Transcript Highlights:

• Council. Council. Council.
• They're not public schools. >> Thank you, Council, for getting that drafted.
• >> Yes, please. >> Okay, Council. >> Uh, yes, Madam Chair and members.
• >> Yes, please. >> Okay, Council. >> Uh, yes, Madam Chair and members.
• >> Yes, please. >> Okay, Council. >> Uh, yes, Madam Chair and members.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Marie Rasul, on behalf of the Judicial Council of California.
• Kristen Heidelbach here on behalf of USW Western States Council, in support.
• But there is a council that exists in every single county, the JJRBG council, that exists in every county
• Do you know who is the head of that council? The chief probation officer.
• Then they changed it to the juvenile justice coordinating council.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures, with extensive testimony on firearms regulation, disability and sexual assault, mental health diversion, emergency response, and law enforcement masking. SB 704 by Senator Arreguín would require firearm barrels to be purchased through licensed dealers with a background check, as a response to the rise in ghost guns and 3D-printed firearms; supporters said barrels are a key component of untraceable guns, while opponents argued the bill burdens lawful gun owners and does little to stop criminals. SB 258 by Senator Wahab would eliminate the remaining spousal rape exception for victims unable to consent because of disability; supporters called it a needed closure of an archaic loophole, while disability-rights advocates opposed it unless amended, warning it could worsen misunderstandings about capacity to consent and harm disabled people’s autonomy. After debate, SB 258 passed the committee on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, with several members voting aye and the bill held on call. Senator Umberg presented SB 398, which closes a loophole in the law prohibiting paying or offering money or other value to induce someone to vote or register to vote; there was little opposition, and the bill passed on a due-pass motion to Appropriations and was held on call. He also presented SB 27, a CARE Court cleanup measure that would allow certain misdemeanor defendants found incompetent to stand trial to be routed into CARE Court and would expand eligibility to some people with mood disorders with psychotic features. Supporters said it would improve access to treatment and reduce unnecessary incarceration, while county behavioral health directors and disability advocates warned it could blur the line between voluntary civil treatment and coercive criminal proceedings and expand CARE Court beyond its intended scope. SB 27 passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard SB 36 from Senator Umberg, a price-gouging measure tied to wildfire-related emergency conditions that also expands search-warrant authority for certain misdemeanor investigations. Public defenders opposed the search-warrant expansion as unnecessary, while a late supporter from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spoke in favor; the bill was moved on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and held on call. SB 571 by Senator Arreguín would increase penalties for impersonating emergency personnel and related conduct during disasters; supporters cited post-fire looting and impersonation, while opponents argued longer sentences do not deter crime and that existing law is sufficient. The bill passed on a due-pass motion as amended to Appropriations and was held on call. Finally, Senator Wiener presented SB 627, which would prohibit law enforcement from wearing extreme masks except in limited circumstances, aimed largely at masked federal immigration enforcement operations. Supporters said masked, unidentified officers create fear and undermine trust, while law enforcement groups argued the bill wrongly sweeps in local officers, is too broad, and should instead target federal agents or impersonators. Testimony was still underway when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SB 627 is shown here.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Council Stangle. Senator Westlin, I'm sorry. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• has<00:37:26.480> a<00:37:26.599> little<00:37:26.800> bit there Senate council
• has a little bit there Senate council has a little bit additional<00:37:27.920> information<00
• on page 18 line 11 there's a Council on page 18 line 11 there's a reference<01:10:08.199> to
• Members Schoolboard members City Council Members Schoolboard members in<01:38:06.480> many<01

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:08:26.919> going<00:08:27.039> to<00:08:27.319> have<00:08:27.560> Council
• this um okay I'm going to have Council this um okay I'm going to have Council restated<00:08:28.560
• to read off the hand it off to council to read off the it<00:08:53.519> will<00:08:53.720>
• <00:09:23.839> and<00:09:24.079> uh 2025 thank you thank you Council and uh 2025 thank
• <00:46:59.640> has Senator CC thankfully Council has Senator CC thankfully Council has advised

