Transcript Highlights:

• the people of the Commonwealth don't know how much money they're actually still throwing down this drain
• c> they're actually still throwing down they're actually still throwing down this<00:21:05.200> drain

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:06 Attendance Roll Call: 00:11 SB 53 Discussion: 01:54 SB 53 Vote: 09:09 SB 192 Discussion: 10:15 SB 192 Vote: 13:42 HB 290 Discussion: 15:02 HB 290 Vote: 16:08 HB 314 Discussion: 16:45 HB 314 Vote: 19:38 Adjournment: 21:32, 958, all

Summary: The Senate State and Local Government Committee met with a quorum and considered three bills. Senate Bill 53, sponsored by Senator Thomas, addressed Fayette County planning and zoning procedures after a 2024 law was interpreted to limit public comment at certain hearings. Thomas, along with witnesses Walt Gaffield and Zachary Davis, argued the bill would clarify that residents have a right to speak for or against planning matters affecting their homes and neighborhoods. The committee voted favorably on SB 53, with all members present voting yes. The committee then took up Senate Bill 192, sponsored by Senator Bledsoe, which would allow smaller cities to use agreed-upon procedures instead of full audits under certain conditions, with standards set by professional accounting rules and oversight by the Auditor of Public Accounts and the Department of Local Government. Supporters said the bill would help small and midsize cities facing audit costs and a shortage of auditors without reducing accountability. The committee adopted a substitute and passed SB 192 unanimously, with several members explaining their support. House Bill 290, sponsored by Representative Wilson, would change how county law library funds can be used, allowing bar associations to spend money on online legal research tools rather than only books. The sponsor said some local associations have unused funds and need more practical options. The committee passed HB 290 unanimously. Finally, House Bill 314, sponsored by Representative Lockett and Senator Williams, would reorganize oversight of the Kentucky Wired network by consolidating authority and personnel into the Commonwealth Office of Technology amid concerns about KCNA’s management. The bill drew criticism from Senator McDaniel, who called Kentucky Wired a boondoggle and questioned its costs, but the committee still passed HB 314 with favorable expression 9-2 and sent it to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• force one party into certain proceedings knowing that they may not have the resources, or just to drain
• of force one party into certain proceedings knowing that they may not have the resources or just to drain

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum and took up several bills before returning to the budget and public testimony. CS/SB 600 on bail bonds was explained as revising bail bond agent training, limiting solicitation, clarifying partial release procedures, and directing clerks to automatically discharge certain bonds when detention is ordered; an amendment adjusted cash bond return rules, charitable bail fund treatment, forfeiture remission timing, and clerk procedures. The bill and amendments were adopted, and CS/SB 600 was reported favorably after supportive appearances from clerks and industry stakeholders. The committee then approved CS/SB 436 on felony battery, which expands qualifying prior offenses for felony reclassification and adds felony battery resulting in bodily injury to prison release offender status, after a technical amendment and supportive testimony from law enforcement. CS/SB 928, known as Missy’s Law, requiring immediate remand to custody upon conviction of dangerous crimes, drew both support and opposition; defense lawyers warned of unintended effects on co-defendants and docket management, while the victim’s family supported the measure. The bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 1332 on career offender registration, requiring more frequent in-person registration and stricter reporting, also passed favorably. The committee next approved a substitute amendment and then CS/SB 682 on violent criminal offenses, which strengthens domestic violence penalties, electronic monitoring, injunction protections, and related procedures, including military protective orders and body camera use. CS/SB 1072 creating an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s Office was reported favorably after extensive public debate over definitions, free speech concerns, and representation on the task force; the sponsor said the bill does not criminalize criticism of Israel but addresses threats and intimidation. CS/CS/SB 532 on clerks of the court was also approved, authorizing clerks to retain more revenue and, through amendment, clarifying foreclosure sale procedures and clerk administration of judicial sales. Finally, the committee heard the criminal and civil justice budget overview, described as a $7.9 billion proposal focused on corrections, juvenile justice, law enforcement, and courts. Public testimony centered heavily on prison conditions, staffing, heat, infrastructure, and inmate care, with speakers urging higher pay, better transparency, and more investment in facilities and air conditioning. The chair announced that SB 1632 and its conforming bill would be temporarily postponed and read into the record the many registered supporters and opponents. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to tell you that probably superintendent salaries aren't the main drain on that property tax
• on that um on that property tax drain on that um on that property tax effort<03:12:07.000> but
• We can't do it, and we didn't come up with our brains interfacing with this technology, and we can't
• We can't do it, and we didn't come up with our brains interfacing with this technology, and we can't
• <04:33:54.719> interfacing<04:33:55.400> with<04:33:55.561> this our brains

