Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you to the State Building and Construction Trades Council.
• It ensures thoughtful planning for residents during and after construction.
• It is new construction.
• It's essentially, at worst, a cost-recovery program... ...fund.
• It's based on funding, and it's based on all these stars aligning.

Summary: The committee heard several housing bills, with the longest discussion focused on SB 79, which would allow more housing near high-capacity transit stops and on transit agency-owned land. The author and supporters argued it would address California’s housing shortage, reduce vehicle miles traveled, and strengthen transit systems by putting more residents near rail and rapid transit. Supporters included housing advocates, local officials, environmental groups, and transit-oriented development organizations. Opponents, including many cities, the League of California Cities, and some tenant and legal advocacy groups, raised concerns about affordability requirements, displacement, demolition protections, local control, and the bill’s interaction with existing local planning efforts. The committee discussed amendments to strengthen anti-displacement protections, minimum density, affordability standards, and a local flexibility alternative, and SB 79 was moved out on a due-pass-as-amended vote of 8-1, with one member not voting. The committee then took up SB 21, which would amend the Housing Crisis Act to allow limited unit reductions when converting deed-restricted SRO buildings into larger, more livable affordable units with private bathrooms, kitchens, and supportive services. The author and nonprofit housing providers said many SRO buildings are financially unsustainable and that the bill would preserve deeply affordable housing while improving conditions for residents. There was no organized opposition testimony at the hearing, though one business property group registered opposition. Members expressed support for the preservation-focused approach, and SB 21 was approved on an 8-0 vote and sent to the Assembly Committee on Local Government. Next, SB 92 was heard, a measure to close a density bonus loophole by limiting how much additional commercial floor area a project can receive and preventing the law from being used to justify very large nonresidential projects with only minimal affordable housing. The author cited a San Diego project as an example of the problem, and the City of San Diego supported the bill as a reasonable fix. Several labor and housing groups also supported it, while no formal opposition witnesses testified. The committee accepted amendments, members praised the effort to curb abuse while preserving feasibility, and SB 92 passed on a 7-0 vote. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 522, which would extend just-cause eviction protections to units rebuilt after disaster if they had previously been covered by the Tenant Protection Act. The author and the Los Angeles City Attorney said the bill would help preserve rental housing in disaster-affected communities, especially after the Pacific Palisades fires, and would not create new rent control. Opponents, including apartment, realtor, and property owner groups, argued it would add burdens to rebuilding and could discourage reconstruction. Members raised questions about whether existing law already protects returning tenants and whether the bill was necessary, and the hearing continued into committee discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's more on source of funds.
• So, Department of Corrections did initially use federal funding to fund these shift bonus payments and
• federal funding to to um<00:18:48.559><c> fund</c><00:18:48.880><c> these</c><00:18:49.120><c> shift
• </c> then later moved into their general fund then later moved into their general fund appropriation.
• </c><00:41:37.839><c> and</c><00:41:38.079><c> we</c> all funded from the general fund and we all funded

Transcript Highlights:

• We passed statewide tourism funding this year for the first time in a long time, and I'm excited about
• Councils across the state as well as this new, you know, newly funded...
• Yeah, so what this bill will allow us to do is, instead of having to go to bid and then constructing
• It's speed to maintenance, speed to construction. ...applications quicker.
• It's speed to maintenance, speed to construction. All right, are there any other questions?

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 6313, which would create a Capital Centennial Stewardship Account for remodeling, repairs, interpretive and educational facilities, and other improvements to the state Capitol campus ahead of the building’s 100th anniversary in 2028. Staff explained that statewide elected officials and legislators could solicit gifts, grants, and donations for the account, with spending subject to appropriation. Prime sponsor Senator Marco Elias described the bill as a way to enhance the Capitol experience, potentially restore access to the top of the building, and raise private support for upgrades without relying solely on public funds. Members asked questions about the Capitol’s history, tourism potential, and the fundraising authority, and no public testimony was offered. The committee then heard Substitute Senate Bill 6076, which would expand procurement and self-performance authority for public utility districts and other consumer-owned utilities for certain electric generation, storage, transmission, and distribution projects, largely through 2045. Staff said the bill would raise thresholds for self-performed work and allow more flexibility in bidding and contracting, with no fiscal impact to state agencies but an indeterminate local government impact from training and procedure updates. Testifiers from IBEW Local 77 and Grant PUD supported the bill, saying utilities face a backlog of infrastructure work, higher material costs, and long procurement timelines, and that the bill would speed maintenance and construction. Committee members asked about renewable energy uses, examples of qualifying projects, and whether land acquisition was included; testimony clarified that the bill focuses on equipment and project components, not land. In executive session, the committee took up Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5901, relating to school construction assistance program facilities reports for on-base schools. Members said the bill would help military-connected school districts address gaps between state and federal funding and support quality facilities for military children. The committee approved the bill on a 16-0 vote, with three excused, and reported it out of committee with a do pass recommendation. The chair also noted that additional bills, including the Capital Centennial Account bill and the utility procurement bill heard that day, could be considered in a later executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:24:33.000><c> related</c><00:24:33.440><c> to</c> ask for appropriate funds related to ask for
• appropriate funds related to that. that. that.
• Uh, you might have single-wall construction.
• You might use 1 by 3 construction versus 2 by 4, which makes structures less resilient.
• </c> funding and staffing. funding and staffing. &gt;&gt; Thank<00:57:36.400><c> you.

Bills: SB2405 , HCR19 , HCR63 , HCR85 , HCR140 , HCR166 , HCR82 , HCR98 , HCR104 , HCR106 , HCR141 , HCR165 , HR20 , HR57 , HR77 , HR132 , HR156 , HR74 , HR90 , HR96 , HR98 , HR133 , HR155

Committee: House Water & Land

Summary: The Water and Land Committee met on April 7 and heard testimony on several resolutions and one bill. SB 2405 SD1 HD2, relating to agricultural workforce housing, received support from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, HFTC, and the Hawaii Farmers Union, and the committee later recommended passage as is; one member voted with reservations citing department cost and staffing concerns. The committee also heard HCR 19/HR 20 designating March as March for Water Month, HCR 63/HR 57 urging DLNR and DOT to clarify jurisdiction over Honouliuli Bridge, HCR 85/HR 77 on transferring parcels for the East Kapolei TOD project, HCR 140/HR 132 on vegetation management and fuel reduction in West Maui, HCR 166/HR 156 on identifying East Oahu lands for native Hawaiian tree planting, HCR 82/HR 74 on basic shelter standards for rapid deployment housing, HCR 98/HR 90 on a Honolulu housing pattern book, HCR 104/HR 96 on North Shore coastal trails, HCR 106/HR 98 on endorsing Waikiki as a world surfing reserve, HCR 141/HR 133 on Maui fire code enforcement, and HCR 165/HR 155 on permanent pickleball nets and lighting at Kamiloiki Community Park. Testimony was generally supportive on most measures, with several agencies and organizations submitting written comments or appearing in support. HCR 82/HR 74 drew the most discussion: the State Council on Developmental Disabilities supported the intent but asked that accessibility be considered on the front end, while another testifier opposed the resolution, arguing it could turn temporary emergency shelters into permanent substandard housing and should be deferred. Committee members discussed temporary versus permanent housing standards and accessibility, and the chair later said the measure would be amended to require permanent units to meet appropriate code standards and to note accessibility concerns in the committee report. On HCR 140/HR 132, DLNR testified that firebreak maintenance on its Waianae lands would be costly, and members noted funding and staffing implications. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on the measures it voted on. SB 2405 was passed with a reservation from one member; HCR 19/HR 20, HCR 63/HR 57, HCR 85/HR 77, HCR 98/HR 90, HCR 104/HR 96, HCR 106/HR 98, HCR 141/HR 133, and HCR 165/HR 155 were passed unamended, while HCR 140/HR 132 was passed with reservations and HCR 166/HR 156 and HCR 82/HR 74 were passed with amendments. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• fund, or 11.4%.
• However, LESC has that funding in the Public Education Reform Fund.
• Its operating budget is funded through the Public School Capital Outlay Fund. Receive general fund.
• Outlay Fund.
• They're not construction managers per se, but they're more oversight to make sure that the funding is

