Video & Transcript Research : 'Texas Occupations Code'
Page 189 of 500
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Another speaker: Retirees are treated differently under our tax code.
- If that state, Texas, or wherever, had withholdings, then it sounds like I would have to file proving
- A gentleman, I can't do anything about the tax laws in the State of Texas or any of those.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Enter the Texas flag. Honor the Texas flag.
- House Texas Fellow.
- The state of Texas and the Texas House is better because Tony Tinderholt served in this chamber.
- LBJ School to be here in Texas.
- We are so pleased that she's in Texas and staying in Texas. She has a new job lined up.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 01/29/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- , it doesn’t have the power to restrict who pursues the occupation.
- , it doesn’t have the power to restrict who pursues the occupation.
- , it doesn’t have the power to restrict who pursues the occupation.
- , it doesn’t have the power to restrict who pursues the occupation.
- farming as legitimate legal occupation farming as legitimate legal occupation on<01:25:45.119>
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration Mar 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Compensation Administration Revolving Fund, but both of those funds are included in the annual Labor Code
- So the amendments proposed in Labor Code 4757 apply the reforms to applications and open SIBTF cases
- I'm happy to share with you in terms of occupations of what they studied from that time period of who
- There are folks across multiple occupations, non-veterans included.
Summary:
The Budget Subcommittee on State Administration heard presentations on the Department of Industrial Relations’ labor-related budget items, with the main focus on proposed trailer bill language to reform the Subsequent Injury Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) and a related budget change proposal for staffing. DIR said SIBTF has grown far beyond its original purpose, citing the 2020 Todd decision, expanded eligibility based on chronic or asymptomatic conditions, and a backlog that has grown to more than 30,000 pending cases. The administration argued the reforms would restore guardrails, reduce liabilities and employer assessments, and speed processing for severely injured workers; the LAO said the proposal was largely consistent with its prior recommendations. Members raised concerns about using trailer bill language for major policy changes, the retroactive application to open cases, and the impact on workers already in the queue, while supporters from employer groups and public agencies backed the proposal as necessary to control costs and restore sustainability. Public comment was split, with injured-worker advocates opposing the retroactive changes and business/public employer representatives supporting the reforms.
The committee then heard the SIBTF workload request, which would phase in 177 positions over five years at a cost of $36.5 million, including staff for the Division of Workers’ Compensation, the Office of the Director Legal Unit, and administrative support. DIR said the additional staffing is intended to address very high caseloads and reduce processing times, but emphasized that the request assumes the reform package is adopted; LAO agreed the staffing increase made sense if paired with reforms. Members asked about vacancy rates, current staffing, and whether the workload request would become the new normal, and DIR said it would monitor caseload trends and adjust future requests as needed.
Finally, the committee received an update on the California Workplace Outreach Program (CWOP), which DIR described as a partnership with community-based organizations to educate workers and help employers comply with labor laws. DIR reported that CWOP has reached 1.75 million workers and employers and made 8 million touchpoints since 2020, with the current round awarding $50.7 million to 87 partners for a two-year period through June 2027. Members and public commenters highlighted the program’s role in reaching immigrant, farmworker, janitorial, nail salon, and other vulnerable communities, and several speakers urged continued funding at $30 million per year for five years. No votes were taken during the hearing.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (02/11/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- code and finally a office code code and finally a four-digit<01:32:55.199>
station <01:32:56.199 - The 617 area code in Boston has zero central office codes available.
- The 617 area code in Boston has zero central office codes available.
- The 617 area code in Boston has zero central office codes available.
- The 617 area code in Boston has zero central office codes available.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- January 2024, I pushed forward and the council adopted the specialized code.
- However, the code is only for new construction and only in Salem, as most of you know who have visited
- January 2024, I pushed forward and the council adopted the specialized code.
- however the code is only for new construction and only in Salem as most of you know who have visited
- We are downsizing, and we may have a school that may be available to turn into housing, but the code
Summary:
The hearing focused on several climate and utility-related bills, especially H. 3449/S. 2292 to expand the municipal fossil fuel-free building demonstration program from 10 to 20 communities and related home rule petitions for Somerville and other municipalities. Witnesses from Somerville, Salem, Worcester, Cambridge, Newton, Arlington, Wellesley, Watertown, and the Massachusetts Municipal Association argued that local governments should be allowed to opt into fossil fuel-free or net-zero building standards, citing climate goals, environmental justice concerns, housing production, and data showing all-electric construction can cost about the same as or less than mixed-fuel construction. Committee members repeatedly pressed witnesses for cost data and asked for written follow-up, while also discussing whether strong environmental standards affect housing supply; witnesses responded that the main housing constraints are financing and that they would provide more data from local projects and state studies.
