Transcript Highlights:

• Vice Chair Scott, to call up our first panel on deck.
• Vice Chair Scott, to call up our last three.
• So Vice Chair Scott, please call up our first panel and our panel on deck.
• Our prime sponsor is not here, so Vice Chair Scott, let's get into our panel.
• Our prime sponsor is not here, so Vice Chair Scott to get into our panel.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several labor-related bills. On Substitute Senate Bill 5874, staff and Senator McEwen described a proposal to let the Employment Security Department waive penalties for minor quarterly reporting errors by employers, especially inadvertent electronic filing issues involving occupational codes and job titles. No one testified in opposition, and the public hearing was closed. The committee then heard extensive testimony on Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5847, which would expand injured workers’ access to medical providers, allow medically appropriate departures from L&I treatment rules, prohibit employers from requiring treatment from a specific provider, and set timelines for utilization review. Supporters, including workers’ advocates and union representatives, said the bill would improve access to care and reduce delays, while business groups opposed it as weakening the provider network and raised concerns about costs and claim duration. L&I said it could implement the bill with a technical fix and noted that the fiscal note was still being updated. A previously adopted claims-manager staffing amendment was discussed but not included in the version heard. On Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5061, the committee heard testimony on requiring public works contracts to update prevailing wage rates annually rather than freezing them at bid time. Labor groups supported the bill as protecting workers from wage erosion on long projects, while contractor groups opposed it unless amended to allow change orders for wage increases above 5 percent, citing unpredictable jumps in prevailing wage rates and added risk for small contractors. L&I requested a delayed effective date to July 1, 2028 because of IT changes. The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 5944, which would make missed or canceled appointment payments bargained economic compensation for language access providers, and on Substitute Senate Bill 5972, which would extend interest arbitration rights to correctional employees in city and county jails regardless of county population. Labor groups supported both bills; counties and a city representative opposed 5972 over cost concerns and asked for fiscal safeguards. Finally, the committee heard Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6302, which would require L&I to investigate possible misclassification when three or more independent contractors are used for the same type of finishing work on a public works project. Labor and contractor groups both supported the amended version, saying it targets misclassification without banning legitimate independent contractors. The hearing ended after testimony, with no votes or final committee actions taken during the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice Chair Scott to call up our first panel on our panel on deck.
• Vice Chair Scott to call up our last three.
• So Vice Chair Scott, please call up our first panel and our panel on deck.
• Good morning, Chair Berry, Vice Chair Fosse and Scott, members of the committee.
• Our prime sponsor is not here, so Vice Chair Scott, let's get into our panel.

Bills: SB5944

Committee: House Labor & Workplace Standards

Keywords: language access, collective bargaining, labor relations, employment rights, worker protections

Transcript Highlights:

• David Vieira. Mike Fierre. Ryan Fattling. Michael Combe. Michael Combe. Braunstein. Thank you.
• Scott Casper. Scott Casper. Casey Cullen. John Peters Jr. Here. Thank you. Ryan J. Woods. Here.
• David Slattery. Here. Thank you. Christina Pappas. Here. Thank you. Thomas Borrow. Here. Thank you.
• David Weeden. Suzanne Taylor. Hey, Fox. Sorry, I'm not there. Thank you. A. Fox. Here.

