Transcript Highlights:

• How limited is that review of the Attorney General?
• Is that something that you agree with generally? That's only one.
• Because I think you're trying to come up with a general principle.
• Is it, you know, is it open generally or is it more specific?
• I would find another manager for that audit. I would find another manager for that audit.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The subcommittee hearing focused on whether the Office of the State Auditor may constitutionally audit the Massachusetts Legislature under Chapter 250 of the Acts of 2024 and what such an audit could include under generally accepted government auditing standards. Chair Cindy Friedman opened by explaining the background: voters approved Ballot Question 1 in November 2024, the law took effect in January 2025, and the Auditor then initiated audits of both chambers. The chair said the subcommittee was seeking expert testimony because the proposed audit scope, constitutionality, and possible bias concerns remained unresolved. Public testimony was invited, but no members of the public pre-registered; written testimony remained open for a short period after the hearing. The hearing then proceeded with invited experts on constitutional law/state government and auditing-related issues. Professor Lawrence Friedman testified that the ballot initiative’s approval by the Attorney General and by voters did not resolve constitutional questions, and he argued Chapter 250 violates the Massachusetts Constitution. He said the Legislature has constitutional authority to set its own rules and manage its proceedings, and that an executive-branch audit would intrude on legislative deliberation, speech and debate protections, and separation of powers. He also warned that even audits of supposedly administrative matters could become a vehicle for repeated document demands and litigation that would indirectly burden legislative functioning. In questioning, senators pressed him on the line between administrative and deliberative functions, the role of the Attorney General versus the courts, the possibility of retroactive audit scope, and whether prior legislative consent to audits mattered; he said prior consent would not bind future legislatures and that constitutionality is ultimately for the courts. Professor Ray La Raja also opposed the audit, framing it as a threat to institutional independence and representative democracy. He argued that allowing an executive-branch official to audit the Legislature without consent would upset separation of powers, chill internal debate, and create a precedent for broader executive intrusion. He said voters often support “transparency” reforms without fully appreciating institutional consequences, and that legislatures should defend their autonomy, especially amid what he described as broader executive overreach nationally. Senators asked about chilling effects, the practical distinction between administrative and core legislative functions, and whether the courts or the Legislature should resolve the issue; he said the courts would ultimately adjudicate disputes, but the Legislature should not waive its constitutional authority lightly. Jean Kempthorne took the opposite view, arguing the audit is permissible and should proceed. She said the state auditor is a constitutional officer accountable directly to the people, that the audit power can be expanded by statute, and that separation of powers does not require watertight compartments. She contended the audit would not displace core legislative powers because the auditor can only evaluate operations, report findings, and make recommendations. She also argued the Legislature itself already conducts audits of other branches, so it is inconsistent to claim an audit of the Legislature is unconstitutional. In response to senators’ questions, she said there are guardrails against truly intrusive requests, but that the administrative-versus-legislative distinction is not a workable bright line; she suggested disputes should be handled case by case, with objections, negotiation, or litigation if specific requests go too far. No votes or formal actions were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• How do you manage people who may have a victim family member in that same facility?
• And so the objective and the goal is really to manage safety in the broadest sense.
• But what we end up doing is managing safety to the fullest extent possible.
• process much like we is all a managed process much like we manage<00:48:14.720> uh<00:48:15.040
• is their effort to address and manage that concern in an appropriate way.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 435 was taken up with an author's amendment that added a definition of “female,” “woman,” and “girl” based on biological sex. The committee debated the amendment at length, with supporters saying it was needed for clarity and opponents arguing it was unscientific, dehumanizing, and imported from outside model legislation. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was laid over because no fiscal note had yet been received. As amended, HF 435 would require the commissioner of Corrections to house only biological females at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Shakopee and to transfer any nonbiological females out within seven days of enactment. Chair Franson described it as a common-sense women’s rights and human rights bill intended to protect incarcerated women. Alicia Beckman, a former Shakopee GED teacher, testified in support, saying the current policy had allowed biological males with violent histories into the facility and created fear, retraumatization, and safety concerns for staff and inmates. Several testifiers opposed the bill. Deva Guy, Lucy Ailia G., Reverend Dr. Justin Saia Tannis, and Jess Braverman argued that the bill would endanger transgender women, scapegoat a vulnerable minority, and conflict with research, the Prison Rape Elimination Act, and constitutional protections. They urged the committee to focus instead on broader prison conditions and safety issues. Committee members also questioned Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell about the placement process; he explained that transgender placements are reviewed through a multi-step process involving behavioral health and medical staff, a gender identity committee, and final review by the deputy commissioner and commissioner. He said 49 people systemwide have identified as transgender. The discussion ended with the bill laid over and the chair noting that a constitutional challenge would likely follow if the bill became law.

