Transcript Highlights:

• This is a today issue for us.
• This is a today issue for us.
• It's what gives us an amazing workforce. It's what gives us amazing opportunities.
• They are just leaving us behind.
• Thank you for staying with us.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee on Economic Development held a hearing on the DRIVE Act, a proposal to invest $400 million in Massachusetts research and innovation without new taxes. Governor Healey and administration officials said the bill would direct $200 million to public higher education research and regional partnerships and $200 million to a research funding pool for hospitals, universities, and other institutions, with the goal of retaining talent, leveraging private and philanthropic dollars, and offsetting major federal R&D cuts. They argued that research is a core economic engine for the state, supporting jobs across labs, construction, services, and surrounding businesses, and said the bill would help protect the Commonwealth’s tax base and competitiveness during a period of federal uncertainty and cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, and other programs. Committee members raised concerns about whether Fair Share surtax dollars should instead be used for K-12 and other community needs, whether the proposal is enough given the scale of lost federal grants, and how the money would be allocated. The governor responded that the funds are one-time surplus dollars, that most surtax revenue already supports education, and that the bill is meant as a bridge to stabilize public higher education and research. She also said the legislation includes a review board and could support a revolving or matched-fund approach in some cases. Several members pressed for more detail on selection criteria, future funding, and whether private companies and large endowments should contribute more. University of Massachusetts leaders and researchers testified that federal grant cancellations and delays are already causing layoffs, furloughs, rescinded admissions, and lost research capacity. UMass officials said the bill would help preserve faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and research programs in medicine, climate science, marine science, Braille instruction, and AI decision-making. They emphasized that the funding should be merit-based and that the state needs to act quickly to prevent talent from leaving Massachusetts. Business, labor, and industry groups, including MassBio, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, AIM, the AFL-CIO, and Building Trades, supported the bill, saying it would protect jobs, sustain the innovation ecosystem, and reinforce Massachusetts’ national leadership in research and life sciences. No vote was taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• this program is also designed to be used this program is also designed to be used for<00:09:25.680
• <00:11:01.920> in data that while they provided us in data that while they provided us in
• Development or HUD has even provided us Development or HUD has even provided us as<00:36:22.400>
• us us 354<00:37:50.200> 350,000<00:37:51.200> in<00:37:51.400> one<00:37:51.599
• To get us to this point.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• That gives us about an hour and a half and that gives us a little bit of flexibility because I'm sure
• That's just really important to us.
• going on but hold harmless truly Hold Us going on but hold harmless truly Hold Us harmless<00:07
• with regards to use.
• <00:23:18.960> another to cost us another to cost us another $100,000<00:23:21.000> so<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• California used Californians use personal care products like soaps, perfumes, shampoos, and deodorants
• After personal use, these environmentally persistent bioaccumulative toxins can be used as a For more
• Um, so if I'm using a detergent, which it turns out is what I mostly use. that doesn't have antimicrobial
• So I don't love us doing this.
• , it has restricted their use in certain cosmetic uses or use cases, primarily to their use as preservatives

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:57.000> for note that the funds cannot be used for note that the funds cannot be used
• funds the growing funding has allowed us funds the growing funding has allowed us to<00:09:40.519
• Department of Tourism was able to use Department of Tourism was able to use arpa<00:10:34.839>
• <00:21:08.720> was primary medium that we used was primary medium that we used was newspaper
• they do want you to come back before us they do want you to come back before us and<00:58:38.000

