Video & Transcript : 'policy disclosure' :
Page 154 of 500
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill requires a disclosure, a magical disclosure of all these names, and somehow we're going to
- This bill requires a disclosure, a magical disclosure of all these names, and somehow we're going to
- </c><06:26:59.600><c> It's</c><06:26:59.760><c> pro</c> policy. It's pro-safety. It's pro policy.
- </c> probably pretty good public policy. probably pretty good public policy.
- Policy signals matter.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> producer that issues insurance policies producer that issues insurance policies on<00:42:04.920>
- It was policy, and the policy was that it's held in trust.
- Now, remember, it was policy, not state law, back in 1953 when they merged. It was policy.
- Now, remember, it was policy, not state law, back in 1953 when they merged. It was policy.
- </c> because they've changed their policies because they've changed their policies about<02:33:30.520
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- relating to human<00:12:10.560><c> services,</c><00:12:11.120><c> modifying</c><00:12:11.680><c> policy
- </c> human services, modifying policy human services, modifying policy provisions<00:12:12.480><c> relating
- </c><00:46:53.280><c> Uh</c><00:46:53.520><c> this</c> them uh for said uh disclosures.
- Uh this them uh for said uh disclosures.
- President, but it is a public policy choice of this legislature to do so.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Transportation Feb 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So what we shall watch out as developing policy.
- But we shall watch out as developing policies and, where appropriate, will adopt rules to govern the
- We have closed out the recruitment for a project policy manager for P3, so that announcement will be
- We're talking about memorializing the P3 policy and guidelines.
- It also enacted various transportation policies.
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee met for a work session and public hearing on February 19, 2026. In the work session, Switch Maritime presented a proposal for hydrogen fuel cell ferries for Washington State, including a budget proviso directing the Joint Transportation Committee to study hydrogen propulsion and a lease model for future Washington State Ferries procurement. The company described its Sea Change vessel, said the design could be adapted for Washington routes such as San Juan Islands–Anacortes, and emphasized that hydrogen fueling could be delivered through a mobile supply chain without new charging infrastructure. Senators asked about vessel flexibility, size, hydrogen availability, and terminal compatibility.
The committee also received an update from WSDOT on the new public-private partnership program authorized in 2025. Staff said the agency is developing a four-phase implementation process, including consultant selection, a steering committee, a program manual, stakeholder engagement, and candidate project identification, with a report due to the transportation committees on September 1, 2026 and program launch targeted for January 1, 2027. The presentation stressed that the program manual will provide flexibility within the statute and that legislative input is being sought on engagement and project timing.
The public hearing was on Senate Bill 6352, an omnibus transportation resources bill that revises and expands provisions from last year’s ESSB 5801. Staff outlined sections covering a mobile driver’s license and ID card program, a reduced-fee ID card for older drivers, changes to alternative fuel and aviation taxes and fees, revised sales tax distributions for ferry and multimodal funding, transit and bicycle education grants, fish passage permitting, clean energy siting on WSDOT right-of-way, toll notice procedures, older driver safety outreach, traffic safety camera revenue sharing, and a delay to the tow-truck indigent impound reimbursement program. The prime sponsor highlighted two priorities: digital driver’s licenses and dedicated ferry funding.
Testimony was mixed. Supporters included airlines and aviation groups backing mobile ID and repeal of the luxury aircraft tax, transit and bicycle safety advocates supporting grant flexibility and continued bike education funding, and ferry advocates supporting dedicated ferry revenue. Local governments, including Bellevue, Kenmore, and Tacoma, raised concerns about the traffic camera revenue change, saying the shift from net to gross revenue would reduce local safety funding and could discourage new camera programs. The Association of Washington Cities also warned about unintended consequences in the fish passage and traffic camera provisions. RV dealers sought a delay to the luxury vehicle tax, and peer-to-peer car-sharing platform Turo asked for clarification on documentation requirements. The committee took no final vote and announced it would consider executive action the following week.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- With all the complexities related to these kinds of systems, the guidance and the model policies this
- The proposed substitute directs school districts to adopt a policy ensuring that instruction in Asian
- It ensures transparency through district policies and reporting.