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next we have Shannon Duvier with the AFSCME Council 65.
• Shannon duvier with the um asme Council Shannon duvier with the um asme Council 65<00:45:06.480>
• I'm the executive director of AFSCME Council 65.
• Our council represents around 14,000 workers in Minnesota, primarily in Greater Minnesota and rural areas
• um so where are we at in Council um so where are we at in Minnesota<01:35:32.560> with<01:35:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:40:32.319> Hawaii Hawaii Cattleman's Council Hawaii Hawaii Cattleman's Council Hawaii
• I'm on the Youth Transportation Council, and I am also a student at UHMC.
• <01:19:51.080> and<01:19:51.600> um supporting our youth Council and um supporting
• our youth Council and um later<01:19:52.080> on<01:19:52.239> in<01:19:52.400> the
• <01:21:56.440> formed our Hawaii Transportation Council formed our Hawaii Transportation Council

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My understanding is that this would require a council by the municipality to promulgate what the training
• So the municipal council on training will promulgate the rules.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Codes met on February 4, 2026, and considered a series of bills, mostly amendments to the Penal Law, with one Executive Law bill and one bill affecting both the Criminal Procedure Law and Penal Law. The committee moved and reported Senate Print 83 (Liu), 3158 (Schofez), 3693 (Sanders), 4470 (Mayer), 5041 (Sepúlveda), and 7202A (Hinch). Senate Print 3204 (Kruger) was advanced to finance after a member voted without recommendation, and Senate Print 5138 (Janaris) was reported despite negative votes from Senators Murray, Palumbo, and Gallivan. One bill, 3158, drew supportive comments about addressing animal fighting, with mention of letters from animal rights organizations. Another, 4470, prompted questions about who would create required training and whether existing police agency training would be superseded; counsel said the municipal council would promulgate the training rules and would follow up on the remaining question. Most votes were bipartisan, and the chair noted that the committee continued its pattern of bipartisan action. Senator Gallivan recorded a without-recommendation vote on several bills, and Senator Salazar was noted as without recommendation on the final bill. The meeting concluded after the last bill was reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're looking at, my name is Victoria Christian for the record from Legislative Council.
• of the committee, we're looking at, my name is Victoria Christian for the record from Legislative Council

Bills: HB1455

Keywords: tribal consultation, Indian Affairs Commission, tribal governments, tribal sovereignty, state-tribal relations, Native American, tribal nations, consultation requirement, legislative process, jurisdiction, sovereignty, North Dakota tribes, government-to-government consultation, tribal chairpersons, 908, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up House Bill 1489, and Victoria Christian from Legislative Council reviewed the latest 3003 version. She explained that the bill was revised to clarify language about individuals who are or were in a dating relationship, to incorporate provisions from related Senate bills, and to narrow confidentiality and hearing provisions to domestic violence and sexual assault protection order cases. She also noted a clarification on page 12 regarding certification of certain individuals under Supreme Court rules rather than by the Supreme Court itself. Members discussed the consolidation of multiple related bills into one measure. Senator Myrdal moved Amendment 3.03 to engross House Bill 1489, and the motion passed. Senator Myrdal then moved a do pass recommendation on House Bill 1489 as amended, seconded by Senator Luick. The committee voted in favor of the amended bill by roll call, with all members present voting yes, and the motion carried. Chair Larson then asked for a member to carry the bill to the floor, and it was agreed that the bill would be carried. The committee also discussed its remaining workload and planned to clear the rest of its calendar the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:12:08.000> the talk to the agency and council, the talk to the agency and council, the
• ,<02:28:42.960> once uh, Wyoming Business Council, once uh, Wyoming Business Council, once
• Uh and then left the small council.
• $54 million from the business council. $54 million from the business council.
• And then the Wyoming Business Council.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, through 3 years, multiple hearings, agency meetings, Senate Council opinions, the DNR continues
• Now, through 3 years, multiple hearings, agency meetings, Senate Council opinions, the DNR continues
• Now the mission of the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council is to protect the sovereignty of all 11 tribal
• For these reasons, the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council respectfully urges the legislature to support
• For these reasons, the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council respectfully urges the legislature to support

