Transcript Highlights:

• files their taxes on paper.
• </c> are filing income income taxes on paper. are filing income income taxes on paper.
• roughly 6% of tax filing population that files<00:43:24.720><c> their</c><00:43:24.880><c> taxes</c>
• </c> how many of of their forms and filings how many of of their forms and filings are<00:43:37.040><
• And so in 1999, 74% of returns were filed on paper, while the remaining 26% were filed electronically

Committee: Senate Taxes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was filed by Representative Luddy and Representative Taski.
• Are they just lost and don't know whether to file and never collect their benefits?
• So that was a question that ultimately led to us filing this bill as well.
• Tarski, for filing this.
• Oh, Senator, I'm confident you will not have to file for that, but thank you.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development held a hearing on House 5188, a late-filed bill to establish a special commission to study access to unemployment insurance in Massachusetts. Representatives Hadley Luddy and Joshua Tarski, the bill’s sponsors, said they filed it after seeing many constituent cases involving delays, unresolved claims, and difficulty navigating the unemployment system, especially for seasonal workers and others facing financial instability. They argued the commission should review claim data, gather stakeholder input, and identify gaps in the process so the system is more efficient, equitable, and transparent. Greater Boston Legal Services testified in support, describing numerous client cases in which claimants waited months for determinations or were stuck in limbo after the launch of a new online benefits system. Attorneys said DUA’s backlogs and timeliness metrics had worsened, citing large increases in non-monetary, separation, and hearings backlogs, and they urged the committee to consider systemic fixes, including better notice about paid family and medical leave and possibly more funding or staff for DUA. Committee members generally praised the bill and the sponsors’ collaboration, and one suggested the commission’s reporting deadline might need to be extended. No vote was taken during the hearing. After testimony and brief discussion, the chair closed the hearing and concluded the committee meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next on our agenda, we have House File 2317, Representative Craft.
• House File 2317 is really exciting.
• House File 2317 would fund a pilot program through the MPCA to answer that question.
• House File 2317 is simply about in it.
• With that, House File 2317 as amended is laid over.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Sure, Madam Chair, Senator, so you would have to file a petition with the court...
• You would have to file a petition with the court.
• So let's say there's a petitioner, they file petition, I represent...
• So let's say there's a petitioner, they file petition, I represent them.
• The state legislature has filed multiple lawsuits challenging provisions within the EPM.

Summary: The Judiciary and Elections Committee approved the January 21, 2026 minutes and held SB 1208. It then heard SB 1211, which would allow victims of felony aggravated harassment involving domestic violence to seek a lifetime injunction against a convicted defendant. Supporters from victim advocacy organizations and a survivor described the bill as an important safety measure that would reduce repeated court appearances and trauma. The committee voted 7-0 to give SB 1211 a do pass recommendation. The committee next considered SB 1239, which removes the statute of limitations for failing to register as a sex offender or providing false registration information. The sponsor said the bill closes a public-safety loophole and was requested by DPS, while opponents argued existing warrant procedures already address the issue and raised due process concerns. After discussion, the committee voted 4-3 to recommend SB 1239 do pass. SB 1240 would exclude probationers convicted of dangerous crimes against children from the probation incentive payment formula. The sponsor tied the bill to a recent child sexual assault case and said the change would keep those cases separate from probation performance incentives; defense attorneys warned it could discourage treatment and push more people into prison. The committee voted 4-3 to recommend SB 1240 do pass. The committee also heard and approved SB 1095, as amended, which bans gender transition procedures and referrals for minors and restricts public funding and facilities for such care; supporters called it necessary child protection, while opponents said it was discriminatory. The committee then heard SB 1243 and SB 1244, both related to court-ordered mental health treatment. SB 1243 adds notice to guardians and lets them seek continued treatment, while SB 1244 creates a continuing court-ordered treatment process after repeated annual reviews. Supporters, including family members of seriously mentally ill patients, said the bills would close gaps and prevent dangerous lapses in care; opponents raised due process concerns and warned about expanded involuntary treatment. Both bills received do pass recommendations, with SB 1243 passing 7-0 and SB 1244 passing after amendment and roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• So Senate file 2321 to gather.
• </c> Senate file 3854. Senate file 3854.
• </c> reconsider Senate File 2231 say I. I. reconsider Senate File 2231 say I. I.
• Senate File 4932.
• in Senate File 4415. Croatia, the Czech in Senate File 4415.

