Transcript Highlights:

• There are also problems with the existing law, and we would like this opportunity to correct them.
• Gift cards are wildly popular with the dining public, and they provide a wonderful opportunity for the
• I mean, multiply thousands of $25 gift cards, and you have major money laundering opportunities.
• So, Chairman and members, thank you so much for the opportunity to speak. Yes.
• So, Chairman and members, thank you so much for the opportunity to speak before you.

Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to privacy, consumer protection, and online harms. SB 259 by Senator Wahab would prohibit surveillance pricing based on device data such as geolocation or battery level; supporters argued it would curb discriminatory and predatory pricing, while opponents raised concerns about geolocation definitions, legitimate location-based pricing, and impacts on discounts and loyalty programs. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to the Judiciary Committee and passed 8-1, with members noting amendments and ongoing discussions with stakeholders. SB 22 by Senator Laird would raise the amount of gift cards that can be redeemed for cash, with the author saying the goal is to update the long-standing $10 threshold for inflation and preserve consumer value. Consumer advocates supported the bill, while retailers, restaurants, grocers, and chambers of commerce opposed or opposed unless amended, citing fraud concerns, safety issues, and the need for clarification on donated or returned gift cards. The committee voted the bill out on a 6-1 vote and kept it on call. SB 576 by Senator Umberg would apply broadcast-style loudness rules to streaming advertisements. The author said the bill is intended to prevent ads from being much louder than programming, especially for children, while the opposition argued that streaming ad insertion is technically different and that existing industry standards and FCC oversight already address the issue. The bill passed 8-0. SB 683 by Senator Cortese would clarify that people can seek injunctive relief, including a TRO, for unauthorized use of name, image, or likeness; supporters said it strengthens privacy protections, while opponents warned about prior restraint and First Amendment concerns. The bill was moved out on a due pass motion and kept on call. The final bill discussed, SB 771 by Senator Stern, would clarify that existing civil rights and hate-related laws apply to social media platforms and their algorithms, with higher penalties for intentional or reckless violations. Supporters, including the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Islamic Networks Group, described online hate as fueling real-world violence and urged stronger accountability; opponents argued the bill could conflict with Section 230, chill lawful speech, and create vague standards. Members raised questions about constitutionality, definitions, and whether the bill would be workable, but several expressed support for the author’s goals.

Transcript Highlights:

• With the weather, I want to thank you all for the opportunity to testify virtually.
• </c><00:13:41.040><c> to</c><00:13:41.160><c> share</c> thank you for the opportunity to share thank
• increase in the immediate double digit increase in the base<00:14:52.519><c> tax</c><00:14:52.759><c
• So with this bill, we have the opportunity before us to set an example in how to support our workers
• </c><00:29:57.279><c> before</c><00:29:57.559><c> us</c> bill we have the opportunity before us bill

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This does not prohibit the creation of digitally forged intimate images, only their dissemination.
• And it also provides an opportunity for redemption.
• Thank you, Chair, and thank you all for giving us the opportunity to speak again.
• It extends the interstate compact and educational opportunities for military children.
• What we create in the bill is the opportunity for the legislature to fund this loan program.

