Transcript Highlights:

• We will keep our foot on the gas pedal the Commonwealth will not rest.
• We will keep our foot on the gas pedal.
• room is because we find ourselves being not only impacted but the first responders trying to be solution-oriented
• Trying to be solution-oriented, resource-generating, and work with policymakers like you on not only
• In our region, the New England Foundation for the Arts is deeply committed to... trying to be solution

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on the impact of recent federal policy and budget actions on Massachusetts libraries, humanities organizations, arts institutions, and tourism. Testimony from library leaders described the loss or jeopardy of Institute of Museum and Library Services funding, including statewide databases, local grants, staff positions, E-rate/hotspot support, and digital equity programs. Witnesses said the cuts have already forced reductions in services, canceled grants and workshops, and in some cases left schools, students, job seekers, and low-income patrons without access to key resources. Members of the committee asked for lists of affected communities and databases, and several witnesses said they would provide additional written detail. Arts and humanities witnesses said federal terminations from the NEA, NEH, and IMLS have hit organizations across the Commonwealth, including Mass Cultural Council, Mass Humanities, Mass MoCA, and local museums and historical societies. They described canceled or rescinded grants, layoffs, reduced programming, and a chilling effect on future applications and on artistic and scholarly work, especially where federal awards had already been matched with local or private funds. Several speakers also raised concerns about executive-branch DEI conditions attached to funding and about book challenges and book banning, saying these trends threaten intellectual freedom and public access to culture and history. Committee members emphasized the economic importance of the sector and the need to publicize the impacts. Tourism officials from Meet Boston and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism testified that federal cuts and broader geopolitical and tariff issues are hurting international visitation, especially from Canada and Western Europe, and could affect major upcoming events such as the 2026 World Cup and Sail Boston. They said reduced funding for Brand USA and Discover New England will weaken long-term marketing efforts and international partnerships, with downstream effects on hotel tax revenue, jobs, and workforce recruitment. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with members mainly asking questions and requesting follow-up written testimony and data.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I only want to say everyone, I don't have the solution, just like Senator Gilmore said he didn't have
• a solution, but I think collectively 135 of us next year need to start looking at at least a partial
• solution.
• the report, it says, per the district, it is their practice to not remit or maintain receipts such as gas
• Which probably should go up given gas prices, but we'll leave that alone.

Summary: The committee approved the prior minutes and then received a series of audit and compliance updates. Staff reported on delinquent private water and sewer reports, delinquent 2013-2023 water reports, and several municipal accounting code noncompliance cases. Denning and Gum Springs were recommended to be removed from the 60-day clock after staff visits showed improved records, while Fargo, Lead Hill, Almy, Jericho, Haynes, Biggers, Gilmore, and Holly Grove were discussed for repeat findings involving missing audits, poor bookkeeping, unpaid or misapplied street funds, deficit balances, and other accounting deficiencies. Several of these entities were given additional time or had reports filed without objection, while others were deferred for later review. Fargo’s mayor said the town had been understaffed and was working to improve its accounting systems; the committee voted to defer the matter to the August meeting. Lead Hill’s mayor described efforts to complete overdue water audits and improve office procedures, and the committee also postponed action for 60 days. Almy’s mayor and recorder-treasurer were present, and the committee placed the town on the 60-day clock for repeat accounting issues. Biggers and Gilmore both acknowledged long-running audit problems and said they were working with auditors and the IRS; their reports were filed. Holly Grove’s treasurer said she had only recently taken the position, and that report was filed as well. The committee spent considerable time on the street-fund misuse cases for Jericho and Haynes. Jericho was found to have exceeded the statutory threshold tied to fines and costs, with staff noting the town had since become current on its repayment plan; the committee deferred the report to September. Haynes was also behind on its repayment plan for street funds, with staff saying the town had recently made up the shortfall and was current as of the meeting, but the committee still deferred the report to September. Members and staff also discussed how the speed-trap law is applied, whether certain fines and costs count toward the threshold, and the role of the prosecuting attorney in deciding whether to take further action. The committee then reviewed a special report on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District, which had six findings involving board approval of payroll and contracts, credit card documentation, vehicle and cell phone use, competitive bidding, electronic funds controls, and unusually high advertising spending. District Director Craig Douglas said the board had delegated some authority, that receipts were missing during a temporary staffing gap, and that advertising was needed to educate the public; he also defended the sale of trailers and other equipment as a way to exit the trailer business. Several members questioned the explanations and the low resale value of equipment, but the committee ultimately deferred the report to September. The meeting also included a recognition of accounting students interning with audit staff and a final set of actions on deferred water and sewer reports: 11 were filed, seven were deferred for lack of proper responses, and a private report on Shannon Hills Water, Sewer, and Fire Department was noted as involving misappropriation by an office manager and inadequate internal controls.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I only want to say everyone, I don't have the solution, just like Senator Gilmore said, he didn't
• have a solution.
• But I think collectively, 135 of us next year need to start looking at at least a partial solution.
• the report, it says, per the district, it is their practice to not remit or maintain receipts such as gas
• Which probably should go up given gas prices, but we'll leave that alone.

