Video & Transcript : 'first grade' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on the Census Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Senate Committee on the Census
Transcript Highlights:
- But this is the first step.
- But this is the first step. And critically, 30 count in a state. But this is the first step.
- Is that sort of the first one of this cycle? That is the first one.
- Is that sort of the first one of this cycle? That is the first one.
- So our first part was, our first part was, partners at the federal level.
Committee:
Senate Senate Committee on the Census
Summary:
The Senate Committee on the Census held a hearing on September 22, 2025 focused on preparations for the 2030 census, with an emphasis on Massachusetts’ role in building a complete address list and improving local participation in census-related address review programs. Chair Brownsberger and witnesses from the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office, the UMass Donahue Institute, Watertown, and MassGIS described the importance of accurate address data for congressional apportionment, federal funding, and state and local planning. They also discussed the first major upcoming step, the Block Boundary Suggestion Project, and the later Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) process, both of which rely on municipalities reviewing and correcting census geography and address files.
John Rosenberry of the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office said outreach to cities and towns is beginning now, with a likely December start for the block boundary process based on the 2020 cycle. He stressed that local officials, clerks, building inspectors, housing authorities, and GIS staff should be engaged early, especially to capture new development and conversions created under the state’s housing policies. Susan Strait of UMass Donahue explained that LUCA allows local governments to compare their address lists with the Census Bureau’s master address file, and that Massachusetts had very high participation in 2020; she cited examples where local review added hidden or newly built housing units and noted that Boston later corrected a group-quarters undercount of about 6,000 students through a post-census review program. In response to questions, she clarified that those corrections affected annual estimates and funding formulas, but not the 2020 apportionment count.
Watertown City Manager George Proakis described how local address review is complicated by accessory dwelling units, single-family to two-family conversions, and large multifamily projects, and urged continued state support for local governments doing this work. Dan Marrier of MassGIS then outlined the Massachusetts Master Address Database, explaining that it combines multiple sources, including E911, assessor, voter, and municipal data, to create a standardized residential address repository used for census preparation and other state functions. He said the database has helped improve census accuracy, including by updating more than one million Census Bureau address-point locations before 2020, and noted that local municipalities remain the final authority on addresses even as MassGIS standardizes and reconciles variants across the Commonwealth.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration and General Government Feb 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It is my first subcommittee hearing here in Budget 4.
- It is my first subcommittee hearing here in Budget 4.
- In terms of the Housing First program model, I think what we would expect to see if Housing First was
- It is the first of its kind.
- First, this is my first day. All right. I'm forgiven, right? Okay.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:07:45.039><c> reader</c> uh there's no debate on first reader uh there's no debate on first reader
- was born, the first letter of congratulations and the first bouquet of flowers came from all of you
- my daughter, my first daughter was born,<00:19:48.320><c> the</c><00:19:48.640><c> first</c> born, the
- first born, the first um<00:19:50.559><c> the</c><00:19:50.880><c> first</c><00:19:51.120><c> letter
- um the first letter of congratulations and<00:19:52.880><c> the</c><00:19:53.039><c> first</c><00:19
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Election Laws Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Election Laws
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, this is not the first time that East Hampton was using it, but even when it was not the first
- saying, 'I'm going to be voting for this person first.
- First of all, we are here to testify. First of all, thank you for having this hearing.
- First of all, we are here to testify. First of all, thank you for having this hearing.
- And so you're just counting them up, the first choice.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Election Laws
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Election Laws held a public hearing focused primarily on ranked choice voting (RCV) legislation and several local home rule petitions, along with one petition to authorize remote participation in Concord town meetings. Chairs Keenan and Hunt outlined hearing procedures and noted the committee would hear both in-person and virtual testimony. The committee also took testimony on Concord’s request for remote participation in open and special town meetings, with supporters arguing it would make town meeting more accessible to residents with childcare, mobility, work, or disability barriers while preserving direct democracy.
