Transcript Highlights:

• So what does that mean for our school district? It means that each school district is recently...
• What does that mean for our school district?
• In smaller districts like Fruitland and our neighboring districts of Payette and New Plymouth, we simply
• In smaller districts like Fruitland and then our neighboring districts of Payton, New Plymouth, we simply
• districts.

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• I will not entertain a motion to table at this session.
• > Chair, there are occasions when one would enter a motion to reconsider and immediately I would entertain
• If the amendments are in order, and germane, I intend to entertain the amendments, and when it comes
• Germaine,<01:13:28.080><c> I</c><01:13:28.239><c> intend</c><01:13:28.560><c> to</c><01:13:28.719><c> entertain
• </c><01:13:29.120><c> the</c> Germaine, I intend to entertain the Germaine, I intend to entertain the

Committee: Joint Public Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• At this time, I'll entertain a motion on At this time, I'll entertain a motion on the minutes from the
• they've got a little more competition these days, you know, with sports wagering in terms of the entertainment
• with sports wagering in terms<00:08:11.280><c> of</c><00:08:11.360><c> the</c><00:08:11.599><c> entertainment
• </c><00:08:12.000><c> dollar,</c><00:08:12.240><c> but</c> terms of the entertainment dollar, but terms
• of the entertainment dollar, but it<00:08:12.560><c> can</c><00:08:12.639><c> they</c><00:08:12.879>

Summary: The committee first established a quorum, approved the July minutes, and recognized Jennifer Hayes of the Department of State Budget Director for her retirement and long service. Secretary Hicks then presented a review of fiscal year 2025 closeout for the general fund and road fund, explaining that the general fund ended with a $313 million surplus and the road fund with a $61 million surplus. He attributed the general fund result to strong corporate income and LLC tax receipts, investment income, and lower-than-budgeted spending, while noting that individual income tax and sales tax underperformed estimates. He also described how the general fund surplus was allocated, with $62 million used for necessary government expenses and $251 million deposited into the budget reserve trust fund, which remained at historically strong levels. For the road fund, he said the surplus would be deposited into the Department of Highways construction account, and he highlighted record motor vehicle usage tax receipts despite lower motor fuels tax revenue due to a rate decline. Members asked questions about the pass-through entity tax, delayed filing deadlines, THC beverage sales, and income tax collection from undocumented workers. Hicks said the pass-through entity tax remains difficult to model because of timing issues and the first year’s unusual filing pattern, and that staff are still working with the Department of Revenue and other states to improve forecasting. He said the delayed filing deadline likely would not require a major restatement and that any related receipts would still be counted in fiscal 2026. On THC beverages, he said the issue would be considered in the next forecasting cycle. On the undocumented-worker question, he said withholding may capture some of the revenue but referred broader collection efforts to the Department of Revenue. The committee then shifted to an overview of the federal reconciliation act’s potential impact on the next biennial budget, with Hicks and Commissioner Lisa Dennis focusing on Medicaid and SNAP. Hicks said the Congressional Budget Office estimated roughly $900 billion in federal savings over 10 years, driven in part by work or community engagement requirements for the Medicaid expansion population and limits on state-directed payments. He emphasized that CMS still must issue regulations to define how the state-directed payment reductions will be calculated, making the exact fiscal impact uncertain. He referred members to a prior Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board presentation for more detail, and the discussion remained informational with no votes or formal actions taken on the federal changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the Fair Districts Amendment requires congressional districts to be compact and to use existing political
• Johns, yet its congressional districts, Districts 5 and 6, didn't really change at all.
• John's, yet it's congressional district, District 5 and 6 didn't really change at all. Why is that?
• We all know, because the people told us clearly in 2010 to the Fair District Amendment, that district
• My own house would be moved into District 25, a district that stretches across Palm Beach, Broward, and

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> community health centers in my district community health centers in my district um<00:28:42.240>
• have them in our district do so much for our<00:28:48.720><c> community.
• So, tomorrow is Denver Zoo Day, which is in my district.
• For those Day, which is in my district.
• </c> to entertain to entertain the<02:32:29.200><c> general</c><02:32:29.520><c> assembly.