Committee: Senate State and Local Government

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> approval and permitting but house file approval and permitting but house file 28<00:14:20.800><c
• </c> house file house file 28<00:15:47.759><c> house</c><00:15:48.000><c> file</c><00:15:48.240><c> 28
• </c><01:03:09.119><c> 819</c> all of us um we support house file 819 all of us um we support house file
• </c> forward house file forward house file 944<01:26:27.600><c> quick</c><01:26:27.880><c> description
• </c> Gilman renews her motion that house file Gilman renews her motion that house file for<01:37:37.560

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> children under the age of 12 but filing children under the age of 12 but filing a<00:36:30.319><
• </c><00:37:03.480><c> a</c> there is a difference between filing a there is a difference between filing
• Adjudication is separate from filing the petition.
• Filing a petition for a law violation is like charging a juvenile.
• Filing a petition for a law violation is like charging a juvenile.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures, beginning with Senate Bill 869 on community outreach boards. The Office of Information Practices said the bill was now clear and raised no concerns after clarification that it applies to Hawaii County community development action plan committees under the Sunshine Law. Written support was received from several individuals, and one testifier initially opposed the bill but withdrew opposition after hearing OIP’s explanation. No vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard Senate Bill 405 on neighborhood board meetings, which would let boards receive and discuss reports from government officials that were not on a noticed agenda, with final action deferred to a later noticed meeting. OIP said the bill was a policy choice but warned it would give boards more flexibility at the cost of less public notice. Support came from the Wke neighborhood board and Jacob Weinek, while Natalie Iwasa and Greg Mian opposed it, arguing it could lead to unclear agenda items and deeper discussion without adequate public notice. No vote was taken. The committee also heard Senate Bill 903 on a claims review working group in the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands asking for the measure to be deferred because it believed a complete inventory and audit of the public lands trust should come first. Members asked about the status of related House Bill 1358. The committee then heard tax measures: Senate Bill 1469, which would suspend the collection statute of limitations while tax assessments are on appeal, and Senate Bill 1467, which would clarify that county tax appeals do not need to be served on the Director of Taxation. The Tax Department supported both bills, and the Tax Foundation’s witness generally agreed but suggested a possible amendment to SB 1469 regarding insurance premium tax language. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 544 on sentencing of minor defendants, which would require courts to consider youth-related factors and allow departures from mandatory minimums; OHA, the Public Defender, Human Rights for Kids, and others supported it, citing trauma, diminished culpability, and national trends, and no opposition was noted in the excerpt. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 691 on family courts, which would set a minimum age of 12 for adjudication of law violations. The Public Defender and Human Rights for Kids supported the bill, saying very young children should not be treated as law violators and can still receive services through other family court mechanisms. The Attorney General’s office and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office opposed the measure, arguing it could limit court jurisdiction and services for younger children and might have unintended consequences, including recruitment of children into criminal activity. Members asked whether amendments could preserve the bill’s intent while addressing those concerns; no final action is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> files so this there be data files files so this there be data files publicly<04:51:54.280><c> available
• </c> readable files uh that means files readable files uh that means files posted<04:58:30.240><c> on
• Then the third file is essentially a prescription drug file, and I don't have to tell anybody on this
• </c><05:04:39.718><c> don't</c> these machine readable files don't these machine readable files don't
• together. these big data files to be submitted and these big data files to be submitted and by<05:16

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a non-germane amendment to HB 297 that would create the Granite State Home Mitigation and Resiliency Program. Insurance Commissioner DJ Beton, joined by department staff, explained that the proposal is intended to help homeowners afford insurance by funding proactive home improvements that reduce risk and improve insurability. He said the program would be funded by the first $1 million collected annually from the insurance premium tax, with grants of up to $10,000 available on a first-come, first-served basis. Beton described the problem as rising homeowners insurance premiums, hard-market underwriting, nonrenewals, and the resulting shift to more expensive surplus lines coverage. He said eligible projects could include roof fortification, exterior improvements, flood-related foundation work, and removal of hazardous trees or limbs. He cited similar programs in other states, especially Alabama, Louisiana, and North Carolina, as evidence the model can work and noted that industry representatives were present in support. He also said the program would use means testing aligned with the Department of Energy’s weatherization program to target lower-income applicants. Members asked about the non-germane process, who would administer the program, and how the bill would prevent misuse of grant funds. The commissioner said the department would administer the program using one repurposed existing position, with Treasury handling fund flow through an MOU. Staff explained that applicants would have to show completed work through a signed contract, itemized work, and a sworn contractor affidavit, with some upfront payment allowed for materials and the remainder paid after completion. The chair and members discussed that the amendment is being attached to a different bill only to move the proposal through committee and on to House Finance for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• The last bill on the agenda is House File 1257.
• It's, uh, Chair Nney, um, do you want to move House File 1257 before the committee with a recommendation
• I'm speaking today on House File 1257, which would eliminate the Public Safety Advisory Committee.
• </c> House file House file 1257<00:07:21.680><c> would</c><00:07:21.960><c> obscure</c><00:07:22.680>
• No motion carries, and House File 1257 is referred to the General Register.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 1257, which would eliminate the Public Safety Advisory Committee to the POST Board, was the final bill heard. The bill’s sponsor argued the committee was created in 2020 in response to post-Floyd criminal justice reforms but had since become obsolete because local agencies and communities had created their own oversight bodies and the main POST Board still includes citizen members and public participation. The sponsor said the advisory committee had run out of issues to address and was effectively meeting just to justify its existence. Former Representative Carlos Mariani testified in opposition, saying the committee was a bipartisan part of the 2020 Minnesota Police Accountability Act and was intended to preserve citizen involvement in policing policy and protect civil and human rights after George Floyd’s murder. He argued that eliminating it would weaken a state-level structure created to rebuild public trust and ensure consistent oversight, while still allowing local efforts to continue. Another member asked about compensation and noted the committee has a $20,000 ongoing appropriation through the POST Board; the sponsor clarified members are not individually compensated beyond per diem and travel. After discussion, the sponsor renewed the motion to recommend re-referral to the General Register. The committee voted, and the motion carried, sending House File 1257 to the General Register.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Frentz moved the Senate file.
• </c> Senator Friends moves Senate File Senator Friends moves Senate File 2216<00:39:57.680><c> as</c>
• </c> File 2373. File 2373.
• </c><01:06:15.440><c> as</c> and data relevant to 1099 filings as and data relevant to 1099 filings as
• File File 2373?

