Video & Transcript : 'Section 94B' :
Page 142 of 500
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health Mar 20th, 2025
S/C on Disease Prevention & Women's & Children's Health
Transcript Highlights:
- I think that if you eliminate Section 7 of the bill.
- HB 25, Section 7 only.
- The current labeling requirement in Section 7 makes that difficult, as I've already mentioned.
- If section 7 does. Remain in the bill.
- Um, the labeling section does bring us some concern.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor and Transportation May 28th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The second section that we have for Part A are items number six, 12 through 16, 22, 23, 27, 29, 31, 40
- The issues within that part section are 1 through 14, 16, 18 through 20, 22 through 26, 28, 30 through
- We'll now move to the third and final section, which is transportation.
- We'll now go to the second section of Part C, and those items are 1, 2, 12 through 15, 20, 24 through
- Our final section in Part C of transportation will cover three issues, five, 22, and 53. 33.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- We know this bill or this section of statute as 292.
- The chair asked for the specific line, and it was identified as lines 38 and 39 of Section 3.
- And down in Section 3 on line 39, it would read: 'Institutes of Higher Education,'" In Section 3, on
- It is a simple strike and deals with Article 9, Section 9, where we have compulsory education.
- And that is striking Section 9 and replacing it, it still remains Section 9, with: “The right of the
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/02/2026 - House Rules
Transcript Highlights:
- Specifically, Section 230 of the Federal Communications Decency Act says that no provider or user of
- House Bill 2133 might be preempted by Section 230 because it attaches liability to a commercial entity
- , which could include websites, when it hosts third-party content, and by our reading of Section 230.
- And by our reading of Section 230 and the cases about it, the federal law says that you can't expose
- interference to the fundamental right of abortion that is provided by Prop. 139 and in Article 2, Section
Summary:
The Rules Committee considered several bills for constitutional and proper-form review, with the chair holding House Bill 2555. The committee heard legal analysis on House Bill 2060, which would prohibit public educational institutions and universities from encouraging or facilitating abortions; counsel flagged possible state constitutional issues in light of Proposition 139, but the committee still recommended the bill 5-3. House Bill 2085, dealing with gender transition procedures and referrals, was discussed at length for possible First Amendment concerns, especially around provider referrals, but it was also recommended 5-3. House Bill 2133, requiring age and consent verification for online sexual material, was flagged for possible federal preemption under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and was recommended 5-3. House Bill 2086, which would bar government entities from requiring masks or vaccinations, raised Supremacy Clause and intergovernmental immunity concerns because it included the federal government, but the sponsor was said to be working on an amendment; it passed 5-3. House Bill 2279, concerning liability and waivers for Grand Canyon river outfitters, drew an anti-abrogation clause concern, with staff saying ordinary negligence liability must remain available; it was also recommended 5-3. House Bill 2364, adding criminal penalties for mailing or delivering abortion-inducing drugs, was flagged as likely conflicting with the new abortion-rights language in Proposition 139, though staff said the courts were still sorting out the issue; it too passed 5-3.
The committee then took up a large mass motion covering many additional bills, resolutions, and memorials. Staff noted one update on House Concurrent Resolution 2003, which would place on the ballot changes affecting school sports participation based on biological sex; they said the U.S. Supreme Court was considering similar laws from Idaho and West Virginia and that the outcome could affect the measure. No other specific concerns were raised on the mass motion items, and the committee recommended all of them 8-0.
Throughout the meeting, members asked clarifying questions about the constitutional issues, including the effect of Proposition 139, the scope of First Amendment protections for medical providers, federal preemption, and the anti-abrogation clause. Several members voted no on the abortion- and gender-related bills, while the majority consistently voted to advance the measures as constitutional and in proper form. The meeting adjourned after the mass motion vote.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations Apr 3rd, 2025 at 08:30 am
Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- And at the very end of the bill, Section 3, this act applies to health benefit plans that are delivered
- Section 4 applies to the Public Employees Retirement System, Uniform Group Insurance Program, or, for
- That's in this, I believe that's Section 2 of the bill. Okay.
- The additional amendment with Section 4 is specific to PERS.
