Transcript Highlights:

• The current Medi-Cal share-of-cost policy requires older adults and people with disabilities who are
• I think it's important to share some of the high-level takeaways from the report.
• Thank you again for the opportunity to share the county perspective at this hearing.
• I have a couple of examples that I would like to share with you, a couple of our clients.
• I just wanted to share with you a quick story.

Summary: The joint Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing focused first on long-term services and supports for older adults, especially the “forgotten/overlooked middle” who earn too much for Medi-Cal but cannot afford private long-term care. Administration witnesses from DHCS, the Department of Aging, and Social Services described Medicare’s limited long-term care coverage, Medi-Cal’s role, the elimination of the Medi-Cal asset test, and ongoing state studies and listening sessions on financing options. Testimony from advocates and researchers emphasized rising homelessness among older adults, the need for better navigation and coordination across health, aging, housing, and social service systems, and short-term policy steps such as share-of-cost reform, housing stability supports, and protecting home- and community-based services. Members highlighted the need for a coordinated, no-wrong-door approach and asked for the most impactful budget investments to address affordability and homelessness risk. The second major topic was the Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) program. CDA reported that CBAS helps participants remain in the community, that 304 centers operate statewide serving about 42,000 people, and that demand is stable but access gaps remain in some regions. DHCS explained that a 2024 rate increase authorized by SB 159 became inoperative after Proposition 35, and that a separate 10% rate change on the fee schedule was the result of a DHCS system error; the department said it would not require recoupment, though managed care plans may act under their contracts. CBAS providers and advocates warned that reimbursement rates have not kept pace with costs, that several centers have closed, and that clawbacks could trigger more closures. They requested $74.8 million ongoing General Fund to close part of the rate gap and preserve the program, while members expressed concern about closures and the cost savings of keeping people out of more expensive institutional care. The hearing then moved to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and statewide collective bargaining. CDSS reviewed provider recruitment and retention efforts, including electronic timesheets, direct deposit, and the now-completed IHSS Career Pathways program, which trained more than 59,000 providers. CDSS also summarized its AB 102 workgroup report on statewide versus regional bargaining, saying the final report would be sent to the Legislature soon and that statewide bargaining appeared more viable than regional bargaining, though it would require clear statutory scope and major fiscal changes. The department estimated that each $1 per hour statewide wage increase would cost at least $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion annually. Labor advocates argued that IHSS wages, benefits, and training are too inconsistent across counties and called for statewide bargaining, consumer participation, and ongoing state funding. County representatives supported stronger wages but cautioned that counties need protection from new costs and administrative burdens, and consumer advocates warned that moving bargaining to the state could weaken local consumer control and the program’s consumer-driven structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• our shared advocacy.
• </c> together is due to the fellows sharing together is due to the fellows sharing their<00:03:16.000
• </c> their skills and talents in our shared their skills and talents in our shared advocacy.<00:03:19.560
• Now just quickly in order to share them.
• Appreciate you sharing your stories.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll just start by sharing that OIC has seen an uptick in complaints.
• I'll just start by sharing that OIC has seen an uptick in complaints from insurance customers who have
• across all price points and around 35% market share of the luxury market.
• By comparison, our next closest competitor has around 8% market share in the Seattle area.
• brokers to keep growing that market share to the detriment of other brokerages and consumers.

Bills: SB5831, SB6178

Keywords: mortgage modification, uniform regulations, homeowners, financial stability, foreclosure prevention, SB6178, property insurance, insurance claims, assignment of benefits, AOB, post-loss assignment, post-loss benefits, homeowners insurance, policyholder, insured, restoration contractor, mitigation contractor, public adjuster, insurance commissioner, claims handling

Transcript Highlights:

• APS's share of that is 11,150 megawatts.
• APS's share of that is 11,150 megawatts.
• APS's share of that is 11,150 megawatts.
• APS's share of that is 11,150 megawatts.
• APS's share of that is 11,150 megawatts.