Summary: The committee took up a series of criminal justice, health, and public safety bills, with several measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations and mostly no opposition. CS for SB 1782 on dangerous excessive speeding, CS for SB 306 on Medicaid provider network access, CS for SB 716 on mandatory minimums for certain sexual offenses by registered offenders, CS for SB 1084 on intimate image dissemination and digitally forged images, and CS for CS for SB 1604 on corrections-related litigation and sentencing changes all passed the committee. Members also approved CS for SB 1838, which increases protections for court officials from tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for SB 1252, which directs FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database. CS for SB 468 on fleeing or eluding, CS for SB 490 on off-duty concealed carry for certain officers, and CS for SB 890 on blood clot screening and treatment also received favorable votes, with SB 890 drawing supportive testimony from the bill sponsor, medical and patient advocates, and family members affected by blood clots. The most extensive debate centered on CS for CS for SB 1804, which would create a capital offense for adults trafficking children under 12 or mentally incapacitated persons for sexual exploitation. Senator Martin defended the bill as a response to especially heinous crimes and argued it fit within constitutional punishment principles, while several members raised concerns about the Eighth Amendment, the risk of lengthy and costly litigation, and the possibility of retraumatizing victims. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in opposition, citing moral objections, due process concerns, and constitutional precedent; the bill nevertheless was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 572, the “Pam Rock Act,” which tightens dangerous-dog rules, adds enclosure, microchip, insurance, and penalty requirements, and allows stronger enforcement actions after serious attacks. The Rock family and animal control supporters testified in favor, describing the bill as a response to fatal dog attacks and urging stronger accountability for owners. For SB 572, members discussed insurance requirements, the role of local authorities in classifying dangerous dogs, and whether the bill would affect ordinary pet insurance or only liability coverage after a serious attack. The sponsor said the measure is not breed-specific and is aimed at dogs that have already caused significant harm. The committee also heard testimony from family members of Pam Rock and other victims, along with supporters from animal control and sheriff’s offices. All of the bills taken up in the meeting that were voted on were reported favorably, and no roll-call votes failed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Surely there are opportunities for us to provide greater access, especially to what the last testifier
• We have digital evidence, for example.
• When I first started at the BCA, there was one agent that did digital evidence examination part-time.
• Digital media, just between 2017 and 2021, has increased by 122% in our labs.
• Can you give us some examples of what that digital media would be? Digital media would be?

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for this opportunity.
• I want to thank you for this opportunity.
• I want to thank you for this opportunity.
• access, devices, and digital literacy.
• Thank you for this opportunity.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee held an oversight hearing on how federal actions are affecting California higher education, with opening remarks from the chair and members emphasizing the importance of state-federal shared governance and the need to protect access, affordability, and campus diversity. The first panel included leaders from the CSU, University of the Pacific, California Community Colleges, and UC, who described broad impacts from federal grant terminations, changes to student aid, loan limits, visa and immigration policy, and proposed reductions to research support. Testimony focused on the elimination of Grad PLUS loans, caps on Parent PLUS and Pell-related changes, the loss or suspension of hundreds of grants, and the resulting harm to student support services, research, workforce pipelines, food assistance, and health care training. UC and CSU representatives warned of major losses in research funding, indirect cost reimbursement, and student opportunities, while community college leaders highlighted uncertainty around federal grants and the need to maintain services for low-income, first-generation, undocumented, and other vulnerable students. Committee members asked how the state could respond, including through intersegmental partnerships, dual enrollment, transfer pathways, and support for basic needs and nutrition programs. Witnesses said California could help by sustaining financial aid, protecting minority-serving institution programs, and investing in research, housing, and workforce development. Several speakers stressed that federal changes were creating instability for students and campuses, and that the effects would likely be long-lasting, especially in health care, teaching, STEM, and social work pipelines. A second panel then focused on equitable access. The California Student Aid Commission described state efforts such as the $3.9 billion investment in aid programs, the Cal Grant system, the Dream Act, and possible reforms to better serve adult learners, foster youth, undocumented students, and students with dependents. The Los Angeles Community College District reported that federal cuts and policy shifts are discouraging students from applying for aid, threatening TRIO and MSI/HSI-funded services, and reducing support for basic needs, counseling, and workforce programs. The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities and the CSU Academic Senate echoed concerns about FAFSA confusion, international student restrictions, grant losses, and the erosion of equity-focused programs. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and discussed possible state responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, have you sent this digitally, or will you send it digitally next week?
• </c><04:06:42.880><c> to</c> and um this is an opportunity to and um this is an opportunity to encourage
• But my point is they have an opportunity to speak. They have an opportunity.
• But my point is they have an opportunity to speak. They have an opportunity.
• But my point is they have an opportunity to speak. They have an opportunity.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to serve with you.
• We all will have a lot more opportunities to say good night.
• But thank you for this opportunity, and I proudly vote aye on this resolution.
• President, thank you for this opportunity.
• President, thank you for this opportunity.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met on June 3, 2026, approved the prior day’s journal, and then moved through a long list of discharge motions and substitutions to place many bills on the third reading calendar. The chamber also adopted Resolution J.2314 honoring the New York chapter of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, with remarks emphasizing domestic workers’ role in care work, labor organizing, and protections such as paid sick leave and family leave. Another adopted resolution, J.2298, mourned labor and social justice advocate Minerva Solla, with senators highlighting her work with 1199, the Young Lords, Puerto Rican solidarity efforts, and women’s organizing. A third resolution recognized Olympic curler Daniel Casper for representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Games. The Senate then confirmed a large slate of judicial and executive nominations. It accepted the Judiciary Committee report and confirmed four interim Supreme Court justices, seven Court of Claims judges, and 21 reappointments/extensions by a vote of 44-12. The Finance Committee report was also accepted, and the Senate confirmed a broad set of appointments to state boards and authorities, including the MTA, State Commission of Correction, Power Authority, NYSERDA, Financial Control Board, public health councils, SUNY and Cornell boards, gaming and bridge authorities, and others. One notable confirmation was Alexander Dockery to the State Commission of Correction; supporters called it the first time a formerly incarcerated person had been confirmed to that commission, while Senator Murray criticized the practice of voting on large nomination blocks rather than individually. The chamber then took up and passed many bills, mostly by wide margins, covering labor, health, education, transportation, public service, criminal justice, municipal, tax, insurance, and environmental topics. Several members explained their votes on major measures: Senator Ramos supported a bill modernizing temporary disability benefits and another protecting construction workers from lost pay when jobs are canceled; Senator Baskin spoke about a correction bill tied to the death of India Cummings; Senator Skoufis described a family-court custody bill intended to prioritize child safety; Senator Mayer backed a proposal to reimburse parents of medically fragile children for providing care; and Senator Hinchey defended a bill requiring employers to report AI-related job impacts, while Senator Borrello opposed it as burdensome. Most bills were passed, some were laid aside, and the session concluded with multiple roll-call votes and confirmations before adjournment-related business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members, SB 1432, central bank digital currency ban, passed committee on a party-line vote
• Madam Chair, members, SB 1649, digital assets strategic reserve fund, passed committee on a party-line
• Madam Chair members, SB 1432, central bank digital currency ban.
• Madam Chair, Member, Senate bill, 1649 digital assets. Wait, 1515. Oh, sorry. So, so sorry.
• Madam Chair members SB 1649 digital assets strategic reserve fund passed committee on a party line vote

