Transcript Highlights:

• Support of ACR 9, thank you. Thank you, Assemblymember Crowell.
• So I ask all of you to join us today in supporting ACR 9.
• I rise today in support of ACR 9.
• I'm heartened to hear the bipartisan support for this resolution.
• So I'm glad that we have the bipartisan support in this room.

Transcript Highlights:

• And you have my support and help.
• Do we have any additional support in the room?
• Do we have any additional support in the room?
• Do we have any additional support in the room?
• We urge your support. Thank you. Do we have an additional support in the room?

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• At Secure Idaho, we support real E-Verify enforcement.
• I know it sounds like I'm going to not support the motion, but I am going to support the motion because
• At that time, I would probably support the removal of the commission statewide. ...support the removal
• They're all totally in support of this.
• So I'm going to support the motion.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We stand in strong support of this.
• So I stand in strong support. Thank you.
• He's super supportive, as you might imagine.
• He's super supportive, as you might imagine.
• We'd appreciate your support. Thank you, Madam Chair. We'd appreciate your support.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You're going to waive in support. Sit down. You're going to waive in support.
• Jared Ross, waiving in support. Jared, where's your hand? There you go.
• Chair, to members, I ask for your considerable support.
• I wanted to speak in support of Senate Bill 484 today.
• Chante Jones, AARP Florida, waiving in support.

Bills: S0408, S0986, S0678, S0800, S1050, S0484, S1118

Keywords: vaccine advertisement, manufacturer liability, harmful vaccine, healthcare, court action, smoking regulation, public health, vaping, marijuana, public places, Florida Statutes, alcohol distribution, tax deductions, extraordinary losses, warehouse breakage, regulatory compliance, veterinary, prescription, pharmacy, client rights

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries considered several bills and took final action on each. SB 986, by Senator Gruters and presented by Senator Rodriguez, would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana in public places and in certain indoor spaces; restaurant and lodging representatives supported adding marijuana and vaping to clean indoor air rules but asked to preserve designated smoking areas on private property, while cannabis advocates warned the bill was overly broad and could affect patients and property rights. The committee voted the bill favorably. SB 678, by Senator Mayfield, would restore statutory authority for DBPR to continue allowing alcohol distributors to deduct unsellable alcohol from monthly excise tax calculations; the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and reported the committee substitute favorably. SB 800, also by Senator Mayfield, increases penalties for repeated unlicensed engineering practice and creates an engineering student loan assistance program for engineers working for state agencies and water management districts; after adopting an amendment clarifying eligibility, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then heard SB 408, by Senator Grall, which would create a Florida cause of action against vaccine manufacturers that advertise in the state, allowing injured individuals to sue in Florida courts. Supporters argued the bill would rebuild public trust and hold manufacturers accountable, while opponents from the Florida Justice Reform Institute, American Tort Reform Association, BIO, the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, and several medical and business groups argued the field is largely preempted by federal law, that existing federal compensation programs already address vaccine injuries, and that the bill raises First Amendment and policy concerns. After debate focused on vaccine injury data, compensation rates, and liability, the committee voted SB 408 favorably. The committee also considered SB 484 and SB 1118, both by Senator Avila, dealing with data centers. SB 484 would preserve local planning authority, bar nondisclosure agreements that prevent disclosure of potential data center development, require the PSC to set large-load tariff requirements so data centers pay their own costs, and limit consumptive use permits for large-scale data centers absent no harm to water resources and compliance with local zoning; supporters emphasized ratepayer protection and economic development, while some witnesses urged flexibility for behind-the-meter projects and confidentiality in negotiations. The bill was reported favorably. SB 1118 would create a time-limited public records exemption for county or municipal information about data center siting and protect proprietary business information; Senator Pizzo raised concerns about how the exemption would affect disclosure of competing projects and local officials’ ability to speak, but the sponsor said he would work on clarifying the language. The committee also passed SB 1050, by Senator Calatayud, which requires veterinarians to provide pet owners with written prescriptions and information about pharmacy choice while preserving veterinary judgment and emergency dispensing authority. The meeting concluded after all bills were reported favorably and members recorded additional votes on prior items.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here today in strong support of SB 2925 by Senator Blanco.
• Of course, I support the. An audit.
• I'm speaking in support of Senate Bill 1250.
• I support the gist of the bill.
• I respectfully urge your support of Senate Bill 317.