A second major topic was H. 3564, which would require gas companies to provide municipalities with detailed multi-year pipe replacement plans, allow local review and objections, and limit reimbursement for projects not previously disclosed except in emergencies. Municipal leaders and advocates said the bill would improve coordination of street work, reduce disruption and costs, and help cities plan for electrification, network geothermal, and non-pipeline alternatives. Testimony from Wellesley, Cambridge, Arlington, Newton, and others emphasized repeated problems with last-minute gas main work, the need for advance notice, and the value of municipal participation in planning gas system retirement and alternatives.
The committee also heard testimony on the “tactical transition” bills, S. 2249/H. 3539, aimed at managing the gas-to-clean-energy transition. Supporters from Gas Transition Allies, Rewiring America, and 350 Mass said the bills would require joint gas-electric planning, create an advisory council, eliminate subsidies for new gas hookups, shift investment toward repairs and clean alternatives, protect workers through retraining, and make utility plans more transparent. They argued these changes would reduce ratepayer costs, avoid stranded gas assets, and support orderly decarbonization. In addition, HEET testified on H. 3541, which would update greenhouse gas accounting to better reflect methane’s short-term climate impact, and H. 3543, which would establish a framework for managing shared thermal resources and thermal energy networks; committee members asked several questions about the meaning, ownership, and consumer-cost implications of the proposed “thermal commons.” No votes were taken during the hearing.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Even sunscreen has a CPT code for mine.
- That has a CPT code. Well, we're in the law of this state or any other state.
- “But, you know, they also have to fit within that certain billing code.
- The other thing is they talk about insurance codes.
- Pecuniary interest is defined in the new Civil Code or the new Code of Evidence article.
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 476, which would add clearer warning language for garnishees responding to interrogatories and create a limited procedure for a new trial when a garnishee can show it never held property or owed the debtor during the garnishment period. After brief questions about how garnishment works, the bill was reported favorably without objection. Senate Bill 260, a youth athletics coaches training bill, was then amended to remove language about the department using donated funds to purchase courses and was reported as amended.
House Bill 79, by Chairman Carter, would remove the damages cap for carbon capture release claims. Carter argued carbon capture should be treated like other industries and not receive special liability protection, and the committee reported the bill favorably without objection. The committee also took up Senate Bill 424, which clarifies that electronic service applies only to counsel of record representing a party, and Senate Bill 180, a constitutional amendment allowing a surviving spouse of a deceased disabled veteran to make a one-time transfer of an expanded property tax exemption to another qualifying homestead. SB 180 received a ballot-language amendment and a 6.88 report before being reported as amended.
The longest discussion centered on House Bill 1089, which creates “care accounts” for future medical damages in delictual actions. Supporters said the bill would ensure future medical awards are used for medical care, reduce abuse, and function like a restricted account with a card or similar payment mechanism; opponents raised concerns about the account being owned by the judgment debtor, possible reversion of unused funds to the wrong party, administrative confusion, and impacts on survivors of trafficking and sexual abuse who may need flexible, trauma-informed care outside standard billing codes. After extensive testimony and debate, the committee adopted an amendment set and reported the bill favorably by a 6-1 vote, with Representative Carter voting no.
Finally, House Bill 437 was heard and amended. The bill would prohibit expert witnesses from having a pecuniary interest in the outcome of the case, while still allowing inquiry into an expert’s prior testimony history. An amendment excluded criminal traffic and juvenile proceedings, and the committee continued discussion with testimony from supporters and opponents as the transcript ended.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Nov 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So we're in the process of an architect and an engineer working through code compliance changes that
- So, what I'm looking to discover is if someone is primarily licensed in – let's just make up Texas.
- Texas is in the medical compact.
- This is going to be Agency Code 350. We had been a little bit ahead of time.
- Building passed all codes, Mr. Chairman. Um, Mr.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 51 (3-20-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- opportunity to submit an occupational opportunity to submit an occupational licensing<01:22:20.320
- Remember, roughly 200 occupations in Kentucky currently require a state-issued occupational license.
