Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, technological developments are happening.
• Our community staff is amazing.
• Impacts in local communities like the Central Valley.
• It's not just one community, it's not one region.
• So our family is dedicated and supporting local farms, communities through, and communities through its

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Assembly Committees on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact and Agriculture, held at Fresno State, focused on cost pressures in California’s food system, household affordability, and the Central Valley’s role in agriculture. Opening remarks emphasized Fresno State’s regional importance, the Central Valley’s outsized contribution to food production, and the connection between agricultural health, food security, and the broader economy. Members also noted the impact of the federal shutdown on CalFresh benefits and the state’s efforts to respond with food assistance funding and National Guard support for food banks. The first panel featured academic and policy experts who described agriculture’s economic importance in the San Joaquin Valley and the rising pressures on farms and households. Dr. Conduro highlighted agriculture’s large share of regional GDP, farm receipts, jobs, exports, and food manufacturing, while identifying water scarcity, SGMA-related land fallowing, labor shortages and rising labor costs, market volatility, invasive pests, and production cost inflation as major barriers. Caroline Danielson of PPIC said food prices remain about 30% above 2019 levels, food insecurity affects about 1.8 million California households, and nutrition programs such as CalFresh, WIC, and school meals are essential in reducing poverty, especially in the Central Valley. Susie Pryor of the Central California Small Business Development Center described technical assistance, capital access, and training for small food and farm businesses, while warning that reduced funding limits support for rural and immigrant entrepreneurs. The second panel brought testimony from a small produce business owner, a food entrepreneur, and the Fresno County Farm Bureau. They said input costs for fertilizer, fuel, irrigation, labor, land leases, and compliance have risen sharply while commodity prices have remained flat or fallen, squeezing small farms and food businesses. Panelists stressed the need for small-batch processing facilities, local supply chains, education on food manufacturing compliance, land access for small farmers, and more pathways into agriculture through trade programs, community colleges, and FFA. Ryan Jacobson said California agriculture is facing a prolonged downturn, with farm bankruptcies, weak commodity prices, export-market uncertainty, water reliability problems, and costly ag-burning rules all contributing to financial strain. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken; the hearing was informational and concluded with discussion of possible policy solutions and continued engagement with stakeholders.

Transcript Highlights:

• and borehole technologies and Drilling capabilities and borehole technologies, and advanced drilling
• in our community to do some things.
• funds because of the negative backlash that the community was feeling.
• these community funds.
• I think at the end of the day, those companies become part of the communities.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Businesses are the anchors of our communities.
• Our team's been on the ground in communities over the last four years building this plan and program,
• We have our own special considerations being a border community that also run right into some of the
• And then if there are obviously many that are not selected, how do you communicate back to them?
• And for those who are not selected, is there any type of process to communicate back to them on?

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee 5 on State Administration heard presentations from Go-Biz and the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation on the Governor’s budget proposals. Go-Biz described California Jobs First, the state’s 10-year economic development strategy, and emphasized support for small businesses, workforce development, and targeted investment in sectors such as ag tech, life sciences, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing. Members raised concerns about federal policy changes, tariffs, tourism, housing, child care, and whether state incentives are truly additive; Go-Biz responded that it tracks federal actions closely, works with chambers and advocates, and uses programs like California Competes to target jobs that would not otherwise come to California. The committee then reviewed the proposal to restore the California Competes grant program with $60 million. Go-Biz said the grant would help businesses that cannot use the nonrefundable tax credit, and explained the program’s five-year contracts, milestone-based awards, and recapture provisions. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the grant could be effective but recommended stronger oversight and clearer eligibility criteria, while also noting the 30% cap in trailer bill language may be too restrictive given the smaller funding level. Public testimony supported the grant and suggested considering refundability or transferability for the tax credit to broaden access for smaller and startup businesses. Members also heard the CHIPS-related proposal for $25 million to support Natcast’s semiconductor design and collaboration facility in Sunnyvale. Go-Biz and public witnesses argued the state investment would help secure a major federal research facility, retain engineering talent, and leverage billions in broader investment, while the LAO recommended rejecting the item because of its dependence on uncertain federal funding and the state’s budget condition. The committee also considered a $17 million continuation of CA RISE, which supports employment social enterprises; Go-Biz and several grantees cited strong job placement and workforce outcomes, while the LAO recommended rejection absent a more rigorous evaluation, noting prior LA RISE evidence did not show long-term employment gains. Finally, the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation presented budget requests for IT security and rent increases, and a trailer bill to raise fees across several programs. DFPI said decades-old fee schedules, inflation, and new regulatory responsibilities have created a structural deficit and warned the department could face insolvency without adjustments. The LAO recommended approving the fee increases only on a three-year limited-term basis and asked for more detailed revenue plans for programs not covered by the proposal, so the Legislature can assess actual collections and market impacts before making the changes permanent.

