Transcript Highlights:

• either year, and we'd like you to encourage you to work with mainly the Academy on any changes or adjustments
• We talked about, we were listening in the sentence morning of chiropractic adjustments of the bill.

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• If it won't, we can adjust again. Thank you. Representative Harshman, for your first time.
• If it won't, we can adjust again. Representative Lloyd Larsen, for your first time. Thank you, Mr.
• If it won't, we can adjust again. Thank you. Representative Lloyd Larsen, for your first time.
• If it won't, we can adjust again. Thank you.
• If it won't, we can adjust again. Opposed to the amendment. All right. Sorry about that.

Transcript Highlights:

• , not a withdrawal, an adjustment, it's just good policy.
• , not a withdrawal, look at an adjustment, not a withdrawal, an<02:35:48.160><c> adjustment.
• I'm just saying it's it's an adjustment.
• </c><02:36:51.520><c> Chairman,</c><02:36:51.840><c> again,</c> adjustment. So, Mr. Mr.
• Chairman, again, adjustment. So, Mr. Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• simply say, if you have cost, City of Rancho Cordova, and it was $8,000, you're welcome to submit a claim
• definition of what the Constitution says is a state mandate, and they should be eligible to file a claim
• enforcement throughout the Davis-Stirling Act, is that any member of a homeowners association can bring a claim
• enforcement throughout the Davis-Serling Act, is that any member of a homeowners association can bring a claim
• , is that any member of a homeowners association can bring a claim against a board for a violation of

Summary: The committee heard several housing-related bills. AB 2002 would clarify and extend the REAP 1.0 regional housing planning grant program, with the author and regional planning groups arguing it provides needed technical assistance for housing elements and RHNA compliance; the California Building Industry Association opposed unless amended over concerns about local constraints. The committee discussed accepted amendments on regulations, suballocation to subregions, and spending deadlines, and then passed the bill on a do pass as amended motion to Senate Appropriations. AB 1684 would prohibit HOAs from restricting homeowners’ ability to install or replace cooling systems, with supporters citing heat safety and opponents focusing on building integrity, electrical capacity, permits, and common-area placement; the committee adopted amendments on licensed electrical contractors, disclosure, and permit requirements, and passed the bill to Senate Judiciary. AB 1710 would extend SB 330-style vesting protections to state and regional agencies so housing projects are not subject to later regulatory changes, with supporters emphasizing predictability and opponents warning it could conflict with later state, regional, and federal requirements, especially for water and environmental rules; the bill was passed as amended to Senate Local Government. The committee also heard AB 2263, which would authorize the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority to provide employee housing on its land with a preference for VTA workers while keeping units open to the public and compliant with fair housing law. VTA said the bill would help employees facing long commutes and high housing costs, and the committee discussed financing through transit-oriented development partnerships and existing land holdings; the bill was passed as amended to Senate Appropriations. AB 2270 would require the state tax credit committee to account for rural realities when scoring farmworker housing projects for low-income housing tax credits; supporters said current amenity-based scoring disadvantages rural farmworker developments, and the bill was passed as amended to Senate Appropriations. Later, AB 2118 would refine AB 2011 by limiting local objective standards that can block mixed-use and affordable housing projects, with supporters saying cities still use loopholes to delay projects; the committee discussed possible state mandate reimbursement issues and passed the bill to Local Government. Finally, AB 2050 would require HOA reserve funding based on reserve studies, add notice and safeguards for reserve transfers, and phase in funding over six years; supporters argued it would prevent large special assessments and protect homeowners, while opponents said enforcement remains weak and the bill could still burden owners. The committee did not take a final recorded vote on AB 2050 in the portion provided, but members discussed the need for stronger enforcement and the balance between reserve funding and affordability.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yet that same exact thing was claimed on Senate Bill 888 that we have voted out of here twice in the
• Yet that same exact thing was claimed on Senate Bill 888 that we have voted out of here twice in the
• If MoDOT just doesn't like one of us, they're going to put some claim that we're going to lose federal
• If you claim to back the blue, you're going to be a no vote on this bill, or a present vote.
• And I don't foresee making any claims that she's cheated. I think she'll win.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, approved the previous day’s journal unanimously, and then adopted a motion suspending House Rule 98 to allow members to wear hats on the floor. Members also introduced several special guests, including the Eugene High School Class 2 basketball champions, family members, scholarship recipients, and other visitors. One member used a lengthy personal privilege speech to criticize a recent U.S. Supreme Court voting-rights decision and warn about threats to democracy and minority voting power. The chamber then took up committee reports and several bills. It approved a motion to go to conference on the property-tax omnibus measure tied to Senate Bills 1066 and 1088. House Bill 3329, repealing expired tax credits, passed 142-0. House Bill 3405, clarifying the SALT deduction and improving tax-credit accounting, also passed 138-0. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2426, a parental-rights bill that also drew criticism over a school financial-ledger requirement and possible burdens on schools and student safety, failed on third reading 70-60. The House next passed House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1233, a professional-licensing bill involving CPA exam access and other occupational licensing changes, by 129-6 after adopting an amendment removing compact language and rejecting a nursing-home physicals amendment. It then passed House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1408, which raises the maximum rural interstate speed limit to 75 mph and, through multiple amendments, also carried a mix of transportation-related provisions including vehicle inspections, hands-free enforcement, motorcycle lighting, driver education, and specialty license plates for women’s professional sports; the final vote was 82-53. The Speaker also appointed a conference committee for Senate Bill 1066. The final item mentioned was Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Bill 863, described as an interscholastic athletic oversight/appeals bill, but the transcript cuts off before its final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lastly, it establishes court requirements for an expedited judicial review of a malicious delay claim
• section here that says a plaintiff that files a complaint in Superior Court may assert a malicious delay claim
• We did hear some interesting testimony from people that claim to be Republican, which I thought was very
• HOAs, as currently constituted in Arizona, are destroying the local character they claim to protect.
• HOAs, as currently constituted in Arizona, are destroying the local character they claim to protect.