- House Bill to licensing and occupations.
- be taken from the lic and occupations be taken from the lic and occupations committee<01:53:41.119
- returned to the lic and occupations returned to the lic and occupations committee. committee. committee
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services (05/13/2026)
Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So, this is only focusing on the lowest-paying occupations in all the states.
- :43.280>
with <00:29:43.480>a these graphs show occupations with a these graphs show occupations - in all the lowest-paying occupations in all the states. states. states.
- . occupations. occupations.
- of wages for those specific occupations. of wages for those specific occupations.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Apr 29th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Maggie Carpenter, has two lawsuits against her from Texas and Louisiana. In New York, Dr.
- Maggie Carpenter has two lawsuits against her from Texas and Louisiana because someone found medication
- country. 437,000 of those fatalities were here in California, the second highest in the nation behind Texas
- Under this framework, randomized audits ensure compliance with health and safety codes, and the approach
- tests at over 15,000 locations across Oakland and found that connections in the highest-income zip code
Summary:
The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard a full agenda of bills focused on reproductive health, professional licensing and sunset reviews, consumer protection, and business regulation. Early testimony centered on AB 260, which would protect access to medication abortion, mifepristone, and telehealth reproductive care in California; supporters emphasized state protections against federal restrictions, while an opponent argued the bill removed safety safeguards. The committee also heard AB 714 on closing a loophole in regulation of low-cost commercial driving schools, AB 968 on allowing pharmacists to prescribe non-hormonal contraception, AB 671 on streamlining restaurant permitting, AB 1027 on strengthening cannabis product testing oversight, AB 1271 on broadband pricing and speed transparency, and AB 1332 on narrowly allowing medicinal cannabis shipments for seriously ill patients. Several sunset bills were also taken up, including AB 1482 on animal shelter and breeder transparency, AB 1501 on the Podiatric Medical Board and Physician Assistant Board, AB 1502 on the Veterinary Medical Board, AB 1503 on the Board of Pharmacy, and AB 1504 on the Massage Therapy Council.
Testimony was largely in support of the measures, with many bills drawing co-sponsors or support from industry, consumer, or professional groups. AB 1503 generated the most sustained opposition, with nurses, physicians, and drug industry representatives objecting to expanded pharmacy technician ratios, standard-of-care language, and therapeutic interchange authority; supporters argued the bill would modernize pharmacy practice and expand access. AB 1504 also drew mixed testimony, with massage therapy groups supporting continuation of the council but raising concerns about proposed public records and governance provisions. AB 1271 drew a policy dispute over whether broadband reporting requirements duplicated federal FCC processes, while supporters argued California needed its own consumer-facing data and complaint system.
After quorum was established later in the hearing, the committee began taking roll-call votes. AB 1271, AB 1332, AB 1482, AB 1501, and AB 1502 were all reported out on due-pass motions, with AB 1271 amended and the others generally amended or as introduced as noted. Earlier bills including AB 260, AB 671, AB 714, AB 968, and AB 1027 also received motions and were approved once the quorum was present. The chair repeatedly noted the lack of quorum during the hearing, but once one was secured, the committee completed votes on the agenda items and advanced the measures to Appropriations.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Radioactive and Hazardous Materials Oct 15th, 2025
Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- So you have like Texas.
- So is there a concern that Texas could be monetizing New Mexico water?
- If you reroute that pipe to the Texas Pecos, you could get a Texas permit and still be on New Mexico
- under a Texas permit.
- Texas has some pretty good universities: UT, Texas A&M, UTEP; you could go on.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Apr 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- IT'S A FEASIBLE STUDY ALLOWING A UNIQUE PIN NUMBER OR CODE WORD TO PAIR WITH UNIQUELY GENERATED PHONE
- AND AGGRAVATED ANIMAL CRUELTY IS A THIRD DEGREE FELONY ON THE CRIMINAL PUNISHMENT CODE SCORESHEET.
- IN TEXAS THERE WAS A MAN SUED.
- WE'VE SEEN HARASSING LITIGATION IN TEXAS AND ARIZONA.
