Video & Transcript Research : 'Tax Code Chapter 11'
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OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Civil Judiciary REVISION 2: HB4094 and HB3407 - Added Feb 19th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Civil Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Language that would allow local utility taxing authorities to collect long overdue utility bills by deducting
- them from a person's Oklahoma state income tax refund.
- For some reason, local utilities or local taxing authority municipalities... ...access to, for some reason
- , local utilities or local taxing authority municipalities did not ask for passage and yield for questions
Bills:
HB1453, HB2933, HB2941, HB2945, HB2959, HB3087, HB3094, HB3297, HB3298, HB3319, HB3321, HB3386, HB3453, HB3471, HB3505, HB3510, HB3544, HB3549, HB3652, HB3727, HB3791, HB3845, HB3906, HB4119, HB4125, HB4126, HB4198, HB4236, HB4425, HB4343, HB4094, HB3407
Keywords:
foreign ownership, property rights, agricultural land, Attorney General, divestment, real estate, felony penalties, insurance regulation, homeowner claims, premium discounts, catastrophe mitigation, civil penalties, fentanyl, overdose, first responders, drug reporting, immunity, controlled substances, penalties, abortion
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
JDC, JDC, JDC Public Hearings 02-11-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:11:35.680>
so <00:11:35.839>as <00:11:36.000>not <00:11:36.120>to <00: - so as not to further restrict the<00:11:37.040>
rights <00:11:37.320>of <00:11:37.440>< - c><00:11:39.959>
very <00:11:40.160>much <00:11:40.680>next <00:11:40.920>up< - <01:21:21.159>
the <01:21:21.280>existing code chapter 650 to reflect the existing - code chapter 650 to reflect the existing requirement<01:21:22.159>
that <01:21:22.280>the
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard SB 1231, which would repeal the Parentage Uniform Act of 1973 and update Hawaii’s parentage laws, including parts of the Uniform Parentage Act of 2017. Supporters said the current statutes are outdated and do not adequately address assisted reproduction, surrogacy, and modern family formation. The Attorney General’s office supported the bill with technical amendments, including conforming changes to the Probate Code and child support provisions, and several testifiers urged passage as a needed modernization of the law.
A major point of disagreement was Part 10, which concerns donor anonymity. Some supporters, including members of the task force, the Uniform Law Commission, fertility and family law practitioners, and LGBTQ+ advocates, backed the bill as written or said it should move forward even if Part 10 is removed. Others, including donor-conceived adults, parents, and advocacy groups, opposed Part 10 and urged the committee to adopt the 2024 version of Article 9 or delete Part 10 entirely, arguing that anonymous donation harms donor-conceived people’s access to genetic, medical, and identity information and that anonymity is not realistic in the DNA-testing era. One task force member and attorney said she supported the bill but preferred removing Part 10 if necessary to pass the rest.
The hearing included extensive public testimony both in support and opposition, with many individuals describing personal experiences with adoption, IVF, surrogacy, and donor conception. No committee vote or final action on the bill was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- The other is we're leading toward using this instead of paying gas tax.
- 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.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 5, February 13, 2026-PM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 11:00.959>
plan <00:11:01.519>to <00:11:01.839>catch <00:11:02.160>up. - session laws chapter 187 section 11<02:26:46.399>
C. - Our current code allows for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which is for businesses, and Chapter 13, which allows
- >
chapter <02:55:15.600>11 <02:55:16.560>uh current code allows for chapter 11 uh - current code allows for chapter 11 uh bankruptcy<02:55:17.760>
which <02:55:18.000>is <
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (03/03/2025)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- 11:40.399>
are <00:11:40.600>the <00:11:40.800>commissions <00:11:41.519>pardon - <00:11:42.399>
on <00:11:42.639>this <00:11:42.880>but <00:11:43.120>are < - via legislation<00:11:51.519>
and <00:11:51.800>if <00:11:52.040>they <00:11:52.440 - would legislation<00:11:54.760>
have <00:11:54.920>to <00:11:55.160>be <00:11:55.560 - codes State building codes original fire codes State building codes and<01:03:48.359>
ordinances<
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, April 21, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Last week was tax day.
