Transcript Highlights:

• Lord, make us an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love.
• Thank you, committee members, for hearing us out.
• <00:37:08.800> And<00:37:08.920> then<00:37:09.120> I<00:37:09.200> hear<
• And then I hear sir. Is what I'd say.
• And then I hear from<00:37:09.600> our<00:37:09.720> contractors<00:37:10.680> that<

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :03:10.319> behind instrumental in the strength behind instrumental in the strength behind Kaslan
• And now we are hearing reports that aid will be contingent on a ceasefire.
• <06:50:57.360> This hearing from our family farmers.
• This hearing from our family farmers.
• another we've also recently been hearing another we've also recently been hearing a<07:29:57.280

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To me, when I hear what's going on in prisons, when I hear people being attacked, when I hear families
• When I hear people being attacked, when I hear families not being able to get into prisons because of
• Thank you, Madam. just the hearings.
• When I hear you say the most dangerous thing, When I hear you say that the most dangerous thing, Mr.
• So thank you for hearing me on...

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing was held in Clinton Town Hall as part of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means’ budget review, with local officials welcoming legislators and noting the long agenda of many panels. The main presentation was from Secretary Terrence Reedy of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, who outlined the Healey-Driscoll administration’s FY26 proposal for the secretariat, including a $1.7 billion budget and a 7% increase over FY25. He described investments in emergency preparedness, hate-crime prevention, reentry programming, technology modernization, internships, and public safety training, while also noting some reductions driven by resource constraints, including cuts to certain grant programs and administrative costs. Committee members also raised concerns about federal uncertainty and how it could affect state budgets and public safety planning. A major portion of the questioning focused on the Department of Correction. Secretary Reedy and Commissioner Sean Jenkins said the biggest challenges are staffing, officer wellness, facility safety, and contraband—especially K2. They described steps taken at MCI Souza and other facilities, including reducing population at the maximum-security unit, changing management, removing metal products and free weights, improving screening and roll calls, adding a rapid response team, and increasing investigative and technological efforts to combat K2. They also discussed the closure of MCI Concord, saying it was driven by high maintenance costs and staffing needs, and explained that savings are being used to improve staffing patterns and address deferred maintenance over time rather than producing immediate large budget reductions. Members also questioned the budget’s impact on police training and community policing. The administration defended the increase in police academy tuition from $3,200 to $6,000 as reflecting true training costs and said it would still be subsidized by the state, while acknowledging the burden on small municipalities. They said the MPTC is expanding regional training and considering proposals such as Greenfield Community College’s. On community policing, officials emphasized uniform statewide training, de-escalation, and communication skills. The State Police also announced an outside review of the academy by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and said the next class will be split into two smaller groups to improve oversight and allow quicker implementation of recommendations. Other topics included ICE and federal immigration enforcement, with Reedy saying state law prohibits Massachusetts law enforcement from acting in a civil immigration capacity and that no state dollars were used in the Tufts-related ICE operation mentioned by a member. Senators and representatives also raised the upcoming FIFA World Cup, warning that it will require significant public safety resources and likely federal funding. Additional discussion covered restorative justice and juvenile diversion, health care costs in DOC, electronic health records, and the need for more diverse and culturally competent public safety staffing. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing and hearing no further debate, I'll invite Assembly Member Fong to close.
• When they hear, I'm going to present a bit of Thank you, Madam Speaker.
• Seeing and hearing no further just, Thank you, Mr. Coleris.
• Seeing and hearing none.
• Seeing and hearing none, the clerk will read the second-day consent calendar.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At today's hearing, the committee will hear testimony on bills related to agriculture, land use, and
