Transcript Highlights:

• And you said it got a hearing this. I cannot. Okay. And you said it got a hearing this session?
• I can barely hear the lady.
• We hear bills all the time, and we hear from your side of the aisle, we want to protect kids.
• I was in the hearings.
• I was in the hearings.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, I hear you. Can you hear me? We hear you. Okay, I'm Vera. Can you hear me? We hear you.
• that we are hearing today.
• Megan, I'm not hearing your sound. Is the committee hearing it? Yep, we can hear.
• Can you hear me, Chair? We hear you. Okay, thank you. I'll start off.
• Can you hear me? Yes, we hear you, Amy. Great, thank you. Good afternoon.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on Governor Healey’s economic development proposal, H. 5386, also referred to as the Mass Winds Act, focused on global investment, talent, innovation, housing, and business competitiveness. Governor Healey, Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley, and Secretary of Administration and Finance Matt Gorzkowicz described the bill as a response to federal uncertainty and global competition, building on the 2024 Mass Leads Act. They highlighted proposed investments in a Global Mass initiative, including a $50 million innovation access fund and $20 million for sites to help international companies locate or expand in Massachusetts, along with support for AI, quantum, robotics, defense innovation, climate tech, downtown revitalization, and creative/cultural economy projects. They also emphasized measures to lower business costs, including reducing the LLC filing fee, expanding the small business energy tax exemption, and streamlining housing and development rules. Committee members questioned the administration about non-compete reform, AI and data-center infrastructure, housing affordability, and whether the bill would help retain workers and companies in Massachusetts. The governor and secretaries argued that the non-compete changes would restore the original compromise by requiring any alternative to garden leave to be negotiated at separation, and they said the bill’s housing and workforce provisions are intended to help young workers stay in the state. They also said Massachusetts is already investing in AI training, an AI hub, and energy-related planning, while acknowledging that data-center growth will require careful attention to water, electricity, and ratepayer impacts. Several witnesses testified on specific sections. Northeastern University supported the internship tax credit, saying experiential learning helps students gain jobs and remain in Massachusetts. The Latino Empowerment Advisory Council supported the waiver of redundant English testing for internationally trained nurses, saying it would speed entry into the workforce without lowering clinical standards. Russell Beck opposed the non-compete changes, arguing they would undermine the 2018 compromise and could reduce other forms of employee compensation. The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office opposed the LLC fee reduction, citing revenue loss and fraud concerns. Municipal and regional groups, including the MMA and the Metro Mayors Coalition, supported site plan review codification and downtown/arts investments, while urging continued municipal input. The AFL-CIO asked for trigger language to preserve labor protections if federal law changes, and business and industry witnesses generally supported the bill’s competitiveness and global investment provisions. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with written testimony invited after the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today's hearing is informational only.
• This rebuild and this process is going to be a long process, and as the Chair said, not only at the end
• And then through the recovery process, I'm very encouraged to hear all the conversation about recovery
• and our hearing process around this, but really being very deliberate about sharing that.
• With that, this hearing is adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for hearing the bill.
• Senate where we can, you know, hear Senate where we can, you know, hear feedback,<00:10:53.280><
• commissioner must establish a process. commissioner must establish a process.
• I'm happy to hear from anyone.
• we could hear from our fiscal analyst. we could hear from our fiscal analyst.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair hears none; the substitute is adopted.
• The Chair hears none.
• Chair hears none. The bill is left pending.
• So they wouldn't hear me say the answers.
• I would like to hear from Ms. Giles.

Bills: SB 13, SB 27, SB 57, HB1325, HB1655, HB3312, HB5526, SB13, SB57, SB207, HB441, HB591, HB5019, SB27, SB843

Keywords: lobbying, public funds, political subdivision, local government, county association, municipal lobbying, registered lobbyist, Texas Legislature, taxpayer lawsuit, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, government finance, county dues, state association of counties, sheriffs association, law enforcement officers, legislative advocacy, bill tracking, legislative alerts, Government Code Chapter 556

