Transcript Highlights:

• Today we're on Article One, General Government. We are going to... A quorum is present.
• Today, we're on Article I, General Government.
• We do have some that come to the state because they're using a more generic form.
• Of administrative fees, and we receive general revenue only for cybersecurity.
• We don't receive any general revenue, as you heard from the LBB.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With me today is our Solicitor General, Alethea Allen.
• Attorney General, the folks kind of want to argue the debate and the policy.
• I think it couldn't hurt, even if the court disagrees with the Attorney General.
• We generally strike this language.
• If you'll move to slide 6, this is a super general timeline.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> and faith-based service, generously and faith-based service, generously giving<00:10:10.000><c>
• </c><00:34:30.639><c> of</c> womanhood have shaped generations of womanhood have shaped generations of
• . generation. generation.
• </c> the general contractor scope of work. the general contractor scope of work.
• </c> should go through a general contractor. should go through a general contractor.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to the general code.
• to the general code.
• In the general in the general election.
• </c><03:03:47.920><c> generated.
• </c> census blocks have been gener generated. census blocks have been gener generated.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Elms and general counsel shulock said Elms and general counsel shulock said and<00:58:16.359><c> I</c
• </c> information can you tell us in general information can you tell us in general terms<02:00:02.480
• </c> is so by exempting generators is so by exempting generators manufacturers<04:18:02.720><c> of</c
• </c> from the exemption of these generators from the exemption of these generators from<04:20:15.359>
• </c> generated in class if any Rex generated generated in class if any Rex generated being<05:28:09.798

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's supported by special and general revenue.
• maintenance, supported by general revenue.
• So generally, we get one year of E-Rate.
• Generally speaking. Gotcha.
• Generally speaking. Gotcha.

Summary: The committee reviewed a large slate of appropriation, transfer, and continuation requests across multiple sections. In Section B, members considered temporary FY27 appropriations for agencies including Health, DHS, Education, Treasury, Public Safety, State Police, Emergency Management, Aeronautics, Military, Economic Development, Game and Fish, and others, covering items such as maternal health outreach, LIHEAP overpayment returns, Wynne High School tornado rebuilding, senior food services, cybersecurity, crime victim claims, airport grants, conservation incentives, and emergency tower maintenance. Questions focused on the DHS senior services carry-forward and Treasury custodial banking fees tied to lower balances after COVID funds were spent down. All Section B items were approved. The committee then approved continuation requests, ARPA reallocations, and federal grant-related items in Sections B2, C1A, D1, D2, D3, E1, E2, E3, F1A, G1, H1A, I1A, J1/J2, K1/K2/K3, L1/L2, M1/M2, N1/N2, O1A, and P1A. These included university nursing and workforce programs, environmental and recycling grants, highway safety and emergency management grants, a transfer to the Merit Teacher Incentive Program, restricted reserve transfers for military, agriculture, UAPB, Game and Fish, and AETN, and various cash-fund and budget classification transfers. Several members asked for more detail on the State Police highway safety grant, VOCA victim compensation funding, the NSGP nonprofit security grant, and the Office of State Technology’s E-Rate-related transfer; agency officials explained the uses and noted that some funding levels depend on federal awards and collections. A notable discussion occurred on the Department of Commerce reallocation, which shifts 68 positions and $3 million among divisions to support an organizational realignment and avoid shortfalls. The committee also reviewed a state central services deduction request to keep the rate at 2%, a DHS overtime request for child protection caseloads, and a year-end adjustments request authorizing up to $1 million in temporary actions to close FY26 books without disrupting payroll or vendor payments. Most items were approved or, in some sections, simply reviewed without objection. The meeting adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• maintenance, supported by general revenue.
• So generally, we get one year of E-Rate.
• So generally, we get one year of E-Rate.
• Generally speaking, gotcha.
• Generally speaking. Gotcha.