Summary: The Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution met at Mass MoCA in North Adams, with members attending both in person and virtually. The meeting opened with a moment of remembrance for Senator Edward Kennedy, followed by roll call and informal approval to proceed. Co-chairs and members thanked the hosts and noted the importance of engaging western Massachusetts communities in the 250th planning. The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism gave an update on the Massachusetts 250 campaign, including a website listing more than 500 events and 250 attractions, an ongoing virtual Lunch and Learn series, and the Museums 250 program. The presenter also outlined several America 250 ideas for commission consideration: a nationwide-style community potluck on July 5, 2026; a coordinated reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 2026; and possible state or national time capsule participation. Members expressed interest, especially in a Massachusetts-specific time capsule, and agreed to circulate the ideas for broader brainstorming. Revolution 250 and Jonathan Lane reported on recent and upcoming commemorations, including follow-up from the Bunker Hill event, a planned 251st Battle of Gloucester event, and extensive planning for Knox Trail activities in January 2026. He highlighted meetings with Berkshire communities along the route, the need for a Knox marker in Sandisfield, and efforts to recognize and preserve a historic stretch of the Knox Road. He also noted proposed Declaration of Independence readings in several communities and a July 18, 2026 Watertown commemoration of the first treaty between Massachusetts and Indigenous peoples of Maine and Nova Scotia. Dusty Meadows of Conventures then presented logistics for the Knox Trail commemoration, including branding, horse arrangements, route planning, plaque concepts, and budget needs. Members raised questions about the Cambridge/West Cambridge portion of the route and Arlington’s historical connection to that name; the presenters agreed to follow up and correct materials. The meeting ended informally after no further business was raised.

Transcript Highlights:

• The State Affairs Committee reports it has had under consideration the gubernatorial appointment of David
• The gubernatorial appointment for David Dean, having been referred out of committee, will be referred
• The State Affairs Committee reports it has had under consideration the gubernatorial appointment of David
• The gubernatorial appointment for David Dean, having been referred out of committee, will be referred
• February 2, 2006, the Honorable Scott Bedke, President, February 2, 2006, the Honorable Scott Bedke,

Transcript Highlights:

• And then after that, we've got Christian Walden and Scott Bennett.
• Sonia, Holman, MD, you're recognized, and Colgate Darden, Scott Mina.
• My name is Scott Mena.
• Cheryl Beichick, Nicole Dillon, David Weitzman, Jack Michee, Everee Cologne, Ash B., Preston Scott, I'm
• David Suarez from Miami Beach. The Honorable David Suarez. Come on up. You're recognized. Mr.

Summary: The committee first confirmed Heather L. Turnbull to the Florida Commission on Community Service without debate. It then took up SPB 7022, which sets Florida Retirement System employer contribution rates beginning July 1, 2025, updates rates to address unfunded liability, and preserves the 3% employee contribution rate. Senator Fine said the bill would increase FRS Trust Fund revenue by about $310 million annually and also gives certain elected officers an option related to DROP accumulations. An amendment was adopted, the bill was submitted as a committee bill, and it was reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 1710, a bill by Senator DeSantis/DeSigley to prohibit state agencies, vendors, and grant recipients from using state funds for DEI-related policies, trainings, and programs, and to impose related restrictions on medical institutions of higher education. Senator Polsky and others questioned the bill’s broad and vague language, its effect on health-related work, public-facing agency positions, private contractors, and medical school admissions. The sponsor said the bill was intended to stop DEI from influencing state agencies and that the medical-school portion would likely be amended out later. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers arguing the bill would harm health care, education, access, and minority communities; a few supporters said DEI is ideological and should be removed from government and public institutions. After debate, the bill was reported favorably on a party-line style vote, with Senator Errington voting no. The committee then began SB 1678, relating to entities that boycott Israel, with a delete-all amendment. Senator Leak said the bill would expand Florida’s anti-BDS framework to cover nonprofits, foreign educational institutions, foreign government funds, academic boycotts, political subdivisions, and certain grants, while the amendment aligned the bill with existing law and clarified procurement and divestment provisions. Testimony included support from proponents who said Florida should not do business with entities engaged in boycotts of Israel, and opposition from speakers who argued the bill would restrict academic freedom and conscience. Debate continued as the transcript ended, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> uh House of Representatives, David uh House of Representatives, David Floyd.
• ,</c> Brittany, and and her husband, David, Brittany, and and her husband, David, and<02:44:09.920><c
• being here, David.
• being here, David.
• I believe you have an from Scott.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Scott. Senator Scott. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• My name is Scott Scanlon.
• And then we have David Edmondson. Thank you. Thank you. And then we have David Edmondson.
• Senator Scott. Substitute motion.
• I have some concerns, Senator Scott. Tell me again. Senator Scott has.

