Transcript Highlights:

• President, a couple of administrative comments here.
• The House Committee on Administration has established an electronic public comment process for all Texans
• Since the merger was announced, the UT Health Administration have shared with us the ways the merger
• Zip codes, CIP codes are like the Dewey Decimal system for college degrees, and zip code 51 degrees are
• comprehensive regional universities for producing healthcare workforce degrees that fall under zip code

Transcript Highlights:

• And so with genetic code, that is everything. That is not just one thing.
• But typically, that's not the full genetic code. That will be something specific.
• Not the full genetic code. That will be something specific.
• Your genetic code does not change. So it doesn't matter if you get it early, get it late.
• Your genetic code does not change. So it doesn't matter if you get it early, get it late.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . 1.1 million Medi-Cal enrollees will lose coverage in the next few years, many due simply to administrative
• In addition, the age-appropriate design code authored by Assembly Member Wicks passed unanimously in
• In 2022, California enacted the age-appropriate design code, AADC.
• First, the age-appropriate design code protects youth up until age 18 rather than 13 or 16, and it is
• So on the default issue, when we passed the age-appropriate design code in 2022, it said you couldn't

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on privacy, AI, consumer protection, and public safety. AB 1979 would require a licensed health care professional to retain final clinical judgment when using AI tools in health care and would limit chatbot access to medical records; supporters, including nurses and TechEquity, said it preserves human decision-making, while hospitals and industry groups opposed it unless amended, citing burdens and training concerns. The bill passed 6-1 and was placed on call. AB 2624 would expand the Safe at Home confidentiality program to immigrant service providers and workers facing harassment and doxing; supporters described threats against advocates and their families, while one senator raised concerns about a private right of action and penalties. The bill passed 4-1 and was placed on call for further committees. AB 2103 would make Engaged California a permanent statewide public engagement program; supporters said it broadens civic participation and transparency, while concerns were raised about partisan balance in topic selection. It passed 6-0 and was placed on call to Appropriations. The committee also considered AB 2, which would set statutory damages and other financial accountability measures for large social media platforms when negligence causing harm to children is proven in court. The author and supporters, including a parent who lost her daughter and child-safety advocates, argued that stronger remedies are needed because social media design features are harming children and existing enforcement has been insufficient. Opponents, including TechNet, CCIA, CalChamber, and others, argued the bill blurs content and conduct, could increase litigation, and is unnecessary given existing lawsuits and verdicts. Several senators said the bill was a consumer-protection measure and supported it; it passed 5-0 and was placed on call. AB 883, as amended, would use California’s Delete Act/DROP system to help elected officials and judges remove personal information from data brokers, while also shortening the deletion timeline for all Californians from 45 to 30 days. Supporters said the bill responds to rising threats against public servants and improves privacy tools broadly; some opponents removed or softened opposition after amendments, though CalChamber and CCIA remained opposed unless amended, largely over the private right of action. The bill passed 4-0 and was placed on call. The committee then recessed briefly before taking up AB 2023, a chatbot safety bill for children that would require age verification, safety audits, default protections, parental controls, crisis-response measures, and limits on targeted ads and data sharing. Supporters said it builds on prior AI and child-safety legislation and is needed to prevent harms like self-harm and manipulation; opponents raised concerns about vague harm standards, audit requirements, and liability. The hearing continued with testimony and committee discussion, but no final vote on AB 2023 was shown in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Which the Internal<00:26:46.400> Revenue<00:26:46.840> Code<00:26:47.520> doesn't
• let me do Internal Revenue Code doesn't let me do today today today in<00:26:50.400> a<00:26:
• <00:30:01.640> type you're changing administrative type you're changing administrative type
• A lot of what we've done in section one comes from something called the Uniform Probate Code, which we
• called the uniform probate code called the uniform probate code which<00:42:58.040> we<00

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It could certainly surpass the current administration.
• If there’s a change of administration or if the administration picks up a pocket constitution and there
• . ...of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
• The administration has received specific, concrete recommendations from the Legislature, The administration
• when the administration is under pressure or in crisis.