Committee: House House Commerce Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 1566, which would prohibit municipalities and counties from maliciously delaying licensing, permits, or approvals, with expedited court review and AG enforcement. The sponsor and supporters framed it as an affordability and property-rights measure aimed at stopping intentional government delay, while local government representatives and some members raised concerns about the bill’s scope, enforcement, and whether ordinary administrative delays or incomplete applications could be swept in. The sponsor said the county language would be fixed to match the city language in a floor amendment. The bill was moved and passed out of committee on a 7-3 vote, with one present and one absent. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1787, which would require written notice and individualized determinations for municipal or county exactions, allow appeals, and provide judicial review. The sponsor and supporters argued it would curb excessive or unrelated conditions imposed on development and align Arizona law with constitutional takings principles. Opponents from cities and counties said existing law already requires nexus and proportionality, and warned the bill would create a duplicative process, confusion, and a more punitive, winner-take-all system. After testimony from property owners and advocacy groups on both sides, the bill passed on a 7-2 vote, with one present and one absent. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1478, a largely technical liquor-regulation cleanup bill that clarifies interim permits, updates terminology, and makes other conforming changes. Stakeholders described it as a consensus measure developed by industry participants and the Department of Revenue, and the bill received broad support. It passed unanimously, 10-0, with one absent. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 1431, which would bar municipalities from dictating certain home design features and from requiring some shared amenities that lead to HOAs. Supporters said it would reduce housing costs and preserve homeowner choice, while opponents argued it would weaken local control, reduce design quality, and limit crime-prevention and neighborhood-character standards. Testimony focused heavily on aesthetics, HOAs, and affordability, but no final vote on SB 1431 was included in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Scammers call or message victims claiming account problems, urgent fees, or supposed fraud, then force
• Scammers call or message victims claiming account problems, urgent fees, or supposed fraud, then force
• :09:12.640><c> or</c><00:09:12.880><c> message</c><00:09:13.279><c> victims</c><00:09:13.839><c> claiming
• </c><00:09:14.240><c> account</c> call or message victims claiming account call or message victims claiming

Committee: Senate Banking & Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• the Department of Financial Services, gives the Division of Risk Management discretion and Denying claims
• coverage, requires employers to complete an E-Verify check before submitting a workers' compensation claim
• Litigation related to injury or death by an unauthorized alien will go through a judge of compensation claims
• communities in Seminole County where people have come to me where they had a fraudulent insurance claim
• WHERE&nbsp;&nbsp; 1143 PEOPLE HAVE COME TO ME WHERE THEY HAD A FRAUDULENT INSURANCE&nbsp;&nbsp; 1144 CLAIM

