Video & Transcript : 'weapons technology' :
Page 33 of 500
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, July 22, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ,</c><00:47:30.800><c> and</c> intelligence, quantum technologies, and intelligence, quantum technologies
- the weapons our war fighters<01:11:26.000><c> carry.
- I yield back. infrastructure, technology, and infrastructure, technology, and industrial<01:12:36.719
- </c><01:15:33.040><c> and</c> heavily in new technologies and heavily in new technologies and strengthening
- Maintenance of equipment, facilities, and weapon systems will be deferred.
Keywords:
Iran, war powers, War Powers Resolution, hostilities, military force, Congressional authorization, declaration of war, AUMF, foreign policy, national security, self-defense, U.S. Armed Forces, Middle East, executive war powers, troop withdrawal, intelligence sharing, counterintelligence, diplomatic facilities, regional security, anti-war resolution
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jan 27th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And so we have the technology to say, look, you logged in within the last half an hour from the same
- And so we have the technology to say, look, you logged in within the last half an hour from the same
- We hear about, oh, this individual carried a weapon to a peaceful protest. That's against the law.
- He didn't brandish the weapon.
- Just... ...who carried an AR-15-style weapon to a protest, shot three people, killed two.
Summary:
The Senate took up a series of third-reading bills covering horse racing, local taxation, consumer financial security, elections, utilities, batteries, sexual health, body-worn cameras, property tax treatment for inherited homes, adoptee birth records, youth housing bonds, workers’ compensation, and civil rights. SB 795 on horse racing, SB 762 allowing Hercules to seek voter approval for a sales tax increase, SB 505 requiring two-factor authentication for money transmitter platforms, SB 46 barring California ballot access for presidential candidates who have already served two terms, SB 73 restricting federal access to voting machines without a court order, SB 327 on utility oversight and ratepayer protections, SB 501 expanding battery producer responsibility, SB 608 on school contraceptive access, SB 691 on EMS-related redaction of body-worn camera footage, SB 288 clarifying Proposition 19 timing for inherited homes in probate, SB 381 giving adoptees access to original birth certificates, SB 492 creating a youth housing bond, SB 555 increasing permanently partially disabled workers’ benefits, and SB 747 creating a civil cause of action for constitutional violations by federal officers were all debated and advanced. Most measures passed on roll call, with SB 505 and SB 288 approved by unanimous roll call, and SB 73 carrying an urgency clause that also passed unanimously.
Debate on SB 747 was the most extensive and contentious. Supporters argued the bill was needed to hold federal officers accountable for alleged constitutional violations, especially in immigration enforcement, and described it as a civil-rights remedy for people harmed by federal agents. Opponents said existing federal and state remedies already cover such conduct, warned the bill was politically motivated, and argued it could increase litigation and strain law enforcement resources. The bill nevertheless passed on a 30-10 vote, with the urgency clause also approved. SB 492 on youth housing also drew debate over state bonding and debt, with supporters emphasizing early intervention for homeless and foster youth and opponents arguing the state should avoid borrowing and instead fund projects through the budget; it passed 30-9 on both urgency and the measure.
Other bills also drew focused testimony. SB 555 was presented as a long-overdue cost-of-living adjustment for permanently partially disabled workers’ benefits, and SB 381 was supported as a way to give adopted adults access to their original birth certificates for identity and medical-history reasons. SB 691 was framed as a privacy measure for patients receiving medical or psychological treatment, while SB 501 was described as closing a gap in California’s battery recycling and safety rules by adding medium-format batteries used in e-bikes and portable power systems. SB 762 was presented as a local option for Hercules to address revenue shortfalls, and SB 46 and SB 73 both centered on election integrity and constitutional questions, with members split over federal-state authority and ballot access.
NJ
New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Jun 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- of the Department of Health and Human Services, the weaponization of conservative state governments,
- of the Department of Health and Human Services, the weaponization of conservative state governments,
- It will be weaponized by some. There's bad actors, and landlords are...
- It will be weaponized by some. There's bad actors, and landlords.
- There's bad actors, lawyers, tenants out there that could weaponize laws if they aren't crafted in a
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Thinking there's a bomb threat on active shooter, our first responder break down doors with weapons,
- When law enforcement is sent to a home based on a false report, they often arrive with weapons drawn,
- At the same time, genetic technology is advancing rapidly.
- As these technologies evolve, protecting genetic privacy becomes even more critical.
- And this isn't about weaponizing anything or penalizing them.
