Transcript Highlights:

• Our position is based on the fact that we see the committee here expanding what the original intention
• This is something that OHA has a lot of skin in this game.
• of</c><00:57:41.359><c> skin</c><00:57:42.000><c> in</c><00:57:42.160><c> this</c><00:57:42.359><c> game
• </c><00:57:43.240><c> And</c> OHA has a lot of skin in this game.
• And OHA has a lot of skin in this game.

Bills: SB2069 , SB2177 , SB2342 , SB2060 , SB2544 , SB3011 , SB2061 , SB2552

Committee: House Housing

Summary: The House Housing Committee opened its Friday morning hearing by noting potentially catastrophic flooding on the island and acknowledging that some members were absent helping their communities, so quorum for voting was uncertain. The committee then heard testimony on several housing-related measures, with most bills drawing support from housing agencies and community organizations and little or no opposition in the room. On SB 2069 SD2, SB 2177 SD2, and SB 2342 SD2, witnesses largely supported the measures. HHFDC supported SB 2069 and SB 2177, and HPHA supported SB 2342. For SB 2342, HHFDC raised concerns that the bill would alter the Qualified Allocation Plan outside the normal open, public process required by federal law and could exclude stakeholders; Kathy Charities echoed those concerns and also objected to changing point allocations in ways that could raise rents and weaken long-term affordability. Members questioned HHFDC about how the QAP is normally updated, the meaning of the point system, and whether a legislative working group could mandate changes; HHFDC said recommendations would still need public hearing and board approval. The committee also heard SB 2060 SD2, which would create a mixed-income subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund. HHFDC said the subaccount would likely use tier-two funds, estimated at about $100 million total, to support mixed-income projects above 60% AMI, citing Front Street Apartments as a possible example. Members asked about project selection and funding needs. On SB 2544 SD2, OHA opposed the bill’s Chapter 6E-related exemptions and mandatory review timelines, arguing that burial review protections should not be weakened and that the SPEED Task Force process was a better venue for streamlining. The sponsor later clarified that the bill was not meant to eliminate the 60-day review process but to make the deadline clearer. For SB 3011 SD1, which concerns public housing and pet ownership, HPHA and several humane organizations supported the measure, saying it would help low-income residents and seniors keep pets and benefit from animal companionship. HPHA explained its existing pet policy, including deposits, monthly fees, and restrictions, and said the requested funding would support ADA-accessible pet areas and related administration. Finally, on SB 2061 SD2, HCDA supported the bill while OHA opposed it unless protections for Hawaiian Crown and Government lands were strengthened. Committee members questioned the project’s 60/40 split between income-restricted and market-rate units, the 10-year owner-occupancy restriction, and the procurement exemption; the sponsor said the exemption was tied to a real estate transaction and that the project would still use 103D-like solicitation procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing, and several items were left for later action because quorum was uncertain.

Transcript Highlights:

• Energy and Natural Resources, to which was referred House Bill 655 FN, an act relative to fishing game
• This language was developed by the New Hampshire Fish and Game and has support of the fishing industry
• This language was developed by the New Hampshire Fish and Game and has support of the fishing industry
• That's the type of guy he is, but he was involved in the local fish and game, the Eagle Scout ceremonies
• traditional box vehicles or vans, Tom transferred, but he also continued to run one of the only funeral home-based

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman Duggan, in looking at Section 4 and based on your description, I'm sure you're aware, homeowners
• It is going to allow them to open up community-based schools, 150 or less, for those families that are
• It is going to allow them to open up community-based schools, 150 or less, for those families that are
• There are faith-based schools serving communities that want education aligned with their values.
• To my understanding, there's at least one law enforcement officer who has had a firearm based on this

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:

• After sitting tied 1-1 for the first half of the game, the boys broke through in the bottom of the fifth
• They put the game away in the sixth, scoring two more runs.
• The amendment directs the Fish and Boat Commission and the Game Commission, working with the Pennsylvania
• dollar and have no negative effect on federal funding for either the Fish and Boat Commission or the Game

