Transcript Highlights:

• districts to ensure that old septic districts to ensure that old septic systems<01:16:32.159>
• Deay: Septic systems base their load on the number of bedrooms.
• housing units don't have their septic housing units don't have their septic systems<03:59:29.439
• /c><04:29:44.960> contaminating septic system fails and is contaminating septic system fails and
• the septic system was a Volkswagen. the septic system was a Volkswagen.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to go ahead and expand the system.
• itself and the upgrade of the system.
• The concern is with thousands of septic existing septic tanks to bring them on the service and to be
• able to use revenue generated unsourced from that municipality central sewer system to bring septic tank
• That should absolutely without question go to the expansion like so if you're bringing new septic septic

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to go in and expand the system.
• These aren't new... ...the same sanitary source system to go ahead and expand the system.
• itself and the upgrade of the system.
• able to use revenue generated and sourced from that municipal central sewage system to bring septic
• tank users online. ...sourced from that municipal central sewage system to bring septic tank users online

Summary: The committee heard and acted on a long agenda of environmental and natural resources bills. It reported favorably SB 1784 on sewer collection systems, allowing municipal sewer revenues to be used for expansion; SB 1388 on vessels, which prohibits random vessel inspections without probable cause, creates a five-year safety decal, bars local fuel-type boat bans, and expands funding options for boat ramps and marinas; and SB 880, which designates the American flamingo as Florida’s state bird and the Florida scrub jay as the state songbird. SB 946, as amended, was also reported favorably; it restricts certain waste facilities and incinerators near the Everglades, with the amendment narrowing the focus to the Broward/Miami-Dade area near the C-9 impoundment project. SB 1792 on dry sandy beaches was reported favorably after amendment, creating a pilot and process to inventory beaches and explore voluntary public access or conservation arrangements with private owners. SB 866 on anchoring limitation areas was reported favorably despite opposition from cruisers and boaters who argued existing law should be used instead of new county-specific restrictions. SB 832 on former phosphate mining lands was reported favorably with amendments that removed language about the necessity of phosphate mining and clarified that landowners requesting a radiation study must pay for it. The committee also reported favorably SB 1326 on hurricane evacuation clearance times and permit allocations in the Keys, and SB 1580, after a delete-all amendment, which authorizes DEP to use public-private partnerships for coastal resiliency projects. Finally, SB 1300 on oil and gas drilling permits was introduced to require DEP to consider potential harm from accidents or blowouts to natural resources when reviewing drilling permits, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill. The committee also took up confirmations, temporarily postponing the vote on Rodney Barreto’s FWC reappointment after public criticism of his leadership, while recommending favorably the other listed appointments.

Transcript Highlights:

• districts to ensure that old septic districts to ensure that old septic systems<01:16:32.159>
• <03:59:03.600> system is defined in determining septic system is defined in determining septic
• housing units don't have their septic housing units don't have their septic systems<03:59:29.439
• /c><04:29:44.960> contaminating septic system fails and is contaminating septic system fails and
• system every 3 should pump your septic system every 3 years.<04:36:02.480> It's<04:36:02.799>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on HB 1065, a housing bill that would clarify when multifamily and mixed-use housing may be allowed on commercially zoned land, define infrastructure standards, and preserve municipal discretion over where such development can occur. Prime sponsor Representative David Priest said the bill is intended to help address the housing shortage by using already developed commercial areas without overriding local planning. The New Hampshire Municipal Association, through Brody Dees, said it supports the bill and views it as a priority, but noted it is still discussing related language with stakeholders and wants clearer definitions for multifamily development, infrastructure, and adaptive reuse while preserving local control over commercial land use. Testimony was mixed. Ivy Van, a certified planner, opposed the bill because she said the infrastructure language is too restrictive and could exclude properties served by private utilities or septic systems. Chris Freeman, a housing provider, was generally supportive but recommended technical changes, arguing the infrastructure definition may be too broad and that the adaptive reuse language could unintentionally block useful building modifications. He said the bill should be clarified so it does not discourage reuse projects. The committee then moved to discussion of an accessory dwelling unit bill, with Representative Turkot describing changes that would shift some ADU approvals from a matter of right to conditional use or special exception, allow municipalities more control over attached versus detached units, set parking standards tied to single-family dwellings, and adjust size limits. He argued the bill would restore local discretion and prevent ADUs from becoming primarily rental units. Representative Reed pushed back, saying detached ADUs can help meet housing needs and provide opportunities for small landlords, while other members questioned how the bill would affect existing detached structures and breezeways. No votes were taken in the excerpt, and the chair also noted a recess and time limits for later testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• which is septic wastewater systems which is septic systems<00:53:40.480> right<00:53:40.640><
• It's the capacity of a septic system.
• for a septic system is 1,000 gallons. for a septic system is 1,000 gallons.
• capacity of the the septic system. capacity of the the septic system.
• A single septic system.