Bills: HB2133, HB2592

Keywords: sexual material, consent, synthetic depiction, privacy, internet regulation, rights protection, artificial intelligence, government regulation, innovation, procurement, administrative burdens, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of Jacob's Pillow, I'm here to share strong support for the Accessibility and the Creative
• My son Jake, as Joan has shared, is 31.
• Thank you for sharing Jake with us and your story.
• She shares: 'I have a spiky profile.
• And thank you for sharing Austin and Andrew's words as well. Any questions from the committee?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities held a hearing focused on accessibility-related legislation, with the chairs emphasizing ASL and CART accessibility and asking testifiers to speak slowly and clearly. The committee heard testimony first on H.223/S.130, a bill to establish a livable wage for community-based human service workers by reducing the pay gap with state employees. Providers’ Council, Communities for People, the Key Program, and BAMSI all supported the bill, describing persistent wage disparities, high vacancy and turnover rates, and the impact on continuity of care for children, youth, and families. Witnesses said the bill would help recruitment and retention and stabilize services across the Commonwealth. The committee then heard extensive testimony on H.224/S.160, the ACE Act, which would create a dedicated funding source to improve accessibility in the creative economy. Arts organizations and advocates, including Community Access to the Arts, Abilities Dance Boston, Jacob’s Pillow, the Multicultural Arts Center, Northampton Community Music Center, Mass Creative, Open Door Arts, and Monkey House, described barriers such as inaccessible buildings, lack of ASL interpretation and captioning, inadequate lifts and backstage access, and the high cost of renovations. Testifiers said the bill would help smaller and historic institutions make physical and programmatic improvements and allow people with disabilities to participate as artists, workers, and audiences. The committee also heard testimony on H.4180, which would require DDS to consider neuropsychological evaluations when determining eligibility for intellectual disability services. Parents and advocates argued that IQ cutoffs alone can miss significant functional needs, especially for autistic adults and others with complex developmental profiles, and urged broader access to DDS supports. Additional testimony supported S.101 on closed captioning and telecommunications in public areas, and S.158 on requiring restaurants to have some chairs with arms to better accommodate physically disabled and older patrons. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair adjourned after hearing from the scheduled witnesses and noting a few signups that were not present.

Transcript Highlights:

• We shared a little bit about this campaign last month, actually I guess now a month and a half ago during
• So we have opportunities to share financial aid updates, you know, how is Washington State doing with
• And I'll share a few examples.
• ...sharing your success. And every student is different, right?
• What I'm here to share with you today is our learner access and support plan.

Bills: SB6325, SGA9302, SGA9286, SGA9289, SGA9290, SGA9292, SGA9293, SGA9309, SGA9310, SGA9311, SGA9312

Keywords: higher education, student procedures, academic policies, enrollment processes, educational standards, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And Council for Equal Shared Parenting.
• </c> working on a lot of 50/50 equal shared working on a lot of 50/50 equal shared parenting<00:02:24.320
• </c><00:03:11.200><c> some</c> So, hopefully I can share some So, hopefully I can share some information
• </c><01:02:31.640><c> your</c> how would you like to share your how would you like to share your testimony
• </c> camera on on a Zoom meeting and shared camera on on a Zoom meeting and shared my<01:02:40.360><c