- My Lower Your Taxes Act expands the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit so working families
- My no tax on overtime for all out.
- They talk about, uh, families in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. We eliminated taxes on tips.
- reduces housing programs by 11 billion. reduces housing programs by 11 billion.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations - Human Resources Division Apr 9th, 2025 at 03:00 pm
Appropriations - Human Resources Division
Transcript Highlights:
- So I'm a bit confused because is, you know, I didn't go back to Century Code, but is it defined what
- I just, and I don't know if it refers back to another piece of code where it's defined.
- And either way, those gaming taxes go into the general fund.
- recommended moving forward for the Department of Veterans Affairs to cover those operating object codes
- I'm not sure; the only notes I had on here was $20,000, but would take more on page 11 of the testimony
Summary:
The committee took up Senate Bill 2025, the Veterans Home/Veterans Affairs budget, and worked through the long sheet line by line. Members discussed base payroll, salary and health insurance increases, FTE pool adjustments, IT rate increases, operating expenses, transportation grants, the PTSD service dog program, salary equity requests, temporary help/intern funding, a Veterans Benefit Specialist FTE, accrued leave, and several one-time or carryover items including the Fisher House, document scanning, and veterans medical transportation. The committee also reviewed proposed policy language that would shift governance authority for the Veterans Home and Department of Veterans Affairs from the Administrative Committee on Veterans Affairs to the governor, and would remove board authority over salary-setting and related hiring powers.
A major portion of the meeting focused on clarifying the commissioner salary equity line and how the agency had shifted operating dollars to fund the commissioner’s current salary increase. After discussion with agency staff and Lonnie, the committee voted to remove the separate commissioner salary equity increase line and instead restore operating funding, ultimately setting the operating line at $50,000 above the prior amount rather than fully funding the executive request. The committee also approved funding for the Veterans Benefit Specialist FTE, approved a carryforward/exemption for accrued leave, approved authority to accept $200,000 in federal transportation grant funds, approved the $500,000 transfers related to veterans homelessness, and approved the exemption language for certain federal/state fiscal recovery funds after discussing whether the funds were properly obligated.
On the governance amendment, members expressed concern about making a major policy change in an appropriations bill, but also frustration over the board’s salary actions. After debate, the committee adopted the amendment transferring governance authority to the governor by a 7-1 vote. The committee also approved a smaller amount for veteran service officer salary equity than requested, and rejected funding for temporary salaries and an intern. The chair then directed staff to prepare the amended bill for further action, with the committee planning to revisit it once the revised version was ready.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
TRN Public Hearing - Tue Feb 10, 2026 @ 8:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- has concerns about doing a tax code change just for one industry.
- chapter 251 instead of doing an end run around the general excise tax rules.
- He said the committee should be amending the rental motor vehicle and tour vehicle surcharge tax chapter
- are taxed. are taxed.
- 11:27.600>
I <03:11:27.680>don't <03:11:27.760>want <03:11:27.840>to <03:11
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 2021, a transportation measure creating a framework for electric bicycle and micromobility regulation. The bill would define electric bicycle and electric micromobility device, set age and helmet rules, restrict class 3 e-bikes from sidewalks, allow limited sidewalk use for class 1 and 2 bikes, prohibit high-speed electric devices and certain nonconforming devices in specified locations, update county tax definitions, and change related terminology. Testimony was largely supportive from DOT, police, Honolulu officials, Hawaii Bicycling League, AAA Hawaii, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, and several individuals, while DCCA’s Insurance Division asked for clarity on whether insurance would be required. Committee discussion focused on safety, enforcement, and the fact that no insurance market currently exists for these e-bike classes; members also discussed the need to target bad actors rather than ordinary riders.