A large portion of the hearing centered on RCV local-option bills and municipal petitions from communities including Concord, East Hampton, Salem, Chelsea, Arlington, Revere, Amherst, and others. Supporters—among them local officials, legislators, election advocates, educators, veterans, and nonprofit leaders—said RCV would reduce vote-splitting, encourage more candidates, promote more positive campaigning, improve representation, and increase turnout. East Hampton officials described their existing use of RCV, saying it produced record turnout, was easy for voters to understand with education, and could be expanded to multi-winner races without major added cost. Concord and Amherst witnesses said their voters had already approved local steps toward RCV and urged the committee to let municipalities implement the system without further delay.
Testimony in favor of the local-option RCV bill emphasized home rule and local control, with several witnesses arguing the state should not block communities that have already voted to adopt RCV. Speakers from MassVOTE, the AFT Massachusetts, Voter Choice Massachusetts, Progressive Massachusetts, the Boston Teachers Union, and Veterans for All Voters said the reform would strengthen democracy, broaden participation, and save money by avoiding low-turnout preliminary elections. Some witnesses also referenced examples from Cambridge, Maine, and Utah to argue that RCV is workable, nonpartisan, and familiar to voters. The hearing ended with no votes or final committee action taken in the transcript provided.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- So we are liable for the first 10%.
- The first one is UALR.
- The first one is J1, Department of Health.
- The first one is J1, Department of Health.
- But, for instance, the first several—I mean, the first one has an address, the second one does not have
Committee:
All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Apr 20th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So we'll begin first with file item 64, Senate Resolution 93 by Senator Cortese.
- He was drafted first in 1971 in the NFL draft.
- He's someone who, as the author mentioned, first Latino quarterback to win the Super Bowl.
- But I would remind you that same day Tom Flores was the first quarterback to win the Super Bowl.
- As I mentioned earlier, the wild card—first wild card team to ever win the Super Bowl.
Summary:
The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, including a remembrance of the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The chamber then took up Senate Resolution 87 by Senator Archuleta, which recognized April 24 as the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and emphasized historical remembrance, support for Armenian communities, and concern over ongoing threats and humanitarian issues affecting Armenians. Several senators spoke in support, and the resolution was adopted by a 37-0 vote. Senator Archuleta then introduced members of the Armenian community in the gallery.
The Senate also adopted several other resolutions honoring communities and causes. Senator Cortese presented SR 93 honoring Jim Plunkett’s football career and his role as a trailblazing Latino athlete; senators highlighted his Heisman Trophy, Super Bowl wins, and pending Hispanic Football Hall of Fame recognition, and the resolution passed unanimously. Senator Wiener presented SCR 124 on transportation access for Californians with epilepsy, focusing on how seizure-related driving restrictions can limit employment, education, and medical care; it was adopted unanimously. Senator Allen presented SCR 158 declaring April Arts, Culture and Creativity Month and marking the 50th anniversary of the California Arts Council, with remarks celebrating the state’s arts economy and longtime arts leaders; it also passed unanimously.
Later, Senator Alvarado-Gil presented SCR 159 designating April as California Rodeo Appreciation Month, describing the history, cultural significance, diversity, and economic role of rodeo in California. Supportive remarks followed from another senator, and the resolution was adopted unanimously. The author then introduced rodeo guests, including athletes and rodeo association leaders. The Senate also heard multiple privileges-of-the-floor introductions, including arts figures such as Luis Valdez, Cheech Marin, and Ruth Asawa’s son Paul Lanier, as well as student and community guests. The chamber approved the consent calendar by a 38-0 vote, noted committee meetings for Human Services, Military and Veterans, and Privacy, and adjourned with the next floor session scheduled for April 23, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- So first off, this legislation only starts the process.
- The first thing that you do, the first thing any driver does when they see blue lights either behind
- Thank you. ...or first responders.
- So first, thank you so much to the members of the committee, first for letting me testify, but also thank
- So first, thank you so much to the members of the committee, first for letting me testify, but also thank
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Transportation
Summary:
The hearing focused on a broad package of traffic and roadway safety bills, with repeated emphasis on work zone safety, the Move Over law, automated enforcement, and protections for pedestrians, cyclists, and roadside workers. MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver strongly supported a bill allowing MassDOT vehicles to use blue flashing lights in limited work-zone settings, arguing that blue lights reliably slow drivers and could help address a rise in work-zone crashes and fatalities. District Attorney Marion Ryan, State Police representatives, and police association leaders supported a separate Move Over bill that would raise penalties for repeat violations and add an education component, citing officers and workers killed or injured roadside and saying the goal is deterrence and safer driver behavior rather than revenue.
