Transcript Highlights:

• Um uh committee hearings will be run.
• Um outbursts committee hearing rooms.
• </c> hearing room. hearing room.
• </c><00:01:04.239><c> rooms</c> committee hearing rooms committee hearing rooms um<00:01:05.600><c> of
• <c> that</c><00:07:48.560><c> full</c> Today's hearing is about that full Today's hearing is about that

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To be clear, this hearing is not about whether energy efficiency works.
• We won't be able to hear you. Oh, you won't because of this.
• And the folks listening at home won't be able to hear you. That's so true.
• Thank you again for holding this hearing.
• And with that, our hearing is adjourned. Public comment. And with that, our hearing is adjourned.

Committee: House Utilities and Energy

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll now move into public hearing.
• Are you hearing that? Witness: I've heard that as a concern.
• I think we might hear from Representative Jones in a bit here.
• Seeing none, that concludes our hearing on House Bill 2933.
• Seeing none, that concludes our hearing on House Bill 2933.

Committee: House General Laws

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> in</c><00:13:59.920><c> favor</c> Okay, hearing none, those in favor Okay, hearing none, those in
• Can you hear us?
• Um, can you hear us?
• </c> &gt;&gt; Can you hear us? &gt;&gt; Can you hear us?
• </c> Can you hear us now? Can you hear us now? &gt;&gt; I<00:27:26.080><c> can.

Bills: HF3521 , HF1807 , HF1270 , HF2070 , HF3136

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Keywords: hospital moratorium, hospital construction, bed capacity, hospital expansion, health care facilities, hospital licensing, safety-net hospital, level I trauma center, Ramsey County, Minnesota health law, hospital beds, new hospital exception, certificate of need, inpatient capacity, emergency care, trauma services, health system regulation, state moratorium, hospital modernization, health infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:

• You'll hear from a couple of IEMAC representatives here today.
• We're so glad you're having this hearing.
• And now we will be hearing public comments.
• Thank you so much for the hearing today.
• Thanks to the committee for holding this hearing.

Committee: Joint Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies

Summary: The committee heard an overview and discussion of CARB’s proposed amendments to California’s Cap-and-Invest program, implemented under AB 1207 and SB 840. Chairs and members emphasized the program’s role in meeting climate targets while balancing affordability, and CARB described the proposal as intended to preserve market certainty, strengthen cost containment, address utility affordability, and support the state’s 2045 carbon-neutrality goal. CARB also noted the public comment period, the planned board hearing, and the goal of an effective date of September 1, 2026. Members questioned CARB on several implementation issues, including whether the rulemaking would be completed on time, the treatment of carbon capture and sequestration, the timing of the transfer of allowances from natural gas utilities to electric utilities, and the impact on ratepayers. CARB said it was on track to meet the May deadline, that CCUS/CDR could be further refined in the proposal and would also be addressed in a separate SB 905 rulemaking later in the year, and that it was seeking to protect ratepayers while inviting more utility data during the comment period. The committee also discussed refining-sector leakage risk, gasoline imports, and how imported fuel is accounted for under cap-and-invest versus the low-carbon fuel standard. A second panel of outside experts and stakeholders then testified. The Legislative Analyst’s Office and IEMAC representatives explained the major statutory changes, including putting offsets under the cap, shifting allowances from natural gas to electric utilities over time, and changing how allowance value is divided among utilities, industry, and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. They stressed that CARB has significant discretion in setting the allowance “pie,” and that more free allocations to utilities or industry reduce GGRF revenues. EDF’s representative argued the proposal should be adopted this spring, said the utility transition should happen faster, and urged a tighter near-term emissions cap. SCAPA, representing publicly owned utilities, opposed the proposed utility allocation changes, saying they would reduce expected allowances, undermine long-term planning, and could force higher rates or reduced decarbonization investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to call this hearing of the Assembly Education Committee to order.
• We are scheduled to hear...
• And when they hear that their child's being placed in an...
• The hearing is adjourned. Thank you. And that’s a wrap. The hearing is adjourned. Oh. Oh, or Nilo?
• Hearing is adjourned. Um, I mean, uh, what’s on the floor?