Committee:
House Public Safety
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Organizational business meeting to consider an original resolution authorizing expenditures by the committee during the 119th Congress; to be immediately followed by hearings to examine the real impacts of debanking in America. Feb 5th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Anytime you see the weaponization of government against you or your industry...
- Let's say $100 on technology in terms of compliance.
- Look, our outdated payment system runs on this technology called a batch, which...
- We've got to make sure that we do not weaponize our regulators to push an agenda. Mr.
- The technology exists to do it, but it's usually more broad-based than that.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- ...and teach their students to engage with the technology.
- I've never seen a technology move this fast.
- So it's a yes-and that this technology is incredible.
- can be a tool or it can be a weapon.
- And I think how a lot of parents allow it to be used as a babysitter, it's a weapon.
Committee:
House Education
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Commerce Apr 13th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Now that standard was established before there was technology known to be able to protect against this
- Ultimately... ...before there was technology known to be able to protect against this threat.
- The good news, he said, is that there is now technology that can protect against this, but the first
- Technology is a little slow. Might be a solar flare or something. That could be.
- So as an example, if an adversary launched a nuclear weapon over, say, New York...
Summary:
The committee began by deferring six bills en bloc, then took up House Bill 1103, which would exempt certain industrial facility construction or improvement projects—especially aerospace-related facilities—from some local permitting requirements. Supporters said the goal was to reduce red tape and help Louisiana compete with states like Texas and Florida for aerospace investment, while members raised concerns about safety, home rule authority, and whether fewer permits could reduce oversight. The bill was reported favorably.
Members then heard extensive testimony on House Bill 1212, which would require utilities to assess large electric transformers for vulnerability to electromagnetic threats and report findings to GOSEP, with a public version of the report. The sponsor and a retired Marine officer argued the bill was a limited “scoping” measure to identify vulnerabilities to solar storms or EMP attacks and estimate hardening costs; they said the current federal standard is too low and that protection technology exists. Committee members and utility representatives questioned whether the bill duplicated existing federal/NERC requirements, whether the information could create security risks if disclosed, whether the PSC had already studied the issue, and whether the costs would be passed to ratepayers. The PSC said it had previously opened a docket and studied EMP/physical security issues but never issued a final recommendation. After discussion, the sponsor agreed to defer the bill, and the committee deferred HB 1212.
The committee then reported several technical or narrower bills favorably: House Bill 241 updated bank records disclosure citations and replaced a reference to the defunct Office of Thrift Supervision with the CFPB; House Bill 1091 shifted local fire departments to direct reporting into the federal emergency response system; and House Bill 1027 extended existing liability protection for real estate agents to licensed appraisers regarding smoke and carbon monoxide detector compliance in one- and two-family homes. Finally, House Bill 1096, dealing with electrical cooperative bylaws and board authority versus member approval, was introduced with testimony from cooperative representatives explaining it was intended to restore member control or allow cooperatives to opt out of the 2012 change that had expanded board authority. The transcript cuts off before final action on HB 1096.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> State Police testified, these weapons State Police testified, these weapons are<00:44:03.359><c>
- They are weapons designed functions.
- > listed</c> deadly weapon.
- Among the weapons listed deadly weapon.
- </c> experience as a computer technology experience as a computer technology teacher,<02:17:48.399><c
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint hearings with the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition to examine financial aggression, focusing on how the Chinese Communist Party exploits American retirees and undermines national security. Apr 9th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Aging (Special) Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Do you have the appropriate technology?
- Do you need a technology support? And again, I'll remind the chamber that I'm retired from the FBI.
- They want to beat us technologically, militarily, economically, and diplomatically.
- from the beginning of time have advanced as military weapons that allowed for nations to conquer or
- but also clearly defined technologies of national security concern.
Committee:
Senate Aging (Special) Committee
Keywords:
Chinese Communist Party, retirement security, investment risks, SEC enforcement, Bipartisan action
Summary:
The meeting primarily addressed concerns regarding the impact of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on American investments and the financial security of retirees. The chair discussed legislation aimed at ensuring the protection of American investors against the risks posed by Chinese companies. There was a consensus among the members regarding the necessity to enforce existing policies that require compliance from foreign companies wishing to trade on American exchanges. The discussion included testimony from various stakeholders highlighting the urgent need to limit exposure to the CCP in retirement portfolios. Additionally, there were calls for increased accountability of regulatory bodies such as the SEC to better shield American investors from potential loss.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 2nd, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Procuring Chinese technology.
