Transcript Highlights:

• These are developed by powerful companies and corporations to be as addictive as possible.
• Our use and reliance on phones, computers, and technology ensured that he could not get away from the
• So we should use technology as a tool, but not in social media and then doing videos in the bathrooms
• I think it's development.
• So their, their brain development is different and indeed in middle school, that's the worst time to

Bills: HB6, HB27, HB123, HB210, HB213, HB222

Keywords: hemp, consumable hemp products, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, cannabidiol, CBG, cannabigerol, Texas hemp law, hemp regulation, cannabinoid products, delta-9 THC, intoxicating hemp, hemp gummies, hemp vape, retail registration, product registration, QR code labeling, child-resistant packaging, youth access, minor sales

Transcript Highlights:

• My background is in community redevelopment and development, affordable housing.
• I'm excited to say I just have to plug this: we are rolling out our new technology filing system and
• Many projects are moving through development and nearing completion.
• We knew when we opened the projects for bid that there was a huge interest for developers, but what we
• There's a lot of interest from developers to open up those additional 300 megawatts to development after

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a background in it from serving on the Water Development Board, or at the Water Development Board
• I have a background in it from serving on the Water Development Board or at the Water Development Board
• ranchettes and, you know, do their own development of water for the ranch or whatever.
• Ballou is with the Texas Water Development Board. Ms.
• I’m Natalie Blue with the Water Development Board, and I am just here as a resource.

Bills: HB24, HB27

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

Summary: The committee met to hear House Bills 27 and 24 on groundwater issues in East Texas, with members and witnesses focusing on a proposed large-volume groundwater export project and the need for more science before major permitting decisions are made. HB 27, which was within the special session call, would direct the Texas Water Development Board to conduct a hydrogeologic study of the aquifers in the affected area and temporarily pause new export permits while the study is underway. HB 24, a separate bill that would limit certain production and export permits to 5% of modeled available groundwater, was laid out but the chair said it would not be moved out of committee. Testimony on HB 27 was largely supportive, though some witnesses were neutral. Supporters, including representatives from a water supply corporation, the Trinity River Authority, Environmental Defense Fund, and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, said the region lacks enough hydrologic data, that the proposed pumping could affect private wells, surface water, and local economies, and that the state needs better information on sustainable yield and groundwater-surface water interaction. Several witnesses emphasized that groundwater conservation districts need clearer tools and better data, while also noting concerns about property rights and the rule of capture. Committee members discussed the scale of the proposed project, the absence of a groundwater conservation district in Houston County, and the possibility that the study should examine desired future conditions and maximum sustainable pumping rather than only modeled available groundwater. The committee adopted the committee substitute for HB 27 and voted it out favorably to the full House with a recommendation that it do pass, be printed, and be sent to the Committee on Calendars. The roll call was unanimous, 11 ayes and 0 nays. After the vote, members briefly reflected on the complexity of the issue and the need to continue working on broader groundwater policy in the interim and next session. HB 24 was discussed later in the meeting, but no final action on that bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• County of Hawaii Office of Housing and Community Development in support.
• Lewan, State Health Planning and Development Agency, in support. I will stand on my testimony.
• <00:43:12.800> and of Housing and Community Development and of Housing and Community Development
• Other counties would need additional time and appropriations for development and establishment.
• <01:07:46.319> and appropriations for development and appropriations for development and establishment

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee opened its Health and Human Services calendar, noted quorum, and first took up HB 194. The chair explained amendments to add an exemption for a person invited by a patient to attend a birth outside an accredited birth facility when no compensation is involved, remove a date reference in section 9, and accept Department of Health amendments. Members raised no objections, and the committee voted to pass HB 194 with amendments. The committee then heard HB 139 on insurance, with the Attorney General flagging possible unlawful delegation issues and suggesting clarifying language, while the Insurance Division stood on written testimony. A number of health organizations and advocates, including HMSA, Hawaii Association of Health Plans, oncology and fertility groups, testified in support. HB 613 on homeless youth drew broad support from state agencies, counties, youth advocates, and community groups; testimony emphasized the need for permanent safe spaces and more attention to unaccompanied minors, with one witness asking for clarity on funding and shelter capacity. HB 71 on a tax credit for family caregivers drew support from AARP, Alzheimer’s and children’s advocates, and several individuals, while the Tax Foundation raised concerns about blank provisions and the cost-effectiveness of administering a small credit. The Department of Taxation said a prior version with a $5,000 nonrefundable credit would have cost the general fund about $397.4 million. HB 716 on health care technology support received strong support from SHPDA, OHIN, and many provider groups, who described it as a one-time investment of roughly $20–25 million to connect rural and neighbor island providers to electronic health records; members questioned how the grant program would be allocated. HB 799 on physician hospital privileges also drew mixed testimony: supporters said it would align Hawaii with updated CMS rules and improve access, especially on Maui, while Maui Health and some members worried it could reduce on-call coverage and hospital safety, leading to discussion of a possible report and sunset date.