- As a filmmaker and a community storyteller, I've learned many truths and about a policy that silenced
- Please make us visible by voting SB 5574 and moving the bill out of committee before policy cutoff.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 5901, which would change the school construction assistance program so that instructional space on military bases is excluded from a district’s available space inventory when calculating state construction aid. Staff explained the bill would also require state assistance to equal approved project cost minus federal funding received. Senator Christian said the measure is intended to prevent military-base facilities from unfairly reducing districts’ ability to modernize or build schools. Testimony in support came from OSPI, Clover Park School District, and Medical Lake School District, which said the current formula penalizes districts serving military families and can leave them unable to secure needed renovation funding. No opposition was heard, and the bill was later described as having an indeterminate fiscal impact.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 5860 on school board compensation. The bill would raise director pay from $50 to $100 per day, increase the annual cap, allow child care expenses to be reimbursed, require OFM to periodically adjust compensation, and direct WASDA to develop finance training for school directors. Senator Cortez said the changes are needed to broaden who can serve on school boards and to help working families participate. Supporters from OSPI, WASDA, and South Sound superintendents said compensation could improve diversity and help recruit and retain board members, though WASDA noted concerns about diverting district funds and said its members do not have consensus on mandatory training. Opponents argued the bill would misuse levy funds and that child care and other expenses should not be paid from local education levies. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5956 on artificial intelligence, student discipline, and surveillance in schools, which would bar automated systems from being the sole basis for discipline decisions, prohibit risk scores and biometric surveillance, require OSPI guidance updates, and direct WASDA to create model policy. Senator Nobles and supporters said the bill is needed to protect students from discriminatory and inaccurate AI-driven decisions; no vote was taken in the hearing.
Finally, the committee heard a proposed substitute for Senate Bill 5574, which would require districts to include instruction on Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, Latino American, and Black American history in required social studies courses during the regular curriculum review cycle, with reporting beginning in 2030. Senator Nobles said the bill is meant to address exclusion and bias in history education and to help students see themselves reflected in the curriculum. Testifiers from education, student, parent, and community groups overwhelmingly supported the measure, saying it would improve belonging, reduce bullying, and build on existing curriculum resources without creating a new course or major new cost. The hearing ended without a vote or other formal action on SB 5956 or SB 5574.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Resources, Recreation and Development (01/15/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- um so I thought that would disclosures um so I thought that would have<00:19:34.559><c> been</c><00:
- <00:56:25.599><c> of</c><00:56:25.799><c> course</c><00:56:26.400><c> find</c> will not arise the policy
- This is good, responsible public policy with Representative Wette and our representatives are proposing
- it would be that the state disclosure it would be that the state would<02:11:23.360><c> close</c><02
- committee I just want you to our policy committee I just want you to know<03:21:41.640><c> that's</c
Summary:
The meeting was an orientation for the Resources, Recreation and Development Committee, led by Chair Bob Harb. He reviewed committee procedures, including pink cards for witnesses, blue sheets for counts, use of drawers in the committee room, scheduling practices, and how bills would be posted and distributed. Members briefly introduced themselves and explained why they wanted to serve on the committee, with several citing interests in conservation, water quality, outdoor recreation, land use, and related local issues.
The committee then opened a hearing on HB 1113, relative to OHRV operation on certain highways within the town of Windsor. Representative Ré Colcombe, the sponsor, explained that the bill would allow local OHV/UTV access across a short section of state road in Windsor so residents on divided portions of town could travel legally between areas. He said the town selectmen were already allowing OHRV use on town roads, the route was paved, traffic impacts were expected to be minimal, and local police had no objections. He also said the town would hold public hearings and notify abutters as required, and that if the select board ultimately opposed the proposal he would recommend killing the bill.