Transcript Highlights:

• The result of all this is that this service is now gone for people in that community that need it.
• Representative Busick, I think there is technology there.
• My off-road diesel in my community is mom-and-pop stores that are 10 miles outside the city limits.
• Representative Busek, I think there is technology there.
• My off-road diesel in my community is mom-and-pop stores that are 10 miles outside the city limits.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am employed by Lumen Technologies.
• In all that time, they have accurately identified the providers or technology they plan to rely on for
• That technology is going away.
• I mean, that's the situation we're talking about: you might have a community or citizens who...
• Idaho citizens and communities, and even the PUC, would be on unequal footing before the FCC.

Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee began by approving the March 11 and March 13, 2026 minutes and then advanced the gubernatorial reappointment of Bud Tracy to the State Building Authority to the Senate floor with a recommendation for confirmation. The committee then heard House Bill 650, a federalism-related measure described by the sponsor and Idaho Farm Bureau testimony as reaffirming constitutional limits on federal and state power; it was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation after brief discussion and no opposition. The committee next took up House Bill 674, which would streamline telecom service discontinuance by relying on the FCC process rather than duplicating review at the Idaho PUC. Lumen representative Rick Gutierrez testified that the FCC process already requires customer notice, identification of alternatives, public comment, and review of whether service can be discontinued without leaving customers without options; supporters argued the bill removes duplication, while opponents said it shifts final decision-making away from Idaho and could weaken state oversight. After debate over state sovereignty, consumer protection, and whether the FCC or PUC should be the final decision-maker, the bill passed 6-3 and was sent to the floor. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1365, which would exempt certain religious organizations from donor-disclosure requirements when they participate in ballot-measure advocacy, so long as related spending stays under 10% of prior-year receipts. The sponsor, Secretary of State Phil McGrane, and several pastors argued the current rules chill church participation and force disclosure of unrelated donors; opponents raised concerns about transparency, enforcement, and the possibility of churches becoming vehicles for political spending. A motion to send the bill to the 14th order failed, and a substitute motion to hold the bill in committee passed 5-4. Finally, Senate Bill 1411, expanding disclosure rules to paid in-person canvassing and related political activity, was introduced as a transparency measure aimed at paid campaign efforts; it was sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation, with Senators Toews and Shippy recorded in opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am employed by Lumen Technologies.
• That technology is going away.
• It would allow Idahoans, Idaho communities, and even the PUC to weigh in.
• Idaho citizens and communities, and even the PUC, would be on unequal footing before the FCC.
• Idaho citizens and communities, and even the PUC, would be on unequal footing before the FCC.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate State Affairs Committee first approved the March 11 and March 13, 2026 minutes and advanced the gubernatorial reappointment of Bud Tracy to the State Building Authority with a recommendation for confirmation. It then heard House Bill 650, a measure described as a formal statement of federalism reaffirming state and federal constitutional limits; the Idaho Farm Bureau testified in support, and the bill was sent to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee also took up House Bill 674, which would streamline the process for discontinuing telecommunications service by relying on FCC findings rather than duplicating review at the Idaho PUC. Lumen Technologies testified in support, explaining the FCC discontinuance process and customer-notice protections, while several senators raised concerns about state sovereignty and whether the bill would give the FCC final authority; the bill passed the committee 6-3 and was sent to the floor. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1365, which would exempt religious organizations from certain campaign-finance donor disclosure requirements when they participate in ballot measures, so long as their spending stays below 10% of prior-year receipts. Supporters, including Catholic Church representatives and pastors, argued the current law chills churches’ participation and forces disclosure of ordinary tithes and offerings; Secretary of State Phil McGrane said the current rules are overly broad, but recommended using PACs and noted his office could investigate complaints and financial records if needed. Opponents argued the bill would create a special rule for churches, weaken transparency, and potentially open the door to broader political activity, including recalls. A motion to send the bill to the 14th order for possible amendment failed, and a substitute motion to hold the bill in committee passed 5-4. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1411, which expands disclosure requirements for paid in-person canvassing and campaign activity, including paid efforts related to candidates and ballot measures, while exempting volunteers and incidental costs. The sponsor said the bill is intended to increase transparency around paid political canvassing and out-of-state money. After brief clarification that the bill would cover paid youth canvassers and similar activity, the committee voted to send Senate Bill 1411 to the floor with a do pass recommendation, with Senators Toews and Shippy recorded as voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some really great technology and brilliance that can help us better plan.
• Since 2021, we have been communicating limiting capacity to these customers.
• So that's certainly a big benefit to our community.
• Developers pay, in our community, impact fees, so they contribute to housing projects.
• I'm here today on behalf of the California Community Choice Association.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, what this does is it gives us the ability, another tool, to keep people in our community safe.
• Second. save lives of community members or save save lives of community members or save their<00:06:45.040
• </c> tool to keep people in our community tool to keep people in our community safe.<00:06:57.680><c>
• The technology always seems to outpace the law, so I’m not sure there would be any benefit to it.
• ><c> to</c><00:10:22.320><c> outpace</c> The technology always seems to outpace The technology always