Summary: The committee approved the prior meeting minutes and then received updates on delinquent water and sewer reports, including seven new reinstatements and a reduction to four remaining delinquent filers. Staff also reported on municipal accounting code noncompliance, removing Denning and Gum Springs from the 60-day clock after improved records were verified, and presenting repeat findings for Fargo, Lead Hill, Alma, Jericho, and Haynes. Members discussed repeated audit problems, the length of time some issues had persisted, and whether towns should be given additional time or face stronger action; motions were made and adopted to place some entities on a 60-day clock or defer action to later meetings. For Fargo and Alma, staff described extensive repeat accounting deficiencies, including missing budgets, bank reconciliations, financial statements, receipts, journals, and supporting documentation. Fargo’s mayor said the town had been understaffed and was beginning to improve its office systems; the committee voted to defer the matter for 60 days and file the report. Alma’s officials said they were trying to correct water audit and accounting issues, and the committee likewise deferred the matter to the August meeting while warning that water-audit delays could jeopardize turnback funds. The committee then reviewed misuse-of-street-funds findings for Jericho and Haynes. Jericho’s police chief and officials explained that traffic fines, drug-related arrests, and other citations had pushed the town over the statutory threshold, while staff clarified that the speed-trap calculation excludes certain add-on fines and is referred to the prosecuting attorney for any action. Haynes officials said repayment problems stemmed from lost revenue and staffing changes, including the loss of the police department, but staff reported the town remained behind on its repayment plan and also owed the IRS. The committee voted to defer the Haynes matter to September and to defer Jericho as well, with members emphasizing the need for consistency and possible broader legislative review of small-town viability. A special report on the Pulaski County Regional Solid Waste Management District drew substantial discussion. Staff cited findings involving board approval of payroll and contracts, credit card documentation, car allowances and personal vehicle use, competitive bidding, and unusually high advertising spending, as well as the sale of trailers and other equipment at low prices. The district director said the board had delegated authority for many expenditures, that personal use was reported for tax purposes, and that advertising was necessary to educate the public about recycling. Members questioned the procurement and disposal decisions and the size of the advertising budget; after discussion, the committee deferred the report to September and asked the director to return. The meeting also included brief deferred reports on Biggers, Gilmore, and Holly Grove, which were filed after local officials described ongoing efforts to resolve long-standing audit and tax issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I would point out, I expect that because the solution here is to introduce private market efficiencies
• But I would point out, I expect that because the solution here is to introduce private market efficiencies
• And in talking with law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney's office, we developed a solution to
• July 1, 2028, it would further reduce the severance tax rate on newly drilled and completed oil and gas
• On July 1, 2028, it would reduce the severance tax rate on newly drilled and completed oil and gas wells

