Transcript Highlights:

• We can destroy it once that 60-day mark has occurred.
• That does include the fact that if they are selling it once that 60-day mark has... pulled them off the
• That does include the fact that if they are selling it once that that 60-day mark has, The fact that
• if they are selling it once that 60-day mark has happened, so I've put it on the directory.

Summary: The subcommittee first heard presentations on protecting minors from age-restricted products from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Attorney General’s office. DBPR described its Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco division’s licensing and enforcement work on alcohol, tobacco, nicotine, and hemp sales, including inspections, undercover underage-purchase operations, arrests, and coordination with the Attorney General on hemp and nicotine enforcement. Members asked about trends in youth use, retailer training, use of underage decoys in investigations, and whether additional education or penalties could help reduce sales to minors. The Attorney General’s office then outlined the new nicotine dispensing device directory created under last year’s law, explaining the criteria for listing devices attractive to minors, the notice process for manufacturers and retailers, and enforcement consequences once listed devices become contraband. Members discussed online sales, product descriptions, notice to industry, and whether more outreach to parents, schools, and local partners could help. The committee then took up House Bill 105, which would decouple thoroughbred pari-mutuel permit holders from the requirement to conduct live racing in order to operate card rooms/slot gaming. The bill sponsor said the measure would align thoroughbred permits with other live-event permits and argued the industry is already declining and heavily subsidized, so the Legislature should not force a private business to keep an unprofitable line of business. An amendment by Rep. Yeager was adopted to remove live-racing requirements for thoroughbred permit holders who are card room licensees, broadening the bill’s effect to include Tampa Bay Downs as well as Gulfstream Park. Public testimony was sharply divided: supporters said decoupling would give tracks flexibility and not end racing, while opponents from the thoroughbred breeding and racing industry warned it would undermine live racing, breeding, jobs, farmland, and the broader equine economy. After debate, several members spoke in favor of the bill, emphasizing business flexibility, declining foal counts, and the view that the state should not require a private industry to maintain racing to keep gaming rights. Opponents argued the bill could damage a signature Florida industry and its economic impact. The committee then voted 10-6 to report HB 105 favorably, with several members voting no and some excused. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's marked down for some reason. But I can't do it. I don't know.
• You've left an indelible mark on this institution through your compassion, your conviction, and your.
• You left an indelible mark on this institution through your compassion, your conviction, and your unwavering

Keywords: 964, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you will please mark the members present when they arrive, we've had people all over the building
• But it's that 90-day mark. ...or a tech program.
• But it's that 90-day mark that really the plan needs to be solidified and signed and kind of committed

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we'll call it Mark Russo, Justice of the Peace, and Victor Villarreal, judge.
• My name is Mark Rousseau. I'm a Justice of the Peace.
• All the different marks that it takes, it's about a six-month process, and it ensures procedural fairness