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> today to ask you to support file today to ask you to support file 2228<00:05:01.880><c> and</c><
• Please support House File 2228.
• </c> affordability please support house file affordability please support house file 2228<00:09:14.120
• </c> committee for taking up a house file committee for taking up a house file 2228<00:09:40.519><c>
• House File 546 is laid over. Our next bill on the agenda is Representative Muller's House File 856.

Bills: HF2228 , HF46 , HF856 , HF2149 , HF2215

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Keywords: homeowners insurance, property insurance, commercial property insurance, insurance affordability, insurance market stabilization, reinsurance, catastrophic reinsurance fund, self-insured pool, premium costs, coverage notice, liability reform, climate risk, climate change, housing affordability, multifamily housing, rental housing, common interest communities, cooperatives, small business insurance, Minnesota Commerce Department

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Senate file numbers 4401 334 and 1943. Senate file numbers 4401 334 and 1943.
• </c> and Senate file number 5200. and Senate file number 5200.
• </c> Committee reports on House files. Committee reports on House files.
• </c> passage of House File 4188? passage of House File 4188?
• House File Number 2438, Mr.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Next on the agenda, if we could have House File 3167.
• Representative Zeleznikar will move House File 3167, and this will be, um, and you have two amendments
• Um, House File 3167 is now amended as your request is, and to your bill, as amended.
• um and pass House File 3167. um and pass House File 3167.
• The Chair lays over House File 3167, as amended. Thank you very much.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving into consideration of the daily file.
• Colleagues, file item one is the confirmation of C.N.R.
• Colleagues, file item two is the confirmation of C.
• Okay, moving on to file item 16, SCR 126.
• Senator Laird, you have file item 25, SCR 135.

Summary: The Senate convened with quorum, observed a moment of silence for Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, and heard a prayer and pledge. Senator Perez introduced representatives of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, highlighting the organization’s community role and estimated economic impact from the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl. The chamber then approved the Senate journals and confirmed three gubernatorial appointments: C.N.R. Lomeli to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and C. Don Clay and Joshua Pertula to the University of California College of Law, San Francisco Board of Directors. All three confirmations passed by unanimous roll call votes. The Senate adopted several resolutions. SCR 120 by Senator Grayson designated the first week of March as National Consumer Protection Week and March 5 as Slam the Scam Day, with support from Senators Choi and Becker emphasizing scam awareness, senior fraud, data broker concerns, and consumer education; it passed 36-0. Grayson also introduced law enforcement and Secret Service representatives involved in recovering a Pleasant Hill resident’s $350,000 lost to a cryptocurrency scam. SCR 126 by Senator Grove proclaimed March 9, 2026, as Special Olympics Day in California and passed 35-0, with remarks from Grayson about the organization’s impact and personal connection. SR 79 by Senator Nilo designated the week of March 8 as Sleep Health Awareness Week, focusing on the health risks of sleep deprivation and daylight saving time; it passed by unanimous roll call. SCR 135 by Senator Laird declared the first week of March as Peace Corps Week, with support from Senator Choi reflecting on Peace Corps service and its global impact; it also passed unanimously. SR 83 by Senator McNerney recognized March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, stressing early screening and disparities in outcomes; it passed unanimously. After the resolutions, McNerney introduced colorectal cancer advocates and survivors who were present in the chamber. The Senate then moved to adjournment in memory, with Majority Leader Ashby honoring Paul McAley, father of lobbyist Chris McAley, and Senator Rubio honoring Robert Uyoha of Chino, a Navy veteran and longtime community servant. The session concluded with notice that the Senate would reconvene on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 9 a.m., with recess until 3:30 p.m. for the adjournment motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving into consideration of the daily file.
• Colleagues, file item one is the confirmation of C.N.R.
• Colleagues, file item two is a confirmation of C.
• Okay, moving on to file item 16, SCR 126.
• Senator Laird, you have file item 25, SCR 135.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House File 821 answers that question.
• I'm going to give the floor on the delete-all amendment for House File 2446.
• I'd like to move that House File 2446 be re-referred to the Ways and Means Committee. Mr.
• Chair, I would move the DE4 amendment to House File 2446.
• I would move the A2 amendment to House File 2446.