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the community college for five decades now.
• the community college for five decades now.
• And these are all—and that's just in the technology world.
• We've heard bills in These are all—and that's just in the technology world.
• And these are all, and that's just in the technology world.

Summary: The Senate and Assembly Education Committees held their annual joint hearing with the California Association of Student Councils and SABLE, where student delegates presented policy ideas developed over two days. Committee members repeatedly praised student voice and noted that several past student proposals had become law. The hearing began with opening remarks from legislators and student organizers, who emphasized the importance of civic participation and the value of hearing directly from students. The chair also reviewed hearing rules and explained that the panels would be treated as peers in a formal policy discussion. The first panel proposed an annual civic engagement day for grades 7-12, with flexible activities such as mock elections, civic fairs, Socratic seminars, and public comment practice. Members asked about costs, grade-level flexibility, voter registration, and how the proposal would fit within existing curriculum time. The second panel proposed amending Education Code Section 35012 to require at least one student board member in every unified and high school district, with expanded training and motion rights. Legislators supported the concept but raised technical concerns about fiscal impact, the need for odd-numbered boards, the scope of motioning authority, and whether districts would need reimbursement if the mandate became statewide. A third panel proposed adding middle school financial literacy instruction by embedding it into existing classes, with curriculum and teacher training developed over time by state agencies. Members questioned how it would fit into adopted materials and whether the state should wait until the new high school financial literacy course is fully implemented before designing middle school instruction. The fourth panel proposed expanding restorative justice by creating a CDE task force and authorizing PPS-certified staff to use restorative justice training materials in discipline processes. Senators discussed prior legislation, confidentiality concerns in closed-session hearings, and the fiscal cost of a state task force, while expressing support for stronger restorative practices. The final panel proposed more active mental health education through short, twice-semester classroom sessions for grades 7-12 focused on coping skills, time management, and awareness of resources. Assemblymember Castillo and Senator Cortese questioned whether teachers and counselors could effectively deliver the program, whether it would duplicate or overburden existing efforts, and whether wellness centers or student-led awareness efforts might be more effective. Committee members generally agreed the topic was important but were skeptical that another curriculum mandate was the best solution, and no votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk of the House is here to communicate with our Senate. >> Madame Clerk, please communicate. >
• ,</c><00:36:32.000><c> and</c> new building, the new technology, and new building, the new technology
• </c> Communications and announcements. Senator from Taylor. >> Communicate with the body. Mr.
• </c> communications as we go into next week. communications as we go into next week.
• </c> thriving arts community attracts thriving arts community attracts tourists<01:03:31.280><c> who<