A major portion of the hearing was devoted to automated enforcement bills for speed and red-light violations, including proposals for school zones, work zones, and broader local options. Senator Brownsberger and Senator Jalen argued that automated enforcement is needed because speeding and red-light running remain common while police traffic enforcement has declined, and they described the bills as civil, opt-in tools that issue tickets to vehicles rather than drivers. Supporters from WalkMass, T4MA, Safe Roads Alliance, MassBike, Medford officials, and other advocates cited fatal pedestrian crashes, neighborhood speeding, and the need to protect vulnerable road users, while also pointing to privacy and equity safeguards in the bills such as limits on photographs, data retention rules, public reporting, and local approval processes.
Several local and advocacy witnesses backed targeted camera programs. Senator Lovely and Representative Cruz supported a Salem school-zone camera bill, describing repeated violations around schools and buses. Medford officials and school-safety advocates supported a similar statewide camera bill, citing recent pedestrian deaths and dangerous cut-through traffic. AAA Northeast and the Massachusetts Aggregate and Asphalt Pavement Association also supported targeted enforcement in work zones and school zones, while urging public education and warning periods. Some witnesses raised concerns about the color of lights for highway workers, with State Police representatives preferring green over blue to avoid confusion with law enforcement, and committee members asked about constitutional issues, surchargeability, and possible targeting concerns. No votes were taken during the hearing.
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:
- Ciardo, you're up first this week.
- Ciardo, you're up first this week.
- The first proposal is with regard to equipment and operating cost.
- The first proposal is with regard to equipment and operating cost.
- As I mentioned, as California enters, you know, our first...
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:
- Ciardo, you're up first this week.
- The first proposal is regarding equipment and operating costs.
- When I first was appointed in 2023, we were embarking When I first was appointed in 2023, we were embarking
- Scott first, okay. Good afternoon, Chair and members. I see you.
- As I mentioned, as California enters, you know, our first...
Summary:
The subcommittee heard several California transportation and public safety budget proposals. Caltrans requested a one-time $225 million augmentation to continue replacing its aging fleet and build out zero-emission vehicle infrastructure. Caltrans said the funding would replace about 1,100 vehicles, including many heavy-duty units, and acknowledged its overdue report on zero-emission fleet efforts would be delivered by mid-to-late April. The LAO said the request raised no concerns, but one senator strongly criticized the cost and policy emphasis on making the fleet the “greenest” rather than prioritizing road maintenance. The chair pressed Caltrans to submit the overdue report within 30 days, saying it was necessary for oversight before the request could be considered.
The committee also discussed a Caltrans proposal tied to SB 150 and the High Road Construction Careers Program. Because federal highway funds could not be used as originally intended for workforce training, Caltrans and the Department of Finance proposed replacing the federal dollars with $30 million in state Highway Account funds. The Workforce Development Board said the program had a track record of connecting participants to apprenticeships and jobs, while one senator questioned why the original $50 million federal set-aside had not been implemented and asked for more detail on where the remaining funds would go. Finance said the state funds were already set aside and expected to begin flowing in May over a two- to three-year period.
The California Highway Patrol presented two requests. First, CHP sought $60 million from the Motor Vehicle Account for equipment and operating costs, citing inflation, higher vehicle prices, and the end of its ability to cover costs through vacancy savings as hiring improved. The LAO recommended rejection, arguing the costs were not new, CHP still had a substantial equipment budget, and the Motor Vehicle Account faces insolvency by 2028-29. Second, CHP requested $885,000 ongoing to fund seven crime analyst positions for the Highway Violence Task Force. CHP said the task force had reduced freeway shootings from 477 in 2021 to 179 last year, though some data categories had changed over time. The LAO did not object, but noted the request would create a permanent funding commitment.