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 362, which would grant the Department of Education rulemaking authority related to educator licensure and testing requirements, including passing scores on professional education assessments. Representative Ladd said the bill is intended to preserve New Hampshire’s standards for classroom teachers and CTE instructors, while allowing DOE flexibility through rulemaking. He emphasized maintaining high standards, including for career and technical education, and said he was open to DOE clarifying the language further. Committee members raised concerns that the bill, as written, could remove language recognizing industry-recognized credentials for CTE instructors. Department of Education Director Steven Appy said DOE had drafted an amendment to clarify that the requirement applies to an initial New Hampshire license, to exempt CTE teachers from content exams, and to preserve current administrative practice allowing basic academic skills testing and industry-recognized credentials as substitutes. The committee discussed the distinction between basic academic skills tests and content assessments, and Appy said the amendment was meant to avoid conflating those requirements. The chair said the committee would take up executive session on HB 362 and related bills later. The committee then took up House Bill 90, which narrows and defines the rules for part-time teachers, especially in concurrent enrollment settings. Representative Ladd explained that the bill is meant to allow qualified college faculty or adjuncts from the University System or Community College System to teach high school concurrent-enrollment courses when local schools lack a teacher with the needed master’s-level credentials, particularly in math and STEM subjects. He said the bill is intended to expand student access to college-level coursework, save money, and preserve standards, while still requiring background checks and adherence to ethics and conduct rules. Members began asking questions about how the bill would work in practice, including certification and endorsement issues, but the hearing was not concluded in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• back to that point that you said, and remember that we shouldn't talk about folks as if they're some drain
• on the economy because by that sense, I'm the same drain, but I'm one of the most successful legislators
• on the economy cuz by that some drain on the economy cuz by that sense,<00:26:27.520> I'm<00:
• 26:27.720> the<00:26:27.840> same<00:26:28.120> drain,<00:26:28.440> but<
• 00:26:28.520> I'm<00:26:28.640> one sense, I'm the same drain, but I'm one sense, I'm the

Bills: HF1323, HF4266, HF4413, HF3101, HF4572, HF4698, HF3650, HF2634

Keywords: undocumented, financial aid, state policy, higher education, noncitizen eligibility, state grants, college affordability, Office of Higher Education, Minnesota State Grant, need analysis, expected family contribution, student aid, grant formula, living and miscellaneous expense allowance, dependent student, independent student, parental contribution, student contribution, surplus appropriation, biennium

Transcript Highlights:

• I was constantly chasing bets that led to losses, draining my savings, building debt, and turned to theft
• c><01:42:49.000> led<01:42:49.239> to<01:42:49.400> losses<01:42:49.880> draining
• chasing vets that led to losses draining chasing vets that led to losses draining my<01:42:50.560
• I drained my family's bank accounts, my own retirement accounts, and my kids' college funds.
• <01:45:52.320> my knew what I was doing I uh I drained my knew what I was doing I uh I drained