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, committee reports, and approval of the prior journal. Members also granted several leaves of absence and welcomed a number of guests, including Ireland’s Consul General and Deputy Consul General, student shadows, an intern, and the Neshaminy High School baseball team, which was recognized for winning the 2026 PIAA Class 6A state championship. The chamber then recessed briefly for an Education Committee meeting and party caucuses before returning to session. On the floor, the Senate advanced several measures. Senate Bill 362, addressing SNAP skimming, passed 49-0 after remarks about protecting food assistance benefits from theft. Senate Bill 469, providing discounted fishing and hunting licenses for current and retired law enforcement, also passed 49-0 after an amendment was withdrawn. Senate Bill 730, codifying Pennsylvania POLST forms for end-of-life medical orders, saw a tabled amendment from Senator Boscola on physician-assisted dying after a 28-21 vote, then passed 49-0. The Senate also adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 1206 clarifying a temporary license pending FDA approval, and sent House Bill 1344 and Senate Bill 1377 to the House after unanimous final passage. Other bills were moved to appropriations or held in order, including Senate Bill 49, House Bill 96, Senate Bill 535, Senate Bill 536, House Bill 538, Senate Bill 743, Senate Bill 1262, Senate Bill 1273, House Bill 1286, and Senate Bill 1372. House Bill 1862 and House Bill 2017 each received amendments and were re-referred to the Appropriations Committee. The Senate also agreed to consider newly reported committee bills, including measures from Finance, Judiciary, Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness, and Education. In petitions and remonstrances, Senators Tartaglione and Costa focused on minimum wage and utility affordability, urging action on consumer protections, LIHEAP funding, data center energy costs, and related energy policy. The session concluded with the signing of House Bill 1877 in the presence of the Senate and a recess until June 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., unless recalled earlier.

Transcript Highlights:

• or some kind of Fourth of July event around the field where their parade ended or where they have games
• or some kind of Fourth of July event around the field where their parade ended or where they have games
• Those of you who want to know how it intersects with FIFA, these are the preliminary four games here
• We have a soccer tournament because all these crews love having soccer games against each other.

Summary: The commission meeting opened with a roll call that established a quorum, allowing the group to proceed officially. Co-chair remarks highlighted recent successful Henry Knox Trail commemorations in Great Barrington, Alford, and Springfield, with praise for the organizers and participants. The meeting then focused on Massachusetts 250 and America 250 planning, including statewide events tied to the Revolution’s 250th anniversary. Sheila from the Office of Travel and Tourism outlined several America 250 initiatives: selecting an item for the national time capsule, organizing a July 8 nationwide reading of the Declaration of Independence, encouraging a July 5 “America’s potluck,” and considering a “heritage tractor” tribute from Kansas as a model for Massachusetts participation. Members discussed who should decide the time capsule contents, with suggestions that Secretary Galvin and the commission help set criteria, and there was interest in creating a separate Massachusetts-only time capsule as a backup. The commission also discussed whether Governor Healey should formally endorse the potluck effort, and members expressed support for distributing a graphic for the Declaration reading. Revolution 250 and related organizers gave updates on upcoming commemorations: Worcester was moved to a larger venue due to strong attendance, Framingham will include living history portrayals of Patriots of Color, Cambridge and Roxbury programs are being planned, and Dorchester Heights/Evacuation Day events will include a Boston Public Library evening commemoration and a March 17 procession and ceremony. Sail Boston was also previewed as a major international event with dozens of ships and extensive public safety coordination. A final presentation pitched “Rebel Town,” a Boston Tea Party musical, as a potential America 250 attraction; the presenter described the show’s development, audience appeal, and need for a Boston venue and funding. No votes were taken beyond the motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Appropriations Committee, is an act relating to the appropriation to the Department of Fish and Game
• , appropriating additional monies to the Department of Fish and Game for fiscal year 2027, providing
• 964 by Appropriations Committee and Act relating to the appropriation to the Department of Fish and Game
• , appropriating additional monies to the Department of Fish and Game for fiscal year 2027, providing

Transcript Highlights:

• And you know, it's skin in the game. If you won't put into it, we're not going to let you have it.
• it's</c><00:08:29.600><c> skin</c><00:08:29.880><c> in</c><00:08:30.000><c> the</c><00:08:30.080><c> game
• </c><00:08:30.400><c> If</c><00:08:30.520><c> you</c> know, it's skin in the game.
• If you know, it's skin in the game.