The chair then proposed and the committee adopted amendments to HB 2021, including clarifying that road-legal, permitted, classified electric bicycles are not subject to insurance requirements at this time; allowing properly classified electric bicycles on sidewalks at 10 mph or less subject to county restrictions; barring high-speed electric devices and other nonconforming devices from public roadways; authorizing impoundment of non-road-legal or improperly registered devices; and requiring direct parental supervision for riders under 16 on class 2 or 3 e-bikes. The committee also made technical and effective-date changes. The recommendation to pass HB 2021 with amendments was adopted unanimously by the members present.
The committee next took up HB 1641, a related transportation bill addressing high-speed electric devices. The chair explained that the measure would prohibit the sale, lease, rental, distribution, possession, or operation of high-speed electric devices and establish penalties, but the committee’s version would narrow the focus to devices covered by HB 2021. The amended bill would prohibit offering high-speed electric devices for lease or rent, require sellers to comply with the new regulatory framework, ban operation on bicycle lanes, highways, roadways, and streets, and set a civil penalty of $250 to $1,000 per violation.
After no further questions, the committee voted to pass HB 1641 with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. The meeting then moved to HB 1709, which would transfer regulation of the Hawaii Water Carrier Act from the Public Utilities Commission to the Department of Transportation and make conforming changes with an appropriation. DOT testified in support, while the PUC and DCCA’s Consumer Advocacy Division raised concerns about preserving consumer protections and the complexity of moving the regulatory framework. Young Brothers supported the bill and said the current system is outdated, but the discussion remained ongoing; the transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 1709 is shown.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Municipal and County Government (03/03/2025)
Municipal and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- 11:40.399>
are <00:11:40.600>the <00:11:40.800>commissions <00:11:41.519>pardon - <00:11:42.399>
on <00:11:42.639>this <00:11:42.880>but <00:11:43.120>are < - via legislation<00:11:51.519>
and <00:11:51.800>if <00:11:52.040>they <00:11:52.440 - would legislation<00:11:54.760>
have <00:11:54.920>to <00:11:55.160>be <00:11:55.560 - to perhaps<00:11:57.959>
readjust <00:11:58.720>them <00:11:58.920>or <00:11:59.320
Summary:
The Municipal and County Government Committee held public hearings on House Bill 471 and House Bill 373. HB 471 would create a temporary commission to study growth, traffic, planning, and land use issues in a group of southern New Hampshire towns, with possible recommendations on regional planning commission boundaries or coordination. Representative Perez said the bill was requested by Londonderry residents and local officials, and Eric Power of Brookline testified in support, saying the towns share corridor and development issues that cross regional planning commission lines. Several members questioned whether existing law already allows towns to form regional planning commissions under RSA 364:6, whether the bill should be broader, and whether the town list should include additional communities. The hearing closed with testimony counts reported as two in support and three opposed on remote sign-in, plus one opposed and one in support on the blue sheet.
HB 373, sponsored by Representative Diane Powers, would revise RSA 41:11-a on town property leases. Powers said current law is too restrictive because leases over five years require repeated town votes, which she argued is impractical for long-term arrangements. She cited examples from Hampton and Brookline, including long-term road and property leases, and said she had found multiple similar cases. The bill would keep select board authority for leases under one year, allow a legislative body to authorize a specific longer lease by a three-fifths ballot vote, and preserve the existing five-year blanket leasing authority with a three-fifths vote, while keeping existing leases valid if authority is later rescinded. Eric Power testified in support, describing recurring lease renewals in Brookline and saying longer terms are needed for projects such as housing, cell towers, and solar arrays. Members asked about the change from a simple town vote to a three-fifths threshold and whether the bill duplicates existing mechanisms; Powers said the higher threshold was intended because the leases involve long-term commitments. No votes were taken during the hearing portion described.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Housing Jun 21st, 2026 at 09:00 am
Joint Committee on Housing
Transcript Highlights:
- Chapter 40R has long been Supply in a way that is sustainable and equitable.
- These codes were not adopted through careful study and analysis.
- revenue by converting tax-exempt, religiously owned property into housing.
