Transcript Highlights:

• here tonight and Symphony is performing here tonight and they<00:22:56.640> had<00:22:56.799>
• February 11th is here, and the VSO and the VSO Chorus will be performing here in the chamber tonight
• <00:34:01.840> which<00:34:02.080> is the House adopt its report which is the House
• Now for the section summary of the strike-all report. First, section 2031 defines two terms.
• And you have adopted the report of the committee of conference.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional performance, then introduced several bills. H.896 would create a New England Oregon bank specialty license plate and was referred to Transportation. H.897 would prohibit social media use by children and was referred to Commerce and Economic Development. H.898, a committee bill on transitions from copper-based to fiber-based telecommunications networks and consumer protections, was read and placed on the notice calendar. H.899 would finance multi-unit housing through the Vermont Economic Development Authority and was referred to Commerce and Economic Development. The chamber also referred H.635, eliminating Department of Corrections supervisory fees, to Ways and Means because it affects state revenue. The House adopted JRS 40, a joint resolution setting weekend adjournment for February 13, 2026, to reconvene no later than February 17, 2026. It also concurred in HCR 181 congratulating the 2025 Spirit of the ADA award winners and HCR 189 designating February 11, 2026, as Disability Advocacy Day at the State House. HCR 181 recognized a long list of employers for inclusive hiring and accommodations, while HCR 189 highlighted disability rights history, the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights, and ongoing barriers faced by Vermonters with disabilities. The House then took up HCR 192, recognizing February 11, 2026, as National 211 Day in Vermont and celebrating Vermont 211’s statewide referral and crisis-support role. The resolution noted more than 61,000 contacts and over 22,000 referrals in 2025, along with its emergency and after-hours support functions. Members also made announcements recognizing Recovery Day, the Spirit of the ADA award recipients, Disability Advocacy Day, National 211 Day, and other guests and events in the chamber. On the action calendar, the House considered the conference committee report on S.23, concerning the use of synthetic media in elections. The committee reported a strike-all compromise on definitions, disclosure requirements, exemptions, and penalties. The report defined deceptive synthetic media, required a disclosure for certain synthetic media distributed within 90 days of an election, provided exemptions for some broadcasters and parody, and set civil penalties for violations. The House was asked to adopt the conference report.

Transcript Highlights:

• This can lead to potential errors based on what you reported your rent was.
• If the reported amount is higher or lower, it contributes to calculation errors.
• Our first performance measure that we report on is of our older adults 60 plus that are receiving the
• So, in your report, I can't even hear this, the PED reports that we have almost 295,000 students in the
• I know these reports are very detailed, and you, Madam Chair...

Transcript Highlights:

• All reported subcapitation—there's a lot of negatives there.
• So that's what the subcapitated entities reported in total.
• We wanted to report it out since it has been presented to this committee.
• provide reporting on trend evaluation.
• So it's an increase in reports from Mercer.

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing focused first on Oregon Medicaid coordinated care organization (CCO) finances and rate setting. Oregon Health Authority staff explained how 2025 CCO financial results will inform 2027 capitation rates, including reserve requirements, subcapitation arrangements, and major cost drivers such as behavioral health, pharmacy, rural hospital costs, and dental directed payments. They said the Legislature’s added 2025 funding materially improved CCO margins and that, without it, the program would have been negative overall. Members asked about retained earnings, subcapitation, behavioral health utilization, ABA therapy, and whether outcomes are being evaluated; OHA said rate setting is actuarial and that CCOs, OHA, and other partners all play roles in monitoring efficacy and access. OHA also reviewed House Bill 4039 changes intended to increase transparency and give CCOs earlier access to rate information and reconciliation exhibits. CCO representatives then testified that the system is under significant financial pressure and that behavioral health state-directed payments, benefit changes, and federal uncertainty from H.R. 1 are reducing flexibility. CareOregon said it has lost more than $500 million over the last couple of years and is now making provider terminations and other network changes to align spending with available funding, while emphasizing that CCOs must make hard decisions about which services and providers can be sustained. Eastern Oregon CCO said rural and frontier factors, cost-based hospitals, air ambulance needs, and statewide efficiency adjustments are not fully reflected in rates, and that dental funding is especially strained. Trillium similarly warned that state-directed payments and benefit expansion pressures are constraining the global budget model and that H.R. 1 could worsen acuity and volatility. Members pressed the witnesses on who is responsible for evaluating treatment effectiveness, especially for ABA and psychotherapy, and on how utilization limits and reimbursement changes are being used to control costs. The committee then shifted to an overview of the Affordable Care Act and Oregon’s commercial insurance market. Department of Consumer and Business Services staff explained actuarial value, metal tiers, premium tax credits, medical loss ratio rules, and the main drivers of premium rates: cost trend, utilization trend, and administrative costs. They said mandates have likely added only a limited amount to premiums over the past decade, though the exact effect is difficult to isolate, and they gave examples of how high-cost, low-volume services versus broad, high-utilization services can affect rates differently. Staff also noted that Providence Health Plan and PacificSource Health Plans are withdrawing from the individual market, though consumers should still have at least three insurer options in every county and may have four in many counties. The division said it is in the middle of reviewing proposed 2027 rates and will continue its public rate review process, including hearings and written comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 738, reported as amended. House Bill 11233, reported as amended.
• Senator Baker reports from the Committee on Judiciary the following: House Bill 2299, reported as committed
• Senator Kearney reports from the Committee on Local Government: Senate Bill 1345, reported as committed
• Senator Dush reports from the Committee on State Government: Senate Bill 1248 and Senate Bill 1410, reported
• While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens, While we are zealously performing the

