Transcript Highlights:

• We know that unions set the standard for all workers when they negotiate fair wages and benefits and
• we see this demonstrated is when employers know that time is on their side if they can drag out negotiations
• We know that unions set the standard for all workers when they negotiate fair wages and benefits and
• We know that unions set the standard for all workers when they negotiate fair wages and benefits and
• That policy creates a natural balance in negotiations, with both sides having something at stake.

Transcript Highlights:

• PBMs can negotiate deep discounts from drug manufacturers and create extensive pharmacy networks for
• PBMs can negotiate deep discounts from drug manufacturers and create extensive pharmacy networks for
• PBMs can negotiate deep discounts from drug manufacturers and create extensive pharmacy networks for
• PBMs and insurers negotiate rebates with manufacturers.
• The IRA allows Medicare to negotiate prices for select drugs based on clinical value.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services

Summary: The committee held a lengthy hearing on a large docket of pharmacy and drug-pricing bills, with most testimony focused on PBM reform, 340B drug discount program protections, specialty medication access, and medication adherence. Chair James Murphy and Senator Paul Feeney opened the hearing and took testimony from legislators, patient advocates, pharmacists, health center leaders, industry representatives, and policy groups. Several speakers described delays, denials, high out-of-pocket costs, and pharmacy closures tied to PBM practices, while others emphasized the importance of community health centers and independent pharmacies in serving patients. On the 340B program, supporters including Senator Eldridge, Senator Payano, Community Care Cooperative, Fenway Health, the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, and several community health center leaders argued that bills such as H. 1107 and S. 819 would stop discriminatory PBM and manufacturer practices, preserve contract pharmacy access, and protect safety-net providers that say they reinvest savings into care, pharmacy expansion, interpreter services, behavioral health, and other services. Opponents including PhRMA, the Community Liver Alliance, and a public policy analyst argued the program lacks transparency and accountability, has grown beyond its original purpose, and may benefit large hospitals and for-profit entities more than low-income patients. They urged more reporting and oversight rather than expanding protections. On PBM reform, testimony supported bills including H. 1157, H. 1234, S. 724, S. 831, and related measures that would require rebate pass-through, ban spread pricing, limit steering to PBM-owned pharmacies, and improve reimbursement for community pharmacies. Independent pharmacists and patients said current PBM practices raise costs, create administrative burdens, and threaten access to local pharmacies. PCMA, representing PBMs, opposed the reforms, arguing PBMs lower costs, that plan sponsors choose to contract with them, and that the Health Policy Commission and CHIA should complete their ongoing study before new mandates are adopted. The committee also heard support for H. 1322 and S. 734 on specialty medications, and for H. 781 and H. 1305 on medication synchronization to improve adherence. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• You each have to negotiate. Or there is no negotiation with the credit card companies.
• Yes, you can negotiate a little bit.
• At the same time, we have no negotiating power.
• These are costs that are non-negotiable costs.
• Big box stores can negotiate fees with credit card companies.

Summary: The commission met to hear testimony on the future of credit card payments and swipe fees, with a focus on impacts to small businesses, especially restaurants and retailers. Members and witnesses discussed interchange fees, processing fees, chargebacks, fraud risk, rewards programs, and the growing use of card-not-present and digital wallet transactions. Several witnesses urged the commission to support legislation that would prohibit fees on the tax and tip portions of transactions and allow businesses to pass credit card fees on to customers if they choose, while others warned that state regulation of interchange could reduce fraud protections and harm consumer rewards programs. Small business owners and trade groups described rising costs and thin margins, saying card fees are now among their largest expenses and are often charged on money that is merely passing through the business, such as sales tax and gratuities. Restaurant representatives said the current system shifts fraud and chargeback losses onto merchants, with little ability to negotiate rates or recover disputed funds, and argued that transparency and fee relief would help keep independent businesses open. Retailers gave similar testimony, citing rising swipe fees, complex statements, and the burden of online and phone transactions. A representative from the airline industry opposed interchange reform, arguing that airline credit card rewards are popular with consumers and support travel and jobs in Massachusetts. Credit union representatives cautioned that state-level interchange limits could weaken fraud prevention and force higher rates or reduced services, while the National Restaurant Association and a payments-policy attorney countered that banks and networks already operate under fee caps in other contexts and that interchange rates are fixed rather than competitive. Commission members asked questions about how chargebacks work, how fees are broken down, whether businesses can negotiate with processors or POS providers, and how consumer behavior has shifted toward cards, online ordering, and delivery since the pandemic. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it might be more of the beginning of negotiations that we might want to look at this bill as. >>
• So, it might be more of the beginning of negotiations that we might want to look at this bill as. >>
• So, it might be more of the beginning of negotiations that we might want to look at this bill as. >>
• So, it might be more of the beginning of negotiations that we might want to look at this bill as. >>
• </c> more of a the beginning of negotiations more of a the beginning of negotiations that<00:19:34.320