- into tax-generating property.
- I want to thank our code officer, and we’re going to join the committee.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on zoning, Chapter 40B, and related housing bills. Much of the testimony focused on the “Yes in My Backyard” bill (H. 1572/S. 962), which would expand by-right development of missing middle housing, reduce barriers such as minimum lot sizes and parking mandates, and support duplexes, triplexes, and other small-scale housing. Supporters included housing advocates, developers, local officials, and municipal leaders from places like Cambridge, Salem, and Braintree, who argued that state action is needed because local zoning often blocks needed housing and that the bill would help create more affordable, neighborhood-compatible homes. Several witnesses also backed a companion “Yes in God’s Backyard” bill (H. 2347), which would allow faith-based institutions to build housing on their property by right, with testimony emphasizing the potential for new units, added municipal tax revenue, and partnerships between religious organizations and housing developers.
The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 1021 to modernize Chapter 40R incentives. Senator Pavel Payano and others said the program’s payments have not kept pace with inflation since 2004 and should be increased to better encourage smart-growth zoning near transit and town centers. Another major topic was H. 2298 on site plan review, which would codify and standardize the process in state law. Rep. Kristin Kassner and witnesses from MAPC and NAIOP said current site plan review practices vary widely across the state, creating confusion, delays, and litigation, while a uniform framework would give municipalities clearer tools to review by-right projects without undermining local oversight.
The hearing also included testimony on Chapter 40B reform, including S. 1005 and H. 1537. One witness supported further review of 40B and stronger regional planning, while another backed a proposal to allow certain pre-2010 40B condominium owners to sell at market value under a framework that would recapture some of the subsidy benefits. Committee members asked several questions about local zoning changes, housing goals by county, and how the proposed bills would affect communities. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chairs indicated that written testimony would be welcomed for technical details and additional comments.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 25th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII
Transcript Highlights:
- Under chapter 108 of the Occupations Code, I want to be clear, this is not a rule we have, this is something
- that under Chapter 108, they are barred from holding a social work license forever.
- On the code, yes. Correct. So let me just clarify this, okay?
- I believe it was 10 or 11 years.
- And so you're saying that for 10 or 11 years, nobody at the medical board knew this?
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 03/21/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- >
or <00:11:08.959>urban <00:11:09.120>agriculture <00:11:09.600>or <00:11 - :11:16.959>
some <00:11:17.040>of <00:11:17.120>the <00:11:17.200>the our - <00:11:18.480>
Um <00:11:18.880>so <00:11:19.120>it <00:11:19.440>is < - >
uh <00:11:21.680>do <00:11:21.760>an <00:11:21.920>RFP <00:11:22.959> - My idea<00:11:58.240>
is <00:11:58.480>that <00:11:58.640>there <00:11:58.800>
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Agriculture Feb 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Almost half a billion dollars and local and state taxes paid.
- Chapter 6, 2, 0, 6, 0, 1, Florida statutes.
- We're governed by an 11 member Florida Citrus Commission, which is appointed by the governor, confirmed
- Obviously, if the district had these contracts in place with that tax for Cs, they did have quite a bit
- The ones that typically did a better job for those that have a contract with have tax or nrcs mainly
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a tax credit, I understand that and I appreciate that.
- <00:08:45.160>
It's <00:08:45.360>tax <00:08:45.640>credit, <00:08:45.960> - It's tax credit, I taxpayers' money.
- On Monday at 4:00 p.m., the Fire EMS Code will meet on the second floor of the Senate and...
- at 4:00 p.m. the Fire EMS Code at 4:00 p.m. the Fire EMS Code will<00:16:01.880>
meet <00:
Summary:
The House met on February 24, 2026, with 110 members initially present and later 126 present after additional quorum calls. The chamber handled routine introductions and referrals, including House bills 1629-1631 and Introductory House Bond Initiatives 60 and 61, and received Senate Bill 9 and Supplemental Budget Number One, both of which were read and referred to the appropriate committees. The supplemental budget was submitted as an amendment to the fiscal 2027 budget and referred to Appropriations.