- They talk about that. um, every type of technology and especially 10 part of, I mean, 10 key technologies
- technologically in the world.
- Even Brink's CEO has stated that their technology is five years behind. technology today.
- We don't want them weaponizing, coming in Texas, buying property, and it will... weaponizes and I'll
Bills:
HB17 , HB34 , HB41 , HB 118 , HB 119 , HB 127 , HB 128 , HB 129 , HB 130 , HB132 , HB133 , HB17 , HB41 , HB118 , HB119 , HB127 , HB128 , HB129 , HB130 , HB132 , HB133
Keywords:
foreign ownership, real estate, national security, designated countries, Texas property law, lobbying, foreign adversaries, compensation prohibition, transparency, civil penalties, higher education, foreign adversary, research security, trade secrets, academic partnerships, HB 128, sister city, sister-city agreement, international exchange, municipal diplomacy
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
06/01/2026 - Joint Legislative Audit Committee
Joint Legislative Audit Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- . ...still noted some deficiencies in fiscal year 2025 related to information technology, as the district
- Audits are not a weapon; they're simply to show whether a system is operating as designed or if it's
- How many incidents have you had since 2024 involving guns, knives, box cutters, and other weapons?
- And so she said, hey, somebody is lowering the weapons detection.
- After they went through the weapons detection.
Committee:
Joint Joint Legislative Audit Committee
Summary:
The committee first heard an update on Topok Elementary School District’s long-running noncompliance with Arizona’s Uniform System of Financial Records. The Auditor General’s office explained the USFR noncompliance process and reported that Topok had made substantial progress, correcting many deficiencies in areas such as open meeting law, procurement, payroll, attendance reporting, property control, and information technology. The district’s superintendent and staff described the corrective actions they had taken, the use of outside consultants, and their plan to maintain compliance through stronger leadership, training, and consistent procedures. Members praised the district’s progress and asked about the remaining deficiencies and the status of the 3% state-aid withholding, which the Auditor General said would be addressed by the State Board of Education.
The committee then considered a request for a fourth school safety special audit, tied to concerns raised by Representative Martinez about Phoenix Union High School District and school violence response practices. The Auditor General said the proposed audit would be a new topic focused on policies and procedures for responding to credible threats of violence and allegations of staff misconduct affecting student safety, and could include Phoenix Union in the sample. Representative Martinez described a fatal 2024 shooting, weapons incidents, and concerns about district oversight. The committee approved the motion 10-0.
Next, staff presented the fiscal years 2027-2028 school district performance audit schedule, describing 26 randomly selected school districts and career and technical education districts, plus 84 planned follow-ups. The Auditor General said the schedule is intended to shorten the average time between audits and that the school audits division is now fully staffed. Members asked about county coverage and the inclusion of ESA accountability, but the schedule was ultimately presented for review rather than approval.
The committee also heard a detailed federal compliance audit presentation on the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) administered by DES. The Auditor General reported repeated findings involving missing provider documentation, questioned costs, and FFATA reporting errors, including a 2024 sample that led to questioning $2.88 million in costs. The office recommended stronger documentation, record retention, reporting procedures, and staff training; DES concurred and said it would correct the findings in 2026. Members discussed the limits of the single-audit scope, the possibility of a broader special audit, and the federal government’s recent actions on CCDF oversight in other states. Finally, the committee considered and discussed a special audit request for CCDF that would broaden review to provider oversight, licensing, site visits, and billing accuracy across multiple state agencies, with estimated costs of $547,000 to $625,000 and a projected report date of July 31, 2027.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Jun 17th, 2026
Budget and Fiscal Review
Transcript Highlights:
- They can live anywhere in the world and still work because of technology that's available to us today
- And the last thing I want to mention is the anti-weaponization fund.
- Americans by saying that we would have a 100% tax on payments from that anti-weaponization fund.
- Chris Rose, on behalf of the Information Technology Industry Council.
- Sarah Bridges, on behalf of the California Manufacturers and Technology Association.
Committee:
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor and Transportation Mar 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Well, yes, for some things: weapons, duty gear, something like that. We'll have on supply.
- Well, yes, for some things: weapons, duty gear, something like that. We'll have on supply.
- And so it goes across the board: body-worn cameras, all of that type, weapons, body armor.
- Well, yes, for some things: weapons, duty gear, something like that. We'll have on supply.
- The license plate reader technology is out there, and we're going to continue that.
