Video & Transcript Research : 'Chapter 45'
Page 196 of 500
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Licensing & Administrative Procedures Mar 11th, 2025
Licensing & Administrative Procedures
Transcript Highlights:
- Language in Chapter 51 also allows staff to recognize out of state licenses that are substantially equivalent
- Um, one thing I'd like to say, Chapter 51, our occupational, our foundational statute that creates TDLR
- We had a number of retailers that would have 45, or 6 terminals in their store.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently, there is a jurisdictional gap under Chapter 59 that provides that asset forfeitures are to
- So under Chapter 59, we have a 30-day window to file our asset.
- We don't seize them under Chapter 59. There are mechanisms that we have.
- The commissioner has subpoena authority under chapter 701 of the insurance code. Is that a yes?
- I've been practicing for 45 years.
Bills:
HB867, HB1347, HB1801, HB1820, HB2197, HB2617, HB3110, HB3166, HB3330, HB4237, HB4342, HB4629, HB4933, HJR148
Keywords:
criminal case dismissal, attorney discretion, law enforcement misconduct, judicial approval, evidence, judicial consent, transparency, healthcare, Medicare, insurance, elderly, retired, benefits, access, cost, criminal justice, case dismissal, prosecutorial discretion, law enforcement oversight, criminal procedure
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Committee of Conference on HB 1, HB 2 (06/16/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- :45:00.960>
not <01:45:01.199>which <01:45:01.440>is <01:45:01.520>not and - So, that's<01:45:39.440>
your <01:45:39.679>section <01:45:40.159>288 <01:45:40.719 - <01:45:54.800>
But <01:45:55.040>the <01:45:55.280>other <01:45:55.440>one - So<04:45:09.520>
446, <04:45:10.958>you're <04:45:11.280>saying <04:45:11.680> - Yes.<04:45:15.760>
They <04:45:16.000>all <04:45:16.160>relate <04:45:16.480>
Summary:
The committee of conference on HB 1 and HB 2 reviewed comparison documents and worked through a long list of House and Senate positions, agreeing on some technical or already-enacted items while setting aside others for later discussion. Early on, members agreed to delete a House Bill 2 section tied to a bill already passed into law, and a representative explained a technical amendment to the EFA provisions clarifying enrollment-cap repeal language and compulsory attendance rules for EFA students. That amendment was discussed but a vote was postponed because not all members were present. The committee also noted that the overall EFA budget numbers had already been settled separately.
Several items were either agreed to or held for further negotiation. Members agreed to delete sections already covered by other enacted bills, including BTLA-related language, and to accept a technical amendment changing "municipalities" to "political subdivisions" in a section affecting funding eligibility. They also agreed on some items involving workers’ compensation second injuries, certain pilot-program language, and some sections related to state loan repayment and other technical corrections. In contrast, they set aside or disputed items involving site evaluation, lottery-related provisions, opioid abatement, the Commission on Aging, Granite Advantage premium costs, renewable energy/offshore wind funding, special education funding, and several education trust fund and unique-fund provisions.
The committee spent substantial time on policy disputes. The House side argued against keeping money in dedicated Fish and Game funds rather than increasing the main Fish and Game fund, while the Senate side defended its approach and raised concerns about fee impacts, including one tied to the fishing license. The members also discussed a housing appeals board proposal, with one member suggesting a possible compromise that would preserve some function while shifting duties and possibly sunsetting the arrangement later; the contracts for the positions were noted as running through June 30, 2028 and June 30, 2029. Another extended discussion concerned the child advocate records-access section, which one side wanted removed as policy that should go through the normal bill process, while another member asked to hold it and suggested a possible middle-ground, time-limited approach.