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The Senate considered and passed a series of House bills on third reading, with several title amendments and a few effective-date motions adopted. Early in the session, members passed HB 4452 removing acreage limits on land owned by church or religious trustees, HB 4577 creating reciprocal driver’s license recognition agreements with Ireland and Japan, HB 4588 authorizing West Virginia participation in a federal tax credit scholarship program, and HB 4592 requiring higher education institutions to create coordinated campus safety maps. HB 4602 was amended to align with a prior Senate child welfare pilot program, and members discussed its projected cost and implementation timeline before passing it. HB 4603 created a pre-adjudicatory alternative disposition process in abuse and neglect cases, and HB 4606 narrowed bail rules by requiring consideration of residency and community ties while prohibiting personal recognizance bonds for violent felony offenses after an adopted amendment. The Senate also passed HB 4710 changing the party-registration deadline for candidates from 60 to 180 days before an election, with debate over its impact on independents, and made it effective January 1, 2027. HB 4712, known as Bailey’s Law, increased penalties for DUI causing death and related conduct, with emotional testimony from members about the victim and similar tragedies. HB 4765 established a pay raise for teachers, school personnel, and state police and added a market-pay enhancement system based on county cost-of-living differences; an amendment to the amendment capped county differentials and guaranteed at least a 1% increase in every county. HB 4865 created an optional program for high school and homeschool students to serve as election official trainees, and HB 4869 established narrow guaranteed-issue rights for Medicare supplement policies. Later bills included HB 4995, which strengthened video/audio recording rules in special education classrooms and was passed, then reconsidered and passed again; HB 4996 creating a new crime for making threats of violence against schools or children; HB 5048 guaranteeing virtual instruction for foster children in temporary placement; HB 5065 adding recordkeeping and geolocation requirements for hotel marketplace facilitators to ensure proper hotel tax remittance; and HB 5074 reallocating medical cannabis fund revenues to child protection, homeless services, research, law enforcement, and other purposes. The Senate also passed HB 5101, the Joanna Phillips Domestic Violence Prevention Act, which increased penalties for domestic violence offenses and adjusted bail provisions, after amending it to conform with the earlier bail bill. Additional measures passed included HB 5166 requiring notice before political committees are fined for filing violations and allowing limited extensions, HB 5168 directing $12 million in lottery funds to EMS first responders and county EMS support, HB 5182 authorizing certain state treasurer security personnel to carry concealed firearms, HB 5212 streamlining higher-education financial aid rules, HB 5214 allowing court-ordered drug testing of parents before reunification in abuse and neglect cases, HB 5353 regulating virtual currency kiosks with licensing, disclosures, and transaction limits, and HB 5366 exempting J-LAP records from FOIA to protect confidentiality for lawyers and judges seeking assistance. Most bills passed with strong bipartisan support, though HB 5074 and HB 5353 drew some dissenting votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, again, I think this is by no means the perfect solution, but it's an important start. ...did
• And so, again, I think this is by no means the perfect solution, but it's an important start.
• And so, again, I think this is by no means the perfect solution, but it's an important start.
• It protects water lines, oil and gas facilities, communication networks.
• One of the most critical infrastructures are processing plants, both natural gas and refining and distribution

Bills: SB40, SB104, SB136, SB164

Keywords: SB40, Driver Privacy and Safety Act, automated license plate reader, ALPR, license plate reader, vehicle surveillance, privacy, data sharing, law enforcement data, immigration enforcement, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, civil liberties, surveillance, public records, Inspection of Public Records Act, New Mexico State Police, Department of Public Safety, data sovereignty, vehicle tracking

Transcript Highlights:

• have a big budget, don't have no infrastructure for his, uh, we, we ain't got no tax base like oil or gas
• HCR 98 just encourages thoughtful collaboration policy solutions for our 20th century border challenges
• grew up north of Houston, Livingston, you know, they come up 59 and and during Rita they ran out of gas
• someone with a police officer license, it defeats the purpose that if you're looking for an immediate solution
• to help a problem, that it does no good if that solution then requires an FTO, a field training officer

Transcript Highlights:

• We ain't got no tax base like oil or gas or anything like that. we just got residential good people that's
• HCR 98 just encourages thoughtful... collaboration policy solutions for our 20th century border challenges
• We they come up 59 and during Rita they ran out of gas because the traffic was so bad my dad was a county
• It defeats the purpose that if you're looking looking for an immediate solution to help a problem that
• it does not. no good if that solution then requires an FTO, a field training officer, or any kind of

Bills: HB2034, HB2436, HB3010, HB3033, HB3138, HB3177, HB3426, HB3686, HB3858, HB4176, HB4257, HB4264, HB4804, HCR98

Keywords: groundwater, foreign ownership, national security, water permits, environmental health, deadly conduct, firearm, recklessness, peace officer, prosecution, Penal Code, Texas laws, disaster recovery, infrastructure, rural communities, grants, state funding, emergency management, HB 3033, Texas Department of Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal, state, and local funding together to address some of these solutions.
• things in the actual budget for us is, um, helping people with, uh, electric bills, heating, um, and gas
• health authorities and the hospital districts and the counties, uh, working together to provide these solutions
• , that's not lost on us every day when we're engaging with, uh, people at the grocery store, at the gas
• think working with our state representatives like yourselves, we need common sense locally driven solutions