Summary: The Assembly Education Committee met without a quorum for much of the hearing and heard several bills out of order. SB 249 by Senator Umberg would move county board of education elections from the primary to the statewide general election. Supporters, including the League of Women Voters and many educators, argued the change would increase turnout and make the electorate more representative. The Orange County Board of Education opposed the bill, saying it would increase costs, reduce local control, and bury education races on crowded general-election ballots. The chair and members discussed turnout, cost, and representation, but the bill was held pending a quorum. Senator Grove presented SB 373, which adds safeguards for California students placed in out-of-state non-public schools through IEPs. The bill would require more robust LEA and CDE oversight, including annual site visits, student interviews, quarterly contact, stronger certification standards, and restrictions on prone, supine, and mechanical restraints. Testimony from a survivor of an out-of-state placement and from advocates emphasized abuse, neglect, and the need for stronger monitoring. There was broad support and no opposition testimony, but the measure was also held pending a quorum. Senator Ashby presented SB 568, the epinephrine in schools modernization act, to clarify and expand requirements for stocked epinephrine so they clearly apply to all public schools, including preschool programs. School nurses and medical experts said the bill would close gaps created by universal preschool and ensure life-saving treatment is available for anaphylaxis. The committee discussed dosing and implementation, and the bill was supported without opposition testimony. The committee also heard SB 414, the Charter School Accountability Act, which would strengthen fiscal oversight, audit standards, and transparency for charter schools and authorizers. Supporters said it responds to fraud and audit findings while preserving charter flexibility; opponents, including school employees and teachers, said it did not go far enough on authorizer accountability and small-district oversight. After discussion, the committee voted 7-0 to pass SB 414 as amended to Appropriations. The committee also briefly heard SB 743 by Senator Cortese, which would create an equalization reserve account to provide additional funding to underfunded school districts and reduce funding inequities tied to ZIP code. The author said the bill would support student achievement and teacher retention over time. The transcript cuts off before testimony or action on SB 743 was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Morning hearings must adjourn prior to floor session.
• First hearing on the first agenda item for this 10 a.m. hearing is SB 597 relating to administrative
• Please do not notice for that hearing.
• First hearing agenda for this morning.
• </c><00:14:24.959><c> is</c> a.m. hearing is a.m. hearing is SB597<00:14:27.120><c> relating</c><00:14

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation met on March 20, 2025, first on two bills and then on a series of resolutions. On SB 597, relating to administrative driver’s license revocation, the Department of the Attorney General and other agencies supported extending the deadlines for written review decisions because chemical testing results, especially from neighbor islands, can take longer to return. One individual testified in opposition. The committee amended the bill to set the review-decision deadlines at 14 and 28 days, deferred the effective date to July 1, 3000, and recommended passage with amendments by vote. The committee then heard SB 1285 SD2, a highway safety measure that would create an impaired-driving offense, establish automatic license suspension procedures, and amend related administrative processes. The Attorney General’s office raised concerns about the new infraction structure and recommended deleting that section, while the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing it could create due process problems and unnecessary burdens on the courts. DOT and several advocacy groups supported the measure, and one individual testified in support of lowering the BAC limit to 0.05. The committee adopted extensive amendments, including deleting several sections, revising revocation language for refusals to test, and deferring the effective date to July 1, 3000, then passed the bill with amendments. In the later resolution hearing, the committee heard measures on Maui road projects, the Kulani Hako Bridge replacement, enforcement against improperly registered out-of-state vehicles, a proposed extension of the Skyline rail to West Oahu, a proposal to transfer airport regulatory authority to DOT, a golf-ball safety resolution, and a restricted parking pilot program in West Oahu neighborhoods. Testimony was generally supportive on the Maui road, bridge, vehicle-registration, and golf-ball measures, while DOT opposed the airport-corporation task force resolution and several groups offered mixed views, including calls for public-sector union representation if a task force were created. The committee also heard support and concern on the Skyline extension resolution, with members noting the need for transit options that better serve West Oahu. At the end of the meeting, the committee adopted the resolutions it took up in decision-making, including the Maui road measures, the bridge resolution, the vehicle-registration resolution, and the Skyline-related resolution, with the airport-corporation and parking-zone measures also heard before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I first want to note that this hearing will focus on the California Air Resources Board (CARB), with
• Including Proposition 4, it has been moved to the April 9th hearing.
• Great, we'll hear from the CARB representative. Good morning, Richard Boyd.
• I appreciate hearing those. Of course. Yeah. Brandon Merritt, Department of Finance.
• That’s a good point, and again, that’s exactly what these committee hearings are for: for us to hear