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 1574 by Senator Zaffirini, which would codify the Texas Judicial Council’s Centers of Excellence Program for courts and judges. Testimony from judges and the Office of Court Administration emphasized that the program promotes transparency, procedural fairness, mentoring, and public trust. A committee substitute expanded eligibility to justices of the peace and municipal judges and removed a merit-pay reference to eliminate fiscal impact. After quorum was established, the committee adopted the substitute and later voted it out favorably, though it was not certified for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also heard SB 2774 by Senator Hinojosa, which would amend the Tax Code’s retail trade definition to include industrial uniform and linen rental businesses so they qualify for the lower franchise tax rate. Supporters said the change would put rental textile businesses on equal footing with other rental industries and help Texas employers and customers. The bill was reported favorably to the full Senate. Members then considered SB 1211 by Senator Perry, which would broaden the existing fracking-related sales tax exemption for equipment used with non-fresh water sources, including recycled, produced, and brine water. The bill’s supporters argued it would conserve freshwater and reduce litigation over water definitions, while the Comptroller’s office discussed the fiscal note and production-related revenue effects. The committee also heard SB 2873 and SB 2900, both by Senator Kolkhorst and presented by Senator Nichols; SB 2873 would require electronic filers to file electronically, and SB 2900 would eliminate certain Comptroller-related advisory committees and boards. Both were later adopted in committee substitute form and reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard HJR 4, sponsored by Senator Parker, proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit new taxes on securities transfers or financial transaction processing. Supporters said it would protect investors, especially retirees, and help position Texas as a financial center. The committee voted to report HJR 4 favorably to the full Senate. In each recorded vote after quorum was present, the measures passed with nine ayes and no nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Mark Huzek. I am the House Chair. To my right, I'm joined by Senator Barrett.
• Next, joining us virtually is Mark Sanding, Select Board member from Lexington.
• My name is Mark Sain Dean.
• Thank you, Mark. Any questions from the committee? Thank you. Thank you.
• Mark Martinez. Hello? How are you? How are you?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on H. 4144, the Governor’s Energy Affordability, Independence, and Innovation Act, with the administration arguing the bill would lower bills in the short and long term while expanding clean energy supply and innovation. The Governor and Secretary said the bill would reduce or restructure charges on customer bills, reform Mass Save, expand securitization as a financing tool, speed interconnection, create energy-ready zones, strengthen consumer protections in competitive supply, and allow broader state procurement of energy resources. They said the package could save consumers billions over time and would help address high energy costs, especially during extreme heat and winter spikes. Committee members pressed the administration on several provisions, especially securitization, asking whether the bill requires an apples-to-apples comparison of total costs over time, including interest and lost tax revenue, versus paying through rates. Administration witnesses said DPU review and public comment would be required and said they would work to clarify the language if needed. Members also questioned the bill’s solar and procurement provisions, including reduced net metering compensation for some large facilities, the scope of all-resource procurements, and whether hydro, solar, and nuclear would be included; the administration said those resources were contemplated and that procurement would still be reviewed by DPU. Other questions focused on the short-term relief from bill changes, the treatment of low- and moderate-income discounts, and whether the bill’s heat pump and Mass Save reforms would help customers who cannot afford upfront costs. Several witnesses and committee members discussed Mass Save reforms, including securitization of program costs, on-bill financing, pre-approval of rebates, and shifting program administration away from gas utilities. Administration witnesses said the changes were intended to reduce volatility, lower administrative costs, and better align costs with long-term savings. Questions also touched on geothermal permitting, municipal participation in offshore wind procurement, and the proposed repeal of the ballot requirement for nuclear power, which the administration defended as preserving future options under heavy review. No votes were taken during the hearing portion described. Supportive testimony came from labor, environmental, business, planning, and development groups. The AFL-CIO, NECA, and the Environmental League of Massachusetts backed the bill, emphasizing lower bills, job creation, labor standards, just transition protections, and cleaner energy. NAIOP, the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, and MAPC supported provisions on energy-ready zones, interconnection reform, microgrids, extreme-heat shutoff protections, and Mass Save improvements. A HEET representative praised the bill’s use of securitization, geothermal, and utility financing tools but urged guardrails and workforce protections. Overall, testimony was broadly favorable, with most witnesses calling for refinements rather than opposing the bill outright.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to go to AB 1837 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez.
• Mark Vukovic, on behalf of Streets for All. Yeah, this bill is simple.
• Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez. The motion is do pass as amended.
• Mark Farouk, on behalf of the California Hospital Association, in opposition.
• You're not going to like Mark West then, Chair. Oh, to talk longer?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the Public Defender's Office, and clear, visible officer identification, including badges or name markings
• the Public Defender's Office, and clear, visible officer identification, including badges or name markings
• You know, we're marked up.
• You know, we're marked up. >> Okay. >> And when we do these things, not only for recognition, but also
• You know, we're marked up. >> Okay. >> And when we do these things, not only for recognition, but also