Bills: SB2190, SB2338, SB2424, SB2356, SB2981, SB3028, SB3187, SB2378, SB2398, SB2192, SB2155, SB3219, SB3218

Keywords: affordable housing, employment contracts, salary caps, housing finance, public housing authority, executive compensation, parking minimums, off-street parking, transit-oriented development, TOD, housing supply, smart growth, redevelopment, adaptive reuse, micro units, rail transit, public transit stations, county zoning, land use, urban planning

Summary: The House Housing Committee heard testimony on a series of housing-related Senate bills. SB 2190 SD2 on inclusionary zoning drew support from HHFDC, Hawaii YIMBY, Grassroot Institute, Housing Hawaii’s Future, and Hako Seed Center, with opposition from OHA and Aloha Independent Living Hawaii. SB 2338 SD1, dealing with housing agency personnel authority, received comments from the Attorney General cautioning that the bill should be clarified to avoid conflicts with civil service and collective bargaining laws and recommending removal of a provision limiting employment contracts; HHFDC said its comments addressed those concerns and supported the measure. SB 2424 SD1, concerning HHFDC, received broad support from housing, business, and community groups, with one opposition. Testimony focused on changing the definition of “qualified resident” so people who already own an HHFDC-assisted unit could later purchase another if their housing needs change; HHFDC said the current rule forces people to sell before buying again and that the bill would help people move up the housing ladder and encourage more housing development. SB 2356 on parking also drew broad support from state agencies, housing advocates, business groups, and local officials, with Unite Here Local 5 in opposition. SB 2981 on land use had strong support from many organizations and 67 individuals, with Unite Here Local 5 opposing. SB 3028 SD2 on property conveyance generated the most detailed policy debate. Supporters, including Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Indivisible Hawaii, and others, backed restructuring the conveyance tax into a marginal rate system and urged changes to revenue allocations, including dedicated funding for homeless services, DHHL, and the rental housing revolving fund. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii supported the marginal-rate concept but opposed dedicated special-fund allocations and criticized the bill’s blank sections. Committee members questioned the historical purpose of the conveyance tax, and the Tax Foundation explained it was originally a modest tax tied to property-value tracking when the state still ran the property tax system. The committee also heard SB 3187 SD2 on off-site construction, SB 2378 SD2 on housing permitting, and SB 2398 SD2 on residential housing utilities. OPSD supported SB 3187 but said it preferred the House version and wanted clarification that off-site certification should apply to factories in Hawaii, not out of state, to avoid outsourcing labor; it also suggested starting with a small scope. SB 2378 SD2 drew support from engineering, housing, and labor groups, with testimony that the House version included needed fixes to make the program insurable. On SB 2398 SD2, the Board of Water Supply opposed the bill, saying it could require disclosure of sensitive infrastructure information beyond ordinary water-availability assessments and raise critical-infrastructure and cybersecurity concerns; developers and housing groups supported the measure. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Water, sewer systems, all of that is sewer, electricity.
• Um, City, a lot of cities in Texas septic tanks are acceptable.
• So some of our citizens are on septic systems by choice. They're on large tract acres.
• Another thing you might want to think about is the septic system situation.
• There are entire cities in Texas that all they have are septic systems because they're large lot developments

Bills: HB24

Keywords: groundwater, conservation, water permits, sustainability, resource management

Transcript Highlights:

• It's only about the electric meter serving a well-pumped or a septic system.
• a well pumped or a septic a well pumped or a septic system<00:21:31.640> okay<00:21:31.760
• to the system in a you know a systemic to the system in a you know a systemic way<01:12:40.360><
• <01:33:28.480> the<01:33:28.840> the system to the billing systems the the system to
• Including the back office systems, the building systems, would start in 2030.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• regulations that are designed to ensure that septic systems are maintained as they should be.
• So, the way that it's written right now just talks about septic systems in general.
• <01:56:49.360> systems,<01:56:49.840> I construction um of septic systems, I construction
• um of septic systems, I think<01:56:50.080> that<01:56:50.320> would<01:56:50.400>
• Septic systems must be maintained and meet DES standards as it is addressed in the bill.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So a well, septic system, sprinklers for your garden, a washing machine or dryer if it was in a subintegrated
• > homeowners septic that are in homeowners septic that are in homeowners associations<05:52:52.638
• pay for the shared well and septic pay for the shared well and septic<05:54:17.440> and<05:54
• /c><05:58:58.440> and used for the septic system is 82 33 and used for the septic system is 82
• shared meter usage for the septic shared meter usage for the septic systems<06:10:16.320> and

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AND THEY AUTHORIZE A FLOOD CONTROL SYSTEM THAT I SPOKE ABOUT.
• SO THEIR OUTLET AS DESIGNED IN THE FLOOD CONTROL SYSTEM WAS TO DUMP IT EAST AND WEST.
• THOSE AREAS RIGHT BEFORE YOU GET TO THE WHITE BOXES IS A WETLAND TREATMENT SYSTEM.
• THE SEPTIC TO SEWER AND THAT BEING A CONTRIBUTOR. HOW IS THAT GOING?
• BUT THERE ARE A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF SEPTIC TANKS AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO NEED TO SEE THE SEPTIC TO

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there a systemic epidemic in data breaches?
• They often get to municipalities, to counties, and those systems become much more complex.
• tanks or commercial septic tanks in residential areas, which is very expensive.
• So the septic system issue is an Environment Regulations And that would not be affected by this.
• So in my view, you're taking away local control for some of their jurisdictions, even septic tanks.

Bills: SB20, SB53, SB86, SB96, SB129

Keywords: prior authorization, pharmacy benefits manager, PBM, health insurer, prescription drugs, step therapy, formulary, auto-adjudication, electronic portal, appeals, medical necessity, serious mental illness, mental health, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, substance use disorder, addiction treatment, cancer, autoimmune disorder

Transcript Highlights:

• systems for these units.
• <01:03:00.400> a<01:03:00.520> long septic system a leech field a long septic system
• It's not enough land to put a septic system on. It's called a shared system.
• You know, some of the things, for example, our town has larger setbacks for septic systems.
• for septic for septic systems<01:24:13.320> there's<01:24:13.760> absolutely<01:24

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for the purpose of expanding those systems.
• for the purpose of expanding those systems.
• So while we have estimated cost, when you have a city that 48% of its residents are on septic system
• from septic to sewer?
• Right now, 50% of the city is on septic tanks. Right now, 50% of the city is on septic tanks.

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee heard several transportation and infrastructure bills. HB 1239, Energy Infrastructure Investment, would let the Public Service Commission create a mechanism for utilities to recover costs for renewable natural gas infrastructure; supporters said it could diversify energy supply and help agriculture, while members raised concerns about consumer rates and asked whether savings from RIN credits should be passed to customers. The bill drew supportive public testimony and was reported favorably after debate, with members noting the PSC would set costs and that the sponsor was open to further discussion on consumer protections. The committee then took up HB 313, which exempts Purple Heart recipients from paying Florida tolls. With no questions or opposition, it passed unanimously. The committee also considered HB 567, a broad transportation omnibus/strike-all bill covering EV tax revenue for roads, airport and MPO changes, workforce funding, traffic signal modernization, speed limits, and a pilot to streamline airport permitting. A major amendment added utility right-of-way notice, response, and incentive/penalty provisions, and another amendment authorized local governments to set age and ID rules for e-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices after testimony about a fatal crash. The bill was reported favorably after extensive debate and public testimony from transportation and utility stakeholders. HB 112, dealing with municipal sewer collection systems, would allow cities to use sewer revenues to expand wastewater infrastructure. Sponsors said it was aimed at helping cities like Hollywood reduce septic use and improve water quality; testimony supported the measure as a way to unlock funding for sewer expansion, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee also approved HB 7009, preserving public records and meeting exemptions for 911 and public safety radio communications systems and expanding them to next-generation 911. Finally, PCS for HB 1397, a large transportation package addressing airport, seaport, spaceport, and workforce issues, was amended and passed 14-1 after questions about federal testing notifications, removal of certain business preference language, and a provision redirecting some transit funds to highway projects if not timely used.

