Transcript Highlights:

• calling the conventions of the two branches for the purposes of receiving such communications as the Governor
• objection, one matter will be taken out of the orders of the day: An act authorizing the town of Avon to appoint
• Third reading of the bill: An act establishing the position of appointed town clerk in the town of Avon
• The bills will be signed by the President and laid before the Governor for her approbation.
• It will be signed by the President and laid before the Governor for her approbation. Brief recess.

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted an order related to receiving communications from Governor Maura Healey. It then took up and passed to be engrossed two local bills: H.4556, establishing an appointed town clerk position in Avon, and H.4716, amending the charter of Provincetown. The chamber also suspended Senate Rule 36 and Joint Rule 12 to allow several Senate petitions to be considered and referred to their respective committees. The Senate adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of William Richard Lynch of South Boston, followed by a moment of silence. It then took up H.4363, authorizing the Commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to convey a parcel of land in Wellesley; the emergency preamble was adopted by standing vote, and the bill later passed to be enacted. The Senate also passed to be enacted H.3306, establishing Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, H.4214, regulating the appointment of the police chief in Fall River, H.4459, amending the charter of Sikonk, and H.4632, authorizing Billerica to set an age limit for original appointment as a police officer. At the end of the session, the Senate adopted an order to meet again the following Thursday at 11:00 a.m. and to dispense with printing a calendar. It then adjourned in memory of William Richard Lynch.

Transcript Highlights:

• calling the conventions of the two branches for the purposes of receiving such communications as the Governor
• objection, one matter will be taken out of the orders of the day: An act authorizing the town of Avon to appoint
• Third reading of the bill: An act establishing the position of appointed town clerk in the town of Avon
• Be signed by the President and laid before the Governor for her approbation. Refresh this.
• It will be signed by the President and laid before the Governor for her approbation. Brief recess.

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted an order calling the two branches into convention to receive any communications from Governor Maura Healey. It then took up and passed to engrossment two local bills: House 4556, establishing an appointed town clerk position in Avon, and House 4716, amending the charter of Provincetown. The chamber also adopted a report recommending suspension of Joint Rule 12, after a motion to suspend Senate Rule 36 so the matters could be considered forthwith. The Senate later adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of William Richard “Butch” Lynch of South Boston, followed by a moment of silence. It then took up final passage of several bills, including an emergency preamble and enactment for House 4363, authorizing the Commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to convey a parcel of land in Wellesley. The Senate also enacted bills establishing Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, regulating the appointment of the police chief in Fall River, amending the charter of Sikonk, and authorizing Billerica to set an age limit for original appointment as a police officer. After the emergency preamble was adopted on a standing vote, the Wellesley land conveyance bill was enacted. The Senate then adopted an order to adjourn on Thursday at 11 a.m., and adjourned in memory of William Richard Lynch.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Communication Nos. 785 to 787 inform the Senate that the House has appointed conferees for various
• </c><00:01:49.560><c> conferees</c><00:01:50.240><c> for</c> House has appointed conferees for House
• has appointed conferees for various<00:01:50.880><c> bills.
• I want to note the passing of our governor, Ariyoshi.
• I want to add to the senator's remarks. passing of our our governor, Ariyoshi. passing of our our governor

Bills: SCR56 , SCR79 , SCR85 , SCR120 , SCR129 , SCR181 , SCR63 , SCR112 , SCR194 , SCR195 , SCR196 , HB202 , HB963 , HB1050 , HB1511 , HB1546 , HB1550 , HB1553 , HB1643 , HB1656 , HB1658 , HB1664 , HB1667 , HB1682 , HB1700 , HB1721 , HB1810 , HB1823 , HB1824 , HB1878 , HB1969 , HB2005 , HB2078 , HB2152 , HB2246 , HB2270 , HB2279 , HB2289 , HB2385 , HB2417 , HB2429 , HB2503 , HB2599 , SB253 , SB847 , SB1142 , SB1432 , SB2043 , SB2050 , SB2074 , SB2102 , SB2135 , SB2138 , SB2140 , SB2320 , SB2340 , SB2386 , SB2396 , SB2397 , SB2398 , SB2433 , SB2446 , SB2521 , SB2544 , SB2567 , SB2578 , SB2580 , SB2595 , SB2601 , SB2645 , SB2673 , SB2706 , SB2727 , SB2802 , SB2852 , SB2892 , SB2929 , SB2972 , SB3007 , SB3069 , SB3073 , SB3076 , SB3136 , SB3138 , SB3157 , SB3204 , SB3234 , SB3247 , SB3302 , SB3324 , SB3325 , HB1815 , HB2592 , HCR32