The DMV presented two modernization items: the State-to-State verification system required for Real ID compliance and the DXP system to replace aging legacy technology. The LAO raised no concerns with either, but noted DXP has had cost overruns and delays and will require continued legislative oversight. Senators focused heavily on privacy and data-sharing concerns in the State-to-State system, especially the use of Social Security number digits and the role of the AAMVA network. DMV said the system is required for Real ID compliance, uses encrypted data, and is intended to prevent duplicate credentials across states. The committee also discussed customer service improvements from DXP, with DMV saying the project should better integrate systems and improve service delivery by the end of the calendar year.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Feb 9th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- services are the first to go.
- Mary's High School football team brought home the first football title in history and the first ever
- Mary's High School's football team brought home the first football title in history and the first ever
- This is not the first time in our country's history that This is not the first time in our country's
- This is not the first time.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Apr 22nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- My first question is to the EC. As we heard from the LAO, the EC...
- So at the system-wide level, I'll start there first.
- You are, I can say this, the first.
- Well, first question: College of the Law San Francisco was not.
- I am a first-year student at UC Berkeley, and in my first year, none of my classes have been under 250
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nomination of Arielle Roth, of the District of Columbia, to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information. Apr 9th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- First, Mr.
- First, I couldn't agree more with the President.
- I think the first thing is first it is it is fun it is a fundamental obligation of NASA to inspire the
- First Amendment rights to express his views.
- In fact, Delaware, while we're the first state, I don't like the fact that we're the first state in robocall
Summary:
During the committee meeting, various issues surrounding state policy and governance were deliberated. Although the specifics of bills under discussion were not highlighted, comments from several committee members indicated a focus on improving legislative processes and addressing public concerns. The chairman facilitated discussions that included several points of critique as well as suggestions for enhancement of existing laws. The atmosphere remained constructive despite the complexity of the topics at hand.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the founder and executive director of Child First. Child First. I'm a former foster parent.
- So, trying to clarify who is on deck first and has responsibility.
- First of all is leadership.
- We're the first state sued for foster care under the Joseph A.
- All this does simply is that the first step, the first step is...
Committee:
House House Judiciary
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Fiscal Committee (06/19/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- The first case...
- The first on the consultants, I think you heard The first on the consultants, I think you heard Administrator
- We always intended for some of the first claims to Some of the first claims get close to or at the cap
- The victims should always be put first... The victims should always be put first in this process.
- That first trial is happening now.
Summary:
The Fiscal Committee opened by approving the May 15 minutes and then recognized Pam Ellis for her long service with the Legislative Budget Assistant’s office and upcoming retirement. The committee adopted the consent calendar with two items removed for separate consideration, then approved transfers for the Administrative Office of the Courts and the Department of Environmental Services after questions about court benefit costs and dam project funding. The Department of Health and Human Services also received approval for a general fund transfer item.
A major portion of the meeting focused on the Youth Development Center settlement fund. New administrator Jared Boyle, joined by the Attorney General, described the fund’s remaining caseload, the payment matrix, and the need for additional funding to begin hearings in August. Members raised concerns about administrative costs, attorneys’ fees, payday loans, structured settlements, and the long-term fiscal impact on the state. Boyle requested $55 million, but the committee ultimately approved a reduced appropriation of $20 million, with members noting the possibility of returning for more funding later depending on revenues and the October revenue review.
The Department of Corrections then received approval for a smaller shortfall transfer and a larger overtime-related transfer, with officials citing a 52% corrections officer vacancy rate, ongoing recruitment, academy classes, and efforts to use civilian staff in some non-security roles. A late item from the Veterans Home was also approved to cover overtime, holiday pay, and indirect cost shortfalls within its existing budget.
The committee then heard an informational presentation on implementation of Senate Bill 134 and the new federal Medicaid work-requirement rule. DHHS said it plans to submit a state plan amendment, seek approval for hardship exceptions, start with one eligibility check cycle, and use existing federal grant funding to make system changes. Finally, the committee received a performance audit of the Doorway opioid treatment program, which found weak written procedures, incomplete data use, reimbursement delays, and problems with the Governor’s Commission on Addiction Treatment and Prevention. Members discussed follow-up reporting, and the next Fiscal Committee meeting was scheduled for August 21 at 11:00 a.m.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice May 12th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- Do we want to do the amendment first or just introduce the bill first, or how do you want to do it?
