Transcript Highlights:

• This meeting is live-streamed and will be posted publicly on the Joint Committee on Public Service page
• I went to bed on a shift.
• Representative Kilcoyne, are you here to speak on these bills or one of them? One of them.
• But just wanted to give some of the members a brief context on the history of it.
• I wanted to give some of the members a brief context on the history of it.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing on a wide range of credible service and retirement-related bills, with testimony largely focused on allowing public employees to buy back prior service time or receive more appropriate retirement classifications. Bills discussed included retirement buyback for Joint Base Cape Cod firefighters (H. 4317), clarification of call firefighter buyback rights (H. 2883/S. 1915), veterans’ buyback (H. 2957), a Bridgewater State University police death-benefit/heart-law issue (filed by Rep. Gallagher), unpaid parental leave buyback for municipal employees (H. 2946), school nurse creditable service (H. 2887/S. 1787), former private/parochial school teacher buyback (S. 1900/H. 2873), Massport police retirement classification (S. 1888), contract employee buyback (H. 2795), Retirement Plus late entry (H. 2792), CVTE/teacher-related buyback issues (H. 2762), Peace Corps/AmeriCorps creditable service (H. 2927), and institutional school teacher retirement fairness (H. 2757). Several speakers also referenced related bills for teachers and nurses that had been heard previously or were filed in parallel in the other branch. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support of the bills. Speakers argued that the measures would correct inequities, recognize prior public service, and help recruit and retain workers in hard-to-fill public jobs. Firefighters described the unique federal-to-state transition at Joint Base Cape Cod and said some members were left out of earlier buyback opportunities. Veterans, teachers, school nurses, correctional educators, and Massport police all described service requirements, administrative gaps, or outdated statutory language that they said unfairly limited retirement credit or placed them in the wrong retirement group. Several witnesses emphasized that the proposals were fiscally responsible because employees would pay the cost of the buybacks, and some noted that similar bills had been filed repeatedly in prior sessions. Committee members asked a few clarifying questions, mostly about why certain employees had been excluded under current law or how the retirement provisions would work. No opposition testimony was presented. The hearing concluded after all scheduled witnesses testified, with the chairs thanking participants for their service and the committee voting to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• I can't have a hearing because of the House rules, but I will do an additional legislative briefing on
• Teams for anybody who would like to still provide more... ...legislative briefing on Teams for anybody
• A lot of CME courses do have one hour on menopause.
• We know that the GLP ones for employees to access GLP-1s who've been on this.
• I spoke at the MassBio briefing on menopause last year, and I was very impressed by the commitment of

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing during a snowstorm, with members participating both in person and via Teams, and the chairs said testimony would be kept open for an additional week. The first bill heard was H.4796, an act relative to organ transplant vehicles. NORA New England testified in support, arguing that dedicated organ transport vehicles need authority to use lights and sirens so time-sensitive organs can be moved more quickly and safely without relying on EMS systems already stretched by 9-1-1 calls. No opposition was heard and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved to the next item. The bulk of the hearing focused on H.4838, an act expanding access to perimenopause and menopause care. Chair Decker, who filed the bill, said it was the product of a year of meetings with dozens of individuals and organizations and was intended as a starting point to identify gaps in care, training, access, and coverage. Testimony overwhelmingly supported the bill and described widespread misdiagnosis, dismissal of symptoms, limited clinician training, insurance barriers, medication access problems, and workplace impacts. Speakers included patients, clinicians, advocates, the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, and out-of-state and international experts, many of whom urged better education, public awareness, research, and workplace accommodations. Several witnesses emphasized that menopause affects whole-body health, including cardiovascular, bone, mental health, and work outcomes, and that Black women and other marginalized groups face greater barriers and worse outcomes. Some speakers noted the bill is important but largely a framework that will need further work to address coverage and access more directly. Blue Cross Blue Shield said it supports the bill and already covers menopause-related care and training, though the chair used the exchange to criticize broader insurer and state decisions on GLP-1 coverage for obesity. The committee took no vote during the hearing, and the chairs closed by thanking witnesses and stating that additional written testimony would be accepted.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are on an we are on in this state.
• Point of No advice needed on this one.
• </c> Um, clarification on the one year: it is within one year.
• ><c> 49</c><03:15:21.680><c> all</c> amendment on it deletes on page 49 all amendment on it deletes on
• on our on our putting that expectation on our on our uh<03:56:37.520><c> state</c><03:56:38.040><c>