Transcript Highlights:

• That's why I offered up a solution to that. I'll be speaking to that later. Thank you.
• That's why I offered up a solution to that. I'll be speaking to that later. Thank you.
• We established greenhouse gas emissions. The bill needs a lot of work.
• this body, with organized labor, with environmental advocates, with the public to come up with a solution
• beverages, THC beverages, out of the hands of young kids, since they will not be sold at smoke shops, gas

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• members of the public who are out doing their 9-to-5s, scraping by, hoping that they can put enough gas
• members of the public who are out doing their 9-to-5s, scraping by, hoping that they can put enough gas
• So, is it fair to say that that time is spent more outside of committee creating those solutions, working
• those solutions, working with constituents<01:08:20.120> than<01:08:20.319> inside<01:
• :10:48.480> this<01:10:48.720> is Representative Stephenson said, “Like, this is like gas

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a solution to this. It's nothing new.
• entities that can come and be stationed there at this facility, including UNM, CM, NM, Workforce Solutions
• We want to ensure that we get the most comprehensive and effective cleanup solution selected as possible
• From my time doing oil and gas work in Sandoval County, how many aquifers do we have here in Bernalillo
• What's going on with oil and gas? Just like, what is going to be the capital outlay amount?

Transcript Highlights:

• One trick with this is it's both a software solution and a hardware solution.
• gets more complicated, we need an educated judiciary, in particular for commercial disputes or oil and gas
• We keep hearing about these excess revenues year after year from oil and gas, and all I keep seeing is
• cases that can be highly volatile, and we're really trying to experiment and figure out what that solution
• With today is that district courts are really seeking innovative solutions to turn those numbers around