Summary: The committee met to review a large slate of fiscal year 2026 and 2027 appropriation, transfer, and continuation requests across multiple sections. Early items included temporary appropriations for agencies such as Health, DHS, Education, Public Safety, State Police, Emergency Management, Aeronautics, Military, Economic Development, and Game and Fish, covering items like maternal health outreach, energy assistance repayments, Wynne High School tornado rebuilding, senior food services, cybersecurity, crime victim reparations, aviation grants, conservation incentives, and emergency tower maintenance. Members asked questions on several items, including DHS aging carry-forward funds and Treasury custodial banking fees tied to COVID-era balances; the committee also approved a disclosure by the chair on the Game and Fish-related item before voting to approve the section. The committee then approved continuation requests, CARES Act and ARPA reallocations, and federal grant appropriations. Notable discussion included the Boonville developmental disability project, ALIGN program reallocations at several universities, a small business technical assistance grant at UA Little Rock, and a Department of Public Safety highway safety grant, for which members requested more detail on operating expenses and professional fees. Additional approvals covered a transfer to the Merit Teacher Incentive program, restricted reserve fund transfers for military medical command and university projects, and a state central services deduction held at 2%. The Department of Commerce also received approval for a reallocation of positions and spending authority tied to its organizational realignment. Later sections included shared technology and higher education transfers, cash fund appropriations for school Medicaid reimbursements, corrections, youth mental health, narcotics detection canines, bike safety equipment, a state motor pool pilot, and law enforcement safety costs. The committee also reviewed budget classification transfers, including a Governor’s Office legal fee transfer related to a California lawsuit, and heard explanations about E-Rate reimbursements affecting the Office of State Technology. Members asked about VOCA funding levels for crime victim services and about the National Security Grant Program for nonprofits and faith-based organizations; officials said federal funding had declined from prior highs but appeared to have stabilized, and that the nonprofit security grant is an annual federal program. The meeting concluded with review of pay plan requests, DHS overtime funding for child protection caseloads, and a year-end adjustment request allowing DFA to make up to $1 million in transfers to close the books, after which the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• For generations, our understanding of autism has evolved dramatically.
• It's about honoring generations of sex. This is not about one narrative.
• The farm workers have gone through, from generation to generation, from many different ethnic backgrounds
• I heard, I encountered those first-generation people who are living there, second generation, third
• generation in that land.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a series of guest introductions, including Canadian diplomatic visitors and youth soccer champions from Senator Niello’s district. The body also recognized guests connected to arts education and later heard adjournment-in-memory tributes for Caitlin “Katie” Mallet and Roxanne Miller. The President announced the Senate would enter a one-week spring recess and return on April 6, 2026. On the floor, the Senate adopted SR 89 by Senator Alvarado-Gil, recognizing March 17, 2026 as Profound Autism Day in California. Supporters emphasized the need for greater awareness, research inclusion, and services for people with profound autism and their families. The resolution passed by a 35-0 vote. The Senate also adopted SCR 147 by Senator Allen, proclaiming March 26 as Arts Education Month, with remarks stressing the value of arts education for creativity, engagement, and student success; it passed 37-0. The chamber then adopted SCR 141 by Senator Wahab, recognizing March 26, 2026 as Women’s Equal Pay Day. Senators discussed the gender pay gap, its impact on families, and the need for transparency and enforcement; the resolution passed 37-0. The Senate also approved AB 2156, an urgency measure to proclaim March 31 as Farm Worker Day, with extensive debate about farm workers’ historical contributions, labor conditions, and the decision to rename the day in light of recent allegations involving the prior honoree. The bill passed unanimously, 37-0, including the urgency clause. Finally, the Senate adopted the consent calendar, which included SB 968, SJR 11, SB 1005, and SB 1080, by unanimous vote. A committee announcement noted Budget Subcommittee 3 would meet upon adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rana Sikar, Consul General of Canada in San Francisco and Silicon Valley, and Ms.
• For generations, our understanding of autism has evolved dramatically.
• The farm workers have gone through, from generation to generation, from many different ethnic backgrounds
• I heard, I encountered those first-generation people who are living there, second generation, third
• generation in that land.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through several guest introductions, including a Canadian diplomatic delegation visiting for Canada Day at the Capitol and the undefeated Under-11 San Juan Spirits soccer team. The chamber also recognized guests connected to later resolutions, including families and advocates tied to profound autism and farm worker issues, as well as arts education leaders. The Senate adopted SR 89, recognizing March 17, 2026 as Profound Autism Day, after remarks emphasizing the need for greater awareness, research inclusion, and lifelong services for people with profound autism and their caregivers. Members also adopted SCR 147, proclaiming March 26 as Arts Education Month, with support focused on the value of arts education for creativity, engagement, and student success. Both resolutions passed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. The chamber then took up AB 2156, an urgency measure renaming Cesar Chavez Day as Farm Worker Day and proclaiming March 31 as Farm Worker Day. Supporters from multiple caucuses and regions spoke about the history of farm labor, the contributions and sacrifices of farm workers, and the need to honor the broader movement and its diverse participants; some speakers also referenced recent allegations and the desire to center survivors and workers rather than one individual. The bill passed with 37 ayes and 0 noes, including the urgency clause. The Senate also adopted a consent calendar of several items without objection, then adjourned in memory of Caitlin Mardell Mallet and Roxanne Miller. The session concluded with announcements of a committee meeting and a one-week spring recess, with the next floor session scheduled for April 6, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Mark Vega, McAllen Public Utility, general manager.
• Major General, I'm retired Air Force as well. Thank you so much for your service, sir.
• can't get more fuel to the generators, you've got a problem.
• So thank you so much, Major General.
• Thank you for your testimony, General.

