Transcript Highlights:

• And these problems should be planned out in the child's IEP, FBA, and behavioral intervention plans.
• I was a student that made use of CTE programs, and it was the greatest thing that I ever got to make
• So I am very in support of any CTE programs and expansion.
• I was a student that made use of CTE programs, and it was the greatest thing that I ever got to make
• So I am very in support of any CTE programs and expansion. That's good to hear.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on H.5171, an act relative to safer schools, and H.3895, which would expand career and technical education opportunities for Lynn students. The chair outlined short testimony limits and noted the hearing was livestreamed. Most of the discussion centered on H.5171 and the role of school resource officers (SROs) in schools. Witnesses from the Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee and the CPCS Education Law Project supported H.5171, arguing it would limit SRO involvement to serious criminal conduct, reduce school-to-prison-pipeline harms, and encourage restorative justice, de-escalation, and anti-bias practices. They described examples of students with disabilities being arrested or disciplined in ways they said reflected misunderstandings of disability-related behavior. Committee members asked about real-world school safety concerns, including gang activity and weapons in schools, and the witnesses responded that the bill would not eliminate SROs but would better define their role and improve training. A parent advocate, Joey Ford, testified neutrally on H.5171, saying over-criminalization in schools often stems from district discipline practices, restraint and seclusion, and inconsistent DESE oversight, not only from SROs. On H.3895, Ford spoke in favor of expanding CTE, saying such programs helped him succeed and stay engaged in school. After testimony concluded, the committee closed testimony on both bills and then adjourned without taking any votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• And they certainly play a role in helping to communicate this program as well. And Mr.
• And also, you know, the age limitation on that program.
• That includes and runs in tandem with the Homestead and disabled veteran programs as well.
• programs and oil and gas research through OGRP and CERCA.
• programs and oil and gas research through OGRP and CERCA.

Summary: The Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee met with a quorum, approved the March 17, 2026 minutes, and heard a lengthy update from Tax Commissioner Brian Croshys on property tax relief programs. He reviewed the Homestead Property Tax Credit, Disabled Veteran Credit, and Primary Residence Credit, noting increased relief after House Bill 1158 and House Bill 1176, but also discussing how some households “income adjust out” of eligibility over time. Members asked about indexing income thresholds, expanding eligibility by age alone, simplifying administration, county-level notices, and whether the county and state systems could be streamlined. Croshys said the programs are heavily used, largely administered at the county level, and that the department is still refining compliance and reporting; he also said there were no material findings or overarching concerns in the latest review. The committee agreed more detailed PRC information would likely come back in a September meeting, and the chair announced an afternoon recess for lunch before later reconvening. Shelly Myers then presented the statewide property tax increase report, the zero-growth report, and a statistical report on property values and tax levies by class. She explained how county auditors report levy and valuation data, how increases and decreases are counted, and identified counties and cities with the largest percentage changes in growth or decline. She also summarized recent trends: agricultural values remain relatively flat, while residential, commercial, and centrally assessed values have risen over the last five years; in 2025, residential property accounted for the largest share of statewide property tax levies, followed by commercial, agriculture, and centrally assessed property. Committee members asked about unusual zero-growth figures, the effect of annexation and land-use changes, and whether the 3% levy cap was forcing political subdivisions to use reserves or defer spending. Myers said many counties complied by using reserves, delaying capital projects, or limiting increases, and that some counties had not used their full cap. The committee then moved to the stripper oil extraction tax exemption. Commissioner Croshys reviewed the state’s oil tax structure and estimated the revenue impact of keeping stripper wells exempt from extraction tax while still paying production tax. He said the exemption saves operators hundreds of millions of dollars over a biennium, while the state still collects production tax on those wells. He also discussed projected impacts if the exemption were changed for future wells and noted that future outcomes depend on oil prices, production declines, and technology such as CO2 enhanced oil recovery. Nathan Anderson of the Department of Mineral Resources briefly explained the historical difference between the 35-barrel and 30-barrel thresholds for certain wells, citing differences in completion costs and lateral lengths. The committee then heard from EERC CEO Charles Gorecki, who presented an analysis of oil well life cycles and said most oil is produced before wells reach stripper status, but that refracturing or other reinvestment can significantly extend production and keep wells above the threshold for years.

