Transcript Highlights:

• Does that need to be in the license. Does that need to be in the bill?
• It's It's over in this It's in the OS.
• It's It's over in this It's in the state<00:32:54.320><c> house.
• It's in the state house. Well, down? It's in the state house.
• </c><02:09:43.280><c> uh</c><02:09:43.440><c> in</c> the summer and it was in uh in the summer and it

Committee: House Fish and Game and Marine Resources

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> women in our in our agency. women in our in our agency.
• in a day in the life in the academy in a day in the life in the academy uh<00:42:24.360><c> being</c>
• in in in<00:51:09.960><c> roles.
• While these may seem like administrative matters, they're critical in maintaining the fairness and integrity
• ><c> and</c> critical in maintaining the fairness and critical in maintaining the fairness and integrity

Committee: Joint State Government

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> ensuring fairness in the system. ensuring fairness in the system.
• </c> in this um bill or if they have um in in this um bill or if they have um in this<00:23:17.360><c
• </c><00:31:41.360><c> one</c> attorney in one uh or a judge in one attorney in one uh or a judge in one
• </c><00:55:59.520><c> in</c> going to put a lot of people um in in going to put a lot of people um in
• ><c> county</c><01:34:33.040><c> in</c> It's delivered in another county in It's delivered in another

Bills: HF962 , HF3541 , HF2936 , HF3762 , HF2879

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: Capitol security, public safety, emergency management, state buildings, law enforcement, corrections, legislative approval, rule-making, financial impact, jail regulations, expungement, firearm eligibility, criminal records, organized retail crime, retail theft, supply chain theft, theft enterprise, organized theft, cargo theft, shoplifting

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a tool that is done actually a fair amount in the insurance code.
• </c><00:32:42.480><c> amount</c> a fair amount a fair amount in<00:32:44.559><c> the</c><00:32:44.880
• </c><00:38:06.560><c> in</c> So what I was reading in in So what I was reading in in 420F<00:38:09.200
• </c> voluntary in nature. voluntary in nature.
• period</c> part of a in a in a rebuilding period part of a in a in a rebuilding period right<01:42:53.440

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee took up the pooled risk management program bill and reviewed a new amendment drafted with input from the Insurance Department and Legislative Services. Department witnesses explained that the proposal would move oversight of pooled risk management programs from the Secretary of State’s office to the Insurance Department, add a licensure requirement, preserve the programs’ non-insurer status, and exempt them from third-party administrator licensure. They also described a series of solvency tools in the draft, including financial reporting, risk-based capital standards, minimum capitalization, investment limits, commissioner examination and enforcement authority, rulemaking authority, merger and affiliate-transaction review, confidentiality protections, and a separability clause. A major theme of the discussion was that pooled risk management programs differ from commercial insurers because the risk remains with the member local governments rather than being backed by a state guarantee fund. Witnesses said the bill is designed to emphasize solvency over return of premium and to give the Insurance Department a regulatory “toolbox” to prevent insolvency, including a proposed $5 million excess or stop-loss coverage benchmark, optional accessible policies, and a requirement that boards vote on dividends or premium returns when capital exceeds 600% of risk-based capital. Members questioned how this approach differed from the original Secretary of State bill and whether assessments on towns would still be possible; the department responded that the new framework would allow more flexible oversight and alternatives to immediate court action. The committee also discussed why the statute should continue to say the programs are not insurers, with the department explaining that this preserves their autonomy and avoids applying unrelated insurance laws and premium taxes. Members asked about the department’s workload and were told the department believed it could absorb the new duties without additional funding. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• in the in the shore up and clarify uh in the in the bill<00:04:25.440><c> plus</c><00:04:25.759><c>
• So in this situation then would you also consider, like, career fairs and stuff like that as being part
• >> So currently, yes, we've been actively involved in many career fairs, both here locally and international
• actively involved in many career fairs<00:13:26.240><c> both</c><00:13:26.560><c> here</c><00:13:26.800
• </c> in Hawaii. in Hawaii.