- THAT'S EXACTLY HOW SIMILAR BILLS HAVE BEEN WESTERNIZED IN OTHER STATES CROSS THE COUNTRY INCLUDING TEXAS
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 25th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- miserable that people literally are packing up and leaving this gorgeous state for the hot, humid Texas
- It requires standardized itemization of all lien-based medical bills so that you have the same codes
- for the same treatment, i.e., like a chiropractor will be X code or Y code.
- I can, require standardized itemization of all lien-based medical bills so that you have the same codes
- for the same treatment, i.e. like a chiropractor, will be X code or Y code.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then handled a series of procedural motions to re-refer bills, suspend rules, and remove items from the consent calendar. The chamber also heard guest introductions recognizing family milestones, a youth leadership program from Assembly District 13, a delegation of Japanese business leaders, and a Michoacan delegation. Later, members adopted several resolutions and consent items, including California Craft Beer Week, the Freedom Flag as a 9/11 remembrance symbol, Probation Services Week, and California Wildfire Week, along with other consent-calendar measures.
The main floor debate centered on SB 417, a $10 billion housing bond for the ballot, with supporters emphasizing the state’s housing shortage, homelessness crisis, and funding for multifamily housing, supportive housing, homeownership, farmworker housing, student housing, tribal housing, infrastructure, and preservation of existing affordable units. Opponents criticized the proposal as adding debt without enough reform and objected to the use of veterans in the measure’s messaging. The Assembly passed SB 417 on urgency and on the measure, 54-7, and sent it to the Senate. Members then adopted ACA 20, which would expand and modernize the state Rainy Day Fund by increasing its cap and changing deposit rules; it passed 54-8 and was transmitted to the Senate.
The Assembly also approved SB 623, a transportation-related bill addressing rideshare safety and medical lien practices. Supporters said it would curb abusive billing, restrict attorney conflicts and kickbacks, require stronger background checks for TNC drivers, and allow women riders and drivers to request women-only matches. The measure passed unanimously, 67-0. Later, the House adopted ACA 21, which removes ACA 13 from the November ballot, by 62-0, and ACA 22, which amends a ballot measure affecting taxation and local fiscal resources, by 64-0. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of Dr. Dorothy Viola Calvin, followed by announcements, recesses, and final adjournment until the next scheduled floor session.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- The association also strongly supports an act relative to the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code,
- So it is vital to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, ...commercial code.
- amendments that are proposed here in H. 1282 and S. 684 are meant to update the Uniform Commercial Code
- of Columbia who have already passed this legislation to amend their particular Uniform Commercial Code
- statutes. ...passed this legislation to amend their particular Uniform Commercial Code statutes, and
Summary:
The Committee on Financial Services heard testimony on several bills focused on consumer debt, mortgage regulation, credit unions, and foreclosure prevention. The Attorney General’s Office strongly supported the Debt Collection Fairness Act (S. 735/H. 1275), saying it would curb abusive debt collection, prevent stale claims, limit civil arrest warrants, modernize wage garnishment rules, and reduce judgment interest rates. Senator Eldridge and legal aid advocates echoed that support, while the Massachusetts Bankers Association and the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association supported bills on credit union mission/competition, consumer privacy in mortgage applications, subprime loan definitions, UCC updates, and protections for vulnerable adults, but opposed foreclosure mediation proposals and several credit union expansion measures, arguing they would distort competition and add unnecessary burdens.
A large portion of the hearing focused on foreclosure prevention bills (S. 765/H. 1090), with testimony from homeowners, housing organizers, and legal advocates describing predatory lending, confusing servicing practices, health harms, and displacement caused by foreclosure. Supporters said a statewide pre-foreclosure mediation program would give borrowers and lenders a chance to reach alternatives such as loan modifications or repayment plans, and cited local experience in Lynn where mediation reportedly produced high rates of foreclosure alternatives. Opponents from the banking industry argued Massachusetts already has strong foreclosure protections and that a new mandatory process could delay resolution without added benefit, though they also noted a 2024 pilot should be evaluated first.
The committee also heard strong support for H. 1282/S. 684, which would update the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code. State Street and a bankruptcy attorney said the changes are needed to keep commercial law current with electronic transactions, tokenized assets, and blockchain technology, and to maintain competitiveness with other states. The hearing concluded after public testimony, with no bill votes taken during the session; the chair thanked speakers and the committee voted to adjourn.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 41 Apr 15th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- They were laughing about how I was making fun of Texas Tech University here at OSU.