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As they serve, may their work be life-giving, not life-draining.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer by Pastor Craig McLean of Grace Church in Eden Prairie, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call establishing a quorum. The journal from the previous legislative day was approved as corrected, and comparison report motions were adopted without objection. The chamber then took up second reading of Senate File 3720 and first reading of House Files 5134 through 5139. A report from the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration placed several bills on the calendar for Wednesday, May 13, 2026, and required pre-filing of amendments for House Files 7474, 5074, and 3067, and Senate File 4282. No substantive debate on the bills occurred in the excerpt. During announcements, Representative Niska said the Rules Committee would meet in Capitol G3 five minutes after recess, and Republicans would caucus immediately afterward. Representative Niska then moved a recess to the call of the Speaker, the motion carried, and the House recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• The current Little Rock community homes use individual septic tanks with drain fields for wastewater.
• individual septic community homes use individual septic tanks<00:34:10.720> with<00:34:10.960> drain
• tanks with drain fields for wastewater. tanks with drain fields for wastewater.
• The UV sampling tank is not sufficiently sealed or adequately drained, allowing groundwater to frequently

Bills: HF568, HF433, HF1689, HF3135, HF3137, HF3145, HF2887, HF2819, HF2802, HF2664, HF2267, HF799, HF800, HF3049, HF296, HF580, HF1438, HF1237

Keywords: special education, education funding, construction, Minnesota, regional educational programs, HF433, Cloquet Area Fire District, fire station, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, general obligation bonds, public safety, emergency services, fire protection, local infrastructure, Minnesota capital budget, DEED grant, municipal facilities, station construction

Transcript Highlights:

• , traumatic... ...emotional disturbance, learning disability, autism, speech disability, traumatic brain
• Diverting funds from public schools without ensuring quality standards in private schools risks draining
• Instead of draining money from our public schools, why not fix our system that serves our children?
• These are the... ...investments will be far out of reach if reinvest in SB 2 and drain money from schools

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Members from both parties emphasized education as a major issue, while several Republicans framed the committee’s work around school choice and parent empowerment. Senator West and other Democrats stressed protecting public schools, listening to Texans, and considering the effects of vouchers or education savings accounts on school districts and communities. Chairman Creighton laid out Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, describing it as a universal education savings account program modeled on similar programs in other states. He said the bill would provide about $200 million for a universal eligibility pool and additional funding for students with disabilities and lower-income families, with priority weighting for former public school students. He also highlighted anti-fraud measures, vendor pre-approval, criminal background checks, cybersecurity protections, annual testing requirements for participating students, and the use of the Comptroller rather than TEA to administer the program. Creighton repeatedly said the bill is not a voucher and argued it would not take money from public schools, which he said would receive separate historic funding increases. Members questioned Creighton about the 500% of federal poverty line definition, the adequacy of the $10,000 ESA amount, whether the program would favor students already in private school, how microschools and homeschool pods would fit, and whether the bill protects religious liberty and private-school autonomy. Democrats raised concerns about disability protections, 504 students, foster children, public-school funding, open records, and the historical context of vouchers. Republicans generally supported the bill as a way to expand options for parents and students, while also asking about administration, fraud prevention, and data security. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, with EdChoice President Robert Inlow presenting in support of SB 2 and citing the growth and reported success of school choice programs nationwide.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mindless consumption is filling our landfills, draining our pockets, and harming our planet.
• Mindless consumption is filling our landfills, draining our pockets, and harming our planet.