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, Calais is going to deal with the tension that's inherent in trying to have a race-based solution
• If we apply that to today, if you're losing an election, the solution would be organizing better.
• Find a better solution. Thank you. Have a great day. Thank you for your testimony.
• These people traveled hours and hours to talk to you, and you all know the price of gas right now.
• These people traveled hours and hours to talk to you, and you all know the price of gas right now.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• be a shot at trying to sit down and see if this can be worked out to the point where you have a solution
• point where you be worked out to the point where you have<00:43:18.079> a<00:43:18.880> solution
• that<00:43:19.599> that<00:43:20.000> really<00:43:20.640> pleases have a solution
• You're going to pay your gas to drive to the credit union.
• You're going to pay your gas to drive to the credit union.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• entirely separate from valid concerns, which we share, about the sale of intoxicating hemp products at gas
• We remain eager to work with the author-defined solutions.
• In regions affected by wildfires, home share programs offered innovative solutions for older adults and
• Of course, we would like that as well, but we are trying to find solutions that are efficient and try
• This is just simply allowing market solutions. [03:18:45] This is not asking for anything else.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met as a subcommittee and heard several bills, with members explaining that measures with significant fiscal impacts would be held for suspense or taken up later. AB 761 would let the Monterey-Salinas Transit District place a local sales tax measure on the ballot with approval from two-thirds of its board rather than needing approval from each member jurisdiction; supporters said it would preserve transit funding for veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities, while an opponent argued it would make it easier to raise a regressive tax. The bill was voted out 5-2 after being called for absent members. AB 1253, which would clarify property tax treatment for wildfire reconstruction beyond substantial equivalence, drew support from the Los Angeles County Assessor and the California Assessors Association but was sent to suspense. AB 8, dealing with hemp enforcement, intoxicating hemp products, and integration of hemp cannabinoids into the cannabis supply chain and tax system, drew strong support from cannabis operators and labor groups and opposition from small cultivators and public health advocates concerned about supply, tax revenue, and voter intent; it was also sent to suspense. The committee then heard AB 1138, a major expansion and modernization of the film and television tax credit program. Supporters, including entertainment unions, workers, studios, and local officials, said the bill would help keep production and jobs in California amid competition from other states and countries; opponents criticized it as picking winners and losers and argued broader business costs were the real problem. The bill was referred to suspense. AB 829, which would create a California Parkinson’s Disease Research Fund and voluntary tax contribution program to support research and services, received unanimous support from advocates and was approved 6-0 to Appropriations. AB 474 would exempt rental income from nonprofit home-sharing programs for low-income homeowners from state income tax and protect participants’ eligibility for certain benefits; supporters said it could help older adults age in place and address housing shortages, and the bill was sent to suspense after members asked for clarification on the fiscal estimate. The committee also heard AB 376, which would exempt wildfire settlement payments from state income tax for certain disaster survivors; supporters from rural counties said the money is meant to help victims rebuild and should not be taxed, and the bill was referred to suspense. Finally, AB 480 would allow developers using low-income housing tax credits to switch from allocated to certificated state credits after an award, with supporters saying it would maximize private investment and stretch housing dollars further; it too was sent to suspense. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly emphasized the need to balance policy goals with fiscal impacts, and several bills were held or referred to suspense rather than voted out immediately.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is not a viable solution for several reasons, and this is, and I've been researching this on both
• There's a lack of focus where the focus should be on sustainable solutions.
• instead of just relying on... ...we should prioritize sustainable and scientifically backed solutions
• So let's move this bill through so we can look deeper and find out the best solutions for all of us.
• And we don't just need to focus on greenhouse gas emissions. We also have to focus on resiliency.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 200, which would implement recommendations from DEP’s 2020 Recycling Goal Final Report by creating a technical assistance group to develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan by 2026. The bill focuses on recycling education and outreach, evaluating the former recycling grant program, and developing markets for recyclable materials. Supporters from the waste and recycling industry and counties said the bill would finally create a real plan to help Florida move toward its recycling goals. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 50 on nature-based coastal resilience, which would promote green, gray, and hybrid infrastructure, direct USF’s Flood Hub to develop guidelines, require DEP rulemaking on erosion and mangrove protection, and study whether nature-based flood reduction could help lower insurance costs. Supporters appeared in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 7000 as a committee bill to continue a public records exemption protecting site-specific location information for threatened and endangered species. Members next took up SB 56 on weather modification activities. The bill would prohibit the release of chemicals or substances into the atmosphere to affect weather or sunlight, define geoengineering, increase penalties through an amendment, and create a DEP reporting hotline with possible referral to DOH or emergency management. The sponsor and several supporters argued the bill was needed to address public concerns and lack of oversight, while several senators questioned the evidence, the role of state agencies, and whether the bill was ready for passage. Despite opposition from some members, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 62 creating a resilient building tax credit program, after amending it to shift agency references from DEP to DBPR and add university advisory members, and CS for SB 80 to clarify state park management as conservation-based, require public notice and advisory input for plan changes, and improve reporting on park repairs; both bills were reported favorably after testimony from supporters and conservation groups who sought tighter language to prevent incompatible uses. Finally, the committee received presentations from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on gopher tortoise relocation, wildlife disease surveillance, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. FWC described tortoise relocation and recipient-site programs, ongoing monitoring of wildlife diseases such as chronic wasting disease and feline leukomyelopathy, and efforts to address fish die-offs and update sanctuary agreements amid state-federal jurisdiction issues. No votes were taken on the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• If we could get gas for free, that'd be great. We can't.
• If we could<00:39:32.079> get<00:39:32.240> gas<00:39:32.560> for<00:39:32.720><
• could get gas for free, that'd be great. could get gas for free, that'd be great.
• <01:29:13.440> to<01:29:13.760> provide we can uh find some solutions to provide we
• can uh find some solutions to provide our<01:29:14.880> transit<01:29:15.199> riders<01

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Your support will help us replace the natural gas lines in Crookston, fix 50-year-old leaky pipes in
• 10.000> natural support will help us replace the natural support will help us replace the natural gas
• > in<00:09:10.959> crookton<00:09:11.600> fix<00:09:11.920> 50-year-old gas
• lines in crookton fix 50-year-old gas lines in crookton fix 50-year-old leaky<00:09:12.800> pipes
• FARM aims to deliver practical solutions for today and forward-looking ideas for tomorrow, using cutting-edge

