Transcript Highlights:

• The bills included in the amendment include Representative Gordon's publication of temporary polling
• Subject to a civil commitment order, Vice Chair Lee's polling place closure and change notice bill, Representative
• specifically, it includes House File 993, Representative Gordon's bill dealing with publication of temporary polling
• residence of an individual subject to a civil commitment order; and Vice Chair Lee's bill dealing with polling
• This part clarifies the off-reservation temporary polling.

Transcript Highlights:

• by TEPA relating to carrying a concealed handguns and handgun license holders on the premises of a polling
• HB 1855 by Cole relating to the regislation of voters as polling place or related procedures for to the
• HB 1900 by Leani relating to providing water to voters near a polling place, refer to the Committee on
• HB 2139 by Simmons relating to the voting by a voter who unable to enter a polling place refer to the
• At the polling place, refer to the Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• , and the results of that straw poll were 10-0-0 or 10-0-1 in favor of the strike-all rescinding of the
• we<00:41:34.600> took<00:41:34.920> a<00:41:35.040> straw<00:41:35.560> poll
• language, we took a straw poll language, we took a straw poll and<00:41:37.520> um<00:41:
• <00:41:38.240> of<00:41:38.320> that<00:41:38.520> straw<00:41:38.840> poll
• and um the results of that straw poll and um the results of that straw poll were<00:41:39.840>

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by Rabbi Toby Weisman, who spoke about Passover, the obligation to remember liberation from slavery, and the Torah’s repeated command to love the stranger. He connected that theme to immigrants and the need for community, courage, and small acts of kindness. After the devotional, the chamber took up three Senate bills for first reading and referral: S. 179 on the Uniform Disclaimer of Property Interests Act to Judiciary, S. 212 on potable water supply and wastewater system connections to Environment, and S. 227 on immigration protocols in Vermont schools to Education. The House also referred H. 558, relating to the Medicaid School-Based Services Program, to Appropriations, and H. 937, reported favorably by Ways and Means, was also sent to Appropriations under House Rule 35a. The House adopted JRS 45, a joint resolution on weekend adjournment for March 20, 2026, by voice vote. It also read and adopted several concurrent resolutions, including HCR 187 congratulating Village Garage Distillery of Bennington for a silver medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, HCR 213 recognizing March 2026 as Social Work Month in Vermont, and HCR 224 congratulating Vermont athletes at the 2025 National Senior Games and designating March 18, 2026, as Vermont Senior Games Day at the State House. Members made remarks in support of the resolutions, including praise for the distillery, social workers, and senior athletes, and guests in the gallery were recognized. The House then took up H. 887, which would amend the Fair Employment Practices Act to align documentation rules for crime victims with the protections already available to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking under the safe leave law. The committee and sponsor described it as a modest but important fix to ensure survivors can access both leave and anti-discrimination protections without conflicting paperwork requirements. The House agreed to the committee amendment and ordered the bill to third reading. Next, the chamber began H. 917, an omnibus military affairs bill combining several measures: correcting the Adjutant General title, defining Gold Star family member, creating a hiring preference for military spouses in state government, and providing free parking for disabled veterans. The sponsor outlined the bill’s purpose and sections, and discussion began on the title correction and related provisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• 1,000 to 3,000 the increasing from 1,000 to 3,000 the number<00:37:29.760> of<00:37:29.920> polls
• that<00:37:30.480> may<00:37:30.640> be<00:37:30.800> requested number of polls
• that may be requested number of polls that may be requested through<00:37:31.440> a<00:37:31.680
• an application exceeding 3,000 polls. an application exceeding 3,000 polls.
• applications exceeding 3,000 polls. applications exceeding 3,000 polls.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the minutes, and then took up several administrative regulations. The first was an Office of the Attorney General regulation creating an online submission process for an annual certification report to replace prior quarterly notarized certification forms; there were no amendments or questions. The main discussion centered on Personnel Cabinet regulations 101 KAR 2:034, 2:102, 3:015, and 3:045, which include staff-suggested technical amendments and address state employee compensation and leave. The compensation provisions clarify salary and rehiring/demotion rules, increase critical position premiums from one to three, and update weekend premium and ACE award practices. The leave provisions would provide up to six weeks of paid leave per 10-year interval for birth, adoption, foster placement, or a serious health condition, and allow one paid adverse-weather day per year with supervisor approval. Staff explained that annual and sick leave already accrue and roll over, and that the new six-week benefit was intended as an additional enhancement tied to the 10-year and 20-year sick-leave milestones.

