Transcript Highlights:

• In the interest of compromise, I'm open to, depending on how others react, some sort of inflationary
• So I would be open to a compromise, but it would have to be very tightly done because I don't want that
• All students who are qualified must be eligible to enroll in a public primary or secondary school.
• The primary beneficiaries of this are public school students.
• The primary beneficiaries are public school students.

Bills: SB1142 , SCR1028

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: scholarships, tax credit, education funding, nonprofit organizations, Arizona Revised Statutes, constitutional amendment, state revenue, tax policy, legislative approval, two-thirds vote, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And our primary focus is South Florida as it pertains to real estate development.
• That is where the agencies should have an open-door policy, not a scary policy.
• And what I think's missed in a lot of this discussion is the primary land that Garcia and Mr.
• Kellam owns Discussion is the primary land that Garcia and Mr.
• Kellam owns and operates is open space. It's agriculture.

Summary: The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee first took up the appointment of Joshua Kellum to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Kellum described his background in diversified land, agricultural, materials, and real estate operations and said he views himself as a conservationist. Senators questioned him closely about his development background, the balance of perspectives on the commission, his vote supporting the black bear hunt, and the use of Fish and Wildlife Foundation funds for the “Yes on 2” campaign. Supporters argued he is primarily a land steward and conservation-minded landowner, while opponents said the commission is already dominated by developers and lacks scientific or conservation expertise. After debate, the committee voted to recommend Kellum’s confirmation, with Senator Smith voting no and the rest of the voting members in favor. The committee then received a presentation from FWC on implementation of recently enacted boating and vessel laws. Bill Holcomb outlined changes under SB 1388 (the Boater Freedom Act), including limits on vessel stops and boarding, a new Florida Freedom Boater Safety Inspection decal, and revised rules for Springs Protection Zones. He also reviewed SB 164 on derelict and at-risk vessels, including new enforcement tools, a long-term anchoring permit, and updated penalties; HB 289, Lucy’s Law, which strengthens boating safety penalties and education requirements; SB 830 on the disposition of migrant vessels; and HB 735 on water access facilities and boating infrastructure. Holcomb said FWC is in rulemaking, training officers, and updating forms and permitting systems to implement the laws. Members asked follow-up questions about derelict vessel cost recovery and whether penalties go back to the state, and about the Springs Protection Zone standard. Holcomb said the state can recover removal costs from responsible owners and that the new springs standard requires “significant harm” and that vessel activity be the predominant cause, with subject matter experts and partner agencies helping make those determinations. He said Silver Glen Springs remains a proposed zone but was paused pending the new criteria and rulemaking. The committee took no further action on the presentation and adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first is primary um functions.
• So victim engagement, what is a primary concern for a lot of victims?
• </c> So victim engagement, what is a primary So victim engagement, what is a primary concern<01:42:26.000
• </c> to myself, uh that that was the primary to myself, uh that that was the primary reason.<01:44:26.639
• :49.199><c> terms</c> and the primary purpose of setting terms and the primary purpose of setting terms

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• With that, we will open the hearing on Engrossed Senate Substitute Senate Bill 5984, regulating artificial
• For example, a user engaged in an extreme conversation with a chatbot run by OpenAI, opening up to the
• I think this is a question for Bo, and I don't have the bill open in front of me and all the devices
• Still, it leaves a big opening for unscrupulous operators of general-purpose chatbots, like Grok, for
• Because we obviously missed that boat, and we basically opened it all up.