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long list of bills, with members instructed to move quickly, note short titles, and pull only selected measures from consent. Many bills were reported as passing committee on party-line votes or with split votes, while others were unanimous. Several members repeatedly requested bills be pulled from consent, especially on contentious topics such as artificial intelligence content verification, gender transition procedures provider liability, vaccine reimbursement rates, light rail expansion feasibility, public employee merit hiring, health board evaluations, rural health funding, patient steering, DCS policies, school safety, virtual currency payments, undocumented immigrants’ financial services, central bank digital currency, and various criminal justice and education measures. A number of bills drew brief substantive comments or objections. One member criticized SB 1015 on Trans Visibility Day. Another raised concerns about fingerprinting requirements for behavioral health facilities, arguing similar safeguards should apply to universal voucher programs. Judiciary-related bills also prompted strong reactions, including measures on narcotics sentencing for minors, probation and immigration notification, crimes against children monitoring, and a death penalty bill involving firing squad, which drew an explicit objection for the record. Several bills were flagged because of split votes, Democratic no votes, or concerns about funding, constitutional issues, or policy consistency. The caucus also discussed a blue-sheet amendment to HB 2874 on campaign committee termination statements and penalties. Members asked about the retroactive date, the size of outstanding fines, the Secretary of State’s position, and who offered the Senate amendment. Supporters described it as a cleanup bill that would help committees close out old accounts, while others questioned the retroactive scope and financial impact. The chair ultimately announced that Mr. Winninger was refusing the Senate amendment, so final passage would not occur that day and the measure would instead go to conference committee or remain unresolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• So 07-03, Principle 2, there’s that addition around all digital communications...
• Principle 2, there’s that addition around all digital communication, and I’ll just explain the rationale
• All digital communication with students must occur on a device and platform approved by the district.
• Wilson, I'm just kind of referencing back to Representative Nelson's question on this statement: all digital
• We publish things in the four-digit section, so it is complicated, but if the dockets are approved, both

