Transcript Highlights:

• So, just give us your name and tell us what you'd like us to know about this bill. original statement
• They were charging us $150 for to use the pool.
• They were us $150 for to use the pool.
• to us and expected us attempted to send to us and expected us to<00:59:40.079><c> pay</c><00:59:40.480
• </c> us by Senator Scheler. us by Senator Scheler.

Bills: SF0035 , SF0090 , SF0072

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• We can use the existing jets, use the SAF, and we can reduce emissions by 80%.
• Yes, you can use props.
• Sorry, for a single use. There's only one.
• A lot of the vapes that you see, like single-use vapes that you see, like single-use vapes that you..
• As a tobacco use prevention and it...

Summary: The committee heard AB 839, which would allow up to three sustainable aviation fuel projects to qualify for expedited CEQA judicial review. The author and airline and airport supporters argued SAF is a key emissions-reduction strategy for aviation and that California needs to signal investment certainty after prior project litigation. Environmental Justice and Earthjustice opposed, saying the bill weakens the public’s ability to challenge polluting projects and that SAF facilities can harm already overburdened communities. The committee later took a roll call on the bill and it was held on call after a 3-0 vote, with the motion being due pass to Judiciary. Members then took up AB 762, which would ban the sale of disposable nicotine vapes in California. The author and a broad coalition of waste, public health, local government, and environmental groups said the devices create fire hazards, add lithium batteries to the waste stream, and burden local recycling and hazardous waste systems. Opponents, including retailers and business groups, argued the bill would mainly affect a small legal market while the illicit market would continue to supply most disposable vapes, and warned of unintended consequences. After discussion about illicit sales, EPR ideas, and reuse alternatives, the committee voted 2-2 on the motion to pass as amended to Revenue and Taxation, so the bill was kept on call. The committee also heard AB 907, which would compensate the six local air district representatives who serve on the California Air Resources Board the same as other board members. The author and supporters said the change would improve equity and help ensure local representation on CARB, and no opposition was presented. The chair expressed support, noting similar legislation had passed the committee previously, and the bill was held for a later vote once quorum issues were resolved.

Transcript Highlights:

• They've got a wide range of materials to use.
• They use structured literacy.
• Senate Bill 37 helps us make that a reality.
• All of us work together to support.
• us here.

Bills: SB234 , SB210 , SB243 , SB244 , SM16 , HB8

Committee: House House Education

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 37, the High-Quality Literacy Instruction Act, which would strengthen reading instruction and educator preparation around the science of reading. The sponsor and supporters said the bill requires evidence-based, culturally and linguistically responsive literacy instruction, including support for English learners and students in bilingual and dual-language programs, use of approved high-quality instructional materials for K-3 reading and interventions, a K-3 reading assessment, literacy coaches, and parent progress reports. An amendment package was adopted to clarify biliteracy language, broaden references to bilingual/dual-language and Indigenous language settings, remove awkward phrasing, and adjust reporting requirements from monthly to four times per school year. The committee then moved forward with the amended bill. Public testimony was largely supportive. Students, educators, school leaders, advocacy groups, and tribal representatives said structured literacy has improved reading outcomes and can help struggling readers, including students with dyslexia and multilingual learners. Several speakers emphasized that the amended bill better protects bilingual, dual-language, and Native language programs, and some noted the importance of parent communication and early intervention. Supporters also cited recent literacy gains in New Mexico and said the bill aligns teacher preparation, materials, assessment, and coaching. Opposition focused mainly on concerns that the bill could still privilege English over Indigenous languages, that high-quality materials requirements may be too restrictive or costly for districts, and that testing and reporting could add workload. Tribal speakers from Acoma and Taos said they could not support the bill without further changes to explicitly protect Native language revitalization. Other opponents raised concerns about funding for materials and coaches, the burden on teachers, and whether the assessment and HQIM requirements would be flexible enough for local needs. In committee discussion, the sponsor and PED said existing funds and staff could support implementation, that the assessment would be formative and teacher-focused, and that the bill was intended to complement, not replace, Native and bilingual education programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• And what we do with this, what this does for us, is it gives us the output of the currents, the velocity
• She uses a non-targeted chemical analysis.
• Why don't they care about us? Why is our governor ignoring us?
• It costs us $150,000. It took three months to build. And I It costs us $150,000.
• To come and present to us today.

Summary: The joint Senate and Assembly Environmental Quality/Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials informational hearing focused on the Tijuana River Valley sewage crisis, with members from both parties emphasizing that the problem is long-running, cross-border, and severe enough to require federal, state, local, and binational action. Opening remarks described the crisis as an environmental and public health emergency affecting beaches, air and water quality, marine life, tourism, and residents’ quality of life in South Bay communities. Assembly Member Boerner and Senator Jones both stressed the need for continued funding and cooperation, while Senator Padilla said the issue is underappreciated because of where it occurs but has major public health, economic, and educational consequences. Congressman Mike Levin’s office reported more than $650 million in federal funding secured for infrastructure and cleanup, along with federal legislation and requests for CDC and EPA involvement. Supervisor Paloma Aguirre gave a detailed overview of county efforts and the scope of the crisis, citing decades of sewage flows from Tijuana, nearly four years of beach closures, and the county’s expanded water-quality monitoring. She said the county is pursuing warning signs, an air purifier distribution program, an epidemiological study, soil testing, an economic impact study, and a feasibility analysis to remove the “hot spot” near Saturn Boulevard, which she described as a key local source of airborne pollution. She also pointed to binational funding for treatment plant upgrades and said the county is seeking state support, including from Proposition 4 cross-border river funds, to expand relief and mitigation efforts. Scripps researchers Dr. Sarah Giddings and Dr. Kimberly Prather presented scientific findings on water and air transport. Giddings described a high-resolution forecast model that predicts wastewater movement and beach closure risk up to five days ahead, using real-time observations and showing about 72% accuracy against county measurements. Prather said the main exposure route is through air, not just water, and reported that turbulence at the river hot spot aerosolizes pollutants, with hydrogen sulfide and other gases spiking at night and dropping when river flow is diverted. She said the team has identified thousands of gases and linked measurements closely to odor complaints, while also noting that air purifiers can reduce indoor exposure but are not a permanent solution. Dr. Paula Stigler Granados added that community health surveys and CDC assessments show widespread symptoms, sleep disruption, anxiety, and daily life impacts, especially during nighttime odor events. She said her team has found more than 900 contaminants in river water and 106 chemicals uniquely associated with the Saturn Boulevard hot spot, with passive air sampling showing similar chemical fingerprints in nearby homes. The panel discussion ended with questions about standards and accountability, and witnesses and legislators agreed that the crisis requires updated air-quality standards, more health research, and continued coordination to reduce exposure and address the source of pollution.

Transcript Highlights:

• This project is really exciting for us.
• It was that important to us.
• And so when somebody looks to us as a resource, we don't really have a public-facing part for us to be
• I think something definitely could help us. We used La Bajada as an example.
• It's not getting used. Yeah, Mr.

Summary: The Department of Public Safety presented its FY27 budget request, emphasizing three priorities: improving community engagement through a redesigned website and outreach, expanding statewide data and intelligence integration through intelligence-led policing, and improving emergency response and officer safety through fleet replacement, a driving track, and a requested helicopter. DPS said much of its increase is driven by rising health care premiums, and it is also seeking special appropriations for fleet replacement, the website rebuild, and an Honor Guard program created after the 2022 helicopter crash that killed four public servants. Members asked about vacancies, fleet costs, cybersecurity compliance, the real-time crime center, EV fleet participation, and the Metro DPS facility. DPS said its vacancy rate is about 9%, its fleet replacement needs are driven by mileage and condition, it is compliant with federal CJIS standards even though DoIT has raised concerns, the real-time crime center would be built as a regional model to complement Albuquerque’s center, and the Metro facility is moving toward a January groundbreaking. Committee members also discussed several DPS-related capital and IT requests, including the intelligence-led policing data lake, recurring maintenance for critical systems, and a $5.6 million reauthorization for state crime lab DNA backlog work and a $900,000 reauthorization for fingerprinting equipment. DPS explained that the website request is high because the current site must be rebuilt from scratch to support missing-person alerts, memorial updates, ADA compliance, and better communication with law enforcement and the public. Members also raised concerns about speed enforcement, construction-zone cameras, and whether EVs are practical for patrol use; DPS said it is not pursuing speed cameras and is only partially participating in the state EV initiative because patrol needs make full electrification difficult. The committee then received an LFC quarterly update on non-recurring appropriations from the 2025 General Appropriation Act. LFC reported that of the $1.4 billion appropriated in Section 5, $164 million had been expended and $333 million encumbered, leaving $897.4 million unspent, which is a slower pace than the prior year. Staff highlighted a number of reauthorization requests and slow-moving projects across agencies, including AOC cybersecurity funding, DFA housing and public safety grants, DoIT cybersecurity and higher education funds, EDD economic development and energy programs, OSI mitigation and malpractice funds, EMNRD energy and geothermal grants, Health Care Authority behavioral health-related appropriations, DPS crime lab and fingerprinting funds, PED career technical education and special education initiatives, and higher education loan repayment and technology funds. Members questioned why some large appropriations had little or no spending, discussed the need to monitor reauthorizations more closely, and asked for follow-up on several specific line items and project balances.

Transcript Highlights:

• and, as we know, that's used on places where you're also using nitrate.
• and, as we know, that's used on places where you're also using nitrate.
• </c> land use and management. land use and management.
• </c><01:52:19.480><c> in</c> use, which is what is they're using in use, which is what is they're using
• You can use this. the other mic closer? You can use this.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Transcript Highlights:

• And to me, it's all related still around us not doing what they would like us to do in Massachusetts.
• And to me, it's all related still around us not doing what they would like us to do in Massachusetts.
• How dare us? How dare us? We cannot support this removal of DEI from anything in our state.
• it to us at a later time?
• Can you keep us abreast of any more polling that you will be doing that possibly could help us going

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion

Summary: The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held an informational hearing on diversity, equity, and inclusion in Massachusetts; no bills were heard or voted on. Chairs Bud Williams and Liz Miranda opened by framing the hearing as a response to recent federal actions they said threatened DEI efforts, funding, and civil rights protections in education and other sectors. They said the committee would hear from experts, agencies, advocates, and businesses about the legality and benefits of DEI and the impact of federal actions on the Commonwealth. Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler testified virtually that Massachusetts is pushing back against federal efforts to restrict DEI, including guidance and certification demands directed at schools. He highlighted state investments in early education, child care, early college, career and technical education, and educator diversity, arguing these efforts help close opportunity gaps for Black and brown students, students with disabilities, English learners, and other underserved groups. In response to member questions, he said federal education dollars are core to services for students and that the state is prepared to fight funding cuts while monitoring impacts across K-12, early education, and higher education. Elizabeth Matos of the Attorney General’s Office said DEIA programs remain legal under state and federal law and described AG guidance issued to help institutions navigate federal confusion. She reviewed litigation the office has joined or won, including efforts involving withheld school funds, museums and libraries, the Minority Business Development Agency, Head Start, AmeriCorps, and other federal actions. Members asked about immigration-related fear and profiling, and Matos pointed to existing Know Your Rights guidance, said complaints to the Civil Rights Division have increased, and noted the office is seeing issues involving housing discrimination, employment, public accommodations, and threats to call ICE. She also said the office is open to further legislative ideas but did not discuss specifics. Evelyn Carter, a social psychologist, testified that diversity, equity, and inclusion are often misunderstood and defined the terms plainly, emphasizing that diversity is a group characteristic, equity addresses unequal starting points, and inclusion is about belonging and access. She argued that DEI matters because it creates guardrails against bias, helps make environments accessible, and addresses ongoing inequities. In response to questions, she suggested practical strategies such as using clear criteria and written records in decision-making, broadening who is considered part of one’s in-group, and pairing bias awareness with concrete behavior-change tools. The hearing also included testimony from Meredith Tewitt of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, who spoke about the importance of DEI for women, veterans, and people who rely on federal institutions, and urged lawmakers to continue supporting inclusion and access.