Transcript Highlights:

• So SB 810 on stormwater management systems by Senator Burgess.
• in place and get some of our failing septic systems out of the ground without having to connect with
• We've got 2.6 million septic tanks.
• These septic systems out of the ground without having to connect with central water.
• We've got 2.6 million septic tanks.

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources considered several environmental and infrastructure bills, most of them sponsored or presented by Senator McLean, along with measures on stormwater, wastewater, brownfields, marine facilities, and a confirmation package. SB 492 on mitigation banking would allow mitigation credits to be purchased outside an impact area when local credits are unavailable, with distance-based multipliers and a statutory credit release schedule; Senator Smith raised concerns about how far credits could be moved from the impacted ecosystem, while supporters said the bill would preserve net environmental benefit and provide predictability. The bill was reported favorably, with Senator Smith voting no. SB 800 would update Florida’s battery recycling program and require manufacturers to support more robust recycling and disposal information, prompted by testimony from waste, recycling, and industry groups describing truck, landfill, and facility fires caused by batteries. SB 1228 would advance a spring restoration project for Kentucky Springs and the Santa Fe spring flows by allowing JEA to amend a compliance plan to deliver more than 35 million gallons per day of reclaimed water to replenish the aquifer; it was reported favorably without debate. SB 796 would create a general permit for distributed wastewater treatment systems to help local governments address failing septic tanks, and SB 736 would update the Brownfields program with technical changes, revised definitions, and a change allowing smaller ownership interests to participate in cleanup efforts; both were reported favorably after supportive testimony. SB 810 on stormwater management required annual inspections of local government waterways and drainage works before hurricane season, motivated by flooding after recent storms. Senators Harrell and Smith questioned who would be responsible for inspections and repairs, the scope of structures covered, and the fiscal impact, and the sponsor said the bill would be refined to better define responsibilities and possibly narrow the scope to higher-risk infrastructure. The bill drew opposition from the Florida League of Cities and the Florida Stormwater Association, but also strong support from senators who emphasized the need for better preparedness; it was reported favorably. SB 1162 on water access facilities would add a clean marine manufacturer designation, provide a lease fee discount, and include parking for boat-hauling vehicles and trailers in the grant program; it was reported favorably. The committee also unanimously recommended confirmation of five Florida Inland Navigation District appointees, and Senator DeSantis? no, Senator DeCeglie recorded affirmative votes on SB 492, SB 800, and SB 1228 before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the septic system permit is separate from a wetlands permit.
• septic system and there's supply or or a septic system and there's a<02:44:03.359> complaint,
• <02:45:24.080> system<02:45:24.319> is >> Yeah, the permit for a septic system
• And so if somebody builds their septic And so if somebody builds their septic system<02:45:30.399
• overshadowing involving septic systems overshadowing involving septic systems being<03:13:26.319

