Video & Transcript : 'curriculum development' :
Page 287 of 500
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Natural Resources Committee Apr 13th, 2026
Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- It gives those cities much more authority to govern development and activities.
- We do not want this to allow development... ...there.
- , wetlands, development near coastal bluffs, any of that.
- And I think that's smarter development in California that will save money.
- committee chair voting aye Alanis I Alanis. and Community Development Committee.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue (3-11-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:03:47.599><c> program</c> and the the economic development program and the the economic development
- </c><00:31:26.039><c> areas</c> 775 an act relating to development areas 775 an act relating to development
- So what we're trying to do here is incentivize development.
- </c><00:38:27.200><c> Act</c> sections 11- 14 tourism development Act sections 11- 14 tourism development
- </c> reactivate uh for development reactivate uh for development purposes<00:39:43.480><c> SE</c><00:
Keywords:
Meeting start 00:00:00
Roll Call 00:00:12
SB 28 Discussion 00:01:33
SB 28 Vote 00:04:05
SJR 26 Discussion 00:05:32
SJR 26 Vote 00:07:10
HB 741 Discussion 00:08:30
HB 741 Vote 00:14:00
HB 544 Discussion 00:15:40
HB 544 Vote 00:28:15
HB 775 Discussion 00:31:20
HB 775 Vote 00:56:00
HJR 33 Discussion 01:00:25
HJR 33 Vote 01:01:40, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met on March 11, 2025, with a quorum present and first adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 28. The bill would create a framework for using $5 million previously set aside for agricultural economic development through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, including loan and grant programs. Members asked about changes in the substitute, and the sponsor explained that it revised the board composition to include members with more experience in finance, lending, and economic development. SB 28 was approved 20-0 and reported favorably.
The committee then approved Senate Joint Resolution 26, which directs the Department for Medicaid Services to provide the Legislative Research Commission a report on pharmacist pay parity and the cost of allowing independent pharmacists and pharmacies to be reimbursed by Medicaid for services within their scope of practice. The sponsor and Kentucky Pharmacists Association representative described it as a request for information rather than a policy change. The resolution passed 20-0 and was reported favorably.
House Bill 741, relating to public water and wastewater systems, was next. The sponsor said the substitute incorporated Kentucky Infrastructure Authority recommendations, clarified best management practices, and allowed storm water inflow and groundwater infiltration reduction projects to be scored more fairly alongside water projects. Members discussed how the bill narrows eligibility to systems most in need and refines the scoring process for the program created last session. HB 741 passed 20-0, was reported favorably, and received a title amendment.
The committee also considered House Bill 544, a branch budget bill amendment creating a new SAFE fund for the most recent Eastern Kentucky flood disaster, indexed to the relevant presidential disaster declaration. The bill would allow state money and other funds to support local governments, utilities, school districts, and other eligible recipients for recovery costs, planning, and short-term liquidity, with reimbursement provisions if FEMA or other sources later pay. Members discussed the amount of available funding, the use of prior SAFE fund balances, and the emergency clause. HB 544 passed 20-0, was reported favorably, and a title amendment was adopted. The committee then began House Bill 775, relating to development areas, and adopted PHS 2 and a committee amendment; the sponsor started explaining the bill’s provisions on development areas, tax increment financing, brewers’ electronic filing, distilled spirits property tax language, income tax reduction conditions, tourism development incentives, and other tax-related sections, but the transcript cuts off before final action on the bill.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 3, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- THE DRAFT PROCUREMENT WE ARE DEVELOPING IS NOT SPECIFIED IN A SPECIFIC STRATEGY.
- OF DEVELOPMENT WORK.
- CNS IS HEAVILY INVOLVED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ALL ASPECTS OF THE PROJECT.
- AND IS IT OUTGO OR THE DEVELOPER THAT THE SYSTEM.
- , YOU DESIGN, DEVELOP AND DO OTHER THINGS, THERE ARE BIG BUCKETS.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Water and Natural Resources Aug 18th, 2025
Water & Natural Resources Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- But for us as a city, it's about growth and development.
- The road to be developed is about 50 miles, and it's $60 million that a private developer Submitted,
- Currently, the developer owns a large portion.