Summary: The committee met to consider only education administrative rules, and members agreed to vote on each docket separately. Nick Wagner of the State Board of Education first presented a repeal of the pay-for-success contracting rule as duplicative of statute and never used, and a cleanup to the career technical centers rules removing duplicative definitions and wording tied to federal Perkins V language. Both dockets were approved without opposition. Greg Wilson then presented the rules governing uniformity, including a Code of Ethics update for professional educators, social studies standards, and special education rules. The ethics changes focused on limiting educator-student digital communication to district-approved devices, platforms, and school-based accounts, broadening misuse provisions to cover devices and platforms, and clarifying professionalism language. Several members questioned how the communication rule would work for coaches, field trips, and personal phones, but Wilson said the intent was to create monitored, district-approved channels and a clearer record to prevent or investigate misconduct. The committee approved the ethics docket. Wilson next explained the social studies standards revisions, including targeted updates to grade 4 and U.S. History 1 after last year’s legislative rejection, plus a new Idaho-specific Western Civilization section. Members asked about the apparent mismatch in adoption dates across dockets, and Wilson and the state rules coordinator explained that the references would be melded together in codification if both dockets passed. Members also asked about coverage of the founding era and communism; Wilson said the standards include substantial material on the founding, early republic, and the rise of the Soviet Union. The committee approved the social studies docket. Finally, Wilson presented the temporary and pending special education manual rules. He said the temporary rule was needed to keep schools compliant at the start of the year after federal concerns were raised about the state’s specific learning disability criteria, and the final manual incorporated further public comment and advisory input. The committee approved the special education dockets, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you do not know what a stablecoin is, think of it as a digital version of a dollar.
• He argued that the dollar is already digitized and that the government could use stablecoin to shut individuals
• He said there is no real distinction between a digital dollar and the stablecoin scheme being proposed
• He said he does not think there is a digital dollar, and if the discussion is about a U.S. currency that
• is digitized, he said they have been adamantly against that.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House Business Committee met with a quorum and considered several RS drafts and one bill. Representative Dygert introduced RS 32990, which would allow an LLC to list a commercial registered agent’s street mailing address instead of a home address on the state website for home-based businesses; members discussed privacy and transparency, and the committee voted to introduce it. Representative Redmond introduced RS 33170 on short-term rentals, saying it would clarify property owners’ rights while preserving life-safety rules; after a question about neighborhood nuisance concerns, the committee voted to introduce it. Redmond also introduced RS 33182, which would require Idaho employers to use E-Verify to verify legal work status and impose penalties for noncompliance; members raised questions about carve-outs and current verification practices, and the committee voted to introduce it. Representative Wheeler presented RS 33102, extending the “shot clock” for building inspections to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing inspections to streamline permitting. Members questioned how the private-inspector backstop would work, whether municipalities might delay inspections, and how refunds or certification would be handled; the committee voted to introduce the RS. Representative Manwaring then presented RS 33063 on stablecoin, describing it as an opt-in state payments tool for faster, lower-fee transactions using approved, U.S.-controlled stablecoins; members raised concerns about digital currency, fiscal impacts, company ownership, and the role of the federal Genius Act, but the committee voted to introduce the RS. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 512, also presented by Manwaring, which would reinstate an Idaho-specific open-book jurisprudence exam for land surveyors. Manwaring and several surveyors testified that Idaho law differs from other states and that the exam would help prevent boundary disputes, reduce litigation, and ensure surveyors understand Idaho-specific requirements. After testimony in support from surveyors and industry representatives, the committee voted to send HB 512 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And also just, you know, I talked about the digital... Or one of the next slides.
• And also just, you know, I talked about the digital-only application process.
• So what... ...and the big guys have a whole different set of opportunity and economic investments.
• But to the small operators, those are the opportunity and the future. It's a small...
• Small operators, those are the opportunity and the future. It's a small farm, big farm deal.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and digital literacy... ...that our resources reach those who need mentorship opportunities and digital
• Now I'd like to share some opportunities, which we would highly recommend from MACDC.
• We appreciate the opportunity to speak today.
• I appreciate the opportunity to testify virtually.
• Appreciate the opportunity today. Thank you. And that wraps up our hearing for today.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held an informational hearing focused on the conditions facing small and micro businesses in Massachusetts and the state programs intended to support them. Chairs Andy Vargas and Adam Gomez opened by emphasizing equitable economic development, the importance of CDFIs, and the need to help underserved entrepreneurs, especially women, minorities, veterans, immigrants, and other groups facing barriers. Committee members noted the hearing would not take up bills, and testimony was limited to 10 minutes per organization. State and quasi-public agency witnesses described current programs and funding. Dico Gibral of the Executive Office of Economic Development highlighted the Business Front Door, multilingual access, small business office hours in Gateway Cities, and funding in the Mass Leads Act, including support for CDFIs, small business technology, and capital grants. Tom Hooper of Commonwealth Corporation described workforce training programs such as the Workforce Training Fund, Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, and Career Technical Initiative, saying they help small businesses train workers, fill labor shortages, and support returning citizens and people with disabilities. Committee members asked about federal funding uncertainty, workforce migration, training schedules, and program uptake. Business and advocacy groups focused on cost pressures and regulatory burdens. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association urged continuation of outdoor dining and takeout alcohol sales, and pressed for relief from high credit card swipe fees, support for surcharging, and streamlining municipal licensing. The Retailers Association of Massachusetts cited survey results showing inflation, utility costs, payroll taxes, health insurance, and interchange fees as major concerns, and said many members might sell or close within five years; it also backed ending the state prohibition on surcharging and creating an Office of Main Streets Massachusetts. MACDC, BECKMA, and the Coalition for an Equitable Economy emphasized the need for more technical assistance, CDFI and small business funding, and protections against rising costs, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and immigration enforcement impacts on immigrant-heavy business districts. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• Economic opportunity.
• Thanks for the opportunity to present. Okay, great. Thank you.
• I had an opportunity to visit South Korea recently, and..."
• Thank you for the opportunity to speak today.
• Thank you for the opportunity to speak today.