Summary:
The Senate Budget Subcommittee heard several Caltrans, CHP, and DMV budget and trailer bill items. On Caltrans fleet replacement, the department requested a one-time $225 million augmentation to replace aging medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and expand zero-emission vehicle infrastructure. LAO said the request was consistent with state policy, but senators criticized the high cost of electric fleet purchases and Caltrans’ delayed zero-emission fleet report; the chair said the report must be delivered within 30 days before the request could be fully considered. Caltrans also presented trailer bill language to replace an originally intended $50 million federal transfer for the High Road Construction Careers Program with $30 million in state Highway Account funds after federal eligibility problems prevented use of the federal dollars. Members questioned the reduction, the delay in implementation, where the remaining funds would go, and whether the program would keep jobs in California and meet labor standards; Caltrans and the Workforce Development Board said the program had prior success and that the state-funds transfer was intended to preserve the original policy goal.
The committee then reviewed CHP’s request for a $60 million augmentation for equipment and operating costs, which CHP said was needed because vacancy savings no longer covered rising fuel, vehicle, and other operating costs. CHP argued that recruitment success had reduced vacancies and that costs had risen sharply since 2006, while LAO recommended rejection, citing that the expenses were ongoing, CHP still had vacancies above pre-pandemic levels, and the Motor Vehicle Account faces structural insolvency by 2028-29. Members discussed whether the account can sustain these costs and whether the Legislature should consider broader funding changes. CHP also sought a permanent $885,000 augmentation for seven analyst positions for the Highway Violence Task Force; CHP said freeway shootings had fallen sharply since 2021 and that analysts were essential to solving cases, while LAO noted the request was smaller than prior years but would create an ongoing commitment. Senators generally supported the task force but asked for clearer metrics and reporting, especially because the data categories had changed over time.
Finally, the DMV presented the State-to-State verification system and related modernization work under DXP. DMV said State-to-State is required for Real ID compliance and that California must join the system by February 2027, with live testing planned for the summer. Senators focused heavily on privacy and data security, especially the inclusion of Social Security number digits in the system, the role of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, and whether Californians understood their information would be shared in a nationwide database. DMV said the system only shares federally required data, uses encryption, and is designed to de-duplicate records across states, but members pressed for more information on governance, audit authority, and whether the Legislature had explicitly approved the data-sharing approach. The chair asked DMV to follow up with the Attorney General and indicated the committee would continue reviewing the issue.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Mar 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The minimum necessary is active resistance with immediate access to a deadly weapon.
- And if maybe if I can't... ...the person has a weapon, then a police canine could be used.
- Second by... the person has a weapon, then a police canine could be used.
- As the world has changed and the use of technology As the world has changed and the use of technology
- As you know, technology continues to evolve, even from— ECPA says to that as well.
Summary:
The committee heard several public safety-related bills. AB 383 by Assembly Member Davies would expand and clarify firearm restrictions tied to juvenile adjudications, allow certain minor firearm possession for hunting or training with guardian approval, and authorize warrants in some domestic violence-related firearm surrender situations. Supporters, including a district attorney representative, argued it would close gaps in existing law and improve public safety; opponents said it would over-criminalize youth and disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The bill passed as amended to Appropriations.
AB 400 by Assembly Member Pacheco would require law enforcement K-9 units to meet statewide POST standards covering training, use of force, and handler skills. Supporters said the bill would create consistency, accountability, and safer deployments; opponents argued the standards were inadequate and would legitimize harmful canine practices. After debate over whether the bill expanded canine use or simply standardized it, the committee approved AB 400 and sent it to Appropriations.
AB 380 by Assembly Member Gonzalez would extend price-gouging protections during emergencies, including for hotels, food, essential goods and services, and commercial property, and would remove the 12-month lease limit loophole for rent gouging. Supporters said the bill responds to wildfire-related exploitation and provides clarity for disaster victims; business and landlord groups warned it could amount to commercial rent control and create uncertainty for future emergencies. The author said he would continue working on amendments, and the bill passed as amended to Appropriations.
AB 358 by Assembly Member Alvarez would create a narrow exception to Cal-ECPA so law enforcement could inspect tracking or surveillance devices found in a person’s home, vehicle, or property with the finder’s consent. Supporters said the change would help stalking and domestic violence victims preserve evidence quickly; privacy advocates argued warrants and existing emergency exceptions already cover these situations. The chair proposed narrowing the language to “tracking or surveillance device,” and the bill was held on call after an initial roll with only three votes in favor. The transcript also began AB 247, which would raise pay for incarcerated hand crew firefighters, with testimony from formerly incarcerated firefighters in support, but the discussion was not completed in the excerpt.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/22/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> that cars are weapons. that cars are weapons.