- The code calls. Go folks. Peer Hilbert, you are recognized. For a very orange presentation.
- And as you heard in the intro video, Oklahoma State University is guided by the cowboy code and values
- And whereas Oklahoma State University has launched the code.
- nation, and the world, and whereas Oklahoma State University is guided by the values of the cowboy code
Bills:
HR1051, HR1048, SB2074, SJR39, SJR47, SB1983, SB444, SB1503, SB1561, SB592, SB1501, SB1946, SB1567, SB1833, SB2026, SB904, SB2178, SB1651, SB1558, SB1565, SB1553, SB1257, SB65, SB1749, SB1242, SB1642, SB640, SB667, SB1436, SB1484, SB1562, SB1794, SB1644, SB1533, SB933, SB1555
Keywords:
livestock, judging, Oklahoma State University, championship, agriculture, military children, recognition, community support, military families, April 15, pharmacy benefits managers, reimbursement, healthcare, prescription drugs, cost regulation, property valuation, tax limit, homestead, income threshold, elderly
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Health Services (8-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- software to add billing codes. software to add billing codes.
- that list of codes.
- we codes and how many billing codes do we codes and how many billing codes do we think<01:12:28.560
- <01:13:17.920>
If actually in that list of codes. If actually in that list of codes. - before, you know, Texas passed a bill. before, you know, Texas passed a bill.
Keywords:
1. Call to Order and Roll Call – 00:00:00
2. Approval of Minutes – 00:01:32
3. Getting to Know the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky – 00:02:26
4. Healthy Kids Clinic – 00:26:58
5. Pharmacy Payment Parity – 00:56:36
6. Ibogaine – 01:17:37
7. Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations – 01:53:05
8. Adjournment – 01:53:19, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first approved the prior meeting minutes and recognized Eric Clark for his service, noting this may be his last meeting before he leaves state government. The main presentation was from Allison Adams, president and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, who described the organization’s history, nonpartisan mission, and focus on health equity, prevention, and upstream policy solutions. She said Kentucky’s poor rankings in chronic disease, preventable hospitalizations, and life expectancy show the need to shift resources toward prevention and community-driven strategies rather than relying mainly on treatment after people become sick.
Adams emphasized leading health indicators, arguing that lawmakers should track actionable measures such as quit attempts and smoke-free policies instead of only lagging indicators like disease rates and mortality. In response to questions, she said accountability should be shared across communities and systems, with possible incentives and disincentives tied to outcomes, and she supported creating a public data utility or dashboard, ideally with university partners, to help legislators and communities monitor progress. She also cited examples of accountable health community models and said Kentucky could adapt similar approaches.
The committee then heard from Meade County Schools Superintendent Mark Martin and district health coordinator Karen Kotche about the Healthy Kids Clinic partnership with Cumberland Health. They described a seven-year effort that led to full implementation in the district, which now has a nurse in every school and a nurse practitioner, allowing services such as sports physicals and other clinic functions to be provided on campus. They said the program has been a strong investment for students and the community and began explaining how the district built the partnership after earlier efforts and delays, including the pandemic.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informational interview with Rep. Shelley Buck (DFL-Maplewood) Feb 9th, 2026
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And then of course now with the current ICE occupation that we have here, that's a major thing for our
- Um, with everything happening right now, I probably the ICE occupation will be a big one that gets worked
- :11.440>
here, <00:02:11.680>that's <00:02:11.920>a <00:02:12.319>a occupation - that we have here, that's a a occupation that we have here, that's a a major<00:02:13.040>
thing< - will be a big one that gets occupation will be a big one that gets worked<00:03:57.519>
on.
Summary:
The transcript is an interview with Shelley Buck, a newly elected Minnesota House member for District 47A, who introduced herself as Dakota, a member of the Prairie Island Indian Community, and president of a nonprofit working to restore land at Owámni/St. Anthony Falls. She said her prior 12 years on tribal council, including six as president, motivated her to run because she wants to help people and bring that same kind of service to her new district.
Buck said constituents in her district emphasized affordability, especially housing and health care, along with environmental protection, clean water, PFAS concerns, gun safety, and the impact of the current ICE occupation. She described herself as a champion for working families and the environment, citing her own working-class, single-parent upbringing and the importance of postsecondary education and state support programs.
