Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I, I have to say this is a year's worth of work.
• Thank you for, for the work on this. Everybody who worked on it. Thank you. Very nice. Very nice.
• I appreciate you all working late tonight.
• It also adds to our previous work on school zones by including school buses and areas within 1000 ft
• I work with federal agencies, I work with elected officials, and I'm constantly.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're working with our counties because the counties are the ones who set up the industrial zones.
• What we're doing would be working with the counties to create a special industrial zone inside of that
• zones.
• Inside of these zones, they are, I call them manufacturing zones.
• zone and then the value added products. zone and then the value added products.

Bills: HB0120

Keywords: energy production, natural gas, industrial sovereignty, manufacturing, tax exemptions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Innovation Zones.
• Innovation Zones are primarily aligned with the local graduate profile, and they're typically work-based
• is working on what's best for kids.
• That's just how the SEG works.
• the agenda basis can work beautifully.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and if I just like work release.
• extra work hours. extra work hours.
• disability council did the same work. disability council did the same work.
• planning and zoning board administrator. planning and zoning board administrator.
• These RSAs have nothing to do with zoning and not have to do with zoning and not access to housing.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're still working on it.
• We work with...
• working on the ground.
• And I think working with those groups really gives a real clear purpose to the work that we do.
• more work is definitely needed.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held its second introductory hearing to frame the session’s housing agenda. Chairs Cyr and Haggerty described the hearing as a chance to hear a wide range of perspectives on Massachusetts’ housing crisis, including underbuilding, zoning and permitting barriers, rising costs, and the need for both state and local action. The committee heard from court, municipal, advocacy, and regional housing leaders, with recurring themes of increasing supply, preserving existing housing, preventing displacement, and expanding resources for renters and homeowners. Chief Justice Diana Horan of the Housing Court said the court is handling more than 40,000 new filings annually with only 15 judges, and estimated the court would need about 21 judges to meet demand. She described complications from RAFT-related stays, mental health and guardianship issues, aging housing stock, and the new eviction sealing law, which she said was being implemented smoothly but may require additional resources if filings continue to rise. The Massachusetts Municipal Association and MAPC emphasized that municipalities need flexibility, funding, and better tools such as MassWorks, Housing Works, H-DIP, 40R reforms, inclusionary zoning changes, and a local option transfer fee; they also said local control concerns and long permitting timelines remain major barriers. MAPC and others stressed that supply growth alone will not solve the crisis and urged continued support for subsidized housing, access to counsel, and modular/off-site construction. Advocates and housing providers focused on displacement, preservation, and tenant protections. Homes for All Massachusetts and Mass Law Reform Institute called for rent stabilization, stronger tenant protections, foreclosure prevention, elimination of junk fees, continued funding for RAFT and HomeBASE, and expanded access to counsel. Mass Union of Public Housing Tenants said the state needs far more extremely low-income housing, more operating subsidy, and major investment to repair public housing, while also supporting tenant technical assistance during redevelopment. Franklin County’s housing authority warned that rural communities are being left out of many state programs and asked for a rural LIHTC set-aside, a permanent rural credit boost, and a review of housing choice programs. A Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation researcher presented findings that communities that add housing generally see stronger municipal finances, and that housing growth can improve property tax and state aid outcomes. Seasonal community representatives from Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket described extreme affordability pressures and the need for tailored tools. Nantucket’s housing trust chair said the island has made progress through local funding, inclusionary zoning, and deed-restricted units, but still needs a real estate transfer fee and faster ways to preserve year-round housing. Across the hearing, members and witnesses repeatedly returned to the need for a mix of production, preservation, tenant protections, and local flexibility, rather than relying on any single policy solution.