Summary: The committee first heard Engrossed Senate Substitute Senate Bill 5984, which would regulate AI companion chatbots. Staff explained that the bill requires disclosures that the chatbot is AI and not human, adds stronger protections when the user is a minor or the chatbot is directed to minors, bars manipulative engagement techniques, requires periodic reminders, and creates protocols for detecting and responding to suicidal ideation or self-harm. Several speakers, including researchers, students, the PTA, the governor’s office, and the Attorney General’s Office, supported the bill and described harms from chatbot sycophancy, emotional dependence, and self-harm risks. Some testifiers urged expanding protections to all users rather than only minors, adding language on harm to others, and clarifying that chatbots should not present themselves as sentient or human; industry representatives said the bill was workable and noted support for removing the exemption for underlying general-purpose AI models, while also discussing concerns about the private right of action and age-verification/data-collection issues. The chair noted that an amendment for narrow educational tools would be worked on. The committee then took testimony on Senate Bill 6046, which would create a state Civil Air Patrol under the Washington Military Department. Staff said the bill would allow the governor to activate the state Civil Air Patrol for cadet training, communications, disaster relief, cybersecurity, search and rescue, and related missions, while preserving the federal Civil Air Patrol’s existing structure. Military Department and Civil Air Patrol leaders testified in support, saying the bill would streamline coordination, improve emergency response, and expand training opportunities without changing federal authorities or adding costs; one witness said the model was based on Kansas law. Members asked about the fiscal note, which was described as indeterminate by one agency despite testimony that the bill would not create new state costs, and about whether the bill would face concerns in Appropriations. The Veterans Legislative Coalition also supported passage, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, we're going to open up public testimony.
• Hearing none, we're going to open up public testimony.
• I'm going to open up public testimony.
• Opens up... Public testimony.
• We'll finish the panel and open it up for questions.

Bills: SB324 , SB1978 , SB2139 , SB2401 , SB2587 , SB2610 , SB2858 , SB3016

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Keywords: E-verify, employment verification, state contracts, immigration, labor compliance, ERCOT, Texas electric grid, interconnection, Public Utility Commission, PUC, Public convenience and necessity, electric cooperative, municipally owned utility, electric utility, transmission, generation facilities, grid reliability, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, FERC, SERC

Transcript Highlights:

• So before we get rolling, I've got some opening remarks and I know Senator Welch does as well.
• It's all in the open now, and you can see how it works.
• The more they try to shut us down, the harder we're going to work to stay open.
• The primary case recognizing this activity as a First Amendment violation is Bantam Books v.
• Free and open debate and he worked very hard to keep that from happening.

Committee: Senate Constitution Subcommittee

Keywords: censorship, First Amendment, social media, misinformation, free speech, government regulation, Big Tech, public discourse

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the implications of government involvement in censorship, particularly regarding social media platforms and compliance with misinformation standards. senators and witnesses discussed growing concerns over the influence of large tech companies, like Facebook and Google, in shaping public discourse and suppressing dissenting views. A significant part of the meeting included testimonies from various experts emphasizing the dangers of the 'censorship industrial complex'—a term used to describe the collaborative efforts between government entities and private organizations to control information flow. This collaboration is viewed as a violation of First Amendment rights, with calls for urgent legislative action to restore free speech protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think to at least allow emergency vehicle access, but I'm open to suggestions from the committee.
• </c><00:04:46.600><c> to</c><00:04:46.840><c> the</c><00:04:47.080><c> open</c> vehicle access but I'm
• open to the open vehicle access but I'm open to the open to<00:04:47.479><c> suggestions</c><00:04:47.919
• These are my proposals, but I am open to the committee's feedback on the language.
• </c> subordinate is accessory to the primary subordinate is accessory to the primary um<00:44:02.920>

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also were directed to discontinue the Healthy Connections Value Care and Primary Care Case Management
• Managed care comes in a couple of different forms, and they can be primary care case management, which
• We had primary care case management. And then we had the fee-for-service model.
• We had primary care case management, and then we had the fee-for-service model, to one wherein we just
• And I've asked the Medicaid review panel to meet regularly this session if they're open to it.

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee received an update from the Department of Health and Welfare on House Bill 345 and Idaho’s transition to comprehensive Medicaid managed care. Medicaid administrator Sasha O’Connell reviewed the bill’s directives, including rural hospital designation, work reporting and community engagement requirements, eligibility redeterminations for expansion adults every six months, changes to renewal processes, the choice waiver, state-directed payments, discontinuation of Healthy Connections Value Care and primary care case management, site-neutral payments, practice authority protections, and expanded cost-sharing. She also explained that the department is awaiting some CMS guidance and is pursuing federal approvals and public comment on several state plan amendments and waivers. A major focus was the planned move to comprehensive managed care, under which one managed care organization would coordinate most services for each enrollee, with Idaho planning three statewide plans rather than regional contracts. O’Connell said the department has held listening sessions, tribal consultation, and a request-for-information process, and that feedback has centered on continuity of care, timely provider payment, network adequacy, behavioral health and developmental disability services, and the need for clear, consistent contract standards. She said the department is using other states’ contracts and a set of program design pillars to shape the upcoming request for proposals, with a phased rollout planned for January 2029 for most services and January 2031 for developmental disability services. Senator Wintrow asked about EPSDT after a related statutory repeal in House Bill 345, expressing concern that families might think the protection had been removed. O’Connell responded that EPSDT remains a federal requirement for children and youth and that the department has not changed that obligation. The committee took no vote or formal action and adjourned after the update and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• coming, because the federal government is cutting back on its research funding, which has been a primary
• And I think that should be open broadly across the university.
• And I think that should be open broadly across the university.
• </c> that that's something that's been open that that's something that's been open for<00:32:04.480><
• </c><00:32:28.080><c> it</c> I don't know since we just opened it I don't know since we just opened it

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The hearing room is open for attendance.
• Any primary witnesses in opposition? Any additional folks in opposition? Okay.
• Any witnesses in opposition, primary or otherwise? Okay, we'll bring it back to committee.

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1950 made this primary function of probation exceedingly difficult.
• And so, you know, certainly open to continue talking about that.
• However, it was incorporated into primary care.
• I hope he'll bake that into his opening comments. With that, Mr.
• The way she looked at me when she opened the door, I'll never forget.

Summary: The Assembly Public Safety Committee heard a long agenda of bills, with several authors presenting measures focused on probation, prison conditions, public safety, diversion, and infrastructure theft. Early in the hearing, AB 1816 by Assembly Member Davies proposed allowing courts to extend probation for up to one additional year for people convicted of registrable sex offenses who have not completed required treatment. Supporters, including the Chief Probation Officers of California, argued the bill would improve rehabilitation and public safety by allowing treatment to be completed; opponents, including public defenders and civil liberties groups, said existing revocation tools already address noncompliance and warned the bill was vague and would prolong supervision. The bill was later moved on call with an aye recommendation. The committee also heard AB 2593, which would prohibit non-medical staff from interfering with prescribed care for incarcerated patients; it drew broad support from medical, disability, public defender, and justice reform groups and passed to Appropriations. The consent calendar, including AB 1927 and AB 2502, was adopted without controversy. The committee then considered AB 1538 by Assembly Member Krell, which would bar elected or appointed officials from using political power for retaliation. Support came from a student activist and the California News Publishers Association, with additional support from education, law enforcement, and civil liberties groups; no opposition testimony was offered, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2584 by Assembly Member Flora, as amended, would narrow civil liability for lawful defensive force; supporters framed it as protecting self-defense, while one opposition witness objected on behalf of labor and justice groups. The chair noted concerns about eliminating civil liability but still recommended aye, and the bill passed to Judiciary. AB 2217 by Assembly Member Zbur would rename and expand the LEAD diversion program as “Alternatives to Arrest,” broaden eligible offenses, and continue grant funding for local diversion efforts. Supporters emphasized reduced recidivism and service connections, and the bill was moved on call to Appropriations. Later, the committee took up AB 1941 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez, which would create an organized metal theft offense and a statewide data-sharing system to address copper theft and damage to public infrastructure. Supporters from utilities, cities, transit, telecom, and law enforcement described widespread outages, costly repairs, and public safety risks; opponents argued the bill would deepen criminalization and racial disparities and that non-carceral solutions were preferable. The author and supporters responded that the bill was needed to address repeated thefts that leave communities without lights, power, or 911 service, and the measure passed to Appropriations. Finally, AB 2499 by Assembly Member Gibson sought stronger protections for incarcerated people and workers from extreme heat and inadequate ventilation in state prisons. The bill was backed by incarcerated workers, family members of a woman who died from heat-related causes, and a wide coalition of public defender, civil rights, and prisoner advocacy groups. Members spoke emotionally about prison conditions and the need for humane treatment, and the bill passed to Labor and Employment with strong support.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1950 made this primary function of probation exceedingly difficult.
• And so, you know, certainly open to continue talking about that.
• However, it was incorporated into primary care.
• I hope he'll bake that into his opening comments. With that, Mr.
• Their eyes were wide open.

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So Texas remains open for business.
• What made you all open that investigation?
• We're not doing closed door this hearing, which is open door, open to the public, filmed and streamed
• So open source information.
• I think the best way to do that is to allow for the free and open communication in an open meeting, so

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce convened to discuss critical infrastructure and supply chain integrity, particularly focusing on Texas's power grid and associated vulnerabilities. The meeting highlighted Texas's recent ranking as 10th in electricity affordability, emphasizing the state's commitment to maintaining a reliable and resilient electric grid. New committee members introduced themselves, and the agenda included testimony from ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission regarding the implementation of the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act, which aims to mitigate risks posed by foreign entities to the power grid. Chad Sealy from ERCOT presented updates on the attestation process for market participants, revealing that over 1,500 entities had submitted attestations regarding their corporate structures and affiliations with designated foreign countries. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the current vetting process, particularly regarding indirect relationships with foreign adversaries. Testimonies from the PUC and the Attorney General's office underscored the challenges of enforcing compliance and the need for improved legislative measures to enhance oversight and security. The committee also heard from experts, including Dr. Emma Stewart from Idaho National Laboratory, who discussed the evolving threats to the grid from foreign adversaries and the importance of securing communication systems. Recommendations included prioritizing inspections of critical components and enhancing collaboration with national laboratories to address vulnerabilities. The discussion concluded with an acknowledgment of the balance needed between ensuring grid security and maintaining affordability for consumers.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are currently 57 states of emergency proclamations that remain open today.
• Recently, the governor has taken the initiative to begin to close ...remain open today.
• amendments, create an annual report of the Governor's Office of Emergency Services regarding each open
• If there are any here, I do not have any other primary. Okay.
• We're going to open the file for the absent members.

Summary: The Senate Emergency Management Committee heard five wildfire- and emergency-related bills. SB 1270 by Senator Richardson would expand the California Wildfire Mitigation Program to more counties based on wildfire risk and social vulnerability, with the author and county representatives saying the program should better target home-hardening assistance where need is greatest. SB 1079 by Senator Stern would create a Fire Innovation Unit within Cal Fire to identify operational needs, test new wildfire technologies, and speed deployment of successful tools; it drew broad support from fire, environmental, local government, and industry groups. SB 1020 by Senator Niello would require annual reporting on open states of emergency, including spending and lessons learned, to increase legislative oversight without limiting the governor’s emergency powers. SB 894 by Senator Allen would establish a wildfire resilience loan program modeled on the state’s Go Green financing platform to help homeowners afford wildfire hardening and defensible-space improvements; supporters included the State Treasurer’s office, counties, fire-safety groups, local governments, and credit unions. There was no opposition testimony on any of the bills. Committee members generally expressed support, with comments emphasizing wildfire risk, the need for home hardening, innovation, and accountability in emergency powers. Senator Rubio asked to be a coauthor on SB 894, and the chair noted the bill’s importance for making mitigation more affordable at scale. All five measures were approved by the committee on motions for “do pass as amended to appropriations,” with roll calls taken over several quorum interruptions. The bills were advanced out of committee, and the hearing was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Worthington, it's my understanding that Fish and Game is required to abide by open range laws, which
• lands, where there is no fence between them, that Fish and Game would not be obligated to abide by the open
• Trisha Hebden: We work very closely with most of our producers in the area to not be against any of the open
• Over-the-counter sales for non-residents was a primary purpose for allowing the out-of-state vendors
• below the minimums with consideration for small rural communities, and then also those that are only open

Summary: The Resources and Conservation Committee met to approve prior minutes and then considered three Idaho Department of Fish and Game administrative rule dockets under the governor’s zero-based regulation process. The first docket covered public use of Fish and Game lands and added definitions for camping and leash, clarified restrictions on dogs and domestic animals on wildlife management areas, and added prohibitions on exploding targets and airsoft guns to reduce fire risk and litter. Members questioned whether the leash language and related references to dogs versus other domestic animals were fully consistent, and whether a separate provision about livestock grazing could be read to conflict with open-range law; department staff said the livestock language was existing rule text and that the intent was not to alter open-range obligations. The committee approved the docket. The second docket addressed trapping and taking fur-bearing animals. Changes included defining natural liquid scent as bait, increasing reimbursement for non-target species, moving lynx and wolverine reporting to a separate section, allowing certain trap sets on snow-covered routes and under bridges or culverts except at wildlife crossings, allowing trapping of gray wolves on private property near an active feeding site, and removing a fixed July 31 reporting deadline. Testimony was mixed: the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association said it was neutral, while the Idaho Conservation League supported the incidental bycatch reporting changes but opposed including ESA-listed species such as grizzly bears in the rules, arguing it was unnecessary and confusing. The committee approved the docket. The third docket revised rules for selecting, operating, suspending, and discontinuing Fish and Game license vendors. It removed outdated vendor classifications and low-numbered vendor criteria, replaced them with community-benefit factors, lowered the active vendor ceiling from 475 to 400, ended acceptance of out-of-state vendor applications, expanded suspension/termination review to include employee and contract violations, changed transaction-count language, and allowed vendors to pass through credit card processing fees. Members asked about the impact of online sales and the nonresident draw on local vendors, how the department would monitor credit card fees, and how smaller rural vendors would be treated; staff said discretion would remain for small or seasonal communities and that fee enforcement would rely largely on customer complaints. The committee approved this docket as well, then adjourned after noting more contentious rules would be taken up later.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to say that we opened our doors day one.
• This opened in 1940 and then was expanded most recently in 2005.
• When we did that, that's when we opened Alabama Voices, our big center exhibition.
• He was assassinated for it in 1954 after he won the primary for coming general.
• You... ...the primary for coming general.

Bills: SB67 , HB295 , SB104

Committee: House Military and Veterans Affairs

Keywords: veterans affairs, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, State Board of Veterans Affairs, commissioner, Governor appointment, oversight board, veterans services, veterans benefits, state veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, Alabama Veterans Home Trust Fund, veteran service officers, district managers, assistant commissioners, county veterans offices, military veterans, disabled veterans, elderly veterans, veterans organizations, American Legion

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm open to take any questions.
• But yeah, I'm very open.
• Is that the primary driver?
• Is that the primary driver?
• Is that the primary driver?

Committee: House Public Health

Summary: The House Committee on Public Health heard House Bill 5, a proposal to ban THC products outside the Texas Compassionate Use Program while allowing non-intoxicating CBD and CBG products under tighter regulation. Chair Van Deaver gave a lengthy background on the 2018 federal Farm Bill and Texas’s 2019 hemp law, arguing that the lack of guardrails allowed a large, unregulated THC market to develop. HB 5 would impose licensing fees, product registration, testing and inspection requirements, and restrictions intended to keep products away from children. Invited witnesses from law enforcement strongly supported the bill. Steve Dye of the Texas Police Chiefs Association and Brian Hawthorne of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas argued that THC consumables are widely mislabeled, often far more potent than advertised, and linked to youth access, impaired driving, and organized crime. Both said regulation would be ineffective and would amount to legalization, while a ban would be easier for officers to enforce. They also emphasized support for the Texas Compassionate Use Program and said medical THC should remain available. Dr. Peter Stout of the Texas Association of Crime Lab Directors and Alice Amelot of Texas DPS testified as resource witnesses about forensic testing. They said current lab resources are already stretched thin, that quantitative testing for THC and related cannabinoids is expensive and time-consuming, and that a ban would simplify enforcement because labs could focus on presence/absence testing rather than concentration. Amelot said DPS labs are neutral on the bill but explained that mislabeled products and inaccurate certificates of analysis are common. Committee members asked about traffic safety, impairment, youth use, and the costs of enforcement and lab testing; witnesses repeatedly said the bill would reduce complexity for law enforcement but that any approach would still require more resources for labs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Primary witnesses in opposition. Good afternoon.
• We will keep that open. Thank you. 7 to 0. 7 to 0, we will keep that open.
• opened when it was not ready.
• All right, let's open the roll and go through. Discriminatory? Okay.
• All right, let's open the roll and go through. discriminatory okay all right let's open the roll and