Transcript Highlights:

• He knocked doors for us. He came to our doors for us.
• </c> us get where we are today. us get where we are today.
• </c> his one eye on us. his one eye on us.
• She sees us.
• She<00:21:12.799><c> sees</c><00:21:13.200><c> us.</c> She sees us. She sees us.

Transcript Highlights:

• They couldn't use it up.
• They couldn't use it up.
• They couldn't use it up.
• They couldn't use it up.
• They couldn't use it up.

Summary: The committee first considered an amendment to add a new “Lakes” license plate to HB 2, with proceeds directed to the cyanobacteria fund for lake cleanup. Representative McGuire said the bill had already passed on consent and asked that it be included in HB 2; members discussed that it had also gone to the Senate. The motion to adopt the amendment failed on a 7-8 vote. The committee then took up an amendment imposing a 5% administrative fee on certain dedicated funds, with several exemptions for funds that could not legally or appropriately be charged, such as those involving federal money or bequests. Supporters said it would make the treatment of dedicated funds more consistent and raise roughly $31 million over the biennium for the general fund, while opponents questioned the number of carve-outs and who currently pays the administrative costs. The amendment failed on a 4-5 vote. Next, the committee reconsidered and then adopted an amendment changing the distribution of business profits tax and business enterprise tax revenue, reducing the share going to the Education Trust Fund from 41% to 30% and increasing the General Fund share. Supporters argued the Senate had overfunded the Education Trust Fund and that the change would help balance the budget without changing education spending levels; opponents said they could not support taking money from the Education Trust Fund. The amendment passed 5-3. The committee also adopted, by the same 5-3 margin, an amendment incorporating HB 741 language on open enrollment and student attendance in public schools, with supporters calling it House policy and opponents noting it had been a close, partly partisan vote in the House. Finally, the committee considered a change to the University System of New Hampshire budget that would reduce general fund appropriations by $40 million per year, offset in part by $15 million in previously approved unique dollars for a net reduction of $25 million per year. Supporters said the cut was necessary to balance the budget and that other options had been exhausted; opponents called it harmful to the university system and argued the committee should instead look to other areas, including education freedom accounts, for savings. The discussion continued, but the transcript excerpt ends before a final vote on the UNH item.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:01:32.799><c> as</c> slides about the role of us as slides about the role of us as nonpartisan
• </c><00:07:24.000><c> in</c> State go bonds this phrase is used in State go bonds this phrase is used
• </c> state Geo Bond proceeds be for be used state Geo Bond proceeds be for be used for<00:08:30.039><
• </c><00:14:57.480><c> the</c> already started uh we can't use the already started uh we can't use the
• And it also behooves us lawmakers to be realistic when projects come before us and our local units of

Committee: House Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• It's time for us to be able time for us.
• . us. us.
• </c> throwing at us today. throwing at us today.
• It's<03:19:49.120><c> not</c><03:19:49.279><c> us.</c> It's not us. It's not us.
• Just tell us.

Transcript Highlights:

• That will allow us to use natural implements so parks can continue to be parks.
• , and that it gives good use to the land.
• He said it gives good use to land that otherwise would not be used.
• They can't use sales tax revenue to do it. They can't use sales tax revenue to do it.
• But currently they can use 50% of the sales tax collected to be used for park purposes.