Bills: SB2024 , SB896 , SB2613 , SB494 , SB2391 , SB2125 , SB2614 , SB2615 , SB3262 , SB3325 , SB3118

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: charter schools, public-private partnership, school facilities, education funding, community need, education, capital improvement, reporting, transparency, technical expertise, public school land transfer, Department of Education, DOE, land conveyance, fee simple title, tax map key, TMK, Act 307, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, Act 139

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> is in conflict with the fair housing act is in conflict with the fair housing act of<00:37:28.079
• c><01:20:49.280><c> of</c> As the council says in in in a letter of As the council says in in in a letter
• In the past, it was the get fair reward.
• </c> and um s in in implementing sanctions. and um s in in implementing sanctions.
• </c> chapter to use uh in doing those in in chapter to use uh in doing those in in in<02:32:05.760><c

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Question in order.
• I've seen in the past; it's just my two cents in this matter. Representative Redmond.
• I've seen in the past; it's just my two cents in this matter. Representative Redmond.
• Alternate motions are in order. I move to hold Senate Bill 1436 in committee.
• All right, we have a substitute motion to hold in committee. All in favor signify by saying aye.

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee approved the March 27, 2026 minutes and then heard two bills. Senate Bill 1410, presented by Representative Vander Woude, would create a clearer statutory process for updating Medicaid reimbursement rates for community federally qualified health centers when they add services, moving the authority from agency rule to statute and keeping legislative oversight. With no testimony signed up, the committee voted unanimously to send SB 1410 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1436 on procurement, which would clarify that state agencies may use cooperative purchasing agreements and shared contracts, including contracts from other states or entities such as NASPO, and make immediate effective-date changes through an emergency clause. Supporters said the bill would save time and money, improve flexibility, and clarify existing authority; opponents raised concerns about broad language such as “best interest of the state,” possible effects on Idaho vendors, and potential overreach into the free market. An initial motion to hold the bill in committee failed, and after a roll call vote the committee advanced SB 1436 to the floor on a 9-6 due pass recommendation. The meeting ended with brief procedural discussion after the vote and closing remarks from the chair, who noted it was the committee’s last meeting of the year and his final meeting as chair. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jones, senior pastor of True Vine Community Church of God in Christ in Tacoma. Certainly, Mr.
• in Memphis, Tennessee, Dr.
• Garfield High School in the heart of Seattle’s historic Central District to march in Dr.
• In Africa, see that vision and invest in that vision.
• And his advocacy led to the establishment and ultimate passage of the Fair Housing Act in 1968, although

Summary: The Senate convened with a roll call, presentation of colors by Senate pages, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a prayer led by Reverend Rennell C. Jones of Tacoma. His daughter, Gabrielle Jones, then performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The chamber also recognized Girl Scout Troop 41752 from southeast Seattle later in the session. After approving the previous day’s journal and handling routine committee and referral motions, the Senate advanced engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5994 on biosimilar medicines to the floor calendar. It also received new introductions and referrals, including Senate Bill 6204, which was referred to the Committee on Transportation. No substantive debate occurred on those measures in this transcript. The main item of business was Senate Resolution 8661, recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and calling on Washingtonians to continue the work of justice, equity, and perseverance. Senator Nobles sponsored the resolution and several senators spoke in support, emphasizing Dr. King’s legacy, courage, nonviolence, and the need to keep working on issues such as racial justice, housing discrimination, and community investment. The Senate adopted the resolution by voice vote, and then adjourned until Tuesday, January 20 at 12:30 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the striking amendment or the underlying? Yes. In the striking amendment. That is correct.
• All in favor, say aye. All in favor say aye. Opposed nay. Nay. The amendment has failed.
• I believe we're fully covered in the bill and in the processes that we have in place to safeguard our
• All in favor, say aye. All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed nay. Nay. The amendment has failed.
• All in favor say aye. All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed nay. The amendment is adopted.

