Video & Transcript : 'boat stops' :
Page 41 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/26/26
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, this bill is not a call to end boating, but it is a call for responsible boating practices.
- I've watched boats drive straight through the rice beds we are trying to help on our reservation.
- I've watched<00:27:10.679><c> boats</c><00:27:11.040><c> drive</c> watched boats drive watched boats
- And I'm just curious, is it the boats?
- </c><01:26:16.800><c> wrap,</c> packaging and paper, even boat wrap, packaging and paper, even boat wrap
Keywords:
natural resources, environment, sustainability, conservation, outdoor recreation, wild rice, watercraft regulation, environmental protection, aquatic ecosystems, HF1426, product stewardship, extended producer responsibility, EPR, electronics recycling, e-waste, battery recycling, circuit boards, printed circuit boards, electrical products, covered products
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Judiciary Apr 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- But what about, you know, it's the you something about it in a navigable water, somebody driving a boat
- an authority law enforcement, a teacher, a doctor to report abuse and nothing in this legislation stops
- There's nothing stopping apparent for masking their kid. What did you talk about with your doctor?
- I also want to thank Senator leak for co-sponsoring this boat. Me.
- I'll vote yes today, but I have my with the next 2 stops. Thank you, Senator. >> Thank you.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Property Tax Reform Feb 10th, 2026
Special Committee on Property Tax Reform
Transcript Highlights:
- I think we're trying to figure out how to stop collecting taxes. I think we have to stop spending.
- I think we're trying to figure out how to stop collecting taxes.
- I think we have to stop spending. stop collecting taxes. I think we have to stop spending.
- If we have another 33% increase in our property values, we're in the same boat.
- When will it ever stop? That’s ridiculous.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-03-27 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- helicopters and I rode the boat with Sergeant J.
- So an officer who has an unlawful detention stops someone, frisks them, Has an unlawful detention, stops
- And the person who was stopped was completely innocent.
- Suddenly the music stops and you have to run for your life. You hide in bomb shelters.
- Music stops, and you have to run for your life.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and included several member introductions and recognitions, including awareness resolutions and visiting groups in the galleries. The chamber then moved to a special order calendar and took up a series of bills, with most receiving unanimous or near-unanimous support. Early measures included SB 88 on utility terrain vehicles, which would allow local governments to designate certain roads for UTV use under safety restrictions; it passed 32-5 after debate over safety concerns. SB 102 on exceptional student education would create a workforce credential and badge program for students with autism spectrum disorder or modified curricula, and passed 36-0 after discussion of workforce access and district costs. SB 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults would allow alternative service of process through the same app used by scammers, and passed 37-0. SB 130 on compensation for victims of wrongful incarceration would extend filing deadlines and remove restrictive bars to compensation, and passed 38-0. SB 158 would eliminate cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams under the state employee health plan, and passed 38-0 after testimony about early detection and access to follow-up care.
The most extensive debate came on SB 234, which would revise laws on resisting law enforcement and add a mandatory life sentence for manslaughter of a law enforcement officer. Supporters argued it was needed after the killing of Officer Jason Raynor and to clarify that violent resistance to officers is not justified; opponents raised concerns about removing “good faith” language, potential impacts on Fourth Amendment issues, racial profiling, and the severity of the mandatory sentence. An amendment to restore “in good faith” failed, and after further debate the sponsor temporarily postponed the bill. The Senate then passed SB 262 on technical trust-code changes by a 36-0 vote, and later recognized Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity members in the gallery.
Additional bills passed with broad support. SB 274 designated portions of Orlando roadways as Harris Rosen Way and Geraldine Thompson Way, honoring philanthropist Harris Rosen and the late Senator Geraldine Thompson; it passed 38-0 and drew a motion for co-sponsorship. SB 280 created an enforcement mechanism for candidate party-affiliation qualification requirements and passed 38-0. SB 296 repealed the statewide mandate for later middle and high school start times and shifted the issue to local districts after reporting requirements, passing 38-0. SB 356 designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida and passed after remarks about the Holocaust memorial and the need to confront antisemitism. Throughout the session, senators frequently framed their votes in terms of public safety, education, access to care, civil justice, and commemorating community leaders and historical events.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy and Natural Resources (01/27/2026)
Energy and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:30:31.520><c> a</c> don't think anything is stopping a don't think anything is stopping a utility
- And so nothing is stopping them from doing it right now.
