Video & Transcript : 'elderly support' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- the state to support this.
- I'm offering the following statement in support of Bill S-201.
- The NP and EDC itself exists to support sound regional planning.
- I'm testifying in support of Bill S-21.
- I'm going to ask you not to support S-21.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held its first hearing of the year and took testimony on a large slate of home rule petitions and related local bills. Early testimony focused on H. 2314 for the Dukes County Regional Lockup Fund, with supporters from Martha’s Vineyard saying the island’s lockup is essential to local policing and that the fund would be supported by town assessments rather than state money. The committee also heard support for S. 21, a Nantucket bill to amend the Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission, and for several local governance measures including Akushnet’s charter change to remove a two-year waiting period for former officials taking appointed paid positions, Rochester’s governance reform bill defining the town administrator’s role, Berkeley’s proposal to convert the treasurer-collector position to an appointed office, Hanson’s permitting enforcement bill, and a Wellfleet bill authorizing a lease for the food pantry.
A major portion of the hearing centered on S. 21 for Nantucket, with witnesses sharply divided. Supporters argued the commission needs broader representation, more transparency, and a structure that better reflects town meeting votes, citing repeated town meeting approvals and frustration with delays in bringing reforms forward. Opponents, including current commission members and staff, said the existing commission is already working on its own reform proposal, that the bill was advanced without sufficient collaboration, and that elected seats and term limits would narrow participation and complicate the commission’s advisory role. Committee members questioned both sides about the town meeting process, the commission’s responsibilities, and the timing of competing proposals.
The committee also heard testimony in favor of a bill allowing the Cotuit Fire District to pursue source-water protection projects on private property with owner consent, citing concerns about aquifer contamination and rising treatment needs, and in support of legislation requiring AEDs, with a Norfolk County register of deeds describing the low cost and life-saving value of the devices. Another witness spoke in favor of a regional commission proposal for Middlesex County, arguing that local communities need stronger regional planning tools to address development and environmental pressures. No votes were taken on the bills during the hearing; the chair later read many additional bills into the record and then adjourned the meeting.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Anybody else in the room wishing to speak in support of the appointee?
- All right, seeing everyone else here to speak in support.
- Obviously, the witnesses in support of your confirmation.
- Thank you very much for your support. Thank you.
- We are here in support of the confirmation of Ms.
Committee:
Senate Rules
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules first took up several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Trinidad Solis, M.D., and Gerald Talbert, M.D., to the Medical Board of California. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments, with roll calls on each item showing unanimous support from members present and the items left open for additional votes before final tallying.
The main public business was the confirmation hearing for George Cardona, J.D., for a second term as Chief Trial Counsel of the State Bar of California. Cardona described reforms made since taking office, including new conflict-of-interest and gift rules, stronger investigative requirements, efforts to reduce backlog and improve efficiency, and monitoring of discipline disparities identified in prior studies. Senators questioned him about safeguards after the Girardi matter, the John Eastman discipline case, racial and ethnic disparities in attorney discipline, unauthorized practice of law by notarios, staffing shortages, and the use of AI in filings. Public witnesses from the State Bar, SEIU Local 1000, and others spoke in support. The committee voted 3-0 to advance Cardona’s appointment to the full Senate.
The committee then heard Laura Enderton Speed, J.D., for Executive Director of the State Bar. She said her priorities would be restoring public trust, improving the discipline system, addressing the February 2025 bar exam problems, and strengthening fiscal stability and internal controls. Members asked about the State Bar’s structural budget deficit, the remote administration failures in the February exam, safeguards against undisclosed gifts and conflicts, and the status of audits and investigations. Supporters from the State Bar, the civil defense bar, SEIU Local 1000, and a longtime colleague testified in favor. The committee approved her appointment 5-0 to move to the full Senate. At the end of the meeting, members also approved the remaining governor’s appointments and procedural items, and the chair thanked Senator Jones for his service on the committee before adjourning the public portion.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
AI use prohibited during health insurance prior authorization request review 2/19/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We support HF200 of care.
- I am here to testify in strong support of House File 2500 as amended.
- </c> physician community strongly supports physician community strongly supports this<00:12:45.120><c
- In practice, these tools are often used to support human reviewers.
- </c><00:15:00.240><c> human</c> tools are often used to support human tools are often used to support
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Commerce Feb 11th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, how many do we have in support? In opposition.
- Seeing none, how many do we have in support? One, two, three.
- And support. All right, anybody else for support?” “All right. Anybody else for support?
- Looks like we have one in support here. Same logic applies.
- How many do we have in support? Two? How many in opposition?
