Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 4D by Senator Brodeur, a bill to be entitled an act relating to public records.
• A bill to be entitled an act relating to medical freedom. President's reference: Rules.
• Senate Bill 4D, a bill to be entitled an act relating to public records.
• Senate Bill 4D, a bill to be entitled an act relating to public records.
• Senate Bill 4D, a bill to be entitled an act relating to public records. Debate on the bill.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 900, an act relating to House Bill 900, an act relating to government<00:10:50.480> agencies
• Senate Bill 4, an act relating to school leadership. Mr.
• House Bill 692, an act relating to data privacy.
• House Bill 607, an act relating to consolidated local governments.
• <01:13:58.640> to Ohio River Restoration Program Act to Ohio River Restoration Program Act

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 9, an act relating to housing districts.
• , Senate Bill 9, our Read to Succeed Act, Senate Bill 9, our Read to Succeed Act, and<01:02:44.000
• :40.400> to<01:25:40.639> local 148, an act relating to local 148, an act relating to local
• Senate Bill 154, an act Senator Elkins.
• Act on the >> Thank you, Mr. President. Act on the resolution,<01:27:25.760> please.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and a quorum established. The journal was approved, absent senators were excused, and new bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on housing districts, calorie information, alcohol beverage control, county clerk filings, vital records, and a resolution honoring Dr. Samantha Shaver. The chamber also received notice that the House had passed House Bills 384, 144, and 290 and requested concurrence. The Senate then recessed briefly for party caucuses before reconvening. The main floor action centered on Senate Bill 3, relating to school district finances. The bill, as amended by Senate Committee Amendment 1 and Senate Floor Amendment 2, was described as strengthening financial transparency for school districts by requiring public access to budgeting information, monthly credit card statements, superintendent contracts and compensation, audits, and final working budgets. Supporters argued it would improve fiscal responsibility and accountability in response to concerns about spending practices in large districts. The Senate adopted both amendments and passed SB 3 by a vote of 35-1, with one senator explaining a no vote while acknowledging the need for transparency. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 1, relating to education and the governance structure of a large school district. Supporters said the bill responds to a recent court ruling by adding detailed findings to justify treating the district differently and by clarifying that the superintendent handles day-to-day operations while the board focuses on strategic planning, budget approval, audits, and hiring or firing the superintendent. Proponents cited the district’s size, share of state education funding, number of students, and concentration of low-performing schools as reasons for the change. Opponents argued the bill would reduce elected board accountability, questioned whether the structure would improve outcomes, and emphasized broader funding and achievement challenges. After extended debate, the Senate proceeded to a vote on SB 1; the transcript shows a brief proponent statement and a lengthy opposing explanation, but the final vote result is not included in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:59.520> which Hawaii State Planning Act which Hawaii State Planning Act which establishes
• <00:08:55.519> this bill that touches the planning act this bill that touches the planning
• Um and so, you know, we under act 36.
• <00:14:53.519> that are supporting um the uh the act that are supporting um the uh the act
• Moving on to Senate Bill 30002, Blank State Planning Act.