Summary: The subcommittee heard an informational update from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development on the state’s Jobs First economic development strategy and related budget requests. Go-Biz described its regional planning process, priority sectors such as ag-tech, space defense, life sciences, and semiconductors, and requests including an extension of the CalCompetes tax credit, support for export promotion, additional film commission staff, innovation and emerging technology capacity, and a California brand campaign. Members questioned the campaign’s purpose, with some supporting efforts to counter misinformation about California and others warning it should not obscure regulatory and business-climate concerns. Go-Biz said the campaign would be nationally focused, could include business attraction efforts, and was intended to complement—not replace—policy work on permitting and workforce development. The item was informational only. The committee then heard from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate on the California RISE program, the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund, and the Technical Assistance Program/Capital Infusion Program. CalOSBA reported that California RISE’s first round awarded $16.9 million to 61 employment social enterprises, which collectively increased revenue, secured contracts, and employed thousands of people facing barriers to work; a second round is being launched with a new administrator and expanded services. For the performing arts payroll fund, the office said all 100 awardees had been paid, but demand far exceeded available funding, and the program was oversubscribed within days. California for the Arts testified that the sector remains fragile after COVID and urged statutory changes to simplify eligibility and stretch dollars further. SBDC representatives described TAP/SIP as a statewide network supporting small businesses, capital access, and disaster recovery, emphasizing their role in underserved communities and the leverage of federal matching funds. Committee members focused on whether these programs produce durable outcomes and reach smaller or disadvantaged businesses. Questions centered on long-term job retention in California RISE, outreach to ethnic and community media in the civic media program, and whether TAP/SIP are accessible to entrepreneurs with limited capital or capacity. CalOSBA and its partners said they rely heavily on local community organizations for outreach, provide one-on-one counseling and training, and are working to collect more longitudinal data. The committee also discussed the film and television tax credit program, for which Go-Biz requested funding for three permanent positions and ongoing program support. Film Commission staff said the expanded program is tracking demographic and career-pathway data, with most productions opting into new diversity provisions, and that a formal report to the Legislature is expected in 2027. The item concluded without a vote, as the hearing was for oversight and budget discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate the opportunity to come here via Zoom.
• Thanks for the opportunity to present. Okay, great. Thank you.
• I had an opportunity to visit South Korea recently, and...
• Thank you for the opportunity to speak today.
• Thank you for the opportunity to speak today.

Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview from Go-Biz Director D.D. Myers on the administration’s economic development strategy, centered on the California Jobs First framework. Myers described regional planning across 13 regions, the Jobs First Council, and pilot sectors including ag-tech, space and defense, life sciences, and semiconductors. She also outlined budget requests for CalCompetes, CalExport, the California Film Commission, innovation/emerging technologies, and the California Civic Media Fund, along with the new California brand campaign. Committee members raised questions about misinformation about California, regulatory burdens, tourism versus broader economic messaging, and how the brand campaign would highlight underrepresented communities. No vote was taken; the item was informational. The committee then reviewed CalOSBA’s work on small business support, including California RISE, the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund, and TAP/SIP technical assistance and capital infusion programs. CalOSBA reported that California RISE’s first cohort awarded $16.9 million to 61 employment social enterprises, with growth in revenue, contracts, and jobs; the performing arts payroll fund paid all 100 recipients but was heavily oversubscribed; and TAP supported more than 112,000 businesses in the past year, helping leverage federal and local funds. Testimony from program partners emphasized the importance of small business counseling, community-based outreach, and support for arts organizations facing post-pandemic and AB 5-related cost pressures. Senators pressed for more data on long-term job retention, better outreach to smaller and ethnic media, and possible program changes to speed grants and stretch funding further. Finally, the committee heard Go-Biz’s request for additional staff and funding for the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program. Staff said the request would support application review, DEIA implementation, and data tracking. The Film Commission reported that about 147 productions had been approved and roughly 90% were opting into the new diversity provisions, with career pathways reporting to include demographic and participation data and a future report expected in 2027. Senators asked about accountability, apprenticeship and internship hours, and whether the program was producing real career pathways and inclusive hiring outcomes. The item remained informational, with no vote or action taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's kind of a byproduct of the digital age that we even have this issue.
• So it's offered me an opportunity to ensure access, reduce uncertainty, and make the pathway to higher
• It represents the opportunity to dream again, and it represents the opportunity to succeed.
• Thank you for the opportunity to be here to talk about the best-kept secret in Minnesota education.
• It gives you so many opportunities, and it's something that I am very proud of the students at Austin

Transcript Highlights:

• The first with tenant protection to file the tenant opportunity, the first tenant opportunity to purchase
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify.
• We've seen evidence where landlords brag about double-digit rent increases and double-digit eviction
• We've seen evidence where landlords brag about double-digit rent increases, double-digit eviction rate
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on a broad slate of landlord-tenant and home rule bills, with most testimony focused on rent stabilization, tenant opportunity to purchase (TOPA), tenant fees, access to counsel, algorithmic rent fixing, and tenant protections in subsidized housing. Chairs Cyr and Haggerty outlined the hearing procedures and noted that written testimony could also be submitted. Several members and invited speakers emphasized that the committee was hearing from both local officials and residents affected by housing instability, especially in Somerville and other communities facing high rents and displacement. Supporters of rent stabilization and local-option rent control argued that Massachusetts needs tools to prevent displacement while new housing is built. Senator Eldridge, Senator Jalen, Somerville officials, tenant organizers, and residents described steep rent increases, no-fault evictions, and the loss of naturally occurring affordable housing. Somerville’s home rule petition was described as allowing annual increases tied to CPI plus 2%, capped at 5%, with exemptions for owner-occupied two- and three-family homes and a 15-year exemption for new construction. TOPA supporters said it would let tenants or their designees buy buildings before speculative buyers, preserving affordable housing stock; opponents, including small landlords and property managers, argued rent control would reduce supply, discourage investment, and that TOPA could delay sales and harm properties. The committee also heard testimony on bills to curb junk fees and regulate tenant charges, including limits on late fees, lease renewal fees, payment portal fees, attorney’s fees, and other add-on charges. Advocates said these fees can add hundreds of dollars a month and disproportionately harm low-income renters and renters of color. Another major topic was algorithmic rent fixing: Senator Moore and Representative Sabadoza said landlords should not use software such as RealPage to coordinate pricing, citing federal antitrust actions and arguing that competition is essential to lowering rents. Additional testimony supported a statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, with legal services providers saying representation dramatically improves outcomes and can save the state money, and a bill to create an office of tenant protections to better enforce sanitary code violations. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> development, whether that's a digital development, whether that's a digital economy,<00:14:22.639
• So I opportunities outside of our state.
• </c><00:15:48.639><c> It</c> future, our economic opportunity has.
• It future, our economic opportunity has.
• </c><00:27:30.880><c> for</c> turn it into an opportunity for turn it into an opportunity for renewable