• We are also hearing just one bill that we did not get people to testify on from the last hearing, and
• Can you hear me? Yes, we can hear you. Please go ahead.
• Thank you for hearing.
• Can you hear me now? Yes, yes, please go ahead. Okay. Can you hear me now?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing on a series of bills focused largely on local-option real estate transfer fees and housing funding tools for communities facing severe affordability pressures. Testimony strongly favored bills for Somerville, Concord, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Chatham, and a statewide local-option transfer fee, with speakers arguing that high-end real estate transactions should help fund affordable housing, anti-displacement efforts, workforce housing, and related capital improvements. Elected officials and local housing leaders described rising rents and home prices, investor activity, shrinking year-round housing stock, and difficulty recruiting or retaining teachers, police, health care workers, and other essential employees. Several witnesses emphasized that the proposals would be optional for municipalities, could include exemptions for first-time homebuyers or seniors, and would direct revenue into local affordable housing trust funds or housing banks. Committee members asked questions about who would pay the fee and whether it could make housing less affordable, and supporters responded that the fees would be targeted at higher-value transactions and designed with local flexibility. For Somerville, the delegation and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne backed both a local home rule petition and statewide enabling legislation, saying the city has already used zoning reform, inclusionary zoning, and local housing funds but still needs a new revenue source to address displacement and investor-driven purchases. For Concord, Representative Carmine Gentile and Concord housing advocates supported a home rule petition and the statewide bill, arguing that a modest fee on sales above $1 million could generate predictable revenue for affordable housing production and preservation. One committee exchange focused on whether the fee would affect most Concord sales and whether it would be passed on to buyers; supporters said the policy was intended to shift costs toward higher-value properties and help leverage other funding sources. The committee also heard testimony on House 4105, which would redirect a casino-related revenue stream to the Healthy Incentives Program. Farmers, advocates, and residents said the current funding was originally intended to support horse racing but has not met that goal, and that the money would be better used to support Massachusetts farmers and food-insecure residents through HIP. In a separate bill, Senator Becca Rausch testified in support of Senate 268, which would create a state-level hostile learning environment complaint process for higher education institutions and potentially strip tax exemptions from colleges or universities found to have such environments; she cited anti-Semitic and transphobic incidents on campuses and argued that existing federal protections should be mirrored in state law. The hearing also included testimony on college tuition debt reduction legislation from Senator Michael Moore, who said the bill would allow a deduction for tuition and fees paid to Massachusetts public colleges and universities to ease student debt and support the state’s workforce. A major portion of the hearing focused on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket housing bank proposals. Hospital, school, housing, planning, and municipal officials from Martha’s Vineyard said the island’s year-round housing shortage is harming health care, schools, and the local workforce, and urged approval of a housing bank funded by a local-option transfer fee. Nantucket witnesses made similar arguments, pointing to a very high median home price, a large seasonal housing stock, and the need for a dedicated revenue stream to preserve and create year-round housing. Supporters repeatedly cited the long-running success of the islands’ land banks as evidence that transfer fees can work without harming real estate markets. Senator Julian Cyr and Representative Thomas Moakley Luddy also backed the Cape and Islands transfer-fee bills, saying the region needs bold action and a sustainable local funding source to address its housing crisis.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing and hearing no further debate, I'll invite Assembly Member Fong to close.
• Seeing and hearing no further debate on the matter, the clerk will open the roll.
• Seeing and hearing no further debate on the matter, the clerk will open the roll.
• Seeing and hearing no further debate on the matter, the clerk will open the roll.
• Seeing and hearing none, the clerk will read the second day consent calendar.

Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call and opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a ceremonial observance for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Members from multiple caucuses spoke in support of House Resolution 107, which designates May as AAPI Heritage Month, emphasizing the community’s contributions, resilience, and the need to confront discrimination and hate. The resolution was adopted, and the chamber then recognized 13 honorees for the 2026 AAPI Heritage Month celebration, highlighting leaders in education, business, labor, media, cultural preservation, and public service. After guest introductions, the Assembly took up a series of bills. Measures discussed included HOA reserve funding for common interest developments (AB 2050), professional review requirements for lawsuits against design professionals (AB 2106), direct home delivery of enteral formula (AB 1794), expanded CalWORKs-related support for student parents (AB 1829), longer insurance moratoriums for wildfire survivors (AB 2038), election cybersecurity (AB 2281), medical privacy protections for reproductive and gender-affirming care (AB 2448), water district board compensation (AB 2568), county public contract change-order authority (AB 1658), and several other education, health, and licensing bills. Most measures passed with broad support; AB 2050 passed 44-6, AB 2038 passed 45-8, AB 2448 passed 49-13, and AB 1658 passed 61-2, while several others passed unanimously or near-unanimously. The Assembly also adopted AJR 29, a resolution opposing a federal executive order affecting vote-by-mail and affirming California’s mail voting system. The resolution prompted extended debate over election integrity, voter access, and federal versus state authority, with supporters arguing mail voting is secure and accessible and opponents calling for stronger voter list maintenance and verification. The resolution passed 47-13. In addition, ACR 141 and ACR 123 were adopted by voice vote after co-author roll calls, and the chamber continued or passed on numerous other file items as it worked through the daily file.

Transcript Highlights:

• You would never hear Find that kind of love song.
• Okay, we see you and hear you. Can you see me? Can you hear me? Perfect.
• Can you still hear me? We can hear you.
• And it was very interesting for me to hear government and regulation.
• “Survivor parents who show up in hearings in Washington and many of them have been here in our hearing

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee held an informational hearing on the impact of social media on LGBTQ+ youth, focusing on benefits, risks, and possible safeguards. Chair members framed the discussion around the tension between protecting young people from addictive design, harassment, hate speech, exploitation, and mental health harms while preserving access to affirming resources, community, and crisis support that many LGBTQ+ youth rely on online. Members emphasized that the hearing was meant to inform future policy rather than relitigate prior bills, and several members of the LGBTQ+ Caucus attended or participated. The first panel featured lived experience and advocacy testimony from Madi Roby of Alliance for Trans Youth Rights, Shea Gardner of LGBT Tech, and Casey Pick of the Trevor Project. Roby described social media as essential to exploring identity, finding trans language and safety information, and connecting to Trevor Project resources during a family crisis, while also acknowledging online hate and bullying. Gardner argued that lawmakers should regulate harms more precisely rather than impose broad age-based exclusions, warning that account bans and age-gating could cut off access to community, privacy-protective pseudonymity, and crisis resources. Pick testified that LGBTQ+ youth are more likely than peers to attempt suicide, that social media can be both a lifeline and a risk, and that Trevor Space and other moderated online spaces can improve mental health and reduce isolation; she also cautioned against policies that would push youth into less visible, less moderated spaces. Committee members questioned the witnesses about algorithmic feeds, addictive design, age verification, and whether platforms should be required to do more to protect youth. Several lawmakers distinguished between personalized feeds and addictive features such as infinite scroll and autoplay, and asked for more targeted prescriptions. Witnesses generally supported stronger privacy protections, limits on data collection and use, better reporting and moderation tools, digital literacy, and design changes that reduce harmful engagement patterns without eliminating access to community. The discussion also touched on the loss of LGBTQ-specific 988 services at the national level and the importance of maintaining alternative support pathways. The second panel presented research from Common Sense Media, UC Irvine, Hope Lab, and LGBTQ+ Health Australia. Researchers reported that LGBTQ+ youth often arrive online with higher depressive symptoms and limited in-person support, encounter homophobic and transphobic content at high rates, and may self-censor because of fear of harassment. At the same time, many said social media helps them feel less alone and find affirmation. Dr. Sean Young emphasized a harm-reduction approach, noting that online environments can be designed to support health and that policymakers should measure whether restrictions actually reduce harm or simply displace it. Dr. Amy Green echoed that social media is both harmful and supportive for LGBTQ+ youth, underscoring that the policy goal should be to make youth safer rather than less visible online.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had a policy hearing and a fiscal hearing on the Assembly side.
• And I'll close the hearing on Assembly Bill 221. And we'll open the hearing on Assembly Bill 379.
• Thank you for hearing this bill.
• We will close the hearing on Assembly Bill 379 and we’ll open the bill hearing for Assembly Bill 475.
• Well, we will close the hearing on Assembly Bill 108. And we will open the hearing.