- And so nothing is stopping them from doing it right now.
- </c><01:17:08.159><c> Stranded</c> I want to stop right there. Stranded I want to stop right there.
- :22.320><c> plant</c> shut down that boat plant shut down that boat plant with<01:17:24.560><c> the</
Committee:
Senate Energy and Natural Resources
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment May 26th, 2026
Natural Resources & Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- So what the amendments that we put on, it allows boats to anchor in Oyster Bayou provided that the boat
- So if I'm going to negotiate it, can I stop the project? The answer is no.
- Because we can't stop the project. So we have no leverage.
- As they continue to inject, does that payment to local government ever stop at any point?
- And the state portion stops after $5 million, or $10 million depending on which one is first. Okay.
Committee:
House Natural Resources & Environment
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/10/2026 - House Natural Resources, Energy & Water
House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- That is the only essential brake pedal, stop sign, you know, speed limit, to enroll in the GRD.
- We can't stop all development, and especially home building.
- And in my opinion, we can't stop all development based on a 125-year plan.
- the same boat as we are, where they have the snow and the rain and where it comes from.
- That does stop when the delinquency letter goes out. Yes. Madam Chair, may I continue? Yes.
Summary:
The committee took up a series of water, mining, and regulatory bills. HB 2260 and HB 2986, both cleanup/technical measures, were passed unanimously with due-pass recommendations after brief staff presentations and no opposition. HB 2827, extending Pinal AMA groundwater fee authority and related fund timelines to support irrigation district infrastructure, also passed unanimously after testimony from district representatives about using the fees for wells, piping, and conservation projects tied to the loss of CAP water.
The committee then heard HCM 2009, which urges Congress to amend the Antiquities Act, address split estate mineral rights, and streamline mining permitting. Mining industry testimony emphasized Arizona’s copper and critical mineral production and the economic and national security importance of access to mineral resources; opponents argued the memorial would undermine protected lands and conservation. The memorial passed on a 5-4 vote. HCR 2038, supporting a seven-state Colorado River agreement and Arizona’s position in ongoing negotiations, drew broad support from water interests and passed 9-1.
HB 2078, clarifying that expanded public notice for aggregate mine reclamation plans applies only to new plans and not existing mines, passed 9-1 after the sponsor and industry witnesses said it was meant to match prior legislative intent. HB 2026, HB 2027, HB 2028, HB 2031, HB 2094, and HB 2095 were then considered as water-management bills. HB 2026 and HB 2028 passed 6-4 over concerns from ADWR, while HB 2027 passed 6-4 after adoption of a Griffin amendment despite strong opposition from CAP, municipal water users, ADWR, and several cities who warned it could weaken assured water supply protections and CAGRD replenishment obligations. HB 2031 and HB 2094 also passed on narrow 5-4 votes. HB 2095 was still under discussion at the end of the transcript, with opposition testimony from municipal water interests arguing that groundwater availability should be evaluated regionally rather than by a single-well or site-specific approach.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Land Grant Oct 7th, 2025
House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- What can we do presently to stop the bleeding?
- But that is something that does worry me in terms of how do we stop the bleeding now.
- Our boat registration fees had not changed since 1984.
- Hopefully, we can slow that progress, if not stop it.
- Coast Guard Recreational Boating and Safety Funds, and your Reclamation Title 28 funds.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- It stopped that process.
- I've even had to take a boat from Kanoh to M.
- I've even had to take a boat from Kanoh to M.
- I've even had to take a boat from Kanoh to M.
- </c><02:28:03.840><c> from</c> um I've even had to take a boat from um I've even had to take a boat from
Committee:
House Finance
TX
Texas 89th Regular
The July 2025 Flooding Events, General Investigating Apr 28th, 2026
The July 2025 Flooding Events, General Investigating
Transcript Highlights:
- She remembers Edward crying out to the sky to stop the rain. The rain did not stop.
- A little after 2 o'clock, I got up to go pull the kayaks, boats.
- Cut the bleeding and stop the agony of our families.
- You need to stop your activities.