Keywords: Reuploaded to restore full meeting 00:13 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:14 Approval of Minutes 01:40 Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet 27:44 Department of Parks 59:23 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee met for its second Budget Review on Economic Development, Public Protection, Tourism, and Energy and first approved the minutes from the prior meeting. Members then heard a presentation from the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet and the Kentucky Department of Tourism on the 1% tourism marketing fund. Witnesses explained that the fund supports statewide tourism promotion, advertising, research, regional marketing, and matching grants to local tourism commissions, and that it cannot be used for capital construction. They reported that the General Assembly and governor increased appropriations in the 2024 session, adding $3 million in FY25 and $7 million in FY26, and set aside funding for the Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority, the National Quilt Museum, and the Southern Kentucky Tourism Initiative. Tourism officials emphasized that Kentucky tourism is a major economic driver, citing 2023 figures of $13.8 billion in economic impact, 79.3 million visitors, $9.7 billion in direct spending, more than 95,000 jobs supported, and nearly $1 billion in state and local tax revenue. They said the department now uses targeted digital and over-the-top advertising in selected domestic and international markets, with 62% of media placements digital and 80% of the budget spent out of state. Members asked about market selection, how the department measures return on investment, and what attracts visitors from places such as Dallas, Orlando, Toronto, and Washington, D.C.; officials said research shows a mix of family visits, outdoor recreation, and varied Kentucky offerings, and that 81% of overnight visitors are repeat visitors. They also discussed the potential impact of tariffs and trade tensions on bourbon-related tourism and international visitation, especially from Canada, and officials said they were monitoring the situation with U.S. Travel Association and Brand USA. The committee then heard from Kentucky State Parks officials on capital projects funded through HJR 76, HJR 56, and House Bill 6. They said they are providing quarterly project reports and have been meeting regularly with the Finance Cabinet’s engineering and contract staff. The presentation focused on campground utilities, broadband, and structural upgrades, including $40 million for campground improvements across the park system, with completed bathhouse renovations at Barren River and Nolin Lake and additional projects underway or in planning. Officials said the work is based on camper survey feedback, such as requests for better Wi-Fi, sewer and electric upgrades, frost-free spigots, and improved site layouts, and noted that the My Old Kentucky Home campground project is under construction and expected to be completed by spring 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• that targets us, exposes us to more that targets us, exposes us to more harm,<00:12:02.280> and
• been defrauded us. been defrauded us.
• . used. used.
• That appreciation that you gave us then, give it to us now. Give it to us now.
• that you gave us then, give it to us that you gave us then, give it to us now. now. now.

Bills: HF3542, HF3819

Keywords: data privacy, investigative data, welfare system, public funds, transparency, child care, licensing, inspections, compliance, program integrity, 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 3542, authored by Representative Hudson, and first adopted the February 25 minutes. Hudson explained that the bill, as amended in a DE1, would require agencies to disclose to the public, legislators, or the press the existence of certain investigations only after the subject has been notified and the agency has decided to reduce, suspend, or withhold payments. He said the amendment was intended to avoid tipping off subjects before notification while still increasing transparency about investigations involving public funds. A separate A3 amendment was withdrawn after the DE1 was adopted. Several members questioned the bill’s scope and timing, asking what “existence of an investigation” meant and whether the proposal would disclose information before findings were complete. Hudson clarified that the bill was aimed at identifying who is being investigated, not revealing investigative details. The committee then heard extensive public testimony from child care providers and advocates, who opposed the bill and argued it would expose providers to harassment, threats, and stigma before any findings were made. Testifiers described recent threats, ICE-related disruptions, audits, overpayment findings, and the burden of CCAP compliance, saying the bill would punish providers for paperwork errors and worsen safety concerns, especially for Somali and other providers of color. A board member of the Minnesota Child Care Association also opposed the bill, saying providers had been chilled from speaking publicly because of death threats and harassment, and warning that disclosure of investigations could intensify that climate. In response, Hudson said the bill was not about targeting child care providers generally and was limited to confirmed ongoing investigations after notice to the subject. The committee then heard from Inspector General Keys, who explained that CCAP investigations are administrative, not criminal, and are based on evidence of repeated errors or financial misconduct rather than intentional fraud. He said the office looks for patterns beyond simple mistakes and that the bill’s notice requirement would not impede investigations. The discussion ended amid a brief procedural dispute over comments directed at Hudson, after which the chair returned to the bill and the Inspector General’s testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, let us pray. Eternal One, we give you thanks for bringing us all to this space together.
• us today and who are keeping our homes warm for us today.
• :06:51.759> for<00:06:52.000> us homes warm for us homes warm for us today<00:06:54.599
• That was the word he used.
• The techniques used to create hydrogen are frequently either using natural gas or using renewables like

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I appreciate helping, guiding us through kind of a new to a lot of us anyway and relatively complex topic
• You'll work with us.
• So the presentations we had today gave us some models that might be used for WIPA as an example.
• And planning grants could be used. And planning grants could be used.
• I'm using...

