Transcript Highlights:

• A fiscal note has been requested on this bill and is not yet available.
• It also asks the task force to look at specific impacts in the workplace, which was a request from our
• We're in a budget crisis in the state.
• Our request, though, is that...
• Our request, though, is that given we do not want to set up a separate parallel but somewhat different

Bills: SB5609 , SB6284

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Technology

Keywords: cultural resources, land use, environmental policy, exemptions, state laws, artificial intelligence, consumer protection, regulation, data privacy, technological impacts, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know those of you who serve on our Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance have heard a couple
• However, in the fall of 2011, CPEC was shut down due to a budget shortfall.
• Today, California is only... 2011, CPEC was shut down due to a budget shortfall.
• This is especially critical now during tough budget times.
• The budget kept getting cut.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard a series of bills focused on expanding access to higher education, addressing workforce shortages, student housing, and labor standards on campus projects. AB 662 would create a South County Higher Education Task Force to explore a mixed-use, intersegmental institution in Chula Vista; supporters said South San Diego County is a “college desert,” while the bill passed on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations. AB 885 would establish a College Access for All Fund to help make CSU and UC attendance more affordable; supporters cited student debt and affordability concerns, and it also passed to Appropriations. AB 730 would provide $15 million to help establish a medical school in the Central Valley to address physician shortages, and it advanced on a due pass motion. AB 1400 would let up to 15 community college districts pilot bachelor’s degrees in nursing; supporters argued it would expand affordable BSN access and keep students local, while CSU, UC, and other higher education groups opposed it as unnecessary and inconsistent with the master plan. The bill passed to Appropriations, with members raising questions about clinical placements, faculty shortages, and possible effects on associate-degree programs. The committee also considered AB 1235, which would require CSU design-build projects to use a skilled and trained workforce, aligning CSU with other public higher education construction standards. Supporters said it would improve safety, training, and local job opportunities, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 1247 would restrict contracting out of classified school and community college jobs unless workers meet training and qualification standards and would address pension and training concerns; supporters said it would protect students and classified employees, while school and college groups warned it would disrupt services and add unfunded mandates. The bill passed to Appropriations with one no vote. AB 1470, presented on behalf of Assemblymember Haney, would allow a portion of student housing revolving loan funds to be used for affordable student, faculty, and staff housing in downtown and commercial districts; it was discussed as a housing and downtown revitalization measure, but the committee held off on a motion pending more members. ACA 3, also on behalf of Haney, would require UC to offer limited down payment loans to eligible long-term support staff first-time homebuyers; it drew extensive support from UC workers and unions, while UC and business groups opposed it as costly and outside UC’s mission, and the measure was still under discussion at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are reams of science to back up our request for this updating accommodations bill.
• This request should not be acceptable.
• There was $5 million included in the FY 26 budget.
• We're grateful to the legislature for including similar funding in the fiscal '26 budget.
• I needed to request accommodation because of my size.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy public hearing on a wide range of civil rights, immigration, hate crimes, and reparations bills. Chair Edwards and Chair Day opened with strict testimony rules, including two-minute limits, written testimony options, and decorum requirements. Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell testified in strong support of S. 1126/H. 1920, the Combating Hate in the Commonwealth bill, saying Massachusetts needs stronger tools to address rising hate and bias incidents. Her Civil Rights Division chief explained that the bill would give the division civil investigative demand/subpoena power, expand civil rights enforcement, close loopholes in the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act, add protected classes to the hate crimes law, and require better hate-crime data reporting. The committee also heard support for H. 1954 on access to counsel in immigration proceedings, H. 4684 on law enforcement identification and public trust, and H. 1927 to exonerate individuals accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts. Several bills focused on discrimination and civil rights enforcement. Supporters of S. 1248 on organizational standing said fair housing nonprofits need explicit authority to bring discrimination complaints in their own names, especially as federal protections are under attack. On H. 1246, advocates urged adding sex and gender as protected classes in the hate crimes statute, arguing women are not protected under current state law. H. 1820 drew testimony for protections against height and weight discrimination. H. 1995 would regularize sentencing for hate crimes by requiring diversity awareness training for both convictions and continuances without a finding, and H. 1056/H. 1589 would broaden hate-crime victim standing and require restitution to be used to repair harm. H. 1886 would clarify that defense-based social service staff are exempt from mandated reporter obligations when working under attorney-client privilege. The committee also heard testimony on H. 1889/S. 1064, a bill to eliminate disparate impact. Environmental justice advocates, fair housing attorneys, and community members argued that neutral policies can still produce discriminatory outcomes and that Massachusetts should allow state-court claims and a private right of action to address them. Committee members raised concerns about litigation floodgates, punitive damages, and the scope of protected classes, while supporters said the bill would mainly target systemic harms and injunctive relief. Additional testimony supported H. 1922/S. 119, the Fair Investment Act, which would create civil rights protections in venture capital and other investment settings for founders and investors, especially women and minority entrepreneurs. The hearing also included testimony on H. 1683, the Sex Trade Survivor Act, which would expand vacatur and expungement relief for trafficking survivors, remove archaic offenses from the code, and create an interagency commission; supporters emphasized reducing barriers to housing, employment, and reentry. Finally, the committee heard extensive support for H. 1753/S. 1181, establishing a commission to study reparations in Massachusetts. Testifiers described the state’s history of slavery, redlining, and ongoing racial disparities, and urged the committee to report the bill favorably. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think that strengthens this project and this request today.
• So we ask you to approve this project this year and get it through the budget.
• So I bring this to you to give you some awareness of our needs, and then when we do go to the budget,
• And so with that, I want you to know that all the fighting that he has done in the budget, he's had to
• But just to bring all this to the state of Arizona, our budget isn't in the best as compared to years