Transcript Highlights:

• letting me speak on H. 5520, which is a bill that is filed for George Petrinos of Dudley by the Governor
• The members of our board are appointed by the commissioner and also include the mayor, the vice chair
• appear before you today in support of Senate Bill 3165, an act authorizing the town of Holbrook to appoint
• to continue standard pre-employment hiring processes, which are anticipated to culminate in the appointment
• As the appointing authority of the Holbrook Fire Department, I would like to state for the record that

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Transcript Highlights:

• Sincerely, Brad Little, Governor of Idaho.
• Sincerely, Brad Little, Governor of Idaho.
• And the library boards are also appointed, but they're appointed, I said... ...are.
• And the library boards are also appointed, but they're appointed to answer to the city council members
• Sincerely, Brad Little, Governor of Idaho.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to thank the governor for the appointment and Senator Frick for carrying the nomination today
• First of all, I'd like to thank the governor for this appointment.
• Like Senator McIntosh said, I'd like to thank the governor for this appointment.
• I'd like to thank Governor Stitt for the nomination to serve a second term.
• for the appointment and Senator Bullard for his efforts with this.

Bills: HB2933 , HB3041 , HB3048 , HB3081 , HB3297 , HB3338 , HB3673 , HB3790 , HB3983 , HB4105 , HB4139 , HB4203 , HJR1023

Committee: Senate Business and Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• This lifeline takes us to medical appointments, vet services, and family events.
• They're appointed variously by mayors, by select boards, by councils, by county.
• They're appointed variously by mayors, by select boards, by county boards.
• S. 2395 would limit the terms of those governors to three three-year terms.
• limit on the people who are appointed.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Transportation

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation heard testimony on a range of bills focused on transportation funding, governance, and equity. Supporters backed proposals to create a North Central Massachusetts intercity passenger rail fund tied to a possible new gaming license (H. 3680/S. 2363), local parking assessments (H. 3756), third-party delivery fees (S. 2356/H. 3774), broader roadway pricing and congestion management measures (S. 2353/S. 2354), tolling equity and regional transit authority advisory boards (S. 2400/S. 2401), and Steamship Authority oversight reforms including board term limits (S. 2395). Testimony in favor emphasized new dedicated revenue sources, commuter rail expansion, regional equity, improved oversight, and better transit access for riders and communities that rely on public transportation. There was also testimony in opposition to the third-party delivery fee bills from Chamber of Progress, which argued the fee would raise costs for consumers, small businesses, and delivery workers, could reduce demand and jobs, and might not achieve the intended environmental benefits. Associated Builders and Contractors of Massachusetts opposed H. 3633, a transit expansion, electrification, and resiliency bill, specifically objecting to its mandatory project labor agreement requirement and saying it would limit competition and disadvantage non-union contractors and workers. Several witnesses spoke in favor of the Steamship Authority bill, saying term limits would improve transparency, accountability, and board turnover. The committee also heard detailed support for the North Central rail proposal from a legislator, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, and a transportation advocate, who described the bill as a way to generate long-term bonded revenue for rail infrastructure. After testimony concluded and no questions remained, the chairs entertained and received a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• For Senate Bill 648, the Speaker appoints Delegates McQuinn, Reid, and Cherry.
• Democrat Governor Spanberger while running for governor: "Short answer is no.
• Let's think about who was governor in 2025.
• This bill is the codification of Governor Northam's Executive Order 35.
• , and the governor is offering recommendations that are now before you.