Bills: SB3294

Keywords: wrongful conviction, compensation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, innocence, legal process, burden of proof, case manager, medical coverage, judicial discretion, 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees first took up SB 3294, a controversial measure concerning post-release assistance for people pursuing reversals of prior court decisions where innocence is in question. Members discussed keeping the bill moving on the “human side” while a House companion addressed the legal issues. The adopted amendments removed advanced compensation language and instead required DCR, with DHS, to help petitioners prepare applications for financial and medical assistance, notify DHS upon release, assign a case manager to assist with a cell phone for one year, housing, employment, mental health counseling, and expedited benefits, and provide a state ID upon release. The measure also included technical amendments and a defective date, and it passed unanimously. The joint committees then heard SB 2237 on fire prevention, which would require state agencies to create and update hazard maps and direct DNR to adopt rules and clear brush. DLNR testified that a single lead agency should develop the maps with input from other agencies, that a five-year timeline would be more reasonable, and that assigning DNR all fuels management on state lands would create an unfunded mandate. Members discussed using the newly created fire marshal’s office as the lead, and the committees ultimately deferred the bill in favor of a broader wildfire mitigation measure already moving in another committee. The final agenda included SB 2596 on government leases, SB 30002 on the Hawaii State Planning Act and green infrastructure, and SB 3067 on records and filing requirements. SB 2596 was advanced unamended to Ways and Means. On SB 30002, OPSD explained that a 2025-2027 comprehensive review of chapter 226 is underway, with a report and draft legislation due in 2027, and members debated whether to move piecemeal changes now or wait for the broader review; the bill nevertheless passed unamended. SB 3067, which updates outdated filing formats and drawing scales, also passed unamended with DAGS supporting the measure in writing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Waters of the United States, the protections, waters that would be protected under the Clean Water Act
• , waters that had been protected for many, many years under the Clean Water Act.
• But it lacks some of the more stringent protections that were under the Clean Water Act, such as total
• All of our Clean Water Act permits will need to be turned into state permits.
• It keeps the standards in terms of the Federal Clean Water Act permits in place.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Strengthen their resolve to act with kindness, listen with empathy, Strengthen their resolve to act with
• I move that the Senate appoint a committee of three to act with a like committee from the House as a
• Engrossed House Bill 1127 is a bill for an act to create an act chapter 13-01.2 of the North Dakota Century
• House Bill 1564 is a bill for an act to mandate reenact...
• Engrossed House Bill 1447 is a bill for an act... ...and other House and Senate sponsors.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The North Dakota House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then received a gubernatorial veto message on Senate Bill 2261. The governor vetoed the bill creating a prison industries workforce development tax credit, citing dormant Commerce Clause concerns and arguing the tax credit would create an unfair market advantage and not meaningfully help Rough Rider Industries. The House agreed to place SB 2261 on the next day’s calendar for a possible veto override. The chamber also re-referred Senate Bill 2159 to the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and appointed a conference committee for Senate Bill 2133 after the Senate refused to concur with House amendments. The House then took up a series of Senate amendments and final passage votes on several bills. It concurred in amendments and passed House Bill 1140 naming the Specialist John P. Fettig, Iraq Bridge; House Bill 1241 allowing funeral home vehicles to display flashing purple lights and clarifying emergency vehicle lamp rules; House Bill 1316 imposing additional penalties for repeated violations of temporary restricted licenses; House Bill 1127 expanding Department of Financial Institutions authority and data security provisions; House Bill 1564 on Indian child welfare; House Bill 1167 requiring AI disclosure statements in political communications; House Bill 1170 on state employee annual leave; House Bill 1447 regulating virtual currency kiosks; House Bill 1278 creating a cash management board for state treasury funds; House Bill 1024, the deficiency appropriation bill; House Bill 1205 on newborn safety devices; House Bill 1204 expanding false-information rules for political ads to text messages and telephone calls; House Bill 1001, the governor’s budget; House Bill 1206 increasing penalties for DUI offenses involving a minor; House Bill 1088 on insurance penalties and restitution; and House Bill 1515 on motor vehicle warranty work compensation. Most passed with strong margins, though HB 1170 and HB 1024 drew notable opposition, and HB 1447 and HB 1204 also had several nays. The most extended debate came on Senate Concurrent Resolution 4008, which proposed a constitutional amendment to change legislative term limits from the current structure to four four-year terms and repeal a constitutional restriction on proposing such changes. Supporters argued the measure would preserve institutional knowledge, allow voters to reconsider the 2022 term-limit decision, and let the public decide on the ballot. Opponents said the people had already spoken, the measure was confusing or unnecessary, and it could distract from other ballot issues. After reconsideration was granted, the House passed SCR 4008 by a vote of 53 yeas to 39 nays. The session ended with announcements, committee meeting notices, and adjournment until April 3, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Haven Act helps ensure that victims have a chance to become survivors.