Keywords: Scheduler, 972, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Brett Seifers, On-Site Performance, waves in support.
• Yes, and by your vote, please show Senate Bill 466 reported favorably.
• Please show Senate Bill 178 reported favorably. Thank you.
• Members, by your vote, please show Senate Bill 1226 reported favorably.
• Members, by your vote, please show Senate Bill 1226 reported favorably.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard a presentation on its 2025-2026 budget recommendations and adopted the proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The chair highlighted major funding items including more than $1.2 billion for water quality and Everglades work, citrus recovery, food bank and pantry grants, wastewater and drinking water loans, beach restoration, flood and sea level rise projects, rural land protection, disaster loans, state facilities repairs, SLERS, accounting system replacement, and continued funding for My Safe Florida Home. Staff were authorized to make technical adjustments, and members were told final proviso project lists would be printed later in the week. The committee then considered several bills and reported them favorably, including SB 796 on DEP general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems to help local governments address failing septic-related water quality problems; SB 1162 expanding boating improvement and water access facilities programs; SB 466 implementing the Florida Museum of Black History task force’s selection of West Augustine as the museum site; SB 178 creating a FAMU agronomic study on viable crops for land taken out of production; CS/SB 678 allowing pawnbroker transaction forms to be printed or digital; and CS/SB 736 updating the Brownfields program, with a technical amendment adopted. Testimony on these bills was generally supportive, with speakers from affected industries, local governments, and advocacy groups. The committee also took up CS/CS/SB 700, the comprehensive Florida Farm Bill, which included technical agency changes and major policy provisions such as restrictions on additives to public water supplies, labeling requirements for meat, milk, poultry, and eggs, drone-related protections for farmland, disaster recovery loan updates, an honest services registry for charities, FFA scholarship and school infrastructure provisions, and a mechanism for state purchase of former solar-converted agricultural land. The water-additive provisions drew extensive debate and testimony from supporters and opponents, including dental professionals, public health advocates, and groups arguing for medical freedom and local control. Despite the controversy and a no vote from Senator Arrington, the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 1226 creating a regulatory framework for pet insurance was also reported favorably, and the committee adjourned after members recorded additional votes on several bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• By our vote, SB 1760 is reported favorably. Now we're going to jump around.
• By your vote, CS for SB 1202 is reported favorably.
• By your vote, SB 582 is reported favorably.
• By your vote, CS for CS for SB 676 is reported favorably.
• , objective performance-based measures to the employment center.

