Transcript Highlights:

• Hello, Council Weber. Great, thanks. Go ahead, Council. Okay, thank you very much.
• I am Henry Santana, Boston City Council at Large, representing all of Boston.
• As the City Council President for the Boston City Council and the city councilor representing Boston
• As the City Council President for the Boston City Council and the city councilor representing Boston
• As the City Council President for the Boston City Council and the city councilor representing Boston

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Election Laws

Summary: The Joint Committee on Election Laws held a hearing on ranked choice voting, focusing primarily on H. 4262 for Boston and H. 4916 for Bedford. Committee chairs Dan Hunt and Senator Keenan opened the hearing, limited testimony to three minutes per person, and heard from a long list of advocates, local officials, and organizations. The hearing ended with no further registered speakers and the committee adjourned after inviting additional written testimony. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support of ranked choice voting. Supporters included RepresentWomen, Reclaim Roxbury, the Boston Teachers Union, Veterans for All Voters, MassVOTE, the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, Our Revolution Massachusetts, and Bedford residents and organizers. Speakers argued that ranked choice voting would reduce the spoiler effect, encourage coalition-building and less negative campaigning, improve majority support for winners, and expand voter participation and representation, especially for women, young voters, and historically marginalized communities. Several speakers emphasized local control and said Boston and Bedford should be allowed to decide for themselves through their home rule petitions. Boston City Councilors and the City Council president also testified in favor, describing the city’s low municipal turnout, the council’s approval of the petition, and the fact that Boston voters previously supported a statewide ranked choice voting measure. Councilor Rutsi L. Jean explained the petition’s development through council hearings and working sessions, while Council President Ruthzee Louijeune said the proposal would be subject to a binding referendum if enacted and urged the legislature to let Boston residents pursue top-four ranked choice voting. Bedford speakers similarly said their town meeting supported the idea but that legislative approval was still needed. No opposition testimony or votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• This shouldn't happen in our state.
• Ciara Ross on behalf of the Marin County Council of Mayors and Council Members.
• Ma'am, please state your name, your position, and then we'll have two minutes to state your opposition
• We used to have whole cities burner down because building codes allowed cities to burning on and on and
• State regulations.

Committee: House Emergency Management

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we continue to build this.
• If we could eliminate this statutory code and set up the State Water Commission to be able to be more
• Two state-owned regional systems, two non-state-owned regional systems.
• Two state-owned regional systems, two non-state-owned regional systems.
• So that means they'd have to use state funds and what state funds are available.

Summary: The Water Topics Overview Committee met to receive interim status updates on several water-related studies and Department of Water Resources projects. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and then heard updates on the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study. Staff reported that the committee had already received the testimony contemplated in the study plans, including input from state agencies, local governments, and out-of-state entities, and that any further action would be at the committee’s discretion. The Department of Water Resources then provided project and budget updates on NAWS and the Southwest Pipeline Project. Reese reported NAWS is expected to serve about 81,000 users, with a total projected cost of about $571 million and about $96 million remaining, while the Southwest Pipeline Project is estimated at $1.06 billion total with about $409 million remaining. Members asked about funding sources, capacity needs, and whether current and future construction is being designed for increased demand; department staff said current work is designed for ultimate capacity, but some future components may need redesign based on new requests. The committee also discussed local cost shares, Minot’s role in NAWS funding, and whether the system is adequate for peak demand. A major portion of the meeting focused on the department’s cash management, carryover, and long-term water funding outlook. The department said Resources Trust Fund revenues are tied to oil extraction taxes and are affected by stripper well exemptions and future oil price declines. Members expressed concern about large carryover balances and whether the state is obligating more money than can realistically be spent in a biennium. The department reported about $340.6 million in remaining carryover and said it is trying to reduce that through a two-tier pre-construction/construction process and closer project vetting. The department also summarized the Deloitte studies on regional governance and finance and on cost-share policy. Stakeholders generally favored keeping the current governance structures for NAWS and Southwest with improvements, while Red River stakeholders leaned toward a different option; the department said it will bring an implementation plan back in September. On cost share, Deloitte’s recommendations would reduce some percentages, prioritize projects differently, and use other measures to close a projected long-term funding gap. Members debated affordability, local burden, deferred maintenance, and whether statutory changes may be needed to allow the commission more flexibility in prioritizing and funding projects. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a good bill and it will help build and maintain housing across the state and keep costs down for
• versus, uh, usurping it and mandating higher cost onto the building of our residential code.
• of our residential onto the building of our residential code.<00:54:25.440><c> Just</c><00:54:25.680
• and mandating higher cost onto the building of our residential code.
• So, we really need to do a comparison with the surrounding states as to the codes and the requirements

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> building that it's in has problems. building that it's in has problems.
• of State Legislatures.
• </c> National Council of State Legislatures. National Council of State Legislatures.
• Council of State Legislatures. They've Council of State Legislatures.
• </c> clarify code to give that authorization. clarify code to give that authorization.

Committee: Joint Public Health and Welfare

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 3 February, 2026; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is because the electoral system there is not properly serving the state.
• I am Henry Santana, Boston City Council at Large, representing all of Boston.
• Ultimately, the council voted to advance the petition.
• Ultimately, the council voted to advance the petition.
• As the City Council President for the Boston City Council and the city councilor representing Boston

Bills: H4916 , H4262

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Election Laws

Keywords: ranked choice voting, instant runoff voting, RCV, Bedford, municipal elections, town offices, local option, ballot question, election reform, plurality voting, multi-seat elections, single-seat elections, town clerk, tie-breaking, ballot tabulation, Boston elections, voter preference, local government, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lexi Stangle, nonpartisan Senate Council.
• </c> GOP Andrew Erikson with Senate council GOP Andrew Erikson with Senate council research<00:02:27.400
• </c> is to provote public confidence in state is to provote public confidence in state government<00:
• </c><01:15:28.239><c> state.
• . no you missed refund. revenue. state. no you missed the<01:15:29.960><c> state</c><01:15:30.400><c>

Committee: Senate Elections

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• define our state.
• The amendment is coded A12.
• State your advice. Mr.
• State your advice.
• I look at it as an entire state, a state of Minnesota, a state of indigenous land that has been welcoming

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not changing laws, let's say for the Secretary of State or for the elections code or anything like
• Through both technical architecture as well as new policies to govern their use in state after state,
• For example, would a digital ID phone home to the state every time that it was used so that the state
• Council Memorial Highway. Mr.
• PC penal code 6.03C.

Committee: House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• their state codes probably because it would have to have 50 different definitions.
• Here we have the benefit of having a Business Organizations Code, that defines members for state, political
• I'm sorry, for state non-profits.
• in multiple jurisdictions. different states.
• The law states that a former state officer or employee who participates, on behalf of a state agency,

Transcript Highlights:

• California is a state of broken promises and broken treaties.
• Narayan's dedication and contributions to the state of California, the United States of America, and
• the state of California, and South Coast partnered with local air districts from across the state to
• Garrett had just been accepted to Cal State Channel Islands and was in the United States.
• Long before California became a state, Our nation.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, opened with a Native American prayer/song and a moment of silence for former staff member Eric Washington, then proceeded through a series of procedural motions, guest introductions, and floor ceremonies. Members also recognized Assemblymember Ward’s birthday and welcomed several guests, including family members, business and community leaders, firefighters, and students. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to the Native American Day ceremony and adoption of ACR 208 by Assemblymember Ramos, which recognized California Native American Day and the California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference. Multiple caucus leaders spoke in support, emphasizing Native history, sovereignty, cultural preservation, missing and murdered Indigenous people, and the need to tell California’s history honestly. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 61 coauthors were added, followed by a ceremonial honoring of tribal elders and leaders. The Assembly also adopted several other resolutions and concurred in Senate amendments on multiple bills. These included ACR 126 designating the Captain Vida Anderson Memorial Highway, AB 1651 requiring disclosure of AI use in bar exam development, AB 2789 on mediation, AJR 27 urging federal disaster aid for Eaton and Palisades fire victims, and AB 2134 protecting local officials taking parental leave. Later, ACR 213 designated September 2026 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, HR 102 recognized Filipino American History Month, and ACR 230 proclaimed California Firefighter Appreciation Month and California Firefighters Memorial Day; all were adopted with broad support and many coauthors. The Senate file also began with SCR 136 on coastal protection and SJR 12 opposing offshore drilling, with debate reflecting strong environmental opposition and a dissenting view that the resolution was too absolute and could raise energy costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• freedom state.
• it, building our nation is feeding into it, cultivating it, building a new generation of support wrapped
• And I'm just a state Assembly Member.
• It's a It's time now that all people in the state of California and the United States that have a moral
• Let us build a California where every child, regardless of their zip code or their heritage, can stand

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:21:00.880><c> when</c> recognition that in other states when recognition that in other states
• </c> the Hawaii Insurance Council the Hawaii Insurance Council with with with comments<00:35:29.839><
• , the highways that are under the jurisdiction of the state are your state highways.
• City and county or the state?
• City and county or the state? State? Oh, state.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several transportation-related measures. SB 282 would increase penalties for using an uncrewed aircraft, or drone, in the commission of a felony. The Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney strongly supported the bill, saying drones are being used to facilitate crimes such as burglaries, sex offender registration violations, and even murders, and that the measure would create a stronger deterrent and address sentencing issues. Members discussed how drone use could be investigated and noted that a prior Uncrewed Aircraft Offenses Act already covers a range of drone-related offenses. Testimony also included support from a Kauaʻi County Council member and the Office of the Public Defender, and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved on. The committee also heard SB 1032 on campaign finance, which would amend restrictions on foreign nationals and foreign corporations making contributions and expenditures. Testimony was listed in support from labor, civic, and advocacy groups, with some opposition, but the measure was not debated further in the portion provided. SB 1160, a consumer protection bill on ticket resale, drew support from venues and event groups and opposition from the Chamber of Progress, which argued the bill should target scalpers and deceptive practices rather than legitimate resale platforms. The Attorney General suggested an amendment to limit the bill’s scope to Hawaiʻi events, citing Commerce Clause concerns. On SB 344, requiring skateboard users under 16 to wear helmets, the Department of Transportation, Honolulu Police Department, and the Kiki Injury Prevention Coalition supported the measure. SB 106, which would let pedestrians cross outside marked crosswalks when a reasonably careful pedestrian would see no immediate danger, drew mixed testimony: public health and equity advocates supported it as a safety and anti-profiling measure, while others opposed it, warning it could increase danger on wider, faster roads. Committee members questioned whether Hawaiʻi’s current law is more dangerous because pedestrians must step into the roadway before drivers are required to stop, and the discussion continued at length without a final vote in the excerpt. The committee also heard SB 10009 on accessible parking fines, with DCAB and DAGS supporting the intent; a member asked that any new fine revenue go to the state parking revolving fund. SB 820, shortening the vehicle title transfer deadline from 30 days to 14 days, drew opposition from the Public Defender and Honolulu Customer Services, who said the current deadline is reasonable and the bill did not clearly solve a problem. Later measures included SB 1095 on license plate decal restrictions, SB 215 on towing and immobilization fees, and SB 1117 on electric mobility rebates and age/helmet rules, which received support from transportation and safety groups, though the transcript cuts off before any final actions or votes on those bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• ’ state president.
• Is that maybe even a state? Have you won on the state championship?
• our great state.
• You'll also see with our state cookie, the Biscochito, that there's a QR code on there for a brief two-question
• , every corner of the state.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it helps our state as a whole.
• So those buildings are not funded.
• So those buildings are not funded or operated by the state, and the court is a separate branch of government
• It's not any state general funds. It's within their own fund and not requesting any state dollars.
• It's not any state general funds. It's within their own fund and not requesting any state dollars.

Bills: HR2 , HR37 , HR61 , HCR11 , HCR64 , HB89 , HB183 , HB341 , HB371 , HB451 , HB480 , HB520 , HB541 , HB579 , HB597 , HB816 , HB1004 , HB1064 , HB1165 , SB44

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: transparency, accountability, Justice Department, FBI, Jeffrey Epstein, victim protection, investigation, public trust, HR37, House Resolution 37, Honduras veterans, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, military medal, veteran recognition, Congress memorialization, U.S. veterans, foreign deployment, 1981 to 1992, military service awards, combat support

Transcript Highlights:

• This is in addition to their already stated First Amendment rights.
• State for the most bills paid for the, uh, for the, uh, for overdue books.
• And unfortunately, these issues are no longer confined to other states.
• Fire Code that result in serious bodily injury, harm, or death.
• Fire Code that result in serious bodily injury and harm or death.

Summary: The House first handled a series of routine actions from the Committee on Rules, including adoption of several congratulatory resolutions and suspension of Joint Rule 12 to allow petitions to proceed, including a Hingham land transfer petition and a veteran rental assistance bridge program petition. The Ways and Means Committee then reported out several bills, including a fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill, a bill on hot work/fire safety regulation, a free expression/library bill, a bill on ownership and maintenance of certain culverts and dams, a Walsh-Kennedy Commission implementation bill, and a Billerica land transfer for the Yankee Doodle Bike Path. Each was advanced through second or third reading, with the House adopting committee amendments and ordering the bills to third reading or engrossment as appropriate. The most extensive debate centered on S. 2726, an act regarding free expression, which would address book challenges in public and school libraries, require reporting of challenges, protect age-appropriate materials, and establish review procedures. Supporters argued the bill protects intellectual freedom, librarians’ professional judgment, and access to books amid rising censorship efforts; opponents raised concerns about parental rights, local control, and exposure of minors to explicit material. Several amendments were offered and voted on, including one to strike a criminal-law protection, one to streamline the school review process, one clarifying that challenged material is considered in its entirety, and one narrowing who may initiate complaints to parents or guardians; some were rejected and others adopted. The bill ultimately passed to be engrossed by a 151-3 vote. The House also took up H. 5491 implementing the Walsh-Kennedy Commission recommendations on hot work safety after the 2014 Beacon Street fire. Members emphasized firefighter safety, certification and training requirements, stronger penalties for violations, and public notification of violations; the bill passed to be engrossed unanimously. The supplemental fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill, H. 5493, covering snow and ice costs, no-cost calls, substance use services, homeless programs, and several outside sections, also passed after amendment votes. Finally, the House enacted two local bills on Holyoke City Council special meetings and the Reading town charter, and then adjourned to meet the next day in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are not the first state to recognize Diwali in its state laws.
• We have to deal with different regulations, for example, changing from the Uniform Building Code to the
• International Building Code, or at times we have new regulations coming from OSHA that we need to comply
• There are many barriers to building much-needed new housing when the state is not facing a disaster.
• of the building industry who could work together with the state and through the GSA and be the supplier

Summary: The Governmental Organization Committee heard a series of bills on holidays, procurement, public safety, and business regulation. AB 268 would add Diwali as an official state holiday and allow schools and state workers limited flexibility to observe it; supporters described it as a recognition of California’s large South Asian and Hindu communities, and there was no opposition. AB 770 would define “customary maintenance” for outdoor advertising displays to clarify what repairs and reinforcements are allowed; the bill was presented as a safety and consistency measure for the billboard industry. AB 783 would authorize the Department of General Services to negotiate bulk pricing for construction materials to help disaster-affected communities rebuild more affordably, with supporters from the housing and building sectors and some members raising concerns about state contracting, storage, and implementation. AB 381 would update state procurement rules to better prevent human trafficking and forced labor in supply chains, aligning state policy with federal standards and drawing support from anti-trafficking advocates, labor, and local government representatives. AB 668 would extend drink-spiking prevention measures to music festivals by requiring test strips, drink lids, and reporting procedures; supporters emphasized victim safety and underreporting, while venue operators opposed the bill unless amended, citing feasibility and cost concerns. AB 880 would require prompt payment and indirect cost coverage for nonprofits contracting with the state, with broad nonprofit support and no opposition. AB 989 would make California Native American Day a paid holiday, with tribal and allied support. AB 592 would extend and expand temporary outdoor dining and alcohol service flexibilities for restaurants, with strong support from restaurant and business groups and opposition from alcohol policy advocates who preferred a narrower or permanent grandfathering approach. Most bills advanced on committee votes, generally on party-line or broad bipartisan support. AB 770 was moved to Appropriations, AB 783 was passed as amended to the Assembly Committee on Emergency Management, AB 381 was sent to Labor, AB 668 and AB 880 were sent to Appropriations, AB 989 was sent to Public Employees and Retirement, and AB 592 was sent to Health. The committee also took up a consent calendar containing several additional bills, which was approved. The hearing ended with the roll left open for additional votes and adjournment at 3:17 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Kristen Heidelbach, legislative director for UFCW Western States Council. Thank you.
• Kristen Heidelbach here on behalf of UFCW Western States Council. Proud supporters of AB8.
• contractors in the state As mr.
• of the building laws of the state include the unlicensed practice of architecture. engineering, land
• Kristen Heidelbach here on behalf of UFCW Western States Council proud co-sponsors of AB 564, along with

Committee: House Business and Professions

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:40:04.480><c> or</c><00:40:04.640><c> building</c> in planning energy codes or building in planning
• energy codes or building decarbonization<00:40:05.599><c> appointed</c><00:40:06.000><c> for</c><00:
• </c> representative of commercial buildings representative of commercial buildings such<00:40:15.119>
• </c><00:40:20.800><c> energy</c> Colorado to serve as a building energy Colorado to serve as a building
• ,</c> achievements of women across our state, achievements of women across our state, our<00:46:50.400

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are holding our committee hearing here at State Capitol Room 113.
• Additionally, it is advantageous to maintain a state-level grant program that can align state priorities
• Rather than creating dependency, we build capacity.
• There may be some other states in there.
• Literally to build the system.

Summary: The subcommittee heard presentations on several GovOps-related budget proposals, beginning with ongoing funding for the California Education Learning Lab. The Learning Lab described its intersegmental grants to UC, CSU, and community college faculty, including AI-related work and a math alignment project, and said the Governor’s proposal would move the program’s home agency to GovOps and restore $4 million annually. The Department of Finance supported the proposal as a way to improve coordination, while the LAO recommended rejecting it, arguing the projects are hard to scale, similar professional development already exists in the segments, and the state should consider saving General Fund dollars. Senators split on the value of the program, with some emphasizing innovation and intersegmental collaboration and others questioning its measurable long-term impact; the item was held open. The committee then reviewed the Office of Civil Rights proposal to implement AB 715 and SB 48 with $3.5 million in 2026-27 and $2.8 million ongoing. GovOps said the office had been set up administratively, positions were being recruited, and it would provide training, technical assistance, and complaint review related to anti-Semitism and other discrimination in TK-12 schools. The LAO had no concerns, but senators raised substantial questions about the office’s placement in GovOps, the lack of guidance while the laws are being implemented, the use of gubernatorial appointees, and whether the staffing structure matches the likely workload across different discrimination categories. GovOps said it would develop guidance, coordinate with CDE, and shift resources as needed once staff are hired, but several members said they were not prepared to support the item as presented; it was also held open. After public comment supporting the California Education Interagency Council, the subcommittee approved vote-only items 11 through 17 and 6 through 10. It then heard from the Office of Data and Innovation on a request for five positions and $1.25 million in reimbursement authority to expand digital service delivery work. ODI described projects such as reducing unauthorized EBT theft and forecasting community water system outages, and said it uses guardrails and contracts to protect sensitive data when working with vendor AI services. The LAO had no concerns, and members generally praised ODI’s small, high-impact role; the item was held open. Finally, the Department of Technology presented on the Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative, reporting that 423 miles are complete, more than 70% of the network has been permitted, and about 5,300 miles are expected to be completed by December 2026, with some work potentially slipping into 2027. CDT said Skyline Technology Solutions had been selected to operate the network and that the third-party administrator, Golden State Net, would continue to support development and later help oversee operations and sales. The LAO noted the project’s progress but raised concerns about the novel three-party structure, accountability, and long-term financial sustainability. Senators questioned the legal basis for the operator arrangement, the revenue outlook, reporting to the Legislature, and whether the network will be self-sustaining; CDT said it expects revenues to cover operations over time and will continue annual and quarterly reporting. The item was left open.