Transcript Highlights:

• ICE agents have dressed in plain clothes, showed up at schools claiming to pick up food or drop off food
• And so with that, I think we will begin our testifying. clothes, showed up at schools claiming clothes
• , showed up at schools claiming to<00:13:26.720><c> pick</c><00:13:26.880><c> up</c><00:13:27.120><c>
• My wife was making about $300 from cleaning homes.
• My wife was making about $300 from cleaning homes.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The cap is a guardrail for our goals, and the investment is a springboard for our clean energy future
• creates a powerful economic incentive for investment in clean and efficient technology, and it is four
• It eliminates clean air funding for communities breathing the most polluted air in the nation.
• It eliminates clean air funding for communities breathing the most polluted air in the nation.
• Bill McGovern with the Coalition for Clean Air.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And once again, you know, cleaning up our waterways is so imperative.
• It's a nice, clean bill, and I ask for final passage.
• We are clean producers. We all want clean air and water.
• The Clean Hydrogen Task Force came out of some of this.
• The Clean Hydrogen Task Force came out of some of this.

Committee: House Natural Resources & Environment

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Second thing is, clean water in the world is going to become more and more precious, and you're seeing
• You can't live in modern America today without clean water, and you can't live here without access to
• funding soon, but also, importantly, solutions soon to communities that are still without access to clean
• So you can actually use the brine as a sponge to clean the air and actually sequester carbon.
• So you can actually use the brine as a sponge to clean the air and actually sequester carbon.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on water and coastal resilience heard an overview of the governor’s Proposition 4 spending plan, with presentations from the Department of Finance, the State Water Resources Control Board, the Department of Water Resources, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, and later coastal agencies. Members discussed the water chapter’s major allocations for drinking water and wastewater, recycled water, tribal water infrastructure, groundwater recharge and SGMA implementation, dam safety, flood protection, integrated regional water management, Salton Sea projects, and water data/stream gauges. The LAO noted that many programs are established and have clear funding processes, but some newer or less-defined programs may warrant more detailed future budget requests and reporting. No votes were taken on the agenda items. Members raised concerns about groundwater subsidence, water deliveries from the Delta, the pace of water storage investments, instream flows, and whether bond dollars were being used to backfill General Fund reductions. Administration witnesses said groundwater recharge spending is being paced because prior years already funded substantial SGMA work, that Delta operations are governed by water quality, salinity, and species requirements, and that Proposition 1 storage projects have moved slowly because they are locally led and require permitting and financing. The Water Board and DWR said they use public needs assessments, annual plans, and existing grant processes to prioritize projects, and Finance said some General Fund programs were shifted to Proposition 4 to help balance the budget. Members also asked for clearer public tracking of bond spending and more concise future reporting. In the coastal resilience portion, the Ocean Protection Council and Coastal Conservancy described Proposition 4 funding for sea level rise adaptation, coastal flood management, habitat restoration, public access, and San Francisco Bay projects, with a multi-year rollout based on project readiness and recent large state investments. The Conservancy said it would use its existing rolling grant process, while OPC said its sea level rise grants would build on existing programs and new technical assistance. The Department of Fish and Wildlife explained its proposed use of bond funds for climate-ready fisheries, hatchery modernization, salmon monitoring, whale- and turtle-safe fishing gear, and a specific hatchery operations request tied to the Friant settlement. The LAO said the coastal chapter’s proposed first-year spending is relatively modest but generally reasonable given staffing and project readiness, while members emphasized oversight, transparency, and coordination across agencies and jurisdictions.

Transcript Highlights:

• You have to claim this for it.
• Otherwise, you know, would both parties claim the child? Would they claim half the child?
• Would they parties claim the child?
• Who claims the child?
• $2,000 in a reduction from that, even if they don't claim the child and the other party claims the child

Committee: House Children and Family Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we recently had a four-year audit of our largest claim, and it was...
• So we recently had a four-year audit of our largest claim, and it was from 2017 to 2021.
• And for us, that would take about 20 years to pay that off, seizing four small claims every year for
• And so when those claims were filed, that we have outstanding money, it's from 2000 to 2014.
• So I would say that the state has been good about paying the claims from 2015 on, but there's this pot