Members asked about the legal authority for the change, speed limits, traffic volume, winter maintenance, and whether the Department of Transportation or select board had to approve the route. Colcombe said the town must hold a public hearing and that the change would need to be incorporated into RSA 258:10, section 4. He said the road is maintained by the town in winter and by the state in summer. An opponent, Anne Davis, testified that she opposed the bill, saying ATV use should be treated as a tool for forest management rather than recreation, that law enforcement capacity in Windsor was a concern, and that she believed affected residents should be fully notified before any approval. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't think the disclosure is required, but I do want to make sure that I tell that I have a daughter
- to</c><00:49:46.160><c> make</c><00:49:46.319><c> a</c><00:49:46.760><c> a</c><00:49:47.760><c> disclosure
- </c><00:49:48.400><c> that</c><00:49:48.800><c> I</c><00:49:49.119><c> am</c> need to make a a disclosure
- that I am need to make a a disclosure that I am employed<00:49:49.920><c> by</c><00:49:50.160><c> the
Committee:
Senate Capital Budget
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We're suggesting that because we believe it will reduce any confusion, since there is an impact disclosure
- We're suggesting that because we believe it will reduce any confusion, since there is an impact disclosure
- We're suggesting that because we believe it will reduce any confusion, since there is an impact disclosure
- We know that the government agencies are good at discussing things about infrastructure, policies, keys
- , policies, you know, keys,<01:32:37.280><c> people</c><01:32:37.600><c> who</c><01:32:37.760><c> has
Committee:
House Water & Land
Summary:
The Committee on Water and Land heard testimony on SB 5253 SD2 relating to conservation and SB 2401 relating to regional shoreline mitigation district, with the chair emphasizing short testimony limits and the need to finish before session. On SB 5253, DLNR said it stood on its written testimony and answered questions about the bill’s proposed nonprofit endangered species sanctuary. Members asked whether existing entities or agreements, such as land trusts, private landowners, and DLNR safe harbor agreements, could accomplish similar conservation goals without creating a new entity. DLNR said similar work already exists, but it was not aware of a comparable sanctuary model in the state. A member also questioned language suggesting for-profit businesses in the sanctuary, and DLNR said the intent appeared to be sales of outreach or similar materials, though it agreed that such activities could be handled by a nonprofit.
The bulk of the hearing focused on SB 2401, which would create a regional shoreline adaptation/mitigation framework. The Department of the Attorney General said it had concerns about inconsistent use of the terms “mitigation” and “adaptation,” warning of possible title-subject issues. DLNR said it was neutral on the terminology and more concerned with the substance, and noted that the bill would not waive permits; any plan would still require environmental review and applicable state and county permits. DLNR also supported OHA’s recommendation to consider impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices during regional planning, and said the bill’s language on temporary shoreline protection measures could help address the gap between emergency permits and longer-term planning while avoiding a hardening-only approach.
The Office of Planning supported the regional planning concept but noted it is not a regulatory agency and would need to work with DLNR and the Land Board. OHA supported the bill’s planning-based approach but recommended amendments to require assessment of impacts on Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices during plan development and to clarify that environmental review would still apply at the project level. Testifiers from the Ka‘anapali Steering Committee strongly supported the bill, saying it would provide a regional framework for ongoing erosion problems while preserving full regulatory authority and normal permitting, and they proposed amendments to standardize terminology, create a limited pathway for temporary shoreline protection, and address ownership and maintenance responsibilities. Members discussed the meaning of “mitigation” versus “adaptation,” the scope of shoreline hardening, and whether the bill would help the legislature take a broader, more holistic view of shoreline decisions. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 114 May 8th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- While this bill is not a comprehensive bill, it's a disclosure and decision tool.
- But I just want to thank you for your patience with me over the years in this policy.
- </c><01:13:48.840><c> There</c> disclosure and decision tool. There disclosure and decision tool.
- </c> drives federal policy. drives federal policy.
- . policy. policy.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Protecting children online is not just a policy decision. It is a moral responsibility.
- Protecting children online is not just a policy decision. It is a moral responsibility.
- But what we have in the state here is there were policies available for Missouri foster care agencies
- The state right now pays for these insurance policies through the contract with the foster care agency
- right now who were amazing, and they worked with us to figure out if we could do a self-insurance policy
Committee:
House Children and Families
Summary:
The Committee on Children and Families heard public testimony on House Bills 1839, 2921, and 3015, all aimed at requiring age verification for access to online pornography. The sponsors argued the bills are needed to protect children from early exposure, exploitation, sextortion, and related harms, and said the measures mirror laws in other states and recent Texas litigation. Supporters, including the Missouri Children’s Trust Fund, pediatric sexual assault nurse examiners, child advocacy groups, the Missouri Catholic Conference, and the Attorney General’s office, testified that pornography contributes to child sexual abuse risk, addiction, and unhealthy sexual development. Committee members asked about privacy protections, enforcement, penalties, and whether third-party verification or website-based verification would be used; the Attorney General’s office said identifying information should not be retained and that enforcement would occur through court action. No one testified in opposition, and the hearing concluded with the bills remaining under consideration, with a committee substitute to follow for one portion of the legislation.