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 2052 provides a simple solution.
• byproducts that would otherwise go to waste, the rendering industry reduces landfill use, lowers greenhouse gas

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, dispensed with the reading of the prior journal, and handled a large number of procedural motions, including suspending rules for guest introductions and committee notice, withdrawing AB 2595 from Appropriations, and moving ACR 110 to the inactive file. Members also noted absences for maternity leave and personal business, and the chamber recognized several birthdays and numerous visiting city officials and community groups. On the floor file, the Assembly took up several measures. AB 1673 by Assembly Member Hadwick, dealing with fish and wildlife funding for wildlife-conflict prevention, passed 62-0. ACR 143 by Assembly Member Pacheco, declaring April 19-25 as California Cities Week, was adopted with 65 coauthors added. AB 1982 by Assembly Member Lowenthal, which removes sunsets from existing anti-drink-spiking requirements for bars and nightclubs, passed 68-0. ACR 158 by Assembly Member Solache, recognizing April 2026 as Donate Life Month, was adopted with 74 coauthors added, and AB 1908 by Assembly Member McKinnor, authorizing counties to establish victim compensation funds for survivors of abuse by public agencies, passed 71-0. The Assembly also approved AB 2052 by Assembly Member Stephanie, aimed at allowing continuity of prosecution for vulnerable victims, by a 62-0 vote, and ACR 178 by Leader Flora, recognizing April 21 as National Rendering Day, with 69 coauthors added and adopted by voice vote. The second-day consent calendar, including multiple bills and resolutions, was adopted 69-0, with several items receiving unanimous urgency or resolution votes. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Mary Dallas Armstrong, followed by announcements of committee meetings and the next floor session scheduled for Monday, April 27 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are other solutions, there are better solutions. We're watching people out in our ...
• I'm a solution provider. I'm going to provide a solution today.
• I'm a solution provider.
• This is a solution.
• They want the solutions. They're all reaching out. They want the solutions. Why don't we?

Summary: The committee hearing focused on biosolids, sewage sludge, and PFAS contamination, with the opening remarks and first three presenters arguing that land application of municipal sludge poses serious risks to soil, water, livestock, and human health. Representative Shaw cited EPA and state data on detected pollutants and PFAS in biosolids, while Denise Travick Poyer described her background in chemical engineering and PFAS work and said the EPA’s draft sewage sludge risk assessment shows unacceptable risk at very low PFOS/PFOA levels. She urged source reduction, more testing, and consideration of total organic fluorine, and noted examples from Michigan where industrial pretreatment and source reduction reduced PFAS in biosolids. Johnson County, Texas Commissioner Larry Woolley and Investigator Dana Ames presented a case study of alleged runoff from land-applied biosolids affecting a ranch, with high PFAS readings in soil, water, fish, cattle tissue, and a stillborn calf, and said the county and state had pursued investigations, lawsuits, and legislative responses. Sandra Trawick of Save Oklahoma Farms and Ranches argued that Oklahoma’s biosolids program relies heavily on Class B sludge, that current rules are outdated, and that land application exposes farms and rural communities to pathogens, chemicals, odors, flies, and runoff; she cited examples from Maine, Texas, Georgia, Michigan, and Oklahoma to support calls for stronger regulation or a ban. After the testimony, members asked about sampling methods, lab testing, EPA limits, and whether the cited PFAS blood levels were comparable to the soil and sludge measurements. Witnesses said the Johnson County samples were collected by a Texas A&M PhD contractor and tested at a single lab, and they explained that the EPA’s 4 parts per trillion figure applied to municipal drinking water standards. Questions also addressed whether sludge is incorporated into soil; Trawick said it had often been left on the surface, though she had seen better disking after public scrutiny. Members asked how biosolids compare with manure and feedlot waste, and witnesses responded that municipal sludge is more contaminated because it includes industrial, hospital, and household waste streams, unlike animal manure. The committee then moved to alternative solutions, hearing from Doug McKinney of Advanced Microbial Solutions, who promoted biological sludge removal using bacteria to reduce sludge volumes and avoid land application, citing cost savings for wastewater plants and correctional facilities. Jason Jepsen of Eden Energy followed with a pitch for an eight-stage waste-to-energy system that converts mixed waste into clean energy, biochar, and reusable products, framing waste as an asset and presenting his company’s technology as a no-land-application alternative.