- Things so egregious that you've got to stop it, you know, stop them from operating or pause them.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 411, Senate Draft 2, House Draft 1, relating to capital improvement projects at state small boat
- capital improvement projects at state to capital improvement projects at state small<00:11:14.080><c> boat
- </c><00:11:16.000><c> This</c> small boat harbors and state parks.
- This small boat harbors and state parks.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Veterans and Military Affairs - Room 210, 3 March, 2026; 1:00 P.M.
Veterans and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- don't find many people out there that have that, and I'm sure your other nominees are in the same boat
- other nominees are are in the<00:09:01.760><c> same</c><00:09:02.080><c> same</c><00:09:02.320><c> boat
- </c><00:09:02.720><c> they</c><00:09:02.959><c> wouldn't</c><00:09:03.200><c> be</c> the same same boat
- or they wouldn't be the same same boat or they wouldn't be here<00:09:03.600><c> before</c><00:09:03.920
Committee:
Joint Veterans and Military Affairs
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- to be joined today by Sheriff Robert Ogden, who came in from the Vineyard this morning on the early boat
- I usually am a boat gal and a bus gal, but I did fly today.
- The NPNEDC has had many opportunities to bring their own proposal, and they have always stopped short
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held its first hearing of the year and took testimony on a large slate of home rule petitions and related local bills. Early testimony focused on H. 2314 for the Dukes County Regional Lockup Fund, with supporters from Martha’s Vineyard saying the island’s lockup is essential to local policing and that the fund would be supported by town assessments rather than state money. The committee also heard support for S. 21, a Nantucket bill to amend the Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission, and for several local governance measures including Akushnet’s charter change to remove a two-year waiting period for former officials taking appointed paid positions, Rochester’s governance reform bill defining the town administrator’s role, Berkeley’s proposal to convert the treasurer-collector position to an appointed office, Hanson’s permitting enforcement bill, and a Wellfleet bill authorizing a lease for the food pantry.
A major portion of the hearing centered on S. 21 for Nantucket, with witnesses sharply divided. Supporters argued the commission needs broader representation, more transparency, and a structure that better reflects town meeting votes, citing repeated town meeting approvals and frustration with delays in bringing reforms forward. Opponents, including current commission members and staff, said the existing commission is already working on its own reform proposal, that the bill was advanced without sufficient collaboration, and that elected seats and term limits would narrow participation and complicate the commission’s advisory role. Committee members questioned both sides about the town meeting process, the commission’s responsibilities, and the timing of competing proposals.
The committee also heard testimony in favor of a bill allowing the Cotuit Fire District to pursue source-water protection projects on private property with owner consent, citing concerns about aquifer contamination and rising treatment needs, and in support of legislation requiring AEDs, with a Norfolk County register of deeds describing the low cost and life-saving value of the devices. Another witness spoke in favor of a regional commission proposal for Middlesex County, arguing that local communities need stronger regional planning tools to address development and environmental pressures. No votes were taken on the bills during the hearing; the chair later read many additional bills into the record and then adjourned the meeting.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Game, things like investing in our state parks and beaches, campgrounds, as well as public access boating
- and is guided by, investing in our state parks and beaches, campgrounds, as well as public access boating
- That's just full stop. You want to add?
Summary:
The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition No. 25-15, H.5505, “An Act to Protect Water and Nature.” Committee co-chairs outlined the Article 48 initiative process and explained that the hearing was divided into expert, proponent, opponent, and public-comment sections. The first witness, Undersecretary Stephanie Cooper of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, described current state and federal funding sources for land conservation and outdoor recreation, said existing programs are oversubscribed, and noted that the proposal aligns with the Commonwealth’s 30% land conservation goal by 2030 and 40% by 2050. She also flagged possible governance clarifications in the petition, including board structure and administrative authority, while saying the administration has the expertise to manage such a fund.
Proponents from Mass Audubon, the Trustees of Reservations, Mount Grace Land Trust, the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, the Authentic Caribbean Foundation, and Bemis Associates argued that Massachusetts needs a dedicated, sustained revenue stream for conservation, clean water, climate resilience, and public access to nature. They said current funding is inconsistent and insufficient, cited estimates that the state may need roughly $300 million or more annually to meet conservation targets, and emphasized benefits to public health, mental health, biodiversity, flood protection, and the outdoor recreation economy. Several speakers said the measure would dedicate a portion of existing sales tax revenue tied to sporting goods, recreational vehicles, and golf courses, and that it would support both urban and rural communities, including underserved communities.