Later, the committee agreed to remove sections already handled in other bills, including House sections 254 and 255, and discussed but did not resolve disputes over liquor licensing functions, cannabis-related language, cost containment, special education, and several fee and fund provisions. The Senate explained its position on the governor’s commission language, saying opioid abatement trust funds could not be used for that purpose and that the commission should continue to be funded through 5% of gross liquor profits; it also described renaming the body the Commission on Addiction Treatment and Prevention and expanding its scope to include problem gambling. The meeting ended with several major items still open for later negotiation.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- .<00:45:01.960>
As <00:45:02.080>a <00:45:02.160>matter <00:45:02.600>of < - :45:26.360>
for <00:45:26.600>our <00:45:26.720>environment, <00:45:27.480>our - So, please be on<00:45:32.960>
the <00:45:33.080>right <00:45:33.400>side <00:45: - 33.640>
of <00:45:33.760>history <00:45:34.240>with <00:45:34.520>me <00:45 - 01:45:17.560>
with <01:45:17.720>the <01:45:17.800>intent <01:45:18.200>to
Summary:
The House convened with 129 members present, read the prior journal, and then took up a series of third-reading bills. Early action included unanimous passage of HB 159 (mail theft), HB 412 (child support and driver’s license suspension), HB 912 (trap-neuter-return policies for community cats), HB 914 (Worcester County Board of License Commissioners membership), HB 558 (Prince George’s County wine festival licenses), HB 1400 (shellfish aquaculture penalties), and HB 1463 (Anne Arundel County Board of Education constituent services liaison). HB 582, dealing with Prince George’s County alcoholic beverages licenses and voter registration requirements, drew brief debate over whether it removed or retained a voter registration condition; it ultimately passed 119-12. HB 846, a property tax exemption for the Hagerstown multi-use sports and events facility, passed 126-7 after a system delay interrupted proceedings.
Several bills prompted more substantive discussion. HB 1218, the Safe and Healthy Homes for All Act, drew opposing explanations over a proposed public registry of properties with housing violations; supporters said it would help identify serious housing problems and improve compliance, while opponents objected to publicly naming private properties based on administrative findings. It passed 99-36. HB 525, the Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, passed 135-1 after questions about enforcement, with supporters comparing it to ordinary classroom discipline. HB 1483, allowing out-of-state clinical professional counseling and social work providers to use telehealth for continuity of care, passed 135-0 after clarification that it applies to people moving into Maryland and allows a six-month continuity period. HB 1504, the Pedestrian Safety Act, passed unanimously.
Later, HB 664 (Cecil County alcoholic beverages license quota) passed 134-1, and HB 837 (cardiovascular pre-screening for student athletic activities) passed 133-2 after the sponsor explained that reporting requirements were removed for cost reasons and the bill now mainly requires screening questions. HB 925, regulating PFAS in sewage sludge applied to farmland, generated the most extended debate: one delegate argued the bill’s limits were too weak and lacked liability for industry actors, while supporters said it establishes the first limits, requires wastewater treatment plants to reduce PFAS, and leaves room for future tightening; it passed 130-7. HB 1370, authorizing a pilot stop-sign monitoring program in Rising Sun, passed 109-26. HB 649, expanding Maryland Commission on Civil Rights enforcement to higher education discrimination claims, passed 100-35 after supporters said current protections are stronger for K-12 than for colleges. The House also passed HB 512 on compensation for Anne Arundel County license commissioners and inspectors, and the session continued into HB 661 on commemorative months.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Mr.<00:45:04.120>
Speaker, <00:45:04.480>I <00:45:04.520>have <00:45:04.760>a - It<00:45:49.440>
just <00:45:49.680>makes <00:45:50.000>it <00:45:50.080>the< - Clerk<00:45:51.880>
will <00:45:51.960>see <00:45:52.120>the <00:45:52.200>floor - Amendment<00:45:54.120>
two <00:45:54.360>House <00:45:54.680>Bill <00:45:54.880> - You<00:45:58.400>
heard <00:45:58.560>the <00:45:58.640>gentleman's <00:45:59.000
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, February 12, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Laura oversaw the helm of a historic chapter of Kansas GOP's First Congressional District.