Committee: House House Rural Economic Development Committee of Reference

Summary: The Rural Economic Development Committee heard presentations focused on district needs and infrastructure priorities in LD7, including a video and testimony on the East Wilford Road Extension in Show Low and Gold Canyon/Lost Dutchman Days. Show Low officials, Navajo County leaders, and the city manager described the road extension as a shovel-ready project that would improve traffic flow, provide a new bridge over Shoal Creek/Show Low Creek designed for a 100-year flood, and create a critical alternate emergency route for evacuations and access to Summit Healthcare. They emphasized past flooding and wildfire evacuation concerns, the project’s regional importance, and the city’s local financial commitment, including $7.56 million already pledged. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1272, which appropriates $5 million from the state general fund in fiscal year 2027 for the state match for the Douglas Port of Entry, contingent on a $678 million federal GSA award. Senator Gallen, Douglas Mayor Jose Grijalva, and city staff said the project would support trade with Mexico, create jobs, improve border security, and help modernize port operations; they also noted a September 2026 deadline and that the city has already secured $20 million of the needed $50 million match, with additional funding still being sought. Testimony highlighted the port’s economic impact, the city’s small tax base, and the potential for federal and private investment leverage. After questions from members about safety, timelines, private participation, and local contributions, the committee voted to return SB 1272 with a due pass recommendation. The motion passed 6-0, with one member absent; Representative Bolt explained his yes vote by citing the bill’s importance to commerce, economic development, and border security.

Transcript Highlights:

• public data that is no longer available on APD's website, meaning they must submit public records requests
• Thank you very much for adding the expansion and retention funding to the Senate budget to address this
• issue, because there is... ...and retention funding to the Senate budget to address this issue, because
• But the money that was identified in the budget for the Senate, the $15 million... ...But the money that
• was identified in the budget for the Senate, the $15 million or so, to help with the onboarding process

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills related to children, families, elder affairs, mental health, disability services, and child care. SB 1050 on the Agency for Persons with Disabilities was amended and reported favorably after discussion of expanding the voluntary IDD managed care pilot statewide, improving transparency on the APD wait list, creating a statewide family care council, addressing transition services for youth leaving foster care, and seeking federal approval for an adult pathways waiver. Testimony from providers and a parent emphasized workforce capacity, county-level identification of clients, Medicaid delays, and the importance of keeping the pilot voluntary; the bill passed with support and some discussion about possible future clarifications on services and Medicaid eligibility. The committee also passed SB 1310, which directs OPPAGA to evaluate student mental health outcomes tied to school mental health assistance funding, and members discussed the need for better data, coordination with managing entities, and avoiding duplication of services. SB 976 on court-appointed social investigators was amended and approved, with the sponsor describing due process protections and fee-shifting provisions for parents challenging court-appointed psychologists. SB 886, creating a crisis care coordination team pilot in Volusia and Polk counties to reduce Baker Act recidivism and improve follow-up care, was reported favorably after the sponsor described its law enforcement and community provider partnerships and an independent evaluation requirement. Later, SB 614 on child care facility and program background screening requirements was amended and passed; the bill requires a public educational webpage explaining Level 2 screening, the clearinghouse, disqualifying offenses, exemptions, and related job listings and timelines. Finally, SB 276 on sheltering or aiding unmarried minors was approved; it increases the offense from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony, creates a presumption regarding knowledge of the minor’s age, and adds a defense when the conduct was necessary to protect the minor from danger. All bills considered were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is no impact on the state budget.
• This bill does not create any financial obligation for the state or affect the state budget.
• Chair and members, I respectfully request your favorable consideration of House Bill 605.
• ESDs operate under a governing board which typically oversees their budget, purchases, and entity expenditures
• Fourthly, it supports local flexibility in budgeting.

Bills: HB334 , HB583 , HB605 , HB1327 , HB1646 , HB2115 , HB2379

Committee: House S/C on County & Regional Government

Keywords: family leave, leave pool, county employee, sick leave, vacation leave, family care, pandemic, guardianship, fencing, reservoirs, local government, regulation, land use, conservation capacity, property regulation, fence regulation, reservoir safety, county authority, fencing regulations, counties

Transcript Highlights:

• National Guardsmen, it comes out of a national fund—but would there be a direct fiscal impact to our budgets
• the Adjutant General, and others the opportunity to increase the force structure with the proper budgeting
• would cover what, but it doesn't mean tomorrow, if they were to grant it, there would be a huge new budget
• These groups can advocate for legislative priorities, funding requests, or even a local bill proposal
• personal knowledge of the information given, often an official like the chief financial officer or budget

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee heard and passed two measures before receiving a staff presentation on the local bill process and local delegation meetings. HB 4007, by Rep. Snyder, would cap reimbursement for certain inmate emergency medical services in Martin County at 110% of the Medicare rate, with a higher cap if a provider shows it is operating at a loss. Snyder said the bill is intended to create predictability and save taxpayer dollars; members asked about fiscal effects and whether other counties could adopt similar language. Public testimony came in support from Martin County and related local officials, and the bill was reported favorably by a 17-0 vote. The committee also passed HM 4005, by Rep. Daly, which urges Congress to increase Florida National Guard force structure. Daly argued Florida’s troop allocation is outdated and inadequate for the state’s population and disaster demands, contributing to burnout and recruiting problems. Members asked about the basis for the current allocation, possible budget and infrastructure impacts, and the National Guard’s needs; there was no opposition or public testimony, and the memorial was reported favorably by a 17-0 vote. After the votes, Reps. Holcomb and Kendall gave a detailed presentation explaining how local bills differ from general laws, constitutional limits on local legislation, required local delegation meetings and notice, certification and economic impact forms, and amendment procedures. Members asked several process questions, including about multi-county delegations and Miami-Dade’s special status. The meeting ended with a few recognitions and adjournment before session.

Transcript Highlights:

• chair of the Board of Trustees at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and this bill pertains to the OHA budget
• pertains</c><00:17:39.600><c> to</c><00:17:39.760><c> the</c><00:17:39.880><c> OHA</c><00:17:40.240><c> budget
• </c><00:17:40.640><c> and</c> this bill pertains to the OHA budget and this bill pertains to the OHA
• budget and funding<00:17:41.200><c> for</c> funding for funding for OHA<00:17:43.080><c> thank</c><00
• Representative Kong, same request. So ordered. Representative Lee, rise in support, please proceed.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill is a request from the Department of Health and Human Services revising residential care and
• This bill was brought forward as a request of the department to establish a marine habitat fee, which
• Senator Avard has requested a roll call. Is there a second?
• </c><01:27:06.080><c> a</c><01:27:06.239><c> roll</c> Senator Avard has requested a roll call.
• I rise to request that you approve floor Amendment 0387S. I did vote to pass this in committee.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A roll call has been requested. Seeing 15 hands, there will be a roll call.
• The A6 is a simple technical amendment provided by the Minnesota Management and Budget Department.
• A roll call has been requested. Seeing 15 hands, there will be a roll call.

Transcript Highlights:

• I request the committee support the passage of House Bill 1993 and House Bill 2771.
• We do not have the funding in our budget to make this happen.
• I don't have the capacity budget-wise to be able to take care of this.
• decides not to appropriate any funding toward this, what— And then the budget committee decides not
• You know, I mean, we're in a position where we're at the whim of every budget year.

Committee: House Veterans and Armed Forces

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, there is funding in the budget. Thank you. So, Mr.
• Chairman, there is funding in the budget, not the full amount.
• We're still working on that, but we've consistently put money into the budget for early literacy.
• So that is what we're still trying to get into the budget. Mr.
• Chairman, $55 million is in the budget for that.

Bills: SB29 , SB37

Committee: Senate Senate Education

Keywords: SB29, math requirements for teaching license, teacher licensure, teacher endorsement, mathematics methods, elementary education, secondary education, special education, early childhood education, reciprocity, Public Education Department, Mathematics and Science Education Act, mathematics instructional leadership framework, professional learning plan, K-3 screening, mathematics screening assessment, mathematics difficulty, support plan, multilevel support, intervention

Transcript Highlights:

• policy, the information that I'm receiving right now is that we're looking at putting together a budget
• And I should say we found that the reason why it's part of the governor's budget to turn back this is
• Is there a reason, when we have a 6 billion dollar budget deficit that we're facing, that you think we
• So that's what I'm referencing; it's It's not in the budget. It's not in the budget.
• is one of the things as we're looking at putting together a budget.

Committee: House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:10:25.120><c> smartly,</c><00:10:26.000><c> this</c> well-organized and budget smartly, this
• well-organized and budget smartly, this is<00:10:26.320><c> not</c><00:10:26.600><c> in</c><00:10:26.720
• I will let them tell the story, but what this bill does is request that the Board of Regents prohibit
• Um and with our request language as we are apt to do.
• They'll definitely get our request, so. Yes, they will. Um, and I totally agree.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the submission of a of a revised budget the submission of a of a revised budget to<00:25:47.120>
• :35:32.800><c> programs,</c><00:35:33.200><c> there</c> budget for um residency programs, there budget
• </c><00:43:40.480><c> for</c> prices to reflect the request for prices to reflect the request for testimony
• Every budget is a moral document.
• While the federal budget entire state.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Select Subcommittee first took up adoption of three previously prepared nonpartisan committee summary reports dated October 15, November 13, and November 21. Senator Rasmusson objected to the lack of advance notice about the day’s testifiers and criticized the practice of having nonpartisan staff summarize what he described as a partisan agenda. The chair responded that the committee’s purpose is to gather information, not hear bills, and that the summaries were intended as neutral resources for the Senate. Senator Coopek moved adoption, the motion was opposed by Rasmusson and another member, and the motion passed. The committee then turned to the day’s hearing on federal impacts on Minnesota, with the chair focusing on federal funding threats and the effect of congressional budget actions on health care, especially in greater Minnesota. The first presentation came from the Minnesota Department of Health on the state’s rural health transformation work. Assistant Commissioner Carol Broom introduced the team and described the rural hospital transformation program as a major opportunity to invest in rural health, while acknowledging longstanding challenges such as demographics, transportation barriers, and the financing of care. Nitha Moibi outlined the state’s rural health chart book and data showing an aging population, workforce shortages, and many health professional shortage areas, and described proposed strategies including workforce pipelines, bridge payments for low-volume birth hospitals, telehealth access points, mental health urgent care, and chronic disease prevention. Acting Assistant Commissioner Anna Ashby of the Minnesota Management and Budget office explained the state’s application to CMS for the Rural Health Transformation Program, which was created in federal law and awarded Minnesota just over $193 million for federal fiscal year 2026. She said the application was shaped by public comments, stakeholder meetings, and legislative outreach, and included initiatives on preventive care, workforce, care access, behavioral health, and provider financial stability. She also reviewed implementation constraints, including a January 30 revised budget deadline, limits on administrative spending, restrictions on using funds to offset Medicaid losses, and the need to show measurable progress to remain eligible for future funding. The presentation noted that most year-one funding would go to rural hospitals, with additional support for federally qualified health centers, community mental health centers, tribal partners, and technical assistance.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:14.399><c> cuts</c><00:14:15.320><c> worries</c><00:14:15.680><c> of</c> our buildings budget
• cuts worries of our buildings budget cuts worries of school<00:14:16.240><c> safety</c><00:14:16.720
• But before we go, I, as a chair of Education Finance, would like to request that this be sent to the
• Thank you, Madam Chair, and I'd like to request a roll call on the amendment.
• </c> down they're going to see their budgets down they're going to see their budgets go<01:56:01.079>

Committee: Senate Education Policy

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, BL Salivia from Budget and Finance.
• and finances concerns and budget and finances concerns and recommendation<00:20:36.760><c> to</c><00
• I mean, we know everybody challenges your budget to do the upgrades in infrastructure.
• Next we have the Department of Budget and Finance with comments.
• We request actually that you retain that language and instead insert "and the transportation of such

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered SB 1023, which would create a spay-neuter special fund to reduce pet overpopulation and free-roaming cats, with funding sources including an income tax checkoff. The Department of Taxation had no substantive comment, while the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supported the measure but opposed any trap-neuter-release or re-release approach, saying spay-neuter is important but release does not reduce cats on the landscape. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about creating another special fund and tax checkoff, saying the fund may not meet statutory criteria and could create administrative burdens. The Hawaiian Humane Society strongly supported the bill, arguing the state currently provides little funding for animal overpopulation control and that the measure would help nonprofits and align conservation and animal welfare goals. Several other supporters testified, including a cat sanctuary representative who described the need for a dedicated funding mechanism and a possible Oahu sanctuary to remove cats from sensitive areas. After questions about the effectiveness of trap-neuter-release and the need for alternative management tools, the committees voted to recommend passage with amendments, including blanking appropriation amounts, moving them into the committee report, setting the effective date to July 1, 2050, and noting Budget and Finance concerns; the recommendations were adopted in both committees, with some members voting with reservations. The hearing then moved to SB 1120, relating to transportation and a clean fuel standard. The Department of Transportation said it supported the intent but wanted more information on economic impacts. Electrify America and Neste supported the bill, saying a clean fuel standard would help finance EV charging, encourage investment, and expand lower-carbon fuel options such as renewable diesel. In response to questions from senators about rural and agricultural transportation needs, witnesses said the standard could support both electrification where feasible and cleaner liquid fuels in the interim for equipment that cannot yet be electrified. DOT also described county transit efforts and said it was working with Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island on assessments for zero-emission bus replacement and charging infrastructure. The committees also heard testimony on SB 586, relating to climate change and zero-emission buses by 2045, with the State Procurement Office supporting the intent but suggesting the language be moved to a different statute; DOT said it was providing pass-through funding to counties and had some zero-emission bus purchases and charging stations on order. The discussion emphasized infrastructure costs and implementation challenges, but no final vote on SB 1120 or SB 586 was described in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> School Fieldhouse, budget and taxation. School Fieldhouse, budget and taxation.
• </c><00:09:29.279><c> and</c> The Kitchen Web Build, Budget and The Kitchen Web Build, Budget and Taxation
• </c> will be referred to the capital budget will be referred to the capital budget subcommittee. subcommittee
• >> Senator's request a roll call vote.
• Chair budget<03:05:09.840><c> tax.</c> budget tax. budget tax.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, January 29, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate reconvened after a snow delay, heard an invocation from Reverend Scott Shelton, and conducted several floor introductions and recognitions, including birthday wishes for staff, a welcome for a temporary office staffer, recognition of the Center for Urban Families, and introduction of the week’s pages. The chamber then approved the prior journal and moved through bill and bond initiative readings, referring the listed measures to their standing committees or the capital budget subcommittee. The first substantive action was adoption of a favorable committee report on Senate Bill 17, an emergency bill authorizing the Baltimore City Board of Licensed Commissioners to issue a related event promoters permit for the CIAA tournament. The floor leader said the bill had no amendments, no fiscal impact, and no opposition in committee. The Senate adopted the report without objection and ordered the bill printed for third reading. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 1 from the Judicial Proceedings Committee, which would require the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission to adopt a statewide policy on law enforcement face coverings, apply it to state, local, and federal officers in Maryland, and enforce violations through a civil citation and discipline. The committee report included two amendments: one technical and one making the policy statewide and preempting local policies. During extended debate, the bill’s sponsor argued that masks undermine transparency and trust and that the measure would create a uniform standard. A senator from Frederick County questioned whether the bill would effectively create a policy for federal agents without Maryland-specific training and raised concerns about enforcement, temporary detention, complaints, and possible conflicts with federal authority. The sponsor responded that officers would retain discretion, that the bill would be enforced through civil citations, and that similar civil enforcement mechanisms have been upheld in Maryland. No final vote on the amended report is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> what is your annual budget now? what is your annual budget now?
• </c> I requested to share my screen.
• , and there was a request of zero dollars on the current budget, which this body went with the governor's
• </c><03:11:55.040><c> of</c><03:11:55.359><c> zero</c> budget, and there was a request of zero budget
• on the current budget, which the dollars on the current budget, which the this<03:11:58.640><c> body

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a standard request for the amount owed, plus costs and attorney fees.
• Why is it not just part of their regular budget and appropriation?
• Simpson requested was denied. The case was affirmed. Okay.
• At your request? No. I requested that the lawyer remain. Okay. Do you still have a lawyer?
• At your request? No. I requested that I, that lawyer, the attorney remained, be remained. Okay.

Committee: All ALC-CLAIMS REVIEW/LITIGATION REPORTS OVERSIGHT

Keywords: 1204, all