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to our Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance.
• Whatever is remaining after that is the MCS eligibility based on the present budget, and that's where
• But this one is focused on our professional degrees as defined under HR 1.
• I have one question.
• So I'm speaking in support of that item on the state library budget.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have Assemblymember Castillo busy getting briefed on the end there yeah.
• There is one bill today. There is one bill on consent and that is File Item 7 Assembly Bill 322.
• One.
• I'm looking forward to seeing you all vote yes on this bill that focuses attentions on one of the greatest
• We're already struggling with balancing our budgets on this . school sides and want to make sure we have

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, give us a brief description of what it's... Give us a brief description of what it's...
• We would like to do a turf project on our football field.
• I was one of the donors for 10 years.
• All right, members, moving on to item C.
• So we'll let him present on behalf of Jonesboro.

Committee: All ALC-EXECUTIVE SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The committee considered several waiver requests related to school and municipal projects. One school district sought a waiver so it could rebuild a high school kitchen damaged in recent winter storms as quickly as possible; members asked how many bids were obtained, and the superintendent said the insurance process produced two bids. The committee also heard a separate school-related request involving a contractor, Covington, and members asked whether the district had prior experience with the company; after brief discussion, the motion to approve passed. The committee then heard from the Smackover-Norphlet School District, which requested a waiver to use TIPS for a football field turf project after drainage failure. Superintendent Doug Smith said the project would be funded through a newly formed Buckaroo Foundation, with about $500,000 already pledged, annual payments planned over 10 years, and no state or local tax dollars intended to be used. Members questioned the use of education funds on a football field and asked how many bids were received; Smith said there were three bids. The committee approved the request. Finally, the committee considered a waiver tied to legislation encouraging municipal governments to move to .gov domains. Representative Jack Ladyman presented for Jonesboro after a Teams connection failed, explaining that the city would use a .gov domain for its main website and communications but wanted an exception for billing because of the cost and possible software compatibility issues. After brief discussion, the committee approved the waiver and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee's focus on fraud oversight led to many important reforms in the governor's budget being
• I just wanted to jump in on following up on some of... Director Roehrig's questions.
• Then I'll move on to my colleagues, but I had one more quick question.
• So that's one line.
• Of the budget that just passed, the federal budget.

Committee: House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Welcome to the joint budget hearing on Governor Healey's proposed FY27 budget.
• one-timers than it did in the previous budget.
• Thanks for all your work on the budget process.
• It feels like this budget process kind of snuck up on us.
• on a yearly budget.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• I would also add, Assembly Member, that on Friday we should begin our budget process, and last year you
• Two budget cycles of wreaking havoc on the governance of that school board and the decisions that that
• Obviously that's more of a budget and appropriations question, which will be certainly working on as
• So pennies on the dollar doesn't help with budgets directed towards classroom instructors and staff that
• So pennies on the dollar doesn't help with budgets directed towards classroom instructors and staff that