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, let's do Senator Poll. Senator Poll for a point of personal privilege.
• Oh, Senator, let's do Senator Poll. Senator Poll for a point of personal privilege. Thank you, Mr.

Keywords: 964, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I did want to note that API conducted a statewide poll about this specific bill and found that 83% of
• want to note that API conducted a did want to note that API conducted a statewide<00:12:07.120> poll
• about this specific bill statewide poll about this specific bill and<00:12:09.760> found<00:12
• As stated, a recent<00:23:13.120> poll<00:23:13.520> found<00:23:13.679> that<00
• of Alabama recent poll found that 83% of Alabama parents<00:23:15.600> support<00:23:15.919><

Bills: HB161

Keywords: building codes, standardization, commercial construction, architectural services, energy conservation, federal compliance, local governance, 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that residents are feeling the strain of the rising cost of living, and polling has shown that
• My only concern with the measure is seeing some of the polling around it.
• feeling strapped, where we know that affordability is the number one issue and where we see in the polling
• give you a chance to respond, I just want to make sure we talk more broadly in your response about polling
• you a chance to respond, but I just want to make sure we talk more broadly in your response about polling

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 86, which would extend and expand the CAEATFA sales and use tax exclusion program through 2031, raise the annual cap from $100 million to $200 million, and add fusion energy. Supporters, including the State Treasurer and industry and labor representatives, cited billions in clean-tech investment, job creation, and environmental benefits; county groups opposed the bill over local revenue losses. The committee approved SB 86 on a 12-0 roll, holding the roll open for additional members. The committee then heard SB 545, which would require Go-Biz to study economic development opportunities along the California high-speed rail corridor, including land value, development incentives, and public-private partnerships. Labor, Fresno’s mayor’s office, and other stakeholders supported the bill as a way to spur corridor development and future funding opportunities, while one business group moved from opposition to neutral after amendments. The bill passed on a 9-1 vote, with the roll held open. Members next considered SB 63, a Bay Area transit funding measure authorizing a regional revenue measure to support transit operations amid looming fiscal shortfalls. The author and witnesses described severe service cuts that could follow without new funding, while committee members raised concerns about the bill’s structure, county participation, polling, and whether other revenue options should be considered. The bill advanced on a 9-3 vote, with the roll held open, and the committee also approved SB 263, directing a state study of tariff impacts on California’s economy and supply chains, on an 11-0 vote. Finally, the committee heard SB 661, which would redirect aviation-related tax revenues back to airports for aviation purposes and bring the state into compliance with federal requirements; testimony focused on airport modernization, rural access, and allocation formulas, but no final vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We can pass all the laws we want, but if we don't have dedicated poll workers keeping an eye on each
• The only thing I could add, and it's not in the resolution, is the poll workers are so important and
• Well, in terms of security at the polling place, every poll has to have, um, four poll workers, two from

Keywords: Discussion of HR 7 00:05:00, 958, all

Summary: The committee met, established a quorum, and opened with the pledge and prayer. Members then made several brief introductions of interns and guests from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. The chair also reminded members about microphone use, cell phones, and the 24-hour rule for committee amendments and substitutes. The sole substantive item was House Resolution 7, sponsored by Representative Hodgson, which set out guiding principles for Kentucky elections. Hodgson described principles including fair and secure elections, accessibility balanced with security, citizen-only voting, stability and uniformity in election procedures, prompt and accurate results, transparency, accountability, and preservation of state control over elections. Members generally supported the resolution; Representative Marzian asked whether Kentucky already follows these principles and raised the issue of low poll-worker pay, while Representative Hancock asked about protecting voter registration data and privacy. Hodgson responded that transparency applies to the process, not personal information, and that Kentucky protects ballot secrecy and voter data. Representative Chester Burton also asked about election security, and Hodgson said Kentucky’s system relies on bipartisan poll workers and mutual oversight at polling places. Representative Marzian asked whether Social Security numbers are still required for voter registration, and members indicated they are, with a follow-up promised to the committee. The committee then voted 15-0 to pass the resolution with favorable expression. Before adjournment, Hodgson encouraged additional co-sponsors, and the chair noted the committee would likely meet again the following Thursday.

