Transcript Highlights:

• The truth is, our infrastructure for fossil fuel is very old, quite damaged, and needs replacement either
• with green energy or a continued replacement of the fossil fuel infrastructure.
• The truth is, our infrastructure for fossil fuel is very old, quite damaged, and needs replacement either
• with green energy or a continued replacement of the fossil fuel infrastructure.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then took up a Rules Committee report advancing several bills directly to third reading, including Senate Print 9630, an appropriations extender for government operations, and Senate Print 9631, an extender related to Part U1 of Chapter 61 of the Laws of 2023. The chamber then moved to the controversial calendar and debated the first extender, with Senator O’Mara questioning what the bill covered, how much funding it extended, and the status of budget negotiations. Senator Krueger said the extender covered about $1 billion for payroll and certain payments for agencies including Health, Law, OPWDD, and Veterans Services through April 7, and described the budget talks as still unresolved, with no announced follow-up Joint Budget Conference Committee meetings or table targets. She also discussed utility affordability proposals, including a three-year moratorium on A.I. and crypto data/storage facilities and support for green energy and low-income ratepayer relief. O’Mara argued the lack of urgency and absence of written proposals on climate and utility costs was concerning. Both extender bills were then passed, with the first receiving 59 ayes and the second passing 46-13 after debate over its two-year duration. The Senate then adopted the resolution calendar, excluding two items initially, and took up two resolutions. Resolution 1821, sponsored by Senator Ramos, recognized Farmworkers Day and highlighted the essential role of farmworkers, the history of organizing for farmworker rights, and concerns about immigrant workers facing fear and retaliation; Senator May added support, noting the importance of farm labor to dairy production and food supply and the impact of deportation fears on farms in her district. The resolution was adopted. Resolution 1823, sponsored by Senator Zellner, proclaimed March 20, 2026 as Behavior Analysis Day in New York, recognizing applied behavior analysis and its benefits for individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, education, healthcare, and other fields; it was also adopted. The chamber also welcomed a group of students from Queens visiting Albany, with Senator Comrie speaking about the importance of civics education and government engagement. After the introductions and acknowledgments, there was no further business, and the Senate adjourned until Wednesday, April 1, at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I wish to announce that Representative Bliss temporarily replaced Representative Biasiucci on the regular
• I wish to announce that Representative Bliss temporarily replaced Representative Biasucci on the regular
• committee, on the regular committee on rule, economic Representative Biasucci is temporarily replaced
• Representative Wilmeth will temporarily replace Representative Blackman on the Special Committee on Rural

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the amendment replaces line 166, and that's on page six, with the following sentence: no more than
• 00:10:13.760> the<00:10:13.839> amendment<00:10:14.399> uh<00:10:14.640> replaces
• <00:10:15.120> line<00:10:15.600> 166 Uh the amendment uh replaces line 166 Uh the
• amendment uh replaces line 166 and<00:10:16.240> that's<00:10:16.480> on<00:10:16.640><