- oversaw the Helm of a historic chapter oversaw the Helm of a historic chapter of<00:55:07.000>
- under feder rules<07:44:59.478>
makes <07:44:59.680>it <07:44:59.840>harder <07:45- :00.080>
to <07:45:00.280>manage <07:45:00.600>forests Rules make it harder to manage- tomorrow for e e e<08:45:24.958>
e - under feder rules<07:44:59.478>
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- :45:04.639>
I <01:45:04.800>apologize <01:45:05.400>Mr <01:45:05.679>chair <01:45:07.719>- I
am <01:45:07.840>the <01:45:07.960>director <01:45:08.280>- ><01:45:11.760>
I'm <01:45:12.000>grateful <01:45:12.360>to <01:45:12.520>be< - here today<01:45:13.159>
and <01:45:13.320>I'm <01:45:13.480>going <01:45:13.679>- going<01:45:56.520>
to <01:45:56.679>be <01:45:56.840>focusing <01:45:57.280>
Keywords:
pregnancy support, women's health, maternity homes, nonprofit organizations, grant funding, abortion, family services, tax relief fund, budget surplus, surplus revenue, tax rebate, tax refund, one-time refund, income tax, property tax, constitutional amendment, Minnesota Constitution, general fund, budget reserve, taxpayer relief
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session-Day 3, February 11, 2026-PM
Wyoming House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- :00.480>
that <00:45:00.640>does <00:45:00.800>is <00:45:00.880>it <00:45: - <00:45:02.800>
claim <00:45:03.040>that <00:45:03.200>exemption <00:45:03.520 - So<01:45:28.480>
the <01:45:28.800>problem <01:45:29.119>is <01:45:29.760>on< - /c><01:45:30.080>
page <01:45:30.560>two <01:45:31.679>of <01:45:32.320>uh - Um grooming<01:45:37.760>
means <01:45:38.000>behavior <01:45:38.400>that <01:45: - Um grooming<01:45:37.760>
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EDN Info Briefing - Fri Jan 9, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And<00:45:03.440>
so <00:45:04.240>the <00:45:04.480>legislature <00:45:05.200>- >
And <00:45:11.119>so <00:45:11.920>we <00:45:12.240>will <00:45:12.400><- :45:04.960>
that <01:45:05.679>coming <01:45:05.920>into <01:45:06.239>law - >
- was<01:45:08.080>
it <01:45:08.400>was <01:45:08.960>um <01:45:09.119>a< - <01:45:14.400>
And <01:45:14.639>so <01:45:14.800>it's <01:45:15.119>just
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, March 4, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- :39.359>
and <00:45:39.599>the <00:45:39.760>laws <00:45:40.000>and <00:45 - But these principles<00:45:43.200>
will <00:45:43.440>die <00:45:43.680>on <00:45 - :00.479>
by <02:45:00.800>pointing <02:45:01.200>to <02:45:01.359>a <02:45 - While families<02:45:29.600>
are <02:45:29.920>worried <02:45:30.240>about <02:45 - 02:45:43.359>
much <02:45:43.600>is <02:45:43.760>this <02:45:44.000>chaos
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Property Tax Reform Jan 13th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Special Committee on Property Tax Reform
Transcript Highlights:
- So you've taken what looks like a 45% increase...
- So you've taken what looks like a 45% increase, but it's really 52% because of compounding, just like
- I would say this year I filed 45 appeals to the State Tax Commission for just 2025, and I have appeals
- And of those 45, how many are... ...appeals dating back to 2019. Okay.
- And of those 45, how many are residential versus commercial versus something else?
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:45:20.480>
But <00:45:20.640>Senator <00:45:21.000>Marty, <00:45:21.920>< - :45:22.880>
collect <00:45:23.280>gas <00:45:23.640>tax <00:45:24.040>in < - And<00:45:27.040>
last <00:45:27.480>I <00:45:27.600>knew <00:45:27.960>they< - <00:45:29.760>
or <00:45:30.080>cigarette <00:45:30.640>tax <00:45:31.480> - So we<00:45:37.200>
give <00:45:37.480>them <00:45:37.760>back <00:45:38.240>
Summary:
The Senate was called to order, a quorum was established, and remote voting was authorized for several members. The body adopted committee reports except those related to Senate Concurrent Resolution 6, gave Senate File 4067 a second reading, and referred newly introduced bills as listed on the agenda. It also adopted a motion to strike and re-refer House File 3379 to the Committee on Finance, and then moved into special orders and floor debate.