- As far as Section 3 and how that impacts private insurers, I would not be the best one to answer that
Keywords:
adult residential facilities, care services, Medicaid, payment rates, elderly care, health services, North Dakota, prescription drugs, drug affordability, copay assistance, copayment accumulator, deductible accumulator, out-of-pocket maximum, health insurance, health benefit plan, self-insured health plan, self-funded plan, third-party payment, manufacturer assistance, patient assistance program
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum and took up three bills. House Bill 1216, dealing with prescription drug expense co-pay accumulators in health plans, was presented by Rep. Karen Carl’s, who explained it would prevent insurers from refusing to count third-party assistance toward deductibles for patients using high-cost, non-generic drugs. An amendment was offered to clarify effective dates, including a delayed January 1, 2026 start for PERS coverage. PERS testified that the amendment would align with its calendar-year benefit structure and likely reduce the fiscal note. The amendment was adopted 16-0, and the bill was set aside for further discussion later.
House Bill 1199, creating a criminal justice data-sharing system and missing persons/missing Indigenous people task force, was introduced with a committee amendment changing the Attorney General reference to the Attorney General or designee. The committee noted the bill includes a $250,000 general fund appropriation for ongoing costs. The amendment passed 16-0, and the amended bill received a do pass recommendation by a 15-1 vote, with one no vote from Senator Magrum.
House Bill 1531, appropriating $75,000 for an irrigation expansion study by the Agriculture Commissioner, was supported as a way to update older economic-impact studies on irrigation and assess opportunities for expansion. Members discussed its relationship to broader study pauses and the history of irrigation development in the state, including Garrison Diversion and remaining authorized acres. The bill passed 16-0. The committee then discussed scheduling for the coming week, noting a heavy bill load and plans for daily morning meetings before adjourning.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Mar 25, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> comment are related to another section comment are related to another section it's<00:21:00.400>
- 5 and subsection B of Section 19.
- Thanks for submitting it. subsection uh section 19 subsection subsection uh section 19 subsection b<00
- </c> particular uh section particular uh section 32-114<01:15:20.400><c> c</c><01:15:20.719><c> it's<
- </c><01:15:21.840><c> at</c> 32-114 c it's a new proposed section at 32-114 c it's a new proposed section
Summary:
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard Senate Bill 1322, SD2, HD1, a comprehensive measure revising Hawaii’s mental health code. The bill would clarify emergency transportation, examination, and hospitalization procedures for people who may be mentally ill or suffering from substance abuse and deemed imminently dangerous, expand notice requirements, allow certain information-sharing for assisted community treatment petitions, and add liability protections for emergency responders and providers. The Department of the Attorney General supported the bill as a collaborative update to the law, while the Department of Health asked for a copy of provider-generated emergency transport documentation within five days for data and planning purposes.
Testimony was sharply divided. Queen’s Health System, Hawaiʻi Pacific Health, HHSC, and the Institute for Human Services supported the measure or parts of it but requested amendments, including clarifying whether a second psychiatric exam is required, restoring a 72-hour rather than 48-hour stabilization window, and adjusting where patients are taken when an MEO cannot be reached. The ACLU of Hawaiʻi strongly opposed the bill, arguing it weakens due process and civil liberties, especially around involuntary commitment, assisted community treatment, emergency transport by police, and reduced procedural safeguards; it urged the committee to hold the bill and consider an interim working group. Louie E.K. of the Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center also opposed the bill, focusing on immunity from negligence, the use of police for transport, and the reduction of a three-provider review to one in state-hospital treatment orders.
Other testimony included support from an individual who said the bill could improve mental health care delivery amid provider shortages, and a comment from Hawaiʻi Health and Harm Reduction Center warning that the substance use portion of the bill lacks evidence of effectiveness and could be misused. In response to committee questions, the Attorney General’s office said the measure was developed with input from multiple stakeholders, including state agencies, hospitals, the ACLU, HHSC, and IHS, and that it aims to make assisted community treatment more accessible and effective by streamlining the legal process and improving consequences for noncompliance. No vote or final action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (03/19/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:56:39.840><c> Um</c> section as well as the other one. Um section as well as the other one.