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 241, which would provide information about alternative pain treatments rather than mandate services. Members cited support from the prime sponsor, medical organizations, insurers, and other stakeholders, and noted there was no fiscal impact. The committee voted unanimously, 7-0, to ought to pass the bill. It then took up House Bill 629, which raises a boat decal fee and dedicates the revenue to the dam maintenance fund. Members described the state’s deteriorating dam infrastructure, noting the large number of dams, the high-hazard sites, and the much larger funding need, while saying the bill would provide only a modest start. They also said boat owners generally did not strongly object to the fee. The committee voted 7-0 to ought to pass. House Bill 1042, concerning an increase in the unified contingent credit limit for New Hampshire Business Finance Authority projects, drew more divided discussion. Supporters said the higher cap would provide needed flexibility and liquidity for business development and that the state treasurer and BFA had explained the credit structure and low historical loss rate; opponents warned the increase would raise state exposure too much, too soon. After debate, the chair postponed the bill, then later returned with an amendment lowering the proposed limit from 450 million to 400 million, which the committee adopted unanimously. The committee then moved to ought to pass as amended. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 1411, which would have allowed withholding payments to the federal government in response to federal actions. Members opposing the bill argued that withholding employee-related funds would be unlawful and ineffective, while supporters said it could serve as a statement and suggested interim study instead. The committee rejected the bill on a 4-3 vote and voted to inexpedient to legislate.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:48.560><c> with</c><00:04:48.720><c> the</c> lease will be negotiated with the lease will
• be negotiated with the university<00:04:49.680><c> given</c><00:04:50.000><c> its</c><00:04:50.240><c
• And um so I hope going forward, again, I believe that this negotiation was not set up the way I would
• </c><01:31:29.679><c> against</c> with their strategy to negotiate against with their strategy to negotiate
• </c> common goal but you know in negotiations common goal but you know in negotiations across<01:31:35.120

Committee: House Higher Education Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• [snorts] And that, you know, when things get to Ways and Means, there'll be a negotiation there.
• Sarah Hawkins: Right now libraries cannot negotiate or comparison shop.
• Digital content operates under restrictive, non-negotiable licenses.
• You're forcing your hand in the negotiation.
• But, we've now put the negotiation.

Bills: HF4456 , HF4544 , HF3698

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, this is a labor negotiation.
• Our schedules are negotiated.
• So is it your position that two intelligent parties to a contract negotiation can't negotiate in an arm's-length
• Do not call the loan until we have the time to negotiate a real and meaningful solution.
• Time to negotiate a real and meaningful solution.

Committee: Senate Senate Budget and Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• But here's my concern: when we start acting outside of negotiation, I think it's a dangerous precedent
• Outside of negotiation, I think it's a dangerous precedent because in a favorable situation, it seems
• Yeah, I think your concern around a negotiation assumes that the...
• This gives that option for that negotiation to take place.
• Currently, UC resident physicians are negotiating their first statewide contract.

Committee: House Public Employment and Retirement

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> university can can and will negotiate university can can and will negotiate separate<00:07:08.120
• </c><00:18:31.840><c> the</c> uh again they can negotiate the uh again they can negotiate the uh<00:18
• </c><00:21:04.920><c> a</c><00:21:05.320><c> uh</c> mutual negotiation would produce a uh mutual negotiation
• I have no business trying to negotiate a proposition.
• I have no business trying to negotiate a proposition.

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• The first 180 days will be the first negotiation period.
• The first 180 days will be the first negotiation period.
• One year is very reasonable for negotiations.
• One year is very reasonable for negotiations.
• Again, these contracts are negotiated across the state all day, every day.