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The meeting was a discussion of fatherhood and a possible response to Senator Robby Mills’ Resolution 112, which had proposed a task force on fatherhood initiatives. After approving the June meeting minutes and confirming a quorum, the committee heard a presentation from Mark Ludwig, executive director of the National Council for Equal Shared Parenting, who argued that fatherhood is often left out of public policy and that stronger father involvement is linked to better outcomes in crime, education, substance abuse, and family stability. He cited Kentucky’s 50/50 shared parenting law as a model and urged fatherhood classes, employment support, mentoring, co-parenting education, and partnerships with community organizations, schools, and social workers rather than relying solely on state spending. He also said fatherhood engagement could save the state money by reducing incarceration and related costs. Members then raised concerns that the presentation did not sufficiently address structural causes of fatherlessness, especially incarceration, racial disparities, gun violence, poverty, housing, transportation, and sentencing policy. Senator Berg and Representative Kulkarni emphasized that Black and brown families are disproportionately affected by incarceration and violence, and questioned whether fatherhood programs alone can solve the problem without broader reforms. Ludwig responded that some fathers are pushed out by the court system or lack legal resources, and said reintegration programs and legal, financial, and community supports are part of the solution, though he had focused mainly on the need for fatherhood programming in this presentation. No bill was voted on and no formal action was taken beyond approving the minutes. The discussion appeared to be an initial policy conversation to gather ideas and perspectives for possible future work on fatherhood-related initiatives.

Transcript Highlights:

• What I can share with you from HCAI's perspective...
• Can you share?
• If the Chair would be interested, we can share that.
• That was a consensus process, and we're happy to share.
• There's also the federal share that goes to the network.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, So, since we don't have anyone here, and you guys know I like to share fun facts, I did want to share
• And one fun fact I have to share, obviously, I Pretty interesting.
• Share with the members and the members' lounge the other day.
• But again, just wanted to share those fun But again, just wanted to share those fun facts.
• And so just to share a little bit about Victor.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Agriculture met to hear one bill, SB 1223 by Senator Padilla, which would require district agricultural associations and fairs to follow competitive bidding standards under the Public Contract Code and prohibit sole-source contracting. Senator Padilla and his witness argued the bill was needed to close a loophole exposed by litigation and investigations involving fair contracts, citing alleged bid tailoring and favoritism in San Diego and Orange County fair contracting. They said the measure would promote transparency, accountability, and fair competition, while noting that existing exemptions and guidance should allow smaller fairs to continue routine procurement without difficulty. Committee members asked how the bill would affect small and rural fairs and what steps managers would need to take to comply. The author and witness responded that the bill was aimed at large contracts where abuse had occurred, and that fair managers generally already know how to write RFPs so more than one bidder can qualify. The vice chair indicated support after receiving clarification, and the chair and other members spoke in favor of the bill as a safeguard against corruption. No opposition was presented in committee or public comment. The committee then voted to send SB 1223 to the Appropriations Committee. The roll call showed the measure passing with eight aye votes. Before adjournment, the chair also recognized the committee’s chief consultant, Victor, and secretary, Nicole, for their long service and upcoming retirements, thanking them for their work with the Agriculture Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• shared with me, and I feel it's my responsibility to ensure that I'm also sharing what my constituents
• shared with me, and I feel it's my responsibility to ensure that I'm also sharing what my constituents
• When students have shared power and families are genuine partners in shared decision-making, deep trust
• Students and families sit at the table with educators to share.
• And what I shared there, I'll share here now: across the state, community schools are leveraging the

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so it's, I guess, in that spirit that I share these.
• Cost sharing, October 2028, requires folks to pay up to $35 for many services.
• Cost sharing requirements, I mentioned them.
• Cost sharing requirements, I mentioned them.
• And so we're just looking forward to continuing to share those numbers.