- ,</c><00:35:47.280><c> they're</c> person, but if they're weapons, they're person, but if they're weapons
- So, um individual could use as a weapon.
- So I'm sure that technology is certainly there.
- So I'm sure that technology is certainly there.
Committee:
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Mar 18th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislative body since then has been battling technology, and we always seem to be behind technology
- Fourth, technology has advanced faster than our laws.
- The nature of the crimes and also the nature of the technology and evidence that we have to get, that
- The nature of the crimes and also the nature of the technology and evidence that we have to get, that
- We see situations where the rapists might not have a weapon, might not threaten the victim explicitly
Committee:
House Administration of Criminal Justice
Summary:
The committee met on March 18, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several criminal justice bills. HB 36 by Rep. Butler, as amended, removed Evangeline Parish from the Acadiana Regional Juvenile Justice District and was reported favorably. HB 160 by Rep. Knox increased penalties for domestic violence offenses involving strangulation; the committee adopted an amendment requiring at least one year without probation or suspension, heard strong support from survivors and prosecutors, and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 552 by Rep. Bryant, handled by Vice Chair LaFleur, clarified DWI law to include impairment beyond alcohol; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 119 by Rep. Fontenot created and strengthened penalties for AI-generated sexual images, especially involving minors; after amendments, including a new possession offense and a name change to “Act Ivy Daniels,” the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 171 by Rep. Spell corrected a citation in the personal surety provisions and was reported favorably without opposition.
HB 140 by Rep. Cox drew the most debate. The bill lengthened juvenile delinquency filing and adjudication timelines and changed procedures for extensions and dismissals. Prosecutors and law enforcement supported the bill as a practical update to account for modern evidence gathering and case complexity, while public defenders, juvenile advocates, and other opponents argued it would prolong detention, undermine speedy-trial protections, increase costs, and harm children. After extensive testimony and discussion, the committee adopted amendments and reported HB 140 favorably as amended by a roll call vote of 8-3, with Representatives Knox, LaFleur, and Moore voting no.
The committee also heard HB 68 by Rep. Schlegel, combined with concepts from Rep. Glorioso’s similar bill, to update disturbing-the-peace law to protect houses of worship from intentional disruption. An amendment clarified definitions of worship spaces and interruptions and increased the mandatory minimum jail time from 15 to 30 days, while enhancing penalties to a felony for more serious conduct such as battery, property damage, or carrying a dangerous weapon during the offense. Supporters framed it as a deterrent and protection for religious liberty, while opponents, including the ACLU, raised First Amendment concerns and asked for tighter language. The transcript cuts off during opposition testimony, and no final vote on HB 68 is shown in the excerpt.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appr-Sub-Public Safety and Judiciary 2ND REVISED Afternoon Session Jan 28th, 2026 at 02:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- The technology, evidence recovery, and reconstruction of That crash is very high tech, and we've got
- We've optimized as much as we can with technology to the point of now truly putting troopers and the
- I have a weapon.
- So, there are times there's not a weapon on our campus.
- Weapons for our agents, the things we didn't budget that were never budgeted, we were able to do that
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Jun 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It prohibits the manufacture, sale, and use of technology... Explicit consent.
- This bill does not ban technology.
- Technology evolves. Online recruitment continues to grow and change dramatically.
- They use new technology. They exploit new platforms.
- We are pulling hundreds and hundreds of these weapons off the streets.
Summary:
The committee heard several public safety bills and took testimony on each, with members often noting amendments and continuing negotiations. SB 1009 by Senator Becker would require juvenile courts to find that less restrictive alternatives are unsuitable before ordering detention, and would require periodic review of continued detention and consideration of alternatives at disposition. Supporters argued it would reduce unnecessary youth detention and improve transparency; probation, judges, and police groups opposed it as an undue limit on judicial discretion and potentially unsafe in serious cases. The chair said he would recommend an aye with amendments, but the bill was held pending quorum and later remained on call.
SB 1130 by Senator Gomez Reyes would update privacy law for wearable recording devices such as smart glasses, requiring consent before recording in places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy and banning devices or accessories designed to defeat recording indicators. Supporters said the bill addresses secret recording and invasive surveillance; opponents from tech and hospitality groups sought clarification to avoid unintended liability for businesses and exempt workplace communication devices. Members discussed those exemptions, and the chair recommended an aye, but the measure also remained on call.