Committee members pressed witnesses on the bill’s fiscal and constitutional implications, including how much sales tax revenue would be redirected, whether the measure is constitutional, how funds would be allocated among communities, and why the proposal includes certain revenue sources but not others such as ticket sales. Proponents said the measure would likely direct up to about $100 million annually when fully phased in, that it was designed as a “subject to appropriation” mechanism, and that legal review had found it constitutional. They also acknowledged that the proposal would reduce general fund flexibility but argued it would create a long-term investment in natural resources. The hearing concluded after public testimony, and the committee announced it would accept written testimony until March 27 at 5 p.m.; no vote was taken on the petition at the hearing.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC) Mar 20th, 2026
ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC)
Transcript Highlights:
- Lunker program and go largemouth bass fishing this weekend for an opportunity to win an incredible bass boat
- Lunker program and go largemouth bass fishing this weekend for an opportunity to win an incredible bass boat
- And we've got to stop just immediately going to contract nursing.
Committee:
All ARKANSAS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ALC)
Summary:
The council opened with a prayer, approved the prior meeting minutes, and received the February 2026 Monthly Revenue Report from Carlos Silva of the Bureau of Legislative Research. He reported gross revenues of $5.36 billion and net collections of $4.5 billion, both above the prior year to date, and said the updated forecast now shows a larger expected surplus. Members asked about declines in some tax categories, natural gas severance fee fluctuations, inflation, and economic development incentives; Silva attributed several changes to timing, refunds, tax cuts, weather, and price volatility, and generally described the state’s revenue trend as positive.
The Executive Committee, Administrative Rules, Claims Review, Game and Fish, Higher Education, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Medicaid studies, Occupational Licensing Review, State Insurance Programs Oversight, and other subcommittee reports were adopted. The Medicaid studies report drew extended discussion about DHS staffing and contract nursing costs at state hospitals and human development centers; DHS officials said they were working on a recruitment and retention plan, reported significant vacancies and turnover, and said the state was not at risk of overspending the contracts. Several members urged reducing reliance on contract labor and moving staff onto state payrolls.
The Review Subcommittee report prompted questions about a Department of Public Safety aircraft maintenance item and a Department of Shared Administrative Services contract for Deloitte to implement performance and goals management software tied to the state’s new personnel system. After discussion, the aircraft maintenance item was held briefly and then withdrawn from the hold, while the shared services contract was explained as a one-time integration/configuration project for a system that will support employee evaluations and performance-based pay; the report and the separate contract vote were approved. The Personnel Subcommittee also heard testimony from Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald about reductions in force at the Division of Services for the Blind, which he attributed to funding shortfalls and fiscal mismanagement; members questioned the impact on blind and visually impaired clients, the status of board appointments, and whether federal funds could be at risk. The report was adopted with immediate consideration, and the meeting ended after filing the remaining APER report and adjourning.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Feb 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And too often, they stop going altogether.
- We count on boats to get to work to start.
- For those of us that count on ferries, we count on boats to get to work, to school, to the doctor, to
Summary:
The committee held public hearings on several transportation-related bills. On Substitute House Bill 2251, staff explained changes to Climate Commitment Act accounts and revenue distribution, including new operating and capital accounts and a revised split of auction proceeds among transportation, capital, operating, and air quality accounts. Members asked about the bill’s effect on CERA funding, the air quality account, and whether the bill responded to projected revenue declines. Testimony was mixed but generally supportive of the bill’s goal of clearer, more predictable budgeting; tribal testimony requested clearer protections and a dedicated tribal set-aside, while other witnesses supported the bill for its transparency and climate/transportation benefits. No action was taken on the bill during the hearing.