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and in addition to the digital storage, I had been working with it in file hold.
• Um, and in addition to the digital storage, I had been working with it in file hold.
• So some of those records might be so old that you're not going to put them into a digital format.
• So some of those records might be so old that you're not going to put them into a digital format.
• That you're not going to put them into a digital format.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee reviewed follow-up status on several prior audit observations. For the Department of Liquor Commission item tied to a DAS audit, staff explained that the commission had been listed as observation 8 because it participated in a recycling program, but the required response had been missed because DAS did not notify the commission. After the committee raised it, the commission contacted DAS and submitted the response, and members agreed the observation could be marked complete, making the audit 9 for 9 resolved. The committee then heard from the Department of Employment Security about the remaining open item from a 2016 audit of the former Department of Resources and Economic Development concerning the Work Ready New Hampshire program. The deputy commissioner said the issue had been addressed by 2019 statutory changes that moved the job training program to Employment Security, increased funding, and specifically recognized Work Ready New Hampshire in statute. Members indicated the item should be treated as resolved and moved to green. The Adult Parole Board also reported on its 2019 audit follow-up. Chair Roger Phillips said 18 of 26 recommendations had been completed, with eight still open, including structured decisionmaking, a tracking/performance measure system, records retention, and access to inmate mental health and substance abuse information. Committee members said the board needed to submit an updated report to DAS with timelines and explanations for the remaining items, and the board said it would provide a timeline within 30 days. The committee then agreed to expect a follow-up report after the first of the year, likely by the end of March, to review the status of the eight open items. At the end of the meeting, members discussed future audit topics. They noted that the wetlands council’s responses had been included with the department’s answers, so no separate appearance was needed. They also raised possible future audits involving special education oversight, the Board of Naturopaths, OPLC-related boards, dental examiners, and police standards training, with a request that some of those entities provide status reports at a later meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for giving us an opportunity to speak today.
• Thank you for giving us an opportunity to speak today.
• To my left, opportunity to speak today.
• This is a nice bill relative to housing opportunity project extension.
• </c> housing opportunity project extension. housing opportunity project extension.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 2236, Chen, digital financial asset fees: hold in committee.
• AB 231, TAWA, Workforce Opportunity Tax Credit: holding committee.
• AB 1052, Valencia, Digital Assets: do pass as amended to strike public entity prohibitions and make other
• roll call AB 759 Valencia architects and training do pass out on an a roll call AB 1052 Valencia digital

Summary: The Assembly Appropriations Committee held its May 23, 2025 suspense hearing and opened by emphasizing the difficult budget environment, rising costs for constituents, and the need to make tough choices. The chair said many bills would be held, amended to reduce costs, or made two-year bills because the state could not afford broad program expansions this year. The committee also noted the agenda was organized alphabetically by author and that results would be posted later that day. The committee then acted on a large suspense file, taking up hundreds of Assembly bills across topics including housing, health care, education, labor, public safety, climate, water, transportation, elections, and technology. Many bills were held in committee, while many others were approved with cost-saving, clarifying, or author’s amendments. Examples included measures on CalABLE, Covered California enrollment, wildfire and insurance issues, reproductive health, school and college programs, prison and juvenile justice matters, AI and data privacy, and local government and utility regulation. Several bills were converted to two-year bills to continue discussion. Throughout the hearing, the committee repeatedly voted on bills by A roll call or B roll call, often with Republicans not voting on amended measures. Some bills were advanced with notable amendments, such as narrowing scope, removing appropriations, delaying implementation, or striking costly provisions. The committee also approved a number of committee bills and omnibus measures, including emergency management, judiciary, insurance, and water-related bills. At the end of the hearing, the chair stated that the committee had moved 435 bills to the Assembly floor, either as do pass or do pass as amended, and adjourned the meeting.