Transcript Highlights:

• Hometown Heroes program, Camp Bliss, Veterans on the Lake, Veteran Mentorship for Black Youth, and Fishing
• Hometown Heroes program, Camp Bliss, Veterans on the Lake, Veteran Mentorship for Black Youth, and Fishing
• Veteran Mentorship for Black Youth,<00:06:58.319><c> and</c><00:06:58.479><c> then</c><00:06:58.960><c> Fishing
• </c> Youth, and then Fishing for Vets. Youth, and then Fishing for Vets.

Bills: HF2446 , HF2563 , HF2444

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:18:59.199><c> um</c> public, private or charter schools. um public, private or charter schools
• </c><01:19:38.960><c> schools</c> um um public and public charter schools um um public and public charter
• </c> is just public and and uh public charter is just public and and uh public charter schools.<01:20
• </c> and public charter schools. and public charter schools. Representative<01:24:26.800><c> Terry.
• </c> private, and charter. private, and charter.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 69, including a germane amendment about local school boards’ acceptance or rejection of gifts and donations and a non-germane amendment creating a virtual early childhood readiness family engagement program for preschool children not yet in kindergarten. Rep. Cordelli said the early literacy proposal was a modified version of an earlier kindergarten readiness bill, would rely on gifts and donations rather than state appropriations, and would include reporting requirements. Members questioned the shift from a broader technology program to an online-only model, the lack of detailed evaluation metrics, how long children would use the program, and whether it was appropriate for very young children. Cordelli said the change was intended to avoid government dependence and still allow the program to be offered next school year. Several members raised concerns about the gift-acceptance language on the underlying bill, including whether school boards would need to vote on small donations, whether gifts could be handled in blocks or at regular meetings, and how anonymous donations would work under right-to-know laws. Rep. Han noted that some gift discussions might belong in non-public session under RSA 91-A, while Rep. Cornell said acceptance or rejection of gifts could be handled at regular meetings and suggested a dollar threshold could be added later. The New Hampshire School Boards Association said it was not taking a position but wanted clearer guardrails, policy guidance, and clarification on timing, anonymity, and public-meeting requirements. Supporters of the early childhood program, including Waterford.org, said the proposal would provide an evidence-based, adaptive online literacy program with family engagement for four- and five-year-olds, and that it could help close early learning gaps. Waterford said it could work collaboratively with school districts and IEP teams, and that it would provide devices and internet access for families who need them. Committee members pressed on how the program would interact with existing special education services and whether districts could use it as part of an IEP; the response was that it would be supplementary and not an approved special education service. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair indicated the committee would later executive the bills and try to get reports filed promptly.

Transcript Highlights:

• . uh what is now our federal bank charter.
• We ourselves began as a state-chartered trust company in South Dakota. That was not accidental.
• >> Because you guys started as a state charter, but now you're, you know, on the national charter.
• </c> about 2008 uh when Standard Chartered about 2008 uh when Standard Chartered Money<01:30:51.360><
• </c> if it's the the fees and the chartering if it's the the fees and the chartering and<01:59:44.880

Summary: The commission met to review stable tokens, real-world asset tokenization, and blockchain-based trust, approved the agenda and December 12 minutes, and heard a presentation from Anchorage Digital after postponing a planned Bitco presentation because of its IPO quiet period. Anchorage’s Melinda Delos, Joe Mioli, and Kevin Wasaki introduced the firm, describing it as a global digital assets platform and the first crypto-native institution in the U.S. to receive a federal banking charter. They said their approach emphasizes security, regulated custody and trading services, and responsible innovation for institutional clients, banks, states, and sovereigns. The presentation focused on post-Genius Act momentum in the stablecoin market. Anchorage said the law provided regulatory clarity and helped spur activity with major clients, including Athena, Tether, and Western Union. The speakers highlighted Western Union’s planned stablecoin as especially significant because it reflects adoption by a long-established traditional payments company, and they said the project illustrates how stablecoins can support programmable, real-time, interoperable payments. They also noted that Anchorage is providing issuance infrastructure for the Western Union project. The commission and presenters also discussed government uses of tokenized assets, including reserve legislation, digital assets for tax collection and fees, and a Marshall Islands initiative to use a tokenized sovereign bond for direct citizen payments. In response to a question, Anchorage said it would follow up on which states are using digital assets for revenue collection, mentioning Louisiana and Pennsylvania as examples. The banking discussion centered on remittances, instant payments, and interbank settlement, with Anchorage arguing that stablecoins can reduce settlement time, fees, and foreign exchange risk while improving traceability and auditability.