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> First up, we got American Council of Engineering Companies in support. Zoom. >> She's there.
• Um I also uh represent the American Council of Engineering Companies.
• <00:18:22.720> of >> First up, we got American Council of >> First up, we got
• American Council of Engineering<00:18:23.520> Companies<00:18:24.000> in<00:18:24.240><
• <00:19:38.880> of represent the American Council of represent the American Council of Engineering

Bills: HB1721, HB1714, HB1718, HB1732, HB1740, HB1777, HB1842, HB1919, HB1701, HB1923, HB1741, HB1734, HB1739

Keywords: housing, expedited permits, insurance, indemnification, construction, affordable housing, executive compensation, Hawaii housing finance, legislative approval, low-income housing, moderate-income housing, mixed-use development, transit-oriented development, TOD, county powers, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, HHFDC, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, DHHL, affordable housing credits

Summary: The House Housing Committee met on February 4 and heard testimony on several housing measures, beginning with HB1721, which clarifies insurance, indemnification, and certificate-of-occupancy requirements for expedited permits. Testimony on HB1721 was uniformly supportive from the American Council of Engineering Companies, the Grassroot Institute, and individual testifiers, who said the bill would fix insurance issues for design professionals and encourage more participation in the expedited-permit program. No opposition was heard and no questions were raised. The committee then heard HB1714, which would raise salary caps for the executive director and deputy executive director positions at the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and allow more autonomy in personnel matters, including employment contracts. HHFDC supported the bill, saying greater flexibility is needed to recruit and retain staff and that current pay ceilings are not the main issue because the agency lacks operating funds to reach them. The Department of Human Resources Development offered comments and raised concerns about autonomous personnel authority and employment contracts, saying state personnel matters are governed by existing statutes and collective bargaining rules; the Hawaii Public Housing Authority also offered comments, and one board member and one individual opposed the measure. Members questioned whether performance-based pay or existing incentive policies could address retention instead of statutory salary changes. The committee also heard HB1718, which would make permanent county authority to facilitate mixed-use developments and issue county bonds for low- and moderate-income housing projects. Support came from OPSD, HHFDC, the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Housing and Land Management, and Housing Hawaii’s Future, all emphasizing that permanent authority is needed to finance long-term mixed-use and transit-oriented projects. A member asked whether the sunset provision would make bonding impractical, and the city representative agreed that temporary authority would make financing difficult because development takes time. Later, the committee took up HB1732, establishing the Kamina Homes program to fund counties’ purchase of voluntary deed restrictions from eligible buyers. The Department of Taxation and several groups, including HHFDC, AARP Hawaii, the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, Hawaii Realtors, Holomua Collaborative, and others testified, with most supporting the bill as a way to help local families remain in Hawaii and age in place. Holomua said a recent survey found 75% of 3,200 working families were considering moving, and argued the bill could preserve housing for local residents. Members asked about the bill’s 8% cap on deed-restriction cost and why the program focuses on residency rather than resale restrictions; the bill’s proponents said the cap allows flexibility for county negotiations and that the measure is aimed at workforce preservation rather than land-trust-style appreciation limits. Finally, the committee heard HB1740, which would modify a prior HHFDC housing pathway by reducing the qualified-resident requirement from 100% to 80% and allowing more flexibility for long-term rental instead of owner occupancy. HHFDC and Holomua Collaborative supported the change, saying the earlier 100% requirement had produced no developments or applicants and that the revised standard would make projects more feasible while still preserving housing for local residents. The committee did not take final votes on these measures during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're collaborating with the Council on Postsecondary Education through the academic approval process