Bills: AB102, AB108, AB117, AB213, AB220, AB221, AB251, AB259, AB331, AB336, AB375, AB379, AB409, AB475, AB476, AB550, AB575, AB594, SB466

Keywords: emergency medical services, ambulance, licensing, health district, paramedic, training requirements, outdoor education, recreation, grant program, environment, funding, special license plates, vehicle registration, custom plates, state revenue, transportation, public works, prevailing wage, custom fabrication, nonstandard materials

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the Business and Commerce Committee's second interim hearing.
• I look forward to hearing from you. Bring that microphone really close. It's always hard to hear.
• So we can hear about the bill they passed in 2019.
• Well, I'm glad to hear that. We certainly do our best.
• And so one thing you don't hear enough of, It has its place.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Food and drinks are prohibited in the hearing room.
• Hearing none, House Bill 4642 is left.
• Hearing none, House Bill 3687 is left pending.
• Hearing none, House Bill 4105 is left pending.
• Hearing none. House Bill 4462 is left pending.

Bills: HB240, HB2097, HB2731, HB3087, HB3234, HB3319, HB3394, HB3687, HB4105, HB4205, HB4350, HB4462, HB4642, HB4801, HB5403, HB240

Keywords: quorum, tax levy, county governance, local government, population regulations, quorum requirement, Texas counties, population threshold, deputy sheriff, civil service, law enforcement, appeals process, sheriff's department, HB 2731, roadside vendors, solicitors, county regulation, border counties, Mexico border, Transportation Code

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, so ordered.
• Hearing none, so ordered.
• Hearing none, so ordered.
• Just hearing things that a child should not hear. And these are...
• Hearing none, thank you both very much.

Bills: SB604, SB843, SB1636, SB2395, SB571, SB1224, SB1832, SB2392, SB747, SB2623, SB2624, SB2185

Keywords: bonds, education funding, Texas Permanent School Fund, financial transparency, speculative rating, school funding, deferred maintenance, tax revenue, education budget, school districts, education, finance, Texas Education Code, misconduct, child abuse, educators, investigation, criminal offense, education law, suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• For today's hearing, we're hearing from all the panels on the agenda prior to taking any public comment
• For those who are hearing that for the first time, it's not a Me Too public hearing, but one minute per
• We want to hear more about that, and of course we'd like to hear from the High-Speed Rail Authority's
• their acceptance of the plan, but also to specifically hear, not to be redundant, but to hear your final
• I think we'll hear about that later as well.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:22.480> and they can ask for a hearing and they can ask for a hearing and essentially
• Hearing none, the measure is adopted. Thank you.
• Hearing none, the measure is adopted. Next up is SP 526.
• Hearing none, the measure is adopted. Next up is SP 598.
• Hearing none, the measure is adopted.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard several bills on January 30. SB 286 and SB 287 both concerned supplemental funding for the Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney: SB 286 for the career criminal prosecution unit and SB 287 for the victim witness assistance program. Testimony from the department explained that these bills are filed each year because the Attorney General’s core budget allocation may not be sufficient, though the department said the core had recently been increased and the supplemental request might no longer be necessary. For SB 287, the department also warned of a possible federal Victims of Crime Act funding freeze that could cut about $1.88 million and severely harm victim services. Both bills drew support from county and community witnesses, and members asked about prior-year funding and why the requests were limited to fiscal 2025-26; no votes were taken in the excerpt. SB 289, from the State Ethics Commission, would create a more uniform administrative fine process under the ethics code and lobbyist law. The commission said the measure would not change substantive enforcement but would let it issue a notice and order of fine first, with the respondent able to request a hearing within 20 days, which would speed up cases that are not factually disputed. Members questioned whether the bill would deny due process or function like an automatic parking ticket, and the commission responded that respondents could still challenge the fine and that the process would apply to violations with fines under $1,000. The committee also heard SB 304, which would add 11 positions for the First Circuit Adult Client Services Branch; Judiciary testimony said probation caseloads are high, with an average of 116 cases per officer, and the added staff would help meet national supervision standards and better serve higher-risk clients. Members asked whether the positions were already in the budget and about current staffing ratios; the witness said the positions were not already funded and that the Judiciary supported the bill with amendments. The committee then heard SB 311, a proposed constitutional amendment to exclude spending money to influence elections from protected free speech. Testimony was strongly divided: supporters argued that Citizens United has distorted elections and empowered special interests, while opponents warned the language was too broad and could affect nonprofit advocacy and grassroots groups. Finally, SB 313 would impose a 1% wealth asset tax on individuals with $20 million or more in assets. The Department of Taxation said it had concerns about the bill’s ambiguity and administration and noted it would require annual valuation and likely additional resources; opponents, including family business representatives and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, argued the tax would be difficult and costly to administer, would require sensitive business disclosures, and could force family businesses to pay from company cash. Supporters said wealthy residents should pay a fair share. The committee heard testimony and questions on these bills, but the excerpt does not show final committee votes or actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today's hearing is packed full. Today's hearing is packed full of speakers and important topics.
• I was really concerned to hear implications otherwise.
• We hear you about TDCJ, and I'm glad to hear that they're coordinating with you.
• You'll hear from my colleagues about this.
• And Sheriff, I'm sorry, I just keep hearing that.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we know there is a detention screening instrument that's in use.
• We look forward to hearing from you in the future. So I'll stop there.
• I think yesterday the concern was we weren't hearing from doctors.
• Every time we hear that, I'm so sick of hearing it.
• So when I hear that there's not an issue, it makes me a little crazy.