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Because what I'm hearing is it's been done for a long time.
• I'm certainly hearing that from my colleagues talking about the rhetoric that you're hearing.
• I'm certainly hearing that from my colleagues talking about the rhetoric that you're hearing.
• I'm certainly hearing that from my colleagues talking about the rhetoric that you're hearing.
• </c> steps that you all have been hearing steps that you all have been hearing about<00:48:10.680><c>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> detained pending on pre-trial hearing. detained pending on pre-trial hearing.
• That concludes the public hearing.
• And that will conclude the hearing.
• ><c> joint</c><01:10:21.679><c> legislative</c> hear from that joint legislative hear from that joint
• </c> Uh that concludes the public hearing. Uh that concludes the public hearing.

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think people hear me. That's why I'm wondering if it's on. Is it on? It is on. I hear it. Yeah.
• You can hear her? Okay. All right.
• The hearing room is open for attendance of this hearing, and it can be watched via live stream on the
• With that, we will begin our hearing.
• So you'll hear from speakers today.

Summary: The hearing was a select committee discussion on the transportation costs and impacts of California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), with opening remarks from the co-chairs and members emphasizing affordability, climate goals, and the need to explain the program’s benefits to the public. The first panel from CARB and the California Energy Commission described how LCFS works as a market-based, declining carbon-intensity program that rewards lower-carbon fuels, supports zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, and is intended to reduce greenhouse gases and local air pollution. They argued the program has driven billions in private investment, increased alternative fuel use, and that LCFS credit prices are not the main driver of retail gasoline prices, which they said are dominated by crude oil, refining, and distribution costs. Members questioned the panel on the gap between the regulatory target and actual carbon-intensity performance, the role of credit banking, which fuels are generating the most credits, how the 2025 amendments affected the program, and whether LCFS credits are truly additional. CARB explained that banking helps cost-effectiveness and investment certainty, that ethanol, renewable diesel, and biodiesel currently provide the largest volumes while electricity is expected to grow, and that the updated targets were informed by the state’s 2045 carbon-neutrality goals and the 2030 scoping plan. The Energy Commission said its data show environmental programs add some cost to gasoline but do not drive price volatility, which is mainly tied to crude oil and refinery margins. The second panel, featuring academic and research experts, focused on program design, out-of-state credit generation, and broader economic effects. Speakers said LCFS is successful because it ties incentives to emissions benefit, uses life-cycle analysis, and allows flexible compliance that lowers costs compared with more direct regulation. They also said the program’s benefits generally outweigh costs, that it can reduce air pollution disparities and support equity, but that some issues—especially indirect land use change, additionality, and older program assumptions—need more research and may warrant future rulemaking. One researcher noted that while LCFS likely raises gasoline prices somewhat, the effect is uncertain by design and usually smaller than normal market fluctuations, and another warned that limiting credit generation too narrowly could create legal and efficiency problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> testimony um because this morning's hear testimony um because this morning's hear hearings<00:12
• Mahalo for hearing SB 1396.
• Thank you for hearing this bill and taking the time.
• We're going to be hearing HCR 142 and HR 136.
• We're going to be hearing HCR 142 and HR 136.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing of the House Committees on Tourism and Water and Land was held on March 20, 2025, on SB 1396 SD3 HD1, which would raise transient accommodations tax revenues beginning in 2027, impose a $20 per-night tax on stays booked through loyalty or rewards points, and dedicate funds to DLNR for natural resource protection, management, and restoration. The Office of the Governor, DLNR, DBEDT, the Hawaii State Energy Office, Tax Department, Hawaiian Home Lands, HI-EMA, the Climate Advisory Team, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, HCDA, the Hawaii Ocean Legislative Task Force, Resource Legacy Fund, KUA, and the Hawaii Tourism Authority all testified in support or with comments, generally emphasizing the need for dedicated funding for environmental stewardship, resilience, wildfire and climate preparedness, and community-based projects. Several supporters cited polling showing broad visitor willingness to pay additional fees to protect Hawaiʻi’s resources, and DLNR and the Attorney General noted the bill aligns with broader state land-management and fire-safety priorities. Opposition came from the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi and the Maui Chamber of Commerce, which argued the bill unnecessarily raises the TAT, places more burden on visitors and visitor-dependent businesses, and could harm Maui’s still-recovering economy. The Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaiʻi initially marked opposition but then said it had misunderstood the bill’s relationship to another measure and asked to resend testimony. Expedia Group did not oppose the TAT increase itself but raised operational concerns about the new tax on loyalty-point redemptions, calling it novel and difficult to administer. The American Hotel Lodging Association and Hawaiʻi Hotel Alliance were listed as having no comments present. Testifiers also suggested amendments, including dedicating the revenues to a special fund, ensuring community grants, and clarifying administrative provisions. One testifier urged the bill be used to fund hurricane shelters and stronger building standards, while another emphasized that the measure should support people and disaster resilience as well as environmental protection. During questions, members asked for the polling methodology and for a breakdown of current TAT allocations; staff indicated they could share the survey memo and began identifying existing statutory remittances. No vote or final committee action was taken during the excerpted portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I’m going to close that hearing and reopen the hearing on House Bill 148.”
• So I’m going to close that hearing and reopen the hearing on House Bill 148.
• </c> 584 and I'm going to recess that hearing 584 and I'm going to recess that hearing to<01:33:20.320
• </c> opposition we are here today to hear opposition we are here today to hear from<01:45:58.239><c>
• </c><03:00:26.520><c> deep</c> women who are tall short hear deep women who are tall short hear deep