Transcript Highlights:

• Early-Educers. access to affordable and high quality care and early education opportunities.
• , and accessibility programs.
• , and accessibility programs.
• Early education and the early college program are amazing.
• by proponents and opponents of these policies and programs.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held an informational hearing on diversity, equity, and inclusion in Massachusetts; no bills were heard or voted on. Chairs Bud Williams and Liz Miranda opened by framing the hearing as a response to recent federal actions they said threatened DEI efforts, funding, and civil rights protections in education and other sectors. They said the committee would hear from experts, agencies, advocates, and businesses about the legality and benefits of DEI and the impact of federal actions on the Commonwealth. Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler testified virtually that Massachusetts is pushing back against federal efforts to restrict DEI, including guidance and certification demands directed at schools. He highlighted state investments in early education, child care, early college, career and technical education, and educator diversity, arguing these efforts help close opportunity gaps for Black and brown students, students with disabilities, English learners, and other underserved groups. In response to member questions, he said federal education dollars are core to services for students and that the state is prepared to fight funding cuts while monitoring impacts across K-12, early education, and higher education. Elizabeth Matos of the Attorney General’s Office said DEIA programs remain legal under state and federal law and described AG guidance issued to help institutions navigate federal confusion. She reviewed litigation the office has joined or won, including efforts involving withheld school funds, museums and libraries, the Minority Business Development Agency, Head Start, AmeriCorps, and other federal actions. Members asked about immigration-related fear and profiling, and Matos pointed to existing Know Your Rights guidance, said complaints to the Civil Rights Division have increased, and noted the office is seeing issues involving housing discrimination, employment, public accommodations, and threats to call ICE. She also said the office is open to further legislative ideas but did not discuss specifics. Evelyn Carter, a social psychologist, testified that diversity, equity, and inclusion are often misunderstood and defined the terms plainly, emphasizing that diversity is a group characteristic, equity addresses unequal starting points, and inclusion is about belonging and access. She argued that DEI matters because it creates guardrails against bias, helps make environments accessible, and addresses ongoing inequities. In response to questions, she suggested practical strategies such as using clear criteria and written records in decision-making, broadening who is considered part of one’s in-group, and pairing bias awareness with concrete behavior-change tools. The hearing also included testimony from Meredith Tewitt of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, who spoke about the importance of DEI for women, veterans, and people who rely on federal institutions, and urged lawmakers to continue supporting inclusion and access.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> health intervention may be delayed and health intervention may be delayed and then<00:21:01.280>
• </c> business and policy for all the programs business and policy for all the programs that<00:42:50.000
• My units do auditing as well as investigations for fraud and abuse benefit programs. them for you and
• :57:32.480><c> and</c><00:57:32.640><c> access</c><00:57:32.880><c> the</c> program and how we use and
• access the program and how we use and access the data,<00:57:33.359><c> I'd</c><00:57:33.599><c> be<

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to behavioral health prevention services, and earlier access to crisis intervention services.
• President, 2428 prevents unintentional lapses and cancellations of life insurance policies.
• President, 2428 prevents unintentional lapses and cancellations of life insurance policies.
• , grazing rights, and pesticides, and then report to the Legislature by November 1, 2008.
• , grazing rights, and pesticides, and then report to the Legislature by November 1, 2008.

Summary: The Senate considered a consent calendar package and a regular calendar package, both described as bipartisan and unanimously supported, and both motions to advance them passed by voice vote. The body then moved a series of House bills from the white sheet to the floor calendar, with no recorded roll-call votes and generally little or no opposition. Topics included ghost guns and 3D-printed firearms (HB 2320), updating terminology from “alien” to “non-citizen” (HB 2632), inmate indigency thresholds (SHB 2539), incident reporting by private detention facilities (HB 2464), electronic notarization (SHB 2158), theater alcohol licensing and safeguards for minors (ESHB 2476), behavioral health coordination and training for schools and educational service districts (E3SHB 1634), non-compete law fixes (ESHB 1155), manufactured home rent increase notices (SHB 2452), false identification as a peace officer (ESHB 2165), permit timelines for certain special purpose districts (E2SHB 2418), life insurance lapse notifications to third parties (SHB 2428), agricultural regulatory stress and a task force study (HB 2619), ambulance staffing by registered nurses in certain transports (ESHB 2110), special education report timelines and meeting notice for parents (ESHB 2557), and siting standards for step housing, including permanent supportive, transitional, and indoor emergency housing (ESHB 2266).