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> process or phase process um process or phase process um so<00:33:29.720> which<00:33:29.919
• Happy to hear that.
• We have a hearing.
• I'm going to open up the hearing for HB 279, establishing a committee to study recipe and process approval
• Do I hear a second?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Solid Waste Subcommittee met to discuss proposed amendments to HB 171 and HB 215. For HB 171, Representative Gerna outlined technical changes to a landfill moratorium bill: DES would be allowed to accept applications only to review them for completeness, a notwithstanding clause would override automatic approval timing rules, the word “fully” would be removed, and an unnecessary reference to perennial water bodies would be deleted. Members raised concern about whether applications deemed complete during the moratorium would still have to comply with later changes in law or rule. Director Mike Whap of DES said applicants would likely need to amend applications if policy changes occurred, and suggested the bill could explicitly state that later changes apply to pending applications. The subcommittee generally supported the revised language and agreed the amended bill could go directly to executive session, though one member said the underlying legislation was ill-advised but preferred the amended version over the original. The committee then turned to HB 215, which would create a two-stage landfill siting review centered on a “net public benefit” determination before full technical review. Representative Gerna explained that the amendment would define net public benefit, require an independent third-party assessment paid for by the applicant, and set up a process for selecting the contractor from a list submitted by the applicant, with DES and the host community involved and the commissioner choosing if no agreement is reached within 60 days. Members asked how “host community” would be defined; DES said it would generally mean the municipal governing body, though that body could appoint others. The amendment also broadened the factors considered in both harms and benefits, including human health, property values, tourism, recreation, wildlife, local economic benefits, and infrastructure improvements. The discussion also added a provision directing DES to consult with the Department of Transportation, the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources as needed when reviewing the third-party assessment. Director Whap said interdepartmental consultation is normal and that DES would likely adopt rules to guide the process. Members questioned whether the new framework would be too vague or burdensome for applicants, but Whap said it would not be designed to stack the deck against applicants and that the process should provide clearer, more balanced criteria. No votes were taken during the meeting, and the subcommittee appeared to continue refining the amendment language before further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• integrity of of our campaign processes integrity of of our campaign processes and<00:20:05.919><
• And we will start the public hearing<00:32:36.360> on<00:32:37.360> All hearing on All
• The process is an open process. People can see it whenever it happens.
• The process is an open process. ballots. The process is an open process.
• of<00:37:44.000> absentee observe the processing of absentee observe the processing of

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a process. Um, as Mr.
• It is a process. Um, as Mr.
• That concludes the public hearing.
• That concludes the public hearing.
• That concludes the public hearing.

Bills: HB161, HB146, HB289, HB290, HB31, HB146, HB289, HB290, HB31

Keywords: consumer protection, app store, age verification, parental consent, data protection, minors, HB146, ivermectin, pharmacist, standing order, prescription drug, non-patient-specific order, dispensing, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, licensed health care provider, pharmacy board, medical licensure, disciplinary action, drug access

Transcript Highlights:

• And it was not an easy process.
• And it was not an easy process.
• And it was not an easy process.
• or after the public hearing.
• Next Tuesday we're starting public hearings. I scheduled, I believe, eight hearings.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We haven't had a hearing on this bill in 13 months, so actually have it going through the process so
• And we will continue the negotiations in that process.
• They've gone through 16 Planning Commission hearings.
• What's the thought process? within this bill. What's the thought process?
• The processing time, right?

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, I would like to have staff. Okay.
• Is that what I hear you say? Yes, ma'am. Yes.
• Did I hear you say that? Yes, ma'am. Okay.
• Let me also, did I hear you say that you just don't want impediments to the effectiveness of the process
• Keep in mind, this is a process.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 399 by Senator Bass, which would create the Louisiana Higher Education Research Security Council to review and potentially block certain gifts, contracts, academic partnerships, and research partnerships involving foreign adversary sources. Bass said the bill is intended to protect university research, intellectual property, and students from foreign influence, and would also require public disclosure of certain foreign-linked arrangements and a plan to eliminate foreign-adversary-linked software. Supporters from State Armor argued Louisiana universities have been vulnerable to Chinese Communist Party influence and intellectual property theft. Representatives from Tulane University and Lenovo raised concerns that the bill could create duplicative review, delay research, raise costs, and sweep in legitimate private or multinational entities; a proposed amendment to exempt entities operating under a CFIUS national security agreement failed 4-8. After debate, the committee moved SB 399 favorably. The committee then considered Senate Bill 310 by Senator Cloud, presented by Representative Carlson, which would require public school and college health centers to display information about pregnancy resources available in Louisiana. Supporters from Louisiana Right to Life said the bill would help connect pregnant students with existing state and private assistance programs, while the ACLU submitted a red card in opposition without speaking. The bill was moved favorably without objection. The committee also advanced House Resolution 171 by Representative Turner, which calls for a study of the workforce-oriented TOPS Tech and M.J. Foster programs, with business and workforce groups supporting the study as a way to measure outcomes and return on investment; it was moved favorably. Next, the committee took up House Bill 1084 by Representative Turner, a tuition autonomy bill for public post-secondary institutions. An amendment was adopted to add a conceptual framework for tuition-setting considerations, but the bill would still remove the existing 10% over two years cap and allow institutions to set tuition more freely. Turner argued universities need more flexibility because state funding has declined and campuses face deferred maintenance and operating pressures. Several members, especially Representative Carlson, warned that higher tuition could reduce access and that the bill did not address broader structural problems in higher education. Despite those concerns, HB 1084 was moved favorably by an 8-3 vote. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 351 by Senator Jackson Andrews, which would let families apply for child care assistance through CCAP once pregnancy is known, rather than waiting until after birth, to help move them up the waiting list. An amendment was adopted to have BESE, rather than the department, handle rulemaking and to allow the House and Senate education committees to approve the implementation process. The bill was then discussed as a way to help parents return to work sooner, and the hearing continued with questions from members.

Transcript Highlights:

• They, at that hearing, because there was a lot of consternation at that hearing.
• entire conduct. they at that hearing entire conduct. they at that hearing because<00:09:15.120><
• It also... the removal process after a complaint. the removal process after a complaint.
• This isn't an indictment of the process. There are separate processes for that.
• separate processes for that. separate processes for that.

Bills: HB0086

Keywords: county officials, election code, misconduct, removal, government accountability, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hear, O Florida, the Lord your God is Lord alone.
• I'm going to jump back to the process.
• We were cut out of this process. As a member of this House, I was cut out of this process.
• They will be cut out of this process. We know that Floridians expect and demand a fair process.
• And we operated legally within a process.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I know you hear this all the time, but we've got a nice simple bill here for you.
• <00:09:13.760> from and board uh it sets up a process from and board uh it sets up a process
• <00:09:20.560> Two sets up that process in statute. Two sets up that process in statute.
• I think this is really great to hear about this, and I think so often in our culture we hear people say
• I think this is really great to hear about this, and I think so often in our culture we hear people say

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education met with a quorum and first heard House Bill 266, which would add audiology and speech-language pathology to the Kentucky Health Care Workforce Investment Fund as eligible credentials. Sponsor Representative Griffy and Dr. Kelly Ellis of Eastern Kentucky University testified that both professions are essential health care services, require advanced education and licensure, and face shortages, especially in rural areas. The bill passed favorably without opposition. The committee then took up House Bill 379, a cleanup and policy bill for postsecondary education. As amended by a primary House substitute, it would exempt mandatory orientation and training for governing board members from open meetings requirements if no action is taken, allow preliminary university president evaluations to occur in closed session while final evaluations remain public, designate Northern Kentucky University as the permanent home of the Kentucky Center for Mathematics, and establish a process for collecting enrollment-related debt through universities and the Kentucky Revenue Cabinet. The substitute also removed provisions related to student body presidents and the Commonwealth Education Continuum. Representative Baker and guests from NKU and the Council on Postsecondary Education said the changes were recommended by universities and CPE, noted that NKU has long hosted the Kentucky Center for Mathematics, and explained that no other institution has sought the role. Members asked about the center’s work, and supporters described it as a statewide organization that improves math education and teacher training. House Bill 379, as amended, passed with favorable expression and was reported to the House floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• It’s an ongoing process.
• This process has been pretty bipartisan.
• At this time, we are going to now hear from Stephen and Troy.
• Could any of the substitute be voted on separately or just explain that process?
• Hearing none, this meeting is adjourned. Thank you.

Keywords: Cannabis Retail Market, Joint Commission to Oversee the Transition of the Commonwealth into a, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And now we’re adding in the process, the legal process, when there’s disputes, which is in Representative
• This has truly been a collaborative process.
• So I do appreciate hearing both sides because we hear both sides at home, but I hope that this bill moves
• Okay, next we will hear House Bill 585.
• This is part of the process.

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 408 by Senator Myers, a major workers’ compensation overhaul centered on creating an all-claims medical database, requiring electronic reporting and billing, and modernizing fee schedule and claims data collection. Myers said the bill was designed to improve transparency, reduce disputes, address outliers and abuse, and help injured workers return to work faster. The committee adopted technical amendments, then considered a large amendment set combining portions of House bills 780 and 1101, which added preliminary determination procedures, fraud language, temporary total disability and supplemental earnings benefit changes, and a fallback deadline for the department to establish a fee schedule if no agreement is reached by 2029. Several members and witnesses objected that the amendments were dropped late and would turn SB 408 into an omnibus bill; supporters argued the package was the best chance for comprehensive reform. After debate, the committee adopted the amendments and reported SB 408 favorably as amended. Testimony on SB 408 was sharply divided. Supporters, including some providers and injured-worker advocates, said the bill’s core value was transparency through the database and that the system needed modernization and a better fee schedule. Opponents argued the added amendments would burden pro se claimants, expand litigation, and weaken injured workers’ rights, especially through fraud and preliminary hearing provisions. Committee members also questioned whether the combined package was germane and whether it should be allowed to move as a single reform measure. Louisiana Workforce Commission staff explained the timeline for data collection, electronic billing, dispute rules, and eventual fee schedule rulemaking, and said the department could execute the law as amended. The committee then turned to House Bill 585 by Representative Chasson, concerning workplace violence and safety plans for small-box discount retailers. The bill was revised through a substitute that required covered retailers to develop and submit a written workforce safety plan, or submit an existing plan if one already existed. Representative Glorioso raised concerns that requiring a written safety plan could create new civil liability under Louisiana’s assumption-of-duty doctrine and increase litigation and insurance costs. Chasson responded that the intent was simply to encourage safety planning and that businesses already had such plans. The committee discussed possible narrowing language, but the transcript ends before a final disposition on HB 585 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB4028 seeks to skip that important process. ...process that focuses on more than just spill response
• way your body processes certain things.
• Thank y'all for hearing this.
• Didn't I hear you just say you were going through that process again now?
• It's late; I didn't hear that. I'm sorry.

Bills: HB1341, HB1674, HB4028, SB2321

Keywords: hydrogen sulfide, public health, environmental regulation, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, ground level concentrations, emissions limit, emissions limits, ground-level concentrations, air quality, PFAS, agriculture, environmental protection, health risks, criminal offense, chemical regulation, preproduction plastic, water quality, pollution control, industrial waste, emissions

Transcript Highlights:

• What is this parallel process?
• The JCC reviews and process.
• <01:13:37.440> Are What is this parallel process? Are What is this parallel process?
• >> Seeing none, I'm going to close the hearing on CACR23 and open the hearing on CACR27.
• argue deprive litigants of full hearings and due process rights, with access to cross-examination or

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Did I hear that wrong?
• Did I hear that wrong?
• the budget process.
• To do this through the normal process and not through the budget process.
• the budget process. to do this through the normal process and not through the budget process but I know

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Mahalo for joining today's AEN hearing.
• He's here for his confirmation hearing.
• Can you hear me? Yes. Okay, great.
• We're sort of the the with that process.
• is, and that the process, you know, it isn't a vote, isn't a voting process, right?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate AEN committee heard and considered four gubernatorial nominations. GM 511 was for Harry Purdy III to the Moloka‘i Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board; testimony in support came from DLNR, the Department of Agriculture, and Moloka‘i community members, and Purdy described his long background in Moloka‘i homestead farming and the challenges facing new farmers. GM 676 was for Denise Kuano to the same board; the committee noted support from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and it was reported that Kuano could not testify because of a family emergency. GM 771 was for James Gomes to the Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity; the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council strongly supported him, citing his long agricultural experience, advocacy, and prior board service, and Gomes emphasized ag crime enforcement, land access, water, and support for farmers and ranchers. GM 772 was for Michelle Lefebvre to the Environmental Advisory Council; the Environmental Advisory Council and OPSD supported her, and Lefebvre discussed her work on the council’s exemptions committee and the need for better public understanding of the environmental review process. Members asked nominees questions about barriers for young homesteaders, ag crime enforcement, prior board service, environmental stewardship, and public engagement in environmental review. Gomes said the biggest challenges include lack of experience for new homesteaders, weak enforcement against ag crimes and drug activity on ranches, and the need for more land and resources for agriculture. Lefebvre said the environmental review process often falls short in public understanding and that comments are not a vote but part of an analytical process. After testimony, the committee reported support counts for each nomination and then voted to recommend advise and consent on all four measures. GM 511, GM 676, GM 771, and GM 772 were each adopted unanimously by the members present, with some members excused. The chair then announced the committee would move on to the next agenda item.