Committee: House Commerce Committee

Summary: The committee first took up PCS for HB 1137, which would codify a long-standing DBPR rule allowing alcohol distributors to deduct excise tax for broken or spoiled products. The sponsor said the rule had been nullified for lack of statutory authority, and industry representatives waved in support. The bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. Members then approved PCS for HB 797 on nonprofit corporations, described as a broad update to the nonprofit statute that tracks prior for-profit corporation changes and model act language. A technical amendment was adopted, and testimony from the Florida Nonprofit Alliance and a Bar business law section representative was supportive. The bill passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee also passed CS for HB 679 on trademark registration, which updates the state trademark system to align with federal classifications and create an online application; an amendment extending the implementation date was adopted before the bill passed. The committee next heard several bills related to licensing and regulation. CS for HB 1433 would create an optional high school financial literacy course focused on property and casualty insurance and allow graduates to satisfy pre-licensure requirements for an entry-level license; it passed with support from insurance and free-market groups. HB 929 clarified local permitting for tiki huts, including electrical and plumbing permits, decks, fasteners, and setbacks, and passed without opposition. HB 99 exempted certain underwriting managers handling limited reinsurance business from reinsurance intermediary manager licensing requirements and also passed. A major portion of the meeting focused on gambling enforcement in the strike-all for CS for CS HB 155, which would strengthen penalties for illegal gambling operations, expand oversight of the Florida Gaming Control Commission, clarify fantasy sports and internet sports wagering language, and allow destruction of seized slot machines. Supporters argued the bill would help shut down repeat illegal internet cafés and related criminal activity; one homeowner group opposed it. The committee adopted the strike-all and the bill passed, with several members speaking in favor and a few voting no. The committee also passed HB 1307 on unauthorized aliens after adopting a strike-all that clarified provisions affecting licensing, housing assistance, workers’ compensation, employment enforcement, and related financial services; the bill drew substantial opposition testimony about language barriers and immigrant families, but also support from proponents citing public safety and victim stories. Later, the committee approved DS for HB 387, which would restrict the use of ADS-B aviation data for automatic billing at airports while preserving landing fees and safety functions. It passed after supportive testimony from a private pilot. HB 865, as amended, would require professional management for community associations above a higher budget threshold, add timeshare-specific language, and impose additional licensing and insurance requirements for managers; supporters cited fraud and lack of enforcement in large associations, while one member opposed it as government overreach. The bill passed with one recorded no vote. Finally, the committee passed PCS for HB 885, a transportation facility designation bill naming several roads and bridges, and began debate on CS for HB 33, which would designate a portion of SR 895 near FIU as Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue and also codify a Donald Trump boulevard designation. That bill prompted sharp debate, with supporters praising Kirk’s influence and opponents objecting to honoring a non-Floridian and to his public statements; the transcript ends during that debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• were to look at this credit on our most recent tax expenditure report, we've redacted the amount claimed
• There's a high burden to claiming that credit, demonstrating eligibility, so very few are claiming it
• As we know, and as has been described by the Senator quite aptly, geothermal is what I claim to be one
• As we know, and as has been described by the Senator quite aptly, geothermal is what I claim to be one

Bills: SB190 , SB152 , SB77 , SB150 , SB151 , SB156 , SB172 , SB182 , SB185 , SB212 , SB170 , SB133 , SB174 , SB163

Committee: Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• And there were, you know, nurses who had doctor’s degrees, and they didn’t try to claim something they
• The intent of this amendment is that if an ALF is claiming or advertising that it is a specialized memory
• In our state, we have many, many ALF facilities that currently provide or claim to provide memory many
• ALF facilities that currently provide or claim to provide memory care services.
• There's a reason insurance companies often pay out instead of investigating every tiny claim.