• That has been a plan in alliance with the Council on Postsecondary Education and the whole achievement
• <01:41:09.360> on plan uh in alliance with the council on plan uh in alliance with the council
• <02:05:29.440> on<02:05:29.679> post special report from the council on post special
• report from the council on post secondary<02:05:31.119> education.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:55 Approval of Minutes 00:02:01 Information Items 00:02:10 Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:02:20 A. A. Eastern Kentucky University 00:02:48 B. B. Kentucky Community and Technical College System 00:15:21 C. C. Kentucky State University 00:31:43 D. D. Morehead State University 00:41:44 E. E. Murray State University 01:01:56 F. F. Northern Kentucky University 01:16:09 G. G. University of Kentucky and Hospital 01:25:00 H. H. University of Louisville 01:42:52 I. I. Western Kentucky University 01:56:17, 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a roll call establishing a quorum. The committee then approved the prior meeting’s minutes. Members were reminded to silence cell phones, and the chair noted an informational item on capital plan amendments made by state agencies during the latest revision period before moving to university capital plan presentations. Eastern Kentucky University President David McFaden outlined EKU’s enrollment growth, strong Kentucky student retention, and signature programs in nursing, occupational therapy, criminal justice, education, manufacturing engineering, and aviation. EKU’s main capital priorities were a new health innovation project to support a proposed osteopathic medical program, including a $50 million escrow requirement until accreditation; a collaborative center for health innovation to address outdated health sciences facilities; a $5 million startup request for an air traffic control program; aircraft upgrades for the aviation fleet; and continued asset preservation funding. In response to questions, EKU said roughly 40% of the new health facility would be dedicated to the medical school, with shared simulation space for multiple health programs, and that aviation maintenance needs are currently being met through KCTCS partners but could be expanded if demand grows. KCTCS representatives then described the system’s scale and capital needs, noting service to 107,000 students, extensive dual credit and workforce training, and a network of 342 buildings across 70 campuses. They said prior legislative support, including $277 million in asset preservation and $90 million released for approved projects, had helped with safety, roofs, energy efficiency, and campus security. Their current priorities include about $30 million for systemwide safety and security upgrades, renovations tied to consolidation and footprint reduction under Senate Joint Resolution 179, and broader asset preservation needs estimated at roughly $300 million to $325 million. Members discussed the need to preserve and expand skilled trades training, and KCTCS said its plan includes construction trades and flexible, multiuse facilities that can adapt to changing workforce needs. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes, and the presentations concluded with questions and discussion only.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to have comments from the Senate Council, and the Senate Council can return to their chairs
• <00:28:24.080> can<00:28:24.960> return<00:28:25.400> to and the Senate Council
• can return to and the Senate Council can return to their<00:28:25.920> chairs.
• , Madam Chair, and the non-partisan is, Madam Chair, and the non-partisan Senate<00:32:12.760> Council
• So, just a big Senate Council staff.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Anna Kaufman, government relations with the Wyoming Outdoor Council.
• <00:38:24.480> Um Outdoor Council. Um Outdoor Council.
• As I travel around the country with the energy council and visit with these folks down straight from
• [clears throat] As I travel around the country with the energy council and visit with these folks down
• and visit with these the energy council and visit with these folks<00:57:59.160> down folks down