Transcript Highlights:

• is delighted to welcome guests of Representative Gomez and Representative Sabadosa, the Hilltown Charter
• Please welcome the Hilltown Charter Cooperative Public School in East Hampton.
• Hilltown Charter Cooperative Public School in East Hampton.
• Please welcome the Hilltown Charter Cooperative Public School in East Hampton. Thank you.

Summary: The House received a Governor’s message on fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations, which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. The Committee on Rules reported several resolutions, including honors for Abby Goodman, a resolution reaffirming Massachusetts-Taiwan friendship, recognition of the Cambodian-American community’s Khmer New Year celebration, and Elks National Youth Week; the House suspended the rules and approved them. The House also concurred with Senate petitions on assisted living residences and medication administration in rest homes, sending them to the Committee on Aging and Independence. The main legislative business was House Bill 5279/5375, the transportation bond bill financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges. Ways and Means recommended a substitute bill, House 5375, with a $2.737 billion general obligation bond authorization, and the House adopted the amendment and ordered the bill to a third reading. Later, the House took up House 5375 directly, heard support from members emphasizing Chapter 90 road funding, municipal flexibility, rural road mileage distribution, and broader transportation investments, and then passed the bill to be engrossed by roll call vote, 155-0. The House also passed House Bill 5371, authorizing grants of easements or takings of certain parcels of land to the city of Boston, to be engrossed. In addition, the chamber received and filed the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s report on the March 31, 2026 special election for the 5th Essex District, adopted an order to escort the Governor and Executive Council into the chamber, and administered the oaths of office to Representative-elect Andrew Tarr. The session ended with an order to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• within the bounds of law not risk a felony conviction, like our veterans who operate under a federal charter
• This amendment also increases the deadline from 30 to 45 days for a Florida-chartered financial institution
• And it encourages the further establishment of chartered financial institutions in Florida by changing
• The further establishment of chartered financial institutions in Florida by changing the five-year window

Bills: S0204 , S0540 , S0772 , S1294 , S1474 , S1504 , S1708

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government met with a quorum present and first took up confirmation votes for appointees on tabs 2 through 6, which were recommended favorably without public testimony. The committee then heard CS/SB 1474, which would direct DEP to stop issuing or reissuing permits for Class B biosolids land application when a wastewater treatment facility is reasonably accessible within 50 miles, and it was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 1708, which removes a timing requirement for veterinarians licensed in good standing elsewhere to qualify for Florida licensure; it received support from Americans for Prosperity and the ASPCA and was reported favorably. Members then considered CS/SB 204 on illegal slot machine operations. An amendment was adopted that set the baseline penalty at a second-degree misdemeanor, elevated violations involving six or more machines or repeat offenses to a third-degree felony, and made violations by a person of authority involving six or more machines or multiple prior convictions a second-degree felony. Testimony supported the bill’s effort to target larger illegal operations while protecting veterans’ organizations and other lawful users from felony exposure; the bill as amended was reported favorably. The committee also adopted a strike-all for CS/SB 1294 addressing Class AA biosolids, requiring agronomic-rate application, recordkeeping, IFAS guidance, and application of fertilizer-related requirements to bulk land application products, with an effective date of November 1, 2026; it was reported favorably after limited questions about oversight and IFAS’s role. Later, CS/SB 772 was heard to allow portable electronics limited licensees to sell “iware” insurance and define that term, and it was reported favorably. CS/SB 1504 updated pre-licensure education for the 440 customer service representative license so a high school student completing a half-credit insurance and personal finance elective can apply upon turning 18; it received supportive testimony from industry groups and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee adopted a strike-all amendment to CS/SB 540 creating cybersecurity program requirements for mortgage and money service businesses, extending oversight to certain investment advisers, clarifying emergency suspension authority for anti-money laundering violations, extending payment deadlines for examination costs, and adjusting director experience requirements for financial institutions; the bill as amended was reported favorably. Senators McClain and Truenow requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on tabs 11 and 13, and the committee adjourned at the end of the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• within the bounds of law not risk a felony conviction, like our veterans who operate under a federal charter
• This amendment also increases the deadline from 30 to 45 days for a Florida chartered financial institution
• And it encourages the further establishment of chartered financial institutions in Florida by changing
• Further establishment of chartered financial institutions in Florida by changing the five-year window