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 20, a prior-authorization measure aimed at exempting certain medications and treatments for seriously mentally ill adults from repeat insurance prior authorization, while also extending prior authorization approvals to three years for chronic maintenance drugs. The sponsor described the bill as the latest in a series of bipartisan prior-authorization reforms and accepted an amendment from the Health Care Authority and the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance to apply the bill to adults only and to cover PBMs in the interagency purchasing collaborative. Supporters, including NAMI New Mexico and state health officials, argued the bill would reduce barriers to needed care, especially for mental health treatment. Opponents from health plans, PBMs, and insurers warned the bill was too broad, lacked clear definitions for serious mental illness and chronic conditions, created patient-safety concerns, and should have a shorter reauthorization period and later implementation date. After committee discussion, the sponsor agreed to work on a committee substitute, and the bill was rolled over for a later meeting. The committee then heard Senate Bill 53, the Chispa data privacy bill, which would impose broad limits on the collection, sale, and use of personal data, require opt-in consent for many uses, strengthen rights to access, correct, and delete data, and create enforcement mechanisms including a private right of action. Supporters from advocacy, women’s, behavioral health, reproductive health, and civil rights groups said the bill was needed to protect sensitive health and location data, prevent surveillance and criminalization, and give New Mexicans real control over their information. Business, technology, insurance, and hospital representatives opposed the bill, arguing it was more restrictive than other states’ privacy laws, would burden small businesses and health-related services, create compliance uncertainty, and risk limiting digital services and innovation. After extensive questioning about data breaches, opt-in consent, nonprofit exemptions, and the bill’s impact on businesses and health care access, a motion to table failed 5-4, and the committee then passed SB 53 on a 5-4 vote. The committee next heard Senate Bill 86, which updates the state’s harassment-by-telephone law to cover electronic communications such as social media, messaging apps, and email. The sponsor and a Las Cruces police chief said the change would modernize an outdated 1967 statute and help law enforcement address harassment and domestic violence through current technology. The bill drew support from the governor’s public safety advisor and the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, and members asked a few clarifying questions about the wording. The committee approved SB 86 unanimously, 9-0. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 96, on regulated childcare zoning requirements, using a committee substitute. The sponsor and the Early Childhood Education and Care Department said the bill would reduce confusing zoning and fire-code barriers to opening or expanding child care homes and centers, helping address a statewide shortage of child care slots and supporting working families. The discussion began with the committee substitute and an explanation that the measure is intended to streamline local requirements and expand child care supply.

Transcript Highlights:

• orders of the day: An act authorizing the town of Rochester to continue the employment of Fire Chief Scott
• orders of the day in act authorizing the town of Rochester to continue the employment of fire chief Scott
• Weigel, House bill number 4, 2, 3, 5. of Fire Chief Scott Weigel House bill number 4235 is an objection
• An act authorizing the town of Rochester to continue the employment of fire chief Scott Weigel, House
• She is survived by her children, Lori Carey and her husband, Dave, and David; in addition to her four

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and several ceremonial recognitions, including a tribute to the Oliver Ames boys cross country team and girls volleyball team for winning state championships, and a resolution honoring the 175th anniversary of the YMCA in Massachusetts. The chamber also observed a memorial adjournment for Sherry S. Mattel of Brookline, with remarks highlighting her long record of public service, including work with the League of Women Voters, Brookline Town Meeting, and local school and civic organizations. On legislative business, the Senate gave final passage to several local measures, including bills waiving maximum age requirements for two Boston police officer applicants, setting an annual stipend for Bridgewater town council members, addressing temporary absence and appointment powers for the Bridgewater town manager, and establishing the Cambridge Employment and Job Training Trust. The Senate also passed to be enacted a bill on maintenance of private roads in Gloucester, a bill expanding financial eligibility for Williamstown’s senior property tax exemption, and a bill allowing Rochester to continue employing Fire Chief Scott Weigel. The chamber also took up a petition to designate the Marion-Started Riverwalk in Groton, suspending Senate Rule 36 and Joint Rule 12 before referring the matter to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. Additional House petitions were referred to committees under suspension of Joint Rule 12. The Senate adopted an order to meet again on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. in formal session with the calendar, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Scott Phillips. Please begin when you're ready. Mr.
• Okay, welcome, David. Please unmute and go ahead.
• David Kankaninden.
• Scott Brandon. Please go ahead.
• My name is David Coffey.