Bills: HB0116, HB0056

Keywords: water rights, beneficial use, industrial production, hydrogen, applications, public welfare, carbon capture, energy standards, public utilities, environmental regulation, state law, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:57.120> And<00:13:57.279> here Science and Technology Council.
• And here Science and Technology Council.
• Technology with the Kentucky Science and Technology with the Kentucky Science and Technology Council
• which uh if I'm misspeaking Council which uh if I'm misspeaking he'll<00:14:25.920> correct<00
• Capital Corporation and Keyhorse Capital, the latter part of the Kentucky Science and Technology Council

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Protection, Energy and Environment, and Tourism met for its fourth meeting and approved the February 10 minutes. The committee then heard a presentation from the Cabinet for Economic Development, led by Secretary Jeff Noel, with staff from the cabinet and Kentucky Innovation. The presentation focused on the cabinet’s strategy, including workforce, entrepreneurship, innovation, infrastructure, and placemaking, and emphasized a goal of supporting higher-wage jobs while tailoring programs to urban, non-urban, and rural “heritage communities.” The cabinet reviewed several funding tools and programs, including economic development bond funds, EDF funds, KBI, the Kentucky Innovation Pool, KSTC-related startup and commercialization programs, veteran workforce programs, and Bluegrass State Skills Corporation training funds. Officials said many projects take years to close and that funds are often committed before they are actually disbursed because reimbursements occur after project completion. They also said Kentucky is less competitive than before because of changes in tax policy and that EDF funds are increasingly important to remain competitive with other states. Members asked about whether previously allocated money remained available, whether some funds could be clawed back, and the status of the Blue Oval project. The cabinet said it is oversubscribed, with some committed dollars likely to go unused and be reoffered to other projects. On Blue Oval, officials said progress had been made and described negotiations tied to repayment and job creation requirements. They also discussed the Ford/SK loan structure, saying the companies may assume the full $250 million obligation and that repayments would be required if job targets are not met. The presentation closed with discussion of workforce coordination and the need to connect economic development projects with training and support systems, including possible ripple effects for rural suppliers and related businesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• um the in this contract, so in 1989, um the family<00:17:42.080> support<00:17:42.559> councils
• <00:17:43.120> were family support councils were family support councils were established,
• You've got to go through the executive council and so forth.
• <00:46:23.760> and<00:46:24.000> so go through the executive council and so go through
• the executive council and so forth.<00:46:25.760> Do<00:46:26.000> you<00:46:26.160>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met after recess to hear a Department of Health and Human Services overview of its contract structure, with CFO Nathan White explaining that DHS currently has 969 active agreements spanning service contracts, grants, data-sharing agreements, use-of-premises agreements, and MOUs. He said contracts are budgeted across multiple class lines and accounting units, often braided with federal funds, which makes the system complex; he also noted that the department’s top spending list was limited to 18 items rather than 20 and included both individual contracts and grouped regional/provider contracts. White emphasized that many contracts support direct services to residents, while others support departmental operations such as software support and staffing. Commissioner Hardy said the listed contracts are essential to serving vulnerable populations and supporting required administrative infrastructure, and she stressed that the department tries to work with providers and families rather than impose changes on them. In response to questions about area agencies and developmental disability services, DHS officials said the agencies’ duties are spelled out in contract and statute, including family support services, billing-related functions, and services tied to the state’s community-based system; they said some billing duties have already been moved outside the contract. They also explained that the department rejected a previously discussed two-tier waiver concept after stakeholder feedback in October 2023 and instead shifted to rate-based work, including CIS assessments, to better align payment with individual need. Members also raised concerns about possible waste, sole-source contracting, and subcontracting. Hardy said she had not seen specific evidence of waste beyond a whistleblower call mentioned by a member, but acknowledged that inefficient execution can occur in government and said the department is trying to improve management. On procurement, she said sole-source contracts require her approval and that competitive procurement is the default when possible. White added that subcontracting is allowed only with written state permission under the standard P-37 terms, and subcontractors must meet the same obligations as the prime contractor. No votes or formal actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• morning again Susan laraby DCF here good morning again Susan laraby DCF General<00:21:12.480> Council
• and legislative Le aison General Council and legislative Le aison thank<00:21:14.240> you<00:
• <00:41:18.280> there's<00:41:19.280> potential they retain Council there's potential
• they retain Council there's potential remedies<00:41:19.960> against<00:41:20.119> the
• so if a they're represented by Council so if a lawyer<00:41:22.920> brings<00:41:23.119> a

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Good seeing you. council it repeals the position of the council it repeals the position of the first<
• I also represent the department on the State Fire Council as well.
• The State Fire Council does, and we'd like to see that rather in the fire code and not just actually
• I also represent the department on the State Fire Council as well.
• <00:41:56.440> does<00:41:56.960> and State Fire Council does and State Fire Council