Bills: HB247, HB317, HB318, HB253, HB271, HB135, HB247, HB317, HB318, HB253, HB271, HB135

Keywords: Gulf of America, name change, state compliance, educational materials, local resources, historical reference, age verification, parental consent, consumer protection, app store regulations, data privacy, Internet filters, digital safety, minors protection, civil liability, device manufacturers, obscenity, aircraft tax, aviation tax, sales tax exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not optimal, but we will still be replacing trucks as they're needed and things like that.
• It's not optimal, but we will still be replacing trucks as they're needed and things like that.
• We will still be replacing trucks as they're needed and things like that.
• And again, it is replacement last year.
• uh for fleet replacement that we had<01:12:28.800> utilized.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Their replacement comes up. Somebody who's never had a chance to play. Let's say it's hockey.
• Replacement player comes up, scores four goals. Absolutely.
• Their replacement comes up. Somebody who's never had a chance to play. Let's say it's hockey.
• The replacement player comes up, scores four goals, and suddenly, I didn't realize that player was so
• The replacement player can come because you did so well, right? Under your bill, that can't happen.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a very full public hearing on the first Education Committee hearing of the session, with testimony taken on a large slate of bills, especially H. 650/S. 436 and related measures. The chairs explained the hearing rules, including two-minute testimony limits, live streaming, written testimony, and accommodations for interpreters and disabilities. The committee first heard extensive testimony on H. 460/S. 436 and later H. 650/S. 436, bills to affirm and maintain equal access to public education for all children, including immigrant students, English learners, and students with disabilities. Witnesses included parents, advocates, educators, attorneys, and state officials, many of whom described fears caused by federal policy changes and argued that Massachusetts should codify protections for school enrollment, special education, interpreter services, and due process in discipline cases. The Attorney General’s office, Mass Advocates for Children, Lawyers for Civil Rights, MIRA, the Children’s Law Center, the Disability Law/advocacy community, and others all urged favorable action, while committee members asked questions about Plyler v. Doe, manifestation determinations, interpreter qualifications, and how the bill would mirror or preserve existing federal protections at the state level. The committee also heard testimony on H. 702/S. 460, establishing an elementary and secondary school robotics grant program, which was supported as a way to expand STEM opportunities and help schools fund robotics programs. Representative Sweeney also testified on H. 713, a bill to support student participation in 4-H programming by allowing excused absences similar to those for athletics and other sanctioned activities; members noted bipartisan support and the bill’s long history. The hearing then moved to H. 543/S. 417, a recess bill requiring at least 30 minutes of free-play recess for K-8 students. Supporters included the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the League of Women Voters, educators, and parents, who emphasized recess as important for physical health, social-emotional development, attention, and academic performance, and noted that unequal local policies create disparities across districts. Several witnesses also tied recess to broader concerns about student well-being and screen time. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee simply received testimony and closed testimony on the bills as it moved through the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• It replaces competence with physical characteristics. It replaces character with the color of skin.
• > physical It replaces competence with physical It replaces competence with physical characteristics
• It replaces the uh the characteristics.
• It replaces the uh the it<00:44:46.800> replaces<00:44:47.359> character<00:44:47.760><
• This is a, you know, it's a bill more protective than what it replaced.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of the federal program or if replacement of the federal program or if there's<01:06:52.960> need<
• <01:38:02.960> those line 13 and 14 and instead replace those line 13 and 14 and instead replace
• So that is um replaces<01:38:52.080> both<01:38:52.400> things<01:38:52.639> that
• ><01:38:52.880> were<01:38:53.360> um replaces both things that were um replaces both things
• Then replace the documentation demonstrating U.S. citizenship with attestation of U.S. citizenship and