Summary:
The Commerce Committee met in executive session and voted do pass on House Bill 2717 by a 7-0 vote. It then adopted a House Committee substitute for House Bill 2465, described as changing a number from two to one, and passed the substitute bill 8-0. The committee also adopted an amendment and House Committee substitute for House Bill 1791, which adds an emergency permit provision allowing a 30-day extension to obtain a full permit, and passed that substitute 8-0. Representative Manser raised a question about whether the bill would align with federal disaster recovery grant requirements, and the chair said he would look into it further.
The committee then heard House Bill 2927, which would revise Missouri’s bad faith/time-limited settlement demand statute. Sponsor Representative Parker said the bill is intended to clarify that settlement demands used to support extra-contractual or bad faith claims must be in writing, remain open for at least 90 days, and reference the statute. Supporters, including representatives of the Missouri Insurance Coalition, Shelter Insurance, and health care and business groups, said the bill closes a loophole created when plaintiffs avoid the current “time-limited demand” language and instead use untimed or vaguely timed demands, which they argued increases litigation and insurance costs. Opponents, including attorney Blake Marcus, argued the bill would make it harder for injured people and policyholders to hold insurers accountable, would encourage delay, and would increase the need to hire lawyers earlier. No vote was taken on HB 2927 in the transcript.
The committee also heard House Bill 2057, a technical fix for an entertainment district in Osage Beach. Representative Vernetti said the bill corrects language from last year’s legislation after the Senate used the wrong population figure, and supporters said it would allow patrons to move between venues within the district under controlled alcohol rules similar to other Missouri entertainment zones. The committee then heard House Bill 1707, which would exempt credit card surcharge amounts from sales tax. Sponsor Representative Coleman and supporters from the business community said the Department of Revenue has been taxing these surcharges in audits, creating a burden for small businesses, and that the bill would clarify that fees tied to the extension of credit are not taxable. The committee adjourned after the hearings, and no further votes were taken on those bills in the transcript.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Education Jan 19th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- All of our policies around how to support a student who makes a big mistake is how to pull them in.
- A lot of support to return to school.
- We are testifying in support of this bill.
- Wendy Jones testified in strong support of House Bill 2360.
- Lynette On Deck testified in strong support of House Bill 2360.
Summary:
The House Education Committee first heard House Bill 2246, which would update school discipline rules for firearm-related violations. Committee staff explained that the bill extends existing firearm expulsion and readmission provisions to charter schools, state tribal education compact schools, the School for the Blind, the Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth, and educational service districts, and would allow governing boards to deny readmission or limit participation in activities after a firearm-related incident. Representative Lowe said the bill was prompted by a local incident and was intended to give districts more flexibility and clarity while still ensuring students continue receiving educational services. Committee members questioned how the bill interacts with constitutional rights to public education, whether it applies to imitation firearms or social media threats, and whether the school board or administration should make the initial discipline decision. OSPI testified “other,” noting concern about limiting appeals to one reconsideration and citing 48 firearm-related expulsions and 198 suspensions in 2023-24. Team Child testified in opposition, arguing the bill would make reentry harder and could unnecessarily exclude students from extracurriculars after they had served their discipline period. The public hearing on HB 2246 closed with 246 pro, 7 con, and 1 other signed in.
The committee then heard House Bill 2360, which would allow public and private schools to maintain stock albuterol under a statewide standing order for use in asthma or other respiratory emergencies. Staff described the bill as authorizing trained school personnel or nurses to administer school-supplied albuterol in certain circumstances, including on school property, buses, and sanctioned excursions, with limited liability protections and a refusal option for employees not wishing to administer it. Representative Donaghy said the bill was meant to address life-threatening asthma attacks, especially when a student’s own inhaler is unavailable or when emergency response times are long. OSPI and the Washington State Nurses Association/School Nurse Organization of Washington testified in support, emphasizing the prevalence of asthma, the bill’s permissive nature, and the need for a standing order. The Department of Health had sent a letter asking to strike one section, and some witnesses raised concerns about administering albuterol to students without a prior prescription or diagnosis. Opponents, including a school nurse, argued the bill should wait until the state has clearer protocols, more training, and better staffing, and said nurses should not be asked to diagnose or medicate without physician orders. Supporters, including a pediatric pulmonologist and school nurses, said stock albuterol is safe, can prevent emergency room visits and deaths, and should be paired with parent notification and follow-up care. The public hearing on HB 2360 closed with 113 pro, 2 con, and 1 other signed in.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee Jan 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- here to express our strong support of AB 710.
- At this time, we'll hear from any additional witnesses in support.
- They're supporting on the Governor's Office's recent executive order to support those large-scale clean
- We strongly support the goal of accelerating transmission delivery.