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 534, a measure concerning development in Kakaʻako Makai involving the Hawaii Community Development Authority and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The chairs explained that the hearing was decision-making only and no testimony would be accepted, though members could ask clarifying questions. The chair outlined amendments to clarify HCDA’s approval process, require an environmental impact statement before residential development proposals are submitted, require Department of Health documentation on hazardous substances, and specify that only OHA-owned parcels would be eligible for certain residential development with a 400-foot height limit and maximum floor area ratio of 10.0. The amendments also addressed affordability, owner-occupancy, association fees, and a special fund, while noting Attorney General concerns that the fee could be construed as a tax and suggesting further review by Judiciary and Ways and Means. Members discussed the affordability threshold, with one senator suggesting 160% AMI instead of 140% due to high housing costs and concern that essential workers could be priced out. Others raised concerns about Native Hawaiian affordability, the long-term effect of perpetuity restrictions, and whether the process would protect OHA’s interests. An HCDA representative said 140% AMI was used in existing reserve housing rules and that lower thresholds could make development economically infeasible. OHA and other supporters said the proposal was still early in planning and emphasized the need for public hearings, community input, and compliance with environmental and remediation standards. The committees voted to pass SB 534 with amendments: Water and Land approved it 4-1, and Hawaiian Affairs also adopted the chair’s recommendation, with one member excused and one voting no. The meeting then moved to SB 3, relating to water resource management. The bill would authorize the Commission on Water Resource Management to retain independent legal counsel, create an executive director position, allow challenges to emergency orders under certain conditions, establish fines for water use offenses, and revise emergency and shortage declaration procedures; Red Hill-related provisions were noted as removed from this version. Testimony was largely supportive, including from DLNR, the Board of Water Supply, OHA, and Sierra Club, with OHA stressing the measure’s importance to Native Hawaiian water rights and past litigation. A Department of Hawaiian Home Lands representative supported the bill with amendments and recommended explicit language directing the commission chair or designee to advocate for water rights and reservations for homelands. The chair indicated the committees would use the prior Senate-passed version as the basis for further action, and the discussion then moved on to SB 130, a search-and-rescue reimbursement bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Council of the LOMAC Schools of North America. Council of the LOMAC Schools of North America.
• Catholic Conference, Mid-Atlantic Christian School Association, Bonnie Mitecki, President, Jersey Council
• Brian Lipton, Director, Rate Council, opposed, no need to testify.
• Brian Lippon, Director, Rate Council, opposed, no need to testify.
• Mary Ellen Papard, with the Food Council.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, Jim Durkin, I'm legislative director for AFSCME Council 93, and I want to speak on SB
• Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties, I sit on the Western Region Homeland Security Advisory Council
• First, codifying the Emergency Management Directors Advisory Council.
• We've met with the MEMA local emergency management director advisory council, which is made up of local
• This demand can be effectively transmitted by communication from town meeting or city council meetings

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security held a public hearing on a wide range of bills affecting law enforcement, corrections, fire services, emergency management, telecommunicators, and sex offender policy. Testimony strongly focused on proposals to restore an education incentive for Massachusetts State Police troopers hired after the Quinn Bill was repealed, with State Police Association witnesses arguing the current system creates unfair pay disparities, hurts recruitment and retention, and leaves newer troopers earning less than some supervisors with the same or less education. They urged favorable reports on H. 2651, S. 1759, and S. 1783. A separate witness also supported H. 2627, a sheriff’s pay-parity bill, while suggesting amendments to avoid distinctions between correction officers and jail officers and warning that the proposal should not be viewed as a funding issue alone. The committee also heard testimony on public safety and oversight bills. A rape survivor testified in support of S. 1663, arguing that municipal fire or police personnel convicted of sex offenses should not remain in positions of public trust. Senator Miranda testified in support of S. 1723, S. 1724, and S. 1727, which would create correctional officer training/accountability standards, a correctional inspector general, and privileged communication with legislators for incarcerated people; he said the bills respond to misconduct and lack of independent oversight in the Department of Correction. In contrast, the Fire Chiefs Association and Professional Fire Fighters opposed H. 2572/S. 1668/S. 1740 on emergency management, saying the bill was developed without enough collaboration, lacked local-control safeguards, and could undermine incident command and local decision-making during disasters. Several panels supported other public safety measures. The Fire Chiefs Association and PFFM backed S. 1641 and S. 1744 to create a Massachusetts Public Safety Building Authority to help fund fire station and municipal public safety building projects, and supported S. 1647 to implement the Walsh-Kennedy Commission recommendations on hot works and welding safety, including tougher penalties and training requirements. Witnesses also supported H. 2664/S. 1736 to create a hoisting machinery regulations board, saying current licensing standards for heavy equipment are too minimal. Another panel backed H. 2663/S. 1761 to classify 911 telecommunicators as first responders, citing stress, burnout, and the expanding role of dispatchers. Finally, an attorney from CPCS testified in opposition to S. 1752, warning that expanded sex offender residency restrictions would likely increase homelessness, make supervision harder, and raise constitutional concerns based on prior court rulings.