Summary: The House first established a quorum after a quorum call, then moved into House Bills for Perfection. House Bill 2297, a fence-law bill, was presented as a way to let livestock owners enter up to 10 feet onto neighboring property to repair fence lines and remove brush or debris on the fence line without being treated as trespassers. Supporters said the current law leaves livestock owners responsible for fences but without a practical way to fix them, creating safety and liability problems; the bill was described as a long-running issue in rural areas. Members discussed property-rights concerns, but the substitute was adopted and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. House Bills 2142 and 2058, dealing with the Missouri film tax incentive program, were then taken up. Sponsors said the program has produced strong economic returns, more productions, jobs, and spending in Missouri, and the bill would modernize the program by combining separate film and TV funding buckets while removing the proposed sunset extension. An amendment to keep the original sunset was adopted, and the bill as amended was perfected and printed after debate over tax credits, workforce development, and whether the incentives should be expanded or curtailed. The House also perfected House Bill 3004, a truth-in-labeling measure for wood products. The sponsor said the bill would protect Missouri’s hardwood industry by requiring products sold in the state to be labeled accurately if they are actually laminate, plastic, rubber, or other non-wood materials. Supporters called it a consumer-protection and industry-preservation bill, while one member questioned how it would apply to online and out-of-state sellers and expressed some reservations. The substitute was adopted and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. House Bills 3283 and 3306 were taken up together and described as a framework for resolving municipal public-employee contract disputes, especially for firefighters and other public employees under the State Board of Mediation. The bill sets a timeline for bargaining, mediation, and arbitration and defines good faith in negotiations; an amendment clarified that teachers and law enforcement are excluded under existing statutory definitions. Supporters said it would prevent years-long contract stalemates and save taxpayer money, while one member raised concerns about whether it would alter existing authority of public governing boards. The amendment and substitute were adopted, and the combined bill was perfected and printed. Finally, House Bill 2536, a restroom and private-space designation bill, drew extensive debate. The sponsor said it would require government-controlled multi-occupancy restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping quarters to be designated by biological sex, with exceptions for custodial work, emergencies, law enforcement, and adults assisting children or people with disabilities. An amendment was adopted to clarify duties for the Department of Corrections and public safety officers. Supporters framed the bill as a privacy and safety measure for women and girls, citing incidents at schools and Kansas City International Airport; opponents argued it would not prevent crime, could lead to intrusive enforcement, and would harm transgender people and families. The transcript ends with the bill still under discussion, with no final vote shown on the underlying measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• There were about 20 people negotiating this budget.
• Certainly as Democrats, we negotiations.
• </c> Negotiations to go on so long?
• Any negotiation, no one walks out completely happy.
• ><c> out</c><00:14:20.480><c> completely</c> negotiation, no one walks out completely negotiation, no

Transcript Highlights:

• We would have deed restrictions over the property, and those are negotiated with the grantee.
• The fact that there were negotiations, those were extensive negotiations, as my colleague has mentioned
• And that was part of negotiations, part of the discussion.
• That all the parties negotiated in good faith, that is my assumption.
• But there is a big difference in what was being negotiated, and that is $3.7 billion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for always being right by my side in these negotiations.
• She is a very smart, loyal, and tough negotiator, but she's fair and honest.
• We negotiated, we negotiated, and then we negotiated some more.
• We negotiated, we negotiated, and then we negotiated some more.