Summary: The committee first received an update on the effects of HR1 and related federal Medicaid and marketplace changes from Governor’s Office and Health Care Authority staff. Presenters said the most immediate coverage losses are expected in the individual market beginning in January, with premium increases and an estimated 80,000 people potentially unable to afford coverage. They warned that larger Medicaid impacts will follow over the next year and beyond, including tighter eligibility checks, work requirements, reduced retroactive coverage, limits on state-directed payments and provider taxes, new cost-sharing, and changes affecting certain non-citizen adults. They also said the state plans to seek a waiver or extension for work requirements and will continue to analyze impacts, including on rural providers and Planned Parenthood-related services. Members asked about the effect on nursing homes, rural hospitals, and how the state can help providers and enrollees navigate the new requirements; staff said timelines and a state-specific implementation chart are being developed. The committee then heard a report on the International Medical Graduate Work Group and Washington’s efforts to create pathways for internationally trained physicians. Testimony described the clinical experience license, the clinical evaluation assessment tool, grant funding for IMG support organizations, and a new hardship waiver process enacted this year. National presenters said many states have adopted similar pathways because of physician shortages, but Washington and Tennessee are among the few states that have actually issued licenses so far. They recommended clear guardrails, an employment offer before application, ECFMG certification, supervised practice, and data collection to avoid exploitation and protect patients. Members asked about state-to-state variation, retention of IMGs, and whether Washington should pursue dedicated residency or preceptorship options; presenters said the key next step is moving successful participants from supervised experience to a durable long-term license. The final topic was implementation of Washington’s Apple Health doula benefit and the statewide doula hub and referral system. Senator T’wina Nobles highlighted the state’s $3,500 per-birth Medicaid reimbursement rate for doulas and the importance of the hub for referrals, training, and billing. Health Care Authority staff said the benefit launched January 1, 2025, and covers prenatal intake, labor and delivery, postpartum visits, and telehealth-supported services. They reported 336 state-certified doulas, 134 enrolled in Apple Health, 287 unique clients served, and 641 claims paid so far. Testimony emphasized doulas’ role in improving birth outcomes, reducing unnecessary interventions, and addressing racial disparities in maternal health, while noting that implementation is still early and ongoing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thanks for sharing. Jess Alder, Boston Public Health Commission.
• Thanks for sharing.
• I just want to share a few data with you guys.
• Thank you for sharing your story.
• But we will definitely share that number with you. Thank you.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission on Violence Prevention Services Funding opened by explaining that its purpose is to examine how state dollars for gun violence prevention are being spent, whether they are reaching the right places, and how effective they are. Chair Marjorie Decker noted the commission was created through a legislative bill as part of a broader gun ownership package, and emphasized that the commission will produce recommendations rather than new law. The hearing began with a moment of silence for the National Day of Remembrance for homicide victims, followed by introductions from commissioners and staff. A series of community-based organizations testified about violence prevention, intervention, and survivor services. Emmanuel Williams of the Transformational Prison Project described work with incarcerated and returning youth and families, stressing lived experience, relationship-building, and the impact of budget cuts on travel, staffing, and programming; commissioners asked about his budget, caseload, and funding mix. Teresa D. Grigario and Antonio Gutierrez of Lynn Youth Street Outreach Advocacy said their work focuses on youth ages 12 to 24 in Lynn and Lawrence, with outreach at courts and shooting scenes, and argued that prevention is most effective when it starts early, includes family engagement, counseling, therapy, case management, food, and basic needs support; they said a million-dollar annual budget would help them expand. Ruth Rollins of We Are Better Together/Warren Daniel Hairston Project, speaking as a survivor, called for long-term flexible funding, trauma-informed care, and a community-informed database, and said her organization would ideally need about $2.5 million annually. Ruth Zakarin of the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence explained that the commission grew out of listening sessions during the firearms-law update process and said the goal is to identify gaps, support grassroots groups, and address regional equity in resource allocation. Other testimony highlighted youth development, reentry, and survivor response as violence prevention. More Than Words described its job-training and supportive-services model for court-involved, homeless, foster-care, and out-of-school youth, citing high rates of graduation, postsecondary enrollment, and employment; a participant, Jorge, shared how the program helped him avoid adult incarceration and build a career in trucking. The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute described its homicide-response and healing work, noting that it served more than 1,100 survivors in 2024, facilitated healing groups and trainings, and is seeking a permanent center in Dorchester; its leaders said the operating budget is $4.5 million and the desired budget is $8 million. The Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs emphasized that gun violence is a youth health crisis and urged continued investment in after-school and out-of-school-time programs. UTEC called for multi-year, flexible funding, more training and networking support, and attention to nonprofit cost recovery, while Roca described its outreach to high-risk young people, strong outcomes, and major federal grant cuts that forced staff reductions. Portal to Hope discussed domestic violence and stalking services, the importance of on-site police-department-based advocacy, and the instability caused by funding restrictions. New North Citizens Council briefly underscored that violence prevention funding is needed to address poverty, lack of education, and mental health needs. State officials also presented on existing grant programs. Kevin Stanton of the Office of Grants and Research described the Commonwealth Project Safe Neighborhood Initiative and the state’s broader public safety grant portfolio, saying partnerships between law enforcement and community organizations are central to violence prevention and citing seizures of illegal firearms, narcotics, and suspected drug proceeds. Renee Contreras said the Shannon Community Safety Initiative is a national model built on nearly 20 years of sustained investment, with multidisciplinary collaborations in 25 communities and research partnerships guiding strategy and evaluation. Throughout the hearing, commissioners repeatedly asked about budgets, staffing, caseloads, and how organizations measure impact, and several speakers said they would follow up with written materials or additional data.