Transcript Highlights:

• members, today along with my cosponsor Representative Valdes we are representing Bill 461, Volunteers at Poll
• Locations, who are registered and preregistered to assist poll workers during community service hours
• and quite frankly we have 16-year-olds who are wanting to volunteer to vote and volunteer at these polls
• We want to get more poll workers who desperately need these hours for student services, and students

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:42:22.160> that to um really highlight the polling that to um really highlight the polling
• clarify some points about that polling clarify some points about that polling because<00:42:29.440
• <00:42:42.480> Um polling firms to conduct this poll.
• Um polling firms to conduct this poll.
• Um, and it found that uh 86% of polling.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• students, trade school students, to participate in a democratic process with voting and not have a poll
• status of that student, for example, there be a fee waiver so that we don't unintentionally create a poll
• to have the identification that we're requesting them to have without the obstacle of a fee and a poll
• ...doesn't contain a mandate for supervisors to follow as to how they notify voters on their polling
• I have driven students at the correct polling location, you know, last minute to make sure they can cast

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then moved into returning messages from the Senate. Early action focused on CS/CS/HB 1503 on computer science education and certification, which would add computer science and artificial intelligence content in high school and create a K-12 teacher certificate program; after adopting a House amendment restoring certificate language and adjusting implementation timing, the House concurred in the Senate amendment and passed the bill 105-0. The chamber then took up CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, adopting a House amendment to allow local governments to buy into the cyber grant program and add a five-year sunset, then concurring in the Senate amendment shifting grant administration back to the Florida Digital Service; the bill passed 104-1. The House refused to concur in Senate amendments to CS/HB 351 on concurrent legislative jurisdiction over U.S. military installations and HB 6011 on reporting gifts or honoraria, sending both back to the Senate. It also refused to concur in the Senate amendment to CS/HB 851 on professional learning for instructional and school administrative personnel, saying the Senate version expanded the bill beyond its original autism-focused scope. After a recess, the House unveiled Speaker Daniel Perez’s portrait and heard extended remarks praising his leadership, institutional reforms, and the work of House staff and members. In the second returning-message list, the House debated CS/CS/HB 1471 on systems of law and terrorist organizations. The Senate amendment clarified the definition of “promote,” refined notice and timeline provisions for terrorist organization designations, and kept references to Sharia law as an example in the foreign religious law section. Supporters argued the bill was aimed at conduct beyond speech and was intended to protect the Constitution and public safety; opponents warned it would chill free speech, target Muslim Floridians, and give the governor and cabinet unprecedented power without adequate due process. After lengthy debate, the House concurred and passed the bill 80-25. The House then took up CS/CS/HB 1473, a public records bill tied to HB 1471, and moved to concur in a technical Senate amendment aligning the records exemption with the revised structure of HB 1471.

Transcript Highlights:

• place uh in New Hampshire it polling place uh in New Hampshire it required<00:27:29.399> uh<00
• books, which are being used in polling places at the current time.
• cost if it also saves local administrators or local election officials, who are trying to recruit poll
• During the presidential election, we were at our polling location until 2 a.m. because we had a series
• to get to the the polls to get to the polls<01:44:09.920> but<01:44:10.520> um<01:44:11.520

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are having trouble recruiting poll workers. And we have an elderly population.
• retire, we are not seeing young people step up to take their place and fill the duties that those poll
• We also need to identify that cost so that people know, like you said, you got people sitting at polls
• Like you said, you got people sitting at polls all day, and we have very, very low turnout.
• As a poll commissioner, it's an excellent way to give back to your community, to touch base with your