Committee: House Conservation and Natural Resources

Summary: The Committee on Conservation and Natural Resources heard House Bill 1624, sponsored by Rep. Sassmann, which updates Missouri’s invasive plant law. The bill makes clerical corrections to Latin plant names and extends the existing affidavit requirement, previously applied to nurseries and nursery dealers, to seed dealers so they cannot knowingly sell seeds of listed invasive species. Support came from the Missouri Municipal League, Sierra Club, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, an individual landowner, and the Conservation Federation of Missouri, all describing the bill as a needed cleanup and expansion of last year’s law. One witness from Armourvine opposed the bill, arguing the plants have medicinal uses and warning against broader restrictions on landowner choice. No vote was taken in the hearing. The committee then heard House Bill 1736, sponsored by Rep. Wellenkamp, a disaster resilience measure focused on parks and flood mitigation. The bill would allow cities and counties to use existing sales tax revenue tied to parks to buy repetitive-loss properties, remove structures, and convert those areas into natural floodways, greenways, or other stormwater management spaces that still function as parks. The sponsor and several members discussed repeated flood damage in St. Charles, St. Louis County, and other river communities, emphasizing that the proposal would help with voluntary buyouts, reduce long-term losses, and avoid expensive concrete infrastructure. Members asked about eminent domain, funding limits, and how the land would be kept from future development; the sponsor said the bill is limited to voluntary sales and local discretion. Support for HB 1736 came from St. Charles County and the Sierra Club, which said the bill would clarify eligible park fund uses, support natural stormwater infrastructure, and protect environmental and economic resilience. Committee members from affected districts described local examples where buyouts and park conversions had worked or where flooded homes remain a burden. There was no opposition testimony, and the hearing concluded without a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• We ask, oh Father, that you give us the wisdom and knowledge that we need. Involve us.
• </c> Representative Curtis Travis to lead us Representative Curtis Travis to lead us in<00:06:00.800>
• </c><00:06:36.479><c> us.
• Involve us. Invoke your presence need. Involve us.
• Uh what it would not be beneficial use Uh what it would not be beneficial use according<00:11:46.079>

Bills: HB38 , HB39 , HB181 , HB38 , HB39 , HB181

Committee: House Ports, Waterways & Intermodal Transit

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, the tax cap used to exist for these—then couldn't used to exist for the state budget as well.
• MY QUESTION ISN'T WHY WE'RE USING PLAs. WE SHOULD USE PLAs AND PUT OUR TRADES PEOPLE TO WORK.
• IF COVID TAUGHT US NOTHING, IF COVID TAUGHT US NOTHING, IT TAUGHT US TO BE INTEGRATED AND TO BE ABLE
• FURTHER AHEAD OF US AND ARE ACTUALLY USING ELECTRIC TRUCKS FOR THEIR INTERSTATE TRIPS.
• This budget doesn't do anything for the people who actually elect us and send us here.

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, then approved the prior day’s Journal and moved into motions, resolutions, and budget-related business. Senator Gianaris called up Senate Print 5898A for reconsideration; the Senate voted 59 ayes to restore the bill to the third reading calendar. Several amendments were also received on third-reading bills, and the Finance Committee was called into session while the chamber proceeded with resolutions. The Senate adopted Resolution J.2106 recognizing Second Chance Month and the mental health impacts of incarceration, with Senator Brisport speaking in support and a guest from the community recognized in the chamber. The body also adopted Resolution J.1492 designating May 27, 2026, as Taiwan Heritage Day, with remarks from Senators Sepúlveda, Stavisky, and Liu highlighting Taiwanese contributions to New York and expressing support for Taiwan amid current geopolitical tensions. The Finance Committee then reported several budget bills, including Senate Prints 9003D, 9004D, 9007C, and 9009C, which were moved to third reading. The remainder of the session focused on the supplemental and controversial budget calendars, especially tax and spending provisions. Senators debated the “Protecting Our Wallets” energy rebate, with supporters describing it as a one-time check for eligible taxpayers and critics arguing it was too small and not tied directly to utility bills; the chamber accepted the message of necessity and laid the bills aside. Members also debated extensions and changes to tax provisions affecting corporations, alternative fuel exemptions, Broadway and theatrical production tax credits, charitable deductions for certain 501(c)(3)s, nicotine pouch taxes, a new New York City pied-à-terre tax, and a standardbred horse-racing testing fee. Several senators criticized the budget as raising costs or favoring certain industries, while supporters defended the measures as revenue-raising, affordability, or public-health policies. No final votes on the controversial budget bills are shown in the excerpt beyond procedural rulings, adoption of the resolution calendar, and acceptance of committee reports.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> facility is the only use. facility is the only use.
• . uses. uses.
• It's just that you said primary use. >> Primarily use. Same. It's the primary use.
• But you said primary use. use. use.
• You don't want us us to do that either.