The committee then heard House Bill 2610, which would use the state legal expense fund to cover claims and judgments involving foster care, case management, and residential service providers under contract with the state. Representative Murphy and supporters said the private insurance market for these providers has become unstable and unaffordable, with some agencies facing large premium increases, repeated denials, or inability to find coverage at all. Testimony from the Missouri Coalition for Children, Missouri Alliance for Children and Families, Family Forward, and the Attorney General’s office described the issue as a market failure that could force providers to close and disrupt services for foster children. The Attorney General’s office explained how legal expense fund coverage would work, noted that it can cover negligence and intentional acts for covered entities, and said the bill would shift risk to the state in the absence of adequate private insurance. No opposition was offered.
Finally, Representative Terry briefly presented House Bill 24, describing it as the same as Representative Dolan’s grandparents’ bill and emphasizing that grandparents should have first consideration for custody if a child’s parents are unable to care for them. No testimony was offered on the bill. The committee then moved into executive session and voted do pass on House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1696, House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2505 and 24, and House Bill 1772, each by unanimous 14-0 votes. The meeting then adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Under tab one, we are honored to have with us this morning Lita Kelly from the Office of Policy and Budget
- So total budget by policy area, again, this will not shock anyone, but it is consistent with years past
- Similarly, our GR are broken down by policy area a little bit differently, but our two big ones are still
- I don't have that with me today, full disclosure, but it's not apples to apples.
- Chair, I do have one more policy silo. I'd like to ask some brief questions, with your permission.
Committee:
Senate Appropriations
Summary:
The committee first took up SB 7010, which would authorize post-tax Roth contributions in state and local deferred compensation plans, instead of limiting them to pre-tax contributions. After a brief presentation and one waived appearance in support, the bill was rolled and reported favorably. Later, members also recorded affirmative votes on SB 7010 before adjournment.
The bulk of the meeting was devoted to the Governor’s proposed “Floridians First” budget, presented by Lita Kelly of the Office of Policy and Budget. She outlined a $117.4 billion spending plan with $53.2 billion in general revenue, emphasizing reserves, debt reduction, trust fund sweeps, and targeted reductions in agency positions. Major priorities included K-12 and higher education funding, teacher salary support, school hardening, Everglades and water-quality projects, cancer and behavioral health initiatives, emergency preparedness, law enforcement, corrections staffing and facilities, cybersecurity, transportation, affordable housing, and economic development.
Members asked extensive questions about teacher pay, corrections staffing, emergency response reserves, the proposed federal reimbursement for the Everglades detention facility, the Second Amendment sales tax holiday, the animal abuse hotline, and the absence of a specific Hope Florida line item. A major portion of the discussion focused on the Department of Health’s planned changes to the ADAP HIV/AIDS drug assistance program, with public testimony warning that the changes could cut off access to medications for thousands of Floridians and alleging misuse of federal funds. Kelly said she would follow up on several details, including litigation costs, teacher pay comparisons, and ADAP funding questions.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 30th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- behalf of them and yourself for the bill. as well as Iman Blair, a senior fellow at Texas Public Policy
- They have always had a very strict policy on what they do share and what they don't share. And so.
- I'm a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and I am testifying in support.
- We can come up with some very good policy that will work for everyone involved, and I'll support it.
- It's something that they're going to have to collaborate on and put a plan into their policy.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Finally, better policy outcomes require better informed partners.
- District policies exist, but policies are not the same as a comprehensive, structured orientation that
- District policies exist, but policies are not the same as a comprehensive, structured orientation that
- And then we were able to adjust policy.
- It's spelled out in the policy here.
Committee:
House Health and Welfare
Summary:
The committee heard a personal privilege update on HB 1227, which Representative DeWitt said would return next week as a proposed HCR for a two-year study of the three-doctor panel after discussions with Dr. Nia Colotta. Better Louisiana also presented its new Leadership Louisiana Health Fellows Program, describing it as a data-driven leadership initiative focused on health care workforce, rural access, chronic disease, and other system issues; members discussed whether the program could also help generate policy research, including on managed care organizations.