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 135, which would redirect a portion of wagering dedications from the sports fund to the Louisiana Early Childhood Education Fund and remove a cap affecting that funding stream. The author and staff explained the amendment was designed to avoid any impact on the State General Fund while increasing support for early childhood education. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably as amended. Senate Bill 202, from the Secretary of State’s office, would increase the number of compensated days for parish board of election supervisors to cover additional election-related duties. Secretary Landry and election officials testified that the change was needed because supervisors now perform more work, including ballot tabulation, machine sealing, and verification tasks. The committee adopted technical and appropriation-related amendments and reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee then took up several health and human services bills. Senate Bill 155 would require insurance coverage for medically necessary dental procedures needed before cancer treatment; testimony from medical and dental professionals emphasized that untreated dental problems can delay chemotherapy or radiation and worsen outcomes. After adopting amendments to narrow the fiscal impact, the bill was reported favorably as amended, with discussion of a possible subject-to-appropriation amendment to be worked out later. Senate Bill 237, a major DCFS reform bill, drew extensive testimony and debate over child welfare oversight, mandatory reporter training, law enforcement coordination, and the bill’s large fiscal note. The committee adopted amendments, including a subject-to-appropriation provision, and reported the bill favorably as amended after emotional testimony from supporters and former DCFS employees. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 465 on prompt-pay insurance reform after an amendment reduced the fiscal note to zero; Senate Bill 261 on unclaimed property after a substitute bill was adopted; Senate Bill 295 on expanded coverage for traumatic brain injury rehabilitation after amendments narrowed the mandate and added subject-to-appropriation language; Senate Bill 157 providing six weeks of paid parental leave for K-12 educators and staff, also subject to appropriation; Senate Bill 276 requiring bail bond producers to certify outstanding obligations before new appointments; Senate Bill 83 on human trafficking services after removing the age-expansion cost; Senate Bill 143 on bulletproof vests after shifting funding away from a direct state appropriation; and Senate Bill 450 on school safety assessments after an amendment limited implementation to available funds and resources. In each case, the committee’s actions focused on reducing or eliminating fiscal notes while keeping the bills moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• We hope they include strengthening our democracy by showing up at the polls and making your voice count
• extra barriers for people to exercise a right that they have, um, it really amounts to essentially a poll
• ><00:04:23.960> to<00:04:24.360> essentially<00:04:24.720> a<00:04:24.760> poll
• it really amounts to essentially a poll it really amounts to essentially a poll tax.<00:04:25.440
• If voters can't provide proof of their identity, citizenship, or residence at the polls, they can cast

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The program focused heavily on election policy and campaign finance. Senator Liz Boldon discussed the federal SAVE Act, saying it would require in-person proof of citizenship to register, limit online and mail registration, and require qualifying photo ID to vote. She argued the measure would create barriers for eligible voters, especially people without passports, women who have changed names, and mail voters, and said there is little evidence of non-citizen voting to justify the bill. The segment also noted Minnesota’s high turnout in 2024 and framed the issue as one of access and disenfranchisement. Boldon also outlined her Minnesota bill, Senate File 4147, aimed at reducing dark money in elections by limiting corporate spending and increasing transparency. She cited the growth in outside spending since Citizens United, said Minnesotans want to know who is influencing elections, and described the bill as a novel approach that could face constitutional challenges. She said the measure had already moved through three committees and might not affect the upcoming election season even if enacted. The program then highlighted Senate File 5050, the Republican-backed Save Minnesota Act, which would require qualifying photo ID at the polls and during early and absentee voting, allow provisional ballots when voters cannot prove identity, citizenship, or residence, create free state-issued voter ID cards, and direct officials to remove non-citizens from voter rolls. It also covered Senate File 1851, a bipartisan bill by Senator Bonnie Westlin to ban scam PACs and allow victims, the Attorney General, and others to sue fraudsters; the bill was laid over for possible inclusion in a future omnibus bill and could take effect in August if passed. The final portion introduced newly seated Senator Michael Holmstrom, who won a special election after the death of Senator Bruce Anderson. Holmstrom described his long involvement in Republican and pro-life politics, his work on campaigns and door-knocking, his small-business background, and the personal experiences that shaped his views. The segment also noted that all state Senate seats will be on the ballot in November, listed several senators not seeking reelection, and gave the candidate filing window as May 19 through June 2.