Bills: HF2446

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Keywords: agriculture finance, broadband development, Department of Agriculture, Board of Animal Health, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, Office of Broadband Development, food safety, food handler license, cottage food, home processed food, livestock dealer, meat packing company, milk marketer, milk marketing license, grain buyer, grain storage, beginning farmer, emerging farmer, farm down payment assistance, livestock investment grant

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 447 Chairman.
• File 73 that relates specifically to File 73 that relates specifically to this<00:28:22.960><c> bill,
• File 447?
• So, next up is Senate File 1098.
• And we'll go to Senate File 2039.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Wicklund, we're going to bring back Senate File 4399.
• </c> Senate file Senate file 4944<00:26:42.480><c> informational</c><00:26:42.920><c> hearing</c><00:
• </c> So, Senator Kroon, we have Senate file So, Senator Kroon, we have Senate file 4997<00:28:20.440>
• </c><00:36:07.160><c> 4696</c> Please vote yes on Senate file 4696 Please vote yes on Senate file 4696
• </c> Senate file 4696. Senate file 4696.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This recommendation amends section 254.042 of the Texas Election Code to limit the late filing penalty
• Thank you. identify unpaid penalties resulting from late-filed reports from publicly available sworn
• As we heard before the Commission, some of the thresholds and filing requirements are very confusing.
• As we heard before the Commission, some of the thresholds and filing requirements are very confusing.
• Obviously register to lobby and all the other various filing requirements. So I move adoption.

Keywords: Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Ethics Commission, recommendations, Angelina River Authority, Natchez Valley Authority, public testimony, legislative session

Summary: The meeting of the Sunset Advisory Commission served as a concluding assembly for the current biennium, where various agencies were reviewed. Notably, the Commission focused on staff recommendations and modifications regarding the Angelina and Natchez River Authority, Lower Natchez Valley Authority, and Texas Ethics Commission. After discussing various modifications, the members voted unanimously on multiple recommendations aimed at improving operational efficiency and accountability within these agencies. The Chair emphasized the collaborative effort of the Commission members and staff, acknowledging their hard work throughout the biennium.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, SB 695, file item 2; SB 775, file item 4; SB 695, file item 2; SB 775, file item 4; SB 78, file
• item 8; SB 298, file item 9; SB 480, file item 11; SB 586, file item 13; SB 727, file item 14; SCR 54
• , file item 15; ACR 71, file item 16; ACR 81, file item 17; ACR 96, file item 18; and ACR 97, file item
• File item 17, ACR 96. File item 18, ACR 96. Is there a motion?
• Continuing in file item order, we have file item number three, SB 63, Wiener. So you may begin.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several measures, beginning with SB 86, which would extend and expand the CAEATFA sales and use tax exclusion program through 2031, raise the annual cap from $100 million to $200 million, and add fusion energy. Supporters, including the State Treasurer and industry and labor representatives, cited billions in clean-tech investment, job creation, and environmental benefits; county groups opposed the bill over local revenue losses. The committee approved SB 86 on a 12-0 roll, holding the roll open for additional members. The committee then heard SB 545, which would require Go-Biz to study economic development opportunities along the California high-speed rail corridor, including land value, development incentives, and public-private partnerships. Labor, Fresno’s mayor’s office, and other stakeholders supported the bill as a way to spur corridor development and future funding opportunities, while one business group moved from opposition to neutral after amendments. The bill passed on a 9-1 vote, with the roll held open. Members next considered SB 63, a Bay Area transit funding measure authorizing a regional revenue measure to support transit operations amid looming fiscal shortfalls. The author and witnesses described severe service cuts that could follow without new funding, while committee members raised concerns about the bill’s structure, county participation, polling, and whether other revenue options should be considered. The bill advanced on a 9-3 vote, with the roll held open, and the committee also approved SB 263, directing a state study of tariff impacts on California’s economy and supply chains, on an 11-0 vote. Finally, the committee heard SB 661, which would redirect aviation-related tax revenues back to airports for aviation purposes and bring the state into compliance with federal requirements; testimony focused on airport modernization, rural access, and allocation formulas, but no final vote was taken in the portion provided.