Summary: The committee took up several bills and reported each favorably after brief presentations, amendments, and roll calls. SB 1760, by Senator Grall, would require certain elected officials and agency heads to reside in Florida, with agency heads also required to be U.S. citizens and live in the county where their agency is headquartered; it also clarifies the constitutional prohibition on holding more than one office. SB 1202, by Senator McClain, expands insurance benefits for firefighters who are totally and permanently disabled during official training exercises, and its amendment was adopted to avoid local fiscal impact. SB 582, by Senator Leak, increases penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings and limits the higher penalty to properties on the National Register of Historic Places or in a listed district; supporters included representatives of St. Augustine and the Florida League of Cities, while one opponent waived in opposition. SB 312, by Senator Gates, revises governance of the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition and allows affiliated nonprofit subsidiaries to enter agreements with universities; an amendment adding one public member to the board was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 676, by Senator Martin, which would allow employees to waive the state minimum wage right under a framework the sponsor said would help young or inexperienced workers gain entry-level experience. The bill drew extensive public testimony, with supporters arguing it could help small businesses hire and create opportunities, and opponents saying it would undermine the voter-approved minimum wage, invite coercion, and exploit vulnerable workers. Senator Martin’s amendment clarifying the Fair Labor Standards Act exception was adopted, and the bill passed on a favorable vote despite opposition from Senator Arrington and others. Finally, SB 440, by Senator McClain, was heard as an expansion of prior law to cover public employees and prohibit certain employment practices related to gender identity and pronoun use; after an amendment narrowing the bill by deleting references to training, instruction, or other activity regarding sexual orientation, the committee heard extensive testimony both for and against, with supporters framing it as protecting conscience rights and opponents calling it discriminatory. The committee ultimately reported SB 440 favorably as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do also have reporting.
• <00:35:49.640> the have reporting they report to us the have reporting they report to us the
• metrics um that the single PBM reports metrics um that the single PBM reports to<00:39:22.280>
• you and I would love to see that report you and I would love to see that report I<00:44:47.480><
• <00:48:32.440> if because there are several reports if because there are several reports if

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee met to review the Department for Medicaid Services’ program integrity work. Commissioner Lisa Lee and Program Integrity Director Jennifer Dudinsky outlined Kentucky Medicaid’s structure, funding, enrollment, and spending, including FMAP rates, the size of the Medicaid and KCHIP populations, the number of providers, and 2024 expenditures. They also described the managed care and fee-for-service populations, noting that managed care serves most members while fee-for-service is concentrated in long-term care and waiver populations. Most of the discussion focused on fraud, waste, abuse prevention, and provider oversight. The department described its provider enrollment and certification checks, revalidation requirements, site reviews, fingerprinting for some high-risk providers, and termination grounds such as false application information, Medicare actions, unreported ownership changes, and abandonment of a provider number. Members asked about nonprofit ownership reporting, MCO fraud oversight, and how the department tracks unusual CPT code utilization, especially in behavioral health. The department said it uses data analytics, audits, policy review, and collaboration with behavioral health staff to monitor those trends. Dudinsky explained the division’s four branches: provider licensing and certification, audits and compliance, recovery, and third-party liability/estate recovery. She described prepayment and postpayment audits, referrals of credible fraud allegations to the Attorney General, monthly meetings with the AG’s office, and coordination with the Office of Inspector General, CMS, HHS OIG, MCOs, and other partners. She also explained payment suspensions, stand-downs during law enforcement investigations, and recovery efforts for overpayments, provider/member fraud, and third-party liability. The department said its recovery and avoidance efforts produced more than $251 million in savings so far in 2025. No votes or formal actions beyond approving the minutes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• So now we are moving on to the Tax Expenditure Report.
• And really, sometimes whether something is an exemption that isn't reported or A deduction that is reported
• They do not deduct or report to us at all. You can imagine why.
• In our report, they benefit.
• All right, so on to the results of this Report.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So much so that reporters covering the event immediately recognized the Suwa name and also said that
• want to delve deeper into the difference Collette that you've been making and Cheryl, who was a reporter
• <00:10:13.360> at<00:10:13.520> the and uh Cheryl, who was a reporter at the and uh
• Cheryl, who was a reporter at the time<00:10:14.080> covering<00:10:14.680> some<00:10
• and speech contests that performances and speech contests that build<00:24:16.480> cultural<00

Bills: HB1576, HB2490, HB1546, HB1588

Keywords: HB1576, Hawaii film industry, DBEDT, BLNR, Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, Board of Land and Natural Resources, film permits, motion picture production, television production, commercial filming, digital media tax credit, film production tax credit, public notice, transparency, state lands, film studio, land set-aside, revocable permit, memorandum of agreement, memorandum of understanding

Transcript Highlights:

• That is the conclusion of MIT's election performance index. just my personal opinion.
• That is the conclusion of MIT's election performance index, a nonpartisan objective measure of election
• One is "under color of law," which is acting or purporting to act in the performance of official duties
• Law enforcement officers regularly perform their duties at locations that also serve polling sites.
• Have an office; they report to the school.