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard several Senate bills. SB 2149 would exempt paternity proceedings involving allegations of domestic abuse from mediation and clarify the domestic abuse mediation exemption in divorce cases. The Department of the Attorney General and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence supported the measure but recommended technical and conforming changes, including updating references from HRS Chapter 584 to 584A and aligning the language more closely with the Uniform Mediation Act. Members discussed whether the bill’s wording could limit who may bring a support person to mediation, and the chair suggested the intent was to preserve survivor choice while avoiding ambiguity. No vote was taken in the portion heard. SB 2203 would create an offense for law enforcement officers using masks or personal disguises. The Office of the Public Defender, ACLU of Hawaii, Legal Clinic, and many other supporters argued the bill would improve transparency, accountability, and public trust, while still allowing safety exceptions. Law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Law Enforcement, Honolulu Police Department, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office, raised concerns about operational needs, undercover and auxiliary units, body cameras, and possible supremacy clause issues if the bill is aimed at federal officers. The chair noted the bill appeared likely to move forward and asked agencies and advocates to work on possible amendments; testimony count was reported as 114 in support, 3 opposed, and 2 comments. SB 2251 would appropriate funds for the victim witness assistance program in the City and County of Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The prosecutor’s office supported the bill, saying it would replace shortfalls from declining federal funding and help maintain victim services and rights information. A former program director also testified in support. When asked, the office said it would not object to a simple reporting requirement. The committee then moved on to SB 2311, which would address claims against the state and add reporting and timing requirements; the Department of the Attorney General testified with concerns and recommendations, and members began questioning current practices for handling claims and settlements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Hong of Lowell, would like to recognize today, April 17, marks the 50th anniversary of the Cambodian
• Hong of Lowell would like to recognize today, April 17, marks the 50th anniversary of the Cambodian genocide

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several ceremonial resolutions. On the Committee on Rules report, members adopted resolutions commemorating the Armenian Genocide and the 50th anniversary of Black April after suspending the rules. Representative Howard also recognized April 17 as the 50th anniversary of the Cambodian genocide, noting the Legislature’s prior designation of Cambodian Genocide Remembrance Day and observing a moment of silence for victims and survivors. The House also welcomed visiting student athletes from Weston High School, including the boys’ indoor track and field team and the boys’ fencing team, both state champions. Later, the Committee on Ways and Means reported House 1, the fiscal year 2026 state budget bill, with a total appropriation of about $61.4 billion. The bill was read a second time and, on motion of Representative Mikelowitz, further consideration was postponed until April 28, with the matter laid on the table. Finally, the House adopted an order to adjourn today to meet again Tuesday at 11 a.m. The chamber then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you please mark Senator Ellison... Thank you so much.
• Can you please mark Senator Ellison present when he comes, or absent excused if he doesn't make it by

Keywords: 909, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so the we have marked as illegal.
• They should fall under, if the legislature has marked cannabis as illegal as cannabis.
• marked cannabis as illegal as cannabis. marked cannabis as illegal as cannabis.
• Um, and the chair calls Danielle and Mark from the Liquor Enforcement. >> Good morning, Mr.
• For the record, my name is Chief Mark Armagan.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The government is the mark, workers are the mark, there may be consumers of the mark—it all sort of fits
• <01:35:37.840> government<01:35:38.159> is<01:35:38.320> the<01:35:38.440> mark
• government is the mark workers are the<01:35:39.760> mark<01:35:40.119> there<01:35:40.239
• there may be consumers of the the mark there may be consumers of the mark<01:35:41.880> it<01
• it all sort of fits together I'm mark it all sort of fits together I'm wondering<01:35:43.960> as

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, other states have tried to address this problem, but they usually don't hit the mark.
• <00:41:47.200> They're<00:41:47.920> reactionary don't hit the mark.
• They're reactionary don't hit the mark.
• So, I think if that's a problem where I have to know, I don't know how to mark in a recording.
• I don't know how to mark I don't know how to mark in<01:45:06.440> a<01:45:06.480> recording

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the marking process so that more firearms can get marked. >> Okay.
• > process<01:56:18.880> uh<01:56:19.040> to decentralize the marking process uh
• > can<01:56:24.000> get<01:56:24.159> marked.
• <02:19:08.880> services<02:19:09.359> to they can provide marking services to they
• up that same product individually mark up that same product because<02:40:44.479> they<02:40:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On July 3, 1890, Idaho became the 43rd state, marked by President Benjamin Harrison signing the law admitting
• On July 3rd, 1890, 135 years ago, Idaho became the 43rd state, marked by President Benjamin Harrison