Summary: The committee met in hybrid format on June 18, 2026, but initially lacked a quorum, so minutes were not approved until later in the meeting after additional members joined. The committee heard a series of bills, with most receiving supportive testimony from sponsors, agency officials, advocacy groups, and frequent public commenter Robert Overmiller. Several measures focused on transportation and public safety, including HB 363 on residential speed limits, HB 384 extending DelDOT open-end contracts from three to five years, HB 413 allowing green flashing lights on road work and emergency vehicles, HB 456 streamlining subaqueous lands permitting, and HB 388 letting drivers with temporary medical suspensions keep their license for ID purposes while being flagged in the system as not allowed to drive. Members asked questions mainly about implementation, enforcement, and scope, and sponsors or agency witnesses explained that the bills were intended to improve safety, efficiency, and administrative clarity. The committee also took up HB 111, which would require single-use food service items such as utensils, straws, napkins, and condiments to be provided only upon request, with exemptions for schools, nonprofits, health care facilities, correctional facilities, and similar settings. Supporters, including Plastic Free Delaware and the Sierra Club, said the bill would reduce waste and save businesses money, while opponents from the restaurant industry argued it could confuse customers, hurt tourism, and be difficult to enforce. Sponsors emphasized that restaurants could still ask customers if they wanted items and that the bill included a phase-in period and capped penalties. The committee also heard HB 393, a consumer protection bill for third-party electric suppliers that tightens oversight, training, reporting, renewal notices, and rate limits after concerns about misleading sales and unexpectedly high bills; it drew support from environmental advocates and members who had seen constituent complaints. Finally, the committee heard HB 412 on hunting and trapping education and wildlife drug administration, which was described as a safety and modernization measure and supported by the Division of Fish and Wildlife and sportsmen’s groups, and SB 346, which would speed up Environmental Appeals Board hearings and decisions. SB 346 drew broad support from DNREC, the Nature Conservancy, the Sierra Club, and business groups, though one witness asked to clarify that Superior Court appeal rights would remain intact; DNREC confirmed they would. The committee also approved the June 10, 2026 minutes after quorum was established, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn and unanimous approval.

Transcript Highlights:

• that were put into place at the CARB vote that actually give us some room, and it may not actually drain
• that were put into place at the CARB vote that actually gives us some room, and it may not actually drain