The main floor action was on House File 2358, a public safety bill providing enhanced criminal penalties for certain coercion offenses. Senator Lang described it as creating a Minnesota crime targeting sexual extortion of children, including online extortion. Senator Maye Quade supported the bill and spoke about the tragic constituent story behind it. The Senate took a roll call and passed the bill 67-0, with its title agreed to.
The Senate then began debate on Senate File 4511, which would clarify Minnesota gambling law to prohibit prediction-market style betting disguised as futures contracts. Senator Marty argued the bill was needed to stop companies such as Kalshi and Polymarket from using futures-contract language to evade state gambling restrictions and to protect existing regulated gambling businesses. Senator Johnson initially offered the A10 amendment to delay action until federal jurisdiction issues are resolved, but withdrew it after debate. He then offered the A8 amendment to preserve longer-term weather-related hedging contracts, which Senator Marty supported as a distinction from short-term, manipulable bets; the A8 amendment was adopted. Debate continued with questions about the bill’s scope, including whether it would reach election-related or financial contracts.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/29/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:45:19.440>
You <01:45:19.679>didn't <01:45:19.840>go <01:45:19.920>in - Representative<01:45:26.159>
Sh, <01:45:26.400>do <01:45:26.560>you <01:45:26.639 - >> As<01:45:29.920>
a <01:45:30.159>technical <01:45:30.560>matter, <01:45: - <01:45:33.520>
I'm <01:45:33.679>sorry <01:45:34.000>for <01:45:34.239>my - >> As<01:45:36.320>
much <01:45:36.480>as <01:45:36.639>I <01:45:36.800>
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> 45 years of marriage. One more thing I did wrong, Mr. Chair.
- >> 45<00:02:09.920>
years <00:02:10.080>of <00:02:10.239>marriage. - 10.560>
One <00:02:10.640>more <00:02:10.800>thing <00:02:10.959>I >> 45 - One more thing I >> 45 years of marriage.
- 144D which was made moot and chapter 144D which was made moot and irrelevant<02:21:22.800>
when
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (01/13/2026)
Environment and Agriculture
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there a way<00:45:10.240>
for <00:45:10.640>for <00:45:11.040>us <00:45:11.280 - :45:16.800>
into <00:45:17.440>I <00:45:17.680>I <00:45:18.240>I <00:45:18.480 - But the<00:45:21.920>
problem <00:45:22.079>that <00:45:22.240>I've <00:45:22.480 - :45:23.760>
that <00:45:24.720>if <00:45:25.040>we <00:45:25.200>don't <00 - <00:45:27.359>
of <00:45:27.520>the <00:45:28.240>out <00:45:28.400>of
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/28/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- 45:05.119>
have <00:45:05.200>a <00:45:05.359>property <00:45:05.680>where <00:45:06.800>of <00:45:06.960>two <00:45:07.200>properties <00:45:07.440>- One<00:45:09.680>
of <00:45:09.760>them <00:45:10.000>was <00:45:10.160>our - >
the <00:45:14.240>part <00:45:14.400>of <00:45:14.560>a <00:45:14.720>- 45:34.320>
know, <01:45:34.800>I <01:45:34.960>would <01:45:35.119>I <01:45 - One<00:45:09.680>
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Resources, Recreation and Development (01/14/2026)
Resources, Recreation and Development
Transcript Highlights:
- about<01:45:09.760>
how <01:45:09.920>the <01:45:10.080>money <01:45:10.320> - <01:45:12.639>
So, <01:45:13.040>the <01:45:13.360>first <01:45:13.520>of - <01:45:20.560>
Uh, <01:45:20.960>as <01:45:21.199>you <01:45:21.360>know, - greater<01:45:24.800>
than <01:45:24.960>10 <01:45:25.119>acres <01:45:25.520>- :45:15.840>
deal <03:45:16.000>with <03:45:16.080>a <03:45:16.319>year. - :45:15.840>
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Legislative Administration (04/16/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:45:04.480>
along <00:45:04.800>with <00:45:05.280>um There. - As for Jeb Bradley,<00:45:21.359>
I'm <00:45:21.520>not <00:45:21.599>too <00:45: - ,<00:45:23.359>
even <00:45:23.599>if <00:45:23.760>it <00:45:24.000>hasn't - <00:45:26.960>
Jeb <00:45:27.200>gets <00:45:27.440>things <00:45:27.760> - And we<00:45:28.800>