• The Haven Act helps ensure that victims have a chance to become survivors.
• The Haven Act helps ensure that victims have a chance to become survivors.
• And I thank you, my friend, for the Haven Act, for bringing this.
• know what they’re doing is illegal... ...acting in good faith.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard and advanced a series of bills on inmate medical billing, court-order transmission, animal abandonment during disasters, first responder peer support, firearm purchase waiting periods, capital felony aggravators, domestic violence protections, boating safety, restitution for leaving the scene of a crash, xylazine trafficking, and offenses against law enforcement officers. Testimony was generally supportive across the agenda, with some opposition or caution raised on the xylazine bill, the boating safety bill, and parts of the law-enforcement-officer bill. Several measures were presented as responses to specific tragedies, including the Martin County jail medical billing bill, the Baker Act transmission bill, Trooper’s Law for restrained dogs, the Jason Rayner Act, and Lucy’s Law. HB 407 would cap certain emergency medical charges for Martin County jail inmates at 110% of Medicare rates, mirroring Department of Corrections practice; it passed 15-0. HB 513 would require faster electronic transmission of certain court orders, including Baker Act orders, to law enforcement within six hours; it passed 15-0. HB 205, Trooper’s Law, creates a third-degree felony for abandoning a restrained dog during a natural disaster; it passed 15-0. HB 421, as amended, expands peer support for first responders to certain support personnel involved in crime scene work or evidence handling; it passed 16-0. PCS for HB 383 would let law enforcement, correctional officers, correctional probation officers, and active military service members bypass the three-day handgun waiting period without a concealed carry permit; it passed 18-0. HB 693 adds an aggravating factor in capital cases when the victim was gathered with others for a school, religious, or public government meeting; it passed 17-1 after opposition testimony from Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. PCS for HB 19 and HB 41, the Haven Act, would expand domestic and dating violence protections, including a feasibility study for a web-based 911 alert system and confidentiality/public-records protections for victims; both passed 18-0. PCS for HB 289, Lucy’s Law, would align boating penalties with driving offenses and expand boating safety card requirements; it passed 18-0 despite concerns from one witness that the bill should go further. HB 479 would allow courts to order restitution in leaving-the-scene property-damage cases; an amendment changing mandatory to discretionary restitution was adopted, and the bill passed 18-0. PCS for HB 57 would regulate xylazine, add trafficking penalties, and include veterinary-use exceptions; it passed 17-0 after one witness opposed mandatory minimums. HB 175, the Jason Rayner Act, clarifies that officers are protected when acting within the scope of their duties and adds manslaughter of a law enforcement officer to offenses requiring life imprisonment; it passed 17-0 after debate over self-defense and unlawful police conduct.

Transcript Highlights:

• House file number 2434, an act<00:08:00.319> relating<00:08:00.639> to<00:08:00.879>
• <00:08:02.080> The act relating to human services. The act relating to human services.
• Senate file number 856,<00:08:26.560> an<00:08:26.720> act<00:08:27.039> relating
• ><00:08:27.440> to<00:08:27.599> state 856, an act relating to state 856, an act relating
• relating to state government, act relating to state government, creating<00:08:43.440> office

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I know this was talked about as being part of the HERO Act.
• I know this was talked about as being part of the HERO Act last session; however, it did not make it
• , the Welcome Home Bill, the Valor Act One and Two.