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the Senate journals and adopted floor amendments. Members voted on motions to advance Budget and Fiscal Review Committee measures and to suspend Joint Rule 62A so the budget committee could hear budget-related bills with shortened notice; both motions passed by roll call. The chamber then moved through the Daily File, including several second-reading bills and gubernatorial appointments. Three appointments were confirmed: Julie Lee and Ann Patterson to the Delta Stewardship Council, and Santa Cruz County Sheriff Christopher Clark to the Board of State and Community Corrections. Senators also took up Senate Joint Resolution 17, which urges Congress and the President to clarify that states may extend burial and memorial benefits in state veterans’ cemeteries to Republic of Korea veterans who served alongside U.S. troops in Vietnam; the resolution passed unanimously. The Senate then considered AB 109, the Budget Act of 2026, with extensive debate on the state’s fiscal condition and major budget priorities. Supporters said the budget is balanced, maintains reserves, reduces the structural deficit, and protects funding for child care, Medi-Cal, distressed hospitals, in-home supportive services, housing, higher education, and transit. Opponents argued it relies on future tax increases, leaves a structural deficit, and does not adequately address affordability, public safety, or repayment of unemployment insurance debt. After debate, AB 109 passed 28-9, and the chamber later approved the consent calendar items 81 through 86. The session ended with adjournments in memory of Honorable Hajan Lee, Doris Fisher, and James Leslie Barbie. The Senate announced its next floor session would be Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have universal vouchers for private schools in Arizona, and we have seen how much of a drain this
• Representative Ream said: “Critics will say that this will drain public funds. I say it’s simple.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a proclamation recognizing April 1, 2026, as NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four in Arizona Day. Members also highlighted visitors from the Arizona Psychiatric Society, Tucson International Airport, and Autism Bringing Change, along with remarks tied to World Autism Day and Passover. The chamber then considered several Senate bills in Committee of the Whole. SB 1024, SB 1078, SB 1123, SB 1164, SB 1232, SB 1293, SB 1493 as amended, SB 1520, and SB 1572 all received do-pass recommendations, while SB 1665 was retained on the calendar. SB 1142 drew the most debate, with supporters describing it as conformity with a federal scholarship tax credit that would help Arizona students, and opponents arguing it would further divert public dollars to private education and expand voucher-like programs without accountability. Despite the opposition, the bill received a do-pass recommendation. Members also debated SB 1293, which would limit how GPLET property tax abatements can affect school district taxes; supporters said it would prevent unequal treatment and protect statewide taxpayers, while opponents warned it could hinder housing and economic development. SB 1572, requiring Celebrate Freedom Week civics instruction, was supported as a civics and civic-health measure and opposed as an unfunded mandate that bypasses the State Board of Education. SB 1160, as amended, addressing drone restrictions near venues, was defended as a public safety measure and criticized as overbroad and potentially criminalizing innocent conduct. On third reading, the House passed SB 1097 unanimously, SB 1166 and SB 1216 by wide margins, and SB 1787 by a narrower 31-24 vote. The House then adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, placed several bills on third reading or engrossing, and adjourned until April 2, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And for those of you that don't know, the Indian River Lagoon, a lot of the water that currently drains
• to that used to historically drain to the St.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard budget presentations from the Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River, Southwest Florida, and South Florida water management districts for FY 2026-2027. Each district described its preliminary budget, major funding sources, staffing levels, and priorities within the four core missions of water supply, water quality, natural systems, and flood protection. Common themes included reduced budgets from the prior year due to completion of major projects, continued reliance on state appropriations and ad valorem revenue, rising construction and maintenance costs, and the need to maintain aging infrastructure while advancing alternative water supply, springs restoration, flood control, and land management projects. Committee members repeatedly asked how much of each district’s budget and personnel were devoted to the core missions, how maintenance and operating projections were developed, and how projects were selected. The districts generally said most spending was tied to core responsibilities, with administrative overhead relatively small, and explained that budgets are built through a mix of staff analysis, governing board direction, strategic basin planning, and cooperative funding with local, state, and federal partners. Several districts highlighted specific projects, including Water First North Florida, Black Creek, Taylor Creek Reservoir improvements, Crane