Bills: SB317, SB1250, SB1520, SB1950, SB2298, SB2532, SB2539, SB2747, SB2925, SB2993

Keywords: monuments, memorials, public property, historical significance, civil penalties, local governance, project financing zone, municipal tax revenue, convention centers, multipurpose arenas, infrastructure development, hike and bike trails, outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, Bicentennial Trail, Texas history, cultural heritage, unemployment benefits, eligibility, Texas Workforce Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m happy to answer those, but we would strongly support your support for this legislation.
• We stand in support of House Bill 745.
• We stand in support of House Bill 745.
• I'm here to support House Bill 745.
• I'm here today to testify in support of HB 745. I'm here today to testify in support of H.B. 745.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We support unifying.
• We respectfully ask for your support.
• How can we support? How can we do things? How can we bring together?
• Emergency funds within 24 to 48 hours to support immediate needs.
• Of course, it supports local producers.

Transcript Highlights:

• need to support their faculty, that we need to expand our locations.
• get some additional support.
• get some additional support.
• such support to those districts.
• CTA does support the Governor's proposed $1.8 billion for the student support Block Grant.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met for its annual Proposition 98 overview, with Chair Alvarez outlining the committee’s focus on K-12 funding, student outcomes, and use of one-time funds. Superintendent Tony Thurmond gave an update on education issues, including wildfire recovery support for affected school communities, ongoing concerns about federal threats to education funding and immigration enforcement, progress on literacy and math, dual-language immersion, educator housing, and support for dual enrollment. Members broadly expressed support for these priorities, while also raising concerns about implementation, funding stability, and the need for schools to remain safe places for students. The committee then reviewed the Governor’s Proposition 98 proposal. The Department of Finance said the 2025-26 Proposition 98 guarantee is projected at $118.9 billion, with higher revenues and TK-related rebenching driving the increase. The LAO said the budget adds about $7.5 billion over two years and discussed the volatility of the guarantee, especially in 2024-25, when changes in revenue could have an outsized effect on school funding. Members questioned the proposed $1.6 billion delayed settle-up payment, the legal basis for delaying it, and the impact of possible federal funding freezes. The LAO presented alternatives such as a reserve deposit or delayed disbursement, while Finance said the proposal is intended to manage uncertainty. Members also raised concerns that ethnic studies implementation was not funded in the January budget, and Finance said the administration was not proposing funding for it. The committee next heard on the Proposition 98 rainy day fund and education deferrals. Finance said the reserve would receive a mandatory deposit of about $1.2 billion in 2024-25 and a discretionary deposit of $376 million in 2025-26, leaving a balance of about $1.5 billion. The LAO supported rebuilding the reserve as a way to manage volatility. On deferrals, Finance described the Governor’s plan to eliminate remaining deferrals by 2025-26, and the LAO said paying them off improves cash flow and budget resilience. Members generally supported eliminating deferrals and rebuilding reserves, though some asked about acting earlier if revenues allow. The committee also reviewed the proposed $1.8 billion student support and professional development block grant; Finance said it would fund professional development, recruitment and retention, and dual enrollment, while the LAO recommended clearer language on local discretion and use for one-time costs. Members were divided, with some supporting flexibility and others warning that one-time block grants can create instability and confusion for districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> HIV supports HIV supports division<00:42:31.319><c> uh</c><00:42:31.760><c> I'm</c><00:42:31.960
• She said supportive services, including transportation and food supports, are crucial for maintaining
• She said supportive services, including transportation and food supports, are crucial for maintaining
• </c> continue to have the care and support continue to have the care and support that<00:52:41.520><c
• </c><00:52:44.680><c> Services</c> and all the other Supportive Services and all the other Supportive