Summary: The committee met for its final executive session of the session and took up several House bills related to early learning and K-12 education. House Bill 1795 on restraint and isolation in schools was briefed as prohibiting mechanical, chemical, and certain physical restraints, limiting isolation, and barring new isolation rooms; a proposed amendment to the striker was defeated, and the bill then advanced. House Bill 2219 on child care licensing and drug safety was briefed as requiring licensed child care settings to be free of high-potency synthetic opioids, drug paraphernalia, and manufacturing equipment, with amendments to add drug testing and broader controlled-substance prohibitions; both amendments failed, and the striker was adopted before the bill advanced. House Bill 1295 on literacy was described as setting curriculum and educator training requirements; the committee adopted a striking amendment that removed some district implementation and continuing-education requirements, then advanced the bill. The committee also heard briefings on House Bill 1634 on behavioral health supports in schools, House Bill 2557 on timelines for special education evaluation reports and eligibility meetings, and House Bill 2636 creating a public education review steering committee and JLARC review process, all of which had no amendments at the briefing stage. In formal action, the committee voted to adopt the striker on HB 1295 and then passed HB 1795, HB 2219, HB 1295, HB 1634, and HB 2557 out of committee with due pass recommendations. HB 2636 was also advanced, but to the Ways and Means Committee rather than the Rules Committee. Several members noted concerns about costs and unfunded mandates, particularly regarding literacy implementation and child care safety provisions, while supporters emphasized student safety, child care safety, and clarity in existing law. The meeting ended with thanks to staff and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, in my prepared remarks, one of the things that I point out is wearing both of the hats that
• I believe it's a fair bill.
• I'm in favor of this bill.
• Two years, but at this point in the session, we may start subbing in House Bills and taking votes.
• Stay in recess.

Bills: SB771 , SB2345 , HB135 , HB135

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: diesel fuel tax, tax credit, auxiliary power units, power take-off equipment, refund, energy efficiency, firefighter retirement, municipal contributions, pension system, retirement benefits, funding ratios, sales tax exemption, exotic animals, game animals, agriculture, livestock, civil liability, motor vehicle, legal protection, removal

Transcript Highlights:

• So not included in that three.
• So, I mean, I just don't want us getting in any type of trouble in a way of trying to help members and
• I know I pay one of the highest rents in the state.
• So we would certainly assist in any way in terms of—I'm speaking on behalf of accounting.
• Because I wasn't in there. Okay.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee met briefly, established a quorum, and adopted the June 3, 2024 minutes without objection. The clerk and executive counsel then gave an overview of the committee’s role in setting and administering the House supplemental expense allowance, explaining that members currently receive up to $1,500 per month for reimbursable office and district expenses such as rent, utilities, printing, postage, travel in district, and certain communications costs. They also explained the existing carryover rules: unused funds may roll forward up to $3,000 generally and an additional $6,000 for printed materials, with any excess remaining in the House budget. Members asked for clarification on how the supplemental interacts with district office rent, mailers, per diem, out-of-state travel, cell phones, internet, and conference expenses, and staff explained which items are currently reimbursable and which are paid directly by the House. Several members raised the idea of expanding allowable uses of the supplemental to help cover lodging costs during session for members who live more than 50 miles from the Capitol, and one member also asked whether the monthly allowance should be increased because of inflation and rising office costs. Staff said lodging would require an amendment to the resolution and that any increase in the allowance would have to be taken up by the next legislative body, not this committee mid-term. Members also discussed possible tax implications and the need to consult a CPA before changing the rules, with concerns raised about avoiding double-dipping or ethical issues if lodging were reimbursed in addition to per diem. One member withdrew the lodging motion and asked that the committee study the issue further. The committee took no substantive action beyond adopting the minutes and adjourned after a motion to adjourn was made and approved without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• So not included in that three.
• So, I mean, I just don't want us getting in any type of trouble in a way of trying to help members and
• If you turn in a per diem for something that you have been appointed to, If you turn in a per diem for
• So we would certainly assist in any way in terms of, I'm speaking on behalf of accounting.
• Because I wasn't in there. Okay.