- developers will pay the cost, frankly, to put roads in.
- You say that as a singular developer, is that correct? Is there just one developer?
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Investments and Pensions Oversight Aug 13th, 2025
Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- That supports job and economic development throughout the state.
- Roper, Economic Development Funding as a Strategic State Investment. Mr.
- I'm Division Director Mark Roper of the Economic Development Division.
- That's the Local Economic Development Act.
- They're not economic development.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Economic and Rural Development Jul 7th, 2025
Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Secretary for the Economic Development Department. Good to see you again.
- They are not fully developed.
- And so things like that are what we need more of to develop more firms here.
- One is infrastructure development capacity. Deputy Cabinet Secretary...
- Wind farm developers can build the roads out to the various turbines.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Energy, Utilities, Environment and Climate - 03/05/25
Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> a tractor um we've also developed a tractor um we've also developed proprietary<00:10:30.640><c>
- </c> to stimulate research and development to stimulate research and development and<00:27:20.720><c>
- development account this language is development account this language is structured<00:30:08.360><c>
- </c><00:31:40.279><c> the</c> in place and so when we develop the in place and so when we develop the
- </c><00:46:22.880><c> a</c> Grove Iowa we're currently developing a Grove Iowa we're currently developing
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Local Government Committee Jul 16th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We do not touch Anything about impact fees or exactions the city put on development.
- And so it's not like the city's building it; this is a developer.
- This is a thoughtful, targeted bill that balances development and preservation.
- We've seen developers submit the same project in multiple versions.
- ordinance to address the warehouse development before AB 98.
Summary:
The committee first heard SB 753, which would modernize California’s shopping cart recovery rules by allowing cities and counties to return abandoned carts directly to retailers, recover documented retrieval costs, and avoid the current impound-and-wait process. The author and supporters, including San Jose officials and the League of California Cities, said the bill would help clear streets, sidewalks, and waterways and reduce local costs. Grocers and retailers opposed the measure unless amended, arguing it would turn cart retrieval into a new cost burden and could create incentives for cities to charge too much for stolen property. After extensive discussion about notice periods, cost caps, and local ordinances, the committee adopted amendments and passed the bill 6-0 as amended.
The committee then took up SB 445, which would speed up permitting and approvals needed for high-speed rail by requiring early engagement, setting rules for third-party coordination, and creating a dispute-resolution process. The author said the bill was narrowed from an earlier, broader transit proposal and was intended to reduce delays caused by utilities, local governments, and other entities. Supporters said permitting bottlenecks add major costs and delays to infrastructure projects, while opponents from utilities, cities, counties, telecoms, and special districts raised concerns about safety, reliability, affordability, and the need to review the pending amendments. The bill passed 8-1 to the Utilities and Energy Committee.
The committee also heard SB 9, a narrower housing bill focused on accessory dwelling units. The author explained that it would require local ADU ordinances to be submitted to HCD for review and would make state standards control if a local agency fails to submit a compliant ordinance or respond to HCD findings. Supporters from housing and YIMBY groups said the bill would improve enforcement of state ADU law and prevent local barriers from slowing housing production. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 6-0. The committee then began hearing SB 79, which would allow more housing near major transit stops; the author and supporters framed it as a response to the housing shortage and transit underuse, and the hearing continued with extensive support testimony as the transcript ended.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/05/2026 - House Rural Economic Development
House Rural Economic Development Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- Are you seeing developers, without public-private partnerships, developing affordable or workforce housing
- They do the financing, they do the development.
- They do the financing, they do the development.
- And also economic development on the Navajo Nation and all our own nations, tribal nations.
- There are just a lot of developments that do not naturally occur.
Summary:
The committee began with short video presentations highlighting historic sites in Prescott, including the Arizona Pioneer Home and the Charlotte Hall Museum/First Territorial Governor’s Mansion, with members discussing the value of showcasing district landmarks and rural history. The committee then took up HB 2804, a bill to create a state rural development and housing tax credit tied to the federal low-income housing tax credit for projects in counties under 800,000 population. Supporters, including the Flagstaff mayor and several affordable-housing developers, said the bill would help finance rural and workforce housing, especially for seniors, veterans, and low-income residents, while opponents from the Arizona Free Enterprise Club argued the program is inefficient, hard to police, and benefits intermediaries more than residents. Members debated the policy at length, but the bill was ultimately passed on a 7-0 vote with a due pass recommendation.