wait <00:45:29.040>until <00:45:29.520>we're <00:45:29.760><
Summary:
The committee opened with Senate Bill 197, which would remove supervision of the legislative facilities committee nurse from the Department of Health and Human Services and instead place the nurse under the Board of Nursing’s scope of practice and the Nurse Practice Act. Ryan Maliti introduced the bill for Senator Pearl, and John Williams of DHHS explained that the current statutory language is outdated, dating back to 1995, and improperly gives medical supervisory authority to a non-clinician. He said the change would align the statute with current practice and that the department, the Joint Legislative Committee’s chief operating officer, and the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification were all comfortable with the language. Committee members asked about the need for the change and confirmed the old supervisory language was no longer being meaningfully used. The chair closed the hearing on SB 197, noting there may be additional amendments before final action.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 186, which would authorize the Joint Legislative Historical Committee to accept and display a portrait of former Senator Jeb Bradley in the State House. Max Taylor, speaking for Senator Rashardi, described Bradley’s long public service and urged the committee to move the bill. Members asked whether the portrait was completed, where it would be displayed, and how size and placement would be determined. Taylor said the portrait had not yet been commissioned but would be paid for by Bradley, and that the exact location had not been set. Committee members and staff noted that the Joint Historical Committee is already working on portrait placement and space issues, and that the bill may need to be coordinated with broader updates to the statutes governing portraits and memorials.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 200, introduced by Senator Reardon, to allow the Joint Legislative Historical Committee to accept and hang a portrait of former Senator Sylvia Larson. Reardon and Donna Susi, who painted the portrait and had served as Larson’s chief of staff, gave strong testimony about Larson’s legislative record, leadership as Senate President, and bipartisan service. Members asked about the portrait’s status, size, and where it would be displayed; witnesses said the portrait was completed, framed, and currently stored in a box pending approval, and that the committee would decide placement. In the later work session, the chair used the two portrait bills to discuss broader problems in the statutes and the Joint Historical Committee’s responsibilities, including possible size limits, placement rules, and whether New Hampshire should adopt practices used in other states such as waiting periods or moratoriums on portraits. No votes were taken during the work session, but members discussed using the bills as vehicles for larger statutory cleanup.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPN-PSM, CPN-EDT, CPN Public Hearing 02-05-2025
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- This is our Wednesday, February 5th, 2025, 9:45 a.m. agenda in Room 229.
- funding for essential repairs and deferred maintenance to condominium associations organized under Chapter
- 35.599>
recess Okay, we're back for decision-making on this Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 9:45 - announce it now to defer decision making on all measures on this agenda until Friday, February 7th, at 9:45
- operating expenses also brought up our concerns that those admin rules were promulgated under HRS Chapter
Summary:
The committee opened by outlining testimony procedures and then heard SB 376 on tax credits, which would create a home fire safety improvement tax credit. Testimony from the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi urged that the concept would be better handled as a subsidy program and raised drafting concerns about unclear definitions and eligibility. Later, the committees agreed to pass SB 376 with amendments, including making the credit nonrefundable, clarifying third-party certification, deleting recapture-related language, and making technical changes.