Transcript Highlights:

• And they're generally the same. Yes.
• General services. Yeah. General services.
• And then you said medication management rep.
• So, we get our termination prepared and then we invite the Office of Inspector General general to that
• You know, the state has a general guidance.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• generally involve other substances. substances. substances.
• So, and on the court system in general.
• '<01:16:12.440> throats uh property managers' throats uh property managers' throats um<01:
• <01:20:06.240> and not possible without the management and not possible without the management
• <01:30:46.480> I landlords and and property managers.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We need all of our case managers.
• We need more unrestricted general government aid.
• This was accomplished with a reduction of 17 staff from our general education staff, only general education
• , DMH case manager, in Lynn.
• General Laws under 11C.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Ways and Means Committee held its final public hearing on the FY26 state budget, with chairs and members emphasizing that public testimony would help shape the budget and asking speakers to keep remarks brief. Committee leaders introduced members, explained the hearing process, and repeatedly thanked residents, students, and advocates for participating. No votes were taken during the hearing. Testimony focused heavily on education funding and the Chapter 70 formula. Students from Amherst, Northampton, Gateway Regional, Chester Elementary, and other districts described budget-driven cuts to electives, special education supports, paraprofessionals, counselors, transportation, and building maintenance. They urged higher Chapter 70 aid, increased minimum aid, rural school aid, and a reopening or restructuring of the funding formula, arguing that current formulas leave many districts unable to meet student needs and force local layoffs and overrides. Other speakers urged funding or protection for a range of programs and facilities, including the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute for homicide survivor services, the Museum of African American History, the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and CART/interpreter services, the Access to Counsel housing legal aid program, the Department of Mental Health and Pocasset Mental Health Center, and Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children. One speaker opposed offshore wind-related spending and urged a reset of the state’s energy approach, while another advocated ending the aircraft sales tax exemption. Committee members responded sympathetically to many speakers, asked a few follow-up questions, and several expressed support for maintaining or expanding the programs discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• department has the capacity to manage department has the capacity to manage that<00:54:05.599>
• the Attorney General General um I'm not the Attorney General General um I'm not sure<01:16:27.920
• department of accounting and general department of accounting and general services<01:24:11.520>
• Revenue back of the $60 the general fund Revenue back of the $60 the general fund gets<01:42:31.280><
• Oh, sorry, yes, um, for General Ross on behalf of Major General Logan in support of this bill.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Storm water is an increasing problem for town managers, municipal managers, and the way it works right
• They are being charged a lot to manage storm water.
• Storm water is an increasing problem for town managers, municipal managers, and the way it works right
• They are being charged a lot to manage storm water.
• THEY ARE BEING CHARGED A LOT TO MANAGE STORM WATER.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and handled several motions to discharge and substitute identical Assembly or Senate bills, along with a number of amendments. The chamber also welcomed student visitors from the League of Women Voters’ Students of Albany program and a group of Staten Island titleholders, and later adopted previously approved resolutions honoring Dorothy E. Reid for her role in Brown v. Board of Education and recognizing Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on Delta Day, with multiple senators speaking in support of both recognitions. The bulk of the floor session was devoted to third-reading votes on a large number of bills, most of which passed with broad support. Measures addressed public health, workers’ compensation, education, environmental conservation, insurance, labor, criminal procedure, domestic relations, tax, municipal authority, and correction law. Several bills were explained by sponsors as advancing stormwater management authority, labor-law transparency, public health protections, and stronger penalties for trafficking-related offenses; one bill on immunization in summer camps drew a defense from Senator Skoufis as a child-protection measure, while another on correction law passed with some Republican opposition. The chamber also took up a controversial public health/electronic health records bill by Senator Fernandez. Senator Martin questioned the bill at length about redacting certain categories of information, emergency access, provider obligations, and the impact on doctors’ ability to see complete medical histories. Fernandez said the bill was intended to protect patients from discrimination and to limit access to a small list of sensitive services, while also noting emergency exceptions and support from more than 200 health care providers. The debate remained focused on balancing privacy protections with concerns about continuity of care and record integrity.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so management team and confidence in management is really one of their three key factors, in addition
• basis is pretty manageable um calendar basis is pretty manageable um compared<00:13:09.760> to
• c><00:14:16.560> management<00:14:16.959> is team and confidence in management is team
• and they generally and they generally overcorrect.<00:20:50.799> Um<00:20:51.200> and<
• generally what that process involves? generally what that process involves?