Transcript Highlights:

• care programs administration to develop care programs administration to develop and<00:19:05.919
• confusion around among land developers confusion around among land developers etc.<00:38:12.800>
• taxable data in information technology taxable data in information technology IT<01:04:50.400>
• Economic Development, Maryland Aerospace Technology Commission alterations. >> Senate Bill 867.
• Economic Development, Maryland Aerospace Technology Commission alterations. >> Senate Bill 867.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, and handled several ceremonial and introductory matters before moving into committee reports. The chamber welcomed the doctor of the day, recognized an intern and a guest in the gallery, extended birthday wishes to Senator Chris West, and received remarks from the Romanian Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Andre Moraru, who emphasized Romania’s strategic partnership with the United States, NATO cooperation, investment ties, energy projects, and support for Ukraine. Senators also briefly noted Maryland’s military and diplomatic ties to Romania. The ambassador’s remarks were journalized, and members were given time to meet with him off the floor. The Senate then took up a series of second-reading bills, mostly from the Finance Committee, adopting committee amendments and favorable reports without objection. Among the measures advanced were Senate Bill 39 on behavioral health reimbursement rate methodology and a work group for certified community behavioral health clinics and outpatient mental health centers; Senate Bill 605 directing the Public Service Commission to study broadband and VoIP oversight; Senate Bill 721, Ralph’s Act, providing expedited DDA/Medicaid eligibility for certain recently relocated individuals; and Senate Bill 891 on perinatal mental health screening, coverage, training, and reporting. Each was amended in committee and ordered printed for third reading. The Senate also advanced several House bills, including House Bill 427 extending the task force on responsible use of natural psychedelic substances and adding an HBCU representative; House Bill 480 requiring transportation network companies to maintain written deactivation policies; House Bill 532 requiring overtime pay for firefighters employed by governmental units after 168 hours in a 28-day period; House Bill 816 reducing the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund assessment cap from 3% to 1% and authorizing an affordability program; House Bill 829 requiring human trafficking awareness training for certain for-hire and rideshare drivers; House Bill 862 requiring a two-person crew for certain freight rail operations in shared corridors, contingent on similar action in neighboring states; and House Bill 999 revising Class 9 limited distillery license rules and production limits. Most of these bills were reported favorably, with no objections, and were ordered to third reading or passed for third reading as applicable.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so then section five, development.
• served on the economic development served on the economic development authority<00:48:37.520>
• So we had transitioned to Technologies.
• <01:56:00.880> Our facilities, and add new technology.
• Our facilities, and add new technology.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• people that are interested in developing people that are interested in developing or<00:04:41.560
• We are a local-based Hawaii-based development consulting company for energy development projects.
• working with Innovations developments working with Innovations developments group<00:13:35.440><
• <00:13:40.440> power land owners where we develop power land owners where we develop power
• The appropriation was executed by Hawaii Technology Development Corp. in a memorandum of agreement with