- Sections four, five, six, eight, and the repeal sections in nine, all taken together, repeal the class
- On section nine, which is the repeal sections, on line 13 that should be struck entirely because it is
- ><c> been</c><02:06:50.400><c> um</c> Um section three, there's been um Um section three, there's been
- , uh which is the on uh section nine, uh which is the repeal<02:08:05.560><c> sections,</c> repeal sections
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, I move to amend Senate Bill 1264, page 27, section 3, line 6, by deleting after the word Faculty
- Page 27, section 3, line 6, by inserting after the word 'concussion' the words 'brain bleeds' and page
- 27, section 3, line 9, by deleting after the word 'scrapes' the phrase 'in the' Presence of a minor
- That first section Talks about release from DOC and it's got 3 or four line items in there.
- What was your take on that section?
Bills:
SB372, SB1224, SB1232, SB1264, SB1330, SB1381, SB1441, SB1450, SB1589, SB1618, SB1936, SB1980, SB2011, SB2030
Keywords:
SB372, firearms, gun rights, lawful carry, concealed carry, open carry, handgun license, Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, weapons policy, gun law, school safety, private school, public school, college campus, university campus, technology center, courthouse, government buildings, municipal buildings, county courthouse
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
House Floor Session Jan 21st, 2026 at 08:30 am
North Dakota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the name of state representative to whom I issued a certificate of appointment in accordance with Section
- 7 of the North Dakota Constitution, Whereas, under Article 5, Section 7 of the North Dakota Constitution
- : the Governor is vested with executive authority under the North Dakota Constitution, Article 5, Section
- authority to convene a special session of the North Dakota Legislative Assembly under Article 5, Section
- And the remaining changes, and in your packet, sections 7, 10, and 13 are subject to delayed effective
Keywords:
presidential physical fitness test, physical education, fitness assessment, student fitness, school curriculum, graduation requirements, elementary school, middle school, high school, public schools, nonpublic schools, superintendent of public instruction, exceptions, disability accommodations, North Dakota studies, computer science, cybersecurity, health education, concept-based fitness class, school standards
Summary:
The North Dakota House convened in special session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the reading of communications from the Secretary of State and Governor Kelly Armstrong certifying the special session call. The governor’s executive order said the session was called to act on funding for the Rural Health Transformation Program so the state could accept and appropriate federal funds and avoid interruptions to government services. Three new members, Representatives McNally, Scraw, and Timmons, were sworn in, and the roll showed 91 members present, establishing a quorum.
The main business was a Rules Committee report outlining temporary special-session rules. The changes were designed to speed up floor action, including allowing second reading the same day a bill is reported from committee, final passage one day after first reading, and immediate transmission to the other chamber unless reconsideration is noticed. The report also replaced the regular standing committee structure with two joint committees: Joint Appropriations and Joint Policy, allowed remote testimony and remote member participation with approval, and limited bill introduction to Legislative Management-approved bills or bills approved by a two-thirds vote. Several deadline changes for resolutions and bill filing were also described, with some provisions delayed until the special session ends.
The House adopted the Rules Committee report after a motion by Representative Bosch and no opposition. During announcements, the clerk listed the membership of the Joint Appropriations and Joint Policy committees, and the Highway Patrol announced safety sessions for legislators in the Rough Rider Room at 11 a.m. that day and the next day. The House then recessed until the joint session scheduled for 10 a.m. the following day.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- This deals with repealing the section of code related to the Pacific Fisheries Legislative Task Force
- Oregon has already repealed their statute, so it's just an inactive section of code.
- It's a fairly short section of code. So it's just an inactive section of code.
- It's a fairly short section of code, but it originally served as an opinion for various interests involved
- So we'd like to get this section of code also repealed this year.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Management Jun 11th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Legislative Management
Transcript Highlights:
- The measure would permit laws to be enacted to facilitate, safeguard, expand, or implement the section
- And if the section conflicted Held invalid would not affect the remaining provisions.
- And if this section conflicted with North Dakota law, this section would control.
- conflicted with North Dakota law, this section would control.
- That bill created the legislative districts that are currently set forth in Section 54-03-01.14.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 33 Apr 8th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Sweezy of Duxbury moves to amend the bill by inserting after Section 2 the following section: Section
- 2A. ...moves to amend the bill by inserting after Section 2 the following section, Section 2A.
- Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, nothing in section...
- In Section 2, in lines 99, by striking out and inserting it.
- Michael Witts of Boston and other members move to amend the bill in Section 3 by... Mr.