Summary: The subcommittee heard May Revision presentations for the Office of Emergency Services, Judicial Branch, CDCR, and the Department of Justice, with the LAO offering comments and recommendations throughout. For Cal OES, the administration outlined funding for relocating the Red Mountain communications site, increased FEMA reimbursement authority, cybersecurity grants, next-generation 911 support, and a reduction to the Flexible Cash Assistance for Survivors of Crime program. Members raised concerns about VOCA backfill and disaster reimbursement, while the LAO recommended approving the 911 request with reporting, adding contingency planning for cybersecurity grants, clarifying the FEMA reimbursement language, and increasing reporting on emergency spending. For the Judicial Branch, the May Revision included funding for implementation of the Trial Nations Access to Justice Act, reductions tied to court facilities and employee benefits, and General Fund solutions such as a reduction to the pretrial release program, a reversion from the Trial Court Trust Fund, and elimination of the jury duty pilot program. The LAO cautioned that the pretrial reduction could affect detention and release decisions and recommended tighter legislative oversight over the trust fund transfer and reallocation language. Members questioned the impact of the pretrial cut, the lack of Prop. 36 court funding, and the rationale for the jury pilot elimination; the Judicial Branch said it was generally supportive of the budget as proposed. CDCR presented requests for roof repairs, fire alarm replacements, CalAIM-related costs, and trailer bill changes on incarcerated college students, mental health hiring, and tuberculosis testing, along with a planned prison closure by October 2026. The department also proposed reducing or delaying several items, including radio replacement, ADA improvements, COVID mitigation, and some facility upgrades, while adding a $125 million placeholder for consultant-driven operational savings. The LAO recommended rejecting or reducing several San Quentin-related proposals, questioned the staffing and contract medical requests, and urged more transparency on the consultant savings plan; members expressed concern about the realism of the savings targets and the potential legal or operational risks from delaying ADA and radio projects. For DOJ, the May Revision proposed ongoing funding and 44 positions to defend against federal actions, IT and accounting system upgrades, implementation funding for AB 1877, and a special fund loan. The LAO supported the KLETS connection but asked for a contingency plan if the new DMV link is delayed, noted that AB 1877 would not be fully implemented without additional funding, and recommended limiting and reporting on the federal accountability workload. Members questioned the size and permanence of the DOJ request, the use of the earlier $25 million special session appropriation, and the pace of federal litigation; DOJ said the new request would support ongoing litigation, expert assistance, and coordination across multiple cases and states.

Transcript Highlights:

• invested Basher administration has invested Basher administration has invested significant<00:30
• , Governor Basher and his administration, Governor Basher and his administration, the<00:30:48.799
• codes, and all those things.
• <01:03:08.960> uh current life safety building codes uh current life safety building codes
• the various cabinets, administrative the various cabinets, administrative office<01:16:22.000>

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:03 Roll Call: 00:00:09 Agency Updates: 00:01:44 Juvenile Justice Advisory Board Update: 00:03:36 Department of Juvenile Justice Update: 00:23:10, 958, all

Summary: The Juvenile Justice Oversight Council approved the minutes from its November 8, 2024 meeting and welcomed new member Representative Nick Wilson. The council also heard an update from the Administrative Office of the Courts on a school attendance awareness campaign aimed at reducing truancy referrals to court, and a member requested a future, more detailed presentation on truancy trends. The council then received an update from the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board from Dr. David Frink and Elsie Berger. They described the board’s membership, meeting schedule, public access, annual report and three-year plan, and its role in helping Kentucky remain compliant with federal juvenile justice requirements so the state can receive Title II funding. They said the board reviews grant applications for community-based services, substance use, and early intervention programs, with about $584,000 in federal funds this year and a little over $600,000 expected next year. Members asked about participation, board vacancies, and how to engage with the board, and the presenters emphasized the importance of statewide representation and community input. The Department of Juvenile Justice then provided a broader update through Commissioner Randy White and Deputy Secretary Mona Wamik. White said DJJ is under an ongoing U.S. Department of Justice investigation focused on conditions in detention facilities, including use of force, isolation, abuse, mental health care, and special education, and said the department has cooperated with repeated information requests and site visits. He also reviewed recent legislative and administrative changes, including 2023 Senate Bill 162, regional detention planning, facility segregation requirements, staffing and salary investments, improved staffing levels, reduced mental health vacancies, and training efforts related to security threat groups. He said DJJ has made progress but continues to work on staffing, safety, and facility improvements.

