Video & Transcript Research : 'Delaware Code'
Page 129 of 437
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Regulated Industries Jan 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- INSPECTION PROGRAM WE ARE IN CHARGE OF OUR CHAPTER 1 WHICH IS IN ADDITION TO THE FLORIDA BUILDING CODE
- AS A PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER WE SIGN, WE HAVE A CODE OF ETHICS.
- WE ARE TALKING ABOUT A CODE VIOLATION.
- A MILESTONE INSPECTION DOES NOT REQUIRE THAT THE BUILDING BE BROUGHT UP TO CODE.
- WE ARE NOT GOING AND SAYING PUT IT IN BECAUSE THE NEW CODE REQUIRES YOU TO UPDATE. IS NOT IT.
VA
Virginia 2026 1st Special Session
Disability Commission Jun 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- They must also be pursuant to Section 2.2-3708, subsection C, of the Code of Virginia. and that it's
- of Virginia any request 22-308.3, subsection C, of the Code of Virginia.
- HB 94 amends Code Section 46.2-739 such that disabled veterans or their unmarried, unremarried spouse
- It amends two code sections that are related to court orders for appointing guardians or conservators
- There is not a national standard because there is no job code in the Department of Labor. Okay.
Summary:
The Virginia Disability Commission held its first meeting of the year on June 18, established a quorum, and introduced members. Senator Barbara Favola was elected chair and Delegate Amy Laufer was elected vice chair, both unanimously. The commission also reviewed and unanimously approved its electronic/remote participation policy, which mirrors last year’s policy and allows limited remote participation under Virginia FOIA rules.
Staff then reviewed a package of 14 disability-related bills that passed last session and were signed into law. Topics included disabled veterans’ vehicle registration fee exemptions, open captioning requirements for movie theaters, guardianship/conservatorship order forwarding, service dog team definitions, education and transition planning for students with disabilities, Blue Envelope and driver communication training for law enforcement and driver education, deferred disposition and jury service protections, voting rights in guardianship cases, expansion of the Virginia Human Rights Act, continuation of a DD waiver eligibility change, and DMAS training authority for autism competency checklists. Members discussed implementation concerns, especially making the Blue Envelope/driver communication program more visible and considering a follow-up letter and DMV presentation.
The commission then adopted its interim work plan unanimously, with discussion of possible presentations on DMAS and Medicaid waivers, DBHDS telehealth training implementation, SCHEV and VDOE transition planning, transition from institutions to community settings, criminal justice reform, transportation and parking accessibility, adult-sized changing tables, and school accessibility. Members also suggested adding EVV concerns, seclusion and restraint, rare disease issues, and insurance coverage problems for needed medications. Public commenters urged the commission to address burdensome EVV requirements for family caregivers, improve accessibility for local government meetings and documents, and explore a standardized credential/career pathway for direct support professionals. The chair said follow-up work would be assigned on EVV and implementation issues, and the meeting location would move to the Senate side of the Capitol going forward.
VA
Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Disability Commission Jun 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- They must also be pursuant to Section 2.2-3708.3(C) of the Code of Virginia. Any request...
- Section 2.2-3708.3(C) of the Code of Virginia.
- It amends two code sections that are related to court orders for appointing guardians or conservators
- This creates a new code section 21-217.5 and it prohibits any student with a disability In any place
- There is not a national standard because there is no job code in the Department of Labor. Okay.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- But there's not a United States Code section... Not a United States Code section under five.
- under Alabama Code 43-8-110.
- The exempt property under Alabama Code 43-8-110.
- Alabama Code 43-8-11 and the family allowance under Alabama Code 43-8-112 and 43-8-113.
- The Law Institute felt that updates were necessary within the code section.
Bills:
SB210, SB292, HB360, HB233, HB66, HB356, HB164, HB238, HB209, SB223, HB307, SB210, SB292, HB360, HB233, HB66, HB356, HB164, HB238, HB209, SB223, HB307
Keywords:
hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, education oversight, subpoena authority, investigation, State Superintendent, school misconduct, drug courts, accountability, veterans, mental health, substance abuse, rehabilitation, criminal justice, court intervention, elder abuse, financial exploitation
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Banking and Insurance Mar 31st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- You are recognized to explain Amendment bar code 4, 9, 6, 4, 0, 8, >> Thank you.
- Without objection, we are going to show Amendment bar code 4, 3, 1, 5, 1, 4, adopted.
- You are recognized to introduce Amendment bar code 1, 6, 3, 0, 4, 4, >> Thank you, Mr.
- to the Amendment bar code 3, 5, 4, 1, 5, 2, >> Thank you, Mr.
- There was a late filed amendment bar code 4, 7, 8, 7, 6, 2, Without objection.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
2026 RS House Impeachment Committee (1-21-26) - Part 1
Transcript Highlights:
- In reaching this decision, I'm guided by the principles reflected in the Kentucky Code of Judicial Conduct
- That code counsels recusal whenever a judge's impartiality might reasonably be questioned, including
- Code of Judicial Conduct,<00:02:03.200>
which <00:02:03.520>while <00:02:03.759>not - <00:02:08.160>
that <00:02:08.479>code matters of ethical judgment. that code matters - of ethical judgment. that code council's<00:02:09.200>
recusal <00:02:09.679>whenever <
Summary:
The committee met to begin work on three impeachment petitions: one against Ballard County Jailer Eric Copus, one against family court judge Stephanie Pllo, and one against Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Pamela Goodwin. Before moving into executive session, the chair announced that John Blandon would chair any discussion of the Goodwin petition and that the chair would recuse himself from that matter.
The chair then read a formal recusal letter into the record, explaining that he was stepping aside from the Goodwin petition because he had received a lawful campaign contribution from the citizen who filed it. He said the recusal was intended to avoid any appearance of impropriety and to preserve public confidence in the impeachment process, while making clear he would continue to preside over the other impeachment matters.
The committee then voted to go into executive session to discuss and adopt rules of procedure. The motion was made by Mr. Blandon, seconded by Mrs. Deckard, and approved after roll call. The committee announced it would retire to executive session in room 125.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- prepared each interim to non-substantively codify laws that should be included in previously enacted codes
- Codes, to confirm the codes to the source law from which they were derived, and revise codes as parts
- of codes enacted during the preceding legislative session to incorporate enactments of that session
- Similar to the bill that Senator Kolkhorst just laid out, this is a code update from Legislative Council
- This bill is the update to the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Bills:
HCR75, HCR93, SB644, SCR2, SCR17, HB2703, HCR92, HCR7, HCR126, HB1615, HB1610, HB1620, HCR86, HCR7
Keywords:
Hemphill, bass fishing, tourism, state recognition, conservation, recreational activities, Nacogdoches, Garden Capital, public gardens, sustainability, horticultural heritage, hospice, palliative care, awareness day, healthcare, patient care, state regulation, taxation, education, local authority
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
HF16, legislation to regulate data centers in Minnesota, passes House 6/9/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Unfortunately, in our state, we have regulations and tax codes which end up driving businesses and industries
- of investment into their state while we're looking at driving billions of dollars out with our tax code
- of investment into their state while we're looking at driving billions of dollars out with our tax code
- of investment into their state while we're looking at driving billions of dollars out with our tax code
- of investment into their state while we're looking at driving billions of dollars out with our tax code
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Community Affairs Mar 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- BILL 262 PROVIDES TECHNICAL CLARIFICATIONS AND CHANGES TO SEVERAL THE PROVISIONS OF THE FLORIDA TRUST CODE
- NUMBER THREE, HE RECONCILES DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE PROBATE CODE AND TRUST REGARDING AN EXEMPTION BY
- THE BILL REQUIRES A SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENT PERMIT DO NOT EXPIRE UNTIL THE CODE CHANGES WHICH IS EVERY
- IF THE GOVERNMENT CHECK TO MAKE SURE WE MEET TODAY'S CODE IT SHOULD BE GOOD 24 MONTHS FROM NOW UNTIL
- THE BUILDING CODE CHANGES.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Health Services (8-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- software to add billing codes. software to add billing codes.
- And I'll let Ben speak to the codes that we would need. >> Those would be the initial codes that the
- that list of codes.
- we codes and how many billing codes do we codes and how many billing codes do we think<01:12:28.560
- <01:13:17.920>
If actually in that list of codes. If actually in that list of codes.
Keywords:
1. Call to Order and Roll Call – 00:00:00
2. Approval of Minutes – 00:01:32
3. Getting to Know the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky – 00:02:26
4. Healthy Kids Clinic – 00:26:58
5. Pharmacy Payment Parity – 00:56:36
6. Ibogaine – 01:17:37
7. Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations – 01:53:05
8. Adjournment – 01:53:19, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first approved the prior meeting minutes and recognized Eric Clark for his service, noting this may be his last meeting before he leaves state government. The main presentation was from Allison Adams, president and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, who described the organization’s history, nonpartisan mission, and focus on health equity, prevention, and upstream policy solutions. She said Kentucky’s poor rankings in chronic disease, preventable hospitalizations, and life expectancy show the need to shift resources toward prevention and community-driven strategies rather than relying mainly on treatment after people become sick.
Adams emphasized leading health indicators, arguing that lawmakers should track actionable measures such as quit attempts and smoke-free policies instead of only lagging indicators like disease rates and mortality. In response to questions, she said accountability should be shared across communities and systems, with possible incentives and disincentives tied to outcomes, and she supported creating a public data utility or dashboard, ideally with university partners, to help legislators and communities monitor progress. She also cited examples of accountable health community models and said Kentucky could adapt similar approaches.
The committee then heard from Meade County Schools Superintendent Mark Martin and district health coordinator Karen Kotche about the Healthy Kids Clinic partnership with Cumberland Health. They described a seven-year effort that led to full implementation in the district, which now has a nurse in every school and a nurse practitioner, allowing services such as sports physicals and other clinic functions to be provided on campus. They said the program has been a strong investment for students and the community and began explaining how the district built the partnership after earlier efforts and delays, including the pandemic.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Ethics Commission (6-17-25) - Part 2
Transcript Highlights:
- Recommended changes to the code of ethics. Yes, Emily Stephen.
- Um, there there were um we have put in your materials what we would recommend as changes to the code
- <00:03:23.360>
Yes, changes to the code of ethics. Yes, changes to the code of ethics. - recommended changes to the ethics code recommended changes to the ethics code to<00:10:49.760>
- Now that doesn't mean the ethics code.
Summary:
The commission first returned from executive session and noted that discussions there were preliminary only and no final agency action was taken. It then approved the budget report, which staff said was within year-to-date budget parameters.
Members discussed recommended changes to the code of ethics. Staff proposed four items: defining and prohibiting sexual harassment as ethical misconduct; two housekeeping changes related to lobbyist registration notice and campaign contribution language; and a possible reduction of the post-service waiting period for former legislators to become lobbyists from two years to one year. Members agreed the lobbying cooling-off period was a broader General Assembly issue and voted to recommend only the first three changes, leaving the fourth for later review. The chair noted the July 1 deadline for submitting ethics-code recommendations to the LRC.
The commission also approved renewal of a $100,000 contract with Casey Bailey and Mains for Robert Jenkins to continue serving as enforcement counsel, with hourly rates of $125 for the attorney and $40 for the paralegal. Finally, it approved a 3% cost-of-living pay increase for General Counsel Steven Pium, discussed possible conference attendance and informal opinions, and adjourned after no further business.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 02/25/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , and the amendment deals with the state energy code.
- instead of the more costly and newly enacted 2025 energy code.
- This amendment deals with the state energy code.
- instead of the more costly and newly enacted 2025 energy code.
- The 2025 energy code, which includes the all-electric buildings mandate, would only increase the cost
Summary:
The Senate opened with an invocation focused on memory, gratitude, and recognizing the unseen people who sustain public life, then approved the prior day’s journal and moved through introductions of guests, including domestic violence advocates, medical scholars, and student advocates. Senator Webb’s Resolution 1633, designating February 23, 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Day, was adopted after remarks describing the scope of domestic violence in New York and the need for more survivor services. The chamber also adopted memorial Resolution 1558 honoring Margaret D. Williams, a vocalist, public servant, and community leader, and Resolution 1630 marking the 20th anniversary of Park and Public Lands Advocacy Day, with comments emphasizing the health and community benefits of parks and green space.
The Senate then took up a series of bills on the calendar, passing measures including amendments to the Environmental Conservation Law, Labor Law, Education Law, Administrative Code of New York City, General Municipal Law, Tax Law, Cannabis Law, and Executive Law. Senator Ramos explained her support for the labor bill as the Anti-Waiver of Employment Rights Act, which would prevent employers from forcing workers to waive labor and human rights protections in applications or onboarding documents. Several bills were passed by wide margins, while some were laid aside for the day. The chamber also restored Senate Print 438 to the third reading calendar after reconsideration.
A contested amendment to Calendar 234, Senator Comrie’s Executive Law bill, was ruled non-germane by the chair; Senator Walczyk appealed, arguing the amendment addressing the state energy code and all-electric building mandate was relevant to housing costs, but the Senate voted 20 to sustain the chair’s ruling. The underlying bill was then returned to the non-controversial calendar and passed. Finally, the Senate adopted a concurrent resolution electing two members to the Board of Regents, with supporters praising the nominees’ experience and critics objecting to the limited vetting time; the resolution passed 42-15. The Senate then adjourned until Thursday, February 26 at 11:00 a.m.
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama House Mobile County Legislation Committee Jan 21st, 2026
Mobile County Legislation
Transcript Highlights:
- It will be secure, just like we mentioned, either passcodes or key codes, security lighting, all that
- It will be secure, just like we mentioned, either passcodes or key codes, security lighting, all that
- <00:09:08.160>
We <00:09:08.399>will <00:09:08.560>get codes and things like - We will get codes and things like that. We will get that<00:09:08.880>
sorted. - um security lighting all that key codes um security lighting all that kind<00:09:15.360>
of <00
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Regulated Industries Mar 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- REMOVING THE EXEMPTION FOR CONTINUED EDUCATION, BUILDING PROFESSIONAL LICENSE TEN PLUS YEARS, BUILDING CODES
- IT LOWERS COSTS AND ENSURES CODE ENFORCEMENT FOR UNDERSERVED REGIONS.
- WITH EXPERTISE AND LIMITS RESIDENTIAL INSPECTORS TO ONE AND TWO FAMILY HOMES PER THE FLORIDA BUILDING CODE
- WORK BEYOND THEIR QUALIFICATIONS AND ENHANCES SAFETY BY MATCHING LICENSEES WITH SPECIFIC SKILLS AND CODE
- THE BILL SIMPLY WOULD UPDATE FLORIDA CODE TO MAKE EXPLICIT WHAT IS ALREADY IMPLICIT THAT THIS CARRIES
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (04/16/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- codes or E&M codes, usually preventive codes or E&M codes, which<01:31:59.760>
the <01 - Do they have uniform billing code? They use the same billing codes. Use the same billing codes.
- to align codes, but we codes trying to align codes, but we never<03:39:15.840>
seem <03:39:16.200 - services were for billing those codes. services were for billing those codes.
- because they don't even have the codes. because they don't even have the codes.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, April 27, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <03:26:02.720>
to if we are reforming our tax code to if we are reforming our tax code to - And then they run into the tax code.
- In Northern into the tax code.
- , navigate a confusing tax code, navigate a confusing tax code, especially<04:06:54.560>
without - <04:07:17.600>
Last treatment under the tax code. Last treatment under the tax code.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Thu Feb 5, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:45:17.520>
review <00:45:18.160>committee code review committee code review committee - <00:46:14.560>
review uh were part of this penal code review uh were part of this penal code - <00:46:27.040>
Very that relate to the penal code. Very that relate to the penal code. - the recommendation from the penal code the recommendation from the penal code review<01:02:48.480
- >> That was the recommendation of no code >> That was the recommendation of no code
Summary:
The committee heard opening remarks and ground rules from Chair David Tarnas, including a request for two-minute testimony limits, clear speaking, Zoom etiquette, and respectful conduct. The first measure taken up was HB 2062, relating to gun violence prevention, which would appropriate funds for enforcement of gun violence protective orders and for public awareness campaigns. Judiciary submitted written testimony recommending technical changes to clarify that it does not enforce laws and instead should be funded for personnel to process temporary restraining orders and gun violence protective orders; the Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill and said it is well positioned to conduct public education. Support also came from county and advocacy witnesses, including Moms Demand Action, Giffords Gun Owners for Safety, HGEA, and a retired police officer, while opposition testimony argued the measure raises due process and Fifth Amendment concerns and that education, not enforcement, should be the focus. The chair noted 37 testimonies in support, 103 in opposition, and three comments; no vote was taken in the portion provided.
Testimony on HB 2062 emphasized both public safety and constitutional concerns. Supporters described the bill as a way to increase awareness of an existing legal tool, prevent suicides and shootings, and help law enforcement and the public understand gun violence protective orders. Opponents, including gun owners and firearms groups, argued that red flag laws can be abused, lack due process, and should not be expanded through state funding. A county neighborhood safety witness suggested an amendment to allow public, private, and nonprofit consultants to assist with training and implementation. Members asked a few questions, but the agencies with written testimony were not present, so the chair referred members to their submissions.
The committee then moved to HB 2061, relating to firearms, which appropriates money for the state gun buyback program and requires at least two buyback events in each county. Written support was noted from the Department of Law Enforcement, Hawaii County Council, the County of Kauai Prosecuting Attorney, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, with the latter emphasizing that buybacks are voluntary prevention tools that can reduce risk before crises escalate. Opposition came from the Mid-Pacific Pistol League, SDM Training Group/Bows and Bullets, and others; one witness argued buybacks are ineffective, costly, and can be vulnerable to misuse or black-market diversion, and suggested a year-round surrender option instead. The committee heard additional support from a retired police officer and from a gun violence survivor with Students Demand Action, but no final action or vote was taken in the excerpt provided.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PBS Info Briefing - Thu Sept 11, 2025 @ 1:30 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, so I think building codes are there, so I think we're up, you know, updated building codes, but
- to those building codes.
- , or the codes are better.
- to the codes that they were built to. to the codes that they were built to.
- codes or the codes are better. codes or the codes are better.
Summary:
The House Committee on Public Safety held an informational briefing with the City and County of Honolulu Department of Emergency Management on its hazard mitigation plan and recent emergency events on Oahu. Chair Dela Botti opened the meeting by explaining that the briefing was intended to review the mitigation planning process, the city’s hazard mitigation plan, and lessons learned from recent tsunami and wildfire threats, building on earlier briefings with state emergency management and transportation officials. Director Collins and hazard mitigation staff officer Ian Kio presented the plan, describing it as a five-year FEMA-required document focused on reducing long-term risk to people and property, not an operations plan for active disasters.
Kio outlined how the plan was developed over roughly 18 months with a core team, steering committee, consultant support, and public input, and said it was formally adopted by the mayor’s office and approved by FEMA in July 2025. He said the updated plan was aligned more closely with the state hazard mitigation plan, expanded to cover 15 hazards including climate change and sea level rise, and organized around hazard risk rankings and mitigation strategies. He identified the highest-risk hazards as climate change and sea level rise, floods, health risks, hurricanes, tsunamis, and wildfires, and said the plan includes short-, medium-, and long-term actions such as education, Firewise community planning, flood mapping, and major infrastructure projects like tsunami walls and street elevation work. He also emphasized that the plan will be maintained with yearly updates and ongoing public feedback.
Collins then discussed after-action findings from the July 6 Meli fire and the recent tsunami response, noting that reviews are still ongoing. He said the fire response showed strong initiative and teamwork, including police officers helping with fire suppression support and door-to-door evacuation efforts before firefighters arrived, and a staff duty officer who initiated a wireless emergency alert without waiting for higher-level direction. He said these actions reflected a culture of rapid decision-making when lives are at stake. Collins also urged residents to prepare by making family plans, gathering supplies, checking flood and tsunami risk maps, retrofitting homes, and obtaining insurance before disasters occur. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the informational briefing.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue.(2-10-26)
Appropriations & Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- But on claims that come in, error codes that come in, and identify hot spots across the Commonwealth,
- that come in, and identify error codes that come in, and identify hot<00:21:29.440>
or <00:21: - And just as a matter of context, we have been looking into codes within the executive branch budget,
- Well, let's look at certain codes that are in that base and what's going on.
- that are in that base and what's codes that are in that base and what's going<00:57:48.880>
on.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Cabinet for Health and Family Services 00:00:30
Kentucky Department of Education 00:27:10
Education and Labor Cabinet 00:31:35
Auditor of Public Accounts 00:36:55, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met for a budget-only discussion with no bills scheduled for a vote. Members first welcomed a group of high school guests, then heard from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services on funding issues for child advocacy centers, domestic violence centers, rape crisis centers, and SNAP. DCBS Commissioner Lisa Dennis and budget director Misty Sammons said the victim-services programs were included in the current baseline budget, but it was too early in the budget process to know final funding levels. They said earlier reports of major cuts were based on a misunderstanding, that conversations with the agencies were ongoing, and that they would provide the committee with the agency’s base-budget information. A member also asked about domestic violence shelter funding, and the cabinet explained that prior one-time money had been used to replace lost federal Victims of Crime Act funds.
On SNAP, the cabinet said Kentucky does not expect to need additional money for benefit costs because the payment error rate is about 4%, below the threshold that would trigger added state costs. However, they said the federal HR1 change shifting SNAP administrative costs from a 50/50 state-federal split to 75% state and 25% federal will require additional funding to operate the program. Members praised the eligibility and family support staff for keeping error rates low and asked to be notified quickly if more implementation support is needed. Representative Bojanowski asked whether a specific SNAP administrative cost figure was already in House Bill 500; the cabinet said it was not, and that such an item would be an additional budget request not included in the bill.
The committee then heard from the Department for Medicaid Services. Commissioner Lisa Lee and Senior Deputy Commissioner Veronica Judy Cecil described Medicaid fraud-and-abuse monitoring, including a new CMS file and guidance on concurrent enrollment across states. They said DMS refers suspected fraud or abuse to the Attorney General’s office and that the relationship is working well. When asked about using AI, they said the department is not yet using AI but does use internal algorithms to flag potential fraud, waste, and abuse. Finally, Eric Lowry of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services discussed fiscal note processing, saying House Bill 2 is a complex Medicaid bill and that the cabinet is working to set up a meeting with the sponsor; he said the cabinet is responding and hopes to meet on Monday. The committee also briefly heard from the Kentucky Department of Education, where Matt Ross said the existing $7.4 million for school-based mental health services is already in the base budget and that no additional language is needed in House Bill 500 to distribute it, though KDE has requested additional funding to raise the overall appropriation to $18 million.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- For example, our building codes.
- Climate-resilient building codes need to take into account the external conditions a structure faced
- Massachusetts communities are not currently allowed to enact building codes...
- code.
- And the tax code to help them make even more money than they already are.
Summary:
The committee hearing focused on a broad set of climate, energy, and environmental justice proposals. Early testimony strongly supported the Climate Change Superfund or “Polluter Pays” bill (H.1014/S.58), which would assess the largest fossil fuel emitters for a one-time fee based on historic emissions to fund climate adaptation. Sponsors argued the bill is modeled on Superfund cleanup principles, would target only the largest multinational polluters, would not be passed on to consumers, and would direct a significant share of funds to environmental justice communities. Committee members asked about the number of companies covered, consumer impacts, and whether the bill would address other forms of environmental destruction; sponsors said it was limited to major fossil fuel companies with a Massachusetts footprint and did not cover other pollution sources.
The committee also heard testimony on a fusion energy compact proposal (S.673) that would direct the administration to develop a framework for a New England regional compact to accelerate fusion research, workforce development, and supply-chain growth. Supporters from MIT and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities said fusion could become a major clean-energy and economic opportunity, but acknowledged the technology is not yet commercially viable and still has unresolved technical, cost, and waste-management questions. Members pressed on environmental impacts, siting, waste, costs, and whether the bill would create a compact or only a framework; sponsors said it would only create the framework and that the administration would need to negotiate with other states.
Another major topic was a pilot program for nature-based climate solutions (H.971/S.??), backed by legislators, Boston Harbor Now, and UMass Boston’s Stone Living Lab. Witnesses said the bill would help speed permits for research and demonstration projects such as living shorelines, marsh restoration, and hybrid “green-to-gray” flood protections, while maintaining safeguards and protecting Indigenous and historic resources. Committee members asked how the proposal would interact with other permitting reforms and whether it could conflict with housing or wetland-related streamlining; supporters said it was complementary and aimed at making projects faster, more affordable, and more data-driven.
The hearing also covered climate-safe buildings and climate adaptation funding bills. Supporters of H.1004/S.583 said current building codes do not adequately account for future flooding, heat, and wind, and the bill would add climate expertise to the building board, allow stretch resilience codes, expand floodplain standards, and create a retrofit program. Related testimony backed H.938/S.572, which would create a dedicated climate and community resilience fund financed by a small fee on property insurance premiums; advocates said it would provide stable long-term revenue for adaptation, especially in environmental justice communities, and help replace unreliable federal funding. One witness from CLF supported the climate-safe buildings and funding bills but opposed S.560/H.939 as too broad. The committee also heard testimony on airport air-quality legislation (H.997) calling for more monitoring and mitigation of ultra-fine particulate pollution around Logan Airport and Massport communities. No votes were taken during the hearing.