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee met at the start of the 2026 session and heard four bills. AB 673 (Jackson) would create a five-year Unaccompanied Youth Support Grant Program for 16- and 17-year-old homeless students who are not in a parent or guardian’s custody, with grants to local education agencies for housing referrals, basic needs, tutoring, employment readiness, and related services. Support came from the Department of Education and an Alameda County Office of Education representative. Members raised questions about funding, reporting burdens on small districts, and coordination with county and nonprofit services, but the bill was approved 6-0 and sent to Human Services as amended. AB 1493 (Avila Farías) would have required school board special elections to be consolidated with the next primary or general election. The author argued this would reduce costs and increase turnout, while opponents including CFT and the California School Boards Association said it would reduce local accountability and preserve too much time for appointed members without voter input. Committee members debated turnout, democracy, costs, and whether the bill should instead address signature thresholds; the author said she was open to further work, but the measure failed on a 2-2 vote and did not advance. AB 68 (Gallagher) would require rural school districts, as defined in the bill, to have at least one school resource officer on campus, with a good-cause exception and a compliance plan if a district cannot meet the requirement. The author and a Glenn County superintendent said rural schools face long response times and need more protection, while CSBA, the Small School Districts Association, and several advocacy groups opposed the mandate, citing local control, costs, and evidence that SROs can increase anxiety and disciplinary actions without improving safety. After a lengthy debate over safety, local control, and funding, the bill passed 5-2 and was sent to Public Safety. AB 296 (Davies), which would create a standalone website for schools to buy and sell used career technical education equipment, drew support from construction industry groups and passed unanimously 8-0 to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• and on.
• So it just goes on and on what we offer.
• Did you have one quick one? I have one quick one just following up on that.
• Today we'll be giving a brief update on the recently established Washington Completes FAFSA campaign
• And moving into access and support, one of the things that I've seen a lot with federal budget cuts and

Committee: Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development

Summary: The committee held a work session on the state of Washington’s community and technical college system, beginning with an update from State Board executive director Nate Humphrey and Tacoma Community College president Ivan Harrell. They described the system’s open-access mission, affordability, enrollment growth over 12 consecutive quarters, credential production, guided pathways work, tribal partnerships, dual enrollment, corrections education, and a new program-search tool. They also highlighted major challenges, especially student basic-needs insecurity, rising emergency aid requests, and federal disruptions affecting TANF, BFET, SNAP-related supports, adult basic education, Perkins funding, and several federal grants. Members asked about SNAP and BFET participation, declining high school graduates, the value of higher education, and how colleges are responding to student needs and workforce demands. AFT Washington and the Washington Association of Higher Education then testified in support of stronger state investment in community and technical colleges, emphasizing the importance of classified staff, professional staff, and contingent faculty to student success. They argued that low wages, unstable employment, and lack of funding for staffing and compensation directly harm advising, retention, and classroom continuity, and urged lawmakers to protect existing funding and avoid further cuts. The committee also heard from the Workforce Board on federal H.R. 1’s new Workforce Pell program and the updated Career Bridge website. The presentation explained that Workforce Pell would support short-term, job-aligned training programs with high completion and employment thresholds, and that Washington is well positioned to implement it through its existing training-provider evaluation system. Members asked about implementation gaps, how the new Pell differs from traditional Pell, and whether eligibility is determined at the program rather than student level. Washington Student Achievement Council staff presented the new Washington Completes FAFSA campaign created by executive order. They described an advisory board, a prior pilot that used microgrants and outreach to boost FAFSA completion, and this year’s goal of 46,000 FAFSA/WASFA completions, with a focus on free-and-reduced-price-lunch students and underrepresented groups. They also demonstrated a public dashboard with subgroup data and a school leaderboard, and said they would provide legislators with outreach materials. Committee members asked about rural and homeschool outreach, Pierce County representation, and whether pilot schools overlapped with other grant programs. The meeting concluded with student leaders from the Washington Student Association, UW Tacoma, and Evergreen State College sharing personal testimony on affordability, basic needs, homelessness supports, Native student scholarships, the Shelton Promise program, and the importance of campus belonging and student support services.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would say 35 training sessions since May of 2025 on topics related to budgeting and mill levies.
• And then at the beginning of the last session, Senator Weber invited me to do a training on budgeting
• I'm also on active military duty, as well as with the Supreme Court Office of Management and Budget Office
• As I mentioned, data centers in Virginia really caused a months-long impasse on the budget there, between
• As I mentioned, data centers in Virginia really caused a month's long impasse on the budget there.