Summary: The House received a gubernatorial message requesting certain fiscal year 2026 appropriations before final action on the general appropriation bill, and referred it to the Committee on Ways and Means. It also adopted several congratulatory and honorary resolutions, including recognitions for retiring members and public servants, and later welcomed a number of guests and honorees to the chamber. The main legislative business was House Bill 423, establishing a sick leave bank for James Caruso of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. After the Public Service Committee reported the bill ought to pass, the House suspended the rules, gave it a second reading, and ordered it to a third reading. Later, the House also took up House No. 1590, a sick leave bank bill for Eric Inakwick of the Trial Court, adopted an amendment adding an emergency preamble, and passed it to be engrossed as amended. A major action of the day was adoption of the conference committee report on the joint rules for the 2025-2026 legislative session. Members from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing reforms intended to improve transparency, public access, committee notice, live streaming, posting of votes and summaries online, and more efficient handling of legislation. The report was adopted by roll call, 147-2. The House also approved an order transferring matters from the Joint Committee on Agriculture to the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, and from Elder Affairs to Aging and Independence. The House briefly questioned quorum several times, then recessed and later adjourned to meet Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session. The chamber also recognized the retirement of Chief Court Officer Gene DePersio, with remarks entered into the record.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:56:52.440><c> a</c> plans that that have not negotiated a plans that that have not negotiated
• I think that would be a consequence of this bill. we negotiate those rates I think to set we negotiate
• He explained that when they negotiate contract prices, the negotiation is not an adequate reimbursement
• </c> be the one that's negotiating be the one that's negotiating this<02:26:21.760><c> this</c><02:26
• </c><04:57:19.440><c> rate</c> then number three the negotiated rate then number three the negotiated

Summary: The committee took up HB 297 with a non-germane amendment proposed by the Insurance Department to create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Commissioner DJ Beton explained that the program is intended to help homeowners reduce rising insurance premiums and avoid surplus lines coverage by funding proactive home and property improvements such as roof fortification, exterior and foundation work, flood protection, and tree removal. He said the proposal was developed after leadership asked for more statutory detail and for the idea to be vetted through policy committees rather than handled only in the budget process. Beton said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. He described the program as modeled on similar efforts in other states, with means testing tied to the Department of Energy’s weatherization/home heating assistance criteria. He also said the department would administer the program using one existing staff position, with coordination through Treasury, and that unspent funds would roll over for several years before reverting to the general fund. Members asked about the unusual use of a non-germane amendment and how the bill would be handled procedurally, since the underlying bill and the new insurance proposal were unrelated. The chair explained that the amendment was being used as a vehicle to move the department’s proposal through the committee process and that the committee could later accept one part, both parts, or neither. No vote was taken in the portion of the meeting shown; the discussion ended with questions about administration, staffing, and the relationship between the underlying bill and the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• As such, collective bargaining negotiations will come in.
• These raises that the unions negotiated were cost-of-living raises. They're not huge.
• And as a member of the SEIU bargaining team, we have already negotiated a contract.
• And as a member of the SEIU bargaining team, we have already negotiated a contract.
• It's programmed and negotiated to land for our members July 1st.

Summary: The subcommittee heard an informational update on the state’s generative AI implementation and related oversight. Administration officials said several proof-of-concept projects have moved into minimum viable product phases, including work at CDTFA and Caltrans, and that CDPH has a May Revision request for up to $8 million to scale up its healthcare facilities inspections project. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the administration to publish a report on lessons learned from each POC and recommended limiting the new generative AI approval process to a pilot through the first two rounds of projects, with continued monthly meetings and stronger legislative oversight. Members pressed for more transparency and questioned why the CDPH request was not included in January; the administration said the cost estimate was not available then and that only one project is seeking additional resources beyond existing departmental budgets. The committee then reviewed a proposed $400 million loan from the Labor and Workforce Development Fund to the General Fund. Finance and the Labor Agency said the fund has grown because civil penalty revenues have risen sharply, and the loan would be repaid in 2029-30 with provisional language allowing earlier repayment if needed. The LAO agreed the fund could support the loan but warned that recent PAGA reforms may reduce future revenues. Public commenters, including labor and community groups, argued the money should instead support labor-law enforcement and outreach programs such as CWOP, and urged rejection of the loan. Members also heard a Department of Industrial Relations request for $19.1 million for phase two of Public Works Information Technology System Enhancements, which officials said will support labor-law enforcement and apprenticeship registration. The department said the project was delayed because a prior procurement did not result in a contract award and that completion is now expected in October 2026. The committee then took up an EDD Next reappropriation technical adjustment to extend UI fund spending authority through June 30, 2026; the LAO said the request was fine but again raised concerns about oversight of the larger modernization effort, which EDD said now totals more than $660 million and is expected to continue through 2029. Finally, the committee discussed DGS’s request for new parking facilities near the May Lee Building and a trailer bill shifting statewide telework policy language from DGS to CalHR while also expanding NDI eligibility for certain CEA employees. The LAO said the telework trailer bill should likely go through the policy committee process instead of budget, and union and employee witnesses strongly opposed it, arguing it would undermine bargaining rights and could be used to narrow telework. In a separate item on the governor’s return-to-office order, administration officials said departments are being directed to move to a four-day in-office expectation starting July 1, 2025, but they had no statewide cost estimate yet because departments are still assessing vacancies, exemptions, and space needs. Members criticized the lack of analysis and said the state should have clearer numbers before moving forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><03:10:58.560><c> reforms</c> efforts to negotiate reasonable reforms efforts to negotiate reasonable
• ><c> their</c> Workers right to negotiate their Workers right to negotiate their contracts<04:58:39.920
• </c> also know they can hold up negotiation also know they can hold up negotiation long<04:59:51.840>
• </c> negotiating in good faith. negotiating in good faith.
• I ask for negotiation by employers.

Bills: HB7892 , HR1352 , HB5408 , HR1140 , SB2 , HR1345

Keywords: identity fraud, FAFSA, higher education, financial aid, verification system, labor union, collective bargaining, first contract, initial contract, union certification, union recognition, National Labor Relations Act, NLRA, workplace organizing, labor arbitration, mediation, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, FMCS, binding arbitration, labor relations

Transcript Highlights:

• This budget was not negotiated, and it shows.
• As it stands now, this is not a negotiated plan.
• That means the negotiation.
• She walked away from the negotiation table weeks ago.
• One is when the governor negotiates with the legislature, One is when the governor negotiates with the

Summary: The joint appropriations committee met on April 28 to review the FY 2027 budget package, including the general appropriations feed bills (HB 4138 and SB 1831) and related budget reconciliation measures. Staff described the budget as including about $17.96 billion in general fund appropriations, a one-time transfer of state monies to increase revenues, a 5% lump-sum reduction to most agencies’ discretionary general fund budgets, and several one-time restorations or continuations for items such as school facilities, child care, child safety, corrections stipends, and public safety operating costs. Members spent much of the meeting debating how the across-the-board cuts would be implemented, which programs might be affected, and how fund sweeps from prior-year appropriations and special funds would work, including questions about universities, public safety, rural hospitals, transportation grants, the Corporation Commission, and health insurance costs for state employees and troopers. A major point of discussion was the impact on universities and higher education. Arizona Board of Regents representatives said the proposed reductions and fund sweeps would affect already obligated dollars, research, staffing, and student aid programs, and could force difficult decisions about programs such as the Promise Program, Teachers Academy, and other pass-through funds. Committee members also raised concerns about whether the cuts could lead to tuition increases or reductions in services, while majority members emphasized that agencies and the executive branch should decide how to absorb the reductions. Another major topic was health care and the state employee health plan: staff explained that the budget includes a $228 million general fund infusion to stabilize the plan, while a separate reconciliation bill would raise employee premiums over three years. Members also discussed whether the budget’s changes to AHCCCS/Access and hospital eligibility rules could increase costs for hospitals and reduce coverage. Public testimony largely opposed the budget. Speakers from Opportunity Arizona, the Arizona Board of Regents, and local governments argued that the proposal would shift costs onto working families, reduce support for education, housing, SNAP, health care, and rural infrastructure, and protect tax benefits for data centers and higher-income taxpayers. A mayor from Globe asked for state help after severe flooding damaged roads, water lines, and homes, while a motorcycle safety advocate asked the committee to review a DPS motorcycle safety fund appropriation. Committee members and staff repeatedly clarified that some items discussed were one-time appropriations not continued into FY 2027, that some fund sweeps were from unspent or unencumbered balances, and that the committee planned to take a mass roll-call vote on the budget bills at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we went ahead and put it in here as optional services while we continue to negotiate with Navitus
• You have a contract coming up in December that you’re negotiating right now.
• And so having these optional services over here allows you to create leverage as you’re negotiating the
• next contract to get the best...” ...over here allows you to create leverage as you're negotiating the
• We are in the final stages of negotiation with United Health Care on their renewal.