Bills: S0204 , S0540 , S0772 , S1294 , S1474 , S1504 , S1708

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill allows charter schools to directly access funding through the Workforce Development Capitalization
• Senator, will including charter schools in the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program
• especially proud of is the Tallahassee Collegiate Academy, Florida's first state college authorized charter
• especially proud of is the Tallahassee Collegiate Academy, Florida's first state college authorized charter

Summary: The committee first took up CS/SB 742 on workforce education, which would let charter schools directly access the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program for career and technical education programs leading to industry certifications, and would expand the number of programs covered by the money-back guarantee at career centers and Florida College System institutions from three to six. Senator Simon said the bill would help fund CTE expansion; Senator Davis asked whether it could reduce funding for school districts, and Simon said it could depending on available grant funds. A supporter from the Foundation for Florida’s Future appeared in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 892, which would codify the Florida State University Center for Election Law so it can continue operating and become eligible for recurring funding. Senator Simon said the center’s work is focused on nonpartisan, evidence-based research related to improving responses to natural disasters and reducing fraud, mistakes, and irregularities in elections, rather than lobbying or redistricting advocacy. FSU supporters testified that the center has already hosted events such as a Bush v. Gore anniversary conference and has contributed to law school scholarship. After questions from Senator Davis about the center’s scope and funding, the bill was reported favorably. The remainder of the meeting consisted largely of confirmation testimony from appointees to university and college boards, who described their backgrounds and priorities. Most emphasized workforce development, student success, affordability, and local community partnerships at institutions including Tallahassee State College, Valencia College, New College, Pensacola State College, Florida Gulf Coast University, University of South Florida, Florida Atlantic University, Daytona State College, University of North Florida, St. Johns River State College, Palm Beach State College, and Santa Fe College. Several appointees highlighted their personal ties to the institutions and their goals of supporting programs in nursing, technical education, research, internships, and graduation rates. One nominee, Dr. Joel Rudman for Pensacola State College, faced pointed questioning about past public comments; he said his remarks were directed at the Florida House, not the Senate, and denied any knowledge of drug use by current or former senators. Public testimony was mixed on his nomination, with one supporter praising his community service and one critic urging rejection. No final confirmation votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So Fish and Game Director Simick has requested that we consider moving your program over to Fish and
• 48.160><c> has</c> fishing game director Simick has fishing game director Simick has requested<02:54:
• So I see a lot of benefits for our program as well as some mutual benefits for Fish and Game.
• So I see a lot of work for fishing game.
• </c> some mutual benefits for fishing game. some mutual benefits for fishing game.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• 5365, I'm here this morning to offer support in favor of House 5365, an act amending a home rule charter
• The bill before you originated from two separate charter review committees appointed by the Select Board
• The charter review committees concluded that work necessary to administer certain licenses, particularly