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:01 Attendance Roll Call: 00:01:26 Approval of Minutes: 00:02:27 Investment, Cash Flow, and Legislative Update: Bo Cracraft – Judicial Form Retirement System: 00:03:12 Ryan Barrow – Kentucky Public Pensions Authority: 00:21:52 Beau Barnes – Teachers’ Retirement System: 00:34:31 Adjournment: 01:07:25, 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, followed by a roll call confirming a quorum and approval of the prior minutes. A special guest, Dave Eager, was welcomed before the committee moved to presentations from retirement system officials. Bo Craycraft, executive director of the Judicial Form Retirement System, gave a quarterly update on investment performance, asset allocation, and cash flow. He said the plans had held up well amid market volatility, with fiscal year-to-date returns above benchmark and long-term returns remaining strong. He explained that the plans are targeted to a 70% equity/30% fixed-income allocation, that some cash is being held for cash-flow management, and that negative cash flow is expected because of funding and contribution levels. He also said Senate Bill 183, dealing with proxy voting and economic analysis for certain votes, was not expected to materially affect the plans because of their small number of holdings and Bear Trust’s long-term investment approach. Ryan Barrow and Erin Surrod then presented for the Kentucky Pension Authority. They reported positive quarterly performance across the retirement and insurance funds, though results varied by period and remained tied to broader market conditions. They said recent asset-allocation changes had been completed and the funds were now within target ranges. On cash flow, they noted some plans remained negative or near zero, with one plan benefiting from a large appropriation. In the legislative update, they described House Bill 30 as codifying an exclusion from pension-spiking calculations for across-the-board raises, and Senate Bill 10 as increasing retiree health insurance subsidies and changing employee health insurance contribution rules for certain CERS members beginning in 2026. They also said Senate Bill 183 would likely have limited impact, though the agency would review voting policies and incorporate any required economic-analysis procedures.

Transcript Highlights:

• generation that's under construction, about complete, is 10 foot taller than the one built in 1960.
• So some MPOs serve as a transportation management area, that's also referred to as a TMA, and that's
• So some MPOs serve as a transportation management areas that's also referred to as a TMA, and that's
• So he does an outstanding job of managing our finances.
• And so we need to have that open forum for discussion. ...managers.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation met to hear presentations from the Florida Department of Transportation on rural arterial roadways and transportation resiliency, followed by a panel discussion on metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). FDOT’s Will Watts described the state’s growing population and travel demand, emphasizing that rural arterials are critical for connectivity, freight movement, evacuation routes, and congestion relief. He outlined FDOT’s project selection factors, noted thousands of identified rural arterial needs with billions in unfunded demand, and explained that the department uses community input and long-range planning to prioritize safety, capacity, and economic development. Watts then discussed resiliency planning for hurricanes and flooding, focusing on structural design, storm readiness, and drainage. He highlighted efforts such as elevated bridges, wave attenuators, coastal armoring, drainage upgrades, and materials testing at FDOT’s research facilities to extend service life and reduce storm damage. Committee members asked about local project selection, materials research, LiDAR use, and legislative support; Watts said local coordination drives project priorities and asked lawmakers to protect the Transportation Trust Fund. The MPO panel, led by FDOT’s Kim Holland, explained that MPOs are federally required in urban areas over 50,000 population and that Florida has 27, the most in the nation. Holland said MPOs identify and prioritize transportation needs through long-range plans and public engagement, and she noted that several regions are exploring consolidation after the 2020 Census, especially in Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida. Representatives from MetroPlan Orlando, Forward Pinellas, Pasco MPO, and Hillsborough discussed their structures and the potential benefits and challenges of merging, including representation, governance, funding, and maintaining local voice. Members generally supported regional collaboration, urged patience as studies continue, and emphasized the need for transparent public engagement, while the committee adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:06:41.240> and<00:06:41.919> um management and um management and um at<00:06:42.880
• Uh that um had with their management.
• <00:10:11.880> a Minerals Management Account is a Minerals Management Account is a Minnesota<00
• management costs. management costs.
• It's a 25-year management framework.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the general manager of KPBS. Very proud to lead this incredible organization.
• In fact, our first KPBS general manager, John Witherspoon, helped write the Public Broadcasting Act that
• In fact, our first KPBS general manager, John Witherspoon, helped write the Public Broadcasting Act that
• In fact, our first K PBS general manager, John Witherspoon, helped write the Public Broadcasting Act
• I am the President and General Manager of KVPR Valley Public Radio in the Central Valley.

Summary: The hearing focused on the impact of the federal rescission of Corporation for Public Broadcasting funding on California public media, with Assemblymember Chris Ward and Senator Akilah Weber Pierson framing public media as essential civic infrastructure for education, local news, arts, emergency alerts, and underserved communities. Local officials from San Diego and La Mesa voiced support, emphasizing public media’s role in trusted information, children’s programming, and community arts access. Panelists from PBS SoCal, KCRW, Rebuild Local News, NPR, KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR described significant budget losses, layoffs, reduced programming, and threats to rural and specialized services. They highlighted impacts on children’s educational content, local journalism, arts coverage, science and documentary production, and emergency alert systems. Several speakers noted that smaller stations in rural or low-broadband areas are especially vulnerable, while larger stations are also cutting staff and delaying projects. They also discussed possible responses such as shared services, cost reductions, philanthropy, and state support, while warning that one-time bridge funding is not a long-term fix. Committee members asked about operational changes, alternative revenue sources, the role of state programs, and whether public pressure could restore federal funding. Witnesses said the loss is already being felt, that restoration appears unlikely in the near term, and that any state support should be structured to protect editorial independence and provide stable, timely funding. The hearing concluded with a shift to labor and production testimony and then to station-specific testimony from KPBS, Radio Bilingüe, and KVPR, followed by public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• No general fund dollars go into those.
• And the last one that is still open is our homeless program manager.
• So here you can see primarily a general funded agency, 113 FTEs.
• And generally, I'm sorry, Chairman, Sorvaag, members of the committee, generally pretty good.
• The well counts generally increasing.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met as the Regulatory Division of the budget section and received updates on several Industrial Commission-related agencies and programs. Legislative Council first reviewed base budget materials, then the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency reported on its current appropriation and staffing, noting that its new FTEs were being filled gradually and that it remained largely funded through special and federal funds. Agency leaders described homeownership lending, loan servicing, and housing incentive fund activity, including below-market mortgage rates, down payment assistance, and a growing servicing portfolio that has increased workload but not yet required additional FTEs. Housing Finance also detailed use of the Housing Incentive Fund and homeless grant dollars. Officials said the multifamily HIF round drew more than $73 million in requests and awarded $25 million, while the single-family program supported rural development and community land trusts. Homeless grant funding was split between emergency shelter, prevention, and rapid rehousing, with performance-based scoring used to renew or reallocate awards. Members discussed housing affordability, aging households, rental assistance, and the need to coordinate housing and site-preparation messaging with Commerce. The agency asked that HIF, single-family, and homeless funding be maintained or increased in the next session. The Department of Mineral Resources then presented its budget and operations update. Staff said the agency was on track financially, had filled most of its new reclamation FTEs, and was not expecting major litigation costs beyond normal late-biennium invoices. The director reviewed agency initiatives including Project North Star IT modernization, organizational restructuring, succession planning, rulemaking, and implementation of the development incentive well tax program and critical minerals rules. He also discussed oil and gas activity, explaining that longer laterals, especially three- and four-mile wells and the first five-mile spacing case, are helping keep production relatively flat even as rig counts ease. Members asked about gas capture, hedging, break-even prices, and the effects of Iran and Venezuela on oil markets. The committee also heard about enhanced oil recovery grants and the Pipeline Authority. The EOR program’s $25 million appropriation was fully allocated to six projects, with total awards reaching about $45.1 million when other fund balances were included, subject to a possible 5% reduction if federal DOE money does not materialize. Officials said the projects are public, reimbursement-based, and will produce results over the next several years. Finally, the Pipeline Authority outlined natural gas transmission projects, including the imminent Bakken Express line and the proposed Bakken East project, which WBI was selected to advance after an Industrial Commission RFI process. The project is moving through open season, survey permission, and regulatory work, with in-service dates projected for 2029 and 2030.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, is that Kind of the general thought on this happening. Mr.
• So it's almost 10% of our total benefit that's costing us to operate and manage.
• And why that cost is so high to manage that program? 111 million to manage a program? Mr.
• And administering the program in general.
• General fiscal cleanup bill for your consideration.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• these facilities would generate these facilities would generate approximately<00:34:48.359> 55,000
• <00:37:45.480> new<00:37:45.760> economic to help generate new economic to help generate
• through improved breeding and management through improved breeding and management State<00:46:26.400
• could be used to generate could be used to generate saff<00:58:01.640> um<00:58:02.240>
• generation generation most<00:58:26.960> of<00:58:27.079> our<00:58:27.280> members

Bills: HF1126, HF967, HF1066, HF1669, HF926

Keywords: property tax, Indian Tribe, tax exemption, Minnesota, public charity, property tax exemption, Minnesota statutes, unorganized territory, federally recognized, soil conservation, water conservation, local government aid, environmental funding, Minnesota legislation, tax credits, sustainable aviation fuel, environmental policy, corporate franchise, Minnesota taxation, tobacco

Transcript Highlights:

• was already in the general court rules. was already in the general court rules.
• <00:18:30.720> management<00:18:31.360> company the property manager management company
• the property manager management company that<00:18:32.160> oftentimes<00:18:32.960> takes<
• a Minnesota manager. a Minnesota manager.
• Attorney General. Are there any questions for the attorney general?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have 10,500 miles of rail more than any other state. 266 general aviation airports, and then
• The remainder is allocated between General Revenue and the TXDMV Fund. Mr.
• by dealers so that if they needed additional plates, they could order from the inventory manager.
• Yes, sir, it would be in the inventory management system itself, so the same. Yes, sir.
• Invested in our ports, $53.46 is generated in state and local tax revenues.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you have any general comments, or are you simply available to answer questions?
• In general, that's known as CLEC Authority, Competitive Local Exchange Companies.
• Cities are charged with the management of the right-of-way, not only collecting that rent.
• The others are drainage, also generally associated with transportation-related projects as well.
• I would say that it's not generally on short notice.

Bills: HB3713, HB3953, HB4055, HB4272

Keywords: telecommunications, local exchange companies, universal service fund, rate maintenance, business expansion, broadband access, internet service, multiunit residential properties, urban areas, affordability programs, fiber-optic cables, public land, construction permits, environmental impact, notification requirements, municipal projects, infrastructure, facility relocation, public right-of-way, 1184

Transcript Highlights:

• That's why we were a little bit generous in saying 20 balloons.
• That's why we were a little bit generous in saying 20 balloons.
• And this was just a general way of trying to come up with, okay, we've got to start somewhere.
• And this was just a general way of trying to come up with, okay, we've got to start somewhere.
• There has been general law enforcement activity.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Invasive species management and pathogen management is extremely difficult.
• Invasive species management and pathogen management is extremely difficult.
• Invasive species management and pathogen management is extremely difficult.
• Invasive species management and pathogen management is extremely difficult.
• Invasive species management and pathogen management is extremely difficult.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Director, Government Affairs; Alberto Guardado, Area Vice President; Terence Sims, General Manager; Charlotte
• Thomas, General Manager; Siddique Young, General Manager.
• I rise for a point of personal privilege introduction of Charlotte Thomas, General Manager, Siddique
• Young, General Manager.
• HB 2301, pricing general ... HB 2302, student licensure.

Keywords: 1182, all