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My team supports the policy and engineering of PG&E's EE programs.
• We've supported over 2,800 jobs.
• “That support can come in other ways. So I want to highlight that.
• We should be held accountable for our market support programs actually supporting the market.
• So I wanted to voice our strong support for those. Thanks. Thank you. Hi, Chair.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held a hearing on how California Public Utilities Commission energy efficiency programs are budgeted, evaluated, and measured for cost-effectiveness. The chair framed the issue as not whether energy efficiency works, but how to ensure ratepayer-funded programs continue to deliver value as the portfolio has shifted from simple measures like lighting to more complex retrofits, electrification, workforce, and equity programs. CPUC staff outlined the statutory framework, the four-year budget cycle, recent spending of about $795 million in 2025, and the use of total system benefit (TSB) and the total resource cost (TRC) test, noting that some programs are exempt from cost-effectiveness requirements at the individual program level but not at the resource acquisition portfolio level. Utility, regional network, implementer, and advocacy witnesses offered differing views on the current metrics. PG&E described its portfolio as cost-effective overall and argued that cost-effectiveness should remain at the portfolio level to allow innovation and multi-year program flexibility. SoCalREN and the Energy Coalition emphasized the value of local government delivery, equity-focused programs, and the need to credit programs for broader benefits such as workforce development, market transformation, and electrification. The Public Advocates Office argued that ratepayer-funded programs should produce benefits greater than costs and raised concerns about the growing share of budgets going to programs that have not met cost-effectiveness thresholds. Several witnesses said the current math is too complicated and that different program types may need different metrics. Committee members repeatedly pressed witnesses on the complexity of the TRC and TSB calculations, the treatment of participant costs, and whether the state should use a simpler or more transparent framework. CPUC staff said the relevant issues are already being addressed in two open proceedings, with one budget application proceeding expected to conclude in roughly the second or third quarter of next year and a broader policy rulemaking ongoing. No votes were taken and no formal action was reported; the hearing functioned as an informational discussion and policy review.

Transcript Highlights:

