s 24-hour return requirement. Witnesses from the State Police and judicial branch explained the current process, including background checks through the state police gun line, and said the existing procedure already aims to return firearms promptly while allowing time to verify disqualifying information. Members and witnesses discussed possible amendments, including removing language that would bar background checks and instead tying return of firearms to completion of the check within a set time frame. Judicial branch and State Police witnesses said a process that requires a background check and return within a reasonable period, with notice if there is a delay or denial, would better address safety and legal concerns. The hearing ended without a vote; the committee closed the public hearing and indicated it would continue working on the language before executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're always recruiting, and that's going to give us additional help to control what we control, which
• But I'll say it again: a lot of the control of this...
• We use peace officers through services to control our traffic.
• And they may be in the middle of a traffic control shutdown.
• And they may be in the middle of a traffic control shutdown.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've had multiple bills to strengthen internal controls.
• from this Republican controlled from this Republican controlled committee, committee, committee,
• to handle and tackle internal controls. to handle and tackle internal controls. the<00:42:00.560
• <00:55:35.839> And in the Medicaid fraud control unit.
• And in the Medicaid fraud control unit.

Transcript Highlights:

• So a lot of controlling the pigs.
• And the rural area, you won't have they won't be out of control where they can't control them.
• They can't they're out of control. They can't control<00:40:49.440> them.
• And now we got a problem control them.
• where they can't won't be out of control where they can't control<00:40:56.079> them.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And by the way, you control everything. You control the House. You control the Senate.
• And by the way, you control everything. You control the House. You control the Senate.
• And by the way, you control everything. You control the House. You control the Senate.
• And by the way, you control everything. You control the House. You control the Senate.
• And by the way, you control everything. You control the House. You control the Senate.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, this is rent control.
• Uh, this is rent control.
• Uh, this is rent control.
• Rent control.
• rent control. rent control.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Republican control of this chamber.
• Are elected or even who is in control of the chambers.
• What he can control is what's going on here. What we can control is what's going on here.
• Senate, controlled by the Republicans, and Democrat-controlled Assembly, and the voters approved it.
• WHAT HE CAN CAN CONTROL IS WHAT'S GOING ON HERE. WHAT WE CAN CONTROL IS WHAT'S GOING ON HERE.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the journal, and then moved through a large number of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills for third reading. The chamber also received and accepted a Finance Committee report on nominations for Kathleen Mosier as Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Terrence O’Leary as Commissioner of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and John Kagia as Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management. All three nominees were confirmed, with Mosier and O’Leary confirmed unanimously and Kagia confirmed 57-1, with Senator Walczyk voting no. The Senate adopted previously approved resolutions recognizing June 2026 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and mourning the death of Susan Irene Wright of Harlem. Senators Brisport and Bottcher spoke at length in support of Pride Month, emphasizing LGBTQ+ history, resilience, and ongoing threats to the trans community. On the Susan Wright resolution, Senators Cleare, Bailey, and Bottcher praised her community leadership, philanthropy, and family legacy, and Assembly Member Jordan Wright was recognized in the chamber. The body then considered and passed many bills on the calendar, including measures on insurance, environmental conservation, public health, education, business law, labor, social services, highway law, and local tax exemptions. Several bills drew brief explanations of vote, including a measure to end higher insurance premiums for widows, a bill to prohibit correctional facilities from denying visitation because of menstrual products or IUDs, and a Medicaid-related bill to expand access to blood pressure monitors for pregnant people. Most bills passed with broad support, though some had notable opposition from a small group of senators. Late in the session, the Senate took up a proposed constitutional amendment on redistricting. Senator Stewart-Cousins sponsored the measure, and Senator Walczyk questioned it extensively, arguing voters had previously approved an independent redistricting process and objecting to changes that would remove the Legislature’s two-thirds map-approval requirement and alter the commission’s role. The sponsor said the changes were needed in response to aggressive partisan redistricting in other states and would still require voter ratification in future sessions. The transcript ends during that debate, with no final vote on the amendment shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• QUALITY CONTROL, SO OUR STATUTE DOES REQUIRE FOR QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTIONS BASED ON A PERCENTAGE AND
• , PROPER CONTROLS IN PLACE FOR THE REIMBURSEMENTS THOSE TYPES OF THINGS.
• LET ME SAY THIS, THE REVIEW OF THE POLICIES PROCEDURES AND CONTROLS THEY SAID WERE ALL GOOD.
• THE HEATING VENTILATION AND AIR-CONDITIONING AND BUILDING CONTROLS ARE ALSO RUN THERE.
• WE CAN CONTROL HOW MUCH WE USE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• CalSTA integrates housing and transportation planning, and the Department of Toxic Substances Control
• CARB is the lead agency for climate change programs and oversees all air pollution control efforts in
• Control costs, yes. Be mindful of the full picture, yes.
• plan, That the water board considered housing in developing the water quality control plan.
• So they control an incredible lever.