Creek, Everglades restoration, and various springs and watershed projects. The districts also noted challenges from hurricanes, inflation, cybersecurity, and aging water control structures. South Florida Water Management District’s presentation focused on Everglades restoration and the large-scale infrastructure needed to move, store, and clean water in South Florida. The director said the district’s $1.05 billion preliminary budget is largely for flood control, water supply, ecosystem restoration, and maintenance of extensive canals, levees, pumps, and reservoirs, and emphasized that recent restoration investments are producing measurable water quality and salinity improvements. No votes were taken on the district budgets, and the committee adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• And for those of you that don't know, the Indian River Lagoon: a lot of the water that currently drains
• there used to historically drain to the St.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government heard budget presentations from all five water management districts for FY 2026-2027: Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River, Southwest Florida, and South Florida. Each district described its preliminary budget, major funding sources, staffing levels, and how most of its spending is tied to the four core missions of water supply, water quality, natural systems, and flood protection. Several directors noted budget reductions from the prior year largely because major projects were completed or because grant/appropriation funding is not yet fully reflected in preliminary budgets. Committee members repeatedly asked how districts project operations and maintenance costs, how projects are selected, and what share of staff and spending is devoted to core missions versus administration or regulatory work. Northwest Florida Water Management District said its preliminary budget is $93.4 million, down about 15%, with 97% of spending tied to core responsibilities and a request for additional regulatory services funding. Suwannee River Water Management District presented a $70.4 million budget, emphasized its rural/agricultural character and spring protection work, and highlighted the Water First North Florida reclaimed-water recharge project; members also discussed its need for an additional FTE to handle consumptive use permit reviews tied to a new lower Santa Fe rule. St. Johns River Water Management District presented a $181 million budget, highlighted major water supply, water quality, flood protection, and land management projects such as Taylor Creek Reservoir, Water First North Florida, Black Creek, Crane Creek, and Lake Jessup restoration, and said about 93% of its budget supports core missions. Southwest Florida Water Management District presented a $227.6 million budget, with major spending on alternative water supply, water control structure repairs, watershed projects, and land management; officials said 93.4% of the budget supports core missions and discussed rising construction costs for aging infrastructure. South Florida Water Management District presented the largest budget at $1.05 billion, focused on Everglades restoration, flood control, water supply, and ecosystem recovery; the director described major reservoirs and treatment projects, the EAA Reservoir, and ongoing efforts to improve water quality and restore flows to the Everglades and Florida Bay. The committee took no formal votes on the district budgets and adjourned after the presentations and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• rescued—we spent three days in the rain trying to rescue a little cat from the Home Depot parking lot drain
• , storm drain.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call and opened with a prayer, a Father’s Day reflection, and a moment of silence for the victims of the Minnesota lawmaker shooting. Members then moved through guest introductions recognizing student legislative programs, Black conservation leaders, interns, and first responders, including an off-duty firefighter who saved a driver’s life. The chamber also heard multiple adjournment-in-memory tributes, most notably for former Senator and Los Angeles Councilman Nate Holden, whose civil rights and housing discrimination work was highlighted, along with tributes to Stephen Golden Kranz, Emily Carpenter, and Doug Kranwinkel. On the Daily File, the Assembly adopted ACR 90, Assembly Member Gibson’s resolution recognizing Juneteenth. The measure drew strong support from multiple caucuses, including the Latino, Jewish, LGBTQ, Women’s, and AAPI caucuses, with members emphasizing Juneteenth’s historical significance, the legacy of slavery, and the continuing need to combat racism and inequality. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 66 co-authors were added. The Assembly also adopted ACR 92, Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez’s resolution declaring June 2025 as Electronic Dance Music Month in California. Supporters described EDM as a cultural and economic force rooted in diverse communities and praised its values of inclusion and unity; the resolution received 65 co-authors and passed by voice vote. Finally, HR 45, Assembly Member Castillo’s resolution for Animal Rights Awareness Week, was adopted by voice vote after 55 co-authors were added, with the author and a guest from Sierra Pacific Fur Babies speaking about animal rescue and welfare work. The session ended with announcements and adjournment until June 19.