Transcript Highlights:

• Roy Romer Memorial Highway due Governor Roy Romer Memorial Highway due to<03:00:28.560><c> Governor<
• </c> Assembly, hereby honor former Governor Assembly, hereby honor former Governor Rory<03:00:43.439>
• </c> governor Roy Ror memorial highway. governor Roy Ror memorial highway.
• </c> Governor Roy Rummer Memorial Highway. Governor Roy Rummer Memorial Highway.
• </c> Those appointments are confirmed. Those appointments are confirmed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And now we have gubernatorial appointment before us.
• that the appointment be confirmed.
• beside in support of this appointment.
• I just really would like to support her appointment. I could not agree with you more.
• this appointment.

Bills: SB6339 , SB6184 , SB6224 , SB6255 , SB5977 , SB5979 , SB6249 , SB6007 , SB6186 , SGA9299

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: alternative placements, individual ownership, restrictive policies, healthcare, operational control, homeless youth, youth services, mental health, support programs, state law, behavioral health, children, support services, poverty reduction, intergenerational poverty, WorkFirst, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, TANF, self-sufficiency, economic justice

Transcript Highlights:

• calling the conventions of the two branches for the purposes of receiving such communications as the Governor
• objection, one matter will be taken out of the Orders of the Day: an act authorizing the town of Avon to appoint
• Third reading of the bill: An act establishing the position of appointed town clerk in the town of Avon
• Be signed by the President and laid before the Governor for her approbation. Recess. Come to order.
• It will be signed by the President and laid before the Governor for her approbation. Brief recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also very appreciative to the Lieutenant Governor for the appointment.
• I thank the new lieutenant governor for appointing me once again, and I look forward to working with
• I thank the new lieutenant governor for appointing me once again, and I look forward to working with
• So our constitutional role is primarily appointments, and we appoint, I believe, half a dozen of the
• by the governor.

Bills: SB 1 , SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee convened for its first hearing of the 89th regular session, confirmed a quorum, adopted committee rules by a 15-0 vote, and began review of Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-27. Chair Huffman outlined the committee’s organization, introduced staff, and described the budget as conservative and focused on one-time investments. She highlighted major SB 1 priorities including property tax relief, full funding for public education formulas, teacher pay, school safety, border security, Medicaid growth, dementia research, energy and water infrastructure, transportation, wildfire suppression, and other capital and public safety needs. Comptroller Glenn Hager presented the biennial revenue estimate, saying the state has $194.6 billion available for general-purpose spending in 2026-27, with a projected $23.8 billion ending balance from the current biennium. He cautioned that revenue growth is returning to more normal levels and that lawmakers should avoid committing short-term surpluses to ongoing expenses. He also explained that the Economic Stabilization Fund is projected to hit its constitutional cap, meaning an estimated $5.6 billion in severance tax and related revenue would remain in general revenue in the upcoming biennium rather than flow into the fund. Senators discussed whether to raise or rename the fund and the implications of keeping more severance-tax revenue in general revenue. The Legislative Budget Board then gave an overview of SB 1 and the budget’s major funding changes. LBB staff explained that the bill is essentially flat at $332.9 billion in all funds, but includes large method-of-finance shifts and major property tax relief. They detailed how prior property tax relief enacted in the 88th Legislature grew from an estimated $18 billion to $22.7 billion because of higher property values and hold-harmless provisions, and said SB 1 continues that relief with a total of $51 billion in ongoing and new property tax support. Members asked extensive questions about the automatic growth in school tax compression, the constitutional homestead exemption, COVID-era federal funding, Medicaid assumptions, and the sunset of the non-homestead circuit breaker. No additional votes or final budget actions were taken beyond adoption of the committee rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm very grateful to Governor Lujan Grisham for... her confidence in me in the appointment to the
• . to be considered for an appointment to the State Personnel Board.
• And I hope you support her appointment. Thank you So much. Thank you.
• People have lobbied the Governor Pro and Con.
• The court took control and appoints its members and the president.