• Thank you. respectfully submit testimony supporting House Bill 3003, an act relative to the COVID-19
• David Beale, which is an act defining further a legislative body.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a range of retirement-related bills, with several witnesses and advocates focusing on pension equity, veteran benefits, and recognition for public safety workers. Representative Dennis Gallagher and Mass Retirees supported legislation to increase the long-standing veterans’ bonus from $15 to $50 per year of service, up to $1,000 annually, and described it as a modest, overdue adjustment with minimal fiscal impact. Mass Retirees also backed bills to raise the minimum survivor allowance for public retirees and to address inequities in Option B and Option C survivor benefits for retirees whose pensions were calculated under older mortality tables. The committee also heard a personal bill from Representative Jim Arceiro and Nathan McKinnon seeking creditable service for McKinnon’s years in the Nevada higher education system, which he said should count toward his Massachusetts retirement. Another individual bill was presented by Roberta Wollins, supported by Senator Keenan, to remedy what she described as misleading retirement advice from UMass Boston that affected her ability to buy back prior service and made her retirement planning inaccurate. Senator Keenan and others framed both cases as unique fairness issues rather than broad policy changes. A large panel from police, fire, corrections, EMS, and related organizations testified in favor of a COVID-19 retirement credit proposal and a study bill, arguing that essential workers who reported in person throughout the pandemic should receive recognition and a time-based retirement credit. Witnesses described exposure risks, illness, deaths, staffing strain, and long-term effects from COVID-19, and several committee members voiced support and appreciation for their service. The hearing concluded with no votes taken on the bills and a motion to adjourn, which was approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll try to, as soon as we get a quorum present, we will act upon bills that we've already heard.
• The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, or SGMA, established a framework for long-term groundwater
• The act has effectively stripped... ...burdensome for residents of the high desert.
• High desert residents are living under the hardship of the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act.
• In order to learn more about the Conservation Act, we did our... ...property.

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to wildlife access, groundwater enforcement, desert plant regulation, outdoor equity, and water supply planning. SB 1021 would direct the Fish and Game Commission to create accommodations for children with life-threatening illnesses to participate in hunting and fishing opportunities; supporters described the bill as therapeutic and family-centered, while an opposition group argued the state should focus on non-lethal outdoor activities. SB 997 would give the North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency lien authority to enforce fees and penalties under SGMA; the author and agency said the bill closes an enforcement gap for a special-legislation GSA, and it drew broad support from local government and agricultural groups. The committee also considered SB 1061, which would streamline relocation permits for Western Joshua trees on private property; the author and local officials said the current law creates burdens for homeowners and infrastructure, while supporters framed the bill as a balance between conservation and property rights. Members also heard SB 1268, which would codify the Outdoors for All initiative to expand park access and outdoor equity, especially in underserved communities; it received strong support from environmental, parks, local government, and community organizations, with members praising the effort to improve access. SB 1085 would restore water supply assessment requirements for large developments even when CEQA exemptions apply, so local agencies still receive early information about water availability; the sponsor and water agencies said the bill helps prevent “paper water” problems and supports planning in drought conditions, and the building industry indicated it would remove its opposition after amendments. The committee accepted amendments on several bills, took roll once quorum was established, and advanced the measures by vote. Votes taken included SB 997, SB 1021, SB 1061, SB 1085, and SB 1268, all of which were reported out of committee, with SB 1061, SB 1085, and SB 1268 later recorded as passing 11-0. SB 997 was approved on a due-pass motion to Judiciary, SB 1021 was sent to Appropriations as amended, SB 1061 and SB 1085 were sent to Appropriations and Local Government respectively, and SB 1268 was sent to Natural Resources. The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning after completing the votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules and the committees on rules of the two branches, acting concurrently, reports
• An act authorizing the appointment of alternate members to the Conservation Commission of the Town of
• An act amending the charter of the City of Greenfield, House Bill 4379.