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:31:30.639><c> as</c> were going to use it I'm using this as were going to use it I'm using this
• </c> than they used to be 100 years ago. than they used to be 100 years ago.
• /c><02:08:57.520><c> limiting</c> to them, use GIS to use some limiting to them, use GIS to use some
• So they was us. Yeah, they was us. Yes, I get it. I get it.
• </c><04:30:44.720><c> I</c> to us as well. I assume to businesses. I to us as well.

Committee: House Environment and Agriculture

Transcript Highlights:

• Throughout history, you've demonized us, harassed us, assaulted us and criminalized us, sterilized us
• , killed us, censored us, fired us, evicted us, and denied us medical care, and yet here we are, looking
• US AND DENIED US MEDICAL CARE AND YET, HERE WE ARE, LOOKING FABULOUS.
• They got to know us and they realized that the tropes about us were not true.
• Like to cleave us apart.

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the journal, and then moved through a large number of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate bills for third reading. The chamber also received and accepted a Finance Committee report on nominations for Kathleen Mosier as Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Terrence O’Leary as Commissioner of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and John Kagia as Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Management. All three nominees were confirmed, with Mosier and O’Leary confirmed unanimously and Kagia confirmed 57-1, with Senator Walczyk voting no. The Senate adopted previously approved resolutions recognizing June 2026 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and mourning the death of Susan Irene Wright of Harlem. Senators Brisport and Bottcher spoke at length in support of Pride Month, emphasizing LGBTQ+ history, resilience, and ongoing threats to the trans community. On the Susan Wright resolution, Senators Cleare, Bailey, and Bottcher praised her community leadership, philanthropy, and family legacy, and Assembly Member Jordan Wright was recognized in the chamber. The body then considered and passed many bills on the calendar, including measures on insurance, environmental conservation, public health, education, business law, labor, social services, highway law, and local tax exemptions. Several bills drew brief explanations of vote, including a measure to end higher insurance premiums for widows, a bill to prohibit correctional facilities from denying visitation because of menstrual products or IUDs, and a Medicaid-related bill to expand access to blood pressure monitors for pregnant people. Most bills passed with broad support, though some had notable opposition from a small group of senators. Late in the session, the Senate took up a proposed constitutional amendment on redistricting. Senator Stewart-Cousins sponsored the measure, and Senator Walczyk questioned it extensively, arguing voters had previously approved an independent redistricting process and objecting to changes that would remove the Legislature’s two-thirds map-approval requirement and alter the commission’s role. The sponsor said the changes were needed in response to aggressive partisan redistricting in other states and would still require voter ratification in future sessions. The transcript ends during that debate, with no final vote on the amendment shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Do you want us to maybe just uh tell us about the bill and then tell us what the amendment does,
• A lot of agencies use Flock; they use Axon, they use other vendors.
• use Flock, they use A lot of agencies use Flock, they use Axon,<00:15:31.040><c> they</c><00:15:31.199
• </c> currently use national data sharing. currently use national data sharing.
• over how that data is being used.

Bills: HF3479 , HF4205 , HF3782 , HF4081 , HF4138

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:54.720><c> an</c> the process and also give us an the process and also give us an opportunity
• , or more relevant for your use?
• , or more relevant for your use?
• </c><00:23:41.039><c> the</c> consumer advocate always tells us the consumer advocate always tells us
• I'm not going to use my natural gas.

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't see that of us.
• all of us work out worse.
• Um, and that invited us and welcomed us at Scott County and showed us what your day-to-day job was like
• Um, and that invited us and welcomed us at Scott County and showed us what your day-to-day job was like
• Um, and that invited us and welcomed us at Scott County and showed us what your day-to-day job was like

Bills: HF2436 , HF2929

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy