Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> because</c> The extension was requested because The extension was requested because they've<00:22
• ><00:26:12.800><c> trying</c> from or it's not the legislator trying from or it's not the legislator
• </c> of legislation. of legislation. &gt;&gt; Thank<00:43:36.280><c> you.</c> &gt;&gt; Thank you.
• A division has been requested.
• </c> A division has been requested. A division has been requested.

Committee: Joint Public Health and Welfare

Keywords: Public Health and Welfare - Room 216, 3 March, 2026; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is legislation that is pending.
• SABLE's request for a partnership in legislative support.
• SABLE's request for a partnership and legislative support today: I'm not asking for sympathy.
• Legislative request. And stronger support. Legislative request: Endorse our task force.
• First, my final suggestion, as I'm not a legislator, is to create smart DEI legislation.

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

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held an informational hearing on “Protecting Equity in Higher Education” and emphasized that no bills were being heard. Members and witnesses focused on the effects of recent federal actions on DEI, admissions, financial aid, student loans, international students, and campus equity efforts in Massachusetts. Opening remarks from the co-chairs and the chair of Higher Education highlighted Massachusetts’ investments in free community college, expanded financial aid, and early college programs, while warning that federal policy changes could undermine those gains. Testimony from BU law professor Jonathan Feingold argued that many DEI practices remain legally defensible after Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, and that the decision did not end all race-conscious or equity-oriented efforts. He said the Trump administration’s anti-DEI actions and funding threats were legally suspect and had created confusion and a chilling effect. Bahar Akman-in-Boden of the Hildreth Institute testified that proposed federal cuts to TRIO, Gear Up, Pell Grants, SEOG, work-study, and student loan programs would disproportionately harm low-income, first-generation, Black, Latino, and other underserved students, and urged the state to prepare hold-harmless and advising supports using Fair Share revenue. Commissioner Noe Ortega described Massachusetts’ long history of equity in higher education and said the state has expanded aid, success programs, and early college, but still has work to do on attainment and completion. He said the state responded to SFFA by creating ACARE and continuing to defend equity practices, while also warning that federal disruptions and “dear colleague” letters have created uncertainty. In the second panel, state university leaders and campus officials said federal threats to Pell, DEI grants, Medicaid, and international student policies could affect access, campus operations, and the economy; they stressed that most state university graduates stay in Massachusetts and that institutions are continuing their equity practices despite federal pressure. Roxbury Community College’s president said RCC remains committed to open access and inclusion, noted enrollment growth, and said executive orders do not change existing law or the college’s obligations.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is one that could be purely legislative.
• So with that, I urge your support of this legislation.
• So with that, I urge your support of this legislation.
• Jamie Peterson from the 43rd Legislative District.
• A fiscal note has been requested for this bill.

Bills: SB5865 , SB5880 , SB5912 , SB5837 , SB5855

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Keywords: garnishment, debt, form standardization, financial protection, legal processes, toxicology testing, laboratories, accreditation, public health, standards, indigent defense, task force, criminal justice, legal aid, public defense, guardianship, conservatorship, protective arrangement, protective arrangements, supported decision-making

Transcript Highlights:

• Little later in session, we hope to be back before you with some of the PERS-requested legislation.
• legislation.
• We we have three requested legislation.
• It's about current legislation, House Bill 2, other potential legislation.
• </c> know some of your requests and others. know some of your requests and others.

Committee: Joint Finance

Keywords: Finance - Room 216, 20 January, 2026; 10:30 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• could be done with uh future legislation could be done with uh future legislation and<00:14:59.480><c
• Thank you very much. specific form um and so we're requesting specific form um and so we're requesting
• means that people who can afford attorneys will undoubtedly request reviews and request hearings.
• means that people who can afford attorneys will undoubtedly request reviews and request hearings.
• </c> attorneys uh will undoubtedly request attorneys uh will undoubtedly request reviews<00:34:17.119

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard several transportation and public safety measures on March 28, 2025. SB 1195 would prohibit parking within certain distances of crosswalks and intersections, direct parking fine revenue to the Safe Routes to School special fund, and remove the need for signs or curb markings in some cases. The Department of Transportation, Department of Health, and Ulupono Initiative supported the bill, emphasizing improved visibility, pedestrian safety, and funding for school-route improvements; written testimony included both support and one opposition. No vote was taken during the hearing segment provided. The committee also heard SB 1102 on the aircraft rescue firefighting unit chief, which would set term-based appointment provisions for the airport division’s fire chief. DOT supported the measure, saying it would give the director flexibility to select leadership and adapt to changing needs, while a member asked about current removal procedures for underperforming employees. The bill was presented as a management and leadership measure, with no action taken in the excerpt. SB 1216, addressing noisy mufflers and safety inspection requirements, drew DOT support in principle but concern that existing rules already cover inspection standards and that enforcement after inspection remains difficult; DOT also described a planned noise-detection camera pilot on Oʻahu. Testimony included support from neighborhood and advocacy groups and opposition from three individuals. For SB 30, which would require helmets for moped riders under 21, DOT and HPD supported the bill, citing crash data and injury prevention; testimony was evenly split overall, with six in support and six in opposition. SB 344 would require helmets for skateboard users under 18; DOT supported it, and a DOT witness explained current helmet rules for other devices such as e-bikes, scooters, and motorcycles. SB 1095, increasing decal size limits for special number plates, drew DOT concerns that larger decals could interfere with plate readability and automated enforcement. SB 1522 would make proof of filing required vehicle-transfer notice forms a complete defense to actions arising from the vehicle’s later use or abandonment; the Judiciary said it had no position on the bill’s merits but objected to language requiring new court forms and raised access and legal-advice concerns, while Honolulu’s Department of Customer Services supported the measure. The committee then heard SB 597, extending the deadline for the Administrative Driver’s License Revocation Office to issue written review decisions. The Attorney General and DOT supported the extension, citing limited toxicology capacity and shipping delays for testing, and several law enforcement and public health entities also supported it. In contrast, the ADLRO hearing officer testified with serious concerns about due process, warning that eliminating or delaying the review process could create constitutional problems, disproportionately burden people without attorneys, and jeopardize thousands of cases. Finally, SB 1285 proposed a tiered revocation system for DUI arrests; ADLRO strongly opposed it on due process grounds, while DOT supported it as a safety measure and the Hawaii Public Health Institute commented that evidence is lacking for standalone mandatory revocation and suggested stronger impaired-driving standards instead. The committee had not yet taken final action in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The subpoena power that's inherent in the legislative authority to gather information to help you legislate
• Thank you. that's inherent in the legislative that's inherent in the legislative authority<00:20:24.160
• </c><01:53:37.360><c> But</c> next request. But next request. But thank<01:53:39.199><c> you.
• And I to legislate on this bill.
• This applies to good legislation.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to legislate by a vote of 3 to 1. to legislate by a vote of 3 to 1.
• </c> HB 53 inexpedient to legislate. HB 53 inexpedient to legislate.
• . legislate. legislate.
• </c> The motion is inexpedient to legislate. The motion is inexpedient to legislate.
• </c> inexpedient to legislate is adopted. inexpedient to legislate is adopted.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> legislative budget assistance office. legislative budget assistance office.
• </c><01:24:56.680><c> by</c> special ed sometimes it's legislation by special ed sometimes it's legislation
• </c> these kids with a free appropriate these kids with a free appropriate public<01:53:01.040><c> education
• </c> funded and expended appropriately. funded and expended appropriately.
• </c> appropriate another 4.4 million dollars. appropriate another 4.4 million dollars.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission on the costing of special education met to review several documents and updates, including draft materials on residential placements, an LBA dispute resolution report, prior minutes, rate-setting rules, and a letter involving Senator Hassan. The minutes from March 16 were approved by motion, second, and one abstention. Members also received an update that the LBA special education performance audit is still pending; the report is expected to be very large, NHED and the Board of Education must review and comment before release, and it likely will not be available until late summer or early fall. The separate EFA audit was also noted as still unreleased, and members said they may return later to issues involving EFA costing and differentiated aid. A major focus was HB 1099, which would create a committee to study the cost and liability of providing educational services to students placed in residential facilities. The chair explained that the House version had passed unanimously and the bill was headed to a committee of conference. Members discussed a proposed amendment to add the phrase “including but not limited to” so the study would cover not only court-ordered or treatment-related placements but also other residential placements, including those tied to school district decisions. Some members said this was a substantial expansion, while others said it would simply give the committee broader latitude. Jason Stock of the Winnisquam Regional School Board described how the issue arose during budget work at Winnisquam, where the district was trying to determine who should pay for educational services for students living at Spaulding Youth Center in Northfield. He said the district had 10 students attending Winnisquam, including three foster students and seven students connected to Spaulding, and that Spaulding-specific invoicing for 2024-2025 totaled $141,417.05 for eight students. Members also discussed rising private placement tuition costs and the difficulty of determining residency and fiscal responsibility for students placed in residential settings. Department counsel explained that under RSA 193:27 and 193:28, children placed in a home for children may attend the local district school, and that special education cost responsibility depends on whether the student is identified as disabled and on the nature of the placement. Spaulding representatives had not yet presented by the end of the excerpt, and the committee was still working through the residency and funding questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The substitute also makes technical additions as requested by the comptroller to cover how TWA can request
• The Legislative Budget Board's own report confirmed this.
• We've supported legislative requests, met tight deadlines, and produced high-impact work all while saving
• We support this legislation for its benefits to Texas licensees and employers alike.
• , there's still uncertainty within the issue appropriately.

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and took up a long list of pending House bills, most of them on motions by Senator King or Senator Campbell. The committee adopted committee substitutes and favorably reported numerous bills, including HB 252, HB 700, HB 1500, HB 1545, HB 1562, HB 1732, HB 267, HB 2213, HB 2221, HB 2520, HB 2818, HB 3016, HB 3214, HB 3250, HB 3512, HB 3623, HB 3689, HB 3833, HB 4063, HB 4395, HB 4690, HB 4751, HB 5331, HB 3824, HB 4464, HB 4468, and HB 5247. Most of these were sent to the local and uncontested calendar, while some, including sunset and other significant measures, were reported to the full Senate. HB 146 was the only bill reported out on a divided vote, passing 6 ayes to 4 nays. Several bills received brief explanation of committee substitute changes. HB 3016, dealing with rental car collision damage waivers and stolen vehicles, was amended to change a cooperation standard from “fully cooperate” to simply “cooperate.” HB 3689, a major ESF/TWA financing bill, was described as making technical changes to align terminology with the Comptroller’s authority and to avoid creating state debt or new liability. HB 5247, a capital cost recovery bill for transmission in the Permian Basin, was revised to clarify how the new mechanism fits with existing Utilities Code provisions and to add a 2035 expiration date. HB 3824, the battery fire safety bill, also received technical changes to align terminology with industry usage. The committee heard public testimony on several pending measures. HB 3069, which would direct the PUC to develop supplemental multi-decade planning criteria for transmission certificates in ERCOT, drew support from industry, environmental, and manufacturing witnesses who said it would help address congestion costs while balancing consumer protections; the bill was left pending. HB 5196, requiring state agencies to adopt and post telework policies and use written telework agreements, received both support and concern: supporters said it would preserve productivity and retention, while a senator raised concerns about notice and family logistics; it was left pending after testimony. HB 3112, allowing closed deliberations on cybersecurity policy details, was laid out and left pending after brief discussion. HCR 102, supporting federal nuclear tax credits, drew testimony from nuclear industry and energy advocates, who argued the credits are essential for existing plants, new nuclear development, grid reliability, and U.S. competitiveness; the resolution was left pending, with discussion about whether the language should focus more exclusively on nuclear. HB 705, creating a cosmetology licensure compact, was supported by industry, employers, and compact experts as a mobility tool that preserves state authority; HB 3516, expanding a public information exemption for Railroad Commission administrative law judges and technical examiners, and HB 3388, authorizing group property and casualty coverage for personal lines, were also heard and left pending. At the end of the meeting, the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, this bill allows an applicant for a publicly owned wastewater treatment plant to request a waiver
• ,</c><00:03:11.920><c> namely</c><00:03:12.319><c> for</c> budgetary requests, namely for budgetary requests
• </c><00:08:21.919><c> for</c> applicant back with further requests for applicant back with further requests
• </c> legislation does not weaken standards. legislation does not weaken standards.
• Uh, would I be able to request an EAW? Senator Hauschild, Mr.

Committee: Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
• This is a pivotal point for us as legislators, and for me as your legislator, I see the pain.
• And as we honor these young lives, as legislators to protect our children.
• Thank you. ...and requesting that we adjourn in their memory. Thank you.
• The request to adjourn in memory will be deemed read and printed in the journal.

Summary: The Assembly met in session after a quorum call, with the clerk calling the roll and a quorum eventually declared present. The day began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by routine procedural actions: the previous day’s journal was dispensed with, committee reports were deemed read, and several motions were approved, including unanimous consent to allow specified members to speak on adjournments in memory and to let Assemblymember Ortega have guests in the rear of the chamber. The body also gave one-day notice to remove SB 25 from the inactive file. On the daily file, Assembly Bill 673 was read with amendments and the amendments were deemed adopted. Concurrent items 2 and 3, Governor’s vetoes in items 4 through 77, reconsideration items 79 through 81, and third-reading items 82 through 84 were passed and retained or continued as noted. No substantive floor debate occurred on legislation during the session, which was described as a very short session. Most of the meeting was devoted to adjournment-in-memory tributes. Members honored Monica Lynn Martinez Hayes, a Capitol scheduler and artist; Edwin Silva Brazil, a dairyman and community leader; Grand Master Deng Huiduk, a martial arts instructor and mentor; victims of a Stockton shooting, including four young people; and the victims of the Eaton and Palisades fires. Several members spoke about the fire victims by name and emphasized recovery, resilience, and the need to support affected communities. A moment of silence was observed, the names were ordered printed in the journal, and the House adjourned until Friday, January 16 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill, Legislative Council, your legis- Legislative Council has labeled this bill as a Mandate Yes
• That was the intent of the original legislation SB 1266 from Senator Huff.
• Happy to support your bill as amended to move on to the Appropriations Committee.
• and with that at the appropriate time I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
• appropriations.

Committee: House Education

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> state is to determine the appropriate state is to determine the appropriate level<01:31:53.679><
• </c> their local legislators. their local legislators.
• <01:33:10.960><c> takes</c> you're proposing legislation that takes you're proposing legislation that
• The past three years has been either proposed legislation or legislation... ...that's passed that slowly
• </c><02:16:51.200><c> so</c> through the process appropriately so through the process appropriately so

Committee: Joint Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a big piece of legislation.
• It should be taxed appropriately.
• It should be taxed appropriately.
• This is the supplemental appropriations bill, which will provide additional appropriations for particular
• So again, this is just supplemental appropriations.

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal by a 134-0 roll call vote, and then moved through a series of introductions recognizing guests and student groups at the Capitol, including Turning Point USA chapters, CASA volunteers and staff, JAG students, university groups, nursing students, and several legislative interns. The chamber also handled a point of order about an unauthorized prop in the room, which was removed. The first major bill taken up was House Bill 1766, dealing with personal property tax treatment and new construction calculations. Supporters argued it would treat personal property more like real estate under Hancock-style limits and provide fairness to taxpayers, while opponents warned it could reduce revenue for taxing districts. After debate, the House passed HB 1766 by a vote of 94-50. The House then considered House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2989, a major gaming measure that would criminalize illegal gaming machines, create a regulated framework for video lottery terminals, give local governments an opt-out, and expand enforcement authority for the Attorney General and prosecutors. Members debated whether the bill was a needed enforcement tool or an inappropriate expansion of gambling, with concerns raised about addiction, local control, revenue distribution, and whether the bill should have gone to Fiscal Review. A motion to refer the bill to Fiscal Review failed 69-44, and the bill itself passed 83-66 with one present. The chamber next took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2014, the supplemental appropriations bill. The sponsor said it provided just over $3 billion in additional authority, including tax refund authority, disaster relief, St. Louis tornado recovery funding, and major MoDOT funding, along with other smaller items. Members from both parties supported the bill, while also noting concerns about reliance on supplementals and the need to budget more accurately in the future. The House adopted an amendment reducing some general revenue authority, then adopted the bill and perfected and printed it. The meeting ended with announcements, including a notice that the Super Committee on Tourism would meet immediately in Hearing Room 6.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I request a roll call. Roll call requested. Roll call granted.
• </c> authorizes the DNR also to request authorizes the DNR also to request additional<00:16:28.240><c
• </c><01:01:29.520><c> The</c> call requested. Roll call granted. The call requested.
• And I request a roll call. Roll call requested. Roll call granted.
• And I request a roll call. Roll call requested. Roll call granted.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So I don't know how to recommend to my agents to appropriately cover that exposure.
• Christian Rhodes with Uber, present to provide information if requested.
• I was going to offer a friendly amendment at the appropriate time.
• I said 12 states have passed this legislation.
• I know how hard you guys work on all this legislation.

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's the bare minimum of requests of saying this is what we need.
• </c><00:24:37.679><c> of</c> And it's the bare minimum of requests of And it's the bare minimum of requests
• But I do think this is a major issue, and I think we as legislators down here need to make sure when
• But I do think this is a major issue, and I think we as legislators down here need to make sure when
• Major issue, and I think we as legislators down here need to make sure when we're passing legislation

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And we as legislators are required to be nuanced in our legislation to consider the fact that there are
• And we as legislators are required to be nuanced in our legislation to consider the fact that there are
• And we as legislators are required to be nuanced in our legislation to consider the fact that there are
• And we as legislators are required to be nuanced in our legislation to consider the fact that there are
• And we as legislators are required to be nuanced in our legislation to consider the fact that there are

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're no longer even the legislators that worked hard to get here. And the path.
• And my greatest fear and message to the rest of the legislators is if we do not properly fund you and
• And I'm disappointed that the Department of Justice didn't properly request monies for your work.
• And it's looking at about $4.5 million to $5 million to appropriately start and carry the office.
• Madam Chair, Senator, could the bill be that, along with the appropriation she needs for funding?

Committee: Senate House Rules & Order Of Business

Summary: The committee held confirmation hearings for Don Walters as New Mexico’s first State Child Advocate and for two New Mexico Highlands University regents, Elaine Luna and Grace Margaret Herrera. For Walters, the sponsor and selection committee chair described her extensive child welfare background, including work as a guardian ad litem, CYFD attorney, and director of CYFD’s Office of Advocacy. Multiple supporters testified, including former colleagues, a foster parent, and CYFD Acting Secretary Valerie Sandoval, all praising her integrity, child advocacy experience, and commitment to collaboration and transparency. Committee members focused heavily on the new Office of the Child Advocate’s startup needs, especially staffing, access to CYFD records, and funding. Walters said she expected the office to need roughly $4.5 million to $5 million to launch and envisioned about 26 to 27 staff, with regional presence across the state. Members urged the legislature to fund the office through House Bill 2 and discussed possible legislation to ensure timely access to records. The committee then voted unanimously to advance Walters to the full Senate. For New Mexico Highlands University, Senator Campos introduced Elaine Luna for reappointment, highlighting her background in social work, hospital administration, and community service. Luna said she would focus on student support, basic needs, and mental health, and the university president testified in support. The committee asked about campus safety and student issues, including how the board would respond if students were affected by ICE actions. The committee voted to advance Luna unanimously. The final confirmation was Grace Margaret Herrera, presented as a student regent candidate for Highlands. Supporters described her as a former foster youth, small business owner, and current student success center employee who mentors students and brings lived experience to the role. Members praised her resilience and connection to students, and the committee unanimously advanced her to the full Senate as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• Has that been requested? Do we have that back? Senator Mann, I'm sure it's been requested.
• </c><01:18:12.880><c> care</c> every mother get the appropriate care every mother get the appropriate
• </c> Commerce messes up or if a legislator Commerce messes up or if a legislator messes<01:36:04.560>
• </c><01:37:34.000><c> and</c> reliable and helping uh legislators and reliable and helping uh legislators
• </c><01:42:46.520><c> and</c> we include them in our legislation and we include them in our legislation

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 1187, senate, all