- We strongly support the goal of accelerating transmission delivery.
Summary:
The committee first heard AB 710, which would expand dynamic pricing and time-of-use electricity rates and require utilities to develop plans for advanced metering infrastructure so more customers can participate. The author and supporters said the bill would encourage load shifting to times when electricity is cheaper and cleaner, reduce curtailment of renewable energy, and help address affordability. PG&E and SDG&E opposed the bill as drafted, arguing the deadlines were premature, could disrupt ongoing CPUC rate proceedings and pilot programs, and might force costly changes before results are known; Golden State Power Cooperative was neutral and flagged a technical issue. After questions and discussion about timing and scope, the committee passed AB 710 on an 11-0 vote and also approved the consent calendar 15-0.
The committee then held its first 2026 oversight hearing on implementation of the California Transmission Accelerator created by SB 254. GoBiz, IBank, CAISO, and the Department of Finance outlined the new program’s structure: GoBiz’s energy unit will coordinate the accelerator, IBank will evaluate and finance eligible projects, CAISO’s transmission planning and competitive solicitation process will identify projects, and the tax credit will provide an additional incentive for developers. Administration witnesses said trailer bill language and about 10 limited-term positions are being proposed to clarify roles, protect confidential information, and support the revolving fund, with roughly $26 million in administrative costs over five years.
Committee members focused on coordination among agencies, supply-chain risks, regional market planning, and whether the accelerator has enough authority to move projects quickly. CAISO said its planning and competitive procurement processes already align closely with the accelerator and that no tariff changes are expected, while GoBiz and IBank said they are still developing financing strategies and learning from other states. Public commenters supported faster transmission but urged the committee to preserve the role of competitive developers, clarify ownership and risk allocation, and ensure wildfire safety and accountability. The hearing ended with no formal action beyond receiving testimony and committing to continued oversight.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm in support of this legislation, uh, specifically because it, it, um, also has the support of the
- is strongly supportive of price transparency.
- So I'm here to testify and support. Thank you again for the opportunity to support this bill.
- Uh, we support this bill.
- I support Senate Bill 2024.
Committee:
House Public Health
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I strongly support Senate Bill 2610 to support and protect our businesses. businesses and citizens from
- Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of SBxxx.
- My name is James Holsey, and I'm here to support Senate Bill 324.
- Strong support for Senate Bill 324. As mentioned, 8 U.S.C.
- We strongly support SB324 and urge you to pass it. you to support SB324.
Committee:
Senate Business & Commerce
Keywords:
E-verify, employment verification, state contracts, immigration, labor compliance, ERCOT, Texas electric grid, interconnection, Public Utility Commission, PUC, Public convenience and necessity, electric cooperative, municipally owned utility, electric utility, transmission, generation facilities, grid reliability, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, FERC, SERC
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Aaron Lukas, of Arkansas, to be Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Joseph Kent, of Washington, to be Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Office of the Director of National Intellig Apr 9th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Intelligence (Select) Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Kent's family are here today to support our nominees.
- And all those people who support them.
- And I will be supporting a director who feels exactly the same way.
- It's no exaggeration to say I wouldn't be here without her support.
- Director Gabbard said she supported continuing...
Committee:
Senate Intelligence (Select) Committee
Keywords:
national security, intelligence community, Aaron Lucas, Joe Kent, John Eisenberg, China threat, terrorism, collaboration, oversight, intelligence capabilities
Summary:
The committee meeting centered around significant discussions regarding national security and intelligence community leadership. Notably, nominees Aaron Lucas for Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Joe Kent for Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, and John Eisenberg for Assistant Attorney General for National Security were introduced. Concerns were raised about the current state of U.S. intelligence capabilities, particularly in relation to threats posed by foreign adversaries such as China and ongoing risks from terrorism. The dialogue emphasized the necessity for robust oversight and the importance of collaboration within the intelligence community, as well as with international allies, to ensure effective security measures are in place.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, how do we support you?
- I mean, how do we support you?
- But if we support you, how do we keep you?
- and energy research to support that.”
- And so we support that.
Committee:
Senate Senate Finance
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Committee on the Census Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Senate Committee on the Census
Transcript Highlights:
- So we work on support and preparation.
- the Secretary of the Commonwealth and support the Donahue Institute and support the folks who help those
- the Secretary of the Commonwealth and support the Donahue Institute and support the folks who help those
- the Secretary of the Commonwealth and support the Donahue Institute and support the folks who help those
- I really hope that the state continues to support them and support their work.