Transcript Highlights:

• Colleagues, I rise today to introduce Brigadier General Nick Brown, the commanding general of Marine
• General Brown is a native of New York and a graduate of Stony Brook University.
• General Brown, we're incredibly Excellence, integrity, and dedication to service.
• Colleagues, please take a moment to come up and meet General Brown.
• Welcome to General Brown.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several guests, including students from Florence High School’s Law Academy, a fourth-grade class from Holy Spirit School, and Brigadier General Nick Brown of Marine Corps Installation West/Camp Pendleton. The chamber also handled routine business, including a motion to remove AB 1389 (Rubio) from the inactive file. The main floor action was on two gubernatorial appointments. Andrew Rakestra was confirmed to the Board of Environmental Safety by a vote of 28-0, and Indira Cameron Banks was confirmed to the Civil Rights Council by a vote of 28-8. Senators also announced upcoming budget subcommittee meetings on resources/environmental protection/energy, health and human services, judicial branch funding and court facilities, and state administration/general government. The Senate then took up adjourn-in-memory tributes. Senator Archuleta honored Yoshi Nakamura, a World War II veteran, educator, artist, and community activist whose life included service in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and decades of teaching in Whittier and at Rio Hondo College. Senator Blakespear honored Dr. Rosemary George Strayley, a longtime international development and women’s rights advocate who served in the Peace Corps, worked with major global institutions, and co-founded Run Women Run. The Senate expressed condolences and agreed to memorialize both individuals.

Transcript Highlights:

• We want to have backup generation.
• Thank you, Senator from general fund.
• ><c> standpoint,</c><01:37:28.560><c> yes,</c> general fund target standpoint, yes, general fund target
• Um the additional general fund money.
• </c> you use it for electric generation you use it for electric generation that's<01:44:08.159><c> not

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Would definitely encourage discussions with our Attorney General.
• The witness said it is all state general funds.
• So moving into that next generation is the most important thing.
• But that's the general process.
• This shouldn't just be about the next generation 911 project.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just had some general. General comments. Border security. Thank you for everything y'all do.
• Veterans Land Board anybody especially with a general obligation pledge.
• So right now, all of the performance measures or data in general.
• The volunteer, generally, is going back to their work. full-time job.
• Advisory Board, and retired General Steve Salazar.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Attorney General.
• We have with us Solicitor General Noah Purcell, as well as Deputy Solicitor General Tara Hines and Deputy
• Solicitor General Carl Smith.
• I do have one question for Deputy Solicitor General Hines.
• I'm a deputy attorney general in the Attorney General's office.