Transcript Highlights:

• to work with the counties to try and assist in no spot zoning. forward, we prefer it to be more uh uh
• > zoned<00:28:17.120> zoned<00:28:17.520> for<00:28:17.679> example zoning,
• it'd be zoned zoned for example zoning, it'd be zoned zoned for example urban<00:28:18.480> again<
• in terms of spot zoning is a bad idea. in terms of spot zoning is a bad idea.
• <00:37:37.680> So working group would be doing. So working group would be doing.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Water and Land met on March 25, 2025, and first announced it had deleted HCR 3 and HCR 4567 from the agenda pending similar Senate measures. It then heard HR 35/HCR 40, which urges DLNR and other state agencies to work with community groups to co-steward community forests on public lands. DLNR’s urban and community forester testified in strong support, and several organizations and individuals submitted support; there were no questions or opposition noted. The committee next heard HCR 64, asking OPSD to convene a working group on establishing and placing an Office of Resilience and Recovery. OPSD and the Governor’s Office of Recovery and Resilience supported the resolution and suggested friendly amendments, including replacing county civil defense representatives with mayors or their designees and allowing subject-matter experts to serve. Members questioned the office’s role, funding, and relationship to other resilience and emergency management offices, and the witness explained it was created after the Maui wildfires to coordinate long-term recovery, with special-project funding and a focus distinct from response and mental health functions. The committee also heard HR 59/HCR 65 on coordinating concurrent reviews of general plan, district boundary, and zoning amendments during land reclassification. OPSD testified with comments and warned that the proposal could facilitate spot zoning if individual landowners could use the concurrent process, recommending it be limited to county-initiated actions. A related discussion followed on HR 118/HCR 122, which would create a collaborative working group on surveying and protecting iwi kūpuna and related coastal erosion issues; DNR, OHA, and others supported it with suggested additions, and testimony emphasized cultural sensitivity and community-specific decision-making. Members asked about burial practices and a recent court ruling, and witnesses said the working group could help guide broader policy and communication. Finally, the committee heard HR 145/HCR 151, requesting DLNR to report on its lease enforcement process and procedures. DLNR said it was recruiting staff to conduct lease inspections but had difficulty filling positions due to compensation, and explained that new or extended leases can include inspection requirements, while retroactive cost-shifting would raise contractual issues. Members asked for information on lease renewal timelines and whether inspection provisions were being added to renewals; DLNR said those decisions are made in public sunshine meetings and agreed to provide additional information. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Temporary protection zones are extremely broad.
• How do you all work with them?
• And so he is working to put a program in place.
• But we'll work on that, and I'll work with Representative Jackson, and, you know, I won't try to put
• But we'll work on that, and I'll work with Representative Jackson, and, you know, I won't try to put

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:15:26.079> regulations applicable Municipal zoning regulations applicable Municipal zoning
• superseding applicable Municipal zoning superseding applicable Municipal zoning regulations<00:15
• Municipal zoning Municipal zoning development<00:16:21.279> I<00:16:21.519> think<
• <00:16:25.160> regulations applicable Municipal zoning regulations applicable Municipal zoning
• work work um<00:17:11.839> and<00:17:12.839> while<00:17:13.039> I<00:17:13.160

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know that what I'm going to do as a commissioner is make sure that staff is is really working to
• So working backwards.
• Something's not working here.
• The Springs protection zones. I remember when this bill was presented last session.
• Has that had any impact on any of the proposed to springs protection zones of late?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She urged the committee to respect local zoning.
• So we will continue to work together.
• We will continue to work together.
• That's how this process works.
• This is, in fact, a work in progress.

Summary: The committee heard five housing- and resilience-related bills. HB 793 would create an International Aerospace Innovation Fund administered by Space Florida to support aerospace research, workforce development, and commercialization; it was amended with a clarifying change and passed unanimously. C.S. for HB 411 would extend an affordable housing property tax exemption to certain nonprofit projects on leased land through a housing finance authority, such as Habitat for Humanity projects; it also passed unanimously. HB 701 would require local housing assistance plans to allow mobile home owners on leased land to seek help with lot rent, and it passed unanimously after an amendment and testimony from mobile home advocates and AARP in support. The committee also considered C.S. for HB 393, which expands the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program to help eligible condominiums fund hurricane mitigation projects, including roof-related work, with added eligibility and inspection requirements. The bill drew support from condo and housing groups and passed unanimously with committee substitute. The final and most extensive measure, HB 943, would significantly revise state land-use and development rules to promote affordable housing by limiting local restrictions, changing zoning and approval standards, adjusting parking and impact fee rules, and expanding accessory dwelling unit and mixed-use provisions. It generated extensive testimony, with many local officials, city and county groups, and preservation advocates opposing it as overly broad and preemptive, while housing and business groups supported it. HB 943 was amended several times during the meeting, including changes related to church-owned property, parking, historic landmarks, manufactured homes as accessory dwelling units, and fair housing language. The sponsor repeatedly said the bill was a work in progress and that additional changes would be made. After debate from members emphasizing both the need for more housing and the need to preserve local control, the committee approved HB 943 on a 14-1 vote, with Rep. Casello voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• And taken by the planning and zoning.
• They don't have a zoning committee.
• there may be someone that wants a zoning there may be someone that wants a zoning change<00:14:53.560
• zoning membership changes frequently. zoning membership changes frequently.
• can do their work. can do their work.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection met for its first meeting of the 2026 session, took roll, established a quorum, and heard three bills. The chair reviewed committee procedures, including deadlines for amendments, cell phone etiquette, and sign-in rules for testimony. Senator Clemons was welcomed as a new member, and the committee later noted that Senator Berg had arrived late and wanted his vote recorded on Senate Bills 11 and 13. Senate Bill 11, sponsored by Senator Meredith, would create a pilot rebate program for residential safe rooms in response to increased tornado activity. The bill would reimburse homeowners for 50% of construction and installation costs up to $5,000, require FEMA and code compliance, and allow safe rooms to be used by neighbors during emergencies. Members asked about cost, oversight, and capacity; the sponsor said the bill was not seeking an appropriation this session and would be administered by Kentucky Emergency Management. The committee voted unanimously to pass the bill favorably. Senate Bill 13, sponsored by Senator Deneen, would allow military installations to have an ex-officio, nonvoting representative on local planning and zoning bodies to raise national security concerns before zoning decisions are made near bases. Members spoke in support, emphasizing protection of military installations and surrounding land. The committee voted unanimously to pass the bill favorably. Senator Deneen also presented Senate Bill 42, which would require law enforcement to submit missing-person cases to Kentucky State Police for entry into the national database within 30 days for minors and 60 days for adults. Supporters said it could help in cases where children are missing but do not trigger an Amber Alert. After discussion about timing and law enforcement workload, the committee again voted unanimously to pass the bill favorably. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced a later Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee presentation on Kentucky’s veteran centers, to be held in the same room after adjournment of both chambers, and then the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also work with the U.S.
• We're actively working towards that.
• Kim: Our program, it varies based on the zone you're in, but it covers recharge zone, contributing zone
• , and transition zone.
• to work forever.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, I believe that this work is now complete.
• You grant the zoning board grants exceptions to zoning ordinances and says where equity and justice need
• And that's the practical thing that zoning boards do as a former chair.
• And that's the practical thing that zoning boards do as a former chair.
• <00:28:46.840> board So, somebody's gone to the zoning board So, somebody's gone to the zoning

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Conference Committee on House Bill 244 met to resolve remaining drafting issues in the bill updating and recodifying municipal enforcement of building and fire codes. The chair explained that the measure is largely a technical recodification, moving statutory references and correcting broken cross-references after review by the subcommittee, the Senate, AI-assisted checking, and the Building Code Review Board. Members emphasized that Amendment 2026-1923H contains no policy changes, only reference updates and language cleanup to ensure the bill points to the correct current RSA sections. The committee then discussed a few specific drafting questions, including a reference on page one and language on page two concerning the phrase “remove the prohibition on a building permit.” Some members questioned whether that wording should instead describe a variance or exception, but the chair and Representative Darji explained that the language is intended to allow an applicant to return to the zoning board to remove a prohibition attached to a specific building permit, not to broadly eliminate the underlying rule. The committee also noted a corrected reference to current statutory language because the underlying law had changed since the bill was introduced. After the explanation, the House receded from its position of non-concurrence and concurred with the Senate amendment as further amended by 2026-1923H. Members agreed to place the measure on the House consent calendar, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• USA, if that site is zoned for a school, wouldn't that site already be zoned for just carry over to
• school, Chargers USA, if you are zoned, if that site is zoned for a school, wouldn't that site is already
• zoned for just carry over to you all?
• I don't believe anything in this changes zoning. What it speaks to is the site plan.
• So zoning is actually covered in a different section of statute, I think it's 1003.

Summary: The Transportation Committee took up several bills and amendments related to traffic safety, utilities, schools, and motor vehicle administration. Senator Pizzo’s SB 1782, as amended, expanded reckless driving per se to include certain high-speed behaviors; the late amendment removed impound language but kept mandatory court appearance, and the bill was reported favorably. Senator McLean’s SB 818 on utility relocation was amended to include an important state interest finding; after testimony from county groups opposing the cost shift to local governments and Charter Communications supporting the bill, it was also reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1644 on emergency vehicles, after a delete-all amendment broadened warning-signal use for volunteer firefighters, medical staff, and related vehicles. Senator Trumbull’s SB 1348 on DHSMV services was amended to streamline local delivery of motor vehicle services and remove certain fines, waiting periods, and CDL retesting provisions; it passed favorably with support from Florida Tax Collectors. Senator McLean’s SB 1188 on local governing authorities and charter schools drew the most debate, with supporters arguing local governments were using traffic and site-plan rules to block charter schools and opponents warning the bill would tie the hands of local governments and create a blanket preemption; it was reported favorably. The committee then passed SB 636, which limits use of the far-left lane on high-speed roads except for passing, exiting, move-over compliance, or traffic conditions, and requires FDOT signage. Senator Arrington’s SB 1152 increased the Florida Wildflower specialty plate fee from $15 to $25 to raise more money for wildflower research and habitat programs; it was reported favorably. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended confirmation of multiple appointments to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Central Florida Expressway Authority, Jacksonville Port Authority, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, and Florida Transportation Commission, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• State law gives the broad parameters to municipalities on how zoning works and what they're allowed to
• <00:14:46.240> allowed<00:14:46.600> to zoning works and what they're allowed to zoning
• The second thing that it works on is the housing opportunity zone, which was passed in 2021.
• So, it gives them more flexibility to actually really make the housing opportunity zone work.
• make the housing opportunity zone work. make the housing opportunity zone work.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• your bills that you will be be working your bills that you will be be working with<00:07:31.639>
• /c><03:58:25.720> for<03:58:26.000> four zoning a house being zoned for four zoning a house
• Who determines how it works?
• <04:49:55.200> C<04:49:55.558> zoning<04:49:55.920> codes zoning C zoning codes
• work more work in others in the room who work more work in a<04:50:38.080> day-to-day<04:50:38.558

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:28.400> that the size of the border city zones that the size of the border city zones
• Uh we also in sizes of those zones.
• I will work with staff.
• forward to working having a hearing. forward to working having a hearing.
• work. Uh, announcements. work.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of times these public hearings are done during work hours when people are at work and can't attend
• Then I adoption of zoning changes.
• and I think they were uh working and I think they were uh working collaboratively<00:03:41.920><
• <00:09:00.800> proposed<00:09:01.200> zoning hearing of the zoning proposed zoning
• You've retained an back at work.

Keywords: Judiciary, Division A - Room 409, 3 February, 2026; 2:00 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2893, a municipalities bill on zoning notice requirements. The committee substitute would require notice of proposed zoning changes to be posted on Facebook, Instagram, and X 30 and 15 days before the hearing, while also continuing newspaper publication, posting on a local website if available, making the proposal available at a government office or library, and extending the appeal period for landowners from 10 to 20 days. Members raised concerns about relying on social media for accurate notice and whether local governments would need accounts on those platforms, but the sponsor said the bill was meant to supplement, not replace, newspaper notice. The bill was described as supported by municipal interests, and the committee adopted a motion for a title sufficient, due pass committee substitute. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2027, which creates a rebuttable presumption that joint physical custody is in the best interest of a child. The sponsor and other senators said the bill is intended to add a tool to existing custody law, not replace the Albright factors or other custody standards, and would apply even where the parents were never married. Questions focused on paternity, how the presumption could be rebutted, and whether distance between parents would defeat equal time; the sponsors said paternity rules would remain unchanged and courts could deviate when joint custody is not feasible, such as when parents live far apart. Senators also asked about chancellors’ reactions, and the sponsor said he had discussed the measure with many of them and had revised the bill in response to prior concerns. The committee then passed the bill on a motion for title sufficient, due pass. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 2747, a consumer legal funding bill. The sponsor and a representative of the industry described the measure as regulating consumer legal funding, which provides small advances to injured plaintiffs for household expenses while litigation is pending, and distinguishing it from litigation financing, which pays litigation costs. They said the bill would impose consumer protections, require attorney review, prohibit quid pro quo arrangements between funders and law firms, bar law firms from operating side funding businesses, and block foreign money from entering the market. The discussion was informational at this stage, with the witness explaining that the bill is intended to regulate an existing practice and protect consumers and the legal system.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:10:00.399> and "I hope that we can move forward and let it work with this bill.
• property and many electioneering zones property and many electioneering zones are<00:38:09.920><
• So again, I think this bill does a lot of good work for our election process.
• We have a system, and it does work.
• We have a system, and it does work.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a little unclear about how that works.
• Hawaii we do have minors also that work Hawaii we do have minors also that work in<00:59:03.240>
• > that do and the importance of the work that do and the importance of the work that we<01:06:
• <01:21:28.199> around buffer zone around buffer zone around schools<01:21:30.159> um
• <01:25:19.159> in um this one is still clearly a work in um this one is still clearly a work

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The hearing began with HB 1113, which would create an intensive mobile team pilot program in the Department of Health for chronically houseless individuals with serious brain disorders such as schizophrenia. The Department of Health Adult Mental Health Division strongly supported the bill, and written support was also submitted by several health and harm-reduction organizations. Members asked about the program’s size and coordination with existing services; the testifier said the team would use a low-caseload, 24/7 mobile model, coordinate with police, ERs, hospitals, housing, dual-diagnosis treatment, and other case-management resources, and continue serving participants even if they cycle through jail or hospital. The committee amended the bill to change the participant language from a maximum of 40 to “at least 40,” blanked out the appropriations section, deferred the effective date to July 1, 3000, and then adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments by unanimous vote in both committees. The next measure, HB 1140, would appropriate funds for DLNR to clean up homeless encampments on department lands. DLNR testified in support, saying it conducts about 22 to 24 cleanups per year and the bill would help it address homelessness statewide. Members asked whether the funds would be used to sweep people out of areas; DLNR said its practice is to give notice, allow time to leave, and then clean up what remains, with storage procedures for personal property. The department also said people still present are told to move to the county area across the road. DLNR confirmed the bill is not in the governor’s budget, though it is in the governor’s legislative package. The committee then heard HB 1486, which would make it disorderly conduct to remain or loiter within 20 feet of a bus stop without intent to use bus services. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that criminal enforcement is not the right tool, could lead to arrests of people who are simply tired or unhoused, and could create a cycle of repeated low-level cases and constitutional issues around questioning and intent. HPD supported the bill, saying officers would generally try to get people to move first, but could also use field questioning, citations, or arrests depending on the circumstances; HPD said such incidents can be documented and later used in ACT or other mental-health interventions. A private resident testified in support, describing bus stops near her home as occupied overnight and burdening nearby residents and small businesses. Written support came from the City and County of Honolulu Mayor’s Office, and one individual opposed the bill. Members also asked about neighbor-island impacts, property handling, and whether the bill could help connect people to services; HPD said it had not consulted other counties and would follow up. Finally, the committee began hearing HB 877, which would prohibit encampments within 100 feet of the property line of a K-12 public or private school or school facility. DLNR stood on its written testimony, and the Department of the Attorney General raised concerns that the bill did not specify how violators would be removed, what would happen to property or the encampment, or whether the buffer zone applies only to public spaces. The AG suggested making violations petty misdemeanors and adding clearer definitions and due-process guidance. Members asked whether charter schools are included and whether private-property situations within the buffer zone should be clarified; the AG said public schools include charter schools and indicated the bill may need more specificity about private property and trespass situations.