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation and pledge, established a quorum, excused absent members, and approved the journal. During second reading, several bills and a joint resolution were reported to the Rules Committee, including measures on trauma center provider coverage, cremation, public library trustees, local occupational license fees and taxes, and a food-is-medicine resolution. The House also communicated passage of House Bills 176, 178, and 280 and requested concurrence. Committee reports advanced Senate Bill 39, Senate Bill 181 with a committee substitute, Senate Bill 17 with a committee substitute and title amendment, and Senate Bill 34. The chamber then took up and passed Senate Bill 13, which would allow military installations to have ex officio representation on nearby planning and zoning bodies to improve communication about land use near bases. It passed 37-0. Senate Bill 46, concerning school transportation, was amended by committee substitute to require background checks and drug testing for drivers of school vans and to extend van use to 10-passenger vehicles; it passed 37-0 after a brief clarification about the amendment’s display in the system. Senate Bill 22, expanding the dual credit scholarship program to support a teacher apprenticeship pathway, was amended to require a 2.75 GPA and then passed 36-1 after questions about employment status and liability; the sponsor explained it would help address teacher shortages and reduce student debt. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 90, which extends the behavioral health conditional dismissal pilot program from 2027 to 2031 to continue offering treatment-based alternatives to incarceration for eligible low-level offenders; it passed 37-0. Senate Bill 51, a proposed constitutional change to freeze property tax assessment increases for homeowners age 65 and older on their primary residence, also passed 37-0. Senate Bill 30 was passed over but retained its place in the orders of the day. The rules committee later posted Senate Bills 27, 40, and 76 for the next day, and the Committee on Committees referred Senate Bill 109 to Licensing and Occupations, Senate Bill 68 to State and Local Government, and Senate Resolutions 45 and 46 to the Senate floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a constituent of this committee and a nurse dedicated to our community, I respectfully ask for your
• You know, if you don't know what's working, is it technology? Can they use more technology?
• Those programs are ongoing right now in two rural communities as well as two urban communities.
• Those programs are ongoing right now in two rural communities as well as to urban communities.
• of the veterans community, both nonprofit and at the VA.