The committee then heard House Bill 2588, which would allow county ferry districts to operate and finance vehicle ferries, not just passenger-only ferries. The prime sponsor and county officials from Whatcom and Pierce described the bill as a local option to help fund aging ferry systems without raising taxes, and public testimony from island residents, county representatives, and advocacy groups strongly supported it as a way to stabilize essential ferry service. The committee also heard House Bill 2722, which would raise the vehicle weight threshold for Transportation Benefit District fees from 6,000 to 10,000 pounds. Staff said the change would modestly increase TBD revenue statewide, and the sponsor argued the current law unfairly exempts heavier trucks while lighter vehicles pay the fee. Cities and local officials supported the bill, while the trucking association said it would support a compromise at 9,000 pounds instead of 10,000. The committee also heard House Bill 2727, creating an Educational Transit Access Grant Program for transit agencies and community and technical colleges to pilot free or reduced fares for students; the sponsor and transit advocates said it would improve affordability and access, and testimony emphasized equity and student retention benefits.
In executive session, the committee considered Second Substitute House Bill 1923, which would expand who can form passenger-only ferry service districts and where they can be formed, with added intent language related to southern resident orcas and a revised effective date. After discussion, the committee voted 23-4 to pass the bill out of committee with a do pass recommendation. The chair also announced a deadline extension for amendment requests on bills heard that day and thanked staff before adjournment.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- But in order for people to get access to that information and not be stopped by the broker at some point
- I think Captain Smith was the captain of the Titanic, who kept pushing the boat faster and faster, even
- I think Captain Smith was the captain of the Titanic, who kept pushing the boat faster and faster, even
Committee:
House Insurance
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Property Tax Reform Feb 10th, 2026
Special Committee on Property Tax Reform
Transcript Highlights:
- I think we're trying to figure out how to stop collecting taxes. I think we have to stop spending.
- If we have another 33% increase in our property values, we're in the same boat.
- Gentlemen, can I stop here real quick? Yeah, sure. Tell us whether you're for, against, or?
- When will it ever stop? That's ridiculous.
- When will it ever stop? That's ridiculous.
Summary:
The committee heard extensive testimony on House Bill 2651, a broad property tax reform bill sponsored by Representative Burns. Burns said the bill is intended to close perceived loopholes in the Hancock Amendment, including moving tax-related elections to November, eliminating the new-construction exclusion, allowing multiple subclass rates, and preventing counties from opting out of multiple levies. Supporters argued the bill would better protect homeowners from large tax increases, while opponents and several members raised concerns about the loss of local control, the impact on growing communities, and whether the proposal was revenue neutral. No vote was taken; the bill remained in public testimony.
The committee then heard House Bill 2944, which would change Missouri’s senior homestead property tax relief so eligible seniors would only have to apply once instead of annually. Representative Billington said the current yearly paperwork burdens older residents on fixed incomes and can contribute to them losing their homes. Some members supported simplifying the process, but others and the Missouri Association of Counties opposed the bill as written, arguing annual recertification helps ensure only eligible taxpayers receive the credit and that counties need a way to verify continued eligibility. Questions also focused on how to handle deaths, moves, and possible recapture of improperly granted credits. No action was taken.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1786/2060, a joint short-term rental property tax classification proposal from Representatives Brown and Vernetti. The sponsors argued that single-family homes used as short-term rentals should remain classified as residential, not commercial, and said some assessors have reclassified them in a way that sharply raises taxes. They cited case law and IRS treatment to support their position and said the bill would protect homeowners and local tourism economies. The Missouri Hotel Lodging Association opposed the measure, saying short-term rentals used as a business should be taxed accordingly, while the Missouri Realtors supported it. Testimony highlighted concerns about local control, the effect on housing availability, and whether short-term rentals should be treated differently based on frequency of use. No vote was taken on this bill either.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Petersburg Police Department; the summer of 1974, when the police department got its first boats and
- helicopters and I rode the boat with Sergeant J.
- And the person who was stopped was completely innocent.
- When you're stopped, acquiesce because you may live to fight another day in another way.