Transcript Highlights:

• I thought that was a district where it's applied across the district because the district has the same
• they're asking for a district match in another school.
• Energy management, providing support to the district.
• We have had some districts come requesting to build teacher housing in the district where the teachers
• I think every school district that comes forward.

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• David Allen, the South Broward Hospital District, waves in support.
• Of Darlene Engerville and J.R. by the South Broward Hospital District.
• David Allen, representing the South Broward Hospital District, waves in support.
• Is that the school district?
• Is that something that you're interested in entertaining?

Summary: The committee considered a long agenda of bills, with most measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations, amendments, and roll calls. Early bills included SB 658 on lien waivers/releases, SB 736 on Brownfields redevelopment, SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, SB 1132 on right-to-repair for certain equipment, and SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage. Each was amended or discussed as needed and then approved by the committee. The committee also advanced SB 768 on foreign control interests in health care licensing, SB 772 on school diabetes management and access to glucagon, SB 1400 on removal of altered sexual depictions posted without consent, SB 1696 on prearranged transportation services, and SB 1374 on school district reporting requirements for educator arrests and misconduct. Several bills drew notable public testimony and debate. SB 1132 prompted strong support from the sponsor and agriculture interests, but opposition from equipment dealers, technology groups, and wireless industry representatives who argued the market already provides repair options and that the bill could harm dealer networks and security. SB 1730, the Live Local/affordable housing bill, received extensive discussion about parking reductions, height and density preemption, attorney’s fees, local government authority, and impacts on Monroe County and other areas; the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill favorably despite concerns from some members and advocates about parking, due process, and local control. SB 606 on public lodging and food service establishments also generated significant debate, with opponents warning it could displace long-term guests and vulnerable families, while the sponsor said it clarifies transient occupancy and removes ambiguity in the removal process; the bill passed after the committee rejected a related amendment. Other measures advanced with less controversy. SB 576 updated service-of-process rules, and SB 1164 authorized email delivery of landlord-tenant notices if the parties agree in writing, though tenant advocates urged clearer safeguards and the sponsor said he was not yet committed to the House version. SB 940 prohibited the resale of restaurant reservations without consent and was supported by restaurant interests. SB 1690, allowing infant safety devices or “baby boxes” as a legal surrender option, drew emotional support from several witnesses who said it would provide anonymous, life-saving alternatives for mothers in crisis; the committee continued discussion into the latter part of the meeting. Throughout, the committee adopted several amendments, heard both support and opposition from industry, advocacy, and local-government witnesses, and reported the discussed bills favorably by recorded vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• example that I have in my district I was back in my district and there was a substitute teacher who
• I would like this to be something that's decided at possibly a more local level, district by district
• It was a district P.O. box.
• It was a district P.O. box.
• I think every district should do this. district email addresses. I think this is a great bill.

Bills: SB1726 , SB1236 , SB1633 , SB1413 , SB1317 , SB1360 , SB1342 , SB1477 , SB1189 , SB1546 , SB1524 , SB1338 , SB1193 , SB1812 , SB1617

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The Senate Education Committee heard and advanced a large slate of education bills. Early measures included SB 1726, requiring formal training for university teaching assistants before they teach classes and evaluate students, with emphasis on First Amendment rights; SB 1236, creating an Administrative Report Consolidation Act to reduce duplicative reporting by schools and agencies; SB 1633, codifying existing higher education residency tuition practices; SB 1413, requiring notice to parents when a teacher is emergency certified and limiting adjunct teachers to 270 clock hours per semester; SB 1317, allowing career teacher status to be portable across districts with local board approval; and SB 1360, expanding the state’s math initiative by restoring instructional coaches and creating a math office at the State Department of Education. Most of these bills passed on favorable votes, with SB 1413 drawing some concern over teacher shortages and the adjunct-hour cap, but still passing.