Summary:
The House opened with ceremonial activities, including the Pledge of Allegiance and recognition of several student athletic teams and guests, then took up a series of routine matters. Members adopted a resolution congratulating the William Diamond Jr. Fife and Drum Corps on its 25th anniversary, suspended Joint Rule 12 for a petition concerning lease authorization for Eastern Mountain State Forests, and enacted several bills, including measures related to the Sandwich town charter and Springfield tax relief. The House also passed a bill authorizing charity alcohol auctions after adopting a substitute amendment, and passed a bill directing the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for a specific applicant.
The main policy debate centered on Senate Bill 2581, amended and retitled as an act promoting safe technology use and distraction-free education for youth. Supporters described the bill as a response to classroom distraction, bullying, and mental health harms associated with cell phones and social media, and said it would require bell-to-bell restrictions on personal devices in schools, provide guidance and a model policy for districts, and limit social media access for children under 14 while requiring parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds. Several members cited educator testimony, school district practices, and concerns about anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and online predators. Opponents and amendment sponsors argued for more local flexibility and warned about implementation costs, but amendments seeking to preserve district-specific policies or prohibit unfunded mandates were rejected.
The House adopted a consolidated amendment to the bill by roll call, then passed the bill to be engrossed by a vote of 129-25. Earlier, the House also accepted a conference committee report on legislation modernizing cannabis laws by a vote of 155-0, after debate focused on restructuring the Cannabis Control Commission, expanding licensing and ownership rules, and addressing equity and social justice provisions. The chamber recessed several times, briefly lost quorum during proceedings, and adjourned to meet again in informal session the following day.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 33 Apr 8th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Sweezy of Duxbury moves to amend the bill by inserting after Section 2 the following section: Section
- Sweezy of Duxbury moves to amend the bill by inserting after Section 2 the following section, Section
- 2A, notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, nothing in section of...
- In Section 2, in lines 99, by striking out and inserting it by the Senate.
- Michael Witts of Boston and other members move to amend the bill in Section 3 by... Mr.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- You will see that there is an addition of a number two in the citation to Section 67-3511.
- Section 2 is specifically the section of that code.
- Section 2 is specifically the section of that code that provides for transfers between programs.
- Section two is specifically the section of that code that provides for transfers between programs.
- For the first two sections, you can see that it regards student tuition.
Summary:
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee began with recognition of two outgoing pages, who described their experiences working at the Capitol and their plans for college and law school. The committee then received a general fund budget update from Legislative Services analyst Christopher LaHosette, who explained the green sheet, noted that the governor’s enhancement requests are effectively larger because of prior cuts, and highlighted policy bills tied to budget reductions, including House Bill 622 for IDLA and Senate Bill 1312 for Medicaid. Senator Wintrow asked about how agencies already filled out on the budget sheet could still be adjusted, and LaHosette said an agency would need to be added to the agenda before a motion could be made.
The committee then acted on several budgets. It approved a $17,800 reimbursement to the Military Division for hazardous materials costs, but rejected a larger Military Division enhancement package after debate over restoring the State Education Assistance Program for guardsmen and concerns about budget process and ending balances. The committee approved Percy’s $2.6 million dedicated-funds request for pension software, continuity planning, and replacement items. It also approved the Division of Veterans Services budget, including new equipment, replacement items, federal IT hardware, and reappropriation authority for veterans’ home construction and renovation funds.
A proposed intent language item for the Division of Veterans Services, directing the legislature to add $36,200 ongoing in fiscal year 2028 for cemetery maintenance, failed after members said it could not bind a future legislature and that the intent was only to signal future attention. The committee then approved the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired enhancement request and accepted language directing the agency to prioritize site restoration services. It also approved a small Vocational Rehabilitation lease increase for the Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and later approved the State Tax Commission’s $765,300 supplemental for federal tax conformity implementation, along with a larger enhancement package for property tax education, GenTax automation, personnel, replacement items, seasonal employees, and OITS hardware. The committee accepted language restricting one Tax Commission item to fast tax collection vendor payments and requiring any unused amount to revert to the general fund.
Finally, the committee adopted technical corrections to previously approved maintenance bill language for the Legislature and the State Board of Education, including fixes to transfer authority and year references. The chair announced that the committee would hear budget presentations for the Department of Water Resources and the Soil and Water Conservation Commission on Monday, with no votes scheduled, and then adjourned.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Feb 15th, 2026 at 12:53 pm
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- And right below it, on section D, is the look back window, and I'll explain that.