Summary: The committee met briefly, called the roll, confirmed a quorum, and adopted the June 3, 2024 minutes without objection. Staff then reviewed the purpose of the House supplemental allowance resolution, explaining that members receive up to $1,500 per month for reimbursable office and district expenses such as rent, utilities, printing, postage, travel within the district, and related office costs. Members also discussed the existing carryover rules, including a $3,000 general carryover and an additional $6,000 for printed materials, with unspent amounts reverting to the House budget. Several members asked for clarification about what expenses are currently covered and how reimbursements work, including district office rent, phone and internet bills, per diem, out-of-state travel, conference registration, cell phones, and portable hotspots. The clerk and executive counsel explained that some items are paid from the supplemental account, while others, such as certain conference registration fees or appointed travel per diem, are paid directly by the House operating account. Members also raised concerns about whether using supplemental funds for lodging during session would require a resolution amendment and whether it could create tax or ethics issues, including possible double-dipping with per diem. A motion was made to consider allowing excess supplemental funds to be used for lodging costs for members who live more than 50 miles from the Capitol, but after discussion the motion was withdrawn so the committee could study the issue further and consult a CPA. Members also discussed whether the monthly supplemental amount should be increased in light of inflation and rising office rents, noting that any change would have to be made by the executive committee for the next term. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which was adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• We ask this in your name. Amen. from the Diocese of Duluth in Duluth, Minnesota.
• That is truly making a huge difference in firefighters' lives.
• Originally, there was language in the bill stating that once a fair market value of the badges could
• When they see these interactions, they are, in fact, victims.
• All those in favor, say aye. Those opposed, say nay.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in terms of rental unaffordability in Massachusetts, from 2019 to 2024, rents rose by 12% in real
• mom in East Boston, a senior in Hadley, a teacher in Worcester, or a minimum-wage worker in Lynn.
• In Santa Monica, $6,400. In the report in front of you, you can read... In Santa Monica, $6,400.
• 1971, which was the first of its kind in the nation, ensuring fair housing conditions for residents,
• You can never sit in price control, people. It's not right. It's not fair. It never, ever works.

Bills: H5008

Committee: Joint Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions

Keywords: rent control, housing stability, tenants rights, affordability crisis, consumer protection, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• mom in East Boston, a senior in Hadley, a teacher in Worcester, or a minimum wage worker in Lynn.
• In Santa Monica, $6,400. In the report in front of you, you can read. In Santa Monica, $6,400.
• 1971, which was the first of its kind in the nation, ensuring fair housing conditions for residents,
• in the number of renters living in apartments.
• You can never sit in price control, people. It's not right. It's not fair. It never, ever works.

Bills: H5008

Committee: Joint Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions

Keywords: rent control, housing stability, tenants rights, affordability crisis, consumer protection