The committee then considered HB 2388, which would appropriate unspecified funds to the Arizona Commerce Authority to study the economic benefits of small modular reactors and data centers for the state and local governments. The sponsor described it as a study bill to gather information on a topic already drawing significant attention, and a representative from the Libre Initiative supported it as a way to assess workforce and economic opportunities. Members discussed possible amendments, including adding data on utility-rate impacts and other costs, and the sponsor said she was open to that conversation. The bill passed on a 6-1 vote, with one member opposed and others expressing support contingent on possible amendments.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a rural economic development tool, not a big city program.
- This is a rural economic development tool, not a big city program.
- When done right, they can support economic development, help municipalities and developers deliver infrastructure
- Tyler, does that mean that the developer, since the contract is now between the private party developer
- The developers are on the hook for that.
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee approved the March 16, 2026 minutes and then heard testimony on several bills, with the chair noting that votes would be taken in batches because members were coming and going. HB 2939 would increase the rural qualified facilities tax credit from $20,000 to $25,000 per job for certain projects with initial investment under $2 billion; Lucid Motors supported it as a rural economic development tool, while Senator Epstein questioned the fiscal note and whether the higher credit would actually attract new investment. HB 2950 would authorize tourism improvement areas funded by voluntary lodging assessments to support marketing and tourism promotion; the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association and Visit Phoenix backed it as a competitive tool for rural and urban destinations, and committee members focused on whether participation was truly voluntary and how the assessments would be administered.
HB 2780 made technical conforming changes to Arizona’s property tax lien foreclosure and excess proceeds sale process, building on a prior law that created a mechanism for delinquent property owners to recover equity; the sponsor and a longtime constituent said the changes would fix timing and credit-bid language so qualified entity sales could work in practice. HB 2502 would let certain elected officials in ASRS retire at normal retirement age without resigning their office, with the employer paying the alternate contribution rate; ASRS said it was neutral, and the sponsor argued the bill would treat elected officials more like other ASRS members. The committee then adopted do-pass recommendations for HB 2502, HB 2780, HB 2950, and HB 2939, with each passing on split votes.
The committee also adopted a striker to HB 2140, allowing the State Treasurer to invest up to 10% of state trust and treasury monies in physical gold or silver bullion held in secure U.S. depositories. The sponsor and the Sound Money Defense League argued it would diversify reserves and hedge against market disruption, while opponents said gold is volatile, costly to store, and not something taxpayers need the state to buy. HB 2140 then passed as amended on a 4-2 vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 2398, as amended, which requires commercial liability insurance for watercraft rentals and peer-to-peer boat sharing programs, with supporters saying it addresses uninsured rental boats and law enforcement concerns; the bill passed as amended on a 6-1 vote. The committee also heard HB 2999, a major housing-finance bill creating state affordability infrastructure districts to finance public infrastructure through bonds and assessments; proponents said it would lower housing costs by spreading infrastructure costs over time, while contractors and some senators raised concerns about payment risk, impact-fee treatment, and whether savings would reach homebuyers. After adopting a striker and hearing extensive questions, HB 2999 passed as amended on a 6-1 vote.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Local Government Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Some examples of those goals include urban growth, reducing sprawl, and economic development.
- As a reminder, this bill allows development agreements with a regional transit authority to establish
- development standards that vary from otherwise applicable development regulations to accommodate transit
- Setbacks are design regulations or development regulations that we put into place to protect people's
- If we had had these design and development regulations, it would have probably not cost nearly as much
Summary:
The committee opened public hearings on House Bill 2141, concerning building codes, and House Bill 2573, concerning community access to food, medicine, and health services, then later took executive action on several bills. HB 2141 would impose a 10-year pause on new state building and energy code updates after the 2024 codes, limit local amendments until the 2036 codes, then move to a six-year update cycle and remove the current energy-code 70% reduction target. Supporters, including the sponsor, builders, local government groups, and some code officials, argued the bill would reduce regulatory churn, lower housing costs, and give builders and local governments more certainty. Opponents, including environmental groups, architects, fire marshals, and code organizations, said the freeze would raise long-term energy costs, undermine safety and climate goals, and delay adoption of new technologies. No action was taken on HB 2141 during the hearing.