The House then took up third reading and final passage on several bills. House Bills 311 (public schools, individuals with disabilities, accessibility, and emergency planning), 359 (property tax credit for urban agricultural property alterations), 396 (residential child care programs and training), 430 (family child care providers and reserve component members), 735 (earned income tax credit assistance program implementation delay and study), and 851 (Maryland Statewide Independent Living Council legal status) all passed, with HB 396 receiving four negative votes and the others passing overwhelmingly or unanimously. House Bill 805, the Building Homes Act, also passed after brief floor questions about whether the tax credit would apply to nonprofits and what safeguards existed; the sponsor explained it was an enabling bill and that local governments could set their own requirements.
The floor session included several personal and guest recognitions, including visitors in the gallery, a doctor of the day, a birthday recognition, Women in Construction Week, African Advocacy Day, District 16 night, and a foster youth shadow day announcement. Members also discussed the addition of children’s books in the lounge and thanked the pages for their work. Committee and subcommittee announcements followed, and the House recessed until Monday, March 9, at 8:00 p.m. legislative day February 25.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:11:27.720>
Senate <00:11:27.880>bill <00:11:28.040>100 <00:11:28.600> - <00:11:44.520>
The <00:11:44.640>clerk <00:11:44.880>will <00:11:45.000>read - >> House<00:11:46.680>
bill <00:11:46.840>231, <00:11:47.680>higher <00:11: - The<00:11:54.040>
question <00:11:54.400>before <00:11:54.680>the <00:11:54.800>< - All in favor<00:11:57.720>
signify <00:11:58.200>by <00:11:58.360>saying <00:11:58.760
Summary:
The House convened with 124 members present, offered a prayer, and recognized foster youth visiting the chamber. Members then adopted two House resolutions honoring Dr. Sonja Santelises for 10 years as CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools and recognizing Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, for 104 years of service, scholarship, and sisterhood. The House also received Senate bills and began taking up committee reports.
Several bills were reported favorably and advanced to third reading, including measures on higher education grants, public safety pay restrictions, retirement and pension system work group extensions and cost-of-living adjustments, synthetic turf and aquaculture studies, rail crew requirements, Howard County speed limits, election address confidentiality, IT investment fund uses, ethics financial disclosures, Public Information Act divorce records, aging-in-place grants, judicial assignments, clerk and register salaries, and firearm literature distribution. House Bill 428, concerning temporary assignment of former judges, was special ordered until the next day after the minority whip requested time for an amendment.
The chamber also considered and adopted amendments on several bills. House Bill 437, the Transportation and Climate Alignment Act of 2026, was amended to exempt the Chesapeake Bay Bridge project and then special ordered after questions about greenhouse gas impacts on major highway expansion projects. House Bill 457 on menstrual hygiene products at higher education institutions, House Bill 538 on student enrollment disclosures, House Bill 561 on child care credential funding, House Bill 720 on a veterans scholarship, and House Bill 212 on out-of-state vehicle registration all received amendments and favorable reports as amended. HB 212 drew extended debate about Maryland residents using out-of-state tags, with supporters saying it would help enforce registration laws and opponents raising concerns about legislative вмешательство in vehicle regulation and enforcement discretion.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- purpose of House Bill 4543 is to clarify the existing statutory exemption found in section 87 of chapter
- Even if that visit was 10, 11 months ago, I can practice telemedicine with that pet and that pet owner
- 138 for alcohol, Chapter 94G for cannabis, Chapter 23 for sports betting, and Chapter 90 for motor vehicles
- . ...and the rights and responsibilities that come with it do not depend on your ZIP code.
- The excise tax revenue from these products is vital, supporting education, public safety, and health
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills, with the longest discussion focused on House Bill 426 and Senate Bill 263, which would prohibit the sale in Massachusetts of cosmetics known to rely on vertebrate animal testing. Supporters from Animal Defenders International, Humane World for Animals, and the Animal Rescue League said animal testing is cruel, outdated, and unreliable, and pointed to non-animal alternatives and similar laws in other states and countries. No opposition was heard on that bill during the excerpt, and witnesses urged the committee to report it favorably.