- The first two amendments are technical.
- I'll take the amendment first.
- Okay, whoever liked to go first is introduce yourself.
- homicide, manslaughter, second-degree murder, first-degree murder—first-degree murder is the top tier
Bills:
HB75 , SB134 , SB201 , SB258 , SB288 , SB313 , SB320 , SB321 , SB325 , SB339 , SB345 , SB393 , SB422 , SB440 , SB470 , SB487 , SB523
Committee:
House Administration of Criminal Justice
Keywords:
HB75, Act 963, gaming, casino gaming, promotional play, promotional wagers, slot machine proceeds, net gaming proceeds, gross revenue, taxable revenue, gaming operators, gaming tax, Louisiana gaming, gaming revenue deduction, casino tax, gaming promotion, revenue cap, pilot program, child sexual abuse materials, sexting
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Senate in Session Mar 14th, 2026 at 05:55 pm
West Virginia Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I know whenever something happens, he’s one of the very first texts I’ll ever get or the first calls
- And I mean, this is the first time in the Senate, the first year in the Senate.
- That's the first thing that comes to mind.
- I first met Senator from Wetzel in the fall of 1997.
- And he was on Judiciary when he first came in. And he was on Judiciary when he first came in.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Long-Term Care Jan 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We will begin with our first bill up for passage today: Senate Bill 6102.
- I think this is the first step of what probably are numerous steps.
- No, but we appreciate you flagging that first, Julie. Thank you.
- No, but we appreciate you flagging that first, Julie. Thank you.
- First of all, we require rates to be filed in May.
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session and advanced Senate Bills 6102 and 6103 with due-pass recommendations to the Rules Committee, and referred Senate Bill 6194 to the Ways and Means Committee without recommendation. SB 6102 would align the Ambulance Transport Fund quality assurance fee with federal regulations, SB 6103 would make payments for rural emergency hospital services subject to appropriation, and SB 6194 would allow cost-based Medicaid payments for rural hospitals on federally recognized Indian reservations under specified conditions.
The committee then held public hearings on several bills. SB 6183 would require health plans, beginning in 2027, to cover FDA-approved HIV antiviral drugs without prior authorization, step therapy, or other utilization management, with one therapeutic-equivalent exception for prevention drugs. The prime sponsor and one testifier supported the bill as a way to reduce barriers to timely HIV treatment and prevention; sign-in testimony showed 53 pro, 58 con, and one other. SB 5985 would create an online endometriosis resource center, require Department of Health training modules, and direct OSPI to include menstrual health and endometriosis awareness in school standards. The sponsor and multiple patients and clinicians testified in support, emphasizing long diagnostic delays and the need for earlier education; sign-in testimony showed 36 pro, 56 con, and 92 not testifying.
SB 6019 would revise home care rate statutes to clarify how Medicaid home care agency rates are set, cap administrative portions at 20%, and require verification that funds are spent as required. The sponsor, labor, and provider representatives supported it as a technical fix to preserve pay parity, while sign-in testimony showed 46 pro and 57 con. SB 6161 would direct the Department of Health to include dementia risk-reduction information in public and provider materials when appropriate and to consult experts; supporters said it could help reduce cognitive decline and align with the state Alzheimer’s plan, while sign-in testimony showed 61 pro and 62 con.
Finally, SB 6210 would authorize the Health Benefit Exchange to add a new certification criterion for marketplace plans to address affordability and access, including possible requirements tied to county availability, plan differentiation, and metal-level offerings. The prime sponsor, the Exchange, AARP, and patient advocates supported it as a response to rising premiums and limited choices, especially in rural or single-carrier counties; insurers, brokers, and some carriers opposed it, warning it could reduce competition, create uncertainty, and raise costs. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner supported the bill with a requested amendment to avoid premature disclosure of proposed rates.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Community Safety Jan 19th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Community Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- If it's, say, somebody's first offense, it's still a gross misdemeanor.
- First, First, this bill triggers sex offense sentencing consequences that are extensive.
- First, right now, the bill is going to save lives.
- By then, we would be able to first file the case.
- But maybe I’ll go first and give Mr.