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• privately funded.
• are</c> where millions in private funding are where millions in private funding are coming<00:38:02.480
• </c> Minnesota building and construction Minnesota building and construction DRS<01:08:35.400><c> um<
• </c> investment and thousands of construction investment and thousands of construction jobs<01:10:01.840
• </c> the Minnesota building and construction the Minnesota building and construction trades<01:10:19.480

Bills: HF1277 , HF1006

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: data centers, tax exemption, Minnesota statutes, economic development, employment growth, property tax, abatement, land bank, redevelopment, political subdivision

Transcript Highlights:

• And as we know, construction takes time.
• And as we know, construction takes time.
• Construction delays are not free.
• that they otherwise wouldn't have been able to fund.
• that they otherwise wouldn't have been able to fund.

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to better define the process, and we can't exacerbate the funding gap or jeopardize federal funds
• </c><01:21:39.440><c> of</c> and Mobility through the construction of and Mobility through the construction
• </c><01:26:22.960><c> shortfall</c> increase the ongoing funding shortfall increase the ongoing funding
• </c> Minnesota with no State funding Minnesota with no State funding currently<01:30:15.440><c> available
• </c> President Bush did approve that funding President Bush did approve that funding but<01:33:01.119

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• on um three projects, a minimum funding on um three projects, a minimum of<00:09:38.800><c> three</c
• </c><00:11:52.320><c> or</c><00:11:52.560><c> their</c> have applied for federal funds or their have
• permit, and then they have a certain number of years to actually start construction.
• TVA reported expending about 200 million in funding for an early site permit preparation costs.
• These represent costs incurred even before the construction and operation costs.

Committee: Senate Natural Resources & Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• source, either federal or state highway funds or turnpike funds, to be used on future New Hampshire
• Any reduction in the funding has a direct impact on New Hampshire DOT's ability to maintain, construct
• or whatever fund like DOT.
• or state highway funds or turnpike<04:03:50.080><c> funds</c><04:03:50.319><c> to</c><04:03:50.560><
• </c> whatever fund like DOT. whatever fund like DOT.

Committee: House Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• We need a regular and reliable source of funds to solve this challenge, and with full funding of our
• or if we will receive funding. ability for us to predict either how much funding the university will
• However, without funding for it, we are looking to the legislature or some other funding source to complete
• State operating funds and tuition, the only other sources of funding available, paid for the operating
• And are now looking for construction funding.

Bills: HF3220

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• It can't be moved to the general fund.
• The money be moved to the general fund.
• It's not delaying construction.
• It's<00:48:45.119><c> not</c><00:48:45.440><c> delaying</c><00:48:46.000><c> construction.
• </c> It's not delaying construction. It's not delaying construction.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mentioned strategy because today you want us to talk about economic development funds, bond funds,
• ,</c> talk about economic development funds, talk about economic development funds, bond<00:03:26.480
• ><c> funds,</c><00:03:27.200><c> high</c><00:03:27.519><c> growth</c><00:03:27.760><c> funds,</c><00:
• 03:28.319><c> bluegrass</c> bond funds, high growth funds, bluegrass bond funds, high growth funds, bluegrass
• that out of the maintenance and fund that out of the maintenance pool<00:47:42.160><c> funds.