Transcript Highlights:

• So when we were discussing this bill, the tribes were polled as to how many children living out of state
• would turn 18 over the next four years, collectively across the tribes that were polled.
• Over the next four years, collectively across the tribes that were polled, the number was 80, or potentially
• I will say, I do acknowledge that all the tribes were polled.
• But we'll get you plenty of—we'll poll the commission to find out what best dates.

Keywords: Commission on Updating Virginia Law to Reflect Federal Recognition of Virginia Tribes, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Recent polling shows strong voter support.
• According to an independent poll conducted by Ward Research, 78% of registered Hawaii voters support
• Recent polling shows purchasing power.
• Recent polling shows strong<00:25:34.000> voter<00:25:34.400> support.
• by<00:25:36.559> Ward independent poll conducted by Ward independent poll conducted by Ward

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Higher Education hearing took up HB 441 HD2, a measure to increase cigarette taxes and dedicate the revenue to the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. The Department of Taxation said it had no substantive objection but requested an effective date of January 1, 2026 if tax rates change so it can order new stamps. The Department of Health, the Deputy Attorney General/tobacco enforcement, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the American Cancer Society, the Hawaii Medical Association, and several other health organizations and youth advocates supported the bill, arguing that higher cigarette prices reduce youth initiation, encourage cessation, and help fund cancer research and care. Several supporters asked for a larger increase, including at least $1 per pack, while opponents from retail, wholesale, and tobacco-related groups argued the tax would be regressive, burden low-income smokers, and drive sales to the illicit market. The Tax Foundation and other opponents also criticized reliance on sin taxes and said smoking rates are already at historic lows. After testimony and questions, members discussed how the revenue should be used and whether higher taxes change smoker behavior or push people toward vaping or other alternatives. The chairs announced they would pass HB 441 HD2 with amendments, replacing the contents with SB 528 SD1 except for changes reflecting the Department of Taxation’s request and a provision directing all proceeds from the tax increase to the Hawaii Cancer Center’s debt reduction, with an effective date of December 31, 2025. The House Health, Human Services, and Higher Education committees then voted to adopt the recommendation; the Health, Human Services committee vote was adopted with Chair and several members voting aye and one member voting no in the Higher Education committee vote. The hearing also briefly covered HB 1334 on meat donation, which drew support from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, food industry, and community groups, though no action was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1098 on crimes against protective services workers. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying assaults on protective services workers can have chilling effects and deserve stronger deterrence; a committee question raised whether the bill should instead be part of a broader, more proactive approach to assault statutes. The Department of Human Services also described safety steps such as panic buttons and phone apps for social workers. The excerpt ends before any final vote on HB 1098.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:29:10.360> New<00:29:10.519> York<00:29:10.760> Times<00:29:11.200> poll
• <00:29:11.720> found<00:29:12.320> that year um a New York Times poll found that year
• um a New York Times poll found that uh<00:29:13.120> 66%<00:29:14.000> of<00:29:14.240
• And I know that the polling on sports, when you ask the question, 'Should transgender women play girls
• on Sports when you know that the polling on Sports when you ask<00:30:26.440> the<00:30:26.640

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We did a poll, and he was up nine points in the poll where he had just been pounded on and pounded on
• I said, "We just got a poll that says he can win that race." Started asking around.
• involved.<02:11:47.600> We<02:11:47.720> did<02:11:47.960> a<02:11:48.000> poll
• We did a poll involved.
• and he was up nine points in the poll and he was up nine points in the poll where<02:11:52.120><

Keywords: In an effort to stave off issues that may occur with long format live streams, we have split this stream into two parts., 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've got this poll, I've got everything also with footnotes and links, so I have this poll to share with
• Since 10-7-2023, another poll found an increase among young Jews in their connection to Israel.
• In that poll, in addition, 76% of the general population agreed, and only 13% of all Americans, and only
• I've got this poll, I've got everything also with footnotes and links, so I have this poll to share with
• with footnotes and links so I have this poll to share with you and I'll submit it with my testimony