The committee also took testimony on House Bill 4543, which would clarify an existing pipe-fitting exemption for certain work performed on property owned by industrial plants, utilities, colleges, and similar institutions. A representative for Construction Industries of Massachusetts supported the bill, saying it would preserve longstanding practice for outside contractors doing yard piping work. Pipefitters Local 537 opposed it, arguing the work is properly licensed pipefitting and that the bill would weaken licensing standards and undermine state inspectors.
Another major topic was Senate Bill 237 on regulating self-checkouts in grocery establishments. The Mass AFL-CIO and UFCW Local 1445 supported the bill, saying self-checkout has reduced staffing, increased worker stress and customer conflict, and contributed to theft and safety problems. Workers described being responsible for multiple machines at once, verbal abuse, and even assaults, and said the bill’s staffing and machine limits would improve safety and customer service. The committee also heard extensive testimony on House Bill 355, which would allow veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship via telehealth; ASPCA, MSPCA, and several veterinarians supported it as a way to expand access to care, while the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association and several veterinarians opposed it, arguing that an in-person exam is essential for proper diagnosis and that telemedicine should only follow an in-person VCPR.
Finally, the committee heard testimony on House Bill 330, Senate Bill 221, and House Bill 371, which would preempt local boards of health from adopting tobacco-related age or sales restrictions beyond the statewide standard. Public health advocates opposed the bills, arguing they would block local innovation and undermine nicotine-free generation policies adopted by municipalities, while retailers and tobacco trade groups supported them as necessary to preserve a uniform statewide age-21 standard and avoid confusion for consumers and businesses. No votes or final actions were taken during the excerpt.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Higher Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I have been raising my granddaughter Cheyenne with her papa for 11 years. Please.
- I have been raising my granddaughter Cheyenne with her papa for 11 years.
- Chapter 15A.
- I personally buy all my textbooks secondhand online, and these access codes make that impossible.
- I personally buy all my textbooks secondhand online and these access codes make that impossible.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Higher Education heard testimony on a broad set of bills focused on making public higher education more affordable and accessible, protecting student information, and changing social work licensure rules. Chair Rogers and Senator Comerford opened by emphasizing the committee’s focus on financial aid, tuition and fee waivers, scholarships, admissions, and institutional changes, and they reminded witnesses about the three-minute testimony limit. No votes were taken during the hearing.
A large portion of the hearing centered on the “Super Act” (H. 1423/S. 218), which would eliminate the master’s-level social work licensing exam and create grant support for social work internships. Supporters—including students, practitioners, educators, and advocates—argued that unpaid internships and the exam create financial barriers, worsen workforce shortages, and disproportionately affect Black, brown, older, ESL, and other marginalized candidates. Opponents from the Association of Social Work Boards argued the exam is a necessary public-protection standard, helps maintain uniform licensure, and is important to the social work licensure compact; they said workforce shortages should be addressed through pay, working conditions, and caseloads instead. Committee members asked detailed questions about compact participation, exam accommodations, and how other states such as Rhode Island and Connecticut have handled similar changes.
The committee also heard extensive testimony in favor of debt-free public higher education bills (H. 1436/S. 929). Witnesses, including students, faculty, advocates, and Senator Eldridge, said Massachusetts should expand on free community college by covering tuition and mandatory fees at public colleges and universities, with additional aid for living costs for lower-income students. Supporters said student debt delays homeownership, family formation, and career entry, and that the state should use Fair Share revenue to invest in public higher education. Some committee members voiced support but also raised concerns about prioritizing K-12 funding and the cost of expanding free college further.