HB 2573 would require advance notice before grocery stores or pharmacies close in communities that relied on them for planning under the Growth Management Act, add a health and food access goal and a healthy communities element to the GMA, and authorize cities and counties to use zoning, excise taxes, and nuisance fees to discourage long-term vacancies and preserve access to food and medicine. The sponsor and supporters said the bill responds to recent store closures that created food and pharmacy deserts, especially in overburdened communities, and would give local governments tools to prevent blight and protect access to essential services. Opponents from grocery and retail industry groups argued the bill would punish businesses and property owners, create a chilling effect on investment, and unfairly burden independent landlords. The committee heard testimony on HB 2573 but did not take final action in the portion provided.
During executive action, the committee reported several bills out with do-pass recommendations. HB 2517, on permitting tools for high-capacity transit projects, passed 4-3 after one proposed amendment was rejected and another was adopted to require property-owner consent before certain permits on property not owned by the transit authority. HB 2588, expanding county ferry district authority beyond passenger-only ferries, passed 4-3. HB 1529, allowing cities to use county resources for road construction and maintenance, passed 6-1. HB 2223, creating a limited exemption for irrigation district directors’ spouses’ contracts, passed unanimously. HB 2006, extending the deadline for certain rural counties to designate industrial land banks, passed unanimously after adoption of an amendment narrowing eligibility and adjusting timing requirements.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Not only that, we thank the Water Development Board.
- Yeah, John Dupnik, Texas Water Development Board.
- Texas Water Development Board.
- Right, Matt Nelson, Texas Water Development Board.
- John Dupnik, Texas Water Development Board.
Summary:
The House Committee on Natural Resources met to focus on flooding issues across Texas, with particular attention to South Texas and the recent catastrophic flooding in Central Texas. Chair Harris and Vice Chair Martinez emphasized that flooding is a statewide problem requiring continued legislative attention. The committee heard invited testimony from Hidalgo County Commissioner David Fuentes and Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 General Manager Raul Sassine, who described the March flood event in Hidalgo County, including more than 20 inches of rain, six deaths, over $100 million in local damage, widespread road flooding, and repeated shutdowns of Interstate 2 and its frontage roads. They argued that existing drainage systems are under capacity, that TxDOT projects must account for downstream drainage impacts, and that local governments have already invested heavily in mitigation through bonds and partnerships.
Fuentes and Sassine also described the county’s long-term flood mitigation and water-reuse efforts, including the Delta region water management project, which would capture stormwater, runoff, and treated effluent, reduce flooding, and create potable water supply. They said the drainage district manages about 780 miles of channels and 1,100 acres of detention facilities, has used prior Flood Infrastructure Fund and GLO grants, and has ongoing applications for additional state and federal assistance. Members discussed the need for TxDOT coordination, emergency access on frontage roads, local “skin in the game,” and the possibility of combining flood control with aquifer recharge and water supply projects.
Texas Water Development Board Executive Administrator Brian McMath then presented an overview of the state’s flood planning and funding framework, including the post-Harvey legislative changes that created the Flood Infrastructure Fund, the Texas Infrastructure Resiliency Fund, and the regional/state flood planning process. He summarized the first state flood plan adopted in 2024, noting that about one in six Texans live or work in known flood hazard areas and that regional plans identified 4,609 flood risk reduction solutions with an estimated cost of $54.5 billion. He also reviewed TWDB programs for flood grants, community assistance, flood insurance compliance, stream gauges, TexMesonet, flood mapping, and the TexasFlood.org viewer. Members asked about drainage fees, technical assistance, gauge placement, the relationship between flood maps and FEMA FIRMs, and whether flood mitigation funds could support aquifer storage and recovery or recharge projects; TWDB staff said such projects can be eligible if they include flood mitigation components, but direct technical assistance cannot be paid from Flood Infrastructure Fund dollars. The committee concluded by expressing interest in further study of combining flood mitigation with aquifer recharge, and then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund to support nuclear development.
- First Move is a first-of-a-kind development.