Transcript Highlights:

• always start by expressing our appreciation for you taking your time out of your day to be with us and share
• McDevitt, thanks for sharing. Do you want to keep secrets from parents?
• What do you perceive is going to happen if I share that information with them?
• They'd be frightened to share more information with me. They may feel like it could be...
• They'd be frightened to share more information with me.

Summary: The committee first approved a motion to send an IRS-related item to print, then took up House Bill 822, which would require covered entities such as schools, child care providers, and medical or behavioral health providers to notify parents when a minor requests help with a social transition and would restrict assisting a child’s transition without parental consent. Representative Skaug, the sponsor, said the bill is intended to protect parents’ rights and ensure they are not kept in the dark about serious matters involving their children. Committee members questioned the bill’s scope, including the use of terms like “request,” “facilitate,” and “aid and abet,” the applicability of mandamus to private entities, and the potential for a $100,000 civil penalty; Skaug said penalties would be proportional and that the bill was aimed at social transition, not ordinary behavior or medical treatment. Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including representatives of Idaho Family Policy Center, a parent, a father, and Alliance Defending Freedom, argued the bill would restore parental authority, stop schools and providers from concealing a child’s gender-related concerns, and close loopholes in existing school policies. Opponents, including physicians, a nurse, a parent, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, and a trans constituent, said the bill was vague, would chill professional judgment, could endanger vulnerable youth, and might force disclosure in situations where a child is not safe at home or is not ready to involve parents. Several opponents also warned the bill could worsen Idaho’s provider shortages and create legal and ethical conflicts for educators and clinicians. After sponsor closing remarks, senators debated the measure. Supporters emphasized parental rights and the need for notification, while opponents argued the bill lacked clear definitions and safety exceptions. The committee then voted on the motion to send House Bill 822 to the floor with a due pass recommendation; the motion carried, and the bill was advanced to the Senate floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jess, I'm just going to start the share. Sounds great. Thank you both. Thank you, Chair.
• Um, so I'm going to let Jess continue, but I have some thoughts on that also, which I can share later
• I think we need to include here some kind of coordination around sharing of information between public
• And then that sharing of information could also be about what is being seen in the drug supply at that
• .else for people to want to share.