Transcript Highlights:

• But, you know, this administration, I don't really care.
• Found that there were 18% administrative efficiencies.
• And we all know each insurance company likes certain codes more than other codes. So that.
• Despite that, the apparent improvement in administrative complexity, the reduction of administrative
• Administratively, the program is quite good in terms of administrative costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:45.279> and including construction codes and including construction codes and licensing
• And that the construction code fund.
• <00:41:26.760> changes changes u their administrative changes changes u their administrative
• <00:46:12.319> and are the con construction code and are the con construction code and licensing
• So if it's not happening now, what about the next administration?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Then administration scanned our driver's licenses.
• Now they must continue to correct the mistakes of the Biden administration.
• So one of the things that is of interest to the Trump administration, is it not?
• They can't enforce the Transportation Code whatsoever.
• We just adopted a fire code.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several public safety, criminal justice, and regulatory bills. HB 4995 would create a training and certification program allowing licensed physicians and certain EMS personnel assigned to tactical units to carry firearms during high-risk deployments, with supporters saying it would let tactical medical staff protect themselves while providing immediate care; the bill was left pending. HB 2609 would repeal the failure-to-appear-or-pay/OmniBase license-hold program, with the author and advocates arguing it creates compounding debt and unnecessary barriers to driving, while judges and municipal court representatives said the program is a voluntary, cost-effective tool that improves court appearances and reduces warrants; the bill was also left pending. HB 4879 would create a grant program to help local law enforcement pay for lab testing of suspected hemp/Delta-9 THC substances, and HB 5436 would let licensed auto recyclers buy certain untitled vehicles for scrap or parts to curb illegal sales, VIN cloning, and chop shops; both measures were left pending after brief testimony in support. The committee also heard HB 1777, which would require a discrete designation on driver’s licenses and state IDs for people required to register as sex offenders. The author and supporters argued the marker would help law enforcement and businesses quickly identify potentially dangerous offenders and prevent harm, while opponents called it a stigmatizing “scarlet letter” that would increase harassment, family harm, and reintegration barriers. The bill was left pending. HB 4155 would create a two-year Family Violence Criminal Homicide Prevention Task Force in the Governor’s Office to study family violence homicides, gather stakeholders, and recommend policy changes; the author, HHSC, the Texas Council on Family Violence, and a survivor testified in support, and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4514, which would authorize DPS to use facial image verification, with consent and privacy safeguards, to help businesses confirm identities and combat fraud; supporters from the lumber and identity-verification industries said it would reduce theft and fraud, and the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 5139 would clarify that peace officers and jailers are justified in using less lethal force weapons when acting within training and official duties; law enforcement groups supported the measure as a way to encourage use of less lethal tools without fear of prosecution, and testimony was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Less than two months ago in the first two weeks the administration canceled all US foreign assistance
• That is a practice that pre- exceeded the current administration to the biden administration?
• Why then is the administration... ...deconstructing CISA? 130 people fired.
• In fact, it's so normal that the last administration... left it here for us.
• To our witnesses for your appearance, a few administrative matters.

Keywords: national security, cyber threats, civil liberties, transnational crime, FISA Section 702, public-private partnership, intelligence community, Annual Threats Hearing

Summary: The Senate Intelligence Committee convened for a significant meeting focused on the Annual Worldwide Threats Hearing. Prominent officials from various intelligence agencies presented their insights on emerging national security threats, including concerns over increasing cyber threats, particularly from China and non-state actors. A major discussion point included the balance between national security and civil liberties, as evidenced by conversations surrounding Section 702 of FISA and its implications for privacy protection. The challenges posed by cartels and transnational criminal organizations, especially related to narcotics trafficking, were emphasized as pressing issues necessitating coordinated responses from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. This meeting underscored the necessity of public-private partnerships to tackle these multifaceted threats effectively.

Transcript Highlights:

• An act to amend the Administrative Code of the City of New York in relation to allowing commuter vans
• This is an act of the Administrative Code of the City of New York in relation to the sale of certain

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and considered five bills on its agenda. Senate Bill 949, by Senator Jackson, would amend the New York City Charter regarding service of certain notices of violation returnable to the Environmental Control Board; it was approved and reported to the floor. Senate Bill 9358, by Senator Comrade, would amend the Administrative Code to allow commuter vans to accept street-side sales from prospective passengers; it was approved and reported to the Transportation Committee. Senate Bill 9882, by Senator Jackson, would amend the General Municipal Law concerning disabilities of deputy sheriffs in certain cities; it was approved and referred to the Finance Committee. Senate Bill 9025, by Senator Sutton, was listed as authorizing the City of New York to transfer certain state land, but no action on it was described in the transcript. Senate Bill 9683, by Senator Gonzalez, concerning the sale of certain lands formerly under the waters of Whale Creek/White Off Creek, was laid aside at the sponsor’s request and not considered further at the meeting. The committee took voice votes on the bills considered, with no opposition recorded in the transcript. The chair noted this was likely the final City’s One Committee meeting of the year, thanked members and staff, and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• , the Penal Code, and the Government Code.
• It was introduced to provide funding for the implementation and ongoing administration of this law.
• I'll note that the administration included no money for the implementation of Prop. 36.
• A person placed in administrative segregation has limited opportunity to act. ...dangerousness.
• A person placed in administrative segregation has limited opportunity to act violently.

Summary: The committee met without a quorum and operated as a subcommittee while hearing several bills on public safety, parole, criminal justice oversight, Proposition 36 implementation, behavioral health, gang database reform, cargo theft, and nonconsensual intimate images. The chair explained hearing procedures and noted that SB 906 was pulled from the agenda. Several measures were heard but not voted on because quorum was lacking. SB 1446, a committee bill, would expand discretion in en banc parole review, make en banc votes public record, and allow CDCR referrals for sexually violent predator evaluation of certain incarcerated people serving determinate or indeterminate terms. Support came from the California District Attorneys Association; opposition came from the Ella Baker Center, Uncommon Law, public defenders, and others who argued it would add confusion, litigation risk, and unnecessary duplication. The author said the bill was intended to clarify review standards and improve transparency. SB 1278 would exclude certain sex offenses and habitual/one-strike offenders from elderly parole eligibility. The San Diego District Attorney’s Office and California District Attorneys Association supported it, citing cases such as Gregory Vogelsang and David Funston; opponents from Uncommon Law, the Ella Baker Center, and others argued elderly parole is already highly restrictive, evidence-based, and cost-effective. Vice Chair Seyarto strongly supported SB 1278, emphasizing victim justice and public safety. SB 1354 would bar out-of-state military personnel not operating under Title 10 from entering California to perform military or law enforcement functions without the governor’s permission; a committee amendment removed a criminal penalty and left enforcement to the Attorney General. SB 926 would provide funding for Proposition 36 implementation, with committee amendments deleting a specific appropriation and shifting funding decisions to the budget process; supporters said counties need resources for treatment, probation, and administration, while opponents criticized the bill as fiscally reckless and duplicative. SB 874 would require background checks and clearer statewide standards for Medi-Cal behavioral health treatment services, especially ABA services for children; supporters said it would improve patient safety and program integrity. SB 1210 would extend CalGang-style oversight, notice, appeal, and DOJ regulation to all gang databases, not just shared ones; supporters described harms from inaccurate, unregulated local databases, while police chiefs opposed applying the CalGang framework to all local investigative files. The committee also heard SB 1019, which would create a DOJ cargo theft task force and add reporting requirements; supporters from BNSF, trucking, shipping, ports, and law enforcement said organized cargo theft is harming supply chains and worker safety, and no opposition was presented. Finally, SB 1217 would create a DOJ clearinghouse to help victims remove nonconsensual intimate images, including AI-generated deepfakes, from covered platforms; amendments narrowed the bill’s scope and clarified law enforcement’s role. The author and survivor witnesses described ongoing trauma from repeated reposting of exploitative images and argued the bill would provide a centralized removal process. The transcript ends during testimony on SB 1217, with no final votes taken on the measures heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the dual enrollment courses should generally be coded in for both institutions.
• And so they should be coded in the database that the CSU will be using through the California Guidance
• law judge process to take place, and whether or not there's enough administrative law judges across
• And whereas the union say CSEA for example may want unilaterally to have the administrative law judge
• There are no requirements for school or campus administration to inform the campus community of their

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several Senate measures focused on student access, workforce needs, and institutional stability. Senator Laird presented SJR 4, which urges the federal government to restore NIH funding cuts and protect California’s research universities; UC testified in support and there was no opposition. Senator Ashby presented SB 761, the CalFresh for Students Act, to connect Cal Grant applicants with potential CalFresh eligibility and expand qualifying programs; the bill drew broad support from higher education, student, anti-hunger, and county groups, with members sharing personal experiences with food insecurity and no opposition. Senator Cabaldon presented SB 520 to create a California Nurse Midwifery Education Fund for a new master’s-level nurse midwifery program, citing maternal health disparities and provider shortages, especially in rural and Central Valley communities. Supporters from the California Nurse Midwives Association and the Black Wellness and Prosperity Center emphasized workforce shortages and maternal mortality; one member raised concerns about the bill’s use of inclusive language, but the bill was otherwise well received. Cabaldon also presented SB 640, which would create a statewide direct admissions process to CSU for eligible high school seniors using existing data systems; supporters said it would reduce barriers, improve equity, and help declining-enrollment campuses, while members raised questions about special education students, rural access, dual enrollment, and measuring effectiveness. The committee voted SB 640 out on a 6-0 roll call. Cabaldon’s SB 744 would preserve California students’ access to enrollment and financial aid if a federally recognized accrediting agency loses approval, by treating affected institutions as accredited for state purposes; the bill drew no public testimony and advanced on a 4-2 roll call. Senator Cortese’s SB 494 would require classified school employees’ disciplinary appeals to be heard by an administrative law judge, matching protections already available to teachers and community college faculty; labor groups supported the bill, while school districts and administrators opposed it over cost, local control, and implementation concerns. The committee also heard SB 550, a revised pilot to allow San Jose State and a nonprofit, state-accredited law school to jointly develop a public law school pathway; supporters argued it would expand affordable legal education and public-interest careers, while UC and independent colleges opposed it as inconsistent with the Master Plan. Members debated access, jurisdiction, funding, and bar pass rates, and the bill advanced on a 4-2 roll call to the Judiciary Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• our criminal code. our criminal code.
• that's a code of conduct violation. that's a code of conduct violation.
• We currently in administrative rule have language around violations of code of conduct, meaning we can
• We currently in administrative rule have language around violations of code of conduct, meaning we can
• . administrator. administrator.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's Amendment bar code 9, 4, 5, 5, 0, 4, You're recognized to explain the amendment.
• Bar code 9, 4, 5, 5, 0, 4, It was we do voice vote. All right. All in favor say aye. All opposed.
• And that was in the bar code 7, 4, 2, 9, 3, 0, there. Any questions on the delete all amendment?
• Code. 8, 6, 4, 1, 1, Go ahead. >> Thank you, Mister Chair. This strike.
• What's the bar code for the delete all bar code 1, 7, 9, 5, 4, 0, Thank you. >> This amendment provides

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill repeals several sections of code as obsolete and outdated.
• That code section was last amended in 1923. Thank you. Are there any questions of counsel?
• There is a committee amendment to cure code conflicts with House Bill 4364 and House Bill 4089.
• From the administrative office. The Supreme Court. Okay, thank you.
• Again, not that they're for or against, but in order to help with the administrative piece, they provided

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its prior meeting and then took up House Bill 5537, a bill to repeal several obsolete or outdated code sections. Counsel explained that the bill would remove provisions related to professional development, a behavioral interventionist pilot program, county lists of facilities for child daycare, and high school graduation rates, with a proposed amendment adding another outdated education code section from 1923. The committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 5537 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass as amended. The committee then considered House Bill 4656, which would shift truancy policy toward chronic absenteeism and earlier intervention. Counsel said the committee substitute would replace punitive status-offense treatment with wraparound services, student support specialists, and a new child-in-need-of-supervision process, while also ending compulsory attendance at age 18 and removing criminal penalties for 18-year-olds. Members questioned how the new thresholds would work, including the role of attendance directors, prosecutors, judges, and the Department of Human Services, and whether the bill would change current diversion funding or court authority. Witnesses from Fayette County, Greenbrier County, and Taylor County largely opposed the bill or urged caution. The Fayette County attendance director said current truancy procedures, including school-based probation and court involvement, help secure family participation and services, and warned that removing the status offense would weaken enforcement. A Greenbrier County probation officer said diversion programs are effective and that court involvement often leads to needed services. A Taylor County juvenile prosecutor said status-offense jurisdiction gives courts meaningful leverage and flexibility, and asked that counties be allowed to keep existing approaches that work locally. After testimony, the committee voted to report HB 4656 to the full Senate without recommendation and with a recommendation that it be re-referred to the Committee on Education, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill repeals several sections of code as obsolete and outdated.
• That code section was last amended in 1923. Thank you. Are there any questions of counsel?
• There is a committee amendment to cure code conflicts with House Bill 4364 and House Bill 4089.
• From the administrative office. The Supreme Court. Okay, thank you.
• Again, not that they're for or against, but in order to help with the administrative piece, they provided

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Chair: THE STATE ADMINISTRATION BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE WILL COME TO ORDER.
• REP ROBINSON >>HERE >> REP YARKOWSKY >>HERE >> Chair: I WANT TO WELCOME EVERYONE TO THE STATE ADMINISTRATION
• THIS INCLUDES A BUREAU CHIEF AN ADMINISTRATIVE WHO ALSO HAVE OTHER DUTIES.
• CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THEY PLUG A DEVICE INTO THE CAR UNDER THE DASH AND PLUG IT IN AND READ THE CODES
• REGISTER WITH THE STATE OF FLORIDA TO DO BUSINESS AND THEY ASK TO BE ASSIGNED TO CERTAIN COMMODITY CODE

Transcript Highlights:

• So the most useful action that this commission can take is to support the X9QR pay code standard.
• Support the adoption of this X9QR pay code standard because this will give merchants flexibility on how
• That's why I was recommending using the adoption of the QR pay codes because it is a much more secure
• And there's a new standard of pay codes, QR pay codes, that was introduced very late last year that would
• So that's why, as this ecosystem grows, driving that adoption of the QR pay codes will help everybody

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Legislative Commission on the Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses held a public hearing focused on interchange fees, sales tax and tip processing, chargebacks, fraud, surcharging, and the broader future of payment systems. Chair Paul Feeney and co-chair Rep. Jamie Murphy opened by explaining the commission’s charge and inviting testimony from small businesses, industry groups, banks, and policy experts. Representative Sean Garballey testified first, arguing that Massachusetts tourism depends on universal card acceptance and stable interchange, and urging the commission not to disrupt the current system ahead of major events expected to bring millions of visitors to the Commonwealth. A large portion of the hearing featured independent restaurant owners and advocates describing thin margins and the burden of paying percentage-based processing fees on sales tax and tips that are not business revenue. Jen Ziskin, Kristen Canty, Nancy Cushman, Kerry Colzer, and others said restaurants often operate on very small profits and that processing fees on taxes and gratuities can amount to tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Ryan Lotz also urged reforms to chargebacks, including refunding chargeback fees when merchants prevail, requiring consumers to contact businesses before disputing charges, and limiting repeat abuse. Commission members pressed witnesses on whether tax and tip amounts could be separated at the point of sale, and several witnesses said current consumer card systems do not transmit that level of detail. Testimony from credit union, banking, and payments representatives largely opposed state-level changes that would carve out taxes or tips from interchange, warning of compliance burdens, higher costs, reduced rewards, and possible effects on fraud protection and access to credit. Alex Verine of America’s Credit Unions and Deb Peters and Keely McEwen of the Electronic Payments Coalition said the payment system is complex, that interchange funds fraud prevention and network infrastructure, and that new state mandates could create operational and legal uncertainty. Dan Swanson argued states have authority to act and pointed to Illinois litigation and federal court rulings, while Julian Morris and Brad Popolado emphasized the benefits of card acceptance, the decline of cash, and the need to consider other payment methods and check fraud as well. Several witnesses discussed international payment systems, instant payments, and QR standards as possible future directions. The chairs and members engaged in extended back-and-forth with witnesses about whether Massachusetts could exempt sales tax from swipe fees, whether surcharging should be revisited, and whether vendor compensation or other targeted relief might be more workable than broad changes to interchange. No votes were taken. At the close of the hearing, the chairs said the commission would hold one additional public hearing date to be determined, after which members would begin developing next steps and a report.

Transcript Highlights:

• This currently exists under the estate code.
• The substitute before you directs the office... the court administration to conduct an interim study
• It must also identify what provisions of the estate code and other relevant laws suggest could require
• The substitute also outlines who at the Office of Court Administration may consult with in order to continue

Bills: SB66

Keywords: disability, supported decision-making, legal assistance, confidentiality, access to justice, autonomy, civil rights, advocacy, 1184, house, all