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Protection, Energy and Environment, and Tourism met for its fourth meeting and approved the February 10 minutes. The committee then heard a presentation from the Cabinet for Economic Development, led by Secretary Jeff Noel, with staff from the cabinet and Kentucky Innovation. The presentation focused on the cabinet’s strategy, including workforce, entrepreneurship, innovation, infrastructure, and placemaking, and emphasized a goal of supporting higher-wage jobs while tailoring programs to urban, non-urban, and rural “heritage communities.” The cabinet reviewed several funding tools and programs, including economic development bond funds, EDF funds, KBI, the Kentucky Innovation Pool, KSTC-related startup and commercialization programs, veteran workforce programs, and Bluegrass State Skills Corporation training funds. Officials said many projects take years to close and that funds are often committed before they are actually disbursed because reimbursements occur after project completion. They also said Kentucky is less competitive than before because of changes in tax policy and that EDF funds are increasingly important to remain competitive with other states. Members asked about whether previously allocated money remained available, whether some funds could be clawed back, and the status of the Blue Oval project. The cabinet said it is oversubscribed, with some committed dollars likely to go unused and be reoffered to other projects. On Blue Oval, officials said progress had been made and described negotiations tied to repayment and job creation requirements. They also discussed the Ford/SK loan structure, saying the companies may assume the full $250 million obligation and that repayments would be required if job targets are not met. The presentation closed with discussion of workforce coordination and the need to connect economic development projects with training and support systems, including possible ripple effects for rural suppliers and related businesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• At our current funding levels, UC cannot fulfill all of the construction needs at the pace necessary
• One option would be state general obligation bond funding for student housing construction.
• At our current funding levels, UC cannot fulfill all of the construction needs at the pace necessary
• One option would be a state general obligation bond funding for student housing construction.
• General Fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• Earlier this year, President Trump announced $700 million in funding to send coal in communities across
• In fact, that point... ...to construct from the Air District.
• ...so there's no permit application, no authority to construct, none of that. No? Okay, thank you.
• and construction-related jobs, closer to reality.
• In 2010, a multi-year process... ...and construction-related jobs closer to reality.

Bills: AB40 , AB2674 , SB328 , SB344

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: AB 2674, financial abuse, financial deception, elder financial abuse, bank fraud, scam prevention, consumer protection, depository institution, bank, credit union, suspicious transaction, fraud hotline, trusted third party, power of attorney, guardianship, conservatorship, elder abuse, senior citizen, treble damages, civil action

Summary: The Assembly Natural Resources Committee heard several measures, led by AB 40, which would require a full CEQA environmental impact report before approval of any new or expanded large coal terminal and require updated review if the project changes significantly. The author and supporters, including West Oakland community advocates and environmental groups, argued the bill was needed because an outdated environmental review did not analyze coal at the scale now proposed for the Oakland terminal and because West Oakland already bears heavy pollution burdens. Opponents, including business and terminal representatives, argued the project had already undergone extensive review and litigation and warned the bill would set a precedent for reopening settled approvals. Members questioned whether the air district had already approved the project and whether the bill was targeting a single facility. The author responded that the air district still had to issue a discretionary permit and that the bill was narrowly tailored to large coal terminals. The committee ultimately concurred in the Senate amendments to AB 40 on a recorded vote, with the bill passing out of committee. The committee also heard SB 344, which creates a project-specific pathway for San Diego’s Midway Rising redevelopment, a large mixed-use project with thousands of housing units, including affordable housing, parks, and a new arena. Support came from labor, the city, and business groups, while members raised questions about whether the bill was effectively insulating the project from CEQA litigation. The author said the bill does not exempt the project from CEQA but confirms the final EIR’s sufficiency once certified. SB 344 received a due pass recommendation and passed the committee. Finally, the committee heard SB 328 for the Concord Reuse Project Area, which would streamline implementation of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station reuse plan by creating an exemption within the Surplus Land Act and related disposition process for qualifying projects. The author and supporters emphasized decades of planning, extensive environmental review, a project labor agreement, and commitments to 25% affordable housing and open space. After questions about enforcement of affordability and tribal consultation, the bill received a due pass recommendation and passed. The committee also adopted a consent resolution and passed AB 2674, a transparency measure requiring CARB to post landfill temperature and monitoring data it already receives.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know we rely a lot on the federal funding.
• the full design of these projects and, in some cases, fund the construction of them.
• the full design of these projects and in some cases fund the construction of them. but we will reach
• So I spoke a bit about the fund before.
• LA28 provided the seed funding to get this fund off the ground, but we are working to build a coalition

Transcript Highlights:

• And then for the Lake Improvement Fund, it would be changing from 35 to 50 percent.
• Ongoing funding in future years.
• the fund to legislative appropriation.
• It's an interesting fund, and I don't know if Rep.
• Madam Chair and members, HB 2496, Revitalization Districts Construction Contracts, declares that construction