Summary: The House State Government & Tribal Relations Committee held a virtual work session focused first on federal actions affecting elections. A representative from NCSL reviewed recent U.S. Supreme Court and pending cases, including a redistricting/Voting Rights Act case and a case on whether mailed ballots received after Election Day can be counted. She also discussed a Trump executive order directing USPS to draft mail-ballot rules, the federal SAVE system’s expanded use for voter list maintenance, DOJ requests for unredacted voter rolls, and reduced federal election-security support. Committee members asked about proof of citizenship requirements, whether DOJ requests are compulsory, and how federal election funding and grants may be changing. The Attorney General’s Office then described Washington’s litigation challenging two election-related executive orders and DOJ’s lawsuit seeking unredacted voter registration lists. State lawyers said courts have already enjoined parts of the executive orders, including documentary proof-of-citizenship requirements and voting-system changes, and have upheld Washington’s ballot-receipt deadlines so far. They said DOJ’s voter-roll demands have been rejected by multiple courts and that Washington’s position is that state law limits disclosure of sensitive voter data. Members asked about the legal basis for DOJ’s requests, the risk of immigration-enforcement use, and whether attestation on registration forms counts as proof of citizenship; the office said it does under state law and that no evidence of mass voter-fraud problems in Washington has been shown. Deputy Attorney General Todd Bowers then gave a broader overview of the Attorney General’s federal litigation, saying Washington has filed 61 cases since January 2025, often with other states, and has had notable success obtaining preliminary injunctions and favorable summary judgments. He highlighted cases involving election rules, environmental and energy disputes, public health funding, student loans, housing, and data privacy, and said many challenges involve executive-branch conditions added to congressionally appropriated funds. He also described a growing number of federal audits and inquiries directed at state agencies. Finally, Office of Equity Director Megan Matthews discussed how federal actions are affecting state and local equity work, community organizations, and public confidence. She said the office is coordinating more closely with the Attorney General, governor’s office, other agencies, and local governments through the immigration subcabinet, while also working on data privacy, Keep Washington Working compliance, and community outreach. Committee members asked about the office’s human-trafficking work and how it is encouraging agency compliance; Matthews said the focus is on clearer guidance, technical support, and consistent expectations across agencies. The committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Attorney General was pleased to offer drafting support for this legislation, and the Attorney General
• Maybe the next generation...
• That extends beyond the courtroom into generations.
• ICE warrants are today's general warrants.
• He was a humble and generous protector and provider.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a late-file hearing on several bills, with Chairs Michael Day and Lydia Edwards outlining hearing rules, testimony limits, and written-testimony procedures. The first bill discussed was H. 4876, a proposal to strengthen supports for survivors of abuse. Representative Carol Faiola testified on behalf of a constituent who described how a lifetime restraining order was effectively undermined after a family member’s death, arguing the bill should limit abusers’ legal standing after death, improve survivor notification and privacy protections, expand coercive-control definitions, and create education and resource programs. The committee then heard testimony on H. 5111, which would strengthen the Massachusetts Antitrust Act. Representative Dave Rogers and Attorney General’s Office antitrust chief Anthony Mariano said the bill would give the state more tools to pursue anti-competitive conduct, including conduct with multi-state effects, while allowing enforcement even when federal authorities are also involved. They said it would increase penalties, clarify that invitations to conspire are violations, protect labor markets, remove limits affecting some housing transactions, and extend the statute of limitations. The committee also heard support for a related “universal 1983” bill, S. 2976/H. 2976, creating a state cause of action for constitutional violations by federal, state, or local officers acting under color of law; supporters said it would fill gaps in remedies against federal officers while preserving qualified immunity. Testimony also supported H. 4783, a bill affirming the rights of people experiencing homelessness. The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless said the measure would push back against growing criminalization of homelessness, especially after the Supreme Court’s Grants Pass decision and local encampment bans, and would protect the use of public spaces without discrimination based on housing status. On H. 4826, condo owners and advocates said Chapter 183A is outdated and leaves owners with too little say and too few remedies against mismanagement, citing problems such as unsafe water, major assessments, and lack of meaningful dispute resolution. The committee also heard strong support for H. 5116, renaming the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court the Judge Leslie E. Harris Courthouse, with testimony from family members, legislators, attorneys, and community leaders describing Judge Harris’s mentorship, community service, and commitment to second chances. Later testimony covered S. 2975, a bill to deter ICE courthouse arrests and protect access to justice; CPCS, law students, and defense advocates said courthouse arrests chill participation by defendants, witnesses, and victims and disrupt pending cases. The committee also heard support for H. 5244, repealing an archaic law criminalizing concealment of a child’s death, with advocates arguing it has been used to punish pregnancy loss and should be removed. The hearing concluded with additional testimony in favor of S. 2976 and more support for the Judge Harris courthouse renaming, after which the chairs closed the hearing and reminded the public how to submit written testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• the fact that Massachusetts airports already generate $1 billion in annual tax revenue through other
• Generally, aviation airports, which are those with little or essentially no airline service, generate
• Generally, aviation airports, which are those with little or essentially no airline service, generate
• And these funds cannot be diverted into the general budget.
• The premium cigar business [is] separated from smoking in general.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a long hybrid hearing on a wide range of tax bills, with testimony covering cigarette and tobacco taxes, nicotine pouches, contractor rental equipment exemptions, aircraft sales tax exemptions, rolling stock, advanced sales tax payments, a gun and ammunition excise tax, a digital services tax, and a psilocybin cultivation/tax proposal. Committee chairs outlined the hearing process and noted that 39 House-filed sales and excise tax bills were being heard for required reporting by November 28. No votes were taken during the hearing. On tobacco-related bills, supporters including Senator Keenan, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, and Tobacco Free Mass backed higher cigarette taxes and closing the synthetic nicotine loophole, arguing the measures would reduce youth initiation, encourage cessation, and offset health care costs. Retailers, wholesalers, and convenience-store groups opposed the increases, warning of smuggling, out-of-state purchasing, and harm to small businesses; premium cigar representatives argued cigars should be treated separately from cigarettes. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3067 and related bills concerning nicotine pouches, with public health advocates supporting taxation and industry witnesses urging a lower, more competitive rate. Several other bills drew sharply divided testimony. United Rentals supported H. 3065 to simplify contractor rental equipment exemption paperwork, while airport and aviation groups opposed bills to repeal the aircraft sales tax exemption, saying it would hurt airport competitiveness and jobs. The Transportation Association of Massachusetts backed rolling stock tax exemptions, saying the current tax discourages fleet investment and interstate commerce. Restaurant industry representatives supported repealing advanced sales tax payments and changing penalty rules, saying businesses were hit with retroactive penalties after unclear pandemic-era changes. On H. 3082, an excise tax on guns and ammunition, gun violence prevention advocates, Roca, and Giffords supported the bill as a dedicated funding source for prevention and survivor services, while sportsmen’s groups opposed it as unfair to lawful gun owners and harmful to conservation funding. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3208, a digital advertising services tax, with Representative Paulino supporting it as a way to capture revenue from online advertising and fund public needs, while the Chamber of Progress opposed it as costly and burdensome for small businesses and campaigns. Finally, multiple witnesses testified on H. 4050 regarding psilocybin cultivation and taxation: advocates from Mass Healing, Roca, the Reason Foundation, and individuals describing personal medical benefits urged a regulated, permit-based system, while the hearing ended after all signed-up speakers were heard and the chair adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'll turn it over to the Attorney General. Perfect. Thanks.
• The Attorney General was pleased to offer drafting support for this legislation, and the Attorney General
• Make no mistake, ICE warrants are today's general warrants.
• He was a humble and generous protector and provider.
• He was a humble and generous protector and provider.