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 148, with the chair limiting testimony to two minutes and asking for no outbursts so the committee could get through eight bills that day. Representative Kofalt, the prime sponsor, said HB 148 was the same as last year’s HB 396, which passed both chambers but was vetoed by the governor. He explained the bill would allow, but not require, separation by biological sex in bathrooms, locker rooms, houses of correction, and certain athletic competitions, leaving local school boards and administrators discretion to set policies. He argued the bill was meant to address safety and privacy concerns and cited a Milford incident and concerns in several school districts as examples of why local flexibility was needed. Committee members questioned the lack of a definition of “biological sex” and how the bill would be applied. Kofalt said he did not think a definition was necessary because males and females are generally understood, and he said the bill would give local policymakers latitude to make practical rules. He also said the bill was intended to address situations where people might misuse transgender claims to access spaces inappropriately. In response to questions, he said he was aware of issues in Kearsarge, Milford, and Mascoma school districts and had heard of discomfort in the State House, though he did not know all the details. Several opponents testified that the bill would discriminate against transgender and non-binary people and create enforcement problems. Executive Councilor Karen Hill said the bill would roll back New Hampshire’s anti-discrimination protections and conflict with the state’s Live Free or Die values. Alice Wade, a trans woman, said she had used women’s restrooms without incident and argued the bill would invite invasive enforcement and harassment. Representative La Selig said the bill was discriminatory and that bathroom concerns were being confused with unrelated harassment by cisgender males. Betsy Harrington supported the bill, citing a girls’ soccer game at Kearsarge that she said was disrupted by a boy playing on a girls’ team. Rosie Emer and her child testified against the bill, saying bathroom restrictions would increase anxiety and risk for trans and non-binary children. Stephen Scaer and Wendy Stallings supported the bill, arguing sex is biologically fixed and that excluding males from female spaces should not require genital inspections. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:24:32.000><c> on</c> Um, next we will open the hearing on Um, next we will open the hearing on
• </c> uh but the thing is you have to hear uh but the thing is you have to hear this<03:57:45.199><c>
• I hear you. But I I do Yeah, I hear you. I hear you.
• hearing.
• Um hearing.

Committee: House Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to start with a public hearing on Senate Bill 5252, with a briefing from Christina King.
• And one of the things that I keep hearing from our county treasurer is they're struggling with their
• And so I'm happy to hear any questions. Current limitation. And so I'm happy to hear any questions.
• And seeing no further testifiers, we are going to close the hearing on Senate Bill 5252.
• We are going to open the hearing on Senate Bill 5994 with a briefing from Rochelle Harris.