Bills: HB2289

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: appropriations, budget, fiscal matters, state spending, general fund, supplemental budget, biennial budget, substitute bill, public defense, civil legal aid, courts, judicial branch, homelessness, supportive housing, affordable housing, behavioral health, juvenile rehabilitation, youth services, child welfare, foster care

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, welcome, David. Please unmute and go ahead.
• David Kankaninden.
• Thank you, David. We'll now go to Linnea.
• Scott Brandon. Please go ahead.
• My name is David Coffey.

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on proposed substitute House Bill 2289, the House operating budget. Budget staff Mary Monroe gave a detailed overview of the proposal’s near general fund outlook, reserve levels, major revenue assumptions, and major spending and savings items. She highlighted assumed revenue from capital gains and a proposed “millionaires tax,” a transfer from the budget stabilization account, administrative reductions across agencies, and several major policy shifts, including changes affecting Working Connections Child Care, K-12 education, higher education, long-term care, behavioral health, wildfire response, and state employee compensation. Members then asked questions, including about the higher education building account/operating fee swap and its interaction with the capital budget and Climate Commitment Act funds. The committee also announced amendment deadlines for the budget process. The bulk of the meeting was public testimony, with many speakers generally supporting or opposing specific parts of the budget. Supportive testimony praised funding for wildfire prevention, public health, reproductive health, civil legal aid, the Poison Center, some higher education institutions, and certain disability and child welfare services. Many speakers urged restoration or protection of funding for K-12 education, especially transition to kindergarten, local effort assistance, bus depreciation, and Running Start; others opposed cuts to child care, early learning, public defense, long-term care, adult day and home care services, occupational/physical/speech therapy for Medicaid patients, and community and technical colleges. Several local government, health, and nonprofit representatives also asked the committee to preserve public works, homelessness, energy assistance, environmental justice, and recovery/diversion programs, while some business and public safety groups sought continued funding for organized retail crime prevention and related initiatives. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee recessed briefly and later resumed with virtual testimony, where additional witnesses repeated concerns about education cuts, long-term care, health care access, disability services, dispute resolution, early childhood programs, and the need for ongoing or increased funding in those areas.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Scott. Senator Wilson. Yes. Senator Scott. Senator Wilson. Yes. Senator Hickey. Yes.
• Scott for the amendment? That's Senator Scott, but there's a... Ah.
• Derek Scott is next. Madam Chair, members of the committee. My name is Derek Scott.
• Senator Scott. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Senator Scott. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Bills: SB4 , SB7 , SB9 , SB17

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs

Keywords: Medicaid, healthcare, medical education, salaries, graduate education, clinician pay, health sciences, education funding, faculty salary, University of New Mexico, healthcare funding, general fund, state budget, New Mexico legislation, gun control, firearm safety, dealer regulation, illegal trade, background checks

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Scott. Senator Sidiya Lopez. Senator ...
• David Lapri.
• Senator Scott. So, Mr.
• Senator Scott. So, Mr.
• Senator Scott. Mr. President and Senator. Senator, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• And one not wishing to speak but present in opposition: Scott Andrews, L.J.A.
• And one not wishing to speak but present in opposition: Scott Andrews, L.J.A.
• David Benino on behalf of the Louisiana Bankers Association.
• One, Joe Gendron, Louisiana Bankers, and of course David Benino, Louisiana Bankers.
• a motion to And, of course, David Benino, Louisiana Bankers.