Bills: SB23, SB221, SB261, SB264

Keywords: student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, misappropriation, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, racketeering, criminal penalties, New Mexico, public safety, health regulations, community welfare, peace promotion, legislative reforms, election integrity, voter coercion, emergency procedures, polling place security

Transcript Highlights:

• In Pueblo, Colorado, 47% of the abortions performed there are on Texas residents.
• Planned Parenthood in Wichita, Kansas, reports that about half of the abortions are on Texas residents
• When it started, it required three in-person visits and a report.
• Reporting of adverse effects, zero. You don't have to report any adverse effects.
• Tragically, the vast majority of the out-of-state abortions being performed...

Bills: SB6, SB11, SB33

Keywords: electric power, interconnection, utilities, ERCOT, large load customers, water supply, sewer service, demand management, school prayer, Bible reading, religious text, public schools, Texas Education Code, student prayer, silent prayer, meditation, religious liberty, First Amendment, Establishment Clause, church and state

Transcript Highlights:

• A recent MnDOT report confirmed that Northstar is a financial black hole.
• A recent MnDOT report confirmed that Northstar is a financial black hole.
• A recent MnDOT report confirmed that Northstar is a financial black hole.
• A recent MnDOT report confirmed that Northstar is a financial black hole.
• performance-based performance-based budgeting<00:07:57.199> and<00:07:57.680> if<00:07

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He said that as economic performance declines, tax revenues may also decline, creating even more of a
• <00:19:17.400> declines this as economic performance declines this as economic performance
• So it's easy to see an income and certain reporting statements, such as 1099, and be able to verify it
• So it's easy to see an income and certain reporting statements, such as 1099, and be able to verify it
• So it's easy to see an income and certain reporting statements, such as 1099, and be able to verify it

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint House Committee on Tourism and Committee on Water and Land heard HB 504, which would raise the transient accommodations tax by imposing a $20 nightly charge on stays booked with points, miles, or other rewards-program benefits, with revenues dedicated to DLNR for natural resource protection, management, and restoration. Supporters said Hawaiʻi faces major environmental funding shortfalls and that visitors should help pay for the lands and waters they enjoy. Testimony in support came from DLNR, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Care for Now Coalition, Hawaiʻi Ocean Legislative Task Force, Hawaiʻi Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, Kuaʻulu, Mālama Puka, Resources Legacy Fund, and others, many citing visitor polling showing strong support for an environmental stewardship fee and the need for a dedicated funding source and community grants. Opposition or caution focused mainly on implementation and the tax structure. The Department of Taxation said the surcharge would create administrative difficulties because it would be hard to verify the value of points, miles, and similar bookings, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi said it supported the policy goal but not the funding source, warning that tourists have limited budgets and may choose other destinations. Some members also raised concerns about the $20 rate and administrative complexity, while others said the concept was creative but needed refinement. After discussion, the chair recommended passing HB 504 as HD1 with amendments, including noting DoTax’s concerns and changing the effective date for the surcharge to January 1, 2027. Both committees adopted the recommendation and passed the bill with amendments; one member in Water and Land voted with reservations, and several members were excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• Reducing peaks helps defer or avoid costly investments while compensation is tied to performance.
• This is pay for performance.
• The Department of Energy under the previous administration released a report estimating that VPPs can
• And the third parties would be expected to deliver performance.
• I didn't see anything in here about them reporting to the legislature or working with us on what they

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• mention, in support of the comments made by Representative Garcia (member_10532), that this bill performed
• They've complied with their financial reporting to the state, with their audit requirements, and based
• Performed by Los Comanches de la Serna, which is a big part of the land grant history.
• It also allows for our Comanches to perform for the community, as well as other entertainment native
• At this point, the fact that there are not certain staff reporting to work is the issue.