Summary: The committee met to review its interim schedule and then focused on a referral regarding political subdivision compliance with state law, especially levy limitations and reserve levels. State Auditor Josh Gallion explained the audit process, the Yellow Book standards, and key statutes governing political subdivisions, including the 75% cash reserve cap and mill levy limits. He said the auditor’s office has limited authority to force compliance, has only stepped in a couple of times to resume audits for fiscal irregularities, and is constrained by staffing shortages and a backlog of local government audits. Gallion used Stark County and Mountrail County as examples to show how reserve calculations affect levy decisions. He said Stark County’s 2023 general fund levy calculation should have been zero under the statute, but the county still levied mills, while Mountrail County had recently reduced or eliminated some county levies after building large reserves. Stark County Commission Chair Neil Messer responded that the county chose not to move excess funds into a capital projects fund because it wanted flexibility for future projects and emergencies, and said the county has since reduced its levy and committed reserves to major projects such as road work, a regional airport, and public safety facilities. Committee members questioned whether penalties should apply to auditors or elected officials and whether the statutes should be updated to reflect current revenue conditions. Association of Counties director Linda Svihovec and League of Cities director Matt Gardner both said they have been heavily training local officials on the new 3% property tax cap and reserve rules. Svihovec said the association has held dozens of training sessions and that the standard worksheets used statewide are designed to help counties comply; she suggested that a possible enforcement tool could be requiring an affidavit from taxing districts certifying compliance with the cap. Gardner said city auditors receive required training through the League of Cities and that he was unaware of any cities currently out of compliance. The committee took no formal action and indicated it would continue the discussion at its September 29 meeting, with members asked to review the legislative council memo on possible enforcement mechanisms and statutory changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• None on the desk, Mr. Speaker. Are there bills on the special order calendar? On the desk, Mr.
• Is there debate on the amendment? Seeing no debate on the amendment?
• Even one of these book banners appeared on one of the daily shows to say, ‘This is what I’m doing.’
• on them.
• But this bill really does a multitude of things, and I could go on and on and on about how the Everglades

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't change the budget on the fly.
• We're going to talk about the budget on this agenda.
• We're about the budget on this agenda.
• Um, it was $51 million based on the one-year project, right? The original budget was $64 million.
• ><c> on</c><02:03:44.880><c> what's</c><02:03:45.119><c> the</c> they'll get a briefing on what's the

Transcript Highlights:

• one.
• to focus on effective community reentry. ...strained budgets that are undermining their ability to focus
• At a recent Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing on CECR, the Legislature discussed ongoing concerns
• Emily Harris on behalf of Californians United for a Responsible Budget in strong support, and Sister
• Good afternoon, Emily Harris, on behalf of Californians United for a Responsible Budget and Sister Warriors

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:50.800><c> one</c> outcome for all of us because on one outcome for all of us because on one
• Lots of one face-on-face meetings.
• Lots of one face-on-face meetings.
• :48.640><c> now</c> of one face-on-face meetings we've now of one face-on-face meetings we've now had
• </c> quack which it has on occasion. quack which it has on occasion.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum to hear a recap of the 2021 special session legislation, Senate Bill 5, and then receive testimony from the Secretary of Economic Development on the Blue Oval SK project and related economic development issues. Staff explained that Senate Bill 5 appropriated five amounts from the budget reserve trust fund for a project tied to a minimum $2 billion investment: $350 million for forgivable loans through the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, $10,639,600 to pay off a Hardin County loan tied to 47 tracts of property, $20 million for Bluegrass State Skills Corporation training grants, $5 million for KCTCS training grants, and $25 million for a KCTCS on-site training center. Staff also noted there were no job-related requirements in the bill itself. The secretary said the Blue Oval SK incentive was structured as a $250 million forgivable loan rather than the state’s usual pay-as-you-go incentives, with clawback provisions tied to jobs, wages, investment, and changes in ownership or operations. He said the project had already exceeded the $2 billion investment threshold, that corporate guarantees were required from SK On and Ford, and that the agreement’s compliance period begins in December 2026 with payments starting in March 2027 and running through 2038. He said the state’s goal after the joint venture dissolution was to protect taxpayers, support affected workers, and preserve future job creation, while also ensuring the money would be repaid if performance targets are not met. Members asked about the workforce impact, the training programs, and whether the jobs targets would be revised. The secretary said the project had about 1,850 workers at the site, with both production and salaried employees affected, and described state-led job fairs, a job portal, and other rapid-response efforts to help displaced workers find new jobs or training. He said Ford had agreed to continue discussions, invest an additional $2 billion in the site for energy storage solutions, and pursue roughly 2,100 new jobs, while the state sought to keep the company accountable for the full repayment obligation if jobs are not created. One senator raised broader concerns about mega-projects displacing small businesses and creating infrastructure burdens in surrounding communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• This happened not because of COVID, but because of the isolation from loved ones, with no one to advocate
• c> isolation from loved ones with no one to isolation from loved ones with no one to advocate<00:04:36.560
• </c><00:14:00.360><c> one</c><00:14:00.880><c> area</c> us um you know I'm GNA focus on one area us um
• on and on and again um and it continued on and on and that<00:26:24.440><c> we</c><00:26:24.720><c>
• in on government infrastructure okay on in on government infrastructure or<00:40:29.599><c> what</c>