Several witnesses also supported bills to extend tuition and fee waivers to young adults raised by grandparents or other kinship guardians outside the DCF system, arguing that these students face the same trauma and financial barriers as foster youth but do not receive the same benefits. Representative Donato, Joseph O’Leary, Shauna Manning, Sandra Vecchio, Karen Gardner, Judy Walter, Elaine Arsenault, and others described the financial strain on grandparents raising grandchildren and urged parity with DCF-related waivers. In addition, Senator Jake Oliveira testified for a bill to protect public higher education student directory information from data mining and unauthorized sharing, and Deirdre Cummings testified for an open educational resources bill to reduce textbook costs. The hearing concluded with continued testimony on kinship care and college access, with committee members thanking witnesses and indicating follow-up on some bill language issues.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Energy, Utilities and Communications
Transcript Highlights:
- under the income tax component of contributions and advances to cover the tax liabilities owed by the
- You can easily imagine how that 24% tax can add significant cost to projects.
- This tax effectively adds an extra $1 million on top of the projected cost.
- It does not require Public Utilities Code Section 851.
- .is because of taxes.
Summary:
The committee heard several energy, water, and utility bills. SB 919 by Senator Grayson would extend the biomethane monetary incentive program through 2030 and authorize additional funding to support renewable natural gas projects by reducing interconnection costs. Supporters said high interconnection costs and the current tax treatment are major barriers to methane reduction projects; opponents, including TURN and environmental groups, raised ratepayer cost concerns and objected to rate-basing and additional public funding. The author said amended language would remove the rate-basing provisions and instead urge the CPUC to act quickly on its pending decision.
SB 931 by Senator Laird would reauthorize the Community Impact Mitigation Program for the Diablo Canyon plant through 2030 to continue funding local emergency preparedness, fire protection, public safety, and school district costs. The County of San Luis Obispo and labor groups supported the bill, while TURN opposed it as a statewide ratepayer subsidy that could be funded from existing PG&E revenues instead of higher rates. Members discussed the bill in the context of the 2022 Diablo Canyon extension deal and the possibility of a future longer extension.
SB 1215 by Senator Cortese would direct the CPUC to set deployment targets for EV charging in multifamily housing and evaluate progress, with amendments aimed at affordability and limiting system upgrade costs. Supporters said renters are largely locked out of home charging and that prior utility programs proved cost-effective; no opposition testified. SB 1359 by Senator Stern would require more deliberate CPUC review before major gas system investments, emphasizing electrification and non-pipeline alternatives. Gas utilities and several industry groups opposed it, arguing it could undermine the obligation to serve, create safety and reliability risks, and change the regulatory compact.
The committee also heard SB 1125 by Senator Menjivar, presented by Senator Gonzalez, which would establish a statewide low-income water rate assistance program upon appropriation. Water agencies, environmental groups, and local governments supported the measure, while one member expressed concern that it lacked a funding source and could not overcome Proposition 218 limits; the bill was moved to Appropriations and the roll was left open. Finally, SB 1098 by Senator Perez would restrict the use of long-running memorandum and balancing accounts by investor-owned utilities, require exceptional circumstances for new accounts, and add sunset and cost-sharing requirements. Consumer advocates and large energy users supported tighter oversight, while the utilities and business groups opposed the bill as too rigid and potentially harmful to flexibility for wildfire, emergency, and safety-related costs.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 5, 2026 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Next up we have HB 511, public records code inspector body cameras.
- I arrived at the age of 11, and I strongly oppose the original bill.
- Quite simply, this bill is a poll tax, and that is not hyperbole.
- I've heard the word simply a lot today, but this bill is simply a poll tax.
- Michelle Jesus: This is a modern poll tax.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Indian Affairs Jul 16th, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- or a tax increase, we wanted to make sure for Chair Lente and I that that tax was equitable and that
- While I was grateful there was something in the tax code that ultimately, or the tax package that ultimately
- This is a regressive tax. I don't want to raise a regressive tax. I want to reimagine how we tax.
- I don't think raising taxes just to raise taxes does the job because we don't know what the job is.
- The World Health Organization recommends increasing alcohol taxes and why this is back to taxing.