Summary: The committee first took up SB 934 by Senator Wiener, which would extend the time for survivors of conversion therapy to bring malpractice claims and clarify how expert testimony and scientific evidence may be used in those cases. Senator Wiener and supporters, including a survivor and a licensed therapist, described conversion therapy as harmful and argued that survivors often cannot come forward within current limitation periods. Opponents, including attorneys and advocacy groups, argued the bill was an unconstitutional workaround to California’s existing ban and could chill legitimate therapy or expand liability. Committee members pressed both sides on the bill’s scope, with the author emphasizing it does not bar exploratory therapy or medical treatment, only attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill was moved on a 7-2-1 vote to the Senate Appropriations Committee, with the item placed on call; the consent calendar was also adopted 6-0 and placed on call. The committee then heard SB 1092 by Senator Allen, as amended, concerning manufactured home parks. The bill would require park owners who intend to sell to give residents or their designated representatives notice and an opportunity to submit a competitive bid, with timelines intended to allow residents to organize financing and complete due diligence. Supporters said the measure would help preserve naturally occurring affordable housing and give residents a fair chance to buy the land under their homes, especially after fire-related losses and increasing investor ownership of parks. Opponents from park-owner and realtor groups argued the bill would burden private property rights, devalue parks, and create an unconstitutional taking by imposing long timelines and restrictions that could deter buyers. Several senators questioned the 240-day process and whether the bill should include clearer good-faith or reciprocity provisions; the author said he was open to further adjustments. The transcript ends during committee discussion of SB 1092, with no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Roll call is open for your vote. Have all members voted?
• Roll call is open for your vote. Have all members voted?
• Roll call is open for your vote. Have all members voted?
• Roll call is open for your opposed nay. Roll call is open for your vote.
• </c><00:57:20.440><c> and</c> [snorts] Bill 619, to primary and [snorts] Bill 619, to primary and secondary

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 05:49 Calendar/2nd Readings 06:27 Report of Committees 08:12 Orders of the Day/HB 485 09:40 HB 43 23:13 HB 139 25:09 HB 414 31:49 HB 297 36:16 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 41:08 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 51:25 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 53:41 ConC/Rules Report 56:40 Floor Amendments 57:54 Adjournment 58:17, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Churches locked their doors while liquor stores stayed open.
• , but a gym couldn't open.
• In the end, my primary employer granted my exemption. I kept my full-time job.
• There are three primary issues at the root of my anger.
• There are three primary issues at the root of my anger.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management held a hearing on several emergency management bills, with most of the testimony focused on Senate Bill 539, which would prohibit COVID-19 mRNA vaccination or gene-altering procedures as a condition of entry, employment, school attendance, or access to public venues. Senator Durant and many public witnesses supported the bill, arguing that COVID-era mandates were coercive, ineffective, and harmful, and that the state should not require proof of vaccination in future emergencies. One witness, Joanne Tuller, testified in opposition, saying the government should retain authority to impose public health measures in emergencies and warning against permanently limiting that power based on the COVID experience. The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 540, concerning the prevention of radioactive material discharge, with a Sierra Club representative and local residents opposing Holtec’s disposal of wastewater from the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant and citing health, environmental, and economic concerns in Plymouth and nearby communities. Senator Driscoll testified in support of Senate Bills 537 and 538, describing them as measures to strengthen the Commonwealth’s strategic preparedness stockpile and to create a framework for emergency response during surges in hospitalizations, including temporary waivers of prior authorization when hospitals are over capacity. In addition, Dr. Jennifer Carlson testified in support of H.885, a resolve creating a special commission on the field of emergency management, arguing that the profession should be more fully professionalized and staffed by dedicated experts rather than part-time “second hat” officials. Several other bills on the docket, including H.883 and H.84, had no sign-ups. The chair closed each bill’s testimony section as the list was exhausted, and the hearing was adjourned without any votes taken during the session.