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government

Summary: The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a brief public hearing with testimony limited to three minutes. The committee heard support for House 5388, filed for the town of Marion, which would allow transfer of a 2,900-square-foot parcel from the Open Space Acquisition Commission to the Select Board for a shared-use pathway, while permanently protecting about 13.38 acres of town land for passive recreation and conservation under Article 97. The witness said the proposal complies with Article 97 and the Public Lands Preservation Act and noted it had already passed Marion town meeting unanimously, 102-0. The committee also heard support for House 5365, a Falmouth home rule charter amendment to create a Falmouth Licensing Commission. The town councilor explained that two charter review committees found that the Select Board was spending too much time administering and disciplining alcohol, entertainment, and common victualer licenses, and that Falmouth’s licensing workload is more like a larger city’s. She argued that a separate licensing commission would let the Select Board focus more on broader town policy and priorities. No committee questions were raised after either witness, no opposition testimony was offered, and no votes on the bills were taken during the hearing. After confirming there was no further testimony, the chair accepted a motion to adjourn and the committee voted to adjourn by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• If it is good enough for school districts, it should be good enough for charter schools and for private
• If it is good enough for school districts, it should be good enough for charter schools and for private
• heartily agree with Senator Diaz, who has made the amendment that we should see the contracts for charter
• This bill is just another attack on our school district superintendents while giving charter schools
• This bill is just another attack on our school district superintendents while giving charter schools

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a light April Fools proclamation directing the sergeant-at-arms to wear a silk top hat for the day. The chamber then agreed to the House request to adjourn from April 2 to April 7, and messages from the House were received, including transmission of some bills to the Governor. The body also briefly recognized visitors from the Arizona Psychiatric Society and the nominee to lead the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs. In Committee of the Whole, the Senate considered several bills. On the first calendar, it advanced HB 2120 on property tax exemptions and disability determinations, HB 2174 on insurance business and modeling data, HB 2289 on truth-in-taxation bond notices, HB 2861 on marital/postnuptial agreements, and HB 2903 on banks and financial institutions. On the second calendar, it advanced HB 208 on school libraries, HB 2040 on public educational institutions and adoption information, HB 2075 on school employee contracts, HB 2203 on public school reporting requirements, HB 2255 on school employee training, HB 2383 on school property leases and housing development, and HB 2903 again as amended. Several floor amendments were debated, including a successful hostile amendment to HB 2075 that was later rejected, and committee amendments to other bills were adopted. The Senate then took third-reading votes on multiple bills. HB 257, HB 2131, HB 2223, HB 2264, HB 2857, HB 2120, HB 2174, HB 2289, HB 2861, HB 2903, HB 2008, HB 2040, HB 2075, HB 2203, HB 2255, and HB 2383 all passed, with recorded roll-call votes and several members explaining their opposition or support. HB 2255 passed with the required three-quarters vote. The chamber also adopted the Committee of the Whole reports and transmitted the bills as appropriate. Before adjournment, Senator Miranda read a proclamation recognizing Farm Workers Day, and Senator Tothley offered a statement and moment of silence in memory of Passion Swartz, urging review of turquoise alert practices. The Senate then voted to adjourn until Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lastly, it changed the authority of charter school teachers to participate in the science of reading
• This amendment simply changes the requirement for charter school teachers to participate in the science
• After offering this amendment in committee, I spoke with several people involving charter schools.
• After offering this amendment in committee, I spoke with several people involving charter schools.
• adding additional weighting for level two and level three special education students, inclusive of charter

Summary: The Senate considered and passed a series of House bills and one constitutional resolution, with several measures receiving title amendments and some taking effect immediately or on a specified date. Early action included moving House Bill 5438, concerning the foundation allowance for instructional programs, to the foot of third-reading bills. House Bill 5441, reforming the state personnel system, was amended with a Judiciary strike-and-insert technical fix, then passed 28-6 and was set to take effect July 1, 2026. House Bill 5462 on mine subsidence insurance passed unanimously, with a title amendment adopted. House Bill 5484, creating felony offenses related to denying medical treatment to sexual offense victims, also passed unanimously with a title amendment. House Bill 5515 modernizing workers’ compensation statutes passed unanimously with a title amendment, and House Bill 5527 establishing licensure and regulation for wellness reimbursement programs passed unanimously. House Bill 5528, protecting personal residential information of certain public officials, passed unanimously with a title amendment. The most extended debate centered on House Bill 5537, an education-related bill that was amended to add a child-protection provision later referred to as “Rayleigh’s law.” The amendment would bar approval of home instruction requests in certain child abuse or neglect cases until the Department of Human Services confirms the investigation is unfounded, closed, or not substantiated, or until 10 days pass without a response. Senators argued the measure was intended to protect children and not target homeschooling. After a point of order, the chair initially ruled the amended language not germane; that ruling was challenged and ultimately overruled by a 24-7 vote, allowing the amendment to remain. The bill then passed 24-7, and a title amendment was adopted. Other measures passed with little or no opposition. House Bill 5582 removed the sunset on the TANF applicant drug-screening program and passed 28-3 after a technical committee amendment. House Bill 5687 reduced the metallurgical coal severance tax over time and adjusted oil and gas tax allocations, passing 31-3. Several supplemental appropriations also passed and were made effective from passage, including funds for Homeland Security/corrections, the Adjutant General, Health, the State Road Fund, and Tourism/Culture and History. The Senate also adopted House Joint Resolution 42, which would place on the ballot a constitutional amendment increasing the homestead exemption from $20,000 to $40,000 and allowing future changes by general law. In second reading, the Senate advanced bills on workforce training reimbursements, aerospace and advanced manufacturing incentives, portable benefit accounts, literacy and science-of-reading training, school aid formula changes, and wedding venue regulation, with amendments adopted on several of them before advancement to third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• If a county is a charter county, then the county can generally decide how the coroner or medical examiner
• If the county is not a charter county, and most counties are, then it depends on the size of the county
• Turning to this bill, it would require each non-charter county legislative authority to appoint, and
• Turning to this bill, it would require each non-charter county legislative authority to appoint and say
• And if a county wanted to have an appointed coroner, they can run a county charter.

Bills: HB2451 , HB2298 , HB2566 , HB2267 , HB2530 , HB2388 , HB2588 , HB2094

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: tax increment financing, local government, economic development, municipal finance, public infrastructure, property title protection, land record fraud, county auditors, voluntary program, real estate, procurement, contracting, transparency, financial oversight, urban forestry, environmental policy, tree management, community planning, public facilities district, regional aquatics

Transcript Highlights:

• findings of immediate danger, necessity, and procedural fairness, under current statute of Florida charter
• Under current statute, a Florida-chartered financial institution has 30 days to remit payment for OFR's
• This proposal seeks to align Florida's de novo charter requirements with those of other leading states
• This bill encourages the further establishment of chartered financial institutions in Florida by changing
• This bill encourages the further establishment of chartered financial institutions in Florida by changing

Bills: S0266 , S0394 , S0540 , S0632 , S0642 , S0832 , S0834 , S1028

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Summary: The Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum and took up several bills, beginning with SB 834 on insurance requirements for nonprofit religious organizations and health care sharing ministries. The bill repeals a recent restriction on licensed insurance agents marketing or selling faith-based health care sharing programs. Supporters argued the change restores free speech and consumer education while preserving existing fraud and disclosure protections; opponents said allowing agents and brokers could create consumer confusion and has been associated with bad actors. A title amendment was adopted, and after debate the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard and passed SB 642, which extends reporting and duty requirements to foreign and alien bail bond insurers, and SB 394, a technical bill updating reinsurance intermediary manager law to match current DFS practice. SB 266, which lets vulnerable adults rescind public adjuster contracts without penalty, was reported favorably after testimony from supporters in the insurance and elder law communities and a public adjuster who said the intent was good but the bill may need refinement. SB 832, a residential property insurance transparency bill requiring rate breakdown reports and a consumer resource center, also passed after discussion about consumer clarity and whether the required cost categories can be compiled as written. Later, the committee approved SB 540, which creates cybersecurity requirements for mortgage and money service businesses, closes a regulatory gap for certain investment advisers, adjusts OFR examination-payment deadlines, changes de novo charter requirements, allows virtual credit union meetings, and makes other financial regulation updates. Several amendments were adopted, including a substitute amendment removing fintech sandbox provisions. Finally, SB 1028 on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation was reported favorably after debate over a commercial lines clearinghouse intended to reduce Citizens’ exposure and shift more business to the private market; members discussed taxpayer risk, market competition, and consumer protections. The meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill establishes the framework... for ISDs and charter schools to be able to provide courses, programs
• framework for public schools in the state of Texas, so ISDs to be able to offer that or open enrollment charter
• would provide a mechanism for funding to flow to independent school districts and open enrollment charter
• The bill also authorizes the Commission of Education to grant a charter for the pilot program without
• impacting the existing cap on open enrollment. charters.

Bills: HB 117 , HB2196 , HB2689 , HCR64 , HB117

Committee: House S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Charter public schools cannot. This matters.
• Charter schools can't raise local bond funding.
• Many charters in low-income areas or in smaller charter schools cannot afford such financing.
• Carsonians, California Charter Schools Association, in support. Thank you.
• Carson needs California Charter Schools Association in support. Thank you.

Summary: The committee began without a quorum and first heard AB 302, which would prohibit schools from requiring students to use addictive social media feeds as a condition of participating in extracurricular activities and would require schools to offer a non-social-media way to communicate with students and families. The author and a student witness argued the bill protects minors from being forced onto addictive platforms, while senators asked how coaches and clubs would communicate; the author said email, built-in messaging, and other direct methods would still be allowed. The bill was held on call for absent members. The committee then took up AB 2504, creating a pilot program to train creative-industry workers for AI-related changes through partnerships among community colleges, employers, unions, and tech companies. Supporters from WME and the Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office said the program would help workers adapt to rapid industry change, while senators discussed the pilot’s size, geographic diversity, and sunset date. The bill passed on a due-pass motion to the Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee. AB 1534 followed, adding state guardrails for federal Workforce Pell short-term training programs, including limits on tuition, restrictions on certain financing products, and transparency rules for partnerships with unaccredited entities. Support came from TICAS, EdTrust-West, and the Campaign for College Opportunity; senators questioned the scope of state authority and why private institutions were not clearly included, and the author said the broader approval framework was being handled in trailer bill language. The bill passed on a due-pass motion to the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee. The committee also heard AB 1381, a gut-and-amend proposal to strengthen screening for school teachers with histories of egregious misconduct while balancing due process and privacy concerns. Supporters and opponents both emphasized student safety and the need for reliable information-sharing, and members noted the bill was similar to a previously held measure; the author said amendments were still being worked out. The bill passed to the Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee. AB 2202, which would create a Closing the Achievement Gap Commission to coordinate statewide efforts, drew broad support from school board and education groups but also concern that it could duplicate existing work and add bureaucracy; after extended debate about whether the commission would identify causes or solutions, it passed to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Finally, AB 1547, requiring a UC feasibility study for a branch medical school in Kern County, drew local support but opposition from a senator who argued the Legislature cannot direct UC’s internal operations under the state Constitution; the chair said the Legislature can make recommendations and the bill remained under discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is our constant duty under the charter, and we have to fulfill that duty.
• Not under the University of Minnesota Charter. It's our job. It's our duty.
• Charter Charter and<00:30:32.320><c> that</c><00:30:32.520><c> the</c><00:30:32.640><c> reason</c><00
• Charter Charter to<00:30:55.360><c> elect</c><00:30:55.640><c> those</c> to elect those to elect those
• Charter. Charter. It's<00:31:23.120><c> our</c><00:31:23.320><c> job.</c> It's our job.

Transcript Highlights:

• They apply to Wyoming chartered financial institutions.
• They apply to Wyoming chartered financial institutions.
• And so having a law chartered entities.
• </c> otherwise we could lose her charter. otherwise we could lose her charter.
• and you've talked about losing your charter.

Bills: HB0111 , HB0112 , HB0122

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• public school and School a chartered public school and School District<00:40:47.079><c> regarding</c
• Beth McClure: "My name is Beth McClure, and I'm the chair of the Alliance for Public Charter Schools.
• The charter school has no vote in that process.
• The charter school also provides service logs for services that are contracted with the district and
• school of multiple multiple m a charter school of multiple districts<00:44:52.920><c> that</c><00:44

Summary: The committee first took up HB 662, which would require discussion of abortion procedures and the viewing of certain videos in public school health education. Members argued the bill went too far by naming specific videos and involving the Attorney General in enforcement, and they said curriculum decisions should be left to educators. The committee voted ITL on HB 662 by a unanimous 18-0. The committee then considered HCR 6, a resolution calling for the removal of the superintendent of District 67. Members said the resolution targeted an individual and that the underlying dispute was already in court, so the matter should be left to the legal process. The motion to ITL passed 18-0. Next, HR 9, urging the Department of Education to emphasize STEM education, received broad support as a nonpartisan statement of priorities, and it also passed 18-0. HB 440, concerning educator licensing and shortages in Career and Technical Education, was amended to clarify that the bill applies to initial licensure only. After discussion about whether the amendment was necessary, the committee adopted Amendment 0188 unanimously and then voted OTPA on the bill as amended, 18-0. HB 222, which repealed the requirement for an MOU between charter schools and districts on services for students with disabilities, drew testimony that districts already provide substantial oversight through IEP processes and that the MOU requirement was burdensome and largely unenforced; the committee voted OTP 18-0. The committee then took up HB 719, which would repeal the right of first refusal for charter schools to purchase or lease unused district facilities. Supporters said the existing law had not generated complaints and could impede charter expansion, while opponents said the issue had not proven to be a problem and local control should be preserved. The committee voted ITL 17-1, with one member opposed and no minority report. The chair then postponed HB 184, a study committee bill on school start times, because it was scheduled for the next day, and the committee moved into a work session on bullying-related bills, discussing HB 108, HB 384, and HB 673 without taking final action in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next bill is now before the House on final passage: House Bill 2341, an act amending the charter
• House Bill 4400, an act relative to the charter of the city known as the town of Randolph.
• Walsh of Peabody moves that the bill be amended by substitution with a bill amending the charter of the

Summary: The House convened, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and first took up procedural matters. It suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of two petitions: one concerning the sale of nitrous oxides and another establishing a sick leave bank for a Suffolk County Sheriff's Office employee. The House also suspended Rule 7A to advance several bills reported by the Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee. The bills ordered to a third reading included legislation protecting employees’ right to rebuttal of personnel records, and local bills waiving the maximum age requirement for two Boston police officer applicants and establishing Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day. The House then passed two bills to enactment: one authorizing Scituate to issue four additional on-premises liquor licenses and another amending the charter of Aquinnah. Later, the House engrossed a Hull parking fines bill and considered a Randolph charter bill. On motion, the Randolph bill was amended by substitution with a related bill addressing compensation for town council and school committee members and meetings of multiple-member bodies, and then passed to engrossment as amended. The session concluded with adjournment, with notice that the House would meet in informal session on Wednesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• House 2341, an act amending the charter of the town of Aquinnah.
• The bill is: An act relative to the charter of the city known as the town of Randolph. House 4400.
• Walsh of Peabody moves that the bill be amended by substitution of a bill amending the charter of the

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow several petitions to be referred, including a petition on the sale of nitrous oxides and a petition to establish a sick leave bank for a Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office employee. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reported several House bills for consideration, including a bill protecting employees’ right to rebuttal of personnel records, two Boston Police age-waiver bills, and a bill establishing Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day; the House also suspended Rule 7A and ordered these bills to a third reading. The House then took up final passage on several measures. House Bill 4657, authorizing Scituate to issue four additional liquor licenses, was enacted. House Bill 2341, amending the charter of the town of Aquinnah, was also passed to be enacted. On third reading, House Bill 4247, authorizing Hull to establish a schedule of fines for parking violations, was passed to be engrossed. The House next considered House Bill 4400, relating to the charter of the town of Randolph. Representative Walsh of Peabody offered an amendment substituting House Bill 4891, which would amend the Randolph charter regarding compensation for town council and school committee members and meetings of multiple-member bodies; the amendment was adopted, and the bill was then passed to be engrossed as amended. The House then adjourned, with notice that it would meet in informal session on Wednesday.