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Regulatory Authority held its first hearing to examine how California’s regulatory framework affects housing production, affordability, and timelines. Chair Pacheco and Assemblymember Haney framed the discussion around the state’s housing shortage and the need to reduce costs while maintaining environmental, safety, and community protections. The first panel featured housing experts and industry representatives who argued that state regulations, code complexity, utility constraints, and agency review processes add substantial cost and delay to development. Bill Fulton described overlapping state and local land-use authorities and the tension among housing, coastal protection, climate, and wildfire goals. CBIA’s Chris Ochoa and California Apartment Association representative Bob Raymer said building codes, energy mandates, and agency processes have materially increased per-home costs, and they urged more centralized affordability analysis and greater scrutiny of regulatory impacts. The Bay Area Council’s Louis Marante called for a statewide cost target for housing and stronger timelines and accountability for state agency reviews. The second panel brought in state agencies to explain their roles. HCD said its housing element enforcement, streamlining laws, and technical assistance have helped increase production, shorten entitlement timelines, and improve compliance by local governments. CARB said SB 375 is a planning law that does not directly regulate land use, and argued that regional housing assumptions in sustainable communities strategies are not being fully implemented on the ground. The Coastal Commission said it works with local governments to balance coastal protection, sea-level-rise risk, and housing, and noted recent guidance and pilot efforts to streamline housing approvals in the coastal zone. The Energy Commission said its building energy standards are designed to be cost-effective and save consumers money over time, though they can add some design and documentation complexity. Fish and Wildlife and DTSC both emphasized early engagement and collaboration to reduce delays while protecting natural resources and public health; DTSC said it is refining vapor intrusion guidance and using brownfield grants to support redevelopment. The State Water Resources Control Board said it uses general orders and basin planning to provide predictable permitting while balancing water quality, water rights, and housing needs, and noted billions in grants and loans for water infrastructure and site remediation that can support housing affordability. In response to questions from Assemblymember Haney, several agencies described ongoing coordination across departments, including regular meetings among HCD, CARB, the Coastal Commission, and transportation agencies, as well as broader interagency efforts to reduce redundancies and identify pinch points in project delivery. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the hearing; the main outcome was informational testimony and discussion of possible future reforms to improve coordination, predictability, and affordability in state regulatory processes.

Transcript Highlights:

• want to point out that we believe that we have the support of the Department of Toxic Substances Control
• want to point out that we believe that we have the support of the Department of Toxic Substances Control
• has reached a result that would preclude regulation of metal shredders under the hazardous waste control
• The legislation is an attempt to avoid being regulated by the hazardous waste control law and subject
• And this bill would exclude the entire industry from the hazardous waste control law, despite the fact

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, I'm for local control. I like local control. I know you all do, too.
• And, you know, I'm for local control. I like local control. I know you all do, too.
• And, you know, I'm for local control. I like local control. I know you all do, too.
• <00:26:38.799> officers limiting the animal control officers limiting the animal control officers
• tend to side in favor of local control. tend to side in favor of local control.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:32 SB 155 Discussion: 03:00 SB 155 Roll Call Vote: 07:50 SB 45 Discussion: 08:39 SB 45 Roll Call Vote: 36:00, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 155 by Senator Carpenter, which would give the commissioner of agriculture, in consultation with the state veterinarian, authority to declare and manage emergency situations affecting livestock, poultry, and other domesticated animals. The sponsor said the bill is intended to speed response to outbreaks, severe weather, and other urgent threats to animal welfare by reducing bureaucratic delays, while still working with the governor in major situations. Senator Webb praised the Department of Agriculture’s emergency response work, and the bill was advanced on a unanimous roll call vote. The committee then heard Senate Bill 45 from Senator Webb, a repeat bill aimed at protecting agritourism and working-animal activities from local ordinances that could be used to restrict events such as rodeos, carriage rides, dog agility, and similar operations. Webb and supporter Mindy Patterson of the Cavalry Group argued the bill is meant to prevent local governments from using ordinances to shut down legitimate animal-related businesses and to protect local economies and property rights, not to shield animal abuse. Webb said he was willing to work with local officials and legal counsel on wording. Opposition came from Lisa Krumman of the Kentucky Animal Care and Control Association and Campbell County animal services, who said the bill was not consulted on with animal control officers and could broadly exempt working-animal or agritourism activities from local animal welfare ordinances and inspections. She argued the language could create an “undue burden” challenge to county standards for food, water, space, medical care, and inspections, especially for commercial animal establishments such as breeding facilities and petting zoos. Committee members questioned both sides about the bill’s scope, and Webb said he believed existing public health, safety, zoning, and police-power language would preserve local authority, but no vote was taken on SB 45 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:23.040> the have the authority to to control the have the authority to to control the
• strengthen our internal controls. strengthen our internal controls.
• ,<00:40:07.200> I'm talking about internal controls, I'm talking about internal controls,
• I will tell you controls throughout.
• <01:31:44.639> but that we have some internal controls but that we have some internal controls