Bills: SM13 , SM14

Committee: Senate Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, that is an entity which is half appointed by the state superintendent, half appointed by the governor
• </c> superintendent half appointed by the superintendent half appointed by the governor.<00:13:33.120
• There were three of us appointed by the governor, three appointed by the state superintendent, one from
• There were three of us appointed by the governor, three appointed by the state superintendent, one from
• governor, three of us appointed by the governor, three<00:48:30.880><c> appointed</c><00:48:31.280><

Committee: Joint Education

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill was filed, at least in part, earlier in the year by the governor, and comes to us now very
• And I'm confident that today we will act and send this measure to the governor.
• Senate Document No. 2514, and has appointed a committee of conference under the disagreeing votes of
• The House has appointed Representatives Michlewitz, Ferrante, and Smola on its part.
• Tarr, moves that the Senate insist upon its amendment and appoint a committee of conference.

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, adopted several congratulatory and commemorative resolutions, and welcomed sixth-grade students from Holy Name School in West Roxbury, along with guests and chaperones. The chamber then took up House No. 4100, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill, which was described as addressing a roughly $240 million shortfall in the Group Insurance Commission. Senator Tarr emphasized the urgency of funding the GIC while also urging lawmakers to examine the causes of the deficiency and consider longer-term cost controls. The Senate suspended the rules, ordered the bill to a third reading, passed it to be engrossed, and later received notice that the House had non-concurred in the Senate amendment and appointed a conference committee. The Senate then insisted on its amendment and appointed conferees. The chamber also passed Senate No. 2508, establishing a sick leave bank for Andrew Satera, an employee of the Trial Court. The Senate observed National Law Enforcement Memorial Day with remarks honoring fallen officers and a moment of silence, and later adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Charlene Roberts Hayden, whose life and career in mathematics, software engineering, teaching, and public service were recognized. Finally, the Senate adopted the emergency preamble for H. 4100, passed the bill to be enacted, and adjourned to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• We pray for the governor of Louisiana, Landry. We pray for our Speaker, DeVillier.
• So the governor brought a victim's family of a crime here in this chamber when we kicked this off.
• The Speaker appoints the following conferees to House Bill 1252 by Rep.
• The Speaker appoints the following Conference Committee members to Senate Bill 479 by Senator Morris:
• Speaker appoints following conferees...

Bills: HR310 , HR314 , HR316 , HR317 , HR321 , HR275 , HR276 , HR279 , HR282 , HR286 , HR289 , HR292 , HR295 , HR302 , HR319 , HCR112 , HR307 , SCR59 , SCR61 , SCR62 , SCR68 , SCR69 , SCR70 , SCR54 , SCR55 , SCR64 , SCR75 , HCR79 , HCR104 , HB75 , HB410 , HB719 , HB750 , HB944 , HB1098 , HB1220 , HB1252 , HB359 , HB210 , HB468 , HB1117 , SB382 , HB368 , HB552 , HB732 , HB870 , HB1236 , SB29 , SB42 , SB43 , SB149 , SB208 , SB274 , SB300 , SB312 , SB387 , SB389 , SB401 , HR74 , HB998 , HB901 , HR20 , HCR65 , HCR71 , HCR98 , HB284 , HB306 , HB341 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB603 , HB605 , HB614 , HB625 , HB646 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1191 , HB1240 , HB1255 , SB82 , SB89 , SB97 , SB123 , SB237 , HB36 , HB42 , HB74 , HB119 , HB159 , HB258 , HB259 , HB302 , HB414 , HB459 , HB848 , HB956 , HB1017 , HB1028 , HB1095 , SB217 , SB283 , SB469

Keywords: oil and gas, orphan wells, inactive wells, shut-in wells, marginal wells, plugging and abandonment, well decommissioning, site remediation, site restoration, Oilfield Site Restoration, OSR program, financial security, bonding, taxpayer liability, public liability, offshore wells, onshore wells, coastal erosion, Department of Conservation and Energy, natural resources

Transcript Highlights:

• If a vacancy occurs on the commission before the end of a commissioner's term, the governor must appoint
• In making appointments to the commission, the governor must consider recommendations from organized groups
• If a vacancy occurs on the commission before the end of a commissioner's term, the governor must appoint
• In making appointments to the commission, the governor must consider recommendations from organized groups
• In making all appointments to the commission, the governor must continue to seek a balance reflecting

Summary: The committee held public hearings on House Bill 2170, which would authorize DNR to enter ecosystem service and carbon contracts on state trust lands, and House Bill 2578, which would add tribal members and alternates to the Fish and Wildlife Commission. For HB 2170, the Department of Natural Resources and supporters said the bill would diversify revenue, help meet climate goals, and allow DNR to participate in emerging carbon and ecosystem markets without necessarily eliminating timber harvest. Opponents, including counties, school districts, timber companies, loggers, and forest industry groups, argued the bill could reduce harvest levels, harm rural jobs and mill supply, and lower revenues for schools and other trust beneficiaries; several said any new authority should be limited to additive projects with stronger safeguards. Supporters included environmental groups and some local officials who said the bill would provide a more stable revenue stream and better align land management with climate and watershed benefits. The chair noted there are two related vehicles in committee, HB 1508 as the negotiated version and HB 2170 as the department version, and the public hearing on HB 2170 was closed after extensive testimony. For HB 2578, staff explained that the bill would add four tribal commissioner positions and four alternates to the Fish and Wildlife Commission, with representation from federally recognized tribes on both sides of the Cascades and staggered terms. Prime sponsor Rep. Deborah Lekanoff said the measure would strengthen co-management and the state’s government-to-government relationship with tribes, while acknowledging there are other related bills and ongoing legal issues involving WDFW. The chair asked whether the bill would affect existing tribal consultation obligations, and Lekanoff said it would not replace government-to-government consultation; she also said she would follow up on how the governor would make appointments. The hearing on HB 2578 was then suspended so the committee could return to HB 2170 testimony. The committee also heard staff briefing and sponsor testimony on House Bill 2544, which would create a pilot process for the Upper Columbia River water rights adjudication. Staff said the bill would require Ecology to run the adjudication in two phases, starting with tribal and federal claimants and allowing time for settlement before bringing in other claims, with a report due by June 2035. Rep. Larry Springer said the bill is intended to establish a baseline of water use more efficiently in a process that can otherwise take decades. After the briefing and sponsor remarks, the committee began public testimony on the bill, with tribal representatives and other stakeholders queued to testify.

Transcript Highlights:

• The head of each state agency that is solely appointed by the governor must also designate a liaison
• Those two months should allow that governor, the new governor and his team, his or her team, the ability
• Bufano, who is a newly appointed to the Florida Commission on Human Relations.
• Amanda Niff is a new appointment to the Florida Commission on Human Relations.
• Alexandra Tor is a new appointment to the State Retirement Commission, and Jesse Dyer is a new appointment

Bills: S0330 , S0526 , S0862 , S1072 , S1078 , S1192 , S1250 , S1296 , S1298 , S1642 , S1698 , S7022

Committee: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability

Summary: The committee heard several bills and confirmations, with most measures reported favorably. Senate Bill 330 clarified the heart disease presumption for firefighters, law enforcement, and correctional officers, codifying the medical definition of heart disease and allowing transferring law enforcement officers to rely on a prior physical if a new agency does not provide one. Support was waived in by the Florida Smart Justice Alliance and the Fraternal Order of Police, and the bill passed unanimously. Senate Bill 526, as amended by a delete-all amendment, addressed commercial construction contracts, permit standards, fee reductions when private providers are used, floodproofing, product approval categories, and adoption of certain electrical code standards; it drew support from several construction and business groups and one opposing appearance, then was reported favorably. Senate Bill 1192 created a pilot program for callback queues at the Department of Commerce and Department of Children and Families to reduce hold times for callers seeking re-employment assistance and public benefits, and it also passed favorably. Senate Bill 1078 established transition procedures for a governor-elect, including agency liaisons, briefing materials, office space, and access to records; an amendment shifted IT support to the Department of Management Services, narrowed access to confidential records, and increased penalties for unauthorized disclosure, after which the bill was approved. Senate Bill 7022 extended a public records exemption for classroom examinations and assessment instruments through 2031 and expanded coverage to school district boards and public schools; it was also reported favorably. Senate Bill 862, as amended, set a $60,000 salary goal by 2030 for state correctional officers, probation officers, and institutional security specialists, with annual raises subject to appropriations; members and witnesses emphasized recruitment, retention, and safety, and the bill passed. Senate Bill 1250 removed the requirement that the Commission on Human Relations use registered mail for certain notices under the Florida Civil Rights Act, allowing less expensive notice methods, and it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 1698 allowed certain employers to post required workplace notices electronically instead of physically, and it passed without opposition. The committee also recommended confirmation of 10 appointees to the Florida Commission on Human Relations and the State Retirement Commission. The most extensive debate centered on Senate Bill 1072, which created an anti-Semitism task force within the Department of Legal Affairs to review anti-Semitism in Florida, improve community relations, advise on law enforcement training, assess digital media literacy efforts, evaluate hate crime statutes, and recommend policy changes. The sponsor said the bill was intended to address a growing problem and noted that Florida already uses the Holocaust Remembrance definition of anti-Semitism in statute. Numerous speakers opposed the bill, arguing it could chill protected speech, especially criticism of Israel, and could be used selectively against students, activists, Muslims, Arabs, and Jewish anti-Zionists; several also said existing hate-crime and civil-rights laws were sufficient and that the task force should include protections against Islamophobia and anti-Arab hate. One member raised concerns about the constitutionality of creating such task forces in light of prior actions by the Attorney General. Despite the opposition, the bill was reported favorably on a party-line style vote with Senator Bracey Davis voting yes along with the majority. Senate Bill 1642, the Freedom in the Workplace Act, was also heard and drew significant questioning. The bill would bar public employers and contractors from requiring pronoun use, certain gender-identity-related training, or non-binary sex options on forms, and would protect employees and contractors from adverse action based on religious, moral, conscience-based, or biology-based beliefs. Senator Polsky questioned whether the bill could interfere with anti-harassment training and workplace discipline, while the sponsor said the measure was meant to prevent government coercion and extend protections similar to those in school settings. The transcript cuts off before the final disposition of this bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The appointment power of the governor, I think, is what they particularly cited.
• <c> the</c><03:18:22.800><c> governor</c><03:18:23.200><c> I</c> The appointment power of the governor
• I The appointment power of the governor I think<03:18:23.840><c> is</c><03:18:24.080><c> what</c><03
• </c><03:22:54.720><c> appoint</c><03:22:55.200><c> the</c> having a governor appoint the having a governor
• be able to appoint, like, if a new governor is elected, uh, be able to, and I assume the governor appoints

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• If there are no objections, I'd like to take up first on today's agenda: Governor's appointments not
• required to appear, starting with item 2C, the appointment of Frank Damrow, Jr., J.D., as a member of
• I appreciate the opportunity to be here and for your consideration of my appointment.
• I'm grateful to Governor Gavin Newsom for the opportunity to serve in this role.
• The appointment has been approved to move to the full Senate floor for confirmation.

Committee: Senate Rules

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Frank Damrow Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Eddger to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission, each by 4-0 vote. The committee also approved a rule waiver to allow SB 1447 (health) to be heard after the policy committee deadline, and took up floor acknowledgments before moving to appointments requiring testimony. The committee then heard from Clint Kellam, nominee to lead the Department of Cannabis Control. Members focused heavily on cannabis labeling, youth protection, attractive-to-children packaging, the SB 540 educational pamphlet, and the department’s efforts to steer consumers from illicit to legal products. Kellam said the department’s role is not to promote increased consumption but to move existing consumption into the regulated market, and he described enforcement against illicit cultivation and retail, consumer education efforts, and a possible AI tool to help licensees review packaging. He also said the department would consider tighter packaging rules, including one-serving packaging, but emphasized the need for research and legislative collaboration. The committee voted 4-0 to advance his appointment to the full Senate. The committee next heard from Jennifer Osborne, nominee to direct the Department of Industrial Relations. Questions centered on DIR’s handling of Cal/OSHA audit findings, labor commissioner backlogs, PAGA enforcement, staffing shortages, IT modernization, and how her administrative background would help address those issues. Osborne said DIR is working on revised Cal/OSHA policies and procedures, additional staffing and intake changes, new IT systems, and possible use of outside administrative law judges to reduce delays. She also clarified that the Civil Rights Department is not under DIR, but said she would follow up on concerns raised. Public commenters from employer groups, labor, and industry largely supported her nomination, and the committee approved her appointment 4-0 to move to the full Senate for confirmation.