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House returned from recess and took up S. 208, a bill on standards for law enforcement identification. The House Judiciary Committee explained that it had rewritten the bill into a model-policy approach focused on Vermont state and local agencies, rather than imposing direct requirements on all law enforcement, because of constitutional and preemption concerns raised by a recent Ninth Circuit decision. The amended bill would direct the Law Enforcement Advisory Board to develop a statewide policy on officer identification and facial coverings by July 2027, require agencies to adopt a consistent policy by October 1, 2027, and deem agencies to have adopted the model policy if they do not act. The committee reported the bill favorably on a 6-5 vote. Members then debated an amendment offered by Representatives Berbeco and McGill to restore federal officers to the bill. Supporters argued that public authority should not be anonymous, that visible identification is necessary for transparency, accountability, and public trust, and that the bill should apply to federal agents as well as state and local officers. They said the amendment included exemptions for undercover work, tactical teams, protective equipment, and safety concerns, and argued Vermont should not wait for courts to resolve every constitutional question before acting. Opponents on the Judiciary Committee said the language remained likely unconstitutional and could jeopardize the bill’s passage; the committee had found the amendment unfavorable on an 8-1 vote. The floor debate continued with several members speaking in favor of the amendment, including arguments that other states have adopted similar requirements and that Vermont should lead on the issue. One member raised a point of order that was not sustained, and the Speaker ruled federal authority relevant to the question. The transcript ends while debate on the amendment was still underway, after a request for a roll-call vote was granted, with no final floor vote on the amendment shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• , shared water and septic systems, or water and sewer if you have that well and septic.
• , shared water and septic systems, or water and sewer if you have that well and septic.
• , shared water and septic systems, or water and sewer if you have that well and septic.
• system on a when building a septic system on a parcel<03:31:38.239> with<03:31:38.479> Dees
• <03:31:43.279> system<03:31:43.920> and for building that same septic system and for

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If it is leeching, has the septic tank in between the disposal system used to be called a leach field
• tank in between the um the septic tank in between the Disposal<00:15:19.320> system<00:15:19.639
• What was the reasoning for limiting households on a septic system?
• system?
• What was the reasoning for limiting households on a septic system?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered several bills focused on environmental protection and wastewater management. HB 26 HD 2, relating to environmental protection, drew support from the Department of Health, Reworld, and Energy Justice Network. Supporters said it would preserve existing standards for waste-to-energy facilities, including H-Power, even if federal EPA rules are weakened, while Energy Justice Network urged the state to go further and require stronger pollution controls on older burners at the plant. HB 734 and HB 735, both relating to wastewater systems, received broad support from state agencies, county representatives, realtors, environmental groups, and others. Testimony emphasized reducing the cost of cesspool upgrades, updating rules, and improving coordination between the Department of Health, counties, and the University of Hawaiʻi. Members raised concerns about whether some areas, such as Ewa, should be treated differently if they are not near aquifers or the ocean, but the department said the existing prioritization process already considered statewide conditions and that cesspools generally still affect water resources. On HB 735, the committee discussed the current bedroom-based limits for individual wastewater systems and whether the bill would allow more flexibility for housing configurations, with the department explaining the limits are tied to density and system capacity. HB 879, relating to cesspool conversions, was also supported by the Department of Health, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and several advocacy groups. Testimony said the bill would help low- and moderate-income homeowners in priority areas by increasing grant assistance for cesspool upgrades, but the Department of Health noted it would need three full-time positions to administer the program. Members asked for clarification on the grant amount and staffing costs, and the department indicated the grant cap should remain at $20,000 unless changed. HB 918, relating to labeling of non-flushable wipes, drew support from wastewater and industry groups, including the Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, which said similar laws have passed in other states and that the bill reflects cooperation between manufacturers and wastewater officials. The Department of Health and county officials supported the concept but said enforcement and outreach would require additional staff, and senators questioned whether the state could effectively enforce the labeling requirement without a national standard.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative LaMarca: This strike-all addresses septic systems and water systems.
• systems to a nutrient-reducing system where central sewer is not available.
• Members, septage is the stuff that comes out of septic tanks.
• And we do a lot with enhanced nutrient reduction systems. These are just your legacy systems.
• Despite the cost of septic systems and the proper cleaning of them, it's much more costly if that material

Transcript Highlights:

