Transcript Highlights:

• And we also surveyed members of the legislature about their preferred scheduling priorities.
• That survey confirmed that the current scheduling priorities for the previous tax preference review schedule
• But I'd entertain anyone's thoughts as to if we want to ask staff to reconsider the priorities on which

Summary: The Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on May 6, 2026, with quorum present and unanimously approved the October 21, 2025 minutes. The Attorney General’s Office then provided its annual open government refresher, covering key points of the Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act, including broad disclosure requirements, records retention, response timelines for public records requests, and rules for meetings, special meetings, emergency meetings, and executive sessions. JLARC staff gave a 2026 legislative session update on tax preference bills. They highlighted 20 bills affecting tax preferences, including repeal of the coal-related sales and use tax exemption, changes to data center exemptions, new property tax exemptions for renewable energy facilities and land bank authorities, and a broad tax package in engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6346 that created multiple credits, deductions, and exemptions. Staff also presented the 2026 expedited tax preference review report covering 64 preferences, noting it is based on prior JLARC reviews and Department of Revenue studies and is now available in an interactive searchable format. The commission approved the 2026 public testimony questions without changes and then adopted the 2027–2036 tax preference review schedule, along with a new rolling 10-year schedule that will be updated each May. During discussion, commissioners raised concerns about how preferences are prioritized for full review versus expedited review, especially for older or high-revenue preferences without performance statements, and staff explained that legislative mandates, expiration dates, and workload constraints drive the schedule. The meeting also included a public and staff recognition of Commissioner Grant Forsyth’s 13 years of service and leadership, with remarks praising his collaborative approach and long tenure; the next meeting was set for August 4, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• no obligation or expectation to seek out and implement efficiency projects like this to identify priority
• deferred Maintenance projects, OMES developed a criteria based on the intersection of criticality and priority
• And as she said, state-owned space is the first priority.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and Representative, they would also be included as a high priority. Okay.
• Because if we're truly saying that this is about low-income, at-risk kids, they should be the priority
• If it's truly about infant toddler care, they should be the priority as we expand. Thank you.

Bills: SB132, SB241

Keywords: SB132, DOIT, Department of Information Technology, software replacement, equipment replacement, technology funding, revolving fund, capital equipment, enterprise services, state IT budgeting, software budgeting, amortization, depreciation, State Treasurer, Department of Finance and Administration, New Mexico, information technology, IT infrastructure, fund accounting, legislative appropriation

Transcript Highlights:

• The federal government, the Trump administration, has made fusion one of their top priorities.
• It says fusion must be a national priority for the future of U.S. energy security.
• April of 2025, it says fusion must be a national priority for the future of U.S. energy security.

Bills: HB2809

Keywords: cybersecurity, post-quantum encryption, CMMC 2.0, state agencies, data protection, US-based vendors, 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• if you look down on the roadway maintenance contracts and the roadway and that was a really high priority
• I'll also just note in highway operations, this has been a major priority of the department.
• what the elected representatives who are appointed on the transportation committee are saying as a priority

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Does something like that take priority over other?
• For two weeks, does something like that take priority over other projects? You're recognized.
• There's no priority based on what type of critical asset is being adapted.

Summary: The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee heard two informational presentations. First, the Department of Environmental Protection gave an overview of Florida’s water quality framework, explaining how numeric nutrient criteria, monitoring, TMDLs, and Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs) are used to address impaired waters. DEP described recent changes intended to increase accountability, including five-year milestones in BMAPs, requirements for advanced wastewater treatment by 2033 in certain cases, limits on new conventional septic systems where sewer is available, enhanced nutrient-reducing septic requirements where sewer is not available, and a new agricultural regional water quality improvement element. The department also highlighted the Water Quality Improvement Grant Program, which has received nearly $1.4 billion over four years and funded more than 300 projects, as well as a public dashboard showing funded projects and a forthcoming trend-analysis dashboard for monitoring data. Members asked about enforcement of BMAP milestones, septic-to-sewer coordination with local governments, PFAS and microplastics monitoring, septic system performance standards, wastewater facility compliance, and how many facilities remain below advanced wastewater treatment standards. DEP said it can enforce BMAP obligations through administrative orders, consent orders, court action, fines, and permit conditions, and that it inspects and verifies wastewater facilities while relying on reporting and site inspections for sewer infrastructure. The department also said nutrient-reducing septic systems must achieve a 65 percent reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus, with verification required when projects seek BMAP credit. The committee then heard from the chief resilience officer on the Resilient Florida program, created in 2021 to address sea-level rise and coastal flooding. The presentation reviewed planning grants, vulnerability assessments, and the statewide critical-asset assessment, noting that all counties and most municipalities are expected to complete assessments by the end of 2026 and that vulnerability is now an eligibility requirement for future project funding. The program reported major statewide outcomes, including stormwater storage, miles of infrastructure and roadway protection, acres restored, and coastal protection projects, and highlighted examples such as breakwater improvements and lift-station elevation. Members asked about project delays, funding totals, overlap with other funding sources, and project prioritization; the program said delays often stem from design and permitting after award, that its reported totals reflect only grants it administers, and that projects are scored under the same criteria rather than being prioritized by asset type. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we run a class where the students develop the surveys, the priority questions, the conditions
• Designing programs and securing funding to assist priority populations, such as justice-involved individuals
• Affordability, that's our number one priority in California as policymakers. That's our theme.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I hope this is a model that we can continue forward, but giving more reflection on the priorities
• And so I hope this is a model that we can continue forward, but giving more reflection on the priorities
• And so I hope this is a model that we can continue forward, but giving more reflection on the priorities

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and this is actually the number 2 priority of our members when it comes to school safety is access
• state address, Governor Abbott identified the expansion of career training programs as a legislative priority
• These goals help modernize our education system and better align it with Texas's economic priorities.

Bills: HB6, HB120, HB210

Keywords: hemp, consumable hemp products, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, cannabidiol, CBG, cannabigerol, Texas hemp law, hemp regulation, cannabinoid products, delta-9 THC, intoxicating hemp, hemp gummies, hemp vape, retail registration, product registration, QR code labeling, child-resistant packaging, youth access, minor sales

Transcript Highlights:

• While effective in ensuring quality, these standards have not supported the state's priority to align
• institutional review process that supports innovation and encourages outcome and competency-based education priorities
• imposes a one-size-fits-all standard that may not reflect Texas' unique educational and economic priorities

Bills: SB1998, SB646, SB2786, SB2076, SB2615, SB1961, SB1418, SB2647, SB1322, SB2788

Keywords: pediatrics, medical education, subsidiary, preceptorship, medical training, student programs, mental health, loan repayment, education funding, mental health professionals, healthcare access, Texas Success Initiative, exemption, public officers, employees, higher education, Capitol view, Austin, urban planning, construction

Transcript Highlights:

• Realtors, thank you for coming today. your capital today and talking about the priorities that are important
• HB 3807 by Harris-Davila relates to establishing a childcare service waiting list priority for the children
• to exempt from ad valorem taxation a portion of the appraised value of certain land located in a priority

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I was glad to be in your office and share with you the priorities that that I have for the Office of
• They're relying on the small business numbers that come from the Office and it would be a huge priority
• , not just because I've been an economic researcher for so many years, but it would be a huge priority

Keywords: SBA, small business, nominations, Bill Briggs, Casey Mulligan, regulations, capital access, public support

Summary: The Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship convened to consider the nominations of Bill Briggs for Deputy Administrator of the SBA and Dr. Casey Mulligan for Chief Counsel for Advocacy. The discussions highlighted the critical role of the SBA in promoting small businesses, with emphasis on overcoming challenges posed by excessive regulations and the need for improved access to capital. Several committee members expressed their concerns over recent layoffs within the SBA and the closure of district offices, which they believe undermine support for small businesses across the nation. The committee meeting saw extensive dialogue about the implications of regulations on small business operations and how the nominees plan to address these issues if confirmed. Public support for the nominees was acknowledged through letters from various stakeholders who advocate for small business interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• Modernization of our C-Lift capacity must be a top priority. if we are to maintain our ability to surge
• The well-being of our troops and their families is obviously a top priority of this committee.
• KC-46 tankers, I know this is a top priority, so how you integrate them, how you use one set which is

Keywords: Transcom, logistics, military readiness, air refueling, KC-135, KC-46, strategic infrastructure, geopolitical threats, Alaska

Summary: During this meeting, the committee hosted an extensive discussion on the operations and logistical challenges facing the U.S. Transportation Command (Transcom). General Reid provided testimony on key areas including the importance of maintaining robust logistical capabilities in contested environments, particularly in relation to geopolitical threats posed by adversarial nations. Various members emphasized the necessity for modernization of the air refueling fleet, addressing issues such as the readiness of the KC-135 and the procurement of the next-generation KC-46 aircraft, which has experienced delays and technical challenges. The dialogue further extended to the strategic importance of U.S. ports and transportation infrastructure, especially in regions like Alaska which play a crucial role in military logistics and power projection.

Transcript Highlights:

• The recently expanded universal EFA program already has multiple priority categories.
• In fact, the vast majority of students enrolled in the program qualify for priority status.
• Housing Champions has not been a priority in the budget, and it was not funded.
• It has to be, as we heard from Governor Ayotte this morning, our top priority.
• Ayat this morning, our top priority. Ayat this morning, our top priority.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those things being that they must set priorities and prerequisites.
• Those things being that they must set priorities and prerequisites.
• <00:07:12.240> and being that they must set priorities and being that they must set priorities
• in our we have reset the the priorities in our we have reset the the priorities and<00:43:34.800
• We are working on providing a list of projects that are priorities. >> Yeah.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• priority list. That's pretty basic. priority list. That's pretty basic.
• <02:39:37.120> of<02:39:37.359> the the the priorit priorities of the the the priorit priorities
• And I'm receive a priority this time.
• We've seen priorities that place illegal foreign nationals above citizens.
• c><03:50:52.479> foreign priorities that place illegal foreign priorities that place illegal foreign

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• identified intracerebral hemorrhage quality measurement as a new statewide performance improvement priority
• identified intracerebral hemorrhage quality measurement as a new statewide performance improvement priority
• New ICH measures have been implemented to collect data on hemorrhage. priority.
• Priority is given to sites or clinics in the following areas.
• And that would be helpful for me to kind of give priority to activity for the next legislative session

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then heard a detailed annual presentation from Dr. Thomas Arnold, chair of the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, on maternal mortality trends and review findings. He explained the committee’s structure, the de-identified review process, and the distinction between pregnancy-associated and pregnancy-related deaths. He said national maternal mortality has declined from its 2021 peak, but mental health conditions, substance use, overdose, suicide, cardiovascular disease, hemorrhage, infection, and embolism remain major causes. He emphasized that many deaths are preventable, with especially high rates among non-Hispanic Black women and in the American Indian/Alaska Native population, and noted that a large share of deaths occur after 42 days postpartum. Committee members asked about suicide, domestic abuse, pregnancy testing in unexplained deaths, and the role of home births and midwife training. Dr. Arnold said the committee is adding a caseworker, exploring post-mortem pregnancy testing in suspicious cases, and working with coroners and forensic officials; he also said home births and untrained midwifery pose safety concerns and that better public education and facility-based care are important. The committee then heard from State Fire Marshal Dr. Matt Clark on cigarette ignition propensity standards and fire prevention. He recommended updating North Dakota’s cigarette ignition legislation to the current national standard and also considering legislation requiring fast-breakaway oxygen tubing, citing fatal fires involving smoking around home oxygen. He explained that his office verifies manufacturer testing and maintains certification for cigarettes sold in the state, but does not itself conduct the testing. Members asked about implementation, cost, and whether the standards apply in tribal communities; Clark said he would follow up with cost information and additional details, and that he had not seen evidence of a major issue on tribal lands but would look further. Christine Greff of the Department of Health and Human Services presented the North Dakota Stroke System of Care report. She described the statewide network of two comprehensive stroke centers, four primary stroke centers, and 30 acute stroke-ready hospitals, along with the stroke registry and quality-improvement efforts. She reported that most strokes are ischemic, that the median stroke patient age is 71.5, and that common risk factors include hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and diabetes. She highlighted improvements in door-to-CT, thrombolytic treatment times, dysphagia screening, EMS pre-notification, and interfacility transfer performance, and said new priorities include hemorrhagic stroke quality measures and standardized EMS stroke screening tools. Members asked about the VA hospital’s participation, and Greff said she would pursue outreach. After a break, the committee heard testimony from Taha Khan of Vertex Pharmaceuticals as part of the prior authorization study, focused on non-opioid pain treatment. He argued that prior authorization can delay access to acute pain treatment and may push patients toward opioids, especially in the critical 24- to 72-hour post-discharge window. He cited data showing that even short opioid exposure can increase the risk of long-term use and said prior authorization is often a barrier for physicians and patients. Khan recommended open access with a quantity limit rather than prior authorization, suggesting a 14-day limit supported by the product’s data and an episode-of-care approach. Members asked about dental use, payer discussions, and cost; he said the product’s wholesale acquisition cost is about $16.10 per tablet, with patient assistance available, and that he would follow up on payer and comparison-cost questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• applying for competitive state programs, including funding for pre-development. ...and may unlock priority
• Without a regional strategy, these funds have been directed toward separate and at times conflicting priorities
• Sacramento's current system them. conflicting priorities and programs.
• passing 802, as the senator said, would be a prod to end the fragmented leadership, the disparate priorities
• To end the fragmented leadership, the disparate priorities between local governments, the uneven responses

Summary: The committee heard several housing-related bills, beginning with SB 1003, which would create pro-housing enhanced infrastructure financing districts to help local governments fund infrastructure needed for housing developments. The author and supporters argued that infrastructure costs often prevent projects from penciling out, while the chair expressed support and said the bill would be taken up later when quorum was available. SB 1014 followed, proposing new disclosure requirements for local jurisdictions to provide good-faith estimates of on-site and off-site improvements within 30 days of application, with supporters saying it would reduce late surprises and opposition from several cities citing implementation concerns with the 30-day timelines. The committee then took up SB 802, a Sacramento-region bill requiring a joint powers authority to coordinate housing and homelessness services. Senator Ashby and former Mayor Darrell Steinberg argued that Sacramento’s fragmented system has failed for years and that a JPA would improve accountability, coordination, and use of state funds. The bill drew broad support from local officials, service providers, business groups, and advocates, while some county and city representatives registered opposition or neutral concerns about state-mandated local governance. Several committee members said they were persuaded by the need for regional coordination, though some raised concerns about local control; the chair noted the bill would be moved when quorum allowed. The committee also heard SB 1092 and SB 1093, both focused on mobile home park residents after disasters or park sales. SB 1092 would give residents a right of first opportunity to match a sale offer for a park, with supporters saying it protects vulnerable seniors and preserves affordable housing, while park owners and their representatives argued it would devalue property and raise constitutional and financing concerns. SB 1093 would require more transparent communication, access to property, and consideration of rebuilding or closure after a disaster; supporters cited the long uncertainty faced by Palisades residents, while opponents warned about liability, safety, and burdensome review requirements. Members split along similar lines, with some emphasizing property rights and market impacts and others stressing the need to protect residents and preserve scarce affordable housing.

Transcript Highlights:

• As one example, this might include an admission priority for the descendants of American slavery.
• An admission priority for the descendants of American slavery.
• One priority area is to strengthen FAFSA and advising support.
• So we've declared a priority for student success and financial aid.
• So economic mobility, or increasing upward economic mobility for our students, is another priority that

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held an informational hearing on “Protecting Equity in Higher Education” and emphasized that no bills were being heard. Members and witnesses focused on the effects of recent federal actions on DEI, admissions, financial aid, student loans, international students, and campus equity efforts in Massachusetts. Opening remarks from the co-chairs and the chair of Higher Education highlighted Massachusetts’ investments in free community college, expanded financial aid, and early college programs, while warning that federal policy changes could undermine those gains. Testimony from BU law professor Jonathan Feingold argued that many DEI practices remain legally defensible after Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, and that the decision did not end all race-conscious or equity-oriented efforts. He said the Trump administration’s anti-DEI actions and funding threats were legally suspect and had created confusion and a chilling effect. Bahar Akman-in-Boden of the Hildreth Institute testified that proposed federal cuts to TRIO, Gear Up, Pell Grants, SEOG, work-study, and student loan programs would disproportionately harm low-income, first-generation, Black, Latino, and other underserved students, and urged the state to prepare hold-harmless and advising supports using Fair Share revenue. Commissioner Noe Ortega described Massachusetts’ long history of equity in higher education and said the state has expanded aid, success programs, and early college, but still has work to do on attainment and completion. He said the state responded to SFFA by creating ACARE and continuing to defend equity practices, while also warning that federal disruptions and “dear colleague” letters have created uncertainty. In the second panel, state university leaders and campus officials said federal threats to Pell, DEI grants, Medicaid, and international student policies could affect access, campus operations, and the economy; they stressed that most state university graduates stay in Massachusetts and that institutions are continuing their equity practices despite federal pressure. Roxbury Community College’s president said RCC remains committed to open access and inclusion, noted enrollment growth, and said executive orders do not change existing law or the college’s obligations.

Transcript Highlights:

• tradeoff for you is: would you want that as General Fund savings, or is DSGS among your highest priorities
• tradeoff for you is: would you want that as General Fund savings, or is DSGS among your highest priorities
• And it is the top priority for the Commission to be focusing on making either programs cost-effective
• And I just want to bring it back to kind of the linkage between some of the other state's priorities,
• like for instance the staff comments call out all between some of the other state's priorities like

Keywords: 988, house, all