Summary: The caucus reviewed a large number of House bills, mostly on third-read consent or for floor strategy, covering education, health, water, land, energy, housing, taxation, and public safety. Topics included ESA administration funding, AI in schools and legal communications, towing and DUI changes, health facility licensing and nursing records, internationally trained physicians, nurse anesthetist reimbursement, childhood cancer research, cybersecurity encryption, school mental health instruction, superintendent pay and benefits, adoption disclosures in college health settings, anti-Semitism provisions, school safety firearms authorization, coerced abortion penalties, domestic violence testimony standards, border health and terrorism-related bills, and multiple water, land, and state trust land measures. Several members flagged concerns about unfunded mandates, local control, constitutional issues, and special legislation, while others supported bills as technical fixes, public safety measures, or ways to expand access and funding. A number of bills were pulled from consent for further discussion, including HB 2020, HB 2093, HB 2386, HB 2481, HB 2575, HB 2906, HB 2040, HB 2136, HB 2665, HB 2904, HB 2957, HB 2044, HB 2352, HB 2667, HB 2830, HB 2307, HB 2425, HB 2426, HB 2427, HB 2497, HB 2751, HB 2780, HB 2804, HB 2926, HB 4030, and HCR 2052, among others. Some bills were noted as unanimous or split votes, and several were described as party-line or having constitutional problems. The caucus also discussed committee amendments on multiple measures, including changes to water, land, health, and AI bills. The meeting ended with a series of remarks on the late Reverend Jesse Jackson and an “affordability award” presentation to Representatives Lorena Austin and Simacek for work on economic justice and working families. The caucus then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Specifically, it allows residential construction in areas zoned for commercial.
• Because we're not funding local government, so they rely a lot on sales tax.
• Because we're not funding local government, so they rely a lot on sales tax.
• construction.
• We've seen over 2,000 units constructed in the last five years.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several local government bills, with most of the discussion focused on HB 2480, which would require cities and counties planning under the Growth Management Act to allow residential uses in commercial and mixed-use zones and limit local requirements for ground-floor retail or mixed-use conditions. The bill sponsor and supporters, including the Lieutenant Governor, Governor’s Office, Commerce, builders, business groups, and housing advocates, argued it would unlock underused commercial land, reduce housing costs, and help address Washington’s housing shortage. Opponents and some cities said the bill could undermine local planning, walkable mixed-use centers, tax base, and neighborhood retail, and asked for more exemptions or narrower application. Several speakers supported the proposed substitute as a compromise, while others urged not to weaken the bill further. No vote was taken. The committee also heard HB 2223, which would create an exception to the conflict-of-interest rules for irrigation district directors whose spouses work for a district contract, modeled on an existing exception for public hospital district commissioners. The sponsor and the Washington State Water Resources Association said the change would help irrigation districts recruit and retain volunteer board members in rural areas while preserving disclosure and recusal requirements. The hearing was brief and no action was taken. HB 2530 would extend the deadline for forming a public facilities district for regional aquatics and sports facilities from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2028. Supporters from Olympia and Tumwater said the extension would give local governments more time to collaborate and pursue an aquatic center that has long been a community priority; one testifier said removing the deadline entirely would also be acceptable. The committee then heard HB 2459, which would expand authority to site certain schools outside urban growth areas and extend utilities to serve them. Supporters, especially representatives of the Tahoma School District and related groups, said the bill would let districts use land they already own to relieve overcrowding. Opponents, including Futurewise, argued it would weaken Growth Management Act planning and local multicounty policies and should remain a local process. Finally, HB 2129 on agritourism was briefly heard, with the sponsor describing it as a way to help farms stay viable and preserve rural character; the committee heard supportive comments about farm preservation and openness to a work group or amendments. No votes or final actions were taken on these bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• . ...can renew this model or decide to invest state funds into the commission.
• thousands of union construction workers.
• This is a very unique program because it doesn't require state funding.
• We found those matching funds.
• . ...same year, 15,910 construction workers died from overdoses and 5,095 died by suicide.