Bills: HB1546

Keywords: Medicaid, health insurance, healthcare access, insurance subsidies, pilot program, affordable care, preventive services, low-income, community engagement, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2083, which would add homeless shelters to Hawaii’s drug-free/safe-zone protections. The City and County prosecutor’s office strongly supported the bill, saying service providers asked for the change because drug activity near shelters can undermine recovery efforts. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, focusing on a possible notice problem because many shelters are not readily identifiable and the bill’s 750-foot distance requirement could be difficult to apply. The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii also opposed the bill, arguing it would expand criminalization of poverty and drug use and that drug-free zone laws are ineffective and disproportionately harmful. The prosecutor’s office said it would do more research on the notice concern. The committee then moved on without taking a vote in the transcript provided. The committee next discussed HB 2087, which would change the treatment of abuse of family or household member cases by ending the deferred-acceptance pilot and returning to the prior statute. The prosecutor’s office supported the bill, saying the pilot had not reduced backlog as intended and that domestic violence cases should remain petty misdemeanors without deferral. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Public Defender’s Office both opposed HB 2087, instead urging extension of the pilot for another five years so the legislature can better evaluate how deferred acceptance is working. They said deferrals can be a useful incentive for behavior change and that more data is needed before ending the program. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about why Hawaii should differ from other counties and whether repeat offenders could keep receiving deferrals; the prosecutor said the deferral is available only once and reiterated support for returning to the old statute. The committee then heard HB 2096 on aggravated circumstances in child protective proceedings. The family court and Attorney General’s Office supported the bill, saying current law limits aggravated-circumstances findings to the early return hearing, which can prevent findings in the most serious abuse cases when key evidence is not yet available. They said the bill would allow such findings later in the case and, with proposed amendments, would let the court consolidate aggravated-circumstances and termination-of-parental-rights hearings to reduce delay and appeals. The Libertarian Party of Hawaii opposed the measure, arguing it would expand state power in family matters and could worsen outcomes for parents and children. Committee questions focused on the amended language, including what “another court of competent jurisdiction” means and whether a charge alone would be enough; the judiciary responded that criminal courts are included, but a hearing and opportunity to defend would still be required. Finally, the committee took up HB 1959, another domestic violence measure. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Public Defender’s Office, the Crime Victim Compensation Commission, the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and county prosecuting offices testified in support. Supporters said the bill would extend the pilot program while keeping deferred acceptance of guilty pleas in place, giving more time to evaluate whether the program is working and whether a more formal diversion model should be developed. The coalition also suggested technical fixes to ensure judiciary data reporting continues and that the deferred-acceptance statute is not inadvertently repealed. No vote or final action was taken in the transcript before the committee moved on to the next bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Where are we going to replace that tax base?
• Where are we going to replace that tax base?
• They need to replace them.
• them with the to buy these to replace them with the weather<02:48:17.920> effect<02:48:18.319
• The respondent may replace the attorney with an attorney of the respondent's own selection at any time

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and having a Senate representative on the board, and that person that was on the House would be replaced
• “Would be replaced by a non-union member, active member of the board.”
• And that further, the House of Representatives member will be replaced by a non-union active member of

Summary: The Senate Committee on Retirement met on May 11, 2026, with a quorum present and approved the minutes from May 5. The committee then took up House Bill 41, which concerns the board membership of the firefighter retirement system. The author explained that the bill had been revised toward a compromise to better represent non-union active members on the retirement board, while preserving legislative representation. Under the concept amendment discussed, the House-appointed legislative seat would be removed, the Senate designee would remain, and a non-union active member would be added in its place. The author and committee also discussed alternating legislative terms, but clarified that the Senate designee would not be removed. Committee members and staff then reviewed how the new non-union seat would be filled, including an election process limited to non-union active members. Firefighters Retirement System counsel and a representative of the Professional Firefighters Association raised concerns about the difficulty and cost of identifying eligible voters because union membership changes frequently. Staff estimated the election could cost roughly $50,000 to $65,000 every five years, with additional administrative work to verify eligibility and send ballots. A senator asked whether a fixed cutoff date could solve the problem, but witnesses said membership changes would still make that difficult. After discussion, the committee identified the amendment as 3541 and moved the bill forward on a favorable motion, with no objection. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• afternoon, and thank you guys for your time and opportunity to explain our decision to pursue the turf replacement
• January 2026, architect Clayton Baden and his firm issued a request for proposals for the turf replacement
• Architect Clayton Baden and his firm issued a request for proposals for the turf replacement project.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:06:47.479> and<00:06:47.639> so replacement and so replacement and so on<00:06:49.599
• trucks have largely replaced and pickup trucks have largely replaced SED<01:44:29.440> Dan<01
• And with the proliferation of replacement parts that are body parts that didn't really exist as a replacement
• ...been removed at some point and replaced.
• hypothetically and I needed to replace hypothetically and I needed to replace that<05:19:12.120>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 105, which would create a new conservation license plate and direct the added fee to the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund. The sponsor, Rep. Rosemarie Rung, said the bill would create a non-tax revenue source to help address toxic cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire lakes, ponds, and rivers. She described the public health, environmental, and economic harms from blooms, the high cost of watershed management plans and mitigation projects, and the limited current funding available through state and federal sources. She argued that a voluntary plate program could provide sustainable support and raise awareness. Supporters, including Reps. Katie Pell and McDonald, said the bill would help affected lake communities and tourism-dependent areas. New Hampshire DES testified neutrally but confirmed that blooms have increased sharply, that the agency has issued more than 120 warnings in the past two years, and that the existing mitigation fund is nearly depleted after one-time appropriations. DES said the proposed plate would not solve the entire funding need but could provide dedicated revenue for studies and implementation projects. DMV testified that the operational impact of adding a new plate would be minimal. New Hampshire Lakes also supported the bill and said survey results suggested some current Moose plate holders and new registrants would likely choose the Loon plate. Committee members asked about the health effects of cyanobacteria, the expected revenue from the plate, and whether the problem is natural or human-driven. Testimony said exposure can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal illness, and more serious liver or neurological effects, with pets and children at higher risk; one witness also cited research suggesting aerosolized toxins may affect people several kilometers from a bloom. DES explained that while lake sediments can release nutrients, the underlying problem is largely driven by watershed inputs and worsened over time. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided, and the chair invited written testimony and additional questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So there was a replace-all amendment. It fixed those two sections.
• And based on that, we have put forward this replace-all bill.
• And based on that, we have put forward this replace-all bill.
• <01:04:35.039> all have um put forward this replace all have um put forward this replace all
• > term<01:05:01.039> contract That language replaced the term contract That language replaced