Transcript Highlights:

• I hear from a lot of families who say that they file their paperwork, they don't hear back from the clemency
• I should have, but I'm glad you're back to hear my bill.
• I thank you, Vice Chair and committee, for hearing this bill. I appreciate it.
• I thank you, Vice Chair and committee, for hearing this bill. I appreciate it.
• Thank you, Vice Chairman and committee members, for hearing this bill.

Bills: HB2028, HB2047, HB2136, HB2244, HB2364, HB2406, HB2415, HB2557, HB2573, HB2589, HB2720, HB2749, HB2825, HB2861, HB2862, HB2870, HB2970, HB4070, HB4117, HCR2004, HCR2051

Keywords: community restitution, homelessness, indigence, court assessments, monetary obligations, forcible entry, detainer, writ of restitution, criminal trespass, judgment enforcement, civil terrorism, disorderly conduct, vandalism, political activism, public order, subversion, government security, evictions, judgment satisfaction, tenant rights

Transcript Highlights:

• They went instrument. [Laughter] "Sam, you all right?" "I was not done with it."
• We'll have a public hearing.
• Do I hear a second? >> second. Do I hear a second? >> Second. >> Second.
• >> I<00:50:38.079> hear<00:50:38.240> a<00:50:38.400> motion.
• >> I hear a motion. >> I hear a motion.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I look forward to hearing from Mr.
• We look forward to hearing your testimony.
• I'm glad to hear that.
• I'll never forget in a hearing. Mr.
• I came into this hearing with an open mind.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, thank you for hearing my comments. Great. Thank you, Dr. Sims.
• And thank you so much for hearing it and sponsoring it. Thank you. Please. Mr.
• Can you hear me? We can, please. Thank you. My name is Lauren Copeland.
• And I just want to strengthen something that I hear in several comments.
• And I just want to strengthen something that I hear in several comments.

Bills: SB234, SB210, SB243, SB244, SM16, HB8

Keywords: foster children, school transportation, education funding, public education, child welfare, New Mexico Highlands University, soccer field, women's sports, infrastructure improvement, funding allocation, student athletes, appropriation, New Mexico State University, nutrition, travel support, funding, education, university support, financial assistance, parenting students

Transcript Highlights:

• Appreciate you closing us out on our initial hearings, and we're anxious to hear from you.
• I keep hearing about them.
• I keep hearing about them.
• I keep hearing about them.
• I keep hearing about them.

Keywords: 916, all