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 25-21, House Bill 508, an act to protect tenants by limiting rent increases. The chair explained the ballot process under Article 48 and outlined the hearing structure. The first witness, a Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies researcher, described Massachusetts’ worsening rental affordability, explained how rent regulation policies are typically designed, and reviewed research suggesting rent regulation can slow rent growth and improve tenant stability, while also noting concerns about reduced supply, quality, and implementation details. She compared the proposal to other state and local rent-stabilization laws and said the measure would cap increases at the lower of CPI or 5%, exempt certain housing types, and apply to new tenants as well as current tenants because it would not allow vacancy decontrol. Supporters of the petition argued that rent stabilization is needed to address displacement and immediate affordability pressures while broader housing production continues. The proponent from Homes for All Massachusetts said the policy is a grassroots response to corporate rent hikes and cited examples of tenants facing steep increases. A tenant from Arlington described a long dispute after a building was purchased by an investment firm and rents were raised sharply, saying the experience showed how rent increases can function as eviction. A union leader said high rents are forcing workers out of the communities they serve, and two experts testified that rent stabilization can reduce displacement and provide broad, immediate benefits. Committee members asked about the proposal’s exemptions, the 10-year new-construction carveout, vacancy decontrol, and whether the policy could discourage development; supporters said the bill targets large landlords, preserves room for small owners, and should be viewed as a complement to new housing production. Opponents, including small property owners, a chamber of commerce representative, a union official, and a landlord, argued the measure would hurt small landlords, reduce investment, and slow housing production. They said operating costs such as taxes, insurance, and maintenance rise faster than the proposed cap, and warned that capping rents would lower property values and tax revenues. Several opponents emphasized that many housing providers are not large corporations but local “mom-and-pop” owners, and one said the proposal would discourage pension funds and other investors from financing new projects. Committee members pressed opponents on what alternatives they would support for affordability, and opponents pointed to increased housing production and other housing policies instead of rent control. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• mom in East Boston, a senior in Hadley, a teacher in Worcester, or a minimum-wage worker in Lynn.
• In Santa Monica, $6,400. In the report in front of you, you can read. In Santa Monica, $6,400.
• 1971, which was the first of its kind in the nation, ensuring fair housing conditions for residents,
• 1971, which was the first of its kind in the nation, ensuring fair housing conditions for residents,
• You can never sit in price control, people. It's not right. It's not fair. It never, ever works.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 25-21, House Bill 508, an act to protect tenants by limiting rent increases. Committee leaders explained the Article 48 initiative process and said the hearing was intended to gather testimony for a report to the legislature. The measure would replace current state law that prohibits rent control, cap annual rent increases at the lower of CPI or 5%, exempt certain properties including owner-occupied buildings of four or fewer units, subsidized, university, nonprofit, and short-term rental housing, and exempt new construction for 10 years. It would also eliminate vacancy decontrol, so limits would continue when units turn over, and enforcement would rely largely on tenants and the Attorney General through the courts. The hearing began with expert testimony from Whitney Airgood-Obrien of Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, who described Massachusetts’ severe rental affordability problems and reviewed research on rent regulation, noting mixed evidence on supply and quality effects but clearer evidence that rent regulation can slow rent growth and improve tenant stability. Supporters of the petition, led by Carolyn Chow of Homes for All Massachusetts, argued that rent stabilization is needed now to curb displacement and runaway rent increases, especially for low- and moderate-income renters. Laura Frost described her Arlington building being bought by a large firm that sought steep rent hikes, and said rent control would help prevent “tenant flipping” and community displacement. Dave Foley of SEIU Local 509 said the issue affects workers’ ability to live near their jobs, while Dr. Mark Paul and Tram Huang argued that the evidence supports well-designed rent stabilization, that vacancy decontrol encourages displacement, and that the policy should be seen as a complement to new housing production rather than a substitute. Committee members questioned supporters about the 10-year new construction exemption, the lack of vacancy decontrol, and whether rent stabilization could discourage development; supporters responded that the measure targets corporate rent gouging, that small landlords are protected by exemptions, and that production and rent stabilization can coexist. Opponents, including representatives of small property owners, chambers of commerce, and labor/building trades, argued the proposal would hurt small landlords, reduce investment, and slow housing production. They said operating costs such as taxes, insurance, and maintenance are rising faster than the proposed cap, and warned that the measure would reduce property values and tax revenue and could push investment to other states. Several opponents emphasized that many Massachusetts housing providers are mom-and-pop owners rather than large corporations, and said the policy would make it harder to maintain and improve housing. Committee members pressed both sides on the need for a middle ground between affordability and preserving development incentives, but no vote was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I don't think that is fair just to squash the great conversation. ...sections that are in this.
• In this matter, 154 in the affirmative, zero in the negative. Thank you.
• In 1989, he raped two women in a clothing store in Framingham.
• So it may be fair to argue that this may not be the right line item to invest in.
• it's in our household or in our city hall or in our town hall.

Summary: The House first adopted several ceremonial resolutions congratulating three Eagle Scouts, then concurred in Senate amendments to House bills affecting the town of Milford’s alcohol licensing law and the town of Middleton’s charter. It also passed to enact a Senate bill on maintenance of private roads in Gloucester and engrossed a House bill allowing Plymouth to create a special revenue account for land acquisition. The chamber later observed moments of silence for former Lynn City Councilor Richard “Rick” Ford, Portuguese American community leader Louis Pedroso, and Quincy veteran Mildred “Millie” Cox, and welcomed several guest groups and dignitaries, including students from Fall River, D.A.R. Good Citizen award recipients, and a British minister visiting the State House. Most of the floor session centered on FY27 budget amendments, especially housing and shelter policy. Members debated and rejected multiple Republican amendments that would have tightened eligibility for the HomeBASE and emergency shelter programs by requiring citizenship or limiting access to U.S. citizens with Massachusetts residency, with supporters arguing the changes would reduce costs and opponents saying the programs already have strict eligibility rules and that the proposals would exclude lawful residents and vulnerable families. The House also rejected an amendment to block Housing and Livable Communities grants from being conditioned on MBTA Communities Act compliance, with supporters calling it a reprieve for noncompliant towns and opponents saying the law is helping address the housing shortage. A consolidated housing/environment amendment was then adopted 154-0, funding major housing, shelter, clean water, climate, and food assistance accounts. The chamber also defeated amendments to create a data center commission and to eliminate the vocational-technical school admissions lottery, though the latter was withdrawn after debate. Another rejected amendment would have suspended public policy and public benefit charges on electric and gas bills; opponents said that would eliminate low-income and senior bill relief. The House then turned to education-related amendments, rejecting proposals to change special education reimbursement formulas and to raise the reimbursement rate from 75% to 80%, with opponents arguing the ideas needed committee review and cost analysis. Finally, the House began debating an amendment to fully fund regional school transportation by removing “subject to appropriation,” but the transcript ends before any final vote on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• And in collaboration with Housing California, in strong support.
• in the units.
• I end up, in my district, people don't live in mansions.
• Housing in California. Housing in California is unaffordable.
• In theory, in-kind services should give them another avenue.

Committee: Senate Housing

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, yeah, I’m a girl, I’m in Judiciary in my head.
• I own a property in a 55-plus HOA week. I own a property in a 55-plus HOA community in District 12.
• So I know that everybody in here, I know for a fact that most people in flew, I know that everybody in
• In fact, I am a vice president of a licensing organization here in Florida, as also employed in the past
• In fact, I am a vice president of a licensing organization here in Florida, as also employed in the past

Summary: The subcommittee first heard HB 925 on clerks of court reimbursement. The sponsor said the bill raises the statutory reimbursement rate for unfunded clerk duties to $195 per petition, adds approved civil indigency applications to the reimbursement request, and adjusts certain civil traffic fee distributions to create parity between municipalities and unincorporated county areas. An amendment was adopted to remove general-revenue redirects and address a fee-waiver issue. Clerks and related associations testified in support, while the Florida League of Cities raised concerns about the revenue impact on municipalities. The committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 925 favorably by a 16-0 vote. The committee then took up HB 1551 on products liability for firearms. The sponsor said the bill would bar design-defect claims based solely on the absence or presence of external features not required by federal law, while preserving claims for internal manufacturing defects and failures to meet express warranties or representations. The bill drew extensive testimony from firearms manufacturers, law enforcement, gun-rights groups, and opponents from the Florida Justice Association and others, with debate focused on whether the language would limit lawsuits over alleged ghost firing or design defects and whether it should be clarified to preserve pending and future claims. The committee reported HB 1551 favorably by a 13-4 vote. Next, CS for HB 657 on community associations proposed a new community association court program, elimination of pre-suit mediation, and new procedures for dissolving associations, along with changes to “Kaufman” language and financial disclosure requirements. An amendment was adopted that changed the dissolution threshold to 50% of signatures, required a two-thirds vote for bylaw amendments, and expanded financial disclosure access to bank records and related documents. Homeowners testified about alleged HOA abuse, while attorneys and others warned about unintended consequences, loss of mediation, and questions about court authority. The committee approved the amended bill 14-1. Finally, CS for HB 635 on cybersecurity standards and liability would create a presumption against negligence liability for local governments and businesses that comply with specified cybersecurity standards and incident-reporting requirements, with the defendant bearing the burden to show compliance. Testimony split between supporters who said the bill incentivizes stronger security practices and opponents who argued it could shield entities that only “substantially” comply and could affect pending class actions. The committee reported the bill favorably 14-1. The meeting then moved on to PCS for HB 529, with the sponsor beginning presentation as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• And here, in this bill, in this bill, in this bill, in particular, in this bill, we have language that
• So really, at its core, this fair-share or pay-to-play health care mandate in practice would penalize
• Chairman, in the past, I've complained about South Jersey not getting its fair share in the budget.
• And look, just in fairness, we've seen these loans before, and we see many of them never get paid back
• We've seen it in Lakewood, we've seen it in Newark, we've seen it in other places, too.

Committee: Senate Senate Budget and Appropriations

Keywords: 1146, all