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with Senate Bill 22-FN, which would expand child care licensing background checks so the Department of Health and Human Services can receive fuller criminal history information, including pending charges and other non-conviction records, similar to the system already used for school staff. Grant Bossi, for Senator Pearl, and DHHS officials Melissa Clement and Christine Sheay testified in support, saying the bill closes a gap that can allow people with disqualifying charges to work with children. They explained that the FBI record is a snapshot in time, that juvenile records are not included, and that the bill would apply to child care programs including residential group homes. Questions focused on what “confidential criminal history” means and how often checks are repeated; DHHS said checks are done every five years or sooner if new charge information is received. The hearing on SB 22 was then closed. The committee then took up Senate Bill 23-FN, which would expand the child endangerment statute and remove the word “purposely” from part of the language. Senator Pat Long said the bill is intended to strengthen protection for children and allow more serious conduct to be charged appropriately. Testimony from law enforcement, including Executive Counselor Dave Wheeler, Sergeant Ryan Rooney of Nashua Police, and Nicholas Georgulis of Manchester Police, supported the bill as a way to distinguish routine misdemeanor cases from the most egregious abuse and neglect cases, such as children living in squalor or being exposed to severe danger. Wheeler and some members raised concerns that the language could be vague or overbroad and cited a prior Manchester firearm-in-a-car arrest as an example of possible unintended consequences; supporters responded that the bill still requires knowingly violating a duty of care and that the serious bodily injury or death standard limits its reach. Rooney also described a fentanyl overdose case involving an 11-year-old and said the current misdemeanor charge did not fully reflect the seriousness of the conduct. The committee recessed SB 23 briefly to open and close SB 161, then returned to SB 23, which remained under hearing with no final vote taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was reading this to replace section one. So, what this says is replace sections three and four.
• was reading this to replace section one. was reading this to replace section one.
• <00:47:48.800> sections So, what this says is replace sections So, what this says is replace
• Also, section one of the bill repeals and replaces this very straightforward language existing in RSA
• Also, section one of the bill repeals and replaces this very straightforward language existing in RSA

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , it would replace that uh annual<00:29:48.799> park<00:29:49.039> sticker<00:29:49.440
• It would be replaced by the outdoor recreation endorsement.
• So parks would get a fairly significant piece of that in addition to their replacement revenue.
• It would be replaced by the outdoor recreation endorsement.
• So parks would get a fairly significant piece of that in addition to their replacement revenue.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lines 43 through 45 were from the seasonal school district tax base replacement aid program from Senator
• is the aid that would be paid to school districts through Senator Hauschild's seasonal tax base replacement
• aid uh program from Senator replacement aid uh program from Senator Hauschild's<00:07:31.280> bill
• <00:09:10.880> aid replacement aid replacement aid program.<00:09:13.440> Um<00:09:13.880
• Um, we've been fighting for a couple of years now for the seasonal tax replacement aid.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So allowing that equipment or the communications firmware and software to be replaced and sort of keeping
• So one of the techniques we have talked about is being able to replace that.
• >> One of the things I've spoken about a little is the rip and replace type.
• Doctor Stewart, you would suggest that we try to is there a way we could, would replace it with our own
• So replacing the software is also a security control, which is kind of a strange catch 22 in this, that