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Combating Anti-Semitism opened by approving the minutes from its November 5, 2025 meeting and outlining plans for its next meeting on November 20, when it expects to vote on the draft master report and recommendations. The chair explained that revised drafts would be circulated, changes would be handled by motion, and the final vote would be by roll call. The meeting then moved through several public panels focused on prevention, education, workplace support, and community safety. Parents for Peace testified that anti-Semitism and extremism should be treated as a public health crisis and urged state funding for training in K-12 schools, healthcare, and law enforcement. The panel described its intervention work with radicalized youth and families, argued for early-warning training for educators, and recommended diversion resources for courts and prosecutors so cases can be addressed before they escalate. Commissioners asked about the origins of radicalization, the need for school-based training, and how to connect courts and police to available resources. Project Shema’s Orrin Jacobson argued that effective anti-Semitism education must be nuanced, pluralistic, and grounded in a better understanding of Jewish identity and contemporary anti-Semitism, especially in conversations about Israel and Palestine. He said the group has run dozens of workshops in Massachusetts and emphasized that institutions should adopt content-neutral norms, train staff and administrators, and measure whether trainings lower tensions and increase willingness to intervene. Commissioners asked about handling activists who reject nuance, the role of faculty versus students, and whether classroom norms should limit teachers from advancing personal agendas. A workplace panel from Klaal and Combined Jewish Philanthropies presented survey data showing many Jewish employees feel unsafe being openly Jewish at work and that antisemitism training is the top requested support. They described rapid growth in Jewish employee resource groups, existing programming and stipends for ERG leaders, and recommended mandatory anti-Semitism training, support for Jewish affinity groups in public and private sectors, and broader convenings of major employers. The commission also heard from Truah rabbis and educators, who urged stronger interfaith solidarity, a state office of faith-based and neighborhood partnerships, and explicit attention to democracy and civil rights as part of anti-Semitism strategy. After a recess, the commission heard from Israeli-American, Russian Jewish, and Persian Jewish witnesses who described antisemitism as a lived, personal, and civic issue affecting immigrants and their families. They called for inclusion of diverse Jewish voices in state initiatives, stronger protections for Israeli-American businesses, and recognition that anti-Zionist rhetoric often becomes direct harassment of Jews. The chair said the testimony and suggested edits would be incorporated into the draft report, and the meeting ended with plans for further revisions before the final vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the meantime, you're going to be getting some more polls, polling, if you say, on some of the bills
• As you may know, so for your information, when you get polled or when there is an executive session,
• So, having said that, next time, we appreciate that you respond promptly to those polling questions.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The joint committee held a public hearing on several bills covering state administration, land/public housing redevelopment, construction safety, memorialization, records management, rural grant equity, and animal research. Testimony in support of H. 3329 described an inequity in the Governor’s Council reimbursement statute, which currently cuts off travel, meals, and lodging reimbursement after four terms; the witnesses argued this disproportionately burdens members from western Massachusetts and creates geographic and economic barriers to service. The Boston Housing Authority supported legislation for the Brighton/Faneuil Gardens area, saying it would allow a mixed-use redevelopment that replaces all existing public housing units one-for-one, adds new affordable housing, creates replacement rehearsal space for displaced musicians, and preserves prevailing wage standards. A major portion of the hearing focused on S. 2112, a construction safety bill. Suffolk Construction, Boston building trade representatives, and local inspectors testified that the measure would strengthen training, site safety standards, oversight of high-risk work, and enforcement, while helping protect workers and the public and improving retention and recruitment of inspectors. Witnesses said the bill would align Massachusetts more closely with higher safety standards in other states and build on lessons from past construction-related incidents. The committee also heard support for S. 2162, which would create a COVID-19 memorial; the witness emphasized the scale of pandemic deaths in Massachusetts and the educational value of public memorials. Other testimony addressed H. 3321, which would modernize records preservation for registers of deeds by reducing reliance on costly microfilm in an increasingly electronic system; the witness said current law is outdated and expensive. H. 3311, aimed at advancing equity for rural communities receiving state grants, drew support from town officials in Leyden and Ashfield, who said small towns lack staff for grant writing and should be evaluated more on need and regional impact, especially for climate and public safety projects. Finally, S. 2117, concerning animal research, was supported by an animal welfare advocate who urged prohibiting state funds for animal experiments and shifting to non-animal research methods. After the hearing concluded, the chairs noted that additional hearings and polling votes would follow, and the committee then adjourned.