Bills: SB5994

Committee: House Finance

Keywords: timber tax, school funding, levy failure, tax distribution, education funding, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When you're ready, just announce yourself and we'll hear you out.
• Chairman Scott, members of the committee, thank you for being here and for letting me attend this hearing
• Thank you for letting me attend this hearing this morning early.
• To make this short and sweet, if you introduce this, of course, there'll be a lot more in the hearing
• Chairman Scott, Representative Church, and again, we'll get deep into the details on the bill hearing

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from Wednesday, January 28 by voice vote. It then set aside RS 33085, Representative Skog’s proposal, after noting the sponsor was absent, and moved on to RS 3308, Representative Shepard’s bill on firearms instructor enhanced licensing. Shepard said the measure would make enhanced concealed carry permits easier and more affordable by removing the requirement for an attorney to be present for instructors with eight years of experience, while preserving reciprocity with other states. After questions about reciprocity and the bill’s effect, the committee voted to introduce RS 3308. The committee next heard RS 33085, also from Representative Skog, concerning pediatric transition parental rights. Skog said the bill would prohibit social transitioning of minors without parental knowledge or consent, and would allow the attorney general or parents to seek legal action if it occurs. Members asked for clarification about whether the bill was limited to social transitioning, what examples had prompted the proposal, and who could be sued under the private right of action. Skog said it was limited to social transitioning and related conduct, and that the bill would provide injunctive and declaratory relief as well as a lawsuit option. After discussion, the committee voted to introduce RS 33085, with one member requesting to be recorded as opposed. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to welcome everybody to the Public Service hearing today, May 7th.
• There's a few hearings going on today. He had to step out, but he'll be back.
• Ryan, members of the board, thank you for hearing me today.
• Is there no one else in the committee hearing room?
• The hearing is adjourned. Thank you, everyone.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Service

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing on May 7, chaired by Senators Mike Brady and Dan Ryan, and heard testimony on a wide range of retirement and benefits bills for public employees and their families. Several bills focused on line-of-duty death or disability benefits for police and firefighters, including Senate Bill 1831 for Joanne Sanji, widow of Rutland Detective John Sanji, whose COVID-19 death was described by family, counsel, and the police chief as a line-of-duty death already recognized by local, state, and federal memorials. Similar support was offered for bills involving the surviving spouse of a State Police officer injured in the line of duty, a Springfield officer injured by a hammer attack during a mental health call, and a bill for a former police officer seeking an increased disability retirement due to PTSD after a traumatic incident. Testimony repeatedly emphasized that these cases had been recognized locally or had already moved through prior sessions, but legislative action was still needed to secure benefits. The committee also heard multiple firefighter-related retirement bills. Representatives and union advocates supported a bill for retired Attleboro Fire Captain Walter Gerton, arguing that an audit and recalculation improperly reduced his pension after retirement and that the correction was requested by the local retirement board. Another bill sought disability retirement for former Westfield firefighter Greg Heath, who testified that Parkinson’s disease has made daily life and family care increasingly difficult; supporters cited studies linking firefighting exposures to Parkinson’s and said the city, retirement board, and local officials backed the measure. The committee also heard testimony for retired Quincy Fire Deputy Chief Kevin Bithrow, who described a Parkinson’s diagnosis following years of exposure at major toxic fires, including the Home Depot and MWRA incidents, and for a related Quincy bill that would treat his retirement as line-of-duty for survivor protection. Additional bills included a proposal to provide flags to next of kin of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty, a bill to resolve employer contribution obligations for the Neshoba Associated Boards of Health in the state retirement system, and several individual retirement or service-credit measures. These included a bill for former State Police gang unit officer David Patterson, a school nurse seeking additional credible service credit for a temporary staffing emergency, and a former Suffolk County sheriff’s deputy seeking an increased disability retirement after a violent inmate assault left him with lasting injuries. Testimony generally came from the affected individuals, family members, municipal officials, retirement boards, and public safety unions, with most speakers urging favorable action and noting that many of the bills had already passed one chamber or had been filed in prior sessions. At the end of the hearing, the committee took no recorded votes on the bills and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I hope you can hear me. I'm actually out in Colorado with my daughter at the moment.
• So now I'd like to hear from you all.
• So now I'd like to hear from you all. So now I'd like to hear from you all.
• And I'd love to hear folks unmute and share this powerful moment.
• Hi, I'm driving, but I can hear you.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging opened its March quarterly meeting by welcoming Alison Bauer as its first full-time director, effective March 30. Bauer briefly introduced her background in law, social work, public health, state government, philanthropy, and teaching, and said she planned to meet one-on-one with each commissioner. The commission then approved the December quarterly meeting minutes by motion and vote. The main portion of the meeting was a workshop led by Adriana Boulin on diversity, equity, inclusion, power, belonging, and intersectionality. Boulin defined key terms, guided participants through reflection exercises on personal values and conditions that support or undermine power, and discussed the history of intersectionality. Commissioners and guests shared examples of DEI work, including listening sessions, inclusive trainings, equitable hiring, LGBTQ+ aging advocacy, and community programs. Participants also reflected on how the commission has felt powerful, citing the strategic plan, the hiring of an executive director, the website, listening sessions, and passage of the LGBTQI+ and HIV long-term care bill of rights. The group then focused on how to apply an equity lens to the commission’s strategic priorities, especially improving representation and inclusion. Commissioners discussed the need for more racial, ethnic, trans, immigrant, and other marginalized representation, as well as barriers such as recruitment challenges, the size of the commission, and CORI/background-check concerns for some governor-appointed seats. They also explored whether an advisory board or expanded outreach to community organizations could help broaden participation. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes, but the meeting ended with agreement to continue the equity work and with the next quarterly meeting scheduled for June.