• An act relative to the charter of the city known as the An act relative to the charter of the city known
• H. 1596, as amended, an act establishing a sick leave bank for Anna C.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with a pledge of allegiance and adopted a series of ceremonial resolutions, including one honoring the Friends of the Somerset Public Library for National Friends of Libraries Week. Members also suspended the rules to take up a report from the Committee on Rules, which recommended suspending Joint Rule 12 on a Watertown petition concerning property tax classifications for fiscal year 2027 and later; the House approved that suspension and referred the petition to the Committee on Revenue. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling then reported several local bills for House consideration, including measures for Swampscott, Marblehead, Greenfield, Randolph, Williamsburg, and a bill authorizing alternate members to the Swampscott Conservation Commission. After suspending Rule 7A, the House gave these bills second reading and ordered them to a third reading. The House also took up three Haverhill firefighter age-exemption bills for Stephen Justice, Javier Vargas, and Britney Sproll, and passed each to be engrossed. Later, the House enacted H. 1596, as amended, establishing a sick leave bank for Anna C. Contreras, a Trial Court employee. The chamber then adopted an order to meet again Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned to that time.

Transcript Highlights:

• One matter will be taken out of the orders of the day: an act continuing the employment of Police Chief
• An act authorizing the City of Taunton to continue the employment of Edward J.
• An act authorizing the City of Taunton to continue the employment of Edward J.
• Third reading of the bill: an act establishing a sick leave bank for Anna C.
• His message has reunited honorable remembrances and neighborly acts of kindness.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, then adopted a congratulatory resolution offered by Senator Rush honoring Trevor Joseph O’Brien for attaining Eagle Scout. The chamber then took up several local and personnel matters, including a Taunton bill to continue the employment of Police Chief Edward J. Walsh until age 70. Senator Dooner offered and the Senate adopted a substitute draft authorizing the city to continue Walsh’s employment, then ordered the bill to a third reading and passed it to be engrossed. The Senate also passed to be engrossed a bill establishing a sick leave bank for Anna C. Contreras, a Trial Court employee, and a bill reauthorizing Swansea to issue additional on-premises alcohol licenses. Another House bill exempting the Assistant Fire Chief position in Natick from civil service was taken up after the rules were suspended and was ordered to a third reading. The Senate adopted an order to meet again on Thursday in formal session with a calendar. Before adjourning, members paid tribute to Joseph W. Casper, a South Boston funeral director, broadcaster, writer, and public figure, with remarks highlighting his community service and family legacy. The Senate observed a moment of silence and adjourned in his memory.

Transcript Highlights:

• An act establishing a sick leave bank for Amy Tangway, an employee of the Trial Court of the Commonwealth
• If there is no objection, one matter will be taken out of the orders of the day: an act directing the
• An act directing the City of Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for police
• If there is no objection, one matter will be taken out of the orders of the day: an act allowing the
• An act allowing the town of Hingham to use municipal property as the location for a center for active

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted a resolution congratulating John Leonard on his retirement from the Town of Milton Board of Appeals. The chamber then took up several local and individual bills, including an emergency preamble for a sick leave bank for Amy Tangway of the Trial Court, which was adopted by standing vote. The Senate passed to be engrossed a bill waiving the maximum age requirement for Boston police officer Cheryl Mullace, a bill allowing Hingham to use municipal property for a center for active living, and a bill authorizing Milford to convert a wine and malt beverage license to an all-alcohol license for off-premises consumption. On the Milford bill, Senator Rausch offered and the Senate adopted a substitute amendment before passing the bill. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 12 on a House petition concerning school choice and referred it to the Committee on Education. Later, the Senate enacted S. 2625 on revenue bonds for Quincy telecommunications facilities, H. 4210 removing the residency requirement for Dalton’s town manager, and H. 4647 establishing the sick leave bank for Amy Tangway, sending them to the Governor. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• H. 542, an act expanding access to friend, family, and neighbor provided child care.
• First bill on our list is H. 707, an act relative to public preschool facilities.
• Anyone here to testify on H. 523, an act to achieve universal pre-K? Lisa, are you here?
• Okay, so how about H. 523, an act to achieve universal pre-K?