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The special commission on xylazine met virtually, called to order by House Chair Mindy Domb, with a quorum present. The commission approved the minutes from its December 11 public meeting and then reviewed the first draft of its final report, which is due to the Legislature by March 30, 2026. Staff explained the report structure, including a commission overview, findings and recommendations from each working group, and appendices with meeting materials and public resources. Commissioners discussed the distinction between licit veterinary xylazine and illicit xylazine in the drug supply, noting that the illicit supply is generally not diverted from legal veterinary sources but obtained through online vendors, and they clarified that xylazine is already classified in Massachusetts as a Schedule 6 substance, so the policy question is whether additional scheduling or penalties are warranted. For the best practices and enforcement section, staff recommended stronger guidance on secure storage and recordkeeping for authorized users, better reporting of diversion, theft, and suspicious orders, and focused enforcement on illicit production and fentanyl trafficking rather than individual possession. Commissioners suggested adding coordination among public safety, law enforcement, and the Attorney General’s office, as well as a state-level approach to emerging drug threats. In the outreach and treatment section, the draft emphasized that existing harm reduction, wound care, naloxone, and mobile outreach programs are effective but need broader coordination, more trauma-informed care, and better education for providers and first responders. Commissioners raised concerns about provider familiarity with xylazine, the need for first responders to include fire personnel and EMS, and the importance of not turning away people with xylazine-related wounds from recovery or treatment settings. The education and training section identified four target audiences: first responders, clinicians, non-clinicians in treatment and outreach settings, and people who use drugs and their families. The draft recommended tailored, stigma-free training and educational materials for each group, with consistent updates, continuing education credits where appropriate, and better access to centralized, real-time data on xylazine and other emerging contaminants. Commissioners discussed the need for centralized reporting and public health surveillance, including existing tools like the BSAS dashboard and StreetCheck, and several members urged the commission to recommend a DPH task force or similar body to monitor future drug supply threats. The meeting ended with staff outlining next steps: a revised draft would be circulated by the end of the week, feedback would be incorporated into a second draft by March 2, and the commission planned to vote on the final report at its March 9 meeting, with a backup meeting later in March if needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> here and allowing Senator Wakai to share here and allowing Senator Wakai to share your<00:05:15.600
• It makes us able to connect with those folks who share the experiences some of us do.
• </c><00:08:46.640><c> the</c> connect with those folks who share the connect with those folks who share
• I share this because my own result.
• And I too would like to share the discussion we're having here this morning.

Bills: SB2445, SB2125, SB2355, SB2834, SB3237

Keywords: pedestrian, fines, traffic laws, economic vulnerability, safety, walking, public transportation, teacher licensing, teacher shortage, emergency hire, unlicensed teacher, out-of-field teaching, licensed teachers, charter schools, Department of Education, DOE, Board of Education, licensure requirements, teacher certification, alternative licensure

Transcript Highlights:

• I didn't know if you didn't want to, like, share any big secrets.
• So if you can kind of share with us, if there's any information that you have that would kind of show
• And kind of share with us what some of the biggest risk are that we're trying to solve with the tools
• I didn't know if you didn't want to, like, share any big secrets.
• And then I would say that for sharing of information across, that for sharing of information across the