The committee then considered SB 427 on anatomical gifts. After adopting technical amendments, Senator Presley and Dr. Jeff White explained that the bill would strengthen organ donation law by creating a decision registry that records both yes and no choices, clarifying the legal effect of refusal, and codifying ethical principles such as the dead donor rule. Questions focused on organ viability, registry procedures, minors, and a Monroe case involving a disputed donor designation. Supporters included LOPA and the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the bill was reported favorably.
HB 946, dealing with hospital price transparency and compliance with federal pricing rules, drew extensive testimony. Representative Landry and a witness from Patient Rights Advocate described it as a consumer transparency measure, but the Louisiana Hospital Association opposed the bill’s state-level enforcement and debt-collection provisions. Landry offered an amendment removing the debt-collection and affirmative-defense language, but after debate the substitute failed on a 5-6 vote and the bill was voluntarily deferred. The committee also reported favorably on SB 109, which revises membership qualifications for the Louisiana Emergency Medical Services Commission; SCR 20, urging federal flexibility on Medicaid redetermination for elderly and disabled beneficiaries; SB 216, allowing coroners to rely on licensed practical nurses for medical pronouncements of death; and SB 45, exempting certain gratuitous hospice houses from licensure, with testimony from hospice house operators and supporters.
Finally, HCR 71 by Representative Chasson sought an LDH study of how Louisiana’s law and guidance on pregnancy-related emergency medications is working in hospitals, urgent care, and retail settings. Supporters said providers are hesitant to use medications such as misoprostol because of stigma and uncertainty, while opponents from Louisiana Right to Life argued the resolution was unnecessary and could create controversy. The discussion centered on whether the study should be narrowed or made more objective, but no final action on the resolution was reached in the portion provided.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/12/2026 - House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation
House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, I'm happy to, I have an open-door policy. If you want to walk through that door, I will.
- Chairman, I have an open-door policy. If you want to walk through that door, I will talk to you.
- Now, my policy is always to get non-committee members out of these as quickly as possible, so now we're
- Same policy for you, ma'am. One minute. Welcome. Good to see you again.
- Same policy for you, ma'am. One minute. Welcome. Good to see you again.
Summary:
The committee met in a special morning session and heard several bills related to artificial intelligence and energy. HB 2371 would allow consenting divorcing parties without minor children to use AI-assisted arbitration in simple divorce cases, with the judge retaining final authority; members raised concerns about binding language, privacy, asset division, and spousal support, but the sponsor said amendments were welcome. The bill passed 7-0 with a do pass recommendation. HB 2311 would require conversational AI systems to disclose to minors that they are interacting with AI, restrict sexual content, prohibit deceptive human impersonation, and require self-harm response protocols; Google testified in support, noting similar safeguards already exist in its products, while one public commenter opposed the bill as government overreach. The committee adopted an amendment and advanced the bill 7-0.
The committee then heard HB 2409, which would create a statewide summer AI education program focused on digital hygiene, civic integrity, privacy, media literacy, critical thinking, and algorithmic bias. The sponsor argued Arizona needs to prepare students for AI-driven job disruption and teach practical use of the technology, but several members objected to the statewide curriculum and funding implications; the bill passed 4-3. HB 2410 would treat communications with AI as privileged in the same way as communications with human professionals, with the sponsor arguing courts should develop the doctrine through common law as AI use evolves. A criminal justice speaker supported the bill as a privacy and Fourth Amendment safeguard, and the measure passed 6-0 with one present.
Finally, the committee considered HB 4005, requiring school districts and charter schools to provide instruction on the ethical, moral, and educational uses of AI. Supporters said students need basic AI literacy and prompt-writing skills, but opponents cited funding and staffing concerns and said districts are already struggling with existing mandates; the bill passed 4-2 with one present. The committee also advanced HB 2456 and HB 2457, both related to energy infrastructure and small modular reactors, after amendments replacing references to large industrial energy users with extra high-load factory customers. Supporters tied the bills to AI-driven data center growth and future energy demand, while opponents raised local zoning, environmental, and public participation concerns; both bills received do pass recommendations by 4-3 votes. The meeting then adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 22, 2026 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- This had nothing to do with Representative Robinson: the policy and the rule.
- I'm a policy associate for Florida SPLC. I urge you to oppose this joint resolution.
- It will be well vetted policy for the voters to consider.