Committee: House Civil Law and Procedure

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 476, which would add clearer warning language for garnishees responding to interrogatories and create a limited procedure for a new trial when a garnishee can show it never held property or owed the debtor during the garnishment period. After brief questions about how garnishment works, the bill was reported favorably without objection. Senate Bill 260, a youth athletics coaches training bill, was then amended to remove language about the department using donated funds to purchase courses and was reported as amended. House Bill 79, by Chairman Carter, would remove the damages cap for carbon capture release claims. Carter argued carbon capture should be treated like other industries and not receive special liability protection, and the committee reported the bill favorably without objection. The committee also took up Senate Bill 424, which clarifies that electronic service applies only to counsel of record representing a party, and Senate Bill 180, a constitutional amendment allowing a surviving spouse of a deceased disabled veteran to make a one-time transfer of an expanded property tax exemption to another qualifying homestead. SB 180 received a ballot-language amendment and a 6.88 report before being reported as amended. The longest discussion centered on House Bill 1089, which creates “care accounts” for future medical damages in delictual actions. Supporters said the bill would ensure future medical awards are used for medical care, reduce abuse, and function like a restricted account with a card or similar payment mechanism; opponents raised concerns about the account being owned by the judgment debtor, possible reversion of unused funds to the wrong party, administrative confusion, and impacts on survivors of trafficking and sexual abuse who may need flexible, trauma-informed care outside standard billing codes. After extensive testimony and debate, the committee adopted an amendment set and reported the bill favorably by a 6-1 vote, with Representative Carter voting no. Finally, House Bill 437 was heard and amended. The bill would prohibit expert witnesses from having a pecuniary interest in the outcome of the case, while still allowing inquiry into an expert’s prior testimony history. An amendment excluded criminal traffic and juvenile proceedings, and the committee continued discussion with testimony from supporters and opponents as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Representative David Levitt, and I represent Legislative District 25, which is the city of
• Representative Scott. Thank you, Representative Levitt. Representative Scott.
• David... Effects associated with toxic chemicals injected into the air we breathe. Dr.
• David Musnick pointed out in his testimony here in this Capitol building January 14th, namely brain fog
• David Muznick just a few doors down this hall.

Committee: House Environment, Energy and Technology

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:39:50.640><c> and</c> Anoka County, Carver, Scott, and Anoka County, Carver, Scott, and Washington
• </c> discussion before we go to Chair Davids discussion before we go to Chair Davids and<00:43:02.600
• </c><00:43:05.800><c> Chair</c><00:43:06.000><c> Davids.</c> Not seeing any. Chair Davids.
• Chair Davids.
• saying Greg Davids killed the fifth<00:47:08.120><c> tier.

Summary: House File 4845 was presented as a tax modernization and local aid bill that would adjust Minnesota income tax brackets for inflation, add a new top bracket of 10.85% for high earners, and increase local government aid and county program aid beginning in 2026. Representative Hollins said the bill would strengthen local government funding and require the Department of Revenue to recertify aid distributions. The chair noted the bill would be laid over for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill. Supporters, including St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter? no, Mayor Kelly Her of St. Paul, AFSCME Local 34, and Rebuild Minnesota, argued that cities and counties need more stable revenue to cover rising costs, public safety, human services, and property tax pressure. They said the bill would help local governments meet unmet needs and reduce reliance on property taxes. Opponents from the Minnesota Business Partnership and Minnesota Chamber of Commerce argued the new top rate would hurt competitiveness, talent recruitment, and business investment, especially because many businesses pay through the individual income tax code. Some testifiers also opposed directing more aid to cities that they said restrict housing development, while others urged the committee to address unfunded mandates and fraud instead of raising taxes. During member discussion, Representative Joyce opposed creating another bracket and suggested using cannabis tax revenue instead. Representative Wiener said the state has a spending problem and cited fraud concerns, while Representative Roach questioned whether the bill truly helped greater Minnesota and noted the current LGA appropriation is just over $644 million. Representative Hollins responded that the proposal would mostly benefit greater Minnesota by shifting more of the tax burden to high earners in the metro area. No vote was taken; the bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the 2026 tax bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Scott Ford. Welcome. Thank you, Chair.
• My name is Scott and Luke. I'm here.
• David Tangipa? Aye. All right, we'll leave the roll open on that one.
• David Tangipa, aye. Celeste Rodriguez, aye. David Tangipa, aye. Sorry, that measure is nine ayes.
• David Tangipa, no on ACA 3. That item has five ayes and three noes.

Committee: House Higher Education

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several measures focused on access, affordability, workforce development, and campus operations. AB 662, by Assembly Member Alvarez, would create a South County Higher Education Task Force to explore a mixed-use intersegmental higher education institution in Chula Vista to address the lack of nearby public university access in South San Diego County. Supporters, including Southwestern College and the City of Chula Vista, described the region as a “college desert” and said the bill would help coordinate UC, CSU, and community college partners. The committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended motion. Members also heard AB 885, which would establish a College Access for All Fund to help address college affordability and student debt, and AB 730, which would provide funding to support development of a medical school in the Central Valley to address physician shortages. Both measures drew support from higher education and labor groups, and both were advanced to Appropriations. AB 1400 proposed a pilot allowing up to 15 community college districts to offer a bachelor’s degree in nursing; supporters said it would expand affordable BSN access and help meet the nursing shortage, while CSU and nursing education groups opposed it, arguing existing ADN-to-BSN pathways and clinical/faculty limits made the proposal unnecessary or harmful. The committee still moved AB 1400 forward on a due pass vote. The committee also considered AB 1235, requiring CSU design-build projects to use a skilled and trained workforce, which supporters said would improve safety, training, and local job opportunities; it passed on a due pass vote. AB 1247, aimed at limiting contracting out of classified school and community college jobs and requiring stronger training and retirement protections, drew support from labor groups but opposition from school and community college organizations concerned about flexibility, costs, and implementation; it advanced on a divided vote. Finally, the committee heard AB 1470, which would allow student housing loan funds to be used in downtown and commercial districts, and ACA 3, which would require UC to offer limited down payment loans to eligible support staff; both drew support from labor and housing advocates, while UC opposed ACA 3 as inconsistent with its mission and financially burdensome. The transcript ends during discussion of ACA 3, with no final action shown for that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm CEO of Clean Power Alliance, and I'm joined by David McNeil.
• Hopefully Scott Wedge took notice of that. And we know what we're doing.
• David Ramirez, on behalf of NRG North America, in support.
• Scott Ferris, EDP Renewables, in strong support. Thank you very much.
• Scott Cox, on behalf of Industrious Labs, in strong support.