Committee: All ALC-STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS OVERSIGHT SUBCOMMITTEE

Summary: The State Insurance Programs Oversight Subcommittee met on June 17 and reviewed a series of Employee Benefits Division and Office of Property Risk items. Grant Wallace presented March and April formulary changes, explaining that the updates favored lower-cost generics, re-tiered some drugs, left several new-to-market drugs uncovered pending more evidence, and added quantity limits in some cases. The committee approved those formulary recommendations. The subcommittee also approved a cell and gene therapy policy that would exclude automatic coverage of those therapies and route them through prior authorization and review, with members noting the process should not delay urgent cases and that appeals remain available. Members then discussed a UAMS professional consultant services contract amendment for pharmacy benefit consulting. The discussion focused on confusion over the dollar amount and scope, with Wallace clarifying that the committee was being asked to approve up to $2.596 million, including optional services related to coupon and rebate management that could be used later without returning for another approval. Several members raised concerns about matching the written contract to the approval amount and about the relationship to the current pharmacy benefit manager, but the committee ultimately approved the item with the understanding that any use of the optional services would return to the committee. The committee also reviewed, without objection, a Blue Cross/Blue Advantage third-party administrator contract, a CompSack employee assistance program contract, and approved proposed 2027 employee and public school health plan rates of 9.8% and 4.9% increases, respectively. Wallace also said the UnitedHealthcare rebid was in final negotiation and would return in August. On the property risk side, the committee reviewed permanent rules for the property insurance program, a contingency-fee subrogation contract with Denenberg-Tuffly, and extensions for Sedgwick Claims Management, Actuarial Advantage, and Stevens Capital Management. Members asked about claim-adjustment delays after a major winter storm, and Wallace said performance guarantees and communication requirements had been added, with claims still expected to vary by case. The committee also approved 2026-27 captive insurance program rates, which included no change to minimum deductibles, lower rates for K-12 and higher education, a higher rate for state agencies, and an overall 10% reduction. Wallace said the reductions reflected improved actuarial foundations, better claims management, and the program’s first-year performance. The meeting adjourned after approving the rate item.

Transcript Highlights:

• To engage the public during negotiated rulemaking, the department published notice of negotiated rulemaking
• I will talk briefly about the department's authority and reasons for entering negotiated rulemaking.
• The Land Board approved entry into negotiated rulemaking in February 2024.
• Negotiated rulemaking meetings were held in 2024 and 2025.
• Negotiated rulemaking meetings were held in 2024 and 2025.

Committee: Senate Resources and Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• before this year's long process was done... ...a bill was gotten amended on policies that were negotiated
• We continue to flag for the legislature that eight hours before this year's long process was negotiated
• , a bill was gotten amended on policies that were negotiated and then expressly not included as part
• It's been a year-long of negotiations, as you and I know, right after this was passed on the Assembly
• Any changes made by this bill were carefully negotiated and agreed upon by all stakeholders.

Committee: House Local Government

Summary: The committee hearing opened with housekeeping rules for public testimony and a note that SB 423 by Senator Gonzalez had been pulled from the agenda. The committee then took up SB 415 by Senator Reyes, described as cleanup legislation to clarify and implement last year’s AB 98 warehouse/logistics law. The bill would clarify that manufacturing facilities are not treated as logistics use facilities, give local governments more time and flexibility to update truck routes and circulation elements, provide safe-harbor language for good-faith efforts, exempt cities with no logistics facilities from certain update requirements, and allow some local truck-route ordinances outside warehouse concentration zones. One witness opposed the bill, arguing AB 98 and the cleanup measure would disproportionately burden rural areas, limit economic development, and reduce high-paying jobs tied to warehousing and logistics. Multiple witnesses supported SB 415, including representatives of the American Planning Association, county and city associations, rural counties, business property and logistics groups, grocers, shipping interests, and the Chamber of Commerce, who said the bill provided needed implementation flexibility and reflected extensive stakeholder negotiations. The Chamber also raised a process concern about a separate bill, SB 352, being amended in a way it viewed as outside the negotiated package. Committee members briefly commented on the process behind AB 98 and the need for further fixes, but generally acknowledged the work on the cleanup bill. Senator Reyes and Chair Carrillo said the measure reflected a year of negotiations and was intended to make AB 98 workable for local governments and industry while addressing community concerns. The committee then voted 10-0 to pass SB 415, and the hearing adjourned.