Summary: The committee reconvened on House Bill 11, the capital construction bill, with a quorum present and focused on several remaining amendments. Members discussed projects including a building completion in Jackson, the NC Center at Gillette College, and a University of Wyoming parking lot green space item that had already been resolved. A major point of discussion was the Gillette College proposal, which was tied to a requirement that the college move to a four-mill levy and provide a one-to-one local match; supporters argued this would bring Gillette into the state system on equal footing and was a fair incentive, while opponents raised concerns about the mechanism and the impact on their own institutions. There was also clarification that major maintenance funding for state buildings remained in the bill, while the LCCC exterior renewal project and a separate inflation-related request were distinct items. The committee first considered a motion to cut the NZ stem research facility funding from $16 million to $8 million, but that motion failed. After a brief recess, members reached a compromise on the two contested projects: a motion passed to set the Gillette NC Center at $6 million and the Jackson project at $750,000, by a vote of 5-1. The committee then unanimously reinstated the stricken University of Wyoming language in section 3. The meeting concluded with expressions of appreciation for the compromise and the bill was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Also remember that we were invited to Fish and Game on March 6th, if you wish to go.
• invited</c><00:20:01.360><c> to</c><00:20:01.679><c> fish</c><00:20:01.919><c> and</c><00:20:02.240><c> game
• </c><00:20:02.880><c> on</c><00:20:04.000><c> May</c> we were invited to fish and game on May we were
• invited to fish and game on May what<00:20:04.799><c> day</c><00:20:05.039><c> was</c><00:20:05.200>

Committee: House Resources, Recreation and Development

Transcript Highlights:

• ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, the Lamar Raiders here behind us had a very non-controversial game
• behind us had a<00:15:48.639><c> very</c><00:15:49.040><c> non-controversial</c><00:15:50.160><c> game
• </c><00:15:50.399><c> against</c> a very non-controversial game against a very non-controversial game

Transcript Highlights:

• or some kind of Fourth of July event around the field where their parade ended or where they have games
• or some kind of Fourth of July event around the field where their parade ended or where they have games
• Those of you who want to know how it intersects with FIFA, these are the preliminary four games here
• We have a soccer tournament because all these crews love having soccer games against each other.

Summary: The commission meeting opened with a roll call, establishing a quorum after some initial confusion about attendance. Chair Paul Mark and Co-Chair Sean Garballey offered remarks praising recent Henry Knox Trail commemorations, including events in Great Barrington, Alford, and Springfield, and noting the upcoming Worcester event. The group also discussed the role of the National Park Service and changes in park leadership related to Boston National Historical Park. Sheila from the Office of Travel and Tourism gave a detailed update on Massachusetts 250 and America 250 programming. Topics included the Henry Knox Trail commemorations, grant funding for 250th-related events, the proposed America 250 time capsule, a nationwide reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, an “America’s potluck” idea for July 5, educational programming, volunteer service initiatives, and a Kansas-inspired tractor tribute. Members discussed how to handle the time capsule, with suggestions for a Massachusetts-only backup capsule and for Secretary of State Bill Galvin to help determine criteria. They also said they would seek the governor’s input on the potluck idea and distribute a graphic for the Declaration reading. Representatives from Revolution 250 then updated the commission on upcoming commemorations tied to Henry Knox and Evacuation Day, including Worcester, Framingham, Cambridge, Roxbury, and Dorchester Heights. They described crowd sizes, procession plans, living history participants, a Washington Medal unveiling at the Boston Public Library, and coordination with local and state partners. They also gave an extensive update on Sail Boston, including ship recruitment, public safety planning, expected international participation, and the event’s overlap with other major Boston activities. The meeting ended with a presentation on “Rebel Town,” a proposed musical about the Boston Tea Party, which its creator said was developed in western Massachusetts and sought support to bring to Boston for the 250th anniversary. The commission took no substantive votes beyond approving adjournment at the end of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• or some kind of Fourth of July event around the field where their parade ended or where they have games
• or some kind of Fourth of July event around the field where their parade ended or where they have games
• Those of you who want to know how it intersects with FIFA, these are the preliminary four games here
• We have a soccer tournament because all these crews love having soccer games against each other.

Summary: The commission meeting opened with a roll call that established a quorum, after which members could not approve prior minutes because the earlier meeting had not been official. Co-chairs Senator Paul Mark and Representative Sean Garballey offered remarks praising recent America 250/Henry Knox Trail events in Great Barrington, Alford, and Springfield, and noting the upcoming Worcester commemoration. Sheila from the Office of Travel and Tourism then outlined Massachusetts’ America 250 plans, including the state’s 250th signature event on July 4 with the Boston Pops, grant-funded programming across the Commonwealth, and several national initiatives: a time capsule contribution, a coordinated July 8 reading of the Declaration of Independence, America’s Potluck on July 5, volunteer-service promotion through America Gives, and a tractor-themed tribute idea from Kansas. Members discussed how to handle the time capsule, with suggestions that Secretary of State William Galvin help decide the final item and that Massachusetts create its own backup time capsule; they also said the Declaration reading should be broadly promoted, while the potluck should likely wait for Governor Healey’s buy-in. Jonathan Lane and Dusty Rhodes then updated the commission on Henry Knox Trail, Evacuation Day, and Sail Boston, describing large crowds at prior events, the move of the Worcester program to a larger venue, planned commemorations in Framingham, Cambridge, Roxbury, and Dorchester Heights, and a major Sail Boston schedule in July with many international ships and extensive public-safety coordination. They also noted related plans such as an invitation-only Boston Public Library event to unveil the Washington Medal and a March 17 Dorchester Heights ceremony with a procession and tented program. The final presentation was from John Lane on Rebel Town, a musical about the Boston Tea Party developed in western Massachusetts. He described the show as a family-friendly, educational production that blends history and theater, with characters including John Adams, Paul Revere, Mercy Otis Warren, and John Hancock, and said it had been staged in Lenox with strong audience response. Lane asked the commission to help find a Boston venue and broader support so the production could be mounted for the 250th anniversary, estimating a larger-scale budget and noting interest from local supporters and cultural organizations. Members asked a few questions about prior performances and logistics, then agreed to circulate his materials to the commission. With no further business, the commission voted unanimously to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill, if somebody has a problem and you have a dishonest person or someone who's playing games, if you
• Bill, if somebody has a problem and you have a dishonest person or someone who's playing games, if you
• Bill, if somebody has a problem and you have a dishonest person or someone who's playing games, if you
• Representative Guthrie continued his opposition, saying that if a person on a board is dishonest or playing games

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Transcript Highlights:

• the Supreme Court upheld the right of Coach Kennedy to pray on the football field after a football game
• c> pray on the football field after a pray on the football field after a football<00:03:25.959><c> game
• in</c><00:03:28.080><c> that</c><00:03:28.879><c> decision</c><00:03:29.280><c> they</c> football game
• and in that decision they football game and in that decision they said<00:03:29.560><c> the</c><00:03

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on State and Local Government first considered HJR 15, a resolution to return a Ten Commandments monument to the new state Capitol grounds. Representative Shane Baker described the monument’s history, its removal to storage in the 1980s, and a prior 2000 effort that was blocked by the courts. He argued recent Supreme Court decisions, including Van Orden and Kennedy, support a history-and-tradition approach and said the resolution would direct the Historic Properties Advisory Commission to retrieve and reinstall the monument in Monument Park. Senator Herron raised concerns about religious neutrality and whether other faiths would also be represented at the Capitol. Baker and Chair Petrie responded that the resolution was limited to restoring a specific historical monument and did not bar future proposals for other displays. Senator Armstrong voted no, saying the legal landscape remained uncertain and the state could face costly litigation. The committee approved HJR 15 on an 8-1 vote. The committee then took up House Bill 6, which would limit administrative agencies from issuing regulations with an economic impact of more than $500,000 over two years, with exceptions for imminent public health or safety threats, protection of federal or state funds, and compliance with certain court orders. Representative Wade Williams said the bill would rein in costly agency rulemaking and cited LRC data showing only about a dozen regulations in 2024 would have met the threshold, with roughly six after closer review. Senator Chambers Armstrong expressed concern that the bill could tie the government’s hands in emergencies, but the bill passed 8-1. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 73, which had a committee substitute. Representatives Johnson and Tipton explained that one part would add We Lead CS to the list of educational service providers allowed to administer their own retirement program participation, and the other would require the Teachers’ Retirement System actuary to provide additional information on each employer’s share of unfunded liability. The committee approved HB 73 unanimously, 10-0, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• These high-adrenaline, skill-based sports attract participants who engage voluntarily, fully aware of
• A CO2 pipeline operated by Texas-based Denbury Gulf Coast Pipeline exploded in 2020, causing dozens of
• I make a decision based on whether those are exempt assets or not. So it goes strictly through me.
• This bill, explicitly based... The way it's written... and effectively repeal subsection F.

Bills: HB2242 , HB2446 , HB2799 , HB4502 , HB2920 , HB2790 , HB5620 , HB5060 , HB5076 , HB5080 , HB5081 , HB5128 , HB5130 , HB3847 , HB5116 , HB2969 , HB4546 , HB4202 , HB5624 , HB3964 , HB4803 , HB872 , HB4775 , HB4777 , HB4961 , HB5570 , HB2988 , HB4260 , HB1375 , HB5009 , HB5411 , HB5134 , HB4388 , HB3095 , HB1387

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:

• He was a lot faster, and I was worried about pulling a hamstring, but we connected over the game nonetheless
• He was a lot fast, and I was worried about pulling a hamstring, but we connected over the game, nonetheless
• . fast and I was worried about pulling a hamstring, but we connected over the game nonetheless.

Transcript Highlights:

• first national championship Saturday, rallying past Kirkwood, Iowa, to win the NJCAA Division II title game
• also wanted to shout out the University of Arizona men's basketball team, the Wildcats, who won their game
• time in the state of Arizona, when we have spring training and people come here to watch our baseball games

Transcript Highlights:

• I can tell you that you all appropriated a number for us based on that.
• And that's not based on them being pessimistic.
• It prohibits actions based on these eliminated programs to wind them up.
• This is now an exclusive list based on direction from the working group. The working group.
• And I think Gaming Commission would also be considered a governmental entity, right? Okay.

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> parents to make those decisions um based parents to make those decisions um based on<00:20:21.440
• Thank you. based on big tech knowing where your ch based on big tech knowing where your ch where<00:24
• It's not the whole game, is a big win.
• Everything in a prediction market is done live based on what people actually think.
• Now therefore, The base serves as an indispensable The base serves as an indispensable strategic<03:43

Transcript Highlights:

• President, Senator, I think when you have that kind of support, you probably have covered your bases
• I'm not trying to question their knowledge base and their passion, and I understand the need for such
• But based on what you said, these devices matter.
• President, it's based on the value of the asset. I'm sorry, could you repeat that? Mr.
• President, it's based on the value of the asset. I am.

Bills: SB273 , SB37 , SB100

Summary: The Senate convened on the 30th day of the 2026 session, established a quorum, heard an invocation from Chaplain Harry Eberts, and received several announcements and House messages. The chamber then took up multiple concurrence and third-reading items, including Senate Bill 273, Senate Bill 37, Senate Bill 100, Senate Bill 41, House Bill 34, House Bill 20, House Bill 43, House Bill 38, and House Bill 256. The body also heard that House Joint Memorial 2 was moved from the President’s table to the calendar, and later received messages from the House on several other Senate and House measures. The most contentious action was concurrence on Senate Bill 273, which concerns correction facility loss of revenue for counties affected by the loss of ICE detainees. Senators debated the economic impact on Torrance, Otero, and Cibola counties, with supporters arguing the bill provided partial relief and critics saying it did not come close to replacing lost jobs and revenue. The Senate ultimately concurred with the House amendments by a vote of 22-18. On Senate Bill 100, which would have expanded burglary-related definitions to include an “extension of a dwelling,” several senators argued the House language was too broad and legally vague, and the Senate voted not to concur, sending the bill back to the House. Senate Bill 41, with a technical correction and addition of second-degree criminal sexual penetration, was concurred with by voice vote. Among the bills passed on third reading, House Bill 34 updated school nurse licensure rules and supervision pathways and passed 38-0. House Bill 43, a PERA cleanup bill, clarified retirement and survivor-benefit provisions, and passed 39-0 after questions about whether it affected PERA’s unfunded liability; sponsors said it did not. House Bill 38 expanded insurance coverage for powered mobility devices and prosthetics, including coverage for batteries and in-state provider requirements, and passed 38-0. House Bill 256 expanded cardiac emergency response planning and AED requirements to athletic activities and schools, including private schools on a phased-in basis, and was debated over cost and scope before passing. House Bill 20, which would allow Native American designation on driver’s licenses and IDs, prompted extended discussion about tribal support, documentation, and possible profiling concerns; the transcript cuts off before final disposition of that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• no matter what a committee has decided, we are all sent here by our constituents to make decisions based
• here by our constituents to make sent here by our constituents to make decisions<00:15:45.440><c> based
• on what they sent us decisions based on what they sent us here<00:15:48.079><c> to</c><00:15:48.320>
• And it may be late in the game, but again, like I said, and some of them mentioned it in here.
• This effort was not based on Republican values or Democrat values, but on Vermont values.