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures on agriculture, energy, stadium governance, and hotel consumer protections. On SB 448 relating to agriculture, Agra Business Development Corporation and the Hawaii Farm Bureau testified in support of a proposed conservation easement acquisition in Central Oahu; the chair asked follow-up questions about the exact location, cost, and agricultural potential of the land, and the witness said the parcel had good soil and water and was former pineapple land, with cost still to be provided. On SB 827 relating to meat processing, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism said the state needs more meat-processing capacity and that any grant program should complement, not compete with, existing efforts; the Attorney General’s office warned the bill lacked legally sufficient standards for grants of public money under the state constitution and offered draft standards. Several industry and chamber witnesses supported the measure, while discussion focused on the need for brick-and-mortar or modular facilities, infrastructure costs, federal inspection needs, and access for hunters and neighbor islands. The committee then took up SB 1269 relating to geothermal resources, which drew broad support from county officials, energy consultants, utility representatives, and community advocates, with one witness opposing it. Supporters described geothermal as a viable, indigenous, firm baseload energy source that could help reduce Hawaii’s high electricity costs and support clean energy goals; one witness emphasized prior work in New Zealand and another urged the state to move forward with exploration. A DBEDT representative explained that the department is coordinating geothermal-related work with the Hawaii Technology Development Corp., the University of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Energy Office, noting a prior $3 million appropriation, phase-one community engagement work, and plans to seek a contractor for geoscience and exploration in phase two. Members pressed DBEDT to explain how this bill fits with other geothermal measures moving through different committees, and the chair asked the department to review SB 993 and better coordinate the package of geothermal bills. On SB 1337 relating to the Stadium Authority, the stadium manager testified in support of clarifying quorum rules, explaining that the authority currently has eight seated voting members out of nine possible voting seats and that the bill would help ensure voting members are counted for quorum; he said meetings have not been delayed. Finally, on SB 883 relating to hotels, the Attorney General’s office raised First Amendment and contract-law concerns and recommended adding a purpose statement and a non-impairment savings clause. Unite Here Local 5 and other supporters said guests should be notified of hotel service disruptions such as construction, closures, or labor disputes, while opponents questioned who would enforce the law, what penalties would apply, and whether the measure could require hotels to pay damages even without a complaint. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The decisions that we make in this committee will have a lasting impact not just on land use and development
• We will continue to develop better policies that will enhance public land management, protect property
• rights, and promote smart housing. development.
• When it comes to single-family development and multifamily development, it all triggers from the cost
• If you need more staff or you need more technology, spend it there.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and passed a model law for developed and passed a model law for long-term<00:13:20.440> care<
• <00:49:59.119> in good to have um business development in good to have um business development
• <01:01:40.599> improvements progress in the technology improvements progress in the technology
• <01:12:18.400> uniform charger producers to develop uniform charger producers to develop uniform
• That technology is probably a little bit more mastered and fine-tuned than the technology that we're

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• he believes he has a good understanding of the lack of funding needs when it comes to upgrading technology
• Due to the limited tax base, competing demands for upgraded technology, and local fire departments not
• I will also be representing technology I will also be representing the<00:02:37.879> following
• quickly to cover the cost of Technology quickly to cover the cost of Technology enhancements<00:
• <01:32:33.119> a that we have done is we've developed a that we have done is we've developed

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• keep them healthy, safe, and thriving, but also to allow them to have the capacity for growth and development
• Greater Minnesota Business Development Greater Minnesota Business Development Public<00:18:50.080
• Excuse me while we get connected here on our technology.
• <00:46:10.079> But<00:46:10.800> by connected here on our technology.
• But by connected here on our technology.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bennett, our subcommittee chair, for his excellent leadership in helping us to develop that. package,
• of literacy professional development that submit their products for review and approval, as well as
• I'm grateful to have been able to work at a company that developed.
• As we develop a comprehensive sequel map for many folks out there to develop advanced manufacturing,
• Port infrastructure for the development of offshore wind in Prop 4, so thank you for that.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and the technology didn't work, then you'd have a cause of action, right?
• <02:29:28.399> Um fingerprints technology on the gun.
• Um fingerprints technology on the gun.
• <02:30:28.000> and<02:30:28.240> the fingerprint technology and the fingerprint technology
• 02:30:30.000> you'd<02:30:30.240> have technology didn't work, then you'd have technology

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Board for Lease of University Lands has authority over the leasing and development of oil and gas
• A little bit about us, we're Scott Norman: the State Homebuilders, Remodeler, Developer Association.
• And in that 25%, about 2/3 of it, or 16.5% is during the development phase or getting the lots on the
• the development stage. 1/3 is during the building stage, dividing that 25% up.
• Issues you have to deal with that actually hinder development?