Transcript Highlights:

• We will use that in order to go forward and and pay for and create some government programs that are
• I'm Tom want to Pam Rocks and brothers and we're here to help you prevent recurrence like this.
• ensures to detect prevents and deter insurance crimes.
• and unfortunately there doing nothing, nothing to prevent it, they can come out and say that they are
• And it was early contemplated in the in the beginning, I think.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and through them.
• And may the peace of Christ rule in their hearts and through them.
• He runs track and is on the basketball and academic bowl team.
• business and law.
• She was a freshman state qualifier for tennis and wants to attend OU to study early childhood education

Summary: The House convened, the roll was called, and members proceeded through the day’s order of business, including prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, introductions, and routine floor announcements. Chaplain Ronnie Wilson delivered the invocation, and Chief Master Sergeant Walter Kula Jr., U.S. Air Force retired, was recognized as Veteran of the Day for more than 26 years of service and continued civic leadership. The House also welcomed student pilots from multiple countries training at Vance Air Force Base, social workers and social work students for Legislative, Education, and Advocacy Day, and a group of pages introduced by the Majority Leader. Several honorees were presented to the chamber, including Doctor of the Day Chanel Gray of Tallahena Hospital/Choctaw Nation Hospital, Psychologist of the Day Dr. Mary Shepard, and Nurse of the Day Robin George. Members also recognized the Edmond Memorial Bulldogs palm squad for a fifth consecutive 6A large mixed state championship and the Dover Longhorns basketball team for winning the Class B-2 state title. Additional floor remarks included birthday greetings and a poem directed at Representative Anthony Moore. The transcript does not show debate on substantive legislation or recorded votes. The only formal action reflected at the end was a motion to adjourn, and the House agreed to stand adjourned until Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• to government intervention and a lot of to government intervention and a lot of people<00:04:22.840>
• </c><01:00:30.760><c> Are</c> and chronic disease prevention. Are and chronic disease prevention.
• If you abuse and tobacco prevention.
• </c> Program, and then for the purposes. Program, and then for the purposes.
• Appears on page 64, unit 1001, WIN Nursing and Loan and Grant Program.

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it was a very deliberate conversation that our caucus had early on during session.
• House Bill 1150, Health Occupations, Pharmacist Minor Conditions and HIV Prevention and Treatment.
• House Bill 1625, Public Health Newborn Screening Program Fees and Core Conditions.
• and core screening program fees and core conditions.<01:13:50.600><c> Favorable</c><01:13:50.840><c>
• And thank you so much for sharing both the intent of the amendment early and then the language of the

Keywords: House streaming session for Saturday, March 21, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The department and Congress have established and implemented policies and programs, The department and
• Congress have established and implemented policies and programs to prevent and eliminate domestic abuse
• Instead of protecting against and preventing this kind of manipulative... Outcomes.
• Preventing access... ...their status and not necessarily to protect birth parents.
• And two, you have an administrative apparatus that prevents these things.

Committee: Joint Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills. SB 479 would let Berkeley, Long Beach, and Pasadena use multidisciplinary homeless response teams and share specified information across departments; the author and a Berkeley official said current state confidentiality rules prevent effective coordination, and the bill passed 9-0 to Senate Appropriations. SB 46 would bar a person who has served two terms as President from appearing on the California ballot for a third term; supporters argued California has authority to enforce constitutional qualifications, while Senator Niello questioned whether the bill was needed, and it passed 6-1 to Senate Appropriations. SB 99 would improve coordination between civilian and military authorities on military protective orders and restraining orders; the Department of Defense supported it, the ACLU raised due process concerns about MPOs, and the bill passed 6-0 as amended to Senate Appropriations. SB 719 would extend the sunset on Department of Technology reporting on state agency use of high-risk automated decision systems from 2029 to 2032; there was no opposition and it passed 6-0 to Senate Appropriations. The committee also took up SB 300, which would strengthen California’s new AI chatbot law by requiring operators to prevent minors from being exposed to sexually explicit material or facilitation of such content. Supporters said new evidence shows current protections are insufficient and that the bill is needed now to address harms to children; industry groups opposed the bill as premature, arguing SB 243 had just taken effect and that the new standard could create strict-liability-like exposure and uncertainty. After extensive questioning, the bill passed 9-0 to Senate Appropriations. SB 381 would give adult adoptees and descendants access to original birth certificates and create a nonbinding contact preference form for birth parents; many adoptees and birth parents testified in support, while some members raised privacy concerns for birth parents. The bill passed 13-0 to the Senate Health Committee, with the author noting amendments would be taken in Health rather than Judiciary. At the end of the hearing, the committee shifted chairs and began SB 33, which would eliminate the sunset on the existing public works contractor claim-resolution process so agencies must continue to respond to claims, pay undisputed amounts, and use early dispute resolution. The author and sponsor said the process has reduced litigation and helped contractors and workers, and the bill was just being introduced when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the programs we're over is the Veterans Recognition Program, and you can see we have a table set
• the Korean War program was established and approved.
• I piloted and lead the veteran REEDS program in Kansas City.
• I guess, and how long does this program go?
• I speak to veterans now about suicide and grief, and it’s because of him and this reading program.