Committee:
House Community Safety
Keywords:
DUI, driving under the influence, impaired driving, toxicology, forensic toxicology, breath test, blood test, THC, marijuana, cannabis, alcohol concentration, state toxicologist, implied consent, evidence admissibility, venous blood draw, forensic phlebotomist, certified laboratory, accredited laboratory, law enforcement, DWI
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Housing Jan 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This is my first time before the Housing Committee. Long time listener, first time caller.
- This is my first time before the housing committee. Long time listener, first time caller.
- The first, if I may, Mr. Chair.
- We'll go ahead and call up our first three.
- We are breaking ground this week on our first seven homeownership units and have another 121 first-time
Summary:
The committee heard public hearing testimony on House Bill 2265, which would expand tenant protections during extreme heat. Staff explained that the bill would bar landlords from restricting portable cooling devices, require written notice of tenant rights and landlord immunity for tenant-installed devices, add a cooling duty under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, and prohibit sheriffs from physically evicting tenants during defined extreme heat periods. Representative Mena said the bill responds to the 2021 heat dome and is intended to address a gap in housing law, while committee members and the sponsor discussed unresolved questions about what “reasonably required” cooling means, how the eviction pause would work, and whether the bill could raise rents or create liability and operational burdens for landlords. Supporters, including climate, public health, tenant, and clean energy advocates, said extreme heat is a growing health threat and that renters need a right to cooling; opponents from multifamily housing, property management, and rental housing groups argued the bill is too vague, could effectively mandate costly cooling upgrades, create safety and insurance issues, and complicate eviction enforcement. The hearing also included testimony from landlords and housing providers who said the bill should be narrowed or amended, and from tenants and advocates who said it does not go far enough because it mostly permits tenant-installed cooling rather than requiring landlords to provide it.
The committee then heard House Bill 1974, a proposed substitute authorizing land banks. Staff described the bill as allowing public corporations, housing authorities, and nonprofit corporations to acquire, hold, improve, lease, transfer, or dispose of property for affordable housing, with 30-year affordability requirements, annual reporting, tax exemptions, and priority transfer of certain tax-foreclosed properties. Vice Chair Hill said the bill was scaled back from earlier versions and is meant to create a flexible tool for turning difficult parcels into housing-ready land aligned with local housing plans. Testifiers from the Spokane Regional Land Bank, housing authorities, developers, youth shelter providers, and housing advocates supported the bill as a way to lower land costs, clear title issues, reduce displacement, and create a pipeline of permanently affordable housing. A counties representative also supported the concept but said they would like the grant program restored. One committee member raised a question about whether the tax-foreclosed property language could bypass the normal surplus distribution process, and staff said the provision is placed in the chapter governing properties that have already gone through foreclosure and auction, though the wording may need further review.
Finally, the committee opened House Bill 2452, which would change how rent increase notices are served. Staff said the bill would remove the current requirement that rent increase notices be served like unlawful detainer notices and instead allow service by personal delivery, mail, or posting on the dwelling unit, with service by mail complete when deposited in the mail; the manufactured home version would follow the general notice rules under that act. Representative Connors said the bill responds to problems created when prior legislation required certified mail, which she said has led to tenants not receiving notices and housing providers facing higher costs and administrative burdens. Housing provider and industry witnesses supported the bill, saying certified mail is expensive, inefficient, and often not actually received, while tenant advocates opposed it, arguing that mail-only service weakens notice protections and can cause missed rent increases and displacement; they urged the committee to preserve stronger in-person or posting requirements. Some witnesses also suggested broader changes, including electronic notice, while others said the bill should be expanded to fix certified mail requirements for more than just rent increase notices.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- So as we go through the bill, this first section excludes every city of the first class, which is four
- </c><00:10:51.639><c> first</c><00:10:51.880><c> section</c><00:10:52.160><c> of</c> the bill this first
- first section of the bill this first first section of this<00:10:53.279><c> it</c><00:10:53.480><c>
- </c> this it excludes every city of the first this it excludes every city of the first class<00:10:55.800
- </c> cities of the first cities of the first class<00:15:12.839><c> this</c><00:15:13.040><c> bill</c
Committee:
Senate Elections