• Anyone here to testify on H. 615, an act to ensure the health and safety of children?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held its sixth public hearing and took testimony on a large slate of bills, with the chair moving H. 542/S. 341 on family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) child care to the top of the agenda so young constituents would not have to wait. Witnesses from labor, community organizations, and FFN providers strongly supported the bill, saying FFN care fills critical gaps for families working nonstandard hours, especially in low-income, immigrant, and BIPOC communities. Testimony emphasized that FFN providers are currently underpaid, often receive only about $24 per child per day, and should be guaranteed at least the state minimum wage. Witnesses also backed changes to the voucher system to allow families to combine formal and FFN care more flexibly, and they supported creating an FFN advisory council. Committee members asked about the difference between FFN and center-based care, registration requirements, fingerprinting/background checks, EEC’s ongoing study group, and the fiscal impact; witnesses said the current annual cost is about $1.8 million and could rise to about $6 million if all current FFN providers were paid minimum wage, still under 1% of the EEC budget. The committee then closed testimony on that bill. The committee next heard testimony on several preschool and universal pre-K bills, including H. 707 on public preschool facilities, H. 687/S. 339 on universal pre-K and mixed delivery, and related bills such as H. 606, H. 523, H. 618, H. 522, H. 510, and H. 615, many of which were later closed without additional witnesses. A Lowell school official testified that space and facilities funding are major barriers to expanding preschool and that the city has hundreds of children on voucher waitlists. Other witnesses and organizations, including the Early Care and Education Consortium and AFT Massachusetts, supported mixed-delivery universal pre-K and warned that public-school expansion should not undermine community-based providers, whose preschool tuition helps subsidize infant and toddler care. Several witnesses also urged stronger standards for preschool teachers, better staffing ratios, and more integrated special education and support services. The committee accepted written testimony on some bills and closed testimony on the others when no one else came forward. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 541/S. 373, which would ban school exclusion in pre-K through third grade. Advocates from Massachusetts Advocates for Children, Mass Appleseed, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, AFT Massachusetts, and the Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee argued that suspensions and expulsions at young ages harm learning, worsen inequities, and contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline. They cited data showing disproportionate impacts on Black and Latinx students, students with disabilities, and low-income children, and described personal stories of children whose behavior improved when schools kept them in class and addressed underlying needs. Committee members asked for updated data on the number of students and districts affected, and witnesses said they would provide more detailed written information. After testimony on this and a few other bills, including S. 372, S. 357, and H. 275/S. 133, the committee closed testimony and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Assembly Bill 580 by Assembly Member Wallace and an act relating to mining.
• AB 688, the Telehealth for All Act of 2025, is back on concurrence.
• Senate Bill 301 by Senator Grayson and act relating to retirement.
• Senate Bill 301 by Senator Grayson and act relating to retirement.
• Senate Bill 650 by Senator Cabaldon, an act relating to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Reform Act of

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, with members observing a moment of silence for the Minnesota tragedy mentioned by the Speaker. The chamber then moved quickly through a large daily file, taking up many Senate amendments and third-reading measures, with most bills passing by wide margins or unanimously. Early procedural actions included returning AB 1308 to the Senate, rescinding action on SB 863, and later taking up several resolutions and bills on concurrence and third reading. Among the main policy items, members adopted AJR 8 on temporary protected status after debate over immigration policy, and AJR 19 urging opposition to dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. The Assembly also adopted ACR 112 recognizing September as Deaf Awareness Month, with several members speaking in support of the deaf community and accessibility. Other notable measures included bills on water reclamation and Colorado River Aqueduct maintenance (AB 580), telehealth (AB 688), housing approvals and ADU enforcement/cleanup (AB 920, SB 9, SB 543), pension and retirement rules (SB 301), volunteer fire department tax exemptions (SB 87), dementia training for home care aides (SB 412), and a San Francisco public-safety measure on stolen goods resale (SB 276), which drew opposition over permitting and criminalization concerns. The Assembly also passed or concurred in a number of Senate bills dealing with local government finance and infrastructure, public contracts, the Delta, fairgrounds compensation, and San Francisco liquor licenses, as well as AJR 3 on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Most measures were approved on roll-call votes with few no votes; SB 227 and SB 276 were urgency measures and received the required two-thirds support. The consent calendar was adopted unanimously, and the day concluded with several adjournment-in-memory tributes, including remembrances of former Assembly staffer Lawrence Merman, Jeff Brady, Fran Urcini, and Alejandro Luna, before the House adjourned until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• engineering and land surveying scholarships, House Bill 164, an act relating to coverage for hearing
• of Insurance, House Bill 424, an act relating to social work, House Bill 527, an act relating to insurance
• > relating<00:06:26.920> to House Bill 527, an act relating to House Bill 527, an act relating
• relating to domestic 611, an act relating to domestic relations.