• We can train and support our workforce.
• I'm speaking to you in strong support of House 77, Senate 35.
• And I'm here today to speak in support of House Bill 74 and 77.
• I speak in support of Senate Bill 51. For too long, social media.
• I strongly encourage you to support Senate Bill S. 51.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on several artificial intelligence bills, opening with remarks about the 9/11 anniversary and then broad statements from the co-chairs about AI’s promise and risks. Chair Farley-Bouvier and Senator Moore emphasized the need for guardrails, transparency, and worker and consumer protections, while Senator Finegold described Senate Bill 37, which would create a framework for AI model training with safety assessments, audits, incident reporting, Attorney General oversight, and workforce reporting. Members also discussed Massachusetts’ position relative to other states and the need for state action in the absence of federal regulation. A large portion of the hearing focused on the Fair Act, House 77 and Senate 35, which would limit workplace surveillance, restrict collection of biometric and location data, require notice and human review for automated employment decisions, and protect workers from retaliation. Labor leaders, including AFL-CIO, AFSCME, AFT, SEIU, building trades, and other worker representatives, testified in support, describing harms from bossware, automated benefits denials, hiring and promotion screening, scheduling, and monitoring in workplaces ranging from health care and education to manufacturing and construction. They argued that AI systems are already affecting wages, benefits, safety, and job security, and that Massachusetts should act now to set clear rules. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 74, which would require informed consent and clear contract terms for digital replicas of voices and likenesses, with SAG-AFTRA representatives supporting the bill as a protection for performers and creators. Another major topic was Senate Bill 51 on social media algorithm accountability and transparency; child safety advocates, researchers, and a public health expert described harms from engagement-based algorithms, including exposure to harmful content, eating disorders, and youth mental health impacts, and supported independent audits and public reporting. A few industry and civil liberties witnesses supported regulation but urged balance, warning against overly burdensome rules while acknowledging the need for privacy, transparency, and accountability. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the hearing excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• and providing that support, and the Arkansas ESSA plan has three categories of school support.
• and providing that support and the arkansas as a plan has three categories of school support we'll see
• Looking at school support, that school support is based on the Index scores that are no longer being
• I know there are programs that provide support to different. that provide support to different areas,
• Level five is the highest level of support.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They’re here in support of House Bill 348 and Senate Bill 220. Mr. Girardi. Hi, how are you?
• I’m here today to express strong support for House Bill 348 and Senate Bill 220.
• I’m testifying today in support of House Bill 348 by Chairman Chan and Senate Bill 220 by...
• their support.
• The MBTA respectfully asks for your support of House Bill 407 and S. 277.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure opened its first hearing of the session with remarks from Chair Chan and Senate Co-Chair Pavel Payano, who emphasized consumer affordability and professional licensure reform. The chairs also reviewed public testimony rules, noting the hearing was recorded, testimony would be public, and speakers should avoid including sensitive personal information. The committee then heard testimony on several bills carried over from prior sessions and new proposals, with each witness generally speaking in support of the measure they addressed. On self-storage, Joe Doherty of the Self Storage Association supported House Bill 340 and Senate Bill 236, saying the bills would clarify abandonment procedures, allow electronic delivery and signatures for rental agreements, and address situations where a renter fails to return a signed contract after a facility sale, while preserving existing consumer protections. On housing and fair housing education, Nicholas Pelletier and counsel Justin Davidson of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors supported House Bill 343 and Senate Bill 232, which would require fair housing education for real estate licensees; they said fair housing training is already part of MAR’s programs but is not required for all licensees, and Pelletier described a personal example of discriminatory treatment in a rental application. Senators asked whether other states have similar requirements and requested follow-up information. The committee also heard strong support for House Bill 348 and Senate Bill 220 on licensure of applied behavior analysts from Dr. Pauli Gidej of MABA and Dr. Charlie Newfield of Beacon ABA Services. They argued that a dedicated board would improve oversight, speed licensing, and help reduce delays that affect access to autism services, noting the growing number of practitioners and the strain on families waiting for care. Later, Robert Mellion of the Massachusetts Package Stores Association testified for House Bill 390, which would expand alcohol license suspension penalties to all business activity for certain retailers; members questioned the impact on grocery and big-box stores, the difference between suspending alcohol sales versus closing an entire store, and whether fines in lieu of suspension would be sufficient. The committee also heard testimony in favor of House Bill 407 and Senate Bill 277 to license veterinary technicians, with witnesses saying standardized education and licensure would improve animal safety, clarify scope of practice, and better distinguish technicians from assistants. Finally, Craig Orlin of Honda supported House Bill 474 and Senate Bill 291, which would use RMV contacts to notify drivers of open safety recalls and require recall completion as part of registration renewal; he said the bills could improve recall completion rates and address the large number of unrepaired vehicles on the road. At the end of the hearing, the chair noted several bills that did not receive testimony that day, invited written submissions by email, and announced the committee would reconvene in about two weeks. Representative McKenna moved to adjourn, Representative Keefe seconded, and the committee voted to close the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Supports community organizations.
• I'm supportive of the bill. Thank you.
• I am here in support of Senator Mosley.
• Anybody here to testify in support? Anybody here testify in support? Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman.
• I'll support a bill.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It has the support of the entire town of Groton.
• It also has the support of DCR, Support of the entire town of Groton.
• I support Bill H. 4700 and H. 5076.
• On Cape Cod, Sierra Club members and supporters have been working to build support for these petitions
• On behalf of our Massachusetts supporters, I submit the following testimony and strong support of H.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a late-file hearing focused mainly on coastal access and wildlife protection bills, rodenticide restrictions, and a conservation land use bill. Chair Barbara House opened with technical notes and hearing rules, then Rep. Scarsdale testified for H. 5113, which would name an accessible trail in Groton the Marion Stoddard Riverwalk in honor of the environmental advocate who helped restore the Nashua River. Groton Trails Committee chair Paul Fung also supported the bill, describing the trail, educational signage, and DCR’s involvement. Rep. Sweezey then presented a package of Duxbury beach bills—H. 5141, H. 5140, and H. 5139—aimed at revising shorebird protections, creating parity among beaches, and requiring regular review of outdated recreational-use guidelines. He said the bills were developed with local and agency input to balance conservation and beach access, though he acknowledged some initial concerns from wildlife officials about the language in H. 5141. The committee also heard extensive testimony on local home-rule petitions to restrict second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides and other pesticides. Supporters included Grafton resident Shannon Phelan, Mass Audubon’s Heather Packard, Sen. Ford, Billerica resident William Jubin, Manchester-by-the-Sea resident Anne Harris, and Animal Defenders International’s Drew McCormick. They argued the poisons cause secondary poisoning in owls, hawks, eagles, and other wildlife, can harm pets and livestock, and are increasingly ineffective; several speakers urged local authority because statewide action has been slow. Opponents included Molly Moran of the New England Pest Management Association, who argued regulation should remain at the state level through MDAR to avoid a patchwork of local rules and noted the agency is already reviewing the issue. Additional testimony from Stephanie Ellis, Laura Kelly, Chris Powicki, Cecily Miller, and others supported Eastham and Truro pesticide-reduction petitions, citing wildlife losses, groundwater concerns, and the need for local control. Finally, the committee heard S. 2961 from Dighton town counsel Matthew Costa, which would authorize use of a small portion of conservation land for public way purposes tied to replacement of the Pleasant Street Bridge. Costa said the easements are needed for safety improvements, including a wider bridge deck, sidewalk, guardrail replacement, and erosion controls, and that the affected conservation area is limited and of little natural-resource value. The hearing ended after testimony on these bills, with no votes taken during the session and the committee adjourning at the close of testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to have the trained, best support advocates for our children.
• also taking them to get some support through local agencies.
• We have a lot of churches that do support us.
• At Christmastime, we have churches that do support us. We have churches that do support us.
• us christmas time we have churches that do support us at christmas time we have churches that do support