Committee: Senate Health Policy

Summary: The committee first considered SB 268, a public records bill for emergency physicians. A strike-all amendment narrowed and clarified the exemption, and the sponsor said it was intended to protect current emergency department physicians and eligible family members who submit a written request. Emergency physician Dr. Sean Patterson and several health care organizations supported the bill, citing threats, harassment, and safety concerns tied to mandatory reporting and patient encounters. The committee adopted the amendment and reported SB 268 favorably as a committee substitute. The committee then heard SB 514, creating the Doula Support for Healthy Births Pilot Program in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties for pregnant and postpartum women, with priority for those affected by substance use disorder. Members discussed how the Department of Health would implement the pilot, collect data, and work with existing maternal health partners. An amendment changed the funding source to specific appropriations in the General Appropriations Act. Supporters said doula care can improve maternal and infant outcomes and help address Florida’s maternal health crisis. The bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 36, on use of professional nursing titles, drew extensive debate over whether nurses with doctoral degrees should be able to use the title “doctor” in clinical and advertising settings while clearly identifying themselves as nurses. The sponsor said the bill was about transparency and patient clarity, while several senators raised concerns that patients could confuse DNPs with physicians. Supporters from nursing groups said the bill protects earned credentials and does not expand scope of practice. The committee adopted an amendment aligning the bill with the House version and reported SB 36 favorably as a committee substitute. The committee also reported favorably SB 864, creating a public records exemption for uterine fibroid research data; SB 844, requiring continuing education on sickle cell disease care management for certain health professionals; SB 1404, revising memory care licensing for assisted living facilities; and SB 914, clarifying dry needling authority for occupational therapists. Finally, the committee took up SB 1758, a broad public assistance bill affecting Medicaid and SNAP. The sponsor described reforms including stronger fraud enforcement, a Medicaid work requirement for certain able-bodied adults, expanded behavioral health services through a waiver, pharmacy program changes, and SNAP fraud reduction measures. Members questioned the work requirement, implementation costs, eligibility verification, and due process concerns, while the sponsor said the bill would require federal approval and legislative review before implementation. Three amendments were adopted to adjust drug list update timing, expand public testimony on the high-cost drug list, and require faster prior authorization responses with a temporary supply in emergencies. The transcript cuts off before the final disposition of SB 1758.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the Federalists<00:19:49.919><c> claimed</c><00:19:50.160><c> that</c><00:19:50.400><c> Jefferson
• </c><00:19:50.880><c> was</c> Federalists claimed that Jefferson was Federalists claimed that Jefferson
• But usually, while claiming to follow the law, there's not usually a dramatic break.
• mentioned when I started, is that the Constitution is such an old document that there are some legal claims
• mentioned when I started, is that the Constitution is such an old document that there are some legal claims

Summary: The Judiciary Committee held an informational briefing with Professor Colin Moore on democratic norms and their erosion in the United States, with a focus on what that could mean for Hawaii. Chair Carl Rhodes introduced the topic and the professor, noting the briefing was livestreamed and could be rescheduled if technical problems arose. Moore defined democratic norms as unwritten guardrails that make written constitutional rules work in practice, emphasizing two core norms from political science: mutual toleration, meaning acceptance of political opponents as legitimate, and institutional forbearance, meaning restraint in using legal powers to the maximum for partisan gain. Moore used historical examples to show how norms develop and erode, including George Washington’s resignation, the Alien and Sedition Acts, the contested 1800 election, Franklin Roosevelt’s court-packing plan, and Watergate. He argued that democracies usually erode gradually rather than through sudden coups, often through leaders who reject opponents’ legitimacy, tolerate political violence, restrict civil liberties, or attack the press. He said the United States is vulnerable because of its strong presidency, an 18th-century constitutional design that did not anticipate modern political parties or a neutral civil service, and because polarization has encouraged “constitutional hardball” and retaliation. He cited comparative examples such as Hungary, Turkey, and other countries that slid toward authoritarianism over time, and said the U.S. has been rated a flawed democracy by outside indexes. Moore said the erosion predates Donald Trump, though he believes Trump has accelerated it, and pointed to recent actions and rhetoric as moving beyond ceremony into government practice. He also warned that Congress has not consistently checked executive power and that public willingness to excuse anti-democratic behavior from preferred candidates is troubling. The briefing ended with Moore turning to federalism and Hawaii, arguing that the state depends heavily on federal funding for health care, schools, housing, and infrastructure, and that delays or disruptions from an unstable federal government could create serious local harm even if no law is formally broken.