Summary: The task force met to focus on funding systems and incentive structures for a proposed regional waste infrastructure effort, including how a future WIPA framework might support solid waste planning in the Willamette Valley. Staff and members heard presentations from DEQ on the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, from Business Oregon on the Special Public Works Fund, and from Oregon State Treasury on state bonding capacity and the bond issuance process. Presenters explained how their programs are structured, how projects are scored or approved, what kinds of public entities and projects are eligible, and how interagency coordination and co-funding can work. DEQ emphasized that its revolving loan fund is driven by water-quality benefits and public-health criteria, while Business Oregon described a broader infrastructure loan program for public entities with no scoring system, and Treasury outlined the state’s debt-capacity process and the differences between general obligation and lottery bonds. Members used the presentations to discuss whether similar funding tools could support solid waste infrastructure, especially for transfer stations, regional hubs, and related facilities that may need to be built before Coffin Butte reaches the end of its lifespan. Several questions centered on whether public-private partnerships could qualify, whether equipment inside facilities could be financed, how repayment would work, and whether planning costs could be covered. DEQ and Business Oregon both said they could potentially collaborate on scoring or co-funding, but noted eligibility limits and the need for public ownership in many cases. Treasury said bond capacity is limited and competitive, especially for lottery bonds, and that project authorization generally runs on a two-year cycle, though unused authority can sometimes be reauthorized. In task force discussion, members debated whether the group should pursue a dedicated funding lane for the seven-county region rather than having local governments compete with other statewide needs. Some members stressed the importance of criteria to avoid stranded assets and to ensure funding is available when projects are ready, while others raised concerns about how cities and counties would generate revenue to repay debt during construction and early operations. The group also discussed flow control, system fees, and the need for regional collaboration among counties, cities, and haulers to create enough waste volume to support new infrastructure. Staff noted that pre-session filing materials for the legislature are due September 11, and the chair said the August meeting will focus on organizational structure and identifying partners. During public comment, Representative Kevin Mannix submitted written testimony supporting the WIPA concept and urging the task force to endorse it. Commissioner Bubba King of Yamhill County urged the task force to compare alternatives objectively and warned against adding bureaucracy before evaluating existing infrastructure and costs. Commissioners Kevin Cameron and Roger Nyquist of Marion and Linn counties described regional hub-and-spoke concepts, transfer stations, and intermodal options, emphasizing the need for planning, strategic siting, and collaboration with haulers and local governments.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we look at recommendations, and the number of times we've talked about the use of HART to help us
• As we look at recommendations, and the number of times we've talked about the use of heart to help us
• Can you hear us? Yes. You all hear me? Yes, yes, yes. It's quite all right. Can you hear us? Yes.
• Some of us are, some of us aren't.
• Some of us are, some of us aren't.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism met to hear testimony from Chief James Hicks of the Natick Police Department, who chairs the Municipal Police Training Committee, and Chief Thomas Fowler of the Salisbury Police Department. They described the statewide civil-rights-officer model for hate-crime response, the HEART Unit, and MPTC training authority under POST, and urged the commission to recommend incorporating the IHRA definition of antisemitism into police training and to fund that effort. Commissioners asked about how law enforcement should handle antisemitic incidents that may not rise to crimes, the 2022 Mapping Project, masking during protests, and the role of HART; the chiefs said departments can update training quickly, that every department should have a trained civil-rights officer, and that HART’s expertise should be integrated statewide. The commission also approved the October 16, 2025 minutes after correcting an initial procedural error. The rest of the meeting focused on the draft report, especially the prefatory statement and the definition section. Commissioners broadly praised the report’s scope and the chairs’ work, but offered many edits aimed at tightening language, reducing advocacy tone, and clarifying the “Massachusetts way” of combating antisemitism. Several members wanted stronger emphasis on Massachusetts values, education, moral leadership, and the distinction between hate incidents, hate crimes, and statutory offenses; others urged clearer references to constitutional protections, First Amendment limits, and Attorney General review of legal statements. There was also discussion of whether to keep or remove references to alternative definitions of antisemitism: some commissioners argued that only the IHRA definition should be centered, while others said acknowledging other definitions was factually important and would reflect the range of testimony. Commissioners also raised specific substantive edits for later sections, including adding examples such as the 2022 Mapping Project, strengthening language on online intimidation, academic boycotts, and divestment campaigns, and clarifying that some conduct may be hateful even if lawful. In the higher education section, members praised recommendations on mandatory training, bystander intervention, trauma-informed responses, mental health supports, and campus climate surveys, while suggesting a few technical edits and additional best-practice examples. No final votes were taken on the draft report during this portion; the chairs said they would incorporate feedback into a revised draft before the remaining meetings and eventual vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• So let us be especially clear.
• advocates before us.
• Speaker, permission to use the prop.
• with mental illness or behavioral health challenges, let us come forward, let us speak up, and let us
• And so I want to thank my colleague for leading us today and reminding us how important this is.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you walk us through? Sorry, offer. Can you walk us through?
• to this use.
• If you think you can use the space in a better way, go ahead and use it.
• using this space for 20 or more years. using this space for 20 or more years.
• this<01:22:39.040> use.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and can't use GO?
• and can't use GO? and can't use GO?
• events at US Bank Stadium. events at US Bank Stadium.
• vision for US Bank Stadium. vision for US Bank Stadium.
• of us.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or to relieve us when we need and recognize it's time for us to come out of an IDLH.
• or to relieve us when we need and recognize it's time for us to come out of an IDLH.
• or to relieve us when we need and recognize it's time for us to come out of an IDLH.
• or to relieve us when we need and recognize it's time for us to come out of an IDLH.
• or to relieve us when we need and recognize it's time for us to come out of an IDLH.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome, and thank you for joining us.
• So with that, we will go to reducing non-emergency use of emergency systems.
• So sustainable funding would be the number one significant barrier for us.
• So I think for us, we find it being a very effective use of dollars, as the audit has pointed out.
• And that's very disconcerting to us, or it should be disconcerting to us, and it sounds like it is to