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several routine matters. It adopted an emergency preamble for H. 4182, a sick leave bank bill for Jato Charlotton of the Department of Transportation, and later passed that bill to be enacted and sent it to the Governor. The Senate also adopted resolutions honoring the 14th Dalai Lama and congratulating two Eagle Scouts, Jack Geyser and Windsor Sheppler. The chamber then considered H. 4103, establishing a sick leave bank for Stephen Forget of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office. The bill was taken up out of the orders of the day, ordered to a third reading, and passed to be engrossed. A House bill, H. 4230, establishing a sick leave bank for James Caruso of the Department of Transportation, was also advanced when the Senate suspended the rules and ordered it to a third reading. The Committee on Rules reported a petition and bill from Pavel Payano to expand access to the family self-sufficiency program in Massachusetts. The Senate suspended its rules and Joint Rule 12 so the matter could be referred to the committees on housing. At the close of session, the Senate adopted an order to reconvene on Monday at 11:00 a.m. and to dispense with printing a calendar, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The request for leave for the following senators: Senator Krall, Senator Hammer, Senator Mark Johnson
• Dismang, Dotson, English, Flippo, Flowers, Gilmore, Hammer, Hester, Hickey, Hill, Irvin, Blake Johnson, Mark

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• with their treatment, increase their skill sets and coping skills around that, and that's made a marked
• difference in those housing units marked difference in those housing units when<00:50:28.520> you
• some years ago and is showing a marked some years ago and is showing a marked stride<00:51:04.680
• really think that will make a marked really think that will make a marked difference<01:02:23.160
• Hampshire but we're making marked Hampshire but we're making marked strides<01:06:25.039> we're

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 40.480> of<00:20:40.559> the Mark Bowman, executive director of the Mark Bowman, executive
• Thanks, Mark. Appreciate it. And yep, that was our seventh one. So that’s it.
• Thanks, Mark. Appreciate it. And yep, that was our seventh one.
• <00:24:41.120> Thanks<00:24:41.279> Mark. plan. Yes. Excuse me.
• Thanks Mark. plan. Yes. Excuse me. Thanks Mark. Appreciate<00:24:42.000> it.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:09 Approval of Minutes 00:01:10 Welcome New Members 00:01:26 Information Items 00:01:49 COT Special Report 00:02:38 Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:07:41 A. Department of Military Affairs 00:08:07 B. Department of Veterans’ Affairs 00:20:34 C. Kentucky Infrastructure Authority 00:25:54 D. Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet 00:35:05 E. Transportation Cabinet 00:55:53, 958, all