Transcript Highlights:

• You said, we in the far Panhandle have a claim on Governor Graham.
• You said, we in the far Panhandle have a claim on Governor Graham.
• You said, we in the far Panhandle have a claim on Governor Graham.
• You said, we in the far Panhandle have a claim on Governor Graham.
• One, it deals with complaints and claims made by inmates.

Summary: The Senate convened with opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions and introductions, including guests from Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Clay County, and a moment of silence for Pope Francis. The chamber then took up a motion to reconsider the prior day’s failed vote on CS for SB 1080 (local government land regulation), which was adopted without objection, and moved into the special order calendar. A series of bills were debated and mostly passed, often after substituting House companions. Measures approved included funding for expedited DNA testing grants, additional aggravating factors in capital cases, fertility preservation coverage for cancer patients, commuter rail indemnification, migrant vessel disposition, specialty license plates, an Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness campaign, relocation of the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys to Florida Memorial University, charter school changes, sexual offender registration updates, utility worker assault/battery penalties, juvenile justice revisions, student mental health outcome reporting, foster home licensure transfers, water access facilities, Florida Virtual School changes, school readiness resources for children with disabilities, sexual images/child exploitation penalties, tampering with electronic monitoring devices, certified recovery residences, the FSU Election Law Center, the Office of Faith and Community, and bonuses for county tax collector/property appraiser employees. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on social media use by minors, veterans’ nursing homes, Parkinson’s disease, mental health and substance use disorders, education, educator preparation, benefits for certain officers injured in the line of duty, school social workers, and brownfields. Debate centered on public safety, health care access, education, recovery housing, and government administration. Some of the most substantive discussion came on the Office of Faith and Community bill, where an amendment to bar political activity by office staff was offered and defeated after extended debate over election-related communications and the proper scope of existing ethics laws. The certified recovery residences bill also drew extensive support and testimony about addiction recovery and housing stability. Most bills passed on strong bipartisan votes, with a few receiving notable opposition, including the charter schools bill, the aggravating factors bill, and the Office of Faith and Community bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• another tax credit or a tax credit or deduction under this section if they claim this credit.
• that</c><00:10:18.519><c> no</c><00:10:18.640><c> one</c><00:10:18.800><c> can</c><00:10:18.959><c> claim
• </c> some language so that no one can claim some language so that no one can claim another<00:10:19.560
• 00:10:22.600><c> they</c> deduction under this section if they deduction under this section if they claim
• <00:10:23.040><c> this</c> claim this claim this credit credit credit um<00:10:26.640><c> uh</c><00:10

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on several measures, beginning with SB 1480 on transportation and road usage charging. Supporters included the Department of Transportation, the Hawaii State Energy Office, county representatives, and the Tax Foundation, while an automotive industry witness opposed the bill, arguing it would be unfair to rural drivers and those with longer commutes. Committee discussion focused on equity, rural impacts, and whether the measure should be tied to future rail funding. The committees ultimately recommended SB 1480 pass with amendments, including broadening allowable uses of funds, clarifying language on infrastructure and safety, addressing motor scooters, and striking a proposed new subaccount; the recommendation was adopted by both committees, with one no vote in TCA. For SB 970 on taxation, the Tax Foundation said the employer transit tax credit would be more efficient as a direct subsidy program, and the Department of Taxation recommended several changes, including a sunset date of December 31, 2030, anti-double-benefit language, deletion of certain reporting requirements, and an effective date of December 31, 2025. The department estimated the bill would reduce revenues by about $11.6 million over the four-year period it would be in effect. The committees moved SB 970 forward with amendments to include bike share in the credit and add a defective date, leaving the department’s suggested changes for later consideration; the recommendation was adopted. The committees also advanced SB 1008 on parking and SB 1088 on electric vehicle charging infrastructure without amendments. DCAB strongly supported SB 1008, saying it would help counties enforce accessible parking design requirements, and noted a related bill without the EV portion. SB 1088 drew broad support from the Public Utilities Commission, State Energy Office, county and advocacy groups, and individuals; one question raised whether the bill should sunset, but the response was that Hawaii still lacks sufficient EV charging infrastructure and the measure expands eligibility for affordable housing. Both bills were recommended to pass unamended and the recommendations were adopted. The Transportation and Culture and Arts committee then heard SB 1011 on the Hawaii Leadership Awards Program, with testimony in strong support from individuals and the State Archivist, who suggested preserving award recipients’ archives, photos, oral histories, and clippings. The committee also heard SB 441 on the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, with support from the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaii Theatre Center, musicians, and others emphasizing cultural value, workforce stability, and statewide access to the arts. The transcript then moved to SB 1581 on the Hawaii Japan Pacific Peace Monument and SB 1577 relating to the State Foundation on the Arts; on SB 1577, the Attorney General warned that using the Works of Special Art Fund for operating purposes could jeopardize the tax-exempt status of related bonds and recommended deleting section five, while also pointing to the Performing Arts Special Fund as an alternative.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, do tax so, um, are there many businesses that are claiming this credit, and how much on average is
• claimed a year?
• this credit and how much on claiming this credit and how much on average<00:12:14.320><c> is</c><00:
• 12:14.480><c> claimed</c><00:12:14.839><c> a</c><00:12:15.000><c> year</c><00:12:16.000><c> that</c><
• 00:12:16.160><c> I</c><00:12:16.240><c> don't</c> average is claimed a year that I don't average is claimed