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Cybersecurity and the Assembly Committee on Emergency Management held a joint informational hearing focused on maximizing the value of state cybersecurity investments, especially by fully using security features already included in existing vendor contracts. The first panel included representatives from Microsoft, Zscaler, and Palo Alto Networks, who described the products and services they provide to California and generally agreed that agencies often have strong adoption in some areas but still face challenges from tool overlap, limited staff, lack of awareness of available features, and the need for ongoing training and configuration support. They also discussed major threats such as ransomware, data loss, attack-surface exposure, IoT/OT vulnerabilities, and the growing role of AI in both attacks and defenses. Members pressed the vendors on whether state departments underuse purchased cybersecurity tools, how to improve utilization, and how to address the cybersecurity workforce shortage. The vendors said utilization is often constrained by staffing, procurement complexity, and the need to align tools with agency missions and maturity levels, but emphasized that training, leadership buy-in, and regular vendor-agency collaboration can improve results. They also discussed how AI can help with phishing triage, data-loss prevention, and security operations, while warning that agencies must manage AI safely and with human oversight. The second panel featured officials from the Department of Technology, Cal OES/CalSIC, and the California Military Department. They described statewide oversight efforts including audits, independent security assessments, continuous monitoring, advisory services, vulnerability disclosure programs, and workforce development initiatives such as the Information Security Leadership Academy and Cybersecurity Education Summit. Officials said some underutilization is real, but it is often tied to differing agency maturity, overlapping tools, and deliberate feature restrictions to reduce attack surface and complexity; they emphasized a balanced approach using people, process, and technology, with plans of action and milestones to hold departments accountable. They also noted federal uncertainty around MS-ISAC and the state and local cybersecurity grant program, saying California is advocating through federal partners and monitoring the impact. The hearing ended after public comment and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to share just a handful of recent research.
• I'd like to share just a handful of recent examples of Chapter 90 projects.
• This bill also authorizes another $12 million for the Shared Streets and Spaces program, launched in
• We'll get that number and share it with your office immediately. Well, it's not in the bond bill.
• I'll share two items, and then Cassandra, if you want to elaborate on this.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets held a public hearing on H. 5279, a bill financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges. MassDOT and A&F testified in support, describing the bill as a more than $5 billion transportation bond package centered on a four-year, $1.2 billion Chapter 90 authorization, plus funding for MBTA rail reliability and modernization, housing-related transportation improvements, a new DCR/MassDOT PRISM program for parkways and other DCR assets, and reauthorizations of the Municipal Pavement Program, Shared Streets and Spaces, and highway programs. They said the bill would support safety, resilience, housing production, and multimodal transportation, and noted that some bonds could be issued as special obligation bonds backed by the Commonwealth Transportation Fund and Fair Share revenues. Committee members asked about the size and structure of the authorizations, the federal match for highway projects, the source of MBTA vehicle procurement, bridge repair needs, and whether the housing-related funds could be used flexibly for items like sidewalks, bike lanes, bus stops, and other local transportation improvements. Administration witnesses said the bill is intended as a temporary refill of existing programs until a larger transportation bond bill is filed next session, that the federal-aid line includes the full spending authority while the state only borrows the 20% match, and that the housing-related program is deliberately broad and not limited to MBTA communities. They also said Chapter 90 includes a road-mile component that especially helps rural communities and that preservation and safety are built into the programs. The Massachusetts Municipal Association also testified in strong support, emphasizing that Chapter 90 is the most important tool municipalities have to maintain the roughly 30,000 miles of local roads and bridges they are responsible for. MMA urged timely passage before construction season and praised the continued $300 million Chapter 90 level, especially the $100 million road-mile distribution that helps communities with large road networks and smaller populations. No votes were taken on the bill, and the hearing concluded with adjournment after testimony ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, I shared with her that what my vision was, just like I shared today, what I think we need to focus
• on as we move forward, also what I shared today.
• I'd love for you to share it on the record.
• I'll also share with you that I'm not going to claim to be the best at everything up here.
• States and destinations worldwide are investing aggressively to capture market share.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Director Nominations met to consider Alex Scalpsa Ridgeway’s nomination to serve as Director of the Arizona Office of Tourism. Chair Jay Kaufman opened with remarks about the committee’s role in reviewing nominees for fidelity to state law and executive accountability. Ridgeway gave an opening statement describing her Arizona background, prior state service, and her view that tourism is a major economic driver for the state. She highlighted record visitation and spending, the importance of marketing the whole state, and efforts to expand social media, data use, and support for rural communities. Committee members questioned Ridgeway about the state of tourism, responsible visitor messaging, the need to market Arizona despite major attractions like the Grand Canyon, rural tourism strategies, international travel declines, return on investment for marketing, and how she would respond to unlawful or poor policy directives. She said she would always follow the law, would raise concerns about policy using data, and emphasized an activity-based marketing strategy focused on family travel, outdoor recreation, cultural travel, culinary, wellness, and luxury. She also discussed conflict-of-interest safeguards, said she would support more transparency and checks and balances, and noted plans to explore AI and other technology to improve efficiency. Public testimony strongly supported the nominee. Representatives from the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association, the Cactus League Baseball Association, and Experience Scottsdale praised Ridgeway’s experience, leadership, and collaborative approach, and emphasized tourism’s economic importance statewide. The committee then moved to recommend her confirmation. The motion passed 5-0, and Chair Kaufman congratulated Ridgeway on the committee’s approval and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:17:09.679><c> information</c> counties together to share information counties together to share
• I think it'd be valuable information to share with you. >> Okay.
• Yeah, definitely we will be reaching out throughout the year to share what we are hearing and then to
• </c><00:20:10.000><c> with</c> valuable information to share with valuable information to share with
• what we are hearing and then to share what we are hearing and then to get<00:20:16.640><c> your</c><