- Suddenly the music stops and you have to run for your life. You hide in bomb shelters.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard several member introductions and recognitions, including awareness resolutions and visiting groups in the galleries. The chamber then moved to special order bills. Senate Bill 88 on utility terrain vehicles passed 32-5 after debate over allowing local governments to opt in to street use of UTVs under safety restrictions; Senator Smith opposed it over safety concerns. Senate Bill 102 on exceptional student education passed 36-0, creating a workforce credential/badge program for students with autism or on modified curricula; supporters emphasized employment opportunities and safety training, while Senator Davis raised concerns about added costs to school districts. Senate Bill 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults passed 37-0, allowing alternative service on scammers through the same apps used to contact victims. Senate Bill 130 on compensation for victims of wrongful incarceration passed 38-0, extending filing deadlines and removing restrictive barriers; supporters called it a long-overdue justice fix. Senate Bill 158 on diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations passed 38-0, eliminating cost sharing for follow-up breast tests in the state employee health plan to encourage early detection.
The most contentious measure was Senate Bill 234 on criminal offenses against law enforcement officers. The bill sought to clarify that violent resistance to officers is not justified by claims about the legality of the detention and to add manslaughter of a law enforcement officer to offenses carrying life imprisonment without release. An amendment by Senator Jones to restore “in good faith” language failed, after debate centered on due process, racial profiling, and the role of juries and suppression motions. Several senators spoke in support of law enforcement but objected to the bill’s breadth and mandatory life penalty; Senator Leek ultimately postponed the bill temporarily rather than taking a final vote. Senate Bill 262 on trust code technical changes passed 36-0. Senate Bill 274 designating roads for Harris Rosen and Geraldine Thompson passed 38-0, followed by a successful co-sponsorship motion and remarks honoring Thompson’s legacy. Senate Bill 280 on candidate qualification passed 38-0, creating an enforcement mechanism for party-affiliation filing requirements. Senate Bill 296 on middle and high school start times passed 38-0, repealing the statewide start-time mandate and shifting implementation decisions to local districts while requiring public reporting and discussion. Senate Bill 356 designating January 27 as Holocaust Remembrance Day also passed unanimously, with senators emphasizing remembrance, anti-Semitism, and the educational value of the memorial and observance.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- We've got to stop cutting bait and start fishing. That's what we're trying to say.
- We got to stop cutting bait and start fishing. That's what we're trying to say. It's a metaphor.
- He said the winds in no way affect the boat. Okay. And it's actually a better time to do it now.
- So he would prefer—it doesn't, right now, even with everything, the boats will go on Friday.
- If we could, if we could stop it in particular, if we could get RSVPs in advance, it would be very helpful
Summary:
The Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration met on January 12 to continue its review of DOC classification practices, with Senator Brownsberger and Representative Hunt co-chairing. After brief discussion of the prior hearing, members said there would likely be another opportunity for additional testimony, including possible video testimony from people inside facilities. The main presentation for the day was DOC’s classification system and a UMass Chan study of whether the system predicts institutional misconduct and whether overrides affect its accuracy or create racial/ethnic bias.
DOC officials described the objective point-based classification system, its history, and the role of discretionary and non-discretionary overrides. They said the system is designed to balance public safety and reintegration, with initial classification emphasizing offense history and reclassification emphasizing institutional adjustment. DOC reported that, in the current population, about 16% are classified to maximum security, 74% to medium, and 10% to lower security. They also reviewed the non-discretionary restrictions that keep people out of minimum or medium security, and said discretionary overrides are used less often than the National Institute of Corrections’ suggested ceiling and are reviewed within six months.
UMass Chan researchers said their analysis used historical DOC data from 2019 to 2022, focused mainly on about 7,600 male reclassification cases, and found that the scored custody level accurately predicted institutional misconduct. They said the tool performed well on standard statistical measures, but predictive accuracy declined after overrides were applied, with overlap appearing between minimum and medium groups. In a supplementary analysis, they said the loss of accuracy was driven primarily by non-discretionary restrictions rather than discretionary overrides. They also said the study did not find evidence of racial or ethnic bias in the tool itself, and that DOC’s current system is comparatively more lenient than many other states.
Members and guests raised concerns about overclassification to medium security, the low share of people in minimum, the role of civil commitment restrictions, and whether the data captured historical bias or individual cases where overrides felt subjective. DOC and UMass Chan responded that the study was group-based, not case-specific, and that minimum-security rates are hard to compare across states because Massachusetts’ prison and county systems differ structurally. The commission did not take a vote or formal action, but asked members to send follow-up data questions by the end of the week for referral to DOC and the researchers.