Members then heard SB 417, which would make unlicensed contractor work during or within five years after an emergency or disaster a class B felony. The Contractors License Board was listed for comments, and the Subcontractors Association supported the measure. The committees ultimately recommended passage with technical, non-substantive amendments and an adjusted effective date, and the measure was adopted.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on SB 782, which would require free and accessible voice communication services for incarcerated people and prohibit state agencies from profiting from those services, while also directing the PUC to set standards and providing funding for the SAVIN victim notification program. Supporters, including the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaiʻi, Worth Rises, and others, argued the bill would reduce costs for families, improve reentry, and align adult corrections with the juvenile system. Opponents, including the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Hawaiʻi Paroling Authority, and SAVIN-related witnesses, warned that changing the funding structure could weaken victim notification and safety services. The committees deferred SB 782.
The committee also heard SB 999 on fireworks, which would repeal permissible consumer fireworks uses, impose civil penalties and forfeiture remedies, and create a forfeiture special fund for safety education. The Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, while fireworks industry representatives and others opposed it, arguing prohibition would be ineffective and urging stronger enforcement and education instead. The committees deferred SB 999 for further consideration, and SB 1136 on insurance was also deferred after insurers and the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs opposed it. In the later joint session with the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, SB 744 on condominium loans was heard with support from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority and banking groups, while one testifier raised concerns that the program could function like C-PACE financing and add risky debt to condominium associations; testimony and discussion continued on that measure.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion
Transcript Highlights:
- The painful chapter we are in right now is, I hope, a chapter.
- It's now 3:45. Thank you, Gretchen.
- By April 2025, 45%—a plurality of Americans—opposed ending DEI programs.
- And what we can see here is, again, a plurality of respondents in August 2025, 45% were opposed to these
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held an informational hearing on diversity, equity, and inclusion in Massachusetts; no bills were heard or voted on. Chairs Bud Williams and Liz Miranda opened by framing the hearing as a response to recent federal actions they said threatened DEI efforts, funding, and civil rights protections in education and other sectors. They said the committee would hear from experts, agencies, advocates, and businesses about the legality and benefits of DEI and the impact of federal actions on the Commonwealth.
Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler testified virtually that Massachusetts is pushing back against federal efforts to restrict DEI, including guidance and certification demands directed at schools. He highlighted state investments in early education, child care, early college, career and technical education, and educator diversity, arguing these efforts help close opportunity gaps for Black and brown students, students with disabilities, English learners, and other underserved groups. In response to member questions, he said federal education dollars are core to services for students and that the state is prepared to fight funding cuts while monitoring impacts across K-12, early education, and higher education.
Elizabeth Matos of the Attorney General’s Office said DEIA programs remain legal under state and federal law and described AG guidance issued to help institutions navigate federal confusion. She reviewed litigation the office has joined or won, including efforts involving withheld school funds, museums and libraries, the Minority Business Development Agency, Head Start, AmeriCorps, and other federal actions. Members asked about immigration-related fear and profiling, and Matos pointed to existing Know Your Rights guidance, said complaints to the Civil Rights Division have increased, and noted the office is seeing issues involving housing discrimination, employment, public accommodations, and threats to call ICE. She also said the office is open to further legislative ideas but did not discuss specifics.
Evelyn Carter, a social psychologist, testified that diversity, equity, and inclusion are often misunderstood and defined the terms plainly, emphasizing that diversity is a group characteristic, equity addresses unequal starting points, and inclusion is about belonging and access. She argued that DEI matters because it creates guardrails against bias, helps make environments accessible, and addresses ongoing inequities. In response to questions, she suggested practical strategies such as using clear criteria and written records in decision-making, broadening who is considered part of one’s in-group, and pairing bias awareness with concrete behavior-change tools. The hearing also included testimony from Meredith Tewitt of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, who spoke about the importance of DEI for women, veterans, and people who rely on federal institutions, and urged lawmakers to continue supporting inclusion and access.