- As we go through the next part of the bill, Section 2 is new material.
- Section N is about confidentiality.
- Let me find the section for you.
- We have a section in here on the preliminary. This is a dictionary review.
Keywords:
Shaken Baby Syndrome, abusive head trauma, child safety, training and education, healthcare funding, youth internships, workforce development, education, grant funding, employment, drinking water, water quality, environment, public health, water filtration, private well testing, federal funding, childhood sexual abuse, time limitations, civil actions
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jan 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And then to your second question, and I, in this moment, can’t remember the specific code section, but
- there’s a separate section of code that speaks to that.
- , but there’s a separate section of code that speaks to that.
- Price, on page 158, the section where you changed the rounding...
- Section where you changed the rounding.
Summary:
The committee first considered RS 33025, a concurrent resolution supporting consolidation of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission with the Idaho Department of Water Resources as part of broader executive-branch efficiency efforts. Senator Harris said the resolution explains the rationale and process for the proposed realignment, and noted a letter of support from commission leadership. Senator Guthrie asked how the estimated savings would be achieved. The committee voted to send the resolution to print.
The main policy item was Senate Bill 1222, a trailer bill to last year’s domestic well legislation. Senator Anthony said it clarifies the definition of subdivision for IDWR purposes, ties it to a five-lot threshold, and makes clear the new rules apply only to subdivisions initiated on or after July 1, 2025. Supporters, including Paul Arrington and other stakeholders, said the bill fixes unintended effects on existing or partially built subdivisions and preserves the original intent of the law, while still limiting future domestic-exempt well use. Bruce Smith testified in opposition to immediate action, urging the committee to table the bill and hear more from IDWR about implementation. After questions about domestic use, fire suppression, subdivision definitions, and irrigation impacts, the committee voted to send SB 1222 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation.
The committee also heard gubernatorial appointments to the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board from Kenneth Long and Carl Ray. Both described their backgrounds in outfitting, guiding, outdoor recreation, and public service, and members asked about board responsibilities, geographic representation, and challenges facing the industry, including access and tag allocation. The committee then took up Docket No. 24-3501-2-250, a set of eight rule changes for the Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board. John Price said the changes were part of zero-based regulation and were developed through public meetings and stakeholder input; they removed duplicative definitions, clarified overlap predator and tag designation rules, refined river boundary descriptions, and corrected a typo. The committee voted to adopt the docket.
At the end of the meeting, the committee hosted an American Falls FFA Ag Issues team presentation on the federal roadless rule rescission. The students presented arguments on both sides of the issue, focusing on forest health, wildfire risk, tribal concerns, recreation, and economic development. Senators praised the students’ preparation and leadership, but no committee action was taken on the presentation.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- or related sections of 43. 43.23, 43.26, 43.261, or 43.262.
- That's on page three of the bill, section C2. I see.
- The only question I had or concern I had was in the 1621 when you get to the section What is it?
- The next section applies to 4325. Again, it's not about possessing anything.
- And the explicit materials are defended by section 43.24.
Keywords:
child protection, sexual offenses, visual material, artificial intelligence, criminal penalties, law enforcement, defense against prosecution, obscenity, judicial officer, deepfake, deep fake, synthetic media, AI-generated content, machine learning, nonconsensual pornography, revenge porn, sexually explicit media, intimate images, digital manipulation, visual depiction
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Budget Section Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Again, this is required by Century Code Section 54-27-27.
- Chairman, members of the Budget Section Committee.
- Chairman, we have a request for the Budget Section.
- Good morning, Chairman Vigasan, members of the budget section.
- Chairman, and members of the Budget Section.
Summary:
The Budget Section approved the March 18 minutes and received an OMB update showing the general fund is still ahead of the budgeted starting point, but revenues through May are now about $76 million below the legislative forecast, driven mainly by individual income tax and sales tax shortfalls. OMB also reported the budget stabilization fund is above its cap, meaning a transfer to the general fund is expected, and reviewed oil price/production assumptions, noting continued volatility. Members asked about the income tax netting process, the sales tax decline, oil price discounts/premiums, natural gas taxation, and when the executive branch would present its revenue forecast.