• House Bill 312, an act House Bill 312.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• basis for an EIFD would subvert the entire purpose of the act.
• Senate Bill 50 by Senator Ashby, the Victims Digital Safety Act.
• measure to address gaps in the Equal Pay Act.
• The California Fair Pay Act was a historic bipartisan measure to address gaps in the Equal Pay Act.
• Today I rise to present AB 365, the Justin Crop Safety Act.

Summary: The Assembly convened, established a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then moved through a long floor file with many Senate bills. Early procedural actions included unanimous-consent motions, a successful roll-call to rescind prior action on SB 351, and a 54-vote suspension of Joint Rule 61(a)(3) to allow floor amendments on SBs 80, 351, and 415. The chamber also made several referrals, moved one item to the inactive file, and welcomed new Assembly Member Natasha Johnson and other guests. The bulk of the meeting consisted of concurrence and third-reading votes on a wide range of measures, many of them passing with little or no opposition. Topics included tribal gaming grants (AB 221), State Bar fee and bar exam changes (SB 253), AI guardrails in community colleges (SB 241), consumer arbitration clauses (SB 82), due process for law enforcement in Racial Justice Act cases (SB 734), dental payment fee disclosures (SB 386), HOA balcony inspection reports (SB 410), farmland protection and EIFD rules (SB 5 and SB 516), emergency shelter zoning (SB 340), HIV confidentiality (SB 504), election signature-cure reforms (SB 3), contractor workers’ compensation compliance (SB 291), fire training funding (SB 345), wage theft enforcement (SB 355 and SB 261), food allergen disclosures (SB 68), ride-share insurance coverage (SB 371), housing and disaster recovery measures (SB 233, SB 625, SB 21), midwifery education (SB 520), mobile home insurance access (SB 525), epinephrine in schools (SB 568), health facility emergency licensing (SB 582), hair relaxer enforcement (SB 236), wastewater surveillance (SB 317), and several tax, transportation, and public health bills. A number of bills drew brief policy debate or opposition. SB 388, creating a California Latino Commission, prompted criticism from some members who argued the money should go directly to community needs rather than a new commission; it still passed. SB 50 on digital safety for victims of abuse, SB 20 on silicosis prevention, SB 306 on prior authorization reform, SB 373 on oversight of out-of-state special education placements, and SB 437 on reparations descendant-status verification were among the more substantive and discussed measures. Most bills passed by wide margins, often unanimously, and several urgency or tax-levy measures required 54 votes and were approved. The session ended with continued passage of remaining file items and multiple items retained or passed temporarily for later action.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Affordable Homes Act seconds.
• <00:59:20.799> for Urban Development failed to act for Urban Development failed to act for
• Affordable Homes Act. I yield back. Affordable Homes Act. I yield back.
• This is not the way America acts. We need accountability to ICE and we need to act with our values.
• was an act of war. was an act of war.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, January 9, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• S. 319 and an act relative to access for out-of-school time.
• This was an Act Relative to Support Student Participation in 4-H Programs.
• Act establishing an elementary and secondary school robotics grant program.
• Next up is H. 639, an act relative to recognizing cheerleading as a sport.