Committee: Senate Economic Development and Tourism

Summary: The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism heard testimony on several bills, with much of the discussion focused on Enterprise Zones and related economic development measures. On SB 125, the committee heard support from DBEDT, the Department of Taxation, the Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, and the Farmers Union. Members questioned how the bill would affect job-creation requirements and learned that existing companies and new companies are treated differently under the program, with existing companies generally subject to a 15% annual employment increase and new companies to a 10% increase, while the bill would extend the program period from seven to nine years. DBEDT also said the program has been effective, citing 1,162 jobs created or maintained at a cost of about $1.2 million, and noted that agriculture, manufacturing, and wholesaling are the main sectors involved. The committee then took up SB 729, also relating to Enterprise Zones, which would expand eligibility to better accommodate local manufacturers and value-added businesses that sell directly to retail rather than only wholesale. Testifiers from the Holua Collaborative and Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau supported the measure, saying it would help small manufacturers and agricultural producers add value and adapt to internet-era sales patterns. A committee discussion clarified that the bill would add value-added processing as an allowable activity within the zones, and DBEDT explained that the current rules were written for a wholesale-dominated market. The Attorney General’s office also testified, raising a supremacy clause concern and recommending language changes to avoid conflict with federal law. On SB 129, relating to labeling requirements for fish, the Attorney General and the Department of Agriculture both raised concerns about federal preemption and enforcement. The AG explained that federal law governs fish labeling but includes an exception for processed fish, and recommended narrowing the bill to processed fish and defining that term to fit the federal carve-out. The Hawaii Longline Association supported the bill but suggested excluding canned tuna while including products such as poke, sashimi, and sushi. The Department of Agriculture said it does not currently enforce this kind of labeling requirement and would need to determine whether another agency should handle enforcement. The committee also heard SB 581, which would establish an aerospace and aeronautics development program within DBEDT. Testimony was generally supportive, but members pressed for a fiscal estimate, and the bill’s sponsor said a prior version of the office had operated on about $400,000 annually with a small staff. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I used to live in Greater Minnesota, so that's my claim to connection.
• </c><00:03:24.040><c> to</c> Greater Minnesota so that's my claim to Greater Minnesota so that's my claim
• We don't get to claim our own children, so we're providing a service in a business, and yet those our
• <c> own</c><00:09:33.240><c> children</c><00:09:34.240><c> so</c><00:09:34.760><c> we're</c> to CL claim
• our own children so we're to CL claim our own children so we're providing<00:09:35.320><c> a</c><00:

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• As you all recall, at the last council meeting, the council approved a one-time salary adjustment for
• Based on differences in experience and education, those salary adjustments are being finalized and are

Committee: Joint Legislative Council

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker for taking this directive, seeing where this industry was headed, and asking us to move ahead, adjust
• The industry is changing, it's maturing, and we are here to meet that moment and adjust our approach.
• The industry is changing, it's maturing, and we are here to meet that moment and adjust our approach.