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce convened to discuss critical infrastructure and supply chain integrity, particularly focusing on Texas's power grid and associated vulnerabilities. The meeting highlighted Texas's recent ranking as 10th in electricity affordability, emphasizing the state's commitment to maintaining a reliable and resilient electric grid. New committee members introduced themselves, and the agenda included testimony from ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission regarding the implementation of the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act, which aims to mitigate risks posed by foreign entities to the power grid. Chad Sealy from ERCOT presented updates on the attestation process for market participants, revealing that over 1,500 entities had submitted attestations regarding their corporate structures and affiliations with designated foreign countries. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of the current vetting process, particularly regarding indirect relationships with foreign adversaries. Testimonies from the PUC and the Attorney General's office underscored the challenges of enforcing compliance and the need for improved legislative measures to enhance oversight and security. The committee also heard from experts, including Dr. Emma Stewart from Idaho National Laboratory, who discussed the evolving threats to the grid from foreign adversaries and the importance of securing communication systems. Recommendations included prioritizing inspections of critical components and enhancing collaboration with national laboratories to address vulnerabilities. The discussion concluded with an acknowledgment of the balance needed between ensuring grid security and maintaining affordability for consumers.

Transcript Highlights:

• dome, which is vulnerable to weather incidents and is in need of replacement.
• dome, which is vulnerable to weather incidents and is in need of replacement.
• ><00:19:19.720> will the Plymouth Community Center will the Plymouth Community Center will replace
• our seasonally inflated dome, replace our seasonally inflated dome, uh<00:19:23.600> which<00
• incidents and is in need of replacement. incidents and is in need of replacement.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It removes and replaces<00:46:50.319> these<00:46:50.640> terms<00:46:51.280> with
• c><00:46:51.599> contemporary replaces these terms with contemporary replaces these terms with
• Chair and members, the A1 amendment replaces section 10 of the bill, which amends 2024 statutes, with
• Chair and members, the A1 amendment<00:48:04.960> replaces<00:48:05.599> section<00:48:
• amendment replaces section 10 of the bill,<00:48:07.359> which<00:48:07.599> amends<00

Bills: HF3521, HF1807, HF1270, HF2070, HF3136

Keywords: hospital moratorium, hospital construction, bed capacity, hospital expansion, health care facilities, hospital licensing, safety-net hospital, level I trauma center, Ramsey County, Minnesota health law, hospital beds, new hospital exception, certificate of need, inpatient capacity, emergency care, trauma services, health system regulation, state moratorium, hospital modernization, health infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• assistance um um and mascot replacement assistance um um and so<00:43:29.480> um<00:43:29.720
• We estimate that it will cost over $2 million to replace logos and mascots under the current law.
• logos in mascots million to replace logos in mascots under<00:48:46.960> the<00:48:47.119>
• Now I hope we refer to it as the Dakota War, and Custer's Last Stand has been replaced with the Battle
• Now I hope we refer to it as the Dakota War, and Custer's Last Stand has been replaced with the Battle

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The strongest air quality case for hydrogen is in fuel cell electric applications that replace diesel
• By replacing fossil fuel, mostly diesel engines, with hydrogen fuel cells, we projected a 43% reduction
• By replacing fossil fuel, mostly diesel engines with hydrogen fuel cells, we projected 43% reduction
• ...cases under $6 so they can have a drop-in fuel to replace diesel or natural gas and build some more
• So I would say transit agencies, where they fell in their replacements, usually of buses, they found

Keywords: 987, senate, all