Summary: The Local Government Committee met on March 25, 2026, hearing eight bills, with several measures focused on housing, water, and local government administration. AB 1621 by Assemblymember Wilson sought to speed post-entitlement housing permits by setting clearer timelines, limiting repeated plan checks, and restricting field changes that conflict with approved plans. Supporters from the building, apartment, business, and housing sectors said the bill would reduce delays and costs, while county and city representatives opposed it unless amended, warning it could limit local enforcement of building and environmental codes and create problems for incomplete applications. The bill passed after a roll call vote, with the committee noting it would continue working with local government groups on amendments. The committee also heard AB 1712, which would help Santa Fe Springs sell its small, financially strained water system to a larger regulated provider without requiring a municipal election, using a protest process instead. The author and city officials said the system faces contamination, major deferred maintenance, and rate increases that could otherwise triple; water industry representatives supported the bill and no opposition was heard. AB 2080, sponsored by county treasurers, would make county delegations of investment authority to treasurers ongoing until revoked rather than requiring annual renewal, with supporters saying it would reduce administrative burden and avoid technical lapses. AB 2640 would allow local governments to offset reductions in reimbursement for disallowed state mandate claims against other unpaid mandate reimbursements; Shasta County testified in support, describing a large audit disallowance and long-delayed state payments. Both bills passed. The committee also approved consent items AB 1622 and AB 1834. AB 2180, which would codify a framework for proportional water rates under Proposition 218 based on the Dreher decision, drew broad support from water agencies and local government groups, but opposition from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and the California Association of Realtors, who argued the bill was premature while the Supreme Court reviews related case law. Despite that opposition, the bill passed on a 6-2 vote, and the remaining bills were advanced with roll calls left open for additional votes before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we recently had a four-year audit of our largest claim, and it was...
• So we recently had a four-year audit of our largest claim, and it was from 2017 to 2021.
• And for us, that would take about 20 years to pay that off, seizing four small claims every year for
• And so when those claims were filed, we have outstanding money from 2000 to 2014.
• So I would say that the state has been good about paying the claims from 2015 on, but there's this pot

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is unlike other environmental laws like the Clean Water Act or the Clean Air Act.
• It is unlike other environmental laws like the Clean Water Act or the Clean Air Act.
• It is unlike other environmental laws like the Clean Water Act or the Clean Air Act.
• It is unlike other environmental laws like the Clean Water Act or the Clean Air Act.
• </c><00:10:51.320><c> Air</c><00:10:51.680><c> Act</c> Clean Water Act or the Clean Air Act Clean Water

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint informational briefing focused on restricted use pesticides in Hawaiʻi, with Senate and House members opening the meeting and explaining that the session was intended to hear expert presentations and community concerns. Fern Holland outlined the background for the briefing, describing how restricted use pesticides differ from general-use products, why state-level regulation matters, and how community advocates have sought disclosure and protections for years. She summarized 2019 reporting data, saying a small number of users accounted for most reported use, with especially heavy application in North Central Oʻahu and on the west side of Kauaʻi. She highlighted concerns about applications near schools, homes, and coastlines, and identified 1,3-dichloropropene and metam sodium as among the heaviest-used fumigants. She also noted concerns about highly hazardous pesticides, some banned in other countries, and the lack of research on long-term combined exposure to multiple pesticides. Greg Takashima of the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture described the department’s pesticide program and regulatory authority under FIFRA and state law. He explained the distinction between general-use and restricted use pesticides, the certification requirements for applicators, and the department’s role in tracking RUPs from sale through use. He reviewed the branch’s functions in enforcement, education and certification, registration and technical review, and laboratory analysis, including inspections, complaint response, market surveillance, product registration, groundwater review, and outreach on drift reduction and integrated pest management. He also noted staffing and funding limitations, saying the branch lacks a toxicologist and long-term monitoring capacity, and compared Hawaiʻi’s resources to California’s much larger pesticide regulatory program. Takashima thanked the legislature for passing Act 231 the prior year and said the department supports the measure as it moves forward this session. Dr. Lee, speaking for the Hawaiʻi chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and as a former member of the Kauaʻi Joint Fact-Finding Task Force, said pediatric guidance has shifted from focusing on acute poisoning to recognizing chronic low-level pesticide exposure as a concern. He cited AAP publications linking pesticide exposure to cancer, brain tumors, leukemia, birth outcomes, neurobehavioral effects, and asthma, and said pediatricians are now encouraged to advise families on reducing exposure and to support right-to-know measures and buffer zones around schools and public gathering places. He also described the Kauaʻi task force’s work, saying it found the west side of the island to be an unhealthy community but could not prove causation because of missing drift, geospatial, and biomarker data. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational, questions were held until after presentations, and the department expressed support for Act 231.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't understand why a surplus could be claimed to be starving the county because we're not telling
• I don't understand why a surplus could be claimed to be starving the county because we're not telling
• I don't understand why a surplus could be claimed to be starving the county because we're not telling
• I don't understand why a surplus could be claimed to be starving the county because we're not telling
• I don't understand why a surplus could be claimed to be starving the county because we're not telling

Committee: House Rules and Legislative Administration

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Even though it's been claimed that this hasn't been reviewed at all, it actually has by at least some
• Mason was for what you claim it was. There's a receipt right there. See that? Not a big deal.
• We have claimed expenditures online... ...but we don't have the physical documents.
• You're making claims and the auditor's making claims.
• Just show me where in this your claims are documented as a matter of law, so that if we pass it, nobody

Bills: H5004

Committee: Joint Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions

Keywords: public records, public records law, transparency, open government, government accountability, legislature, general court, governor's office, executive records, legislative records, constituent communications, policy drafts, deliberative process, freedom of information, FOIA, records access, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, Chapter 4, veterans services records, initiative petition

Transcript Highlights:

• database and looking at those claims payments for all the state.
• Well, you know, we're looking at a claims database, not a clinical database.
• Well, you know, we're looking at a claims database, not a clinical database.
• So that's what we have actually. claims database, not a clinical database.
• I believe we get claims on ambulance services, yes. I think so. Yeah. Thank you.

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee opened its 2026 session with a work session focused on the committee’s priorities of access, quality, and affordability. Health Care Authority staff Michelle Needham and Ross Florey reviewed the Health Care Cost Transparency Board’s work, noting Washington’s uninsured rate has fallen from 15% in 2010 to 5%, but health care spending growth remains above the benchmark. They said 2023 spending grew 6.2% versus a 3.2% target, with prescription drugs, hospital outpatient care, professional services, and non-claims spending driving growth. They highlighted ongoing work on market transparency, hospital spending, primary care, and federal policy changes that could reduce coverage and increase uncompensated care. Dr. Drew Oliva of the Washington Health Alliance added quality and safety data, saying many measures remain below top national performance, primary care attachment is weak, hospital pricing varies widely, and behavioral health data are limited. He urged stronger primary care investment, more transparency, and better patient safety oversight. Committee members then introduced themselves and staff before moving to public hearings. The committee first heard Senate Bill 5877, a technical fix expanding the physician health program surcharge to certified anesthesiologist assistants so they can participate in the Washington Physicians Health Program and related educational resources. The bill sponsor and witnesses from the Washington Medical Commission, the Washington Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, and the Washington Physicians Health Program all supported the measure, describing it as a consistency and access fix for a newly licensed profession. The bill drew 12 pro, 2 con, and 0 other sign-ins. The committee then heard Senate Bill 5967, which would preserve access to preventive services by allowing the Department of Health to issue immunization recommendations based on multiple expert sources and by freezing state insurance coverage protections for preventive services and vaccines as of mid-2025, with OIC rulemaking authority to keep coverage at least as favorable. The sponsor, Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer, Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham, and Governor’s office staff said the bill is intended to protect existing coverage, not create new vaccine mandates, and to keep recommendations grounded in science amid federal uncertainty. Supporters included Dr. Helen Chu, Dr. Beth Harvey, Dr. Maria Huang, Dr. J. Miller, and Dr. Matt LaGalbo, who emphasized vaccine safety, rising vaccine-preventable diseases, and the importance of no-cost preventive care. Opponents, including Bob Runnels and Natalie Chavez, argued the bill politicizes vaccines, reduces transparency, and expands state authority without adequate fiscal detail. The hearing continued with additional testimony after the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also live about 55 minutes away from the Buttonwillow Clean Air's facilities.
• I also live about 55 minutes away from the Button Willow Clean Arbor's facilities.
• To date, DTSC has cleaned up over 6,300 parcels and all parkways.
• To date, DTSC has cleaned up over 6,300 parcels and all parkways.
• He sat on the board the same week DTSC issued Clean Harbors' final permit.

Summary: The joint oversight hearing focused on the Board of Environmental Safety (BES), created by SB 158 in 2021, and on broader DTSC reform efforts, including permitting, community engagement, fee setting, and the hazardous waste management plan. Chair Connolly opened by noting the board’s original goals of improving transparency, accountability, and fiscal stability, and raised concerns about a recent board appointee later becoming a lobbyist with DTSC-regulated clients. Witnesses and members also discussed the long-delayed SB 673 regulations on facility permitting and community vulnerability protections, as well as the board’s role in approving the hazardous waste management plan and reviewing permit appeals. Community and environmental justice witnesses argued that the board has improved access by creating a public forum, ombudsperson, and appeal process, but said it remains too passive and lacks authority over budgets, staffing, and implementation. They urged more statutory direction, stronger community participation, better transparency on how comments are used, and more meaningful authority in permit and plan decisions. One witness suggested the Legislature consider a separate oversight body or stronger legislative engagement, while another called for youth representation and paid fellowships on advisory bodies. Business and regulated-community testimony was more supportive of the board’s structure, emphasizing that SB 158 was a negotiated compromise that improved transparency and accountability while avoiding politicization, and calling for faster fee analysis and clearer budget information. Board Chair Andrew Rakestra and DTSC Director Barbara Butler reported that reform has produced measurable gains: more public engagement, stronger enforcement, fewer continued permits, improved compliance, increased revenues from the generation-and-handling fee, and progress on Exide cleanup, safer consumer products, and community revitalization grants. They acknowledged, however, that the board’s authority is limited, permit appeals can be slow, SB 673 regulations remain unfinished, and public trust still needs work. Both said the board is most effective when involved early and when DTSC shares information proactively. Members asked about fee stability, the hazardous waste management plan, and whether the Legislature should give the board a more formal role in budget change proposals, regulatory processes, and implementation oversight. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational and ended with public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• not to realize that the other team was Jewish and somehow claimed to have resolved the incidents by
• They made a claim to an important piece of land. They are now called Palestine."
• While they claim to the democracy, only one narrative about Israel was accepted in the MTA.
• Make no mistake, their actions are pushing the exact opposite of what they claim.
• You can't claim to represent Jewish safety while ignoring the voices of Jews who dissent.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The meeting focused on the commission’s work addressing antisemitism in Massachusetts, including security, education, victim services, and legal responses. A major presentation came from former federal prosecutor Eric O’Sham, who described the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh, the attack’s planning and execution, the 11 victims killed, the defendant’s white supremacist and antisemitic online activity, the federal prosecution, and the long aftermath for the victim community. Commissioners asked about prevention, radicalization online, security for houses of worship, and how to support victims; O’Sham emphasized the limits of law enforcement when speech is protected, the importance of public education, security grants, and victim-witness support. The commission also heard from Ariel Holman of Agudath Israel, who described a wide range of antisemitic incidents affecting Orthodox Jews, including assaults, threats, vandalism, school harassment, and zoning barriers, and urged expanded security personnel grants, mental health resources, kosher food access, and support for synagogue development. Other speakers included advocates and local officials who supported Holocaust education, the planned Boston Holocaust Museum, cemetery protection, and broader public education efforts, while some public commenters criticized the commission’s focus or raised concerns about definitions of antisemitism and free speech. The meeting concluded with approval of prior meeting minutes and the start of public comment, which was limited to three minutes per speaker due to time constraints.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just the question of can a buyer, a contract for deed buyer, later make a claim that there's been
• that there's been a violation of a claim that there's been a violation of the<00:39:27.079><c> ACT</
• And basically it's the buyer that would have to be able to raise the claim.
• Chair, Senator, basically upon cancellation the claim is barred.
• But if no claim is made and the cancellation is completed, the title is clear and life goes on. Mr.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• center to claim their property.
• I have received... multiple claims on that. Thank you very much, rude testimony.
• To process an unemployment claim from when the claimant makes the claim?
• Our standard is two weeks from the time that you submit a claim.
• There were some issues concerning people filing fraudulent claims.

Bills: SB1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• off their neck, something of that nature, are they now guilty of harassment because a prosecutor claims
• 16:08.079><c> because</c><00:16:08.720><c> a</c><00:16:08.760><c> prosecutor</c><00:16:09.440><c> claims
• </c> harassment because a prosecutor claims harassment because a prosecutor claims it<00:16:10.120><c
• A resolution expressing support for the Ohio River Restoration Program Act to advance clean water, economic

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• could always appropriate it back out of general revenue to a particular fund, so I do think it helps clean
• Quickly, those—I'm not claiming it to be an unconstitutional unfunded mandate.
• I am not claiming that what we're doing is unconstitutional.
• Well, if we're going to claim that those students... ...technician.
• Well, if we're going to claim that those statistics affect the final number, then one would think we

Committee: House Budget

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that Representative Brown has accepted the language change proposed by Assessor Huxable to make this clean
• hard to define, and clearly by the black and white of the law, you had to be in that house you're claiming
• that white of the law, you had to be in that house<00:56:13.040><c> you're</c><00:56:13.280><c> claiming
• /c><00:56:13.680><c> for</c><00:56:13.920><c> eight</c><00:56:14.160><c> months</c> house you're claiming
• for eight months house you're claiming for eight months and<00:56:14.720><c> that's</c><00:56:15.359

Bills: HB0045

Committee: House Revenue

Keywords: property tax, exemption, homeowners, long-term, aged, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And may we finish the session with a clear conscience and clean hearts, honoring you in our conduct,
• And it requires health care providers to submit reimbursement claims that reflect the provider who truly
• There are people that are actually claiming Medicaid. ...in our state and other states and having claims
• In the rates as well, they consider a lot of things; they'll consider claims history, things.

Bills: SB15 , SB35 , SB290 , SB1365 , SB2568 , SB18 , SB427 , SB1860 , SB1864 , SB2675 , SB596 , SB2858 , SB3058 , SB816 , SB1163 , SB1484 , SB1898 , SB1777 , SB1802 , SB2692 , SB315 , SB1585 , SB1626 , SB2058 , SB2050 , SB2105 , SB2245 , SB2764 , SB2611 , SB2497 , SB2452 , SB2243 , SB1705 , SB1244 , SB1361 , SB438 , SB578 , SB584 , SB2690 , SB2521 , SB2487 , SB2342 , SB2063 , SB125 , SB2041 , SB1962 , SB1413 , SB6 , SB2878 , SB13 , SB30 , SJR87 , SB7 , SB127 , SB293 , SB441 , SB3059 , SB57 , SB512 , SB1718 , SB140 , SB2055 , SB2075 , SB2018 , SB1534 , SB1567 , SB785 , SB1233 , SB1580 , SB1663 , SB413 , SB447 , SB519 , SB467 , SB1579 , SB1191 , SB1021 , SB1838 , SB2807 , SB2835 , SB546 , SB2121 , SB2167 , SB2024 , SB1032 , SB1049 , SB1266 , SB1400 , SB1302 , SB401 , SB1596 , SB1281 , SB1242 , SB1343 , SB1346 , SB2753 , SB2221 , SB1719 , SB2177 , SB552 , SB646 , SJR1 , SB15 , SB800 , SB790 , SB748 , SB571 , SB1957 , SB1923 , SB1896 , SB1760 , SB1335 , SB2368 , SB2477 , SB2587 , SB2972 , SB2986 , SB2965 , SB1563 , SB1467 , SB1164 , SB1137 , SB614 , SB705 , SB961 , SB918 , SB955 , SB869 , SB850 , SB863 , SB1610 , SB1055 , SB2206 , SB457 , SB2337 , SB1362 , SB926 , SB1494 , SB251 , SB456 , SB500 , SB1307 , SB2615 , SB2995 , SB2321 , SB973 , SB974 , SB865 , SB506 , SB781 , SB1522 , SB1558 , SB510 , SB667 , SB763 , SB2073 , SB1858 , SB1660 , SB505 , SB2900 , SB1433 , SB1540 , SB1964 , SB1300 , SB1644 , SB2217 , SB2373 , SB2431 , SB1758 , SB2480 , SB3039 , SB3047 , SB3073 , SB2920 , SB2781 , SB826 , SB766 , SB2460 , SB527 , SB1946 , SB2885 , SB1243 , SB2610 , SB2595 , SB857 , SB2501 , SB66 , SB268 , SB331 , SB618 , SB414 , SB1394 , SB2425 , SB898 , SB993 , SB442 , SB735 , SB784 , SB2538 , SB1919 , SB1013 , SB2215 , SB2322 , SB626 , SB570 , SB747 , SB2183 , SB673 , SB1015 , SB1447 , SB1370 , SB1784 , SB1897 , SB2873 , SB2891 , SB2933 , SB2540 , SB2681 , SB2695 , SB1965 , SB2203 , SB872 , SB875 , SB1030 , SB1277 , SB1730 , SB1681 , SB1152 , SB2969 , SB2747 , SB2705 , SB2541 , SB1708 , SB2080 , SB2721 , SB1986 , SB2392 , SB2539 , SB2857 , SB2799 , SB2785 , SB2782 , SB1531 , SB1927 , SB1263 , SB1098 , SB35 , SB290 , SB1365 , SB2568 , SB18 , SB427 , SB1860 , SB1864 , SB2675 , SB596 , SB2858 , SB3058 , SB816 , SB1163 , SB1484 , SB1898 , SB1777 , SB1802 , SB2692 , SB315 , SB1585 , SB1626 , SB2058 , SB2050 , SB2105 , SB2245 , SB2764 , SB2611 , SB2497 , SB2452 , SB2243 , SB1705 , SB1244 , SB1361 , SB438 , SB578 , SB584 , SB2690 , SB2521 , SB2487 , SB2342 , SB2063 , SB125 , SB2041 , SB1962 , SB1413 , SCR9 , SB21 , SB1198 , SB1405 , SB2601 , SB2778 , HB5560 , HB762 , HB1584 , HB 107 , HB 114 , HB138 , HB4386 , HB2495 , HB581 , HB3348 , HB5323 , HB4341 , HB6 , HB171 , HB143 , HB449 , HB3486 , HB4263 , HB5246 , HB2 , HB2011 , SB17

Keywords: SB 15, Texas Local Government Code, zoning preemption, housing affordability, small lots, lot size, lot density, single-family zoning, residential subdivision, municipal land use, local control, state preemption, parking requirements, setbacks, infill development, missing middle housing, lot width, lot depth, homebuilders, housing supply

Transcript Highlights:

• And at that point we're supposed to clean out our boxes one more time. I'm going to lose it.
• choose who can be the pickup and delivery for that restaurant, not just anybody off the street can claim
• off<03:38:32.960><c> the</c><03:38:33.200><c> street</c><03:38:33.840><c> can</c><03:38:34.160><c> claim
• ><03:38:34.479><c> that</c><03:38:34.720><c> they</c><03:38:34.960><c> have</c> off the street can claim
• that they have off the street can claim that they have a<03:38:35.279><c> you</c><03:38:35.439><c> know

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee took up HB 164, dealing with homeowners and certain service agreements tied to residential real estate. Much of the discussion focused on whether the bill should be framed as prohibiting “service agreements” or more specifically as banning “future right to listing” agreements, and whether the bill should mirror Maine’s newer law. Mike Padmore of AARP New Hampshire presented suggested edits, including clarifying that the agreements are unenforceable, striking a provision at Roman 6C, and adding language making clear that registry of deeds staff are not liable when they record documents they are statutorily required to file. Bob Quinn of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors said the bill and Maine’s law reach the same result, but he preferred simpler wording and argued the bill should not include a two-year time limit because legitimate listing agreements should not create liens at all. Members and witnesses debated whether the bill should simply make the practice illegal outright, whether the Consumer Protection Act is the right enforcement vehicle, and whether the lien-removal process should be modeled on the recent undischarged mortgage bill. A consumer protection official said the bureau supports the statute and explained that under RSA 358-A, consumers could seek damages and equitable relief to strike a lien, while also noting that the bureau often uses the Consumer Protection Act as an enforcement tool. The committee also discussed narrowing the bill to residential real estate, with the sponsor and witnesses saying the problem has been seen in residential transactions and that commercial property was not the focus. The testimony described the underlying problem as companies, often national rather than New Hampshire-based, using long-term or future listing agreements to impose liens or penalties on homeowners, sometimes in connection with estate transfers or home sales. Witnesses said legitimate real estate listings do not normally place liens on houses, but these arrangements can include hidden or unclear penalties, including a reported 3% charge on home value. No vote was taken in the excerpt, but the committee appeared to be working through possible amendments and whether to adopt Maine-style language or a simpler New Hampshire-specific approach.