Summary: The Senate Finance and House Appropriations committee reviewed the Judicial Branch budget, beginning with the Court Operations division. Legislative staff outlined the branch’s structure, recent spending trends, technology upgrades funded with ARPA dollars, and FY26/FY27 budget changes, including judicial compensation increases, added judges in several districts, and a late request for $800,700 from a dedicated fund to cover senior magistrate retirement and purchase-of-service costs. Court officials explained that the retirement request was driven by an unusual number of magistrate retirements announced too late to include in the original budget, and they also described the impact of declining federal support and the need to shift some treatment-court and technology costs to other funding sources. Members asked about the holdback, the court’s cloud and network modernization, the purpose of senior judge purchase-of-service payments, and the effect of treatment courts on public safety and incarceration; no vote was taken. The committee then heard the Second Judicial District CASA/Guardian ad Litem request for $77,900 in general funds. The program said the money would support a trainer/recruiter/data supervisor position, required office and record space, annual financial review, and liability insurance, citing rural service needs, declining VOCA and grant funding, and the need to recruit and support volunteers across a large district. The executive director described the program’s statutory role in child protection cases and said fundraising now covers about 30% of the budget, taking time away from direct services. Members asked about the decline in VOCA funds, the number of children served, and examples of the program’s impact; the director gave a detailed success story about helping a family reunify. The hearing ended with no recorded appropriation action, and the chair adjourned the meeting until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• the region counties to support the transportation district.
• We have a letter of support as well from Montgomery County Judge Mark Keogh.
• And so I do urge your support for this bill. Alright, thank you very much.
• I'm here in support of Senator West's bill.
• Committee, thank you for your time and consideration and support of this.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation heard a series of memorial and honorary designation bills, including SB 876 naming the Crescent Bypass the Bob Cornett Parkway, HB 2523 renaming part of State Highway 48 for Deputy Constable Ruben Garcia, HB 2457 naming a portion of US 287 the Molly Mullins Mile, HB 2763 naming a TxDOT facility for Eduardo Eddie Garcia Jr., HB 3135 creating specialty license plates for retired firefighters, HB 2415 naming part of FM 969 for Senior Police Officer Louis Andy Taylor, HB 2143 naming part of FM 1097 for Army Specialist Joey Lynn, HB 767 naming part of SH 249 for Colonel Paul P. Mendez, HB 2198 naming part of Highway 34 for Officer Jacob Candenosa, SB 1230 naming part of FM 10 for Deputy Sheriff Chris Dickerson, SB 2515 naming part of Loop 323 for fire chief Jimmy Wayne Seaton, SB 2688 naming part of US 281 for the McIlroy family, and SB 2790 naming part of US 67 for Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. Most of these bills were presented by senators on behalf of House authors and were supported by family members, local officials, or law enforcement groups, with testimony emphasizing public service, sacrifice, and roadway safety. The committee also heard SB 2799, which would create new criminal penalties for reckless driving that causes bodily injury or serious bodily injury; the sponsor and a Montgomery County prosecutor said the bill would fill a gap between misdemeanor reckless driving and aggravated assault and give prosecutors more proportional charging options. A separate policy bill, HB 1672, was described as removing an administrative delay in DPS motor carrier enforcement, and HB 3012 would eliminate a $3 administration fee for driving courses. After public testimony, the committee voted to report each listed bill favorably to the full Senate, generally by a 6-0 roll call, and recommended them for the local and uncontested calendar; all bills were left pending until the final vote, then reported out and the committee recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:10.639><c> to</c> Association can ever be supportive to Association can ever be supportive
• Thank you for that. that support lifelong learning. that support lifelong learning.
• </c> Our community is showing strong support. Our community is showing strong support.
• </c> support of Senate File 3684. support of Senate File 3684.
• </c> for your support for Senate File 3684. for your support for Senate File 3684.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:10:18.400><c> the</c> ambitious goals to support the ambitious goals to support the deployment
• </c><01:13:33.520><c> of</c> opportunity to testify in support of opportunity to testify in support of
• <01:41:14.800><c> for</c> support for support for SF3083.<01:41:18.080><c> Does</c><01:41:18.320><c>
• That is why I support this bill.
• and the committee senator support and the committee support<01:53:29.760><c> uh</c><01:53:29.840><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all