- And the development.
- It also gives time for this technology to develop.
- We are not opposed to workforce development, by the way. Attention to workforce development.
Keywords:
licensing, reciprocity, regulation, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, interstate agreements, nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 132, Texas Government Code Chapter 418, Public Information Act, confidential records, homeland security, foreign adversary, terrorism, critical infrastructure, emergency response, law enforcement
Summary:
The meeting was a thorough exploration of multiple bills, most notably focused on innovative energy solutions and public safety enhancements. Key discussions centered around HB14, which aims to bolster the state's nuclear energy capabilities through the establishment of a Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office. Senators and expert witnesses discussed the potential of nuclear power as a clean energy source and a strategic necessity for Texas's growth. There was strong support for the bill, with various stakeholders highlighting its importance for the future energy landscape. Additionally, other bills like HB132 addressed the need for enhanced confidentiality protections regarding sensitive information, while HB1584 sought improvements in power restoration procedures during emergencies. Overall, the committee engaged with multiple viewpoints, balancing innovation with safety and ethical considerations.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 04/21/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- TO DEVELOP PREECLAMPSIA THAN WHITE WOMEN.
- But what we're talking about here is development rights, but it is development rights in partnership
- They'll have access to a loan based on the development rights to prevent it from being developed.
- RIGHTS TO PREVENT IT FROM BEING DEVELOPED.
- develops more sustainable energy throughout our great state.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest introductions, including students from Brooklyn and St. John’s University, followed by adoption of the resolution calendar with exceptions for two items. The chamber then took up a series of previously adopted resolutions recognizing Black Maternal Health Week, Workplace Violence Prevention Month, the one-year anniversary of the Jet Set nightclub tragedy in the Dominican Republic, New York Constitution Day, and the Month of the Military Child. Senators speaking on the maternal health resolution emphasized racial disparities in maternal mortality and the need for culturally competent care; the workplace violence resolution highlighted hospital safety programs; the Jet Set resolution was adopted in memory of the victims; and the Constitution Day speech reviewed New York’s delayed but eventual support for independence in 1776. The military child resolution stressed the sacrifices of military families and support for children of service members. All of these resolutions were adopted, and the resolutions were opened to co-sponsorship.
The Senate then moved through the third reading calendar, passing several bills and laying others aside. Measures passed included bills on public health, environmental conservation, executive law, public authorities, and consumer protection. One notable debate involved a bill to require transparency from private arbitration organizations handling consumer cases; supporters argued it would provide basic public data and guard against conflicts of interest, while opponents said it would burden a useful dispute-resolution process and intrude on privacy. The bill passed after debate. Another debated bill would phase out number 4 heating oil statewide; supporters said cleaner alternatives exist and the fuel is harmful to public health, while opponents raised cost and transition concerns, especially for colder regions. That bill also passed.
The chamber also considered a bill to create a rebate program for battery-powered landscaping equipment, funded through utility-related mechanisms administered by NYSERDA. Supporters said it would reduce air and noise pollution and help companies transition, while opponents argued ratepayers should not subsidize landscaping equipment. The bill passed after being restored to the non-controversial calendar. Finally, the Senate began discussion of a housing-related bill aimed at preserving manufactured home parks by enabling nonprofits or municipalities to acquire development rights and keep the land dedicated to that use, with the sponsor explaining that the goal is to protect affordable housing and help residents remain in their homes.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WAL/PBS Joint Public Hearing - Tue Mar 11, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:14:53.680><c> um</c> this docket heo has developed um this docket heo has developed um wildfire
- </c><00:34:42.079><c> of</c> 732 they will give the development of 732 they will give the development
- </c><01:07:58.920><c> plans</c> County's water use and development plans County's water use and development
- Developers and operators will pay for the fencing, ring buoy, and signage.
- SB 657 SD1, relating to the Center for Climate Resilient Development.
Summary:
The hearing opened with committee procedures and then took up SB 1, relating to vegetation management near utility lines. DLNR opposed the bill, saying it would shift rights, responsibilities, and liability onto the state and private landowners. Hawaiian Electric supported the measure with amendments, describing it as a first step to address wildfire risk and improve public safety and system reliability. The Hawaii Farm Bureau and Command Schools both raised concerns that the bill could impose significant costs, liability, and access burdens on farmers, ranchers, and other landowners, especially where easements are old or unclear. Life of the Land argued the issue belongs before the Public Utilities Commission, and PUC staff explained that the commission is already reviewing Hawaiian Electric’s wildfire mitigation plan and vegetation management in a docket, with a decision expected by September and public meetings scheduled for April 23 and 24. Committee members questioned the need for legislation versus negotiated solutions, and witnesses said private parties could potentially renegotiate easements without statute.
The committee then heard HB 1296, relating to disaster recovery. DLNR and OPSD supported the bill, saying it would ease regulatory burdens in post-disaster rebuilding and help speed permit review. Testimony and member questions focused on the bill’s five-year rebuilding timeline, the role of the coastal zone/SMA process, and how long permit reviews typically take; OPSD said SMA major/use permits generally take about six months, while minor permits are faster. Members also discussed whether the bill would apply to existing structures damaged in disasters and whether the amendments from the Attorney General’s office and OPSD were acceptable; no objections were raised.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1170, relating to the expeditious redevelopment and development of affordable rental housing. HHFDC supported the bill, and testimony from a Maui affordable housing project said the measure is needed to rebuild the Weinberg Court Apartments, a 63-unit affordable project in Lahaina, using insurance funds rather than government money. Members asked whether the bill would help existing affordable rental projects damaged before the enactment of related coastal rules, and the response was that the bill is aimed at existing structures damaged during events and intended to speed rebuilding of affordable housing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the Chair of the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business, and I have the honor
- Having two Latinos from Gateway Cities working on community development has been truly historic and a
- remarkable process, and we appreciate... ...development has been truly historic and a remarkable process
- We think this is generational, and part of developing these plans is developing a development strategy
- And part of developing these plans is developing a development strategy of how you're going to raise
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held its final hearing of the session on H. 5187 and S. 3022, the Enough Act, with Chair Andy Vargas and Senator Adam Gomez opening by thanking committee members and stakeholders for their work during the session. The bills were described as a grant-based, place-based anti-poverty initiative intended to support cradle-to-career services by funding local nonprofits, schools, community organizations, and backbone entities that can coordinate housing, education, health, workforce, and family supports in high-poverty neighborhoods.
Testimony was overwhelmingly in support of the bills. Speakers including Strategies for Children, Chelsea Public Schools, Bunker Hill Community College, Senator Sal DiDomenico, Rep. Kate Lipper-Garabedian, Rep. Antonio Cabral, the Harlem Children’s Zone’s Kwame Owusu Kesse and Jeffrey Canada, former Education Secretary Paul Reville, AFT Massachusetts, United Way, the Boston Foundation, Give Black Alliance, Eastern Bank Foundation, and others argued that poverty is a systems issue that schools alone cannot solve. They emphasized the need for local control, community voice, coordinated services, and long-term public-private investment, often citing examples from Chelsea, New Bedford, Springfield, Lowell, Boston, and other communities, as well as the Harlem Children’s Zone and Maryland’s similar model.
Committee members asked several questions about how the bill would function in practice, including what organizations would do on day one, how it would interact with existing efforts like community schools, McKinney-Vento, and the Student Opportunity Act, and how it would be sustained over time. Witnesses said the act would help create or strengthen backbone organizations, reduce duplication, align existing resources, and leverage philanthropy and future revenue sources for long-term sustainability. No vote was taken during the hearing, but multiple speakers urged the committee to report the bill favorably and quickly.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Housing Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Housing
Transcript Highlights:
- New developments largely focus on high-end tenants are going up rather than meeting the needs, The developments
- I've developed affordable housing with the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation.
- Community development. Since 2004, I worked as an affordable housing developer.
- For six years, I ran the real estate development division of a local nonprofit housing developer that
- developers pursuing development and preservation of affordable housing.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on a broad slate of landlord-tenant and home rule bills, with most testimony focused on rent stabilization, tenant opportunity to purchase (TOPA), tenant fees, access to counsel, algorithmic rent fixing, and tenant protections in subsidized housing. Chairs Cyr and Haggerty outlined the hearing procedures and noted that written testimony could also be submitted. Several members and invited speakers emphasized that the committee was hearing from both local officials and residents affected by housing instability, especially in Somerville and other communities facing high rents and displacement.
Supporters of rent stabilization and local-option rent control argued that Massachusetts needs tools to prevent displacement while new housing is built. Senator Eldridge, Senator Jalen, Somerville officials, tenant organizers, and residents described steep rent increases, no-fault evictions, and the loss of naturally occurring affordable housing. Somerville’s home rule petition was described as allowing annual increases tied to CPI plus 2%, capped at 5%, with exemptions for owner-occupied two- and three-family homes and a 15-year exemption for new construction. TOPA supporters said it would let tenants or their designees buy buildings before speculative buyers, preserving affordable housing stock; opponents, including small landlords and property managers, argued rent control would reduce supply, discourage investment, and that TOPA could delay sales and harm properties.
The committee also heard testimony on bills to curb junk fees and regulate tenant charges, including limits on late fees, lease renewal fees, payment portal fees, attorney’s fees, and other add-on charges. Advocates said these fees can add hundreds of dollars a month and disproportionately harm low-income renters and renters of color. Another major topic was algorithmic rent fixing: Senator Moore and Representative Sabadoza said landlords should not use software such as RealPage to coordinate pricing, citing federal antitrust actions and arguing that competition is essential to lowering rents. Additional testimony supported a statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, with legal services providers saying representation dramatically improves outcomes and can save the state money, and a bill to create an office of tenant protections to better enforce sanitary code violations. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (04/14/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> development that the utilities development that the utilities create<00:08:29.919><c> that</c> create
- </c> over brownfield development. over brownfield development.
- a</c> if you if a developer wants to develop a if you if a developer wants to develop a greenfield<01
- on a new site, then the development on a new site, then the developer,<01:49:56.480><c> um,</c> developer
- </c> quantitative measure of that developed. quantitative measure of that developed.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Development Department.
- our communities but also for economic development.
- Regarding your regional development.
- So, in my time at the Regional Development Corporation, we developed a strategic plan that was...
- Together, we worked on infrastructure development and workforce development, which at that time were
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- I chair uh with HCR, HR, HCR 1, HR 11, urging the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation
- HCR 67, requesting the Office of the Governor, State Building Code Council, building developments of
- of each County building developments of each County mayors<00:21:27.799><c> of</c><00:21:27.960><c>
- a comprehensive strategy for develop a comprehensive strategy for adopting<00:21:35.679><c> updated<
- We have the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation, Dean Minomi, in support.
Summary:
The House Committee on Housing met on March 21, 2025, first taking testimony on several resolutions related to housing policy and building codes. HCR 1/HR 1 urged HHFDC to continue working with the City and County of Honolulu to transfer roads in the Villages of Kapolei; the committee noted one supportive testimony from HHFDC. HCR 66/HR 60 sought action by the State Building Code Council to authorize point access block, or single-stair, residential construction up to six stories; testimony included support from Housing Hawaiʻi Future and the Grassroots Institute of Hawaiʻi, and opposition from the AIA Hawaiʻi State Council. HCR 67 asked state and county officials to develop a comprehensive strategy for updated building codes; Grassroots Institute testimony was in support and AIA Hawaiʻi State Council was in opposition. HCR 78 addressed housing credits under Act 31, clarifying that qualifying projects approved before July 1, 2031, would remain eligible after repeal; HHFDC and Na Uho testified in support. HR 147 proposed a legislative working group to oversee DHHL’s use of Act 279 funds; DHHL supported the measure, along with one individual supporter who was not present. No public testimony was offered beyond those submissions, and the committee moved to decision-making after a short recess.
In decision-making, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass HCR 1/HR 1 as is, with several members excused. HCR 66/HR 60 was also passed as is after discussion emphasizing the potential for lower construction costs, more design flexibility, and better ventilation from single-stair buildings. HCR 67 was passed with amendments, including removing the housing committee chairs from the recipient list and adding language calling for reinstating and adequately funding the State Building Code Council so it can carry out its mandate. HCR 78 was passed as is, and HR 147 was passed as is after brief supportive comments about DHHL accountability. The meeting then adjourned.