Summary: The committee heard a JLBC presentation on H.R. 1’s SNAP impacts, including expanded work requirements, higher state administrative costs, and a potential state share of benefits if Arizona’s payment error rate remains above 6%. JLBC estimated the administrative cost increase at about $33 million in FY 2027 and $44 million in FY 2028, and said a 2024 error rate of 8.8% could expose the state to about $139 million in benefit costs starting in FY 2028. The chair also opened the meeting by asking members and speakers to keep remarks shorter to improve efficiency. The committee then considered several SNAP-related bills. HB 2797, which requires DES to more frequently verify eligibility through data matching, post fraud/noncompliance data, and address out-of-state EBT purchases, passed 7-5. HB 2442, requiring certain able-bodied SNAP adults with school-age children to participate in employment and training unless exempt, also passed 7-5. HB 2448, which limits DES’s ability to seek work-requirement waivers or discretionary exemptions without legislative authorization, passed 7-5. HB 2206, which sets a goal of reducing the SNAP payment error rate to 3% by 2030 and adds reporting and corrective-action requirements, passed 7-5 after debate over staffing, technology, and whether the target was realistic. The committee also advanced HB 2180, appropriating $2.5 million to the University of Arizona for AZ REACH, a hospital transfer coordination program serving rural facilities. Supporters said it improves patient transfers and reduces burdens on rural hospitals; some health system representatives were neutral but asked for operational improvements. HB 2180 passed 11-1. HB 2184, as amended, passed 7-4-1; it would extend fetal death certificate filing and require patients to be informed of the option to transfer fetal remains to a funeral home, with supporters describing it as a matter of parental dignity and closure. HB 2188, as amended, creating a Language Acquisition Grant Program for deaf or hard-of-hearing infants and toddlers, passed unanimously after testimony about balancing spoken-language and ASL options. The committee then began hearing HB 2194, a bill requiring insurers to provide a contact for detailed explanations after claim or prior-authorization denials, but the transcript ends before action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• also have a capital grant program so if you're a current manufacturer and you need to purchase technology
• And the reason I was concerned Was that it was unproven technology, and there's only one company that
• But this is not unproven Technology.
• And so for New Mexico to step up and say that we want to bring these technologies here.
• I believe that this will create a market for the best available control technology.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas every community and every sector of the state's economy, from farming to mining to high-tech
• And he's with Community Water Company of Green Valley.
• Appropriations, transportation technology. Placed under second reading of bills.
• House Bill 2673 is withdrawn from the Committee on Appropriations and Transportation Technology.
• House Bill 2673 is withdrawn from the Committee on Appropriations and Transportation Technology.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then completed an electronic roll call showing 24 members present and six excused. The journal for March 23, 2026, was dispensed with and approved. Senator Dunn introduced a guest intern from the University of Arizona, and Senator Gabaldón presented a legislative proclamation recognizing April 26 to May 2, 2026, as Arizona Water Professionals Week, highlighting the importance of the state’s water resources and the work of water professionals across sectors. Several guests from Arizona water organizations were welcomed, and remarks emphasized the value of water policy and the upcoming water conference. The chamber then handled routine floor business, including entering House messages and first readings of several bills. Measures introduced included HB 2344 on the local government investment pool, HB 2375 on housing and historic neighborhood zoning, SB 2671 on juvenile chronic penalty charges, SB 2680 on workers’ compensation notice fraud compensation, SB 2750 on the Arizona State Trade Commission, SB 2976 on justice court administration and due process, and SB 2992 on a pilot program for sexual abuse prevention. HB 2673 was withdrawn from the Committee on Appropriations and Transportation Technology. Committee announcements were made for the next day’s meetings, including Government, Health and Human Services, Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency, Education, Judiciary and Elections, and Public Safety. No substantive floor votes on legislation were taken, and the Senate adjourned by motion until Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• People are struggling in our communities.
• to help the folks in the community.
• People are struggling in our communities. This is not a partisan issue.
• to help the folks in the community.
• That's what this does by using technology.

Bills: HB2118, HB2181, HB2308, HB2309, HB2402, HB2476, HB2682, HB2698, HB2875, HB2877, HB2903, HB2910

Keywords: mobile food vendors, licensure, food safety, statewide regulations, health standards, zoning, temporary vendors, HB2181, death certificate, death certificates, vital records, funeral establishment, funeral home, human remains, medical certification of death, death registration, state registrar, local registrar, county medical examiner, alternate medical examiner

Transcript Highlights:

• our local communities.
• our local communities.
• So we're very focused on the problems that communities and communities attract a stronger workforce.
• But I also think that when we're talking about disadvantaged communities, we're talking about communities
• Yes, so there have been reviews conducted by the Department of Technology about the current technology

Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview from Go-Biz Director D.D. Myers on the administration’s economic development strategy, centered on the California Jobs First framework. Myers described regional planning across 13 regions, the Jobs First Council, and pilot sectors including ag-tech, space and defense, life sciences, and semiconductors. She also outlined budget requests for CalCompetes, CalExport, the California Film Commission, innovation/emerging technologies, and the California Civic Media Fund, along with the new California brand campaign. Committee members raised questions about misinformation about California, regulatory burdens, tourism versus broader economic messaging, and how the brand campaign would highlight underrepresented communities. No vote was taken; the item was informational. The committee then reviewed CalOSBA’s work on small business support, including California RISE, the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund, and TAP/SIP technical assistance and capital infusion programs. CalOSBA reported that California RISE’s first cohort awarded $16.9 million to 61 employment social enterprises, with growth in revenue, contracts, and jobs; the performing arts payroll fund paid all 100 recipients but was heavily oversubscribed; and TAP supported more than 112,000 businesses in the past year, helping leverage federal and local funds. Testimony from program partners emphasized the importance of small business counseling, community-based outreach, and support for arts organizations facing post-pandemic and AB 5-related cost pressures. Senators pressed for more data on long-term job retention, better outreach to smaller and ethnic media, and possible program changes to speed grants and stretch funding further. Finally, the committee heard Go-Biz’s request for additional staff and funding for the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program. Staff said the request would support application review, DEIA implementation, and data tracking. The Film Commission reported that about 147 productions had been approved and roughly 90% were opting into the new diversity provisions, with career pathways reporting to include demographic and participation data and a future report expected in 2027. Senators asked about accountability, apprenticeship and internship hours, and whether the program was producing real career pathways and inclusive hiring outcomes. The item remained informational, with no vote or action taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And our group and my peers in the investing community, energy investing community, are very scared of
• We believe that there's enormous promise in this new wave of nuclear technology development.
• That then has to be redistributed among everyone else in the community.
• And I'm sorry, but I'm a little mad when I go from community to community and I see the people and they're
• The technology was unproven. It was expensive. We needed to build that marketplace.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, for example, if you're in a community that's more tourist-driven, and that's acceptable in the community
• So, for example, if you're in a community that's more tourist-driven, and that's acceptable in the community
• I was like, yeah, rural communities, great.
• Sheriffs and nearby communities... ...their homeless community here. That happens routinely.
• Thank you. other communities. This bill could handle that.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, and adoption of the special order report for the day. Members observed a moment of silence for several service members killed in the Middle East conflict, and the chamber also recognized visiting students, law enforcement, and later several guests in the gallery during farewell remarks. The House then moved through the special order calendar, taking up a series of bills on third reading. The first major measure was CS for CS for HB 981 on tributaries of the St. Johns River, which sponsors described as a community-driven plan to restore the Ocklawaha River while balancing conservation, recreation, and economic concerns. Representative Sapp opposed the bill, arguing it would harm rural communities, Rodman Reservoir interests, freshwater resources, property values, and local jobs without adequate funding or certainty. Representative Cross supported the restoration effort and its long-term environmental and community benefits. The House adopted an amendment updating planning references and expanding the advisory council, then passed the bill 107-3. The chamber next passed CS for CSHB 1389 on affordable housing and the Live Local Act after debate over state preemption of local authority, accessory dwelling units, and the removal of local opt-out provisions; supporters emphasized the statewide housing shortage and the need for more housing supply, while opponents argued the bill further limited local control. The bill passed 70-29. The House also passed CS for CSHB 1085, codifying the local government cybersecurity grant program and giving preference to fiscally constrained counties, by a unanimous 109-0 vote. CS for HB 273 on special districts passed after extensive questioning about downtown development districts, rural areas of opportunity, budget approval, and administrative caps; an amendment to remove the downtown district provisions failed, and the bill ultimately passed 88-? yeas as announced on the floor. CS for HB 989 on motor vehicle manufacturers and franchise dealers passed 109-1 after sponsor testimony that it would prevent manufacturers from concentrating new vehicle inventory with one dealer group and protect competition and small businesses. CS/CS for HB 1329 on local government spending and budget transparency passed 82-28 after a lengthy debate over whether the bill would impose costs on local governments; a Cheney amendment to provide hardship assistance for smaller governments was adopted, and supporters framed the bill as improving public access to local budget information while opponents argued it duplicated existing transparency and could require new software or staff. The House then began consideration of CS/CS/CS/CS HB 1417, the Department of Environmental Protection package, with the sponsor outlining provisions on environmental regulation, septic systems, solar facility stormwater controls, coastal resiliency partnerships, and air-pollution permit timing.

Transcript Highlights:

• will you please make sure we<00:02:49.080><c> let</c><00:02:49.200><c> our</c><00:02:49.400><c> community
• </c><00:02:49.760><c> administrator</c><00:02:50.319><c> know</c> we let our community administrator
• know we let our community administrator know that<00:02:50.680><c> you</c><00:02:50.959><c> are</c><00
• We have the technology here to do that. We want to make sure as many voices are heard.
• here to do that we want to technology here to do that we want to make<00:03:58.720><c> sure</c><00:03

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We pride our ourselves on our storied history, strong economy, and wonderful community.
• Ashley Emmons, Director of Community Impact and Engagement. Agent, Ms.
• , and many other cutting-edge technology. technologies that have already proven to advance our society
• With their resilience and strong sense of community, the people.
• Your work is not just a contribution. for our local community.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have one question for you: from a policy perspective, how is ICE communicating or failing to communicate
• I can't really speak to how they're communicating.
• , look, ICE is not communicating with us.
• I also have communications from some of the sheriffs.
• And that is the reality of our community.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on responding to federal immigration enforcement in Massachusetts, with opening remarks from Sen. Liz Miranda and Rep. Bud Williams emphasizing fear in immigrant communities, recent ICE operations, and the need to learn from advocates and affected residents rather than debate individual bills. The hearing was organized around three topics: detention, arrests, and surveillance, with members repeatedly asking what the legislature can do to improve transparency, legal access, and oversight. On detention, Leah Hastings of Prisoners’ Legal Services said most people end up in ICE custody through contact with the criminal legal system and argued that state carceral systems are deeply intertwined with immigration enforcement. She described conditions at Plymouth County House of Correction and Burlington ICE holding as concerning, citing limited medical care, disability accommodations, solitary confinement, retaliatory transfers, and poor attorney access. Hastings said Massachusetts should reduce funding for sheriffs and the Department of Corrections, ban intergovernmental service agreements and 287(g) agreements, and invest instead in housing, treatment, and other community supports. Members also discussed ICE reimbursement, the immigrant legal defense fund, and the need for more immigration attorneys. On arrests and enforcement tactics, David Albright of JALSA said federal immigration enforcement has been expanded by major new funding and incentives, including higher payments for 287(g) and bed contracts, and he noted that most ICE detainees nationally do not have criminal records. He said Massachusetts has one 287(g) agreement with the Department of Corrections and one IGSA with Plymouth County, and that ICE also uses Burlington, Hanscom, and informal local collaboration in places such as Milford and Auburn. Danny Tampona of Neighbor to Neighbor and the LUCE Rapid Response Network described more than 10,000 hotline calls from 46 cities and towns, with arrests often involving masked agents, surveillance of workers and families, traffic stops, broken windows, and arrests at check-ins or schools; he said the network is concentrated in places including Everett, Chelsea, Lynn, New Bedford, Milford, Marlboro, Framingham, and Springfield. He urged legislation requiring clear identification for law enforcement, limits on surveillance technologies, and stronger legal defense resources. On surveillance, Joshua Dancoff of Citizens for Juvenile Justice argued that current state policies allow broad sharing of fingerprints and surveillance data with ICE, including through BRIC, the Massachusetts Fusion Center, and municipal police policies. He cited cases in Chelsea and Everett where children were taken from police custody into ICE custody and said many departments automatically share arrest fingerprints and other information with federal authorities. He recommended limiting fingerprint sharing, restricting surveillance databases and task-force participation, and curbing police and sheriff collaboration with ICE even where no formal 287(g) exists. Members and witnesses also discussed the need for more immigration lawyers, possible bar advocate-style funding for immigration defense, and legislative action to prevent further collaboration and deportation infrastructure.