Summary: The committee held public hearings on several bills. HB 2462 would direct the governor to create rules for countering threats from unpiloted aircraft systems and authorize National Guard support for law enforcement in certain circumstances; the prime sponsor and National Guard witnesses said it would improve coordination for events like the FIFA World Cup, while one testifier supported it with amendments related to law enforcement authority, data privacy, and a web portal. HB 2401 would create a Washington State Boys and Men’s Commission, contingent on non-state funding through 2029; supporters described concerns about boys’ and men’s mental health, suicide, loneliness, education, and workforce outcomes, while some asked that physical health and fatherhood be more explicitly addressed. HB 2198 would expand and standardize statewide credential and permit reporting, require agencies to publish timelines and fee refunds for missed deadlines, and consolidate reporting; the governor’s office, business groups, labor, ports, and the Department of Health testified in support, citing faster processing, predictability, and economic benefits. HB 2419 would extend Address Confidentiality Program eligibility to administrative law judges and certain Office of Administrative Hearings staff; OAH, county officials, and county clerks supported the bill, citing threats and safety concerns, and some asked to include county clerks as well. The committee then took executive action on HB 2210, HB 2205, and HB 2249. It adopted an amendment to HB 2210 preserving existing ranked choice voting systems and advanced the bill 4-2 with one excused. It adopted an amendment to HB 2205 making threats against sports officials, coaches, or participants involved in wagered events a Class C felony and barring offenders from future wagering, and advanced the bill 5-1 with one excused. HB 2249, reclassifying certain WATEC employees performing network and security duties, was advanced unanimously 6-0 with one excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• In short, these lot minimums mean that a lot must meet at least the required size for construction of
• But what about the economics of housing construction?
• We know funding is going to be a key, key piece to this important puzzle.
• And one type of housing fund is obviously not sufficient.
• In many cases, it's some of the same actors that are funding this.

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 25-03, House Bill 5000, which would allow single-family homes on small lots in areas with adequate infrastructure. Committee chairs outlined the Article 48 process and the hearing format, then heard first from two subject-matter experts. Under Secretary Chris Clutchman of Housing and Livable Communities explained that the proposal would amend Chapter 40A’s Section 3 (the Dover Amendment) to require most municipalities, except Boston, to allow single-family homes on residentially zoned lots of at least 5,000 square feet with 50 feet of frontage and access to public water and sewer, while still allowing reasonable local regulations on setbacks, height, bulk, and short-term rentals. He distinguished the proposal from Chapter 40Y starter-home zoning, said implementation would likely require regulations to address issues such as wetlands, infrastructure capacity, and nonconforming lots, and answered committee questions about lot subdivision, MBTA Communities, and the relationship to existing zoning tools. Attorney Susan Murphy testified that the petition would significantly override local zoning and could create conflicts with existing statutes, including Chapter 40A Section 6 protections for certain nonconforming lots, subdivision control law, and other residential zoning districts. She raised concerns about how “access” to water and sewer would be defined, whether the measure could apply in business or industrial districts where residential uses are allowed, and whether the proposal could allow large homes on small lots without any affordability limits. She also warned that the measure could have significant infrastructure impacts and argued that the Legislature should consider broader, more comprehensive housing legislation rather than expanding exceptions to the zoning framework. Committee members asked both experts about frontage, lot size, infrastructure capacity, and how the proposal would interact with 40Y and MBTA Communities. The proponents, led by Andrew McCulla of the Legalized Starter Homes Coalition, argued that Massachusetts faces a severe housing shortage and affordability crisis, citing high home prices, high rents, declining listings, and outmigration of younger residents. They said the measure would legalize modest single-family homes on smaller lots, increase housing supply, and help first-time buyers and downsizing seniors, while leaving most other local rules in place. Other proponents, including representatives from Abundant Housing Massachusetts, the Charles River Regional Chamber, and individual residents, emphasized workforce retention, the need for more starter homes, and the view that large minimum lot sizes are a major barrier to production. Committee members pressed the panel on the lack of any home-size or affordability requirement, possible effects on 40B compliance, the number of new lots and homes that might result, and the fact that the ballot initiative would not be amendable by the Legislature. The hearing then turned to opponents from the Massachusetts Municipal Association, who urged the committee to take no action. MMA leaders said zoning should remain a local decision made by residents and elected local officials, and argued that the proposal would preempt local control with a one-size-fits-all mandate. They also said the measure is impractical because many communities with water and sewer are already at or near capacity, so infrastructure availability does not necessarily mean development capacity. The hearing ended during the MMA’s testimony, with no vote or final committee action taken.