Summary: The Capital Planning Advisory Board met with a quorum, approved the May 21 minutes, and welcomed a new executive branch member, Secretary Keith Jackson of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. The board also received two informational items: agency responses to prior questions and amendments made to capital plans after the last meeting. It then heard the Commonwealth Office of Technology’s report on executive branch IT capital project scoring, which reviewed 16 IT requests totaling about $330.5 million. COOT said projects were ranked through an independent panel using standardized criteria focused on feasibility, statewide alignment, readiness, impact, and risk; the CIO recommended moving an enterprise application and artificial intelligence inventory system from rank 11 to rank 4 because of its enterprise-wide impact and connection to Senate Bill 4. The Department of Military Affairs presented its capital plan, describing 43 million in projects for the current period and 13 projects totaling $65 million for 2026–2028, with most funding coming from federal sources and restricted agency funds and no general fund request in the latter period. Its projects included maintenance pool adjustments, a statewide Army master plan, the Somerset readiness center, Shelbyville and Ashland armories, a future home for the Kentucky Army National Guard band, and other facility upgrades. Members asked about the Somerset project’s cost growth and federal delay; the department said the project remains in conceptual design, is awaiting federal MILCON action, and would require a state match of about $9.8 million against $29.6 million federal funding if it is approved. Members also asked about staffing levels, and the department said state employee and Title 32 numbers have been relatively steady, while technician positions have declined. The Department of Veterans Affairs outlined seven projects for 2026–2028, led by a Radcliff Veterans Center HVAC replacement that needs an estimated additional $16 million to finish phase two after phase one was already funded. Other requests included a maintenance pool increase, renovations and exterior upgrades at Eastern and Western Kentucky veterans facilities, a cooling tower replacement at Thompson Hood, and parking lot and lighting improvements. The department said some projects were already in the six-year plan and that the Radcliff phase two could be bid in June 2026 if funded. Members confirmed that a columbarium wall project at Grayson is federally funded. The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented its six-year capital plan, citing more than $3 billion in loan commitments since 1988 and over $5 billion in supported infrastructure projects. KIA requested $298.439 million in the first biennium, including $27.742 million in state match for federal clean water and drinking water revolving funds, $25 million for its state Infrastructure Revolving Fund, $185.697 million in federal capitalization grants, and $30 million in leverage bond authorization for each year of the two federally assisted loan programs. Members asked about drinking-water quality, and KIA said that function is handled by the Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Water, not KIA. KIA also said its loan rates currently range from 0.5% to 2.25%, averaging just under 1%, and that its revolving loan programs have had no defaults. The Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet began its presentation at the end of the transcript, with staff identifying themselves, but no project details or board action from that presentation were included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• outrage against Elon Musk and characterize him as a bad billionaire, but they are all googly over Mark
• outrage against Elon Musk and characterize him as a bad billionaire, but they are all googly over Mark
• outrage against Elon Musk and characterize him as a bad billionaire, but they are all googly over Mark
• elections is a problem, then whether the dollars come from Elon Musk, whether the dollars come from Mark
• Mark Zuckerberg is a billionaire. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This state championship marks the first state title win for the North Attleboro High football team since
• Jackie Rooney of South Boston, and Jean Noonan Rooney of South Boston, Paul Rooney of Boston, Mark and

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted an order setting a joint convention of the two branches for Thursday, January 16 at 6:00 p.m. to receive a communication from Governor Maura Healey. The chamber then briefly recessed and returned to recognize guests, including the North Attleboro High School football team, which was welcomed for winning the MIAA Division III State Championship after a 35-0 victory over Mansfield. Senator Feeney and Representative Scanlon praised the team’s 10-2 season, the coaching staff, school officials, and the broader community for the accomplishment. The Senate then considered and adopted a motion that, upon adjournment, it do so in memory of Mrs. Margaret C. Pegg Rooney of South Boston. The remarks honored her family, community involvement, faith, volunteer work, and long service at the State House Information Technology Department. A moment of silence was requested and observed in her memory. Finally, the Senate adopted an order to adjourn and set the next meeting for Thursday at 11:00 a.m. The chamber adjourned in memory of Mrs. Rooney.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the request of Speaker Mark, at the request of Speaker Mark, At the request of Speaker Mariano of

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House received a gubernatorial message returning House No. 3912, a bill to increase the Marblehead Board of Health from three to five members, with recommendation of amendment, and referred it to the Committee on Bills in the Third Reading. The House also suspended Joint Rule 12 on a petition from Megan K. Kilcoyne concerning condominium owners’ rights, sending it to the Committee on the Judiciary, and suspended Rule 7A to take up several bills reported by Steering, Policy and Scheduling. Those bills were read a second time and ordered to a third reading: House No. 138 on the definition of livestock; House No. 4437 on nutrient management and fertilizer regulation in Nantucket; House No. 4673 protecting first responders and enhancing access to behavioral health centers; House No. 4676 on tort actions for latent diseases; and House No. 4694 on increasing affordable and public housing options. The House then adopted an emergency preamble for House No. 4587, establishing a sick leave bank for a Department of Correction employee, David A. Russell. Several engrossed bills were passed to be enacted, including House No. 4149 revising the Lynn city charter, House No. 4286 authorizing an additional wine and malt beverage license in Somerset, and House No. 4439 simplifying subdivision road layout and acceptance in Marlborough. House No. 4587 was also passed to be enacted after the emergency preamble vote. The House observed a moment of silent tribute for Representative Anne Margaret Ferrante, who died after a battle with pancreatic cancer, and adopted an order to adjourn until Thursday at 10 a.m., with adjournment in her memory.