Summary: The committee hearing covered a long agenda of energy, utility, and data-center bills, with members hearing extensive testimony on affordability, ratepayer protections, wildfire liability, and grid planning. Several measures were presented by Assembly Member Irwin and others, including AB 2182 on industrial energy efficiency incentives, AB 2396 on allowing community choice aggregators to develop transmission projects, AB 2589 on returning federal tax savings to ratepayers, AB 2508 on shifting public purpose program costs off utility bills, AB 1577 on data center reporting, and AB 2383 on large energy-use facility rate design. The chair noted the hearing began without a quorum and later proceeded once quorum was established for the data-center and AB 2383 votes. AB 2182 and AB 2589 were discussed but not acted on during the portion shown, while AB 2396 drew substantial debate over wildfire liability, financing, and whether CCAs should be allowed to own transmission lines. AB 2508 generated the most divided policy discussion, with supporters arguing that public purpose programs and energy efficiency costs should not be borne by ratepayers and should instead be funded through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund or other public sources. Opponents warned that moving those programs to GGRF would threaten funding stability, undermine cost-effective efficiency programs, and jeopardize important safety-net and wildfire-related spending; wildfire survivor advocates asked for amendments to ensure victims are paid first before any reallocation. Committee members raised concerns about whether GGRF is an appropriate and stable funding source, and several said they could not support the bill as drafted. AB 1577, requiring data centers to report energy, water, and noise information, passed on a 10-1 vote after supporters said the bill would help local and state planners manage rapid load growth, while opponents argued it was burdensome, duplicative, and could expose proprietary or security-sensitive information. AB 2383, which would direct the CPUC to create a new rate structure for large energy-use facilities and require long-term contracts to prevent cost shifts and stranded assets, also drew strong support and opposition. The Little Hoover Commission and NRDC backed the bill as a way to protect ratepayers from data-center-related costs, while CCAs, the Chamber of Commerce, manufacturers, and petroleum interests objected to the bill’s scope and to CPUC oversight, especially as it could affect CCAs and other large users beyond data centers. After discussion about preserving local authority and avoiding stranded costs, the committee approved AB 2383 on a 13-0 vote and left the roll open for absent members. The hearing then moved to AB 1774, a wildfire accountability bill by Assembly Member Berman, which was introduced with testimony from fire survivors and consumer advocates emphasizing the need to verify that utility wildfire mitigation spending is actually performed before ratepayers are charged.

Transcript Highlights:

• orders of the day: An act authorizing the town of Rochester to continue the employment of Fire Chief Scott
• reading of the bill: An act authorizing the town of Rochester to continue the employment of Fire Chief Scott
• Papers from the House. of Fire Chief Scott Weigel House bill number 4235 is an objection.
• An act authorizing the town of Rochester to continue the employment of fire chief Scott Weigel, House
• She is survived by her children, Lori Carey and her husband, Dave, and David; in addition to her four

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and several ceremonial recognitions, including a presentation honoring the Oliver Ames boys cross country team and girls volleyball team for state championship wins. The chamber also adopted a resolution celebrating the 175th anniversary of the founding of the first YMCA in the United States. The Senate then gave final passage to several local and special bills, including measures waiving maximum age requirements for two Boston police officer applicants, establishing a stipend for the Bridgewater town council, addressing temporary absence and appointment powers for the Bridgewater town manager, and creating the Cambridge Employment and Job Training Trust. Additional local bills were taken up and advanced, including legislation on maintenance of private roads in Gloucester, expanding senior tax exemption eligibility in Williamstown, and allowing Rochester to continue employing Fire Chief Scott Weigel. The chamber also suspended rules to refer a petition concerning designation of the Marion-started riverwalk in Groton to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, and referred several House petitions to committees under Joint Rule 12. Before adjournment, the Senate adopted an order to meet again the following Thursday in formal session and agreed to adjourn in memory of Sherry S. Mattel of Brookline, with a moment of silence held in her honor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Murdoch, Peyton, Penzo, Petty, Rice, Scott, Simon, Stone, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.
• Scott? Yes. Aye. Scott? Yes. Aye. Simon. Stone. Sullivan. Tucker. Tucker. Wallace.
• Scott.
• Scott? Scott? Simon? Stone? Sullivan? Aye. Tucker? Tucker? Wallace?
• , Simon, Stone, Scott, Simon, Stone, Sullivan, Sullivan, Tucker, Wallace.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair calls Katie Tallman, Andrew Smith, Jamie Rose, and David. Wisely, Dr. David Wisely.
• David Wysole.
• I'm John David Enright. I'm here on my own behalf and I'm in favor of the bill.
• Scott Lundy: And I think I have room for one more, which would be in order here.
• My name is Scott Lundy.

Bills: HB18 , HB37 , HB 116 , HB388 , HB879 , HB913 , HB 1151 , HB2216 , HB2358 , HB2809 , SB577 , SB1590 , SB1782 , SB1887 , SB2744 , HB18 , HB37 , HB116

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services