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a late-file hearing on several bills, with testimony limited to three minutes per individual or set time limits for panels. Chairs Michael Day and Lydia Edwards outlined hearing rules, written testimony procedures, and confidentiality protections before moving through the agenda. The committee heard testimony on bills including H.4876, H.5111, H.4783, H.4826, H.5116, H.5244, S.2975, and S.2976. On H.4876, supporters described it as the “Overcomers Law,” aimed at strengthening supports for survivors of abuse by limiting abusers’ legal standing after death, requiring survivor notification of an abuser’s death, expanding coercive control definitions, improving privacy protections, and creating education and resource programs. On H.5111, the Attorney General’s Office and legislative sponsors backed changes to strengthen Massachusetts antitrust enforcement, including broader jurisdiction over multi-state conduct, higher penalties, clearer treatment of invitations to conspire, labor-market protections, housing-related changes, and a longer statute of limitations. The committee also heard support for H.4783, which would reaffirm the rights of people experiencing homelessness and push back against criminalization of homelessness, and for H.4826, which would update condominium law to give owners more rights and nonjudicial dispute-resolution options. A large portion of the hearing focused on H.5116, which would rename the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court the Judge Leslie E. Harris Courthouse. Representative Worrell, the Harris family, senators, prosecutors, lawyers, educators, and community advocates testified in strong support, describing Judge Harris’s legacy of fairness, mentorship, community service, and support for young people and Black legal professionals. The committee also heard testimony on S.2975, which would prohibit civil immigration arrests in courthouses to protect access to justice, and S.2976, which would create a state cause of action for constitutional violations by federal officers. Finally, H.5244 was supported as a repeal of an archaic criminal statute that advocates said has been used to punish pregnancy loss and should be removed from the books. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded after all registered testimony was heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• Generally lower? Very good.
• And then it decreased after that, generally? Well, it kept going up.
• It decreased after that, generally?
• I would say they're generally focused on a few sites.
• Can you tell us generally what that is?

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The general fund, the insurance refund has, and it's got different years, $8 million, $122 in the general
• And right now, the majority of all that goes to the general fund.
• And so this would be a... ...majority of that insurance premium tax goes to the general fund.
• It's a big number on medical education from the general fund.
• We pay for it from the general fund anyway. Can I have a follow-up? Okay, follow-up.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee began by recognizing and thanking Senate page Caleb Williams for his service, then took up and approved minutes from March 12, 16, 17, and 18, 2026. Members asked Williams about what he had learned during his time as a page, and he said the biggest surprise was the sheer volume and pace of legislative work. He also sang a short verse of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” before receiving a gift and departing. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1420, which would redirect about 1% of the state’s health insurance premium tax revenue into a dedicated fund for medical education, with the stated goal of stabilizing funding for undergraduate medical education and supporting future expansion of medical school seats. Senator Lent and Representative Manwaring explained that the bill would broaden an existing reimbursement fund so it could receive additional dedicated revenue. Members raised questions about how the premium tax is currently distributed and whether the change could affect other uses of the fund, including immunization-related spending; the sponsors said they would follow up with more detail. The committee voted to send SB 1420 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Next, the committee considered House Joint Memorial 20, which asks Congress to address the fiscal impact of Plyler v. Doe and what the sponsor described as an unfunded mandate on Idaho schools related to educating students who are not qualified aliens. Representative Tanner argued that the state bears significant costs for this enrollment requirement and cited rough estimates ranging from tens of millions to hundreds of millions over time. After brief questions about the source of the numbers, the committee voted to send HJM 20 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, with Senators Burtenshaw and Semmelroth requesting to be recorded as opposed. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 915, which would establish a baseline recess policy for public and charter schools, including a 20-minute daily outdoor recess for grades K-5 when weather and scheduling allow, and a prohibition on withholding recess from an entire class as punishment. Supporters said the bill was intended to protect children’s health and ensure recess is not treated as optional, while opponents argued it was unnecessary and would interfere with local control because schools already provide recess. The committee voted to hold HB 915 at the call of the chair, and the meeting adjourned with notice that another short meeting, likely on the IDLA bill, was expected the following day.