Transcript Highlights:

• Does the chair hear objection to proceed with the orders of the day? Chair, there is none. Mr.
• I think it is important to consider that every amendment today that you will hear has been filed and
• Summaries of hearings and attendance and how we vote on the bills at those hearings are all... ...attendance
• and how we vote on the bills at those hearings are all going to be made public and posted online.
• Therefore, members will be required to vote in person at hearings and at sessions.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first took up House Bill 58, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill. The chamber adopted a further amendment offered by Rep. Michael Witts of Boston, then concurred with the Senate as amended after a roll call vote of 128-23. The House then moved to the orders of the day and considered the proposed permanent joint rules for the 2025-2026 session (House No. 2026 / Senate No. 18), with Rep. Moran of Brighton presenting the package as a set of transparency and process reforms, including joint committee procedures, a 60-day reporting deadline, public posting of summaries and testimony, and revised formal session timing. A series of minority amendments offered largely by Rep. Jones of North Reading and others were debated and repeatedly rejected, including proposals to require roll call votes for post-July 31 formal business, require two weeks’ notice for such sessions, publish State Auditor audits on the legislative website, require SJC advisory opinions on constitutional disputes, extend poll windows to two hours, require advance notice of electronic polls, and lengthen amendment filing deadlines. Supporters argued these changes would improve transparency, accountability, and member access; opponents said they would slow the legislative process and reduce flexibility. Most of these amendments failed on roll call votes by margins of 128-23 or similar, while a technical amendment from Rep. Galvin was adopted. The House then adopted the joint rules package by roll call, 128-23. The chamber also adopted the House rules package for the 2025-2026 session (House No. 2024) after debate led by Rep. Galvin of Canton, who emphasized modernization, online transparency, in-person participation, and an outside audit and EEO officer. Additional minority amendments on committee reporting, timing of formal business, and poll procedures were debated and defeated, while one technical amendment was adopted. The House later returned to the issue of legislative audits, rejecting an amendment to require House audits by the State Auditor after a lengthy debate over Question 1, separation of powers, and the scope of the auditor’s authority. The session ended with a memorial tribute to former Rep. Carol Doherty and an order to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is the second hearing of the Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color.
• You might remember the first hearing took place in Los Angeles at Chuco's Justice Center.
• From our first hearing, two bills were derived from community and incarcerated youth.
• So, again, you're definitely going to hear about the community schools initiative.
• Is anybody else in this hearing room? Hello, everybody. My name is James Birch.

Keywords: 988, house, all