Transcript Highlights:

• has a good quality performance review of their work.
• So getting up to nine credit hours in college work can be now transferred by how you perform on the,
• hours in college work can be now transferred by how you perform on the work keys that way.
• cleanup, but we weren't necessarily trying to take anything away that's already currently being performed
• this relates to the executive order under the workforce challenge that we had completed and sent a report

Summary: The committee met in executive session and first took up House Concurrent Resolution 31, which recognizes seniors through a civics and patriotism work group. The bill sponsor explained a committee substitute that reorganized the proposal, clarified qualifications and implementation, and kept the core purpose of awarding gold, silver, and bronze recognition based on academic achievement, civic involvement, and mentorship. The substitute also included special recognition for students entering the armed services. Ranking members and other members supported the changes, and the committee adopted the substitute and voted the House Committee Substitute for HCR 31 do pass by a recorded vote of 16-0 after a clerical correction to the earlier tally. The committee then considered House Bills 21, 26, and 2197 together under a committee substitute dealing with building-level administrator evaluations and nonrenewal procedures. Members discussed an amendment that required administrators to be evaluated at least once per contract year and to receive written notice of renewal or nonrenewal by March 1. The substitute and amendment also gave nonrenewed administrators the right to request written reasons and to have a closed-door hearing before the school board within 10 business days. Several members raised concerns about whether the language created something like tenure or gave administrators greater rights than other employees, but the bill handlers said the intent was to require annual evaluations and provide a fair process without creating tenure. The committee adopted the amendment, rolled it into a new substitute, and then voted the House Committee Substitute for House Bills 21, 26, and 2197 do pass by a recorded vote of 17-0. After leaving executive session, the committee heard House Bill 3489, which would expand access to workforce readiness assessments, especially WorkKeys, and allow students to earn up to nine hours of college credit for demonstrated workplace skills as recommended by the American Council on Education. The sponsor said the bill was modeled on similar laws in other states and was intended to elevate career readiness alongside college readiness, while also seeking feedback for future work. Testimony in support came from ACT, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and DESE, all emphasizing workforce development, employer demand for skilled workers, and the existing use of WorkKeys in Missouri. DESE noted funding and implementation issues tied to sports wagering revenue and said a related study on WorkKeys was still underway. The hearing ended without a vote on HB 3489, and the committee adjourned after the presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Senators, by your vote, SB 246 is reported favorably. Thank you, Senator Rodriguez.
• By your vote, SPB 7012 is favorably reported as a committee bill.
• By your vote, SPB 7012 is favorably reported as a committee bill.
• I'm happy to report that we've got this system up and running.
• And the performance of these contractors, that's another thing.

Summary: The Transportation Committee met to consider two bills and then held a lengthy discussion on Florida airport infrastructure. SB 246, presented by Senator Rodriguez on behalf of Senator Gruters, would authorize a UFC specialty license plate, with proceeds supporting the UFC Foundation’s charitable work. A UFC Foundation representative described community beneficiaries and said the plate would help raise funds for local charities. With no questions or debate, the committee voted SB 246 favorably. The committee also took up SPB 7012, a Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles public-records exemption bill that would remove the October 1, 2026 repeal date for certain active investigatory records. Senator Avila moved to submit it as a committee bill, there was no objection, and it was reported favorably as a committee bill. The remainder of the meeting focused on the Comprehensive Airport Infrastructure Program. FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue outlined Florida’s aviation system, the department’s airport funding programs, and the state’s role as a financial partner in safety, capacity, preservation, and economic development projects. He said Florida has 128 public-use airports, 21 commercial-service airports, and four large-hub airports, and noted that airport funding is largely supported by gas-tax-related revenues, with additional support from documentary stamp revenue and other fees. He also discussed the new airport infrastructure planning requirements created last session and said all required airports had submitted plans. Committee members asked about the loss of aviation fuel tax revenue, workforce development, project timelines, and how FDOT prioritizes funding, with Perdue emphasizing safety, preservation, capacity, economic return, and matching funds. A panel from Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa international airports then described major capital programs, passenger growth, and funding needs. The airports highlighted terminal expansions, parking, baggage systems, airfield rehabilitation, people movers, and other modernization projects, along with the importance of maintaining aging facilities while accommodating growth. They said FDOT and FAA grants are helpful but increasingly insufficient for runway and taxiway costs, and several panelists said passenger facility charges and other revenue tools are important to future self-sufficiency. Members also asked about workforce shortages, small-business participation, landing-fee negotiations, and non-aeronautical revenue. The panel said workforce challenges are most acute in trades and maintenance, small-business programs are active at each airport, and landing fees are negotiated with airlines to keep airports competitive while funding needed improvements.

Transcript Highlights:

• The commission performs a vital role in Florida's criminal justice system by preserving the autonomy
• The commission performs a vital role in Florida's criminal justice system by preserving the autonomy
• And there are at each of the courts supported by a variety of staff who perform those services.
• You can actually go online and look at the reporting.
• we can get that crime reporting comes in there, and that's a great place.

Summary: The Justice Budget Subcommittee met for an introductory overview of the justice budget and the major agencies within it. Chair Maney explained that the committee would hear broad presentations rather than detailed budget questions, and the first panel included the Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Corrections, Commission on Offender Review, Department of Law Enforcement, Office of the State Courts Administrator, and the Attorney General’s Office. Each agency described its mission, staffing, budget, and major responsibilities, with repeated emphasis on public safety, rehabilitation, staffing shortages, technology needs, and the importance of mental health services and education in reducing recidivism. Secretary Hall described DJJ’s prevention-to-aftercare continuum, including civil citation, detention, probation, and residential commitment programs, and highlighted reductions in juvenile arrests and commitments. Secretary Dixon said DOC’s biggest issues are staffing, overtime, and inflation, while noting progress in education, reentry, and a low recidivism rate. FDLE Commissioner Glass outlined the agency’s investigative, forensic, intelligence, and protective functions, including work on fentanyl enforcement and crime reporting systems. The State Courts Administrator emphasized the judiciary’s constitutional role, case volume, and challenges in providing interpreters, experts, and technology support. Chief Deputy Attorney General Guard described the office’s litigation, criminal appeals, consumer protection, and opioid recovery work, especially defending state laws and recovering opioid settlement funds. Members then asked questions about prison conditions, immigration enforcement, court filing fees, crime reporting, staffing ratios, and transnational gangs. Agency leaders responded that they were not aware of ICE contracts in some cases, that FDLE works with immigration authorities and detention facilities under existing authority, and that filing fees are a legislative policy decision. The committee also heard from the Justice Administrative Commission, prosecutors, public defenders, guardian ad litem, regional conflict counsel, and capital collateral regional counsel, who focused on indigent representation, dependency and death penalty cases, and persistent staffing and retention problems. No votes were taken, and the meeting concluded after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, agency goals and performance metrics, of course, we want to improve and can always continue to improve
• But if you look at our key performance metrics when with regard to the lab, we've Reduced one of my high
• Information in that report as to what they actually do and the turnaround on licenses.
• Last I got the report, just last week that we had almost 5,000 phone calls into the agency just last
• You have to report it. So, if you're eradicating marijuana in the US, you have to report it.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• MAPC strongly encourages the committee to report both these bills favorably, along with other measures
• And I had to rate myself one to five as far as my performance and how I thought I was going.
• Oh, no, I'm at the scale of my performance. Oh, my gosh. I have a lot of bad dad jokes to come.
• We respectfully ask that the committee report these bills out favorably.
• The FY23 MassDOT Financial Report shows that toll revenue from the Metropolitan Highway System alone

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation heard testimony on a range of bills focused on transportation funding, governance, and equity. Supporters backed proposals to create a North Central Massachusetts intercity passenger rail fund tied to a possible new gaming license (H. 3680/S. 2363), local parking assessments (H. 3756), third-party delivery fees (S. 2356/H. 3774), broader roadway pricing and congestion management measures (S. 2353/S. 2354), tolling equity and regional transit authority advisory boards (S. 2400/S. 2401), and Steamship Authority oversight reforms including board term limits (S. 2395). Testimony in favor emphasized new dedicated revenue sources, commuter rail expansion, regional equity, improved oversight, and better transit access for riders and communities that rely on public transportation. There was also testimony in opposition to the third-party delivery fee bills from Chamber of Progress, which argued the fee would raise costs for consumers, small businesses, and delivery workers, could reduce demand and jobs, and might not achieve the intended environmental benefits. Associated Builders and Contractors of Massachusetts opposed H. 3633, a transit expansion, electrification, and resiliency bill, specifically objecting to its mandatory project labor agreement requirement and saying it would limit competition and disadvantage non-union contractors and workers. Several witnesses spoke in favor of the Steamship Authority bill, saying term limits would improve transparency, accountability, and board turnover. The committee also heard detailed support for the North Central rail proposal from a legislator, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, and a transportation advocate, who described the bill as a way to generate long-term bonded revenue for rail infrastructure. After testimony concluded and no questions remained, the chairs entertained and received a motion to adjourn.