• I like to call it the Play Act. Simply put, this aims to help... I'd like to call it the Play Act.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a very full public hearing on the first Education Committee hearing of the session, with testimony taken on a large slate of bills, especially H. 650/S. 436 and related measures. The chairs explained the hearing rules, including two-minute testimony limits, live streaming, written testimony, and accommodations for interpreters and disabilities. The committee first heard extensive testimony on H. 460/S. 436 and later H. 650/S. 436, bills to affirm and maintain equal access to public education for all children, including immigrant students, English learners, and students with disabilities. Witnesses included parents, advocates, educators, attorneys, and state officials, many of whom described fears caused by federal policy changes and argued that Massachusetts should codify protections for school enrollment, special education, interpreter services, and due process in discipline cases. The Attorney General’s office, Mass Advocates for Children, Lawyers for Civil Rights, MIRA, the Children’s Law Center, the Disability Law/advocacy community, and others all urged favorable action, while committee members asked questions about Plyler v. Doe, manifestation determinations, interpreter qualifications, and how the bill would mirror or preserve existing federal protections at the state level. The committee also heard testimony on H. 702/S. 460, establishing an elementary and secondary school robotics grant program, which was supported as a way to expand STEM opportunities and help schools fund robotics programs. Representative Sweeney also testified on H. 713, a bill to support student participation in 4-H programming by allowing excused absences similar to those for athletics and other sanctioned activities; members noted bipartisan support and the bill’s long history. The hearing then moved to H. 543/S. 417, a recess bill requiring at least 30 minutes of free-play recess for K-8 students. Supporters included the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the League of Women Voters, educators, and parents, who emphasized recess as important for physical health, social-emotional development, attention, and academic performance, and noted that unequal local policies create disparities across districts. Several witnesses also tied recess to broader concerns about student well-being and screen time. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee simply received testimony and closed testimony on the bills as it moved through the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate bills must be acted upon by December 3rd.
• , an Act Combating Offshore Tax Avoidance.
• Excuse me, House 3110, an act banning offshore tax avoidance.
• It's predicated on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
• H. 311, S. 2033, an act combating offshore tax avoidance.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue, chaired by Senator James Eldridge and Representative Adrian Madaro, opened its hearing with a moment of silence for the late Lowell State Senator Ed Kennedy and reviewed hearing procedures and deadlines. The committee then took testimony on several corporate tax bills, including S. 2033/H. 3110 on offshore tax avoidance, H. 3248 on a manufacturing tax exemption, H. 3057 on a tiered corporate minimum tax, and S. 2041 on a corporate tax haven blacklist, along with a separate business interest deduction bill. No votes were taken during the hearing. Supporters of S. 2033/H. 3110, including labor unions, health care workers, educators, public health advocates, seniors, and several legislators, argued that Massachusetts needs new revenue to offset federal cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, health care, education, and other services. They said the bill would raise roughly $400 million annually by increasing the share of offshore profits included in the state tax base from 5% to 50%, and they framed it as a fairness measure that would require large multinational corporations to pay more while leaving most local businesses and workers unaffected. Testimony emphasized risks to MassHealth, PCA services, adult dental care, hospitals, schools, and public health programs if new revenue is not raised. Opponents, including the Mass Taxpayers Foundation and the Council on State Taxation, argued the proposal is poor tax policy and likely unconstitutional because it would tax foreign-source income without allowing foreign tax credits or a comparable apportionment method. They said Massachusetts should take a broader, coordinated approach to federal tax changes rather than a standalone bill, and warned of litigation risk and possible double taxation. Supporters such as MassBudget and former tax counsel Don Griswold countered that the bill is a reasonable rough-justice approach, consistent with federal and neighboring-state treatment, and that it would primarily affect a small number of very large multinationals. On S. 2041, the Global Business Alliance opposed the proposed tax haven blacklist, while supporting a separate bill allowing business interest deductibility.