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed students from the Frederick C. Murphy School in Weymouth, along with other guests introduced by members. The chamber then suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow several petitions to be referred, including proposals on alcohol labeling for beers consumed on premises, parity in funding for regional vocational and traditional public schools, and legal protections for victims of childhood sexual abuse. The main floor business was House No. 4187, An Act Modernizing the Commonwealth’s Cannabis Laws, reported by Ways and Means as a substitute bill. Members speaking in support described it as a comprehensive overhaul of the Cannabis Control Commission and the state’s cannabis and hemp regulatory framework. The bill would reduce and restructure the CCC, expand options for cannabis businesses and social equity operators, raise license and ownership caps, remove the vertical integration requirement for medical marijuana, and create stronger rules for hemp and CBD products, including a ban on unregulated intoxicating hemp products and a new regulatory structure for allowable hemp beverages and CBD items. Several amendments were offered and adopted by roll call, including changes narrowing the hemp beverage ban from 11 ounces to 7.5 ounces, requiring out-of-state testing labs to be certified in good standing with the commission, and other technical revisions. After debate, the House passed H. 4187 to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 153-0. The chamber also passed to be engrossed two sick leave bank bills, for Andrew Satara and Dana Johnson, and ordered House No. 1590, establishing a sick leave bank for Eric J. Wenaka, to a third reading. The House then adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you claim you care about gun violence. Gun violence super important.
• ><c> extremist</c> were claims made about extremist were claims made about extremist violence<03:09:13.040
• </c> eventually released into a baggage claim eventually released into a baggage claim area,<03:35:56.160
• Every politician who claims to stand behind the badge must answer this.
• come from the NRA and we always claim come from the NRA and we always claim<04:08:26.000><c> come</c

Transcript Highlights:

• 7.2% request as part of the 10.2% request, but we also need a reasonable amount of cost-of-living adjustment
• These include the annualization of recent FY2026 collective agreement adjustments, the FY2027 scheduled
• But that didn't encompass the 4.5% adjustment raises to bargaining.
• doesn't even get us to an operational number to pay the cost-of-living raises and cost-of-living adjustments
• DPPC also teamed up with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services' Medicaid administrative claiming

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held its sixth public hearing on the Governor’s H-2 budget proposal for fiscal year 2026, focused on public safety and judiciary agencies, at the Foxborough Community Center. After opening remarks and local welcomes, the committee heard first from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, led by Secretary Gina Kwan, who outlined a $1.72 billion budget, up $69.8 million from FY26. She said the proposal emphasizes core operations, readiness, and partnerships with municipalities, and highlighted work on firearms-law implementation, State Police reform, DOC reentry efforts, hate-crimes prevention, emergency response, and planning for major events including the World Cup. Members also raised concerns about DNA backlog reporting, State Police academy boxing and training standards, ICE communication, disaster relief funding, crime lab staffing, EMS placement, and diversity in public safety leadership. Several exchanges focused on specific operational issues. Secretary Kwan and her team said the State Police are tracking the influx of forensic work from local sheriffs, that the boxing program remains suspended pending an IACP review and likely will not return in its prior form, and that EOPS has no direct communication with ICE but supports law-enforcement coordination where appropriate. On disaster preparedness, officials said the new disaster relief fund is being developed with MEMA and A&F, currently capitalized at $14 million with another $14 million expected, though members urged a more permanent funding source. On the crime lab, staff said the roughly $4.5 million increase is intended to cover core operations and a structural funding gap rather than expand services. The secretary also said EOPS is not ready to absorb OEMS from DPH at this time, though she would keep an open mind. The committee then heard from district attorneys, led by Suffolk County DA Kevin Hayden, who said the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association is seeking a 10% increase in operating budgets, including about $16.7 million for staffing salaries, to recruit and retain prosecutors, advocates, and support staff. He said the request reflects rising workload and the need to keep the criminal justice system functioning efficiently and fairly. The hearing was recessed briefly after the district attorneys’ opening remarks, with additional testimony expected to continue afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• So the only option really is to adjust the delivery fees.
• 28:21.799><c> to</c> the only option necessary really is to the only option necessary really is to adjust
• <00:28:23.240><c> the</c><00:28:24.159><c> delivery</c> adjust the delivery adjust the delivery fees<
• That credit was fully utilized in 2022, and every year thereafter the full $5 million was claimed within

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems