Transcript Highlights:

• Fund, the Department of Cannabis Control can sustain existing enforcement activities without imposing fee
• Most notably, it increases the forest registration fees and begins transitioning a portion of seasonal
• To the California Air Resources Board for the Hybrid and Zero Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive
• , it requires marketplace facilitators to remit this fee to the Department of Tax and Fee Administration
• This allows the department to sustain existing enforcement activities without imposing fee increases

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• What percentage of those 735,000 hours are done by zero-emission vehicles? Very, very few of them.
• I'm assuming you're aware of the law that requires us to be 100% zero emissions by 2035? I am.
• We're going to pay our fee, our costs under the contract. Not relying on the world markets.
• We're going to pay our fee, our costs under the contract.
• But if they're prohibited because of these interconnection fees, we're going to lose this battle.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing at UMass Amherst on Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget, focusing on energy/environment-related transportation issues and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The chairs and members opened with thanks to UMass, university leadership, court officers, and legislative staff, and Chancellor Javier Reyes highlighted UMass Amherst’s research, workforce, sustainability, and transportation contributions, including energy research, transit operations, and partnerships with MassDOT. The hearing then moved to MassDOT and MBTA testimony on the administration’s transportation funding package, including House 2, the FY26 Fair Share supplemental, and a proposed four-year Chapter 90 authorization. MassDOT officials described the budget as part of a broader multi-year transportation investment strategy, citing funding for operations, snow and ice removal, regional transit authorities, the MBTA, the Merit Rating Board, sustainable aviation fuel credits, micro-transit and last-mile grants, unpaved road improvements, bridge and pavement work, and housing-related transportation infrastructure. They emphasized workforce expansion, capital delivery capacity, safety improvements, and local aid, including the new lane-mile-based Chapter 90 formula intended to benefit rural communities. Officials also discussed major projects and programs such as Grant Central, culvert and unpaved road grants, work zone speed cameras, congestion hotspot fixes, the Sagamore and Bourne Bridge projects, and MBTA operating support and safety upgrades. Testimony from the MBTA and rail/transit staff focused on improved ridership, service frequency, accessibility, and safety, including progress on the Green Line Train Protection System, reduced delays, expanded bus and commuter rail service, and the South Coast rail extension. Regional transit authorities reported increased ridership and described new fare-free, connectivity, and community transit grants. Aeronautics testimony covered airport capital work, drone and data programs, sustainable aviation fuel efforts, and workforce development in aviation maintenance. Committee members then asked questions, especially about Western Massachusetts priorities, Chapter 90 funding, bridge repairs, snow and ice costs, Cape Cod bridges, Buzzard’s Bay rail, and Compass Rail/West-East Rail. Officials said several federal rail grants were moving forward, that Sagamore Bridge procurement would begin soon, and that the administration remained committed to pursuing federal funding and multi-year transportation investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, what do you think emits more emissions, a diesel generator or a scraper or a D9?
• I learned about it, and in the past year it's just really taken off, that, you know, emissions from..
• . ...in the past year, it's just really taken off, that, you know, emissions from the diesel generators
• long-term contract and all of those financial guarantees, the collateral payments, the termination fees
• , the reduction fees... ...guarantees, the collateral payments, the termination fees, the reduction fees

Committee: House Utilities

Transcript Highlights:

• The fee may be used for designated purposes, and those are listed in the bill analysis.
• A city may waive or proportionately reduce the nuisance fee if the property owner allows the property
• Cities must provide notice to the property owner prior to imposing the nuisance fee, and that concludes
• Buildings are responsible for 40% of our carbon pollution emissions, and it is much cheaper to reduce
• those emissions from the start rather than doing retrofits later.

Bills: HB2517 , HB2480 , HB2588 , HB1529 , HB2223 , HB2006 , HB2573 , HB2141

Committee: House Local Government

Keywords: municipal permitting, transit projects, high capacity transit, infrastructure, urban development, residential development, commercial zones, mixed-use zoning, urban planning, state regulations, county ferry district, ferry district, passenger-only ferry, passenger ferry, Puget Sound, Vashon, Seattle, Southworth, county transportation, local taxing authority

Transcript Highlights:

• The fee may be used for designated purposes, and those are listed in the bill analysis.
• A city may waive or proportionately reduce the nuisance fee if the property owner allows the property
• Cities must provide notice to the property owner prior to imposing the nuisance fee, and that concludes
• Buildings are responsible for 40% of our carbon pollution emissions, and it is much cheaper to reduce
• those emissions from the start rather than doing retrofits later.

Summary: The committee opened public hearings on House Bill 2141, concerning building codes, and House Bill 2573, concerning community access to food, medicine, and health services, then later took executive action on several bills. HB 2141 would impose a 10-year pause on new state building and energy code updates after the 2024 codes, limit local amendments until the 2036 codes, then move to a six-year update cycle and remove the current energy-code 70% reduction target. Supporters, including the sponsor, builders, local government groups, and some code officials, argued the bill would reduce regulatory churn, lower housing costs, and give builders and local governments more certainty. Opponents, including environmental groups, architects, fire marshals, and code organizations, said the freeze would raise long-term energy costs, undermine safety and climate goals, and delay adoption of new technologies. No action was taken on HB 2141 during the hearing. HB 2573 would require advance notice before grocery stores or pharmacies close in communities that relied on them for planning under the Growth Management Act, add a health and food access goal and a healthy communities element to the GMA, and authorize cities and counties to use zoning, excise taxes, and nuisance fees to discourage long-term vacancies and preserve access to food and medicine. The sponsor and supporters said the bill responds to recent store closures that created food and pharmacy deserts, especially in overburdened communities, and would give local governments tools to prevent blight and protect access to essential services. Opponents from grocery and retail industry groups argued the bill would punish businesses and property owners, create a chilling effect on investment, and unfairly burden independent landlords. The committee heard testimony on HB 2573 but did not take final action in the portion provided. During executive action, the committee reported several bills out with do-pass recommendations. HB 2517, on permitting tools for high-capacity transit projects, passed 4-3 after one proposed amendment was rejected and another was adopted to require property-owner consent before certain permits on property not owned by the transit authority. HB 2588, expanding county ferry district authority beyond passenger-only ferries, passed 4-3. HB 1529, allowing cities to use county resources for road construction and maintenance, passed 6-1. HB 2223, creating a limited exemption for irrigation district directors’ spouses’ contracts, passed unanimously. HB 2006, extending the deadline for certain rural counties to designate industrial land banks, passed unanimously after adoption of an amendment narrowing eligibility and adjusting timing requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• For pari-mutuel taxes and fees, the bill reduces the card room tax from 8% to 5%, reduces the tax on
• The United States has made incredible strides to reduce carbon emissions.
• They will be able to file—file their filing fee—and then you're there, right?
• They will be able to file—file their filing fee—and then you're there, right?
• They will be able to file—file their filing fee—and then you're there, right?

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for two service members killed in the Middle East, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. Members adopted the special order report and then began taking up the special order calendar. The first major measure was HB 7031, the annual tax package, which included a hunting, fishing, and camping sales tax holiday, a back-to-school holiday moved earlier in the summer, property tax changes for mobile home parks and other exemptions, reductions in pari-mutuel taxes and fees, extensions and expansions of several tax credit programs, vacation-rental tax collection changes, and a full decoupling from federal tax changes in the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The bill drew questions about the fiscal impact of decoupling and the firearm-accessories holiday; supporters emphasized fiscal caution, housing and home-hardening provisions, and family tax relief, while opponents objected to the firearm-related tax break. HB 7031 passed 105-2. The House then passed CS/CS/CS HB 1177 on Space Florida and spaceport operations, which updates business development rules, board membership, and creates a strategic spaceport hub designation. CS/CS HB 639/CS SB 246 on specialty license plates also passed after a strike-all amendment that added several new plates, revised the Fraternal Order of Police plate, and tightened financial and nonprofit requirements for plate sponsors. CS HB 697 on drug prices and coverage passed after debate on pharmacy benefit manager reforms requiring equal reimbursement, prohibiting forced losses on drugs, and allowing consolidated appeals. CS/CS HB 1263 on the Office of Insurance Regulation passed with an amendment clarifying fingerprinting provisions, and CS/CS HB 527 passed with a human-review requirement for insurance claim denials so AI cannot be the sole basis for denying or reducing claims. Additional bills approved included CS HB 1449, which limits use of the statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program when a claim is already in the federal process and, by amendment, narrows the bill to out-of-network emergency services and claims of $50,000 or less; CS HB 93, requiring surgical smoke evacuation systems in hospitals and surgical centers, which passed overwhelmingly after emotional bipartisan praise for the sponsor’s multi-session effort; and CS HB 1217, which prohibits governmental entities from adopting net-zero greenhouse gas policies, after Democrats argued it would preempt local climate and resilience efforts and Republicans argued it protects energy reliability and affordability. The House also passed CS/CS HB 1461 establishing a framework for licensing and regulating advanced nuclear reactors, with supporters framing it as a step toward reliable, affordable, cleaner energy. Later, CS HB 1229 on residential homes for medically or technologically dependent children was explained as creating a licensure program for medically complex children’s homes and was rolled over for final passage as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• The driver will pay the appropriate fee for the license renewal.
• This bill does not ban the state from creating smarter, locally-tailored emissions reduction policies
• We all know that attorney's fees to be awarded have to be both reasonable and necessary.
• Being reasonable is not enough; incurring the fees had to have been... ...necessary.
• This bill fixes that and makes a uniform reference to reasonable and necessary attorneys' fees.

Bills: SB393 , SB731 , SB801 , SB867 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2082 , SB2717 , SB2919 , SB3074 , HJR133 , HB2 , HB18 , HB24 , HB26 , HB35 , HB43 , HB49 , HB75 , HB 103 , HB 120 , HB 126 , HB143 , HB163 , HB180 , HB216 , HB413 , HB647 , HB700 , HB748 , HB851 , HB1422 , HB1445 , HB1481 , HB1545 , HB1562 , HB1586 , HB1732 , HB1828 , HB1851 , HB1916 , HB1991 , HB2014 , HB2026 , HB2038 , HB2067 , HB2193 , HB2282 , HB2293 , HB2310 , HB2464 , HB2508 , HB2516 , HB2518 , HB2524 , HB2530 , HB2674 , HB2713 , HB2715 , HB2974 , HB3016 , HB3057 , HB3062 , HB3071 , HB3120 , HB3161 , HB3180 , HB3214 , HB3234 , HB3250 , HB3463 , HB3512 , HB3556 , HB3627 , HB3680 , HB3732 , HB3801 , HB3824 , HB3833 , HB3966 , HB4044 , HB4129 , HB4226 , HB4230 , HB4263 , HB4377 , HB4384 , HB4395 , HB4396 , HB4535 , HB4668 , HB4690 , HB4751 , HB4903 , HB5033 , HB5149 , HB5154 , HB5247 , HB5331 , HB5436 , HB5667 , HB5688 , HB5693 , HCR9 , HCR40 , HCR59 , HCR127 , SJR5 , SB3 , SB4 , SB9 , SB20 , SB21 , SB23 , SB27 , SB33 , SB34 , SB36 , SB38 , SB40 , SB75 , SB213 , SB269 , SB379 , SB458 , SB528 , SB647 , SB648 , SB650 , SB681 , SB740 , SB777 , SB840 , SB843 , SB924 , SB1061 , SB1120 , SB1121 , SB1150 , SB1188 , SB1198 , SB1202 , SB1253 , SB1318 , SB1333 , SB1398 , SB1405 , SB1423 , SB1448 , SB1535 , SB1566 , SB1574 , SB1621 , SB1709 , SB1723 , SB1789 , SB1862 , SB2037 , SB2078 , SB2268 , SB2405 , SB2406 , SB2407 , SB2544 , SB2570 , SB2601 , SB2778 , SB1 , SB17 , SB260 , SB509 , SB1506 , SB1637 , SB1833 , SB2155 , SB2308 , HB2525 , SB1538 , SB1749 , SB2603 , SB3038 , SB3062 , SB3065 , HB24 , HB 128 , HB216 , HB388 , HB519 , HB609 , HB685 , HB766 , HB 1237 , HB1314 , HB1445 , HB1458 , HB1522 , HB1592 , HB1606 , HB1612 , HB1633 , HB2011 , HB2025 , HB2061 , HB2259 , HB2273 , HB2358 , HB2421 , HB2434 , HB2464 , HB2518 , HB2563 , HB2637 , HB2697 , HB2713 , HB2791 , HB2856 , HB3114 , HB3126 , HB3161 , HB3233 , HB3395 , HB3424 , HB3487 , HB3505 , HB3510 , HB3597 , HB3745 , HB3803 , HB3804 , HB3806 , HB4224 , HB4310 , HB4396 , HB4738 , HB4945 , HB5084 , HB5155 , HB5180 , HB5667 , HB5686 , HCR9 , HCR10 , HCR135 , HCR142 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1367 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3043 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB203 , SB2688 , SB2522 , SB2459 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB1749 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1944 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2683 , SB1319 , SB3038 , SB3045 , SB1538 , SB3071 , SB3065 , SB3062 , HJR133 , HB2715 , HB3627 , HB5033 , HB2282 , HB26 , HB388 , HB1633 , HB685 , HB1606 , HB1458 , HB2791 , HB2061 , HB647 , HB4738 , HB2563 , HB 128 , HB766 , HB2259 , HB2358 , HB4384 , HB748 , HB5180 , HB3806 , HB3804 , HB3803 , HB1522 , HB3597 , HB1612 , HB4224 , HB1314 , HB 1237 , HB3126 , HB2856 , HB3114 , HB3505 , HB5652 , HB2025 , HB3395 , HB18 , HB2516 , HB2713 , HB24 , HB519 , HB609 , HB1592 , HB 120 , HB2421 , HB2273 , HB2464 , HB5084 , HB4396 , HB43 , HB5686 , HB2518 , HB4310 , HB180 , HB3745 , HB4044 , HB5155 , HB5667 , HB1445 , HB 1306 , HB2637 , HB5436 , HB3966 , HB2026 , HB3487 , HB4226 , HB216 , HB49 , HB4112 , HB3233 , HB2310 , HB2674 , HB322 , HB1481 , HB 126 , HB3062 , HB3180 , HB2530 , HB2524 , HB1916 , HB5650 , HB4894 , HB3120 , HB1629 , HB 103 , HB3234 , HB3680 , HB5698 , HB3171 , HB5693 , HB2694 , HB5664 , HB3732 , HB2508 , HB2293 , HB1991 , HB2014 , HB5331 , HB5247 , HB4751 , HB4690 , HB4668 , HB4464 , HB4395 , HB4063 , HB3833 , HB3623 , HB3214 , HB3512 , HB3250 , HB3016 , HB2520 , HB2221 , HB2213 , HB3824 , HB2067 , HB1732 , HB1562 , HB700 , HB1545 , HB252 , HB146 , HB5596 , HB1851 , HB3619 , HB3071 , HB3556 , HB851 , HB4230 , HB5320 , HB5651 , HB5670 , HB5665 , HB5437 , HB5679 , HB5699 , HB5661 , HB5662 , HB5654 , HB5672 , HB5656 , HB5149 , HB4903 , HB4743 , HB4666 , HB4377 , HB4535 , HB4129 , HB3812 , HB3801 , HB3595 , HB3057 , HB2035 , HB721 , HB35 , HB346 , HB2974 , HB2512 , HB5695 , HB5694 , HB5671 , HB5674 , HB5688 , HB1586 , HB5154 , HB2038 , HB163 , HB413 , HB3463 , HB3185 , HB2761 , HB2593 , HB2348 , HB2073 , HB1828 , HB1422 , HB75 , HB1871 , HB 108 , HB2306 , HB2017 , HB 1135 , HB144 , HB3689 , HB5308 , HB 101 , HB2193 , HB5666 , HB5677 , HB5682 , HB5680 , HB5658 , HB5696 , HB4144 , HB3159 , HB3254 , HB3866 , HB3010 , HB4520 , HB3642 , HB3928 , HB3815 , HB2686 , HB2012 , HB1960 , HB227 , HB654 , HB1690 , HB2128 , HB4158 , HB4530 , HB4630 , HB5659 , HB1523 , HB2078 , HB2427 , HB145 , HB1973 , HB3333 , HB3697 , HB3546 , HB3225 , HB3181 , HB3133 , HB3053 , HB2885 , HB2820 , HB2294 , HB2253 , HB1661 , HB1506 , HB 1234 , HB640 , HB621 , HB551 , HB521 , HB493 , HB272 , HB229 , HB223 , HB201 , HB186 , HB 119 , HB2080 , HB2818 , HB5394 , HB4795 , HB4466 , HB4454 , HB3940 , HB3749 , HB3151 , HB3284 , HB1403 , HB 1106 , HB2844 , HB2851 , HB1500 , HB4488 , HB4264 , HB4 , HB4170 , HB3909 , HB4081 , HB4145 , HB4157 , HB4281 , HB4285 , HB4463 , HB4749 , HB4995 , HB5081 , HB5115 , HB5138 , HB5624 , HB1449 , HB3711 , HB2598 , HB3629 , HB4361 , HB824 , HB1868 , HB4848 , HB2243 , HB40 , HB 117 , HB2313 , HB3686 , HB500 , HB3793 , HB 112 , HB 104 , HB 1056 , HB42 , HB4486 , HB3000 , HB 100 , HB2240 , HB718 , HB27 , HB4904 , HB4202 , HB2853 , HB5129 , HB5093 , HB4765 , HB4748 , HB4559 , HB4350 , HB4214 , HB3388 , HB3112 , HB5196 , HB4211 , HB3516 , HB3092 , HB4233 , HB4687 , HB705 , HB 1094 , HB2037 , HB3005 , HB3848 , HCR141 , HCR118 , HCR127 , HCR40 , HCR59 , HCR10 , HCR135 , HCR142 , HCR9 , HCR76 , HCR108 , HJR133 , HB18 , HB35 , HB43 , HB49 , HB75 , HB 103 , HB 120 , HB163 , HB216 , HB413 , HB647 , HB851 , HB1422 , HB1481 , HB1545 , HB1562 , HB1586 , HB1732 , HB1828 , HB1851 , HB1916 , HB1991 , HB2014 , HB2026 , HB2067 , HB2193 , HB2293 , HB2310 , HB2464 , HB2508 , HB2524 , HB2530 , HB2974 , HB3062 , HB3071 , HB3120 , HB3180 , HB3214 , HB3234 , HB3250 , HB3463 , HB3512 , HB3680 , HB3732 , HB3801 , HB3824 , HB3833 , HB4044 , HB4129 , HB4226 , HB4230 , HB4377 , HB4395 , HB4396 , HB4535 , HB4668 , HB4903 , HB5149 , HB5154 , HB5247 , HB5331 , HB5436 , HB5688 , HB5693 , HB2282 , HB2715 , HB3627 , HB5033 , HB2674 , HB3556 , HCR127 , SB3 , SB21 , SB379 , SB1405 , SB1538 , SB1749 , SB3038 , SB3062 , SB3065 , HB24 , HB 128 , HB388 , HB519 , HB609 , HB685 , HB766 , HB 1237 , HB1314 , HB1445 , HB1458 , HB1522 , HB1592 , HB1606 , HB1612 , HB1633 , HB2025 , HB2061 , HB2259 , HB2273 , HB2358 , HB2421 , HB2518 , HB2563 , HB2637 , HB2713 , HB2791 , HB2856 , HB3114 , HB3126 , HB3233 , HB3487 , HB3505 , HB3597 , HB3745 , HB3803 , HB3804 , HB3806 , HB4224 , HB4310 , HB4738 , HB5084 , HB5155 , HB5180 , HB5667 , HB5686 , HCR9 , HCR10 , HCR135 , HCR142 , SB2603 , HB3395 , HB636 , HB5655 , HB5689 , HB5690 , HB636 , HB5655 , HB5689 , HB5690

Keywords: SB 393, Sparks, Middleton, local government, political subdivision, public securities, government debt, municipal bonds, general obligation bonds, certificates of obligation, anticipation notes, debt maturity, weighted average maturity, economic life, useful life, tangible personal property, real property improvements, public finance, Texas Government Code, Chapter 1253

Transcript Highlights:

• The Secretary of State collects a fee every year, I think, for registrants or for like new new users,
• and that is an annual fee incurred by all of the active committees.
• I'd be curious to know that or if there's also any kind of just top-line menu of other user fees.
• Yeah, so in addition to the campaign committee annual fee, there's also a lobbying registration fee.
• Activity helps recruit and retain talent, supports families, cuts emissions.

Transcript Highlights:

• They already have to explain their fees every time they do a fee assessment.
• . ...additional fees.
• They do fee studies.
• They do fee studies. They look. ...for how these fee structures work. They do fee studies.
• collect from fees, from many, from all kinds of fees.

Summary: The committee heard several local government-related bills, with testimony focused on permitting, transportation funding, EV infrastructure, and commercial revitalization. AB 1578 by Assembly Member Jackson would require elected local and state officials to take anti-hate speech training through existing sexual harassment training. Supporters said elected officials should understand the impact of their words on hate and democracy; opponents argued the bill lacked a definition of hate speech and could chill protected speech, especially around sex-based issues. AB 2083, also by Jackson, would authorize a regional child care special district serving Moreno Valley and Paris to expand child care facilities and programs for five years. The California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions opposed the bill’s mechanism but said it was working with the author. AB 1693 by Assembly Member Suber would streamline retail tenant improvement permits by extending a process similar to a prior restaurant permitting law, with qualified professional certification and tighter local review timelines. It drew broad support from retail, business, and property groups and no opposition. Assembly Member Gonzalez presented AB 1679, which would create a temporary commercial activation permit for pop-up businesses to operate in vacant storefronts for up to 120 days. Supporters said it would help fill vacancies and lower barriers for small businesses; there was no opposition, and the bill advanced. Gonzalez also presented AB 2418, which would set timelines for nonresidential plan checks and inspections and allow private plan checkers after excessive delay. Business groups supported it as a way to reduce costly delays, while local government groups had no position but continued discussions with the author; the bill advanced with amendments. Assembly Member Shevlin presented AB 1820, which would cap local permit fees for EV charging installations and create a statewide fee schedule. Supporters said fees vary too widely and can deter charger deployment, while cities and counties argued existing law already requires reasonable cost recovery and that the bill could undercut local budgets and public safety review. Assembly Member DeMaio presented AB 1783, which would prohibit state and local mileage taxes or road user charges. Supporters framed it as a defense against a new tax burden, while opponents said studying road user charges is necessary to address declining gas tax revenue and future transportation funding needs. AB 1693, AB 1679, and AB 2418 were moved forward with motions and roll calls; AB 1783 was taken up with a motion and roll call left open, and AB 1820 remained under discussion at the end of the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• to note that the fee under state law for these vehicle license fees for the TBD... ...are capped at
• now we seem to have lots of different fees that get added on instead of one simple fee.
• When it comes to transportation benefit district fees, there is just this one fee that is paid.
• if their local area has created and levied that fee.
• Commercial vehicle fees at 10,000 pounds, weight fees at $30 per ton kicks in, and a project weight fee

Bills: HB2588 , HB2722 , HB2727

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: county ferry district, ferry district, passenger-only ferry, passenger ferry, Puget Sound, Vashon, Seattle, Southworth, county transportation, local taxing authority, property tax levy, general obligation bonds, municipal corporation, public transportation benefit area, WTSC, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, ferry terminal, wharf, shuttle service, marine transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• supplies, so converting organic waste to energy makes sense for energy reliability too, not just emissions
• This bill will help reduce future emissions by helping divert organic waste from landfills, and it will
• I think it'd be hard-pressed to find another measure that can reduce costs, reduce tailpipe emissions
• , and lower greenhouse gas emissions all at the same time.
• And with that, while California has made great strides in terms of energy and transportation emissions

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a series of natural resources and climate-related bills. AB 70 would codify a definition of pyrolysis and allow procurement credit for projects using organic waste to generate pipeline biomethane; supporters said it would help divert organic waste from landfills, reduce methane, and support energy reliability. AB 30 would authorize E15 fuel sales in California, with supporters arguing it could lower consumer fuel costs and emissions, while opponents from boating and marine groups raised concerns about engine damage and the need for clear labeling and continued E10 availability. AB 66 would create a CEQA exemption for emergency evacuation routes in high fire-risk areas; supporters emphasized wildfire evacuation safety, while some members worried the bill lacked sufficient guardrails and environmental review. AB 399 would let the Coastal Commission consider blue carbon sequestration in coastal permitting and authorize blue carbon demonstration projects; environmental groups supported it, while business groups objected to new costs and regulatory uncertainty. AB 491 would codify California’s nature-based solutions climate targets for lands and wetlands, with supporters citing climate and adaptation benefits and the Farm Bureau opposing statutory targets. AB 580 would extend Metropolitan Water District authority related to the Colorado River Aqueduct, and AB 43 would make permanent state authority to protect federally designated wild and scenic rivers if federal protections are weakened. The committee also considered AB 436 to streamline siting and permitting of composting facilities and AB 539 to streamline certain Coastal Act procedures and reporting. Most measures received due-pass recommendations and were reported out on roll calls, with several bills also moving on consent; AB 404 was pulled at the author’s request.

Transcript Highlights:

• spring's more, um, More wildlife focus towards that department, changes the name, um, adjust license fees
• paying the bills of our state and, uh, Why are we adding more rules and regulations and upping their fees
• last one under C, number 15, the role of states in climate action, uh, dealing with greenhouse gas emissions
• regulatory impacts of the Clean Fuel Standard, and then discussing on number 9, A and B, the increased fees
• It's very concerning to me, and it describes um the effects of the um emissions that are occurring in

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, the bill outlines the air emissions modeling evaluation and fuel blend feasibility study and
• Because of Maricopa County's emissions problem, what if we just worked to reduce our emissions?
• Yeah, I mean, Maricopa has an emissions problem in the sense that emissions do not respect the borders
• It's just an issue here to address the concerns of the formulation and emissions that we are subject
• by requiring certain fuel blends to be sold, especially in the counties in which those emissions are

Committee: Senate Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2787, which would bar the state and its political subdivisions from using personnel or financial resources to enforce or cooperate with the federal Mexican wolf reintroduction program, while exempting the Livestock Loss Board’s livestock loss program. Sierra Club and animal welfare advocates opposed the bill as harmful to wolf recovery and unnecessary given the livestock loss reimbursement data. The committee approved HB 2787 on a 4-3 vote. Members then considered House Bill 255, which would create a Brackish Groundwater Recovery Program Fund and authorize the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority to administer projects using long-term water augmentation funds. Opponents argued brackish groundwater is still groundwater and pumping it could cause localized impacts and land subsidence, while supporters framed it as a water-supply solution. The bill failed on a 2-4 vote. The committee next advanced House Bill 2782, requiring disclosure rules for regulatory assets included in utility rates, and House Bill 2781, which would impose financial assurance, insurance, decommissioning, and site-restoration requirements on solar energy power plants. HB 2781 drew stakeholder testimony from solar industry, utilities, and local-government interests; an amendment to revise financial assurance and remove a remediation fund was adopted, but the bill itself then failed on a 4-4 vote. The committee also approved House Bill 2975, which would suspend State Land Department solar scoring maps and require new mining and housing resource maps, despite opposition that it would reduce transparency and favor certain land uses over solar. Later, the committee approved House Bill 2696, as amended, directing the Arizona Commerce Authority to prioritize fuel and gas price reduction and create a fuel resiliency task force, after debate over whether the bill should focus more broadly on energy resilience and whether the ACA was the right agency. The committee also passed HCM 2009, urging Congress to streamline mining access, compensate states for subsurface mineral rights, and require legislative approval for new national monuments, and HB 2889, which would fund ADEQ monitoring of uranium contamination and create a statewide registry and tribal-partnered monitoring program. Finally, the committee heard HB 2763, which would require a legislative joint resolution before the Game and Fish Commission could close a shooting range; Game and Fish said it would add another step to the closure process and mainly affect the Ben Avery facility, but no vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Emissions exempt from coverage in the program include, in part, emissions from the combustion of aviation
• Emissions exempt from coverage in the program include, in part, emissions from the combustion of aviation
• These fuel suppliers are also required to report their emissions to Ecology.
• The bill also exempts from covered emissions in the program emissions associated with lubricants as defined
• You pay a fee, and then you pay any appropriate excise taxes for selling fuels.

Summary: The committee first waived the five-day notice rule for several House bills, then took up public hearings on HB 2426, HB 1742, HB 2215, HB 2575, HB 1903, and HB 2606. HB 2426 would allow the Pollution Control Hearings Board, with party consent and board approval, to hear permit appeals in alternative smaller compositions to improve efficiency; the sponsor and supporters from Greater Grays Harbor and FutureWise said it would speed up reviews without harming environmental protections, while the bill was described as cost-neutral. HB 1742 would create a Center for Environmentally Sustainable Urban Design at Ecology to promote sustainable building and design competitions; the sponsor emphasized regenerative, biophilic design and a proposed showcase project, and the bill was presented as budget-neutral through outside funding, though the fiscal note was still pending. HB 2215 would tighten Climate Commitment Act compliance for certain newer fuel suppliers by lowering the emissions threshold for post-2023 suppliers, exempt lubricants, and add procurement and transparency requirements. The sponsor said the bill targets “paper distributors” and loopholes used to avoid coverage; Ecology supported closing the loophole but raised concerns about reporting thresholds, implementation, staffing, and rulemaking. Testimony was mixed: the propane association and Washington Oil Marketers Association were concerned about the two-tier threshold and urged stronger upstream enforcement instead, while Climate Solutions and Washington Conservation Action supported the bill as a way to prevent gaming and strengthen climate policy. HB 2575 would reduce several environmental and energy reporting obligations, including less frequent utility reporting under the Energy Independence Act and state energy strategy updates; Commerce and the sponsor said the changes would reduce duplicative reporting and save money, while preserving core protections and oversight. HB 1903 would establish a statewide low-income energy assistance program in the Department of Commerce, phased in by 2027, to supplement existing utility programs and target households with the greatest energy burden. The sponsor and many advocates described the bill as an affordability measure to address a large unmet need, while community action agencies, utilities, and rural representatives supported the goal but asked for clearer language on voluntary utility participation, funding sources, allocation formulas, and how the program would interact with existing utility and weatherization efforts. Several speakers stressed that the program should not replace local assistance and should be designed to avoid shifting costs onto ratepayers. HB 2606 would update the Office of Privacy and Data Protection’s duties and reporting requirements, including adding review of agency AI projects and aligning the office’s work with JLARC recommendations; the chief privacy officer testified in support, explaining that the bill would formalize AI risk review, human oversight, and existing privacy/security review processes, with no fiscal impact. No votes were taken on the bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are just a little bit concerned about the possible implications where these emissions are recognized
• The issue is not that the state is unaware of the sourcing of static sources of these emissions.
• Today we have substantial data sets and science that tell us that where these emissions occur, that are
• its odor nuisance today we have substantial data sets and science that tells us that where these emissions
• Then that same year we passed Newman's SB 1215, which extended the consumer-facing fee of the e-waste

Summary: The Senate Committee on Environmental Quality heard four bills focused on environmental regulation and public health. SB 299 by Senator Cabaldon would extend a CEQA exemption to child care facilities in residential zones, with committee amendments adding guardrails to exclude sites on natural/protected lands and within 3,200 feet of oil wells or refineries. Support came from child care, planning, local government, and county groups, while one wildlife/plant organization opposed. Members emphasized the need for more child care access and noted the bill was a narrow fix to last year’s CEQA legislation. The committee later voted the bill out on a 7-0 vote. SB 58 by Senator Padilla would update California’s hydrogen sulfide standards and response framework, citing outdated rules and monitoring gaps in the Tijuana River Valley and Salton Sea areas. Testimony from UCLA and community advocates described health impacts and undercounted exceedances, while air district representatives and business interests raised concerns about the scope and timing of the proposal. The committee accepted amendments and advanced the bill on a 7-0 vote. SB 811 by Senator Caballero would establish a regulatory framework for metal shredding facilities, clarifying DTSC enforcement authority and incorporating prior negotiated environmental justice and fire-safety amendments. Supporters included the recycling industry and labor groups; opponents from community, environmental, and local government organizations argued the bill was too deregulatory and did not adequately protect nearby communities. The bill passed 5-0. SB 501 by Senator Allen would expand the state’s battery extended producer responsibility program to include medium-format batteries such as those used in e-bikes and portable power systems. Supporters said the change would improve collection, reduce fire risks, and shift disposal costs from local governments to producers; one battery recycler expressed interest in working on implementation details. The bill was amended and advanced on a 5-2 vote. After quorum was established and votes were taken on call, all four bills were reported out of committee and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• adding investor-owned electric utilities may calculate the benefit of avoided utility greenhouse gas emissions
• adding: investor-owned electric utilities may calculate the benefit of avoided utility greenhouse gas emissions
• HB 54 allows utilities to consider the value of avoided greenhouse gas emissions when evaluating energy
• , and I think that may be removed through the actions of others to go out there and spend attorney fees
• , and I think that may be removed through the actions of others to go out there and spend attorney fees

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 254, which would allow investor-owned electric utilities to include avoided greenhouse gas emissions in evaluating the cost effectiveness of energy efficiency resources. The sponsor explained an amendment making the emissions calculation optional for utilities, while requiring the Public Regulation Commission to consider it if a utility elects to use it. Utilities, energy efficiency advocates, and environmental groups supported the bill, saying it would help expand energy efficiency programs, lower bills, and better reflect emissions benefits. After brief questions about prior concerns, the committee adopted the amendment and advanced the bill on a unanimous due pass vote. The committee then heard House Bill 185, which would change the process for suspending school board members so the Secretary of Education could suspend individual members rather than only an entire board. The sponsors and supporters argued the bill would improve accountability, protect good board members from being punished for others’ misconduct, and create a clearer process with notice, remedial action, and appeal rights. School superintendents and some current and former school board members supported the bill, but the New Mexico School Boards Association and several board members opposed it, saying it was vague, threatened local control, and gave too much power to an appointed official. After extensive debate, the committee voted 4-5 against the do pass motion, and the bill failed in committee. The committee next considered House Memorial 29, condemning the U.S. invasion of Venezuela. The memorial sponsor said it was intended to oppose the administration’s actions and affirm democratic norms. A supporter from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry backed the memorial on moral and legal grounds. Representative Block raised multiple factual objections, arguing the memorial mischaracterized Nicolás Maduro’s status and the events in Venezuela. The committee amended the memorial to add the President of the United States, the Secretary of State, and the New Mexico congressional delegation as recipients, then passed it on a 6-3 vote after debate and vote explanations. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 93, which would raise the state income tax standard deduction to 205% of the federal standard deduction. The sponsor said the bill was intended to reduce tax burdens for New Mexicans and noted that staff and the tax department had determined nonresidents would only receive a prorated benefit under existing rules, so no amendment was needed. With no public testimony and no opposition, the committee moved the bill forward on a do pass vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate amendments adjusted various fee caps and made conforming changes.
• The Senate amendments adjusted various fee caps and made conforming changes.
• It establishes a 12 cent processing fee and processing payment for qualifying wine, distilled spirits
• It increases emissions and makes it harder to attract investment in local construction projects.
• High desert residents doing routine property maintenance have borne the brunt of these fees.

Summary: The Assembly met in session, established a quorum, and heard a prayer and pledge before moving through a long concurrence calendar and later Senate bill items. Early procedural actions included rereferrals of several bills to committees, approval of journal dispensation and adjournment-memory requests, and multiple unanimous-consent motions. The chamber also took up a brief moment of silence honoring Dolly Parton before returning to business after caucus recesses and a vote change on AB 1775. On concurrence, members acted on a wide range of Assembly bills covering housing, health, education, environmental regulation, elections, corrections, wildfire relief, tribal issues, alcohol regulation, and consumer protections. Many were described as technical, clarifying, or support measures and passed overwhelmingly or unanimously, including bills on behavioral health licensing, common course numbering, medical supervision sunsets, tribal child welfare, wildfire mortgage relief, Prop 65 oversight, water quality, and tied-house alcohol rules. A few measures drew some opposition, such as AB 1645, AB 1775, and AB 2348, but still concurred. The Assembly also adopted an urgency measure on AB 2663 to extend the Cocktails to Go program in time for New Year’s Eve. The chamber then considered numerous Senate bills. These included SB 608 on youth sexual health and contraceptive access, SB 633 on recycled plastic verification, SB 675 restructuring the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District, SB 747 on civil rights accountability against government officials, SB 772 on housing infrastructure grants, SB 891 and SB 1379 on missing and murdered Indigenous people and custody-death transparency, SB 1077 on CalFresh shutdown contingency planning, SB 1105 on limits for joint law-enforcement operations, SB 1114 on protecting sensitive state data, SB 1125 on water rate assistance, SB 1208 on returning stolen cryptocurrency to victims, SB 1213 on zero-emission vehicle pricing transparency, SB 1237 on pay data enforcement, SB 1276 on child sexual exploitation and AI-generated content, SB 1322 on tribal housing grants, SB 1388 on affordable housing insurance, SB 1393 on fisheries management, SB 329 on drug treatment facility complaint timelines, SB 758 on nitrous oxide sales restrictions, SB 828 on fireworks licensing disclosures, SB 909 on public works enforcement fees, and SB 920 on gambling fee transparency. Most passed with strong margins; some drew notable opposition, including SB 675, SB 747’s urgency vote, SB 1105, SB 1114, SB 1125, SB 1237, SB 1379, and SB 1388. The transcript ends amid debate on SB 920, with Assembly Member DeMaio raising budget concerns before the record cuts off.

Transcript Highlights:

• One is it's a user fee. If you don't drive, you don't pay it. And it's a closed system.
• I think that was the rhetoric, but that wasn't a raising of a tax or a fee on the consumer, and I don't
• run the data center, we will erase the greenhouse gas emissions progress reductions.
• We will erase the greenhouse gas emissions progress reductions that we made from 2005 to 2021.
• So the body opted not to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 251, which would amend the Horse Racing Act to address “program owners” and “program trainers” used as fronts by suspended or unlicensed people in the racing industry. The sponsor and Racing Commission director said the bill is meant to protect the betting public, deter fraud, and give the commission stronger enforcement tools, including suspension, revocation, and fines. After brief questions about how penalties are applied and whether the standards are already reflected in statute and racing rules, the committee voted 9-0 to give the bill a due pass. Senate Bill 73 followed, requiring driver education schools to teach at least three hours on vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and bicyclists, beginning in 2027. Supporters, including local officials and advocacy groups, said the bill would improve public safety and help new drivers understand the rights and responsibilities of people outside vehicles. Committee members discussed existing driver-ed content, the definition of vulnerable road users, and whether the bill would replace any current instruction; sponsors said it would set a statewide minimum without crowding out existing curriculum. The committee approved the bill on a 9-1 due pass vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 111, an agency bill to expand confidential personal information under the Motor Vehicle Code to include sex, gender, national origin, and immigration status. The sponsor and Tax and Revenue officials said the change would protect sensitive records in MVD files from disclosure except in limited circumstances. With no public opposition, the committee passed the bill 6-4. Senate Bill 150, creating refundable tax credits to support local newspaper printing operations, drew broad support from newspaper and business representatives who said the credits would help preserve local news and printing capacity amid plant closures and rising costs. Some members raised technical and oversight questions, but the committee voted 9-1 to advance it. Later, the committee heard Senate Bill 172, a committee substitute extending a gross receipts tax credit tied to national lab technology transfer and commercialization. Supporters from the labs, economic development groups, and chambers of commerce said it helps move research into New Mexico businesses and supports job creation; the committee adopted the committee substitute and advanced it. Senate Bill 76, which would raise the gasoline and special fuel taxes to fund road maintenance, generated extensive debate over infrastructure needs, affordability, and whether a broader transportation funding plan should be developed first. Supporters argued the state’s road backlog and maintenance needs justify the increase, while opponents cited consumer costs and the need for more study; the bill passed 6-4. The final bill, Senate Bill 235, would regulate large microgrids and data centers by requiring renewable energy use, PRC oversight, annual reporting, and limits on rate shifting. Supporters said it would protect air quality, water, and utility customers, while opponents warned it would add burdens and discourage investment; the committee heard extensive testimony but the transcript ends before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Emission reduction credits started accumulating this coming January.
• I'm just looking for further clarity on the emission reductions provision.
• I don't... ...on the emission reductions provision, what is going to be eligible?
• There is, for the determination of value of the emissions... ...opportunity to ask questions.
• emissions in a verifiable way start now.

Committee: Senate Insurance

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several insurance-related bills. SB 1209 by Senator Allen, sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, would give the Department of Insurance stronger enforcement tools when insurers fail to implement corrective actions identified in market conduct or financial examinations. Supporters said the bill would close gaps that allow repeated violations, improve solvency oversight, and protect policyholders; opponents argued CDI already has broad authority and raised concerns about duplicative penalties, due process, and the bill’s scope. Members discussed amendments to limit the bill to legal violations rather than recommendations, apply penalties per exam rather than per policy, and clarify accounting language. The committee voted to send SB 1209 to Appropriations, with the bill placed on call after a roll vote that included one no vote from Senator Niello. The committee also considered SB 1301, which would require more detailed non-renewal notices for residential property insurance, give policyholders time and information to address correctable issues, and restrict certain non-renewal reasons such as claims below deductible or not covered by the policy. Support came from homeowners, fire survivors, and consumer groups who said notices are often vague and leave families unable to keep coverage; insurers opposed the bill, warning that California’s notice period is already among the longest in the country and that the bill could worsen availability and add burdensome reporting requirements. The author said he was willing to reduce the notice period from 180 days to about three months and work on a mitigation-based process. The committee passed the bill to Appropriations, with Senator Niello voting no and the item placed on call. SB 1026 by Senator Gonzalez would tighten regulation of bail fugitive recovery agents by allowing the Department of Insurance to suspend or revoke licenses without a criminal conviction, adding conduct restrictions, and requiring continuous liability coverage and proper appointment notices. Supporters, including Commissioner Lara, said the bill addresses serious misconduct and loopholes that have led to unsafe conduct and weak oversight. Bail industry representatives and crime victims’ advocates opposed the measure, arguing that the required insurance coverage is unavailable or unlawful as written, that the bill would be hard to comply with, and that it could reduce the number of recovery agents and delay justice. The committee moved SB 1026 to Appropriations, with Senator Niello voting no and the bill placed on call. The committee then heard SB 982 by Senator Wiener, the Affordable Insurance and Recovery Act, which would authorize the Attorney General to sue fossil fuel companies to recover costs tied to climate disasters and insurance losses, with supporters framing it as a way to shift some climate-related costs away from policyholders and taxpayers. The author said amendments would remove retroactivity and delay liability until 2032, while supporters from flood and wildfire survivor groups and climate organizations said the bill would help fund recovery and stabilize insurance costs. Opponents from industry and building trades argued the bill was legally vulnerable, would create a de facto tax or liability scheme, and could harm jobs, energy production, and affordability. Testimony on SB 982 was extensive, but the transcript ends before any committee vote or final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:42.959><c> and</c> lowering our car carbon emissions and lowering our car carbon emissions
• Establishes a land conversion fee fund to, among other things, support the healthy soils program.
• </c><00:19:12.240><c> by</c> payment of an a land conversion fee by payment of an a land conversion fee
• </c> Establishes the a land conversion fee Establishes the a land conversion fee fund<00:19:22.160><c
• </c><01:03:33.119><c> tax</c> establishing the carbon emissions tax establishing the carbon emissions

Bills: SB2489 , SB2310 , SB2372 , SB2426 , SB2334 , SB2925 , SB3323

Committee: Senate Agriculture and Environment

Summary: The committee heard several measures related to agriculture, invasive species control, trees, reef protection, and land use. SP 2489 would require Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity leases to include access, invasive-species control, and termination provisions; DAB and DLNR supported it, as did several outside groups, while the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council raised concerns about notice, cooperation with lessees, and placing penalties on leaseholders for preexisting infestations. The chair noted six testifiers in support, one opposed, and three with comments. SP 2310 would appropriate funds to remove overgrown vegetation from the Kohola stream. DAB supported the bill but explained that the work already completed by its contractor stopped at a DOT boundary, and that the affected parcel appears to be a DOT highway segment on ceded lands; the committee discussed whether the appropriation should instead go to DOT. SP 2372, on exceptional and significant trees, received support from DNR and Outdoor Circle, with testimony describing trees as critical infrastructure and suggesting technical amendments to committee membership and the process for recommending trees to county councils. SP 2426, which would authorize DNR to contract with private parties to maintain sunscreen dispensers at state beaches and promote mineral-based sunscreen as reef-protective, drew support from DNR and reef advocates, while another witness questioned the science behind claims about mineral versus chemical sunscreens and urged broader environmental solutions. SP 2334 would impose a land conversion fee on agricultural land converted to other uses, create a fee fund for programs including healthy soils, and require state agricultural lands to use a conservation metric. DAB offered comments, and testimony from climate and farm groups generally supported the conservation goals but questioned references to programs not yet in place and objected to language excluding solar and wind uses, with one witness urging that agri-voltaics remain allowed. SP 2925, concerning coconut trees, would recognize them as food, water, and cultural resources, require signage for landscape palms, set labeling standards, and create a tax credit for naturally managed consumable coconut trees. DAB shifted from opposition to comments, DNR supported, and testimony from cultural and subsistence advocates strongly backed the bill as a response to coconut rhinoceros beetle impacts; committee questions focused on enforcement of signage, inspection resources, and the proposed tax credit.