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The impurities I mentioned in my testimony are very important to control for, and they're not being controlled
• The impurities I mentioned in my testimony are very important to control for, and they're not being controlled
• I would love that so we could have tighter reins and control.
• We can't control their northern border.
• We can't control their northern border.

Bills: HB2746, HB2750, HB2765, HB4036

Keywords: trade offices, committee, Arizona commerce authority, stakeholder input, efficiency, Arizona-Sonora, Sonora, Mexico, trade commission, cross-border trade, bilateral trade, international trade, economic development, foreign relations, border economy, investment, infrastructure, business exchange, academic exchange, legislative commission

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe the long-term impact of a restriction will be to open up opportunities in the pest control
• I believe the long-term impact of a restriction will be to open up opportunities in the pest control
• I believe the long-term impact of a restriction will be to open up opportunities in the pest control
• So first you have a bucket from our pest control... ...supports H-965 and S-644, which were heard by
• I'm proud that my own town is taking action to control not only SGAR rodenticides but other dangerous

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a hearing on several late-file bills and home rule petitions, with testimony focused mainly on coastal access and wildlife management, rodenticide restrictions, and a local land-use request. Rep. Scarsdale testified for H.5113, which would name an accessible trail in Groton’s J. Harry Rich State Forest the Marion Stoddard River Walk in honor of the activist who helped restore the Nashua River. Groton Trails Committee chair Paul Fung also supported the bill, describing the trail, educational signs, and DCR’s involvement. Rep. Sweezey presented a package of Duxbury Beach bills—H.5141, H.5140, and H.5139—intended to align state shorebird protections more closely with federal standards, create parity in beach management tools, and require periodic review of outdated recreational-use guidelines; he said the bills were developed with local and agency input and aimed to balance conservation with beach access. A large portion of the hearing concerned local petitions to restrict second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides and other pesticides. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Sierra Club, Animal Defenders International, wildlife rehabilitation groups, and residents from towns including Grafton, Billerica, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Eastham, and Truro argued that these poisons harm raptors and other non-target wildlife through secondary poisoning, persist in the environment, and are increasingly ineffective. Several speakers said local town meetings had approved the restrictions and urged favorable reports on the petitions. Opponents, including a representative of the New England Pest Management Association, argued that regulation should remain at the state level under MDAR to avoid a patchwork of local rules and noted that the agency was already reviewing rodenticide regulations. Committee members asked questions about agency consultation, the relationship between state and federal bird listings, and how local beach rules would work in practice. The committee also heard testimony on H.4700 and related local pesticide-reduction petitions for Eastham and Truro, with witnesses describing groundwater concerns, pesticide drift, and wildlife impacts. Finally, the committee took testimony on S.2961, a Dighton bill authorizing the use of a small portion of conservation land for public way purposes to replace the Pleasant Street Bridge and add pedestrian and bicycle accommodations; the witness said the affected area was limited and necessary for safety improvements. The hearing ended after testimony concluded, with the chair turning the gavel over and the committee adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• FLOOD CONTROL.
• WE HAVE TO PUT THESE CONTROLS IN PLACE WE HAVE TO ELEVATE. WE HAVE TO HARDEN.
• WE USED OVER 10,700 LINEAR FEET OF FLOOD CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SOME OF THEM AND PART REUSED PREVIOUSLY
• SO WE HAD TO ACQUIRE AND DEPLOY ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR THE FLOOD CONTROL SYSTEMS.
• WHETHER YOU MAKE SURE THERE ARE MORE PUMPS IN YOUR IN YOUR CONTROL AND NOT IN CONTROL OF THE VENDOR TO

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And within that, you would have reflectors and control drums.
• It has control drums.
• And within that, you would have reflectors and control drums.
• It has a controlled drums.
• How do you control that extreme heat? Is it the alloys you use?

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Phil and heard tragic stories of, you know, 15-, 16-year-old that are out of control.
• That are out of control.
• Thank you for your controlling access to safety and care for both moms and babies.
• or she knowingly possesses a controlled substance.
• The offense of possession of controlled substance is a defilling.

Keywords: 959, house, all