Committee:
Senate Senate Committee on the Census
Summary:
The Senate Committee on the Census held a hearing on September 22, 2025 focused on preparations for the 2030 census, with an emphasis on Massachusetts’ role in building a complete address list and improving local participation in census-related address review programs. Chair Brownsberger and witnesses from the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office, the UMass Donahue Institute, Watertown, and MassGIS described the importance of accurate address data for congressional apportionment, federal funding, and state and local planning. They also discussed the first major upcoming step, the Block Boundary Suggestion Project, and the later Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) process, both of which rely on municipalities reviewing and correcting census geography and address files.
John Rosenberry of the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office said outreach to cities and towns is beginning now, with a likely December start for the block boundary process based on the 2020 cycle. He stressed that local officials, clerks, building inspectors, housing authorities, and GIS staff should be engaged early, especially to capture new development and conversions created under the state’s housing policies. Susan Strait of UMass Donahue explained that LUCA allows local governments to compare their address lists with the Census Bureau’s master address file, and that Massachusetts had very high participation in 2020; she cited examples where local review added hidden or newly built housing units and noted that Boston later corrected a group-quarters undercount of about 6,000 students through a post-census review program. In response to questions, she clarified that those corrections affected annual estimates and funding formulas, but not the 2020 apportionment count.
Watertown City Manager George Proakis described how local address review is complicated by accessory dwelling units, single-family to two-family conversions, and large multifamily projects, and urged continued state support for local governments doing this work. Dan Marrier of MassGIS then outlined the Massachusetts Master Address Database, explaining that it combines multiple sources, including E911, assessor, voter, and municipal data, to create a standardized residential address repository used for census preparation and other state functions. He said the database has helped improve census accuracy, including by updating more than one million Census Bureau address-point locations before 2020, and noted that local municipalities remain the final authority on addresses even as MassGIS standardizes and reconciles variants across the Commonwealth.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Thirty Nine - Monday, March 23
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So I just want to support this in every way we can. Lady from St.
- Yeah, we also had students who testified in support of it.
- To speak on the amendment, I fully support this amendment.
- support this amendment.
- They talked it out, and they're all on support.
Summary:
The House approved the journal and recognized several special guests and departing staff before moving to bills on perfection and printing. House Bill 2636, the Mortgage Modification Act, was explained as a banking measure to keep a first mortgage in first position when modified, and it received bipartisan support and was ordered perfected and printed. House Bill 1718, dealing with sovereign immunity caps and the inflation factor under section 537.610, was also advanced after questions about whether the cap should be measured at the time of injury or judgment; the sponsor said the bill would use the injury date and that trial attorneys were the main opposition. House Bills 2120 and 1698, combined as an anti-bullying measure known as Sawyer’s Law, were then taken up and advanced after extensive debate. The bill would require prompt reporting and investigation of bullying, reporting to administrators and school boards, and protections for staff and schools acting under the policy. An amendment from the Lady from Boone sought to remove zero-tolerance references, limit identifying information in reports, and give school boards more flexibility, but it failed on a voice vote. Supporters of the bill cited tragic bullying cases and argued schools need stronger reporting and accountability; opponents of the amendment and some speakers warned about due process, school board overreach, and potential liability. House Bill 2748, requiring daily physical activity for students, was then brought up with an amendment that would remove the emergency clause, delay implementation, and specify weekly activity minutes and how some activity time could count toward class requirements; members debated scheduling, teacher workload, and whether the proposal would reduce instructional time, but the discussion was still ongoing at the end of the transcript.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Thirty One - Tuesday, March 3 - Afternoon Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I ask the body to support this.
- Speaker, I can't support this bill.'
- I highly support this bill.
- I would urge the body to support this again.
- So I, like my colleague, ask people to support this bill. Thanks.
Summary:
The House first established a quorum after a quorum call and also welcomed guests from the Gateway Bleeding Disorders Association in recognition of Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. The chamber then took up House Bill 2780, a major property tax reform measure, and adopted House Committee Substitute No. 2 before ordering it perfected and printed. The bill’s sponsor described four main provisions: applying Hancock rollback limits by subclass, adjusting the school levy floor from 2.75 to 2.20 while preserving current districts below 2.75 at that level for now, extending physical inspection protections to commercial property when assessments rise 15% or more, and requiring an old levy to expire before a new levy can take effect. Members from both parties largely supported the bill, though several raised concerns about the school levy floor and its interaction with the foundation formula; the sponsor said the bill was intended to stabilize taxes and send the issue to the Senate for further work. The substitute was adopted and the bill was perfected and printed.
The House then considered a combined substitute for House Bills 2592, 2787, and 2834, which would restore voting rights to Missourians on probation or parole who are not incarcerated. The sponsor said the bill reflects accountability and reentry, and members discussed how election officials would determine eligibility, what happens if a voter later violates parole, and whether