The committee then acted on several Emergency Commission requests. It approved, as a group, requests for federal mine reclamation funds for the Public Service Commission, an additional criminal investigator FTE and funding for the Attorney General’s office, and a DPI transfer for bridge software costs. It separately approved DPI request 2164 for $500,000 to support the food vendor program after debate over whether the program’s savings were known and whether the money was simply a pass-through. OMB also reported on federal grants, fiscal irregularities, tobacco settlement proceeds, budget guidelines for agencies, FTE pool usage, vacancy savings, and the DAPL settlement, noting the settlement funds had been deposited and that a deficiency appropriation may be needed later to cover remaining accrued interest.
Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus presented on the primary residence credit program, saying participation has grown sharply and that the current biennium will likely need about $431 million, roughly $22 million above the appropriation. He explained how the credit interacts with homestead and disabled veteran benefits, how the 3% property tax cap works, and why county valuations and mill rates vary. The committee also received a Legacy Fund/Budget Stabilization Fund report showing strong returns, and DOT Director Ron Henke received approval for two Flex Fund highway projects on ND 49 and ND 31. Henke also explained remaining Highway 85 funding and said the department is exploring uses for leftover state dollars. Finally, the Department of Mineral Resources reported on abandoned well plugging and site restoration, noting North Dakota remains in relatively strong shape compared with other states, and DPI began a presentation on gap funding tied to the 3% levy cap, reporting 24 districts received $1.8 million in the first year and projecting higher future needs.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair Madaro thanked Secretary Gorowitz and then asked about Section 5 of the bill.
- You mentioned the provision, I believe it's Section 5, that if there's a future change to federal tax
- And the last question I have is regarding opportunity zones, Section 70421, and thanks to your staff
- Okay, my first question will go related to Section 703-07.
- The other piece I just want to drill into is our thoughts around the R&E sections in particular.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing on H. 4975, Governor Healey’s bill to manage the impact of the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OB3) on Massachusetts tax law and state revenues. Administration officials, led by Secretary of Administration and Finance Matt Gorowitz, said OB3 would otherwise reduce FY26 revenue by about $442 million and argued for a phased-in conformity approach that would preserve the current-year budget while still adopting selected federal business tax provisions over time. The proposal would phase in the research and experimental expenditure deduction first, delay other major corporate provisions for two years, extend the pass-through entity excise to income subject to the 4% surtax, add a one-year delay mechanism for future federal tax changes over $20 million, limit opportunity zone benefits to Massachusetts investments, and make smaller technical changes to DFML contributions and casino reporting thresholds. Committee members questioned the rationale for phasing in rather than fully decoupling, the effect on the budget if the bill did not pass, and the treatment of opportunity zones, the surtax, and future federal tax changes.
Public testimony was split. MassBudget, Progressive Massachusetts, and several labor and public-sector groups urged the committee to permanently decouple from the federal corporate tax changes rather than delay them, arguing that the bill would still send state revenue to corporate tax breaks, often for investments outside Massachusetts, and that the state should protect funding for schools, health care, human services, and other public services. The Massachusetts Society of CPAs supported the administration’s timing and the research-and-development provisions, citing filing deadlines and the importance of certainty for businesses and startups. Business and tax experts also testified that rushed conformity can create revenue losses and that the governor’s review-and-delay framework was a prudent improvement, though some said decoupling should be the default if the Legislature does not act.
Unite Here Local 26 testified against sections 3 and 4, which would raise the slot-machine jackpot reporting threshold from $1,200 to $2,000, arguing the current threshold helps with problem-gambling intervention, preserves slot attendant jobs, and generates revenue. Several union leaders, including the Massachusetts Teachers Association, AFT Massachusetts, SEIU 509, the Massachusetts Building Trades, the AFL-CIO, and 1199 SEIU, urged permanent decoupling, warning that OB3’s federal tax cuts and related spending reductions would worsen budget pressures, harm public services, and shift costs onto workers, patients, and schools. No votes were taken at the hearing.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- 2 and section 2.
- Those sections also, which are on pages article 2 section 1 and 2. That's on page 3.
- Those sections also which are on pages Those sections also which are on pages article<00:18:26.800><c
- > 2</c><00:18:27.200><c> section</c> article 2 section article 2 section 1<00:18:29.320><c> and</c><00
- So, wanted to point that out on page 12, section 14.