Committee: House Veterans and Armed Forces

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first went into executive session, where it adopted a House Committee substitute combining House Bills 3078 and 2672 and voted the substitute do pass, with one no vote. It then separately voted House Bill 2362 and House Bill 2588 do pass, each by 16 ayes and one no. During the executive session, one member objected to the combined bill on constitutional equal-protection grounds, while another supported it as a benefit for veterans. In public hearing, Representative Stephanie Boykin presented House Bill 3280, which would create a Missouri specialty license plate for the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran who previously qualified for a disabled veteran plate. She described it as a low-cost way to continue honoring a veteran’s service and family sacrifice. Committee members and a surviving spouse testified in strong support, emphasizing the recognition of spouses’ sacrifices and noting that similar plates exist in other states. No opposition was offered. The committee then heard House Bill 3029, sponsored by Representative Schulte, which would require disclosures and prohibit compensation for referrals in the business of advising or assisting with veterans’ benefits, with penalties for violations. Supporters, including a Missouri veterans service officer, argued the bill was needed to stop unaccredited “claim shark” companies from charging veterans for initial claims and using misleading social media advertising. Opponents, including a representative of Veterans Guardian and a VA-accredited attorney, argued the bill would restrict lawful private-sector assistance, reduce veterans’ choice, and should be narrowed to target bad actors while exempting accredited attorneys and referral arrangements. The hearing also included a presentation on the Missouri Veterans Recognition Program, which provides medals and certificates for veterans of major conflicts, and a presentation on MU Extension’s Veteran REEDS program, which uses literature and discussion to support veterans and first responders through community-based resilience work.

Transcript Highlights:

• and Texas flags.
• And the institution opened and in Prairie View on March 11th, 1878, and welcomed its first class of students
• Tameka LeGrand, and offers more than 70 degree programs through its eight colleges and schools and it's
• Established in 1858, Hardin County has grown from its early days of farming and and logging to a thriving
• The early settlers of Hardin County were industrious farmers and loggers cultivating corn, sweet potatoes

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and Texas flags.
• Established in 1858, Hardin County has grown from its early days of farming and and logging to a thriving
• The early settlers of Hardin County were industrious farmers and loggers cultivating corn, sweet potatoes
• for many seniors offering critical safety check and emergency interventions.
• State Park and the 10-mile Mission hike and bike trail.

Transcript Highlights:

• and a sub-separate program for students with more significant needs.
• And then our team sits and makes sure that we have the program to meet their full need.
• a loss of reading instruction and interventions.
• pre-K offerings, early college opportunities, academic interventions such as high-dosage tutoring, and
• And I think that that DESE grant program, which has since ended and has not funded, I think that could

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a lengthy hearing on a large slate of bills focused primarily on charter school policy and vocational technical education. Committee members opened with ground rules for testimony, including a two-minute limit, written testimony acceptance, and a live-streamed format. The committee then heard testimony on bills to expand collective bargaining rights in Horace Mann and Innovation Schools, reform charter school funding and reimbursement, allow enrollment preferences for high-need students in charter lotteries, and require BESE to consider district impacts when approving new or expanded charters. Several witnesses, including union leaders, parents, educators, and legislators, argued that charter growth has strained district budgets and that funding formulas should be reworked to better protect public schools; charter advocates and alumni countered that charter schools serve high-need students well and should not be penalized for their success. A major portion of the hearing focused on vocational technical education bills, including proposals to expand access and capacity, create a large grant program, and increase MSBA reimbursement rates for vocational school construction. Supporters described long waitlists, strong labor-market demand, and the higher cost of building and maintaining vocational schools, while municipal officials emphasized the tax burden on local communities. The committee also heard testimony on charter school reimbursement bills that would extend the state’s reimbursement schedule, with witnesses from districts such as Boston, Worcester, Fall River, and New Bedford describing large net losses to charter tuition and arguing for longer reimbursement periods and structural reform. The committee took no final votes during the hearing. In one instance, the chair said a bill would be held open until a missing senator could testify. Members asked several detailed questions about charter admissions lotteries, special education placements, funding formulas, and the practical effects of proposed charter caps and reimbursement changes. The hearing remained informational, with witnesses and committee members presenting sharply different views on whether the bills would improve equity and opportunity or harm existing public school systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and impacts on other county staff programs and infrastructure, and new ordinances to adapt their program
• And then in '91, the state legislature realigned programs and created...
• the need for screening and more detailed work and prevent the risk of loss of benefits.
• budget, and raise new revenues to prevent cuts to these as well as other life-sustaining programs for
• This program is extremely effective and popular.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• critical for every intervention in preventing crisis.
• HB 783 will create a coordinated access model pilot program in Duval, Clay, and St.
• of the program, and the bill requires updates and outcomes of the pilot program to be reported to the
• So again, based off the program that's working in Pinellas, and what they do is they get it and they
• It implements a pilot program in two departments: one with Florida Commerce, from claimants and our constituents

Summary: The IT Budget and Policy Subcommittee met with a quorum present and heard two bills. CS/HB 783 by Rep. Sapp would create a coordinated access model pilot program for behavioral health services in Duval, Clay, and St. Johns counties. The bill would contract with the Department of Children and Families and a university partner to provide centralized intake, screening, referral, appointment scheduling, follow-up, and data reporting on outcomes and service gaps. Rep. Young asked about avoiding bottlenecks and what “timely referral” means; Sapp said the proposal is based on an existing Pinellas model and is intended to triage cases by urgency. An amendment clarifying procurement guidelines was adopted without objection, and the bill was reported favorably by a 14-0 vote. The committee then heard HB 1031 by Rep. Rosenwald, which would establish a callback queue pilot program for select state agencies, including Florida Commerce and DCF, so callers can leave a number and receive a return call by the end of the next business day. Rosenwald said the goal is to improve customer service for issues such as reemployment assistance and benefits access, with no fiscal impact and a required report due by December 31, 2027. Rep. Cross spoke in support, noting callback systems reduce frustration for callers. The bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably by a 14-0 vote. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted that budget recommendations for fiscal year 2026-2027 had been submitted to Chair McClure. With no further business, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:24:30.559><c> and</c> what i' what I'd like to say and and what i' what I'd like to say and and
• </c> Defence and we retain our own lawyer and Defence and we retain our own lawyer and we're<00:50:21.240
• </c> reasons and weeks go by months go by and reasons and weeks go by months go by and someone<00:54:
• ><c> means</c><01:22:41.520><c> I</c> I think this is an early bill, and so I think it will go to Finance
• :12.239><c> use</c><02:04:12.400><c> of</c> of computers and and the free use of of computers and and

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 148, a bill allowing classification by biological sex in limited settings such as multiple-use bathrooms, certain sports, and involuntary commitment facilities. Supporters said it was needed to protect privacy and safety, especially for minors, and argued it was consistent with recent federal and state developments. Opponents said the bill was poorly defined, unnecessary, and could create discrimination or confusion, especially because it did not define “biological sex” in the text. The committee voted 10-8 ought to pass, and the chair said a minority report would be written. The committee then considered HB 254, a bill concerning medical aid in dying. The chair moved ought to pass and described the bill as a matter of liberty for terminally ill patients within six months of death, arguing it should not be treated as suicide. Opponents raised religious, ethical, and policy concerns, including worries about a slippery slope, misuse by vulnerable people, and the effect on death records and public health data. The committee voted 11-7 ought to pass, and the chair said a majority report would be written with a minority report by Representative Perez. Finally, the committee turned to HB 611 with Amendment 2025-0638, a replace-all amendment dealing with recoupment of costs for appointed counsel. The chair explained the amendment would restore the law to its pre-2020 form, allowing the Office of Cost Containment to seek repayment from some recipients of appointed counsel services, including those found not guilty, if they had the ability to pay. Supporters said the prior change had sharply reduced collections and that the state should not treat indigent defendants differently from people who hire private counsel. Opponents argued the policy unfairly bills innocent people and children who were entitled to counsel. The transcript cuts off during debate on the amendment, before a vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• can reduce disciplinary incidents and... ...and mental health, and research has shown that sports programs
• administer and guide the CalVIP grant program.
• CalVIP is California's flagship community-based violence prevention program and a proven method to reduce
• California's flagship community-based violence prevention program and a proven method to reduce gun violence
• and business owners about the impact to loyalty programs and discounts.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> manages the EFA program and the ETC tax manages the EFA program and the ETC tax credit<00:22:20.880
• continuous improvement, accountability and transparency, a preventative prevention of complacency, and
• continuous improvement, accountability and transparency, a preventative prevention of complacency, and
• </c> students and so they were in the program students and so they were in the program already<01:06:
• ><c> that</c> also qualified for that program and that also qualified for that program and that is<01

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:23:35.840><c> and</c> funding EMT training programs and funding EMT training programs and creating
• ><c> programs</c><00:23:57.919><c> to</c> and prepared meal programs to and prepared meal programs to
• and families programs children, youth and families programs serving<00:24:17.600><c> motans</c><00:24
• And like he said, it is preventative care and it's tellalth.
• ><c> tele</c> prevent preventative services and tele prevent preventative services and tele medicine<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all