- I spent six years with the Florida Association of Counties and policy was really important to me.
- We had a time to shine that was coming out of the pandemic and we passed policy from the Governor's office
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 30th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, I mean, most of your security companies have an insurance policy.
- Most of them that have employees have insurance; they have a workman's comp policy or, I mean, we all
- I'm Charlie Richards, Amon Blair testifying on behalf of Texas Public Policy Foundation for the...
- My name is Ammon Blair, and I'm a senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
- Victim identities are explicitly shielded from public disclosure.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- , known as YAC, which is an amazing group of young student leaders that assist with projects and policies
- Just to show you, you're the Director of Public Policy for Texas Network of Youth Services and you're
- Good morning, Lauren Rose, Director of Public Policy, Texas Network of Youth Services.
- I'm a senior policy analyst at Texas Appleseed. I'm here to testify against House Bill 1511.
- But reinstating juvenile curfew ordinances is simply not good policy.
Committee:
House S/C on Juvenile Justice
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- What it is like to execute a policy like this from the judiciary, which is unique for us.
- Those going into November and December involved developing policies and procedures, when we go through
- So the data comes up in a lot of different policy areas.
- So everybody understands we don't just collect data directly on any type of policy.
- So, full disclosure, I am on contract as one of the attorneys representing mental health defendants,
Committee:
House House Judiciary
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 13 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- prior criminal convictions in Massachusetts and in any other jurisdiction, while exempting from disclosure
- makes permanent changes to keep families and communities safe through requiring quarry checks and disclosures
Summary:
The House considered House No. 57, a $425 million supplemental appropriations bill for fiscal year 2025 to fund the emergency shelter/emergency housing assistance system and related activities. The bill, as described by the chair of Ways and Means, included major policy changes requested by the Governor: immediate residency verification at intake, limits on eligibility, required criminal history disclosures and CORI checks, a reduced maximum shelter stay from nine months to six months with hardship waivers, temporary respite sites for 30 days, and a cap on system capacity. Supporters argued the changes were needed to preserve the right-to-shelter system amid fiscal strain and federal inaction; opponents said the bill still did not go far enough or, in some cases, went too far and risked harming families and children.
The House debated and voted on numerous amendments, mostly focused on tightening eligibility or changing shelter operations. Several Republican amendments to reduce funding, impose a one-year residency requirement, require broader background checks, limit eligibility to homelessness caused within Massachusetts, and require cooperation with ICE were rejected, often after roll call votes. A point of order was sustained on multiple amendments as beyond the scope of the bill, including proposals affecting court officers, law enforcement, and ICE-related provisions. The House also rejected amendments to cut the appropriation from $425 million to $200 million and to add other restrictions on eligibility and administration.
Some amendments were adopted. A redrafted Amendment 27, offered by Rep. Decker, was adopted 25-25 on a tie vote and expanded protections to children under age six and added related hardship/extension language. A subsequent amendment by Rep. Consalvo was adopted unanimously to add disability-related protections and extend benefits in certain cases. Another amendment by Rep. Finn was adopted to modify language about seeking federal reimbursement, and Amendment 9 was adopted to require competitive bidding for certain service funds. After debate and roll call, the bill was passed to be engrossed by a vote of 126-26. The House then observed a moment of tribute for Doug Selfick and adjourned to meet again Monday at 11 a.m.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies
Transcript Highlights:
- to submit our testimony on House Bill 501, which would impose sweeping new requirements on the disclosure
Summary:
The committee met to hear testimony on House Bill 501, an economic development-related bill concerning beneficial ownership disclosure for domestic and foreign LLCs operating in the Commonwealth. Chair Fiola noted the hearing’s delayed start, introduced members present, and limited testimony to four minutes. The main witness, Alan Stekora of the National Public Records Research Association, testified in opposition to the bill’s public-record provisions, arguing that making beneficial owners’ personal information public would create privacy, identity theft, and cybersecurity risks. He said similar federal and state transparency laws keep such information in secure, nonpublic databases and urged amendments to remove public disclosure and clarify ambiguous terms and reporting requirements.
A second witness, Pia Angelicus, attempted to testify remotely but had connection problems and was asked to submit written testimony instead. No other witnesses came forward. After confirming there was no further testimony, the committee adjourned without taking any vote or other action on the bill.