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think there might be a few questions on the second one, but on Senate Article One, income, corporate
• And I think there might be a few questions on the second one, but on Senate Article One, income, corporate
• Um one U and now uh Senator um one.
• </c><00:35:30.480><c> that</c> their input on on any uh anything that their input on on any uh anything
• And I certainly would be first up on ways in which we could use June accelerated to solve our budget

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to come and speak to you on the General Services Department budget.
• So when an agency moves into one of the state buildings, there's nothing in their budget that has to
• And that's because the budget is rectifying or realigning based on actual settlements out of the PCF.
• And with that, those are all the comments I have on the recurring budget.
• So within the ones that are on the red, will the budget be, will you be okay with that? Mr.

Committees: Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• at line one on the top &gt;&gt; Are you looking at line one on the top of<00:13:39.920><c> page</c><
• one of our um what one of our one of our um what one of our &gt;&gt; I'm<00:52:58.880><c> sorry</c><
• </c> Bill one, which is the actual budget Bill one, which is the actual budget with<02:49:00.319><c>
• </c> on 1456. on 1456.
• </c><04:22:13.600><c> was</c> going to go on and on and there was going to go on and on and there was

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• one should expect a miracle.
• one should expect a miracle.
• on election administration.
• California is one of those.
• But I can move on because we don't have that. Timing. Yeah, I'll move on.

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a hearing on Initiative Petition 25-01, H.5-001, an act relative to election day registration. The co-chairs explained the Article 48 initiative process and noted that the committee must report on the petition to the legislature. The hearing focused on how election day registration differs from same-day registration, how it is used in other states, and what implementation would require in Massachusetts. Three expert witnesses testified in support of the concept. A Northeastern University political science professor said the research shows election day registration would likely increase turnout, especially among younger voters, renters, recent movers, and other underrepresented groups, while requiring planning, training, and funding. A National Conference of State Legislatures policy analyst described how election day and same-day registration work in other states, including proof-of-residency and ID requirements, provisional ballot options in some states, and the need for updated voter systems and staffing. An MIT election administration professor said the proposal is mainstream, likely popular with Massachusetts voters, and administratively workable if the state addresses workload, wait times, and system integration. Committee members asked about costs, residency documentation, use of Real ID, provisional ballots, rural polling places, and whether election day registration could increase lines or discourage advance registration. Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin and volunteer proponent Norma Shulman testified in favor of the petition. They argued that election day registration would help eligible voters who miss deadlines or move before an election, reduce reliance on provisional ballots, and improve participation. Galvin said the proposal includes a 10-day reconciliation period and would likely require additional staffing and possibly technology, but he viewed the reform as worth the cost and consistent with broader election reforms. Shulman said voters she encountered during the signature drive strongly supported the measure and viewed it as common sense. In questioning, Galvin said the measure would help voters who move within a community or arrive at the polls unregistered, and he said many provisional ballots are not counted because of eligibility or registration problems. Opponents from the Massachusetts Municipal Association and the Massachusetts Town Clerks Association argued that while expanding access is important, election day registration would add to already heavy workloads for local clerks, who are managing early voting, vote-by-mail processing, and election-day operations with limited staff and resources. They said any major election change should be developed through the traditional legislative process with direct input from local officials, and they urged caution until municipalities receive more administrative and financial relief. The hearing then moved into the public testimony section, beginning with a representative from Mass for Fair Elections.