Transcript Highlights:

• flag is this discussion around Fast Forward and the notion that somehow commercial carriers are a drain
• So, you know, I think it’s an incomplete picture at best to say that commercial carriers are a drain
• <02:05:39.920> on<02:05:40.040> the being told that we were a drain on the being told
• that we were a drain on the program<02:05:40.559> somehow<02:05:41.000> so<02:05:41.559
• <02:06:18.920> somehow commercial carriers are a drain somehow commercial carriers are a drain

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• things as collateral without the permission of the perceived owner, but presumably this could really drain
• :50.560> really but pres presumably this could really but pres presumably this could really drain
• 41:52.159> the<01:41:52.320> system<01:41:52.960> is<01:41:53.080> that drain
• liquidity from the system is that drain liquidity from the system is that that<01:41:53.400> not<
• 05:09:17.638> system<05:09:17.878> and the nervous system and the nervous system and brain

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on House Bill 167, a PFAS-related measure to add ski, snowboard, and boat wax to the state’s list of banned consumer products containing PFAS. The sponsor said the product is already banned in many other places, alternatives exist, and the concern is that these products go directly into water rather than landfills. She cited high PFAS levels in several New Hampshire lakes and argued the bill would help stop further contamination. A member of the public also described personal experience with ski wax products disappearing from the market, suggesting PFAS may have been the reason. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 167. The committee next opened a hearing on House Bill 312, dealing with college athletes’ name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. Representative Moffett explained the bill was prompted by the U.S. Supreme Court’s NCAA v. Alston decision and was modeled on New Jersey law. He said the bill would prevent colleges from restricting NIL compensation, require athletes to use licensed attorneys or registered sports agents, and limit certain endorsements involving addictive drugs, adult entertainment, firearms, and weapons. He framed the measure as a proactive response to a changing college sports landscape and noted possible future conflicts involving schools, agents, and endorsements. Committee members raised several concerns and suggested changes. One member questioned the bill’s exclusion of two-year institutions, another objected to the weapons restriction, and others asked how the bill would affect scholarships. The sponsor said the intent was to protect scholarships, especially athletic scholarships, and clarified that need-based scholarships were not meant to be affected. He also acknowledged discomfort with the endorsement restrictions and said the committee might want to broaden or revise the language. The hearing remained open for further consideration, with no vote taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, the drainage isn’t draining correctly.
• You know, the drainage isn't draining<00:37:37.200> correctly.
• 37:38.400> and<00:37:38.640> I<00:37:38.800> don't<00:37:38.960> know draining
• Um, and I don't know draining correctly.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education heard several advice-and-consent nominations to the School Facilities Authority. For GM779, Shelley Pa was introduced as a nominee for a term ending June 30, 2029. The Department of Education supported her nomination, citing her large-scale operations and stakeholder-engagement experience. In her testimony, Pa said she retired from community policing, wanted to give back to teachers and students, and believed her strengths were collaboration, listening to community input, and helping balance differing priorities. Committee members questioned her about the construction and infrastructure focus of the board, her lack of direct construction experience, and how she would handle disagreements and budget limits; she responded that she would rely on collaboration, ask questions, and keep decisions centered on students, teachers, and the community while staying within budget. The committee then heard GM777 and GM778 for Robert Davis, with terms ending June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2029. Davis described more than 30 years with the Department of Education, including roles as teacher, coach, counselor, vice principal, principal, and complex area superintendent, and said he had worked on major facilities projects and managed pandemic-era funding. He emphasized communication, transparency, and trust, and explained that his experience on the Early Learning Board helped him understand how to set policy, identify schools for pre-K, and use data and community factors in decision-making. Members asked how he would handle SFA’s growing pains, the need to balance DOE wishes with practical and budgetary limits, and the board’s role when the legislature controls funding; Davis said the board must keep communication open, include the right people, and make sensible decisions that move projects forward without stalling. For GM780, nominee Michael Unbasami was introduced for a term ending June 30, 2029. The Department of Education supported him, highlighting over five decades of public service and experience in facilities management, finance, and legislative affairs. Unbasami said he had recently retired after 31 years as associate vice president for administrative affairs for the community colleges and had extensive experience with facilities planning, construction, renovation, repairs, and working within budgets. He stated that the DOE should be treated as the SFA’s client because it knows student, teacher, and facility needs best, while SFA’s role is to implement construction work and collaborate on priorities. Committee members pressed him on how to balance DOE requests with practical project delivery, especially for teacher housing and other non-classroom needs, and he said the legislature funds the work, SFA must keep projects moving, and the workflow should involve collaboration but also realistic decisions that fit the budget and avoid delays.

Transcript Highlights:

• things that we're dealing with is whether or not it's cost effective, whether or not it's going to be a drain
• going<00:13:34.480> to<00:13:34.560> be<00:13:34.639> a<00:13:34.880> drain
• <00:13:35.120> on<00:13:35.360> the whether it's going to be a drain on the whether
• it's going to be a drain on the state<00:13:36.079> or<00:13:36.240> whether<00:13:36.560

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused on House Bill 302, which would allow the state treasurer to invest public funds in precious metals and digital assets. The sponsor was not present, so Representative Urs introduced the bill briefly and said he did not know much about it. No one from the Treasury Department testified, and members repeatedly noted the treasurer’s absence. Susan Elme testified against the bill, arguing that these investments are highly volatile and contrary to the treasury’s duty to remain stable and liquid. She said the bill should be killed. In questioning, she estimated the 5% cap in the bill would amount to roughly $10 million, depending on available funds, and said such investing would be more appropriate for an individual day trader than for the state treasury. Members also discussed prior legislative experience with Bitcoin-related proposals and raised concerns about whether the treasury had the staff expertise to manage commodity or digital asset investing. The committee did not take a final vote; instead, it agreed to hold a work session and seek additional information from the treasurer, with a plan to revisit the bill on April 1.

Transcript Highlights:

• Are we draining the pond for Massachusetts because of this system?
• Are we draining the pond for Massachusetts because of this system?
• Are we draining the pond for Massachusetts because of this system?
• Are we draining the pond for Massachusetts because of this system?
• Are we draining the pond for Massachusetts because of this system?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've drained sebaceous cysts and hordeola from eyelids using sterile hypodermic needles.