Summary: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee’s Initiative 900 subcommittee held a hybrid public hearing on two State Auditor performance audits. The first audit examined efforts to reduce non-emergency use of emergency systems through CARES programs. Auditors reported that Washington has 52 fire-agency-led CARES programs in 26 counties, but many communities without programs said they need one. Major barriers included unstable funding, difficulty hiring qualified staff, volunteer-based rural departments, and lack of statewide guidance. The audit also found that only about half of programs tracked both required performance measures, and it recommended that the legislature consider private insurance reimbursement options and convene a statewide work group to develop guidance, standards, and possible changes to the role of the Department of Health. Agency representatives and fire officials largely supported the findings and emphasized that short-term grants and one-year contracts make programs hard to sustain. Committee discussion focused heavily on financing, especially Medicaid reimbursement and accountable communities of health (ACHs). Auditors clarified that the 10% figure cited in the report referred to direct Medicaid reimbursement for treat-and-refer services, which some agencies do not pursue because the $115 rate is too low relative to the administrative effort. Several fire officials testified that their programs rely on grants and ACH support, but that funding is often year-to-year and uncertain. They also described the value of CARES programs in reducing emergency room use, jail detentions, and long ambulance wait times, while noting barriers to sharing patient records across systems. Members asked whether the new public safety sales tax authority could help, but fire district representatives said it is not a direct funding option for them. The second audit reviewed performance management in the Department of Commerce’s Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness. Auditors found that the division does not yet have a statewide economic development strategic plan and that performance management is inconsistent across its 16 programs. In a limited review, all six sampled programs had goals, but only half clearly identified performance measures and targets, and only three tracked outcomes and published results. The audit highlighted leading practices from other states, including strategic planning, regular progress reporting, aligning program goals with agency goals, and using performance-based contracts and grant monitoring. Recommendations urged Commerce to seek stakeholder input, assess internal and external conditions, set goals and measures, align programs with the strategy, and strengthen monitoring and evaluation. Commerce officials agreed with the audit and said the division is already working toward a strategic plan, with a new assistant director to be hired and a target of completing the work by mid-next year. Members pressed the department on how the plan would connect to workforce, higher education, housing, and other economic development systems, and asked Commerce to return to JLARC next year with progress updates. The meeting ended with instructions for submitting written public comments and notice of the next JLARC meeting schedule.

Transcript Highlights:

• Except us. ...are doing it except Alabama.
• We used that heavily.
• Are those available to us to be... issues. Are those available to us to be able to see?
• Okay, Miss Harper, that's not for you to use... Hearing, that's not for you to use.
• All the while, the youth use of this product remains well... youth use of this product remains well below

Bills: HB30, HB263, HB357, HB359, SB60, SB102, HB30

Keywords: elections, post-election audit, election audit, risk-limiting audit, ballot audit, election integrity, voter confidence, Secretary of State, judge of probate, canvassing board, poll watchers, ballot containers, manual tally, recount, county election, statewide election, general election, absentee ballots, provisional ballots, election transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• But it’s a time for us to act, and it’s a time for us to update to make sure that the Commonwealth of
• now legislation is necessary to give us now legislation is necessary to give us the<00:11:40.839
• moment if I could we have in front of us moment if I could we have in front of us a<00:33:07.600
• <00:34:43.960> this vast majority of that back to us this vast majority of that back to us
• Education use 10 or fewer Education use 10 or fewer non-traditional<00:57:55.319> instruction<