Senator Blake Spear presented SB 99, which would let courts consider military protective orders in domestic violence proceedings and require better communication between civilian law enforcement and military authorities. Supporters from the Department of Defense, local officials, and military representatives said it would close protection gaps for military families; the ACLU opposed it on due process grounds because MPOs are issued without judicial process. The chair and author emphasized that the bill only allows consideration of MPOs and does not require civilian enforcement of them. The bill passed out on a vote, though it remained on call for additional members.
The committee also heard SB 937 by Senator Gonzalez, restricting flashbang use for crowd control and banning flashbangs and explosive breaching charges in immigration enforcement, and SB 1022, creating a statewide anti-trafficking task force. SB 937 drew support from civil rights and community groups and opposition from police and sheriffs over the use-of-force standard and limits on tactics; it passed out on a vote but remained on call. SB 1022 was supported by survivor and faith groups and opposed by public defenders and sex worker advocates who raised concerns about racial disparities and enforcement harms; it also passed out on a vote. Later, SB 1395, extending criminal protective orders for certain felony sex offenses against minors up to 20 years, and SB 1230, increasing penalties for repeat illegal dumping, were both heard with mixed testimony and were held on call after committee votes. The committee also adopted a consent calendar and several bills were moved forward with amendments.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:30 am
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- And as I understand it, there are two basic sides in the state. ...as it does weaponize them.
- It's a weapon of tyranny.
- All right, while we get technology sorted, I'd like to invite James DeCica to testify in person.
- And that created barriers to being... ...was itself selling the assault weapon.
- So now you guys know who you need to worry about, who the guys are that have their weapons.
Summary:
The hearing focused heavily on firearms legislation, especially bills to repeal Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024 (including H. 2618/S. 1671 and related repeal measures) and bills on firearm industry accountability (H. 2672/S. 1653). Supporters of repeal, including Senator Peter Durant, Rep. Ken Sweezey, gun owners, instructors, sportsmen, and women’s gun-rights advocates, argued that Chapter 135 overreaches, creates confusion in licensing and training requirements, burdens lawful gun owners, restricts pepper spray and semi-automatic firearms, and is being enforced in ways they said criminalize responsible conduct. Committee members defending the law said it was the product of years of work, public listening sessions, and multiple drafts, and argued that Massachusetts remains the safest state for gun violence and that implementation issues, such as live-fire training, had been delayed to allow time for regulations and infrastructure.
Several witnesses also testified on H. 2672/S. 1653, which would create firearm industry standards of conduct and allow civil actions against manufacturers, distributors, and dealers that engage in unsafe or unlawful practices. Supporters from the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, Everytown, Brady, Giffords, and survivors described the bill as a way to hold the industry accountable, reduce the flow of crime guns, and give victims and the Attorney General a path to sue bad actors. They cited data on crime-gun traces, disproportionate impacts on communities of color, and examples from other states that have enacted similar laws. Opponents, including gun dealers and industry representatives, argued that existing law already punishes illegal sales, that most crime guns are stolen or diverted after lawful sale, and that the bill would improperly target manufacturers for the actions of others.
The committee also heard testimony on a bill to remove the non-resident ban on semi-automatic firearms for hunting (H. 2710/S. 1676), with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers supporting the change as a way to restore access for returning residents, veterans, and hunting programs that had been displaced. Later testimony returned to repeal and related gun-law bills, with sportsmen’s groups arguing Chapter 135 was rushed, confusing, and harmful to youth hunting and lawful ownership. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing; it was a public testimony session with extensive questioning by committee members.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, January 14, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- ,</c> and embracing new tools, technologies, and embracing new tools, technologies, and<00:24:04.559>
- ,</c><04:53:36.400><c> the</c> by modernizing, not weaponizing, the by modernizing, not weaponizing,
- </c><08:15:33.360><c> we</c> like the New Start, every new weapon we like the New Start, every new weapon
- I am particularly weapons program.
- </c> could justify the use of nuclear weapons could justify the use of nuclear weapons to<08:24:58.638
Keywords:
appropriations, national security, foreign aid, transparency, democracy, House Resolution 992, H.Res. 992, HR 992, rule resolution, procedural rule, Rules Committee, Committee of the Whole, previous question, motion to recommit, waiver of points of order, closed rule, structured rule, FY2026 appropriations, consolidated appropriations, federal spending