Transcript Highlights:

• instructs the Florida Building Commission with Department of Business and Professional Regulation to develop
• You know, where to low governments currently developed their forms like maybe to some history, one of
• That's what we're asking the PR to develop a system and a permitting code so that everybody knows when
• When it comes to vehicle technologies.
• The EV is is is an emerging technology. All this is likely to change in a few years.

Transcript Highlights:

• THE SLIDE WAS DEVELOPED, WE HAD A LITTLE OVER 1000 ACTIVE DERELICT VESSELS IN OUR STATEWIDE DERELICT
• JUST FOR THE DIVISION OF REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT BUT ABOUT 13 AND HALF MILLION DOLLARS OF
• AND PART OF HOW WE DO THAT IS WITH THE BUILDING INNOVATIONS SYSTEMS THEY ARE TECHNOLOGIES THAT CONTROL
• INSTEAD OF BEING TIED TO A VENDOR OR A TYPE OF EQUIPMENT ALLOWS US TO CONTINUE TO LOOK AT NEW TECHNOLOGIES
• SO TIED INTO SOMETHING FOR 3 TO 5 YEARS THE TECHNOLOGY CHANGES, YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WAIT THE BALANCE

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was developed by the American Association of Dental Boards, which is a national organization of state
• Since 1990, developing a therapeutic, trusting relationship with a client takes time.
• Most notably, we've led efforts to develop and implement the Social Work Licensure Compact.
• CSG utilizes a stakeholder review process in the development of all of these compacts.”
• CSG helped facilitate the development of the OT Compact back in 2019 and into 2020.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened a hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure focused on health care and human services, reviewed testimony logistics, and then heard a long series of witnesses on several bills. Much of the testimony centered on interstate licensure compacts for dentistry, social work, and occupational therapy, with supporters arguing these compacts would improve workforce mobility, continuity of care, and access while preserving state oversight and public protection. Dental witnesses were split on H.455/S.257, with supporters backing the AADB dental compact for its hands-on exam, background checks, and disciplinary safeguards, while opponents argued a competing compact would better promote portability and avoid conflicts tied to proprietary testing and outside commissions. Social work witnesses strongly supported H.380/S.252, emphasizing continuity of care for clients who move across state lines, reduced costs and delays for practitioners, and the compact’s public-protection features; occupational therapy witnesses similarly supported H.427/S.256, citing access, telehealth, military families, and maintained standards. The committee also heard testimony on S.242, which would expand licensure for lactation care providers. Supporters, including lactation counselors and health center staff, said adding certified lactation counselors and related credentials would expand access, improve breastfeeding support, and allow reimbursement for services now often provided without billing. They described the training required and said the bill would help families, especially in underserved communities. Representative James O’Day also testified in support of the social work compact, and a Council of State Governments witness provided background on compact mechanics and state participation. Another major topic was H.419/S.214 on medical debt. Physicians and researchers testified that cancer patients experience long-lasting medical debt and collections burdens, and they supported limits on the sale and collection of medical debt, bans on reporting it to credit bureaus, and related consumer protections. The hearing also included H.465 on a pathway to special licensure for certain long-term limited-registration dentists serving MassHealth patients, which Representative Senna supported as a way to allow immigrant dentists to practice independently. Finally, the committee heard sharply divided testimony on H.444/S.284, which would allow trained dental hygienists to administer Botox and dermal fillers: supporters framed it as a safe, preventive, and access-expanding tool for TMJ, bruxism, and pain management, while dermatologists opposed it as outside hygienists’ training and a patient-safety risk. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• It simply preserves the terms through December 31, 2026, to protect the tribe's economic development
• stability, December 31, 2026, to protect the tribe's economic development stability and self-sufficiency
• shared past and collaborative future together in policies ranging from agriculture and labor to technology
• They shared about their investments in innovation and technology.
• Young people are still developing those tools.

Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call, heard a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a large daily file of bills and resolutions. Early procedural motions were adopted, including re-referrals and a motion to allow the Appropriations Committee to notice SB 73, which passed 46-15. Members also introduced several guests, including young legislators, schoolchildren, a championship girls’ basketball team, realtors, and CASA advocates. On the floor, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments to AB 1389, a tribal gaming compact urgency bill for the Yurok Tribe, which passed 55-0 on the urgency and measure. The body then passed a series of bills on topics including trespass enforcement (AB 1632), pest control fees (AB 2380), county investment authority (AB 2080), pupil achievement gap reporting (AB 2149), transit board stipends (AB 1625), e-filing for workplace violence restraining orders (AB 2179), election eligibility restrictions for registered sex offenders (AB 2753), juvenile firearm possession and deferred entry of judgment (AB 2636), court access and First Amendment issues (AB 1544), physician medical record integrity (AB 1637), forced marriage protections (AB 2534), and local authority to restrict under-12 e-bike use in San Mateo County (AB 2595). Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, with votes ranging from 53-0 to 63-0. The Assembly also adopted ACR 173, reaffirming California’s sister-state relationship with Jalisco, Mexico, after adding 50 coauthors. Later, it adopted ACR 163 designating May as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month after extensive testimony from the author and multiple caucus members emphasizing the crisis, data gaps, tribal sovereignty, and the need for more resources and action; 64 coauthors were added before the resolution passed by voice vote. The chamber likewise adopted ACR 180 designating Compost Awareness Week and ACR 182 establishing Youth Mental Health Awareness Week, both after coauthor roll calls and voice votes. The day concluded with urgent action on AB 108, which provides up to $25 million in one-time emergency bridge funding for distressed hospitals facing imminent closure. Members from both parties spoke in support, citing rural access, prior hospital closures, and the need to protect community health care; the bill passed 59-0 and was sent to the Governor immediately. The Assembly then handled consent calendar items, heard an adjournment in memory for labor leader Larry Mazzola Sr., and adjourned until Monday, May 11 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Development Corporation.
• <00:08:14.479> Development<00:08:14.960> Corporation.
• <00:08:15.840> Is Technology Development Corporation.
• Is Technology Development Corporation.
• And from the start, we developed a strong mutual respect. Over the years, we served together.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As well as develop a resiliency hub.
• are happening near existing developments instead of... ...going forward and that developments are happening
• CDCs are nonprofit developers.
• landscapes, and developing post-construction soil performance standards for development sites.
• Mass Trails also supports economic development and climate goals.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on the Healey-Driscoll administration’s Mass Ready Act, a $3 billion environmental bond bill. Administration officials said the bill would fund climate resilience, clean water, land conservation, parks, PFAS remediation, food security infrastructure, and coastal and inland flood protection, while also streamlining permitting for housing, restoration, and other resilience projects. They emphasized that the bond authorizes spending but does not itself obligate it, and said the proposal includes deauthorizations as housekeeping. Committee members asked about the new Resilience Revolving Fund, flood and drought management, MVP funding, land acquisition, Chapter 61 right-of-first-refusal changes, salt marsh carbon sequestration, and how the bill would help smaller municipalities and offset expected federal funding losses. Officials said the revolving fund would be managed through EEA and the Clean Water Trust, with criteria aimed at directing aid to communities most in need, and noted that drought issues would continue to be handled through existing DEP and drought commission tools. Several committee members and witnesses discussed specific policy provisions, including flood disclosure requirements for homebuyers and renters, expanded authority for regional planning and small-town access to grants, and permitting reforms that would exempt or expedite certain environmental restoration and priority housing projects from more time-consuming review processes. Administration witnesses defended the reforms as a way to achieve the same environmental outcomes faster and with more certainty, while some advocates argued the bill should go further, especially on Chapter 91 and restoration permitting. The administration also described investments in DCR facilities, water and wastewater systems, open space, agricultural easements, and a new focus on blue carbon and salt marsh restoration. Public testimony largely supported the bill. Mass Audubon, the Trustees of Reservations, the Environmental League of Massachusetts, The Nature Conservancy, MAPC, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, municipal officials, and others praised the bill’s resilience, conservation, and water infrastructure investments. Some witnesses urged additional funding for land protection, coastal resilience, buyouts, and restoration, and several called for stronger or simpler permitting reforms. Municipal witnesses from Boston, Beckett, Beverly, Conway, and regional planning organizations stressed the need for flexible financing, especially for small and rural communities facing costly infrastructure and climate adaptation projects. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the committee heard testimony and asked questions before moving on to additional panels.