On policy priorities, Buck said she wants to focus first on the ICE occupation issue, while also addressing affordability, health care, housing, and environmental protection. She framed her environmental views through a Dakota worldview that treats plants, animals, land, and water as relatives and stressed protecting the Boundary Waters and other natural areas.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Emily Burchett from The Woodlands, Texas, student of Auburn University.
- Texas, student of Auburn University. Texas, student of Auburn University.
- <05:41:04.360>
and <05:41:04.520>Florida ago in Texas and Florida ago in Texas and - This bill come from Texas and Louisiana. This bill come from Texas and Louisiana.
- of Alabama 1975, Chapter 29 of Title 36, Code of Alabama 1975, or Chapter 91 of Title 11, Code of Alabama
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then adopted a resolution honoring Dr. Todd Freeman, Superintendent of Vestavia Hills City Schools, as Alabama Superintendent of the Year. Senators praised his leadership in public education and noted the recognition was especially meaningful as one of the last such honors in the current chamber. The Senate also adopted a resolution commending the 2026 Alabama Law Institute Senate interns for their service, and members offered personal remarks thanking the interns and encouraging them to remain and contribute to Alabama in the future.
The chamber then took up several conference committee and House messages. The Senate concurred in the conference report on Senate Bill 341 after extended remarks, and later concurred in the conference report on Senate Bill 32, described as a veterans-related bill that would make benefits automatic for those under the federal poverty level and allow cities and counties to opt in for veterans above that level. The Senate also received House amendments to Senate Bill 199, concerning sex offenders, and voted to non-concur and send the bill to conference, naming conferees.
In resolutions from the Rules Committee, the Senate adopted an amended House Joint Resolution 198 establishing the Alabama Mental Health Task Force. It also adopted House Joint Resolution 326, which recognizes the need for a north-south transportation route in East Alabama. Throughout the meeting, senators made extended floor remarks about slowing down on legislation, focusing on rural hospitals and other priorities, and the importance of treating children, seniors, and low-income residents fairly.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- So, for example, supplier Clearview Energy out of Texas... It's not just green.
- For example, supplier Clearview Energy out of Texas has a plan that they offer to customers.
- For example, supplier Clearview Energy out of Texas has a plan that they offer to customers.
- What are we to do with those zip codes or those census block tracks where it appears from the data that
- In Texas, for example, NRG is developing and has launched innovative retail products like the one we
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several energy-related bills, with the main focus on H. 3534/S. 2255, which would ban or sharply restrict residential third-party electric suppliers, and on related reform proposals. Supporters included the Attorney General’s office, municipal and regional planning officials, environmental justice groups, consumer advocates, and city officials from Boston and Chelsea. They argued that the residential competitive supply market has produced higher bills, deceptive sales tactics, auto-renewals into higher rates, and disproportionate harm to low-income residents, seniors, communities of color, and people with limited English. Witnesses cited AG reports estimating hundreds of millions of dollars in overcharges over time, described door-to-door and storefront marketing abuses, and said municipal aggregation programs have saved residents money while offering more stable rates. Several supporters said the Legislature should either ban residential competitive supply or adopt strong guardrails such as ending automatic renewals, banning incentive-based commissions, and capping rates relative to basic service.
Opponents or industry representatives from the Retail Energy Advancement League, Vistra, and Constellation argued that the market can provide savings, longer-term price stability, and value-added products such as renewable options and time-of-use offerings. They said Massachusetts has already improved consumer protections through DPU proceedings, that complaints are relatively few compared with the size of the market, and that a ban would eliminate consumer choice. They also defended direct sales and commissions as normal features of a retail market, while saying they would support additional protections, licensing, bonding, and stronger oversight of bad actors. Committee members pressed both sides on whether the market truly saves money, whether automatic renewals should be banned, and whether the AG’s proposed reforms would be enough.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 3972, a bill to extend utility shutoff protections during extreme heat, with Rep. Mindy Domb arguing that Massachusetts should treat extreme heat like extreme cold and protect customers facing financial hardship. Rep. Barrett also testified for H. 3450, a municipal broadband/right-of-way bill, arguing that communities need easier and cheaper access to utility poles and public rights of way to build municipal broadband. In addition, Senate Majority Leader Creem testified for S. 2239, which would bar utilities from recovering ratepayer funds for lobbying, promotions, trade association dues, and similar expenses. No votes were taken during the hearing.