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Tourism met on March 31, 2026, to hear several resolutions related to tourism management, sustainable tourism, and visitor safety. HCR 188/HR 178 would ask the Hawaii Tourism Authority to create an agriculture tourism working group to review laws and ordinances and recommend ways to grow agritourism. HCR 51/HR 47 would direct HTA to require 30% of signature event funds be used to market events to out-of-state audiences. HCR 50/HR 46 would request a destination management task force, and HCR 49 focused on sustainable tourism and preserving cultural and natural resources. HCR 48 urged the governor to assure visitors they will be treated safely, legally, and ethically by state law enforcement. Testimony was limited and mostly supportive or informational. The Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and HTA offered written support/comments on the agritourism measure. HTA also testified on the signature event and destination management measures, and members asked questions about making destination management more statewide rather than county-by-county. HTA explained its DMAP process, including island advisory groups, community meetings, and identification of “hot spots” that could face overcrowding or resource impacts. For HCR 49, HTA submitted amendments, and the committee later narrowed the resolution to one specific recommendation: obtaining certified sustainable destination designation from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. HCR 48 had no registered testimony. In decision-making, the committee adopted HCR 188 and HR 178, and HCR 51 and HR 47, as introduced. HCR 50 and HR 46 were deferred. HCR 49 was passed with amendments reflecting only the sustainable destination designation recommendation. ACR 48 was also passed with amendments to extend the visitor-safety effort to all counties. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• your priorities, share your interests, share your triumphs, share your challenges.
• We look forward to hearing what you guys have to share with us today. And Mr.
• I share that. I want to thank everybody that is here, all of my colleagues.
• I share that our community, our family, lives in every single district.
• I always share with community members, especially L.D. 26, that we are working.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Arizona House and Senate held a joint protocol session for African American Legislative Day, opening with prayer, presentation of the colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and performances of the national anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” A representative from the Buffalo Soldiers of America also used the occasion to correct the program name and ask lawmakers for help securing a vacant building for a museum to preserve and display its historical exhibits and community work. Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen welcomed attendees and said the event was an opportunity to hear directly from community leaders on priorities such as opportunity, public safety, education, affordability, and economic security. Representative Quante Cruz, chair of the African-American Legislative Conference, read a Black History Month proclamation and emphasized the importance of recognizing African American contributions and history. Ashley Anderson and Jerry McPherson of the Governor’s Office of African American Affairs highlighted the conference theme, “Made for This Moment,” and urged continued civic engagement, policy advocacy, and year-round collaboration with the office and community organizations. Senator Keiana Maria Sears delivered the main remarks, focusing on Black history, legacy, and the need to keep pushing for equality, economic parity, food security, and housing access. She spoke about the experiences of Black veterans, South Phoenix history, and the importance of teaching Black history and encouraging voting and civic participation. Representative Blackman also offered brief remarks about courage, faith, and the contributions of Black Americans to the country. The session ended with closing remarks and a benediction by Representative Cruz, who stressed building connections across districts and communities, followed by adjournment of the joint protocol session.