• Over time we have heard quite a bit about shoreland septic and about violations of the Water Quality
• Over time we have heard quite a bit about shoreland septic and about violations of the Water Quality
• Over time we have heard quite a bit about shoreland septic and about violations of the Water Quality
• that can go back into the system.
• radioactive elements into the system radioactive elements into the system that<00:49:29.559>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began with housekeeping about report deadlines and bill scheduling, noting that reports should be submitted as soon as possible, ideally by Friday night, so they can be reviewed and filed on time. The chair explained the process for Democratic and Republican reports, reviewed the timing sheet for early bills, and said the committee was trying to stay on schedule to avoid hearings during vacation week. He also shared his contact information for questions. The committee then moved into executive session on 10 bills. On HB 13, relative to OHRV operation on certain highways in Windsor, the committee voted unanimously to retain the bill after the prime sponsor asked that it be held for possible local action. On HB 127, extending the closing date of OHRV trails on the Connecticut River headquarters property from September 30 to Columbus Day, members debated economic benefits for Pittsburgh versus concerns about local control, conservation easements, and hunting impacts. The committee voted 11-5 ought to pass; the chair noted it would not go on consent and would have a fiscal note. On HB 174, increasing the maximum weight of a utility terrain vehicle to 3,500 pounds unladen dry weight, supporters argued the change could help accommodate electric vehicles and heavier equipment, while opponents raised concerns about undefined terms, enforcement, private landowner rights, and unintended consequences. The committee voted 8-7 ought to pass. On HB 203, requiring C-COT approved personal flotation devices while on New Hampshire state waters, the committee heard a split between members who emphasized personal responsibility and those who said the bill would improve safety and education and could reduce drowning deaths. The motion to ITL failed 11-5, meaning the committee rejected the motion to kill the bill and advanced it instead. The transcript then moved on to HB 332, allowing for the establishment of a village district, but the discussion of that bill was not included in the provided excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The biggest source of water pollution in the Westport River is the thousands of onsite septic systems
• We are executing a comprehensive waste management plan designed to remove over 1,500 septic systems from
• We require all new septic systems or septic system upgrades to include denitrification technology.
• This is particularly the case for Westport, which is almost totally dependent on septic systems for all
• This is particularly the case for Westport, which is almost totally dependent on septic system for all

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered several bills related to environmental, natural resources, and maritime issues. Representative Markey testified in support of H. 1000, which would create a commission to study financing wastewater infrastructure, especially in southeastern Massachusetts and the South Shore, citing combined sewer overflows and impacts on aquaculture. Members agreed the core challenge is finding long-term financing for wastewater solutions. The committee also heard testimony on H. 902 to establish an Office of Outdoor Recreation, with supporters describing its role in expanding access, supporting underrepresented communities, and helping grow the outdoor economy. Related testimony also supported H. 986, which would codify the Division of Ecological Restoration and the Office of Fishing and Boating Access within the Department of Fish and Game, with witnesses emphasizing habitat restoration, flood reduction, public access, and boating/fishing opportunities. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 901/S. 597, “An Act Providing Nature for All,” which would dedicate existing sporting goods sales tax revenue to a new conservation fund. Supporters from Mass Audubon, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Appalachian Mountain Club, Trust for Public Land, Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, and conservation groups argued the bill would provide a sustainable revenue stream for land conservation, parks, trails, wetlands, water protection, and climate resilience, while also advancing environmental justice and outdoor recreation. They said the state needs roughly $300 million more per year to meet land conservation goals and that the bill could generate about $100 million annually without raising taxes. Committee members asked about balancing conservation with housing and development, and witnesses said the goals are compatible and that the bill includes safeguards. Witnesses also noted similar funding models in other states. The hearing also included H. 1053, a bill to create a Merrimack River Collaborative. Regional planning and watershed advocates said the river faces bacterial contamination, heavy metals, combined sewer overflows, and other pollution, and that a formal collaborative would help coordinate municipalities, state agencies, and nonprofits across the watershed and possibly across state lines. Another bill, H. 4109, would relocate harbor lines in New Bedford Harbor to allow reconstruction of deteriorating bulkheads at a waterfront industrial site; the New Bedford Port Authority, engineers, and the property owner said the change is needed for permitting and would support port modernization and jobs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on S. 641 regarding marine pilotage in New Bedford. Supporters argued the bill would remove a District 3 pilotage restriction and improve port flexibility and offshore wind operations, while opponents warned it would undermine the state’s compulsory pilotage system, weaken safety, and allow ship owners to shop for pilots. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.