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:01:04 Attendance Roll Call: 00:01:12 Senate Bill 3 (Sen. Wise): 00:05:28 Senate Bill 6 (Sen. Givens): 00:32:17 House Bill 241 (Rep. Truett): 00:52:18 Senate Bill 268 (Sen. Reed): 01:11:57 Adjournment: 01:24:48, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Education met and first handled introductions of guests and visitors from several school districts and education groups. The committee then took up Senate Bill 3, which relates to student athletes and includes an emergency clause. The bill sponsor and invited witnesses, including athletics directors from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, said the measure is intended to update Kentucky’s NIL laws in light of the House v. NCAA settlement and other national changes in college athletics. Supporters said SB 3 would let Kentucky universities directly compensate student athletes, help them secure third-party NIL deals, require reporting of deals over $600, and create guardrails and fair-market-value review to reduce pay-for-play concerns. They emphasized that the bill is meant to keep Kentucky institutions competitive, align with expected national standards, and prepare for changes expected around July 1, 2025. Witnesses also discussed the need for more uniform rules nationally, the role of the Power Four conferences in developing governance and clearinghouse systems, and the desire to preserve both athlete mobility and continuity in college sports. Several members raised concerns about the transfer portal, NIL incentives, and the broader effect on college athletics, with one senator saying NIL and the portal have damaged the sport but acknowledging Kentucky must compete. Witnesses responded that tighter portal windows and clearer national rules would help, while still preserving student-athlete transfer rights when needed. After discussion, the committee moved to a vote on SB 3; the roll call was taken, and the bill advanced out of committee, with at least one senator explaining a reluctant yes vote because of competitive pressures on the Commonwealth.

Transcript Highlights:

• Father God, let us know what Goliaths are ours. Tell us how to steward.
• So continue to speak to us and let us know how to be obedient.
• We thank you for how you stand next to us.
• And whereas, let us draw inspiration and courage from those who came before us, who have risen above
• Lead us, God, and guide us in wisdom and help us to look to our brother and our sister and our neighbor

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Arizona House and Senate held a joint protocol session for African American Legislative Day, opening with prayer, presentation of the colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and performances of the national anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” A representative from the Buffalo Soldiers of America also used the occasion to correct the program name and ask lawmakers for help securing a vacant building for a museum to preserve and display its historical exhibits and community work. Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen welcomed attendees and said the event was an opportunity to hear directly from community leaders on priorities such as opportunity, public safety, education, affordability, and economic security. Representative Quante Cruz, chair of the African-American Legislative Conference, read a Black History Month proclamation and emphasized the importance of recognizing African American contributions and history. Ashley Anderson and Jerry McPherson of the Governor’s Office of African American Affairs highlighted the conference theme, “Made for This Moment,” and urged continued civic engagement, policy advocacy, and year-round collaboration with the office and community organizations. Senator Keiana Maria Sears delivered the main remarks, focusing on Black history, legacy, and the need to keep pushing for equality, economic parity, food security, and housing access. She spoke about the experiences of Black veterans, South Phoenix history, and the importance of teaching Black history and encouraging voting and civic participation. Representative Blackman also offered brief remarks about courage, faith, and the contributions of Black Americans to the country. The session ended with closing remarks and a benediction by Representative Cruz, who stressed building connections across districts and communities, followed by adjournment of the joint protocol session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We use this to cover things when it allows.
• And it's kind of... ...one of the tools you want us to use instead of using long-term debt.
• to use, and like I said, we...
• And so that allows us to do that if we have the opportunity to use certificates of obligation.
• We do not use a seven-year tax note for that; we would use a certificate of obligation. Thank you.

Bills: SB512, SB1024

Keywords: SB 512, Texas Finance Code, money transmission, money services business, money transmitter, money transmission licensee, terms of service, consumer protection, civil penalty, attorney general enforcement, account closure, refund of balance, financial services regulation, payments industry, fintech, prepaid accounts, remittance, licensee compliance, local government debt, municipal finance

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a vital program for most of us who use it.
• Thank you for fighting for all of us. Thanks. Thank you for fighting for all of us.
• power over us.
• We are also using a vendor that's helping us with the federal approval process that helps us review and
• Thank you for us.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to us.
• That's okay with us.
• Tell us about that.
• that they are asking us to please open and they trust us, and they're asking us to provide healing for
• More than a day and a half without communicating this to us, torturing us, allowing us to hold on to

Keywords: 1185, senate, all