Transcript Highlights:

• program, which has proven demand and already has funded new chargers in every single legislative district
• The project also crosses the 33rd, 47th, and 11th legislative districts.
• We serve both the 5th and 12th legislative districts.
• This intersection serves our public hospital district, which provides primary care, emergency care, and
• This intersection serves our public hospital district, which provides primary care, emergency care, and

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee held public hearings on three bills: SB 6225, a proposed substitute bond bill authorizing transportation funding bonds; SB 6005, the proposed substitute supplemental transportation budget; and SB 6354, a bill to expand access to electric vehicles through limited direct sales by qualifying EV-only manufacturers and changes to the documentary service fee. Staff explained that SB 6225 would authorize $1.1 billion in general obligation bonds, an additional $400 million for selected Move Ahead Washington highway projects, a $500 million increase in SR 520 bond authority, and the expiration of some older unused bond authorizations. For SB 6005, staff described a $17.5 billion supplemental budget with $1.5 billion in new funding, including reappropriations, preservation and maintenance spending, ferry investments, Climate Commitment Act-related adjustments, and a six-year balanced plan through 2031. For SB 6354, staff outlined the direct-sales framework for qualifying EV manufacturers, dealer licensing requirements, penalties for violations, and a fee increase that would direct revenue to EV rebates and multimodal transportation. Testimony on the budget and bond bills was broadly supportive from transit, local government, labor, construction, ports, and climate advocates, who praised preservation funding, ferry investments, safety programs, EV charging, rail electrification, and flood-response or local project funding. Several witnesses asked for specific project or account changes, including support for Skagit Transit, Day Road and Poplar Way bridge-related funding, Spokane TMC operating support, Kent corridor funding, and additional rail capital projects. Some speakers also urged more Climate Commitment Act funding for EV rebates, charging, and rail electrification, while others warned against deeper cuts to local programs and stressed the need for long-term preservation and bonding to stabilize the system. Testimony on SB 6354 was sharply divided. Rivian, Lucid, and several Washington auto dealers supported the bill as a compromise that would allow limited direct sales for EV-only manufacturers while preserving franchise protections and generating revenue for EV rebates. Climate advocates supported the bill as a way to accelerate EV adoption and asked that more of the fee revenue go to instant rebates for low-income buyers. In opposition, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and Honda argued the bill creates unequal rules, weakens the franchise system, and was not the product of a true compromise. The committee announced that SB 6225 and SB 6005 would be in executive session Thursday at 8 a.m., with amendments due by noon the prior day, while SB 6354 would be scheduled for executive action later.

Transcript Highlights:

• James Ruchti, District 29, Pocatello. So this is Senate Bill 1240.
• James Ruttee, District 29, that's Pocatello, State Senator.
• Todd Lakey, State Senator from District 23. The first one we have is Senate Bill 1248.
• All right, committee, I will entertain a motion on this. Mr. Chairman. Senator Ruchti.
• Vice Chairman and Senators, Todd Lakey, State Senator from District 23.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, I'm Ed Orcutt, State Representative from District 20, which includes the City of Woodland
• For the record, Mealintai, I have the honor to represent the 41st Legislative District.
• My name is Saida Rivera, and I'm a constituent of District 37.
• I'm a constituent of District 43 and appear before you solely in those capacities in support of this
• And I will do my best to entertain some questions. Questions for the prime sponsor?

Bills: HB2447 , HB1364 , HB2632 , HB2637 , HB2520 , HB2235 , HB2401 , HB2574

Committee: House State Government & Tribal Relations

Keywords: shark conservation, marine life, state symbol, ecological importance, biodiversity, bingo, raffles, charity, nonprofit, amusement games, revenue threshold, licensing, fundraising, citizenship, immigration, terminology, rights, legal status, public records, public disclosure

Transcript Highlights:

• itself serves for the for investor owned gas utilities. 23, Municipal gas, utilities, 3 special gas districts
• also has several city gates which connect to utilities, whether they're be investor own special districts
• We benefited my district.
• And Representative Skidmore is district in Palm Beach and Broward with new new facilities that are natural
• And so that can change from year to year in the district administration.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know you've been hearing it back home in your districts.
• And I know you've been hearing it back home in your districts.
• And in my district, many bystanders have been injured because of what you just alluded to earlier.
• We had the same thing in my district. We had a chase going on.
• I think there's broad consensus that we ought to entertain changing the dates of our sessions.

Bills: HB316 , HB549 , HB646 , HB752 , HB824 , HB873 , HB1129 , HB1157 , HB1170

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• And at this time, I would entertain your consideration of the December minutes.
• And we filed that in the District of Massachusetts, asking the court to enjoin that particular use of
• Circuit, the appellate court—an emergency stay of the district court decision.
• We obtained a win in the district court, a judgment from Judge Young that vacated those policies and
• In the meantime, the appeal of the district court decision is pending in the First Circuit.

Summary: The commission approved the December minutes and heard opening remarks on upcoming initiatives, including a second “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27 focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The chair also previewed planning for National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October, including formation of a small planning group to help select employer awardees and shape the program. A major portion of the meeting featured an update from the Attorney General’s office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts. The presentation covered lawsuits and amicus work involving higher education diversity data requests, anti-DEI funding conditions, immigration and Haiti Temporary Protected Status, NIH research grant disruptions, and Department of Education mental health training grants. Commissioners asked about possible impacts on Medicaid and whether disability is included in the federal administration’s undefined “DEI” restrictions; the AG’s office said it was monitoring Medicaid developments closely, had not seen a CMS letter at that time, and would share guidance on DEI and employment initiatives. The meeting also included a workforce and apprenticeship presentation from Undersecretary Josh Cutler and Amara Riemann. They described registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, emphasizing paid, employer-driven training, classroom instruction, wage progression, and transferable credentials. Commissioners highlighted the Bridgewater State University Excel program for neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities as a promising model and discussed the need to build similar pathways through community colleges and employer partnerships in fields such as direct support, CNA work, and other in-demand jobs. Subcommittee reports noted that the disability employment subcommittee heard from SEED and will host future presentations from the Lawrence Partnership for Transition to Employment and the Office of Veterans Affairs. The long-term services, supports, and health equity subcommittee discussed MassHealth budget pressures, a projected $3.5 billion budget gap tied to federal changes, upcoming Medicaid eligibility changes, and crisis standards of care. The executive director reported on collaboration with the Massachusetts Office on Disability, planning for the Lowell event, participation in statewide disability employment and autism advocacy work, and upcoming engagement with the Massachusetts Caregiver Coalition. Commissioners also announced several honors, including awards for Regina Marshall, Jay Livingstone, and Vanna Howard.

Transcript Highlights:

• Highway districts are 25% qualified electors. Library districts are 50% qualified electors.
• applies to individual districts.
• There is in many districts, and we've talked about irrigation districts and fire protection districts
• , ambulance districts, highway districts, all have a threshold of 25%.
• for other districts.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• attorneys. offices to include Brazos County District Attorney's Office, Harris County District Attorney's
• Office, Dallas County District Attorney's Office, Tarrant County D.A.
• Judicial District Attorney's Office.
• I am here on behalf of Phil Sorrell's Tarrant County District Attorney.
• It benefits no one except the people watching for entertainment.

Bills: HB47 , HB1552 , HB1686 , HB1953 , HB2151 , HB2355 , HB2582 , HB2697 , HB2895 , HB3073 , HB3418 , HB47

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:

• So, without objection, I would entertain a motion to introduce all 11 RSs.

Committee: House Business

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to entertain a motion to approve the publication on the committee's website of a report that's

Summary: The committee reconvened and considered a motion to approve posting two reports on the committee’s website: one signed by Chairman Nemes and Vice Chairman Blanton, and another signed by Representative Stephenson and Representative Gentry. Representative Stephenson made the motion, and Representative Hall seconded it. The motion was put to a voice vote and passed unanimously, with no opposition voiced. The chair stated that both reports would be available to the public on the committee’s website that evening.

Transcript Highlights:

• OSPI estimates no fiscal impact and the impact on school districts are indeterminate.
• OSPI estimates no fiscal impact and the impact on school districts are indeterminate.
• The fiscal note says that the impact on school districts are indeterminate.
• I am the Director of Student Engagement in the Auburn School District.
• However, we're so encouraged by districts like Auburn that have made a really concerted district-wide

Committee: Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education

Transcript Highlights:

• So I invite any Republican in Congress who's entertaining these demands to visit my district, see the
• I've seen it in my district.
• I've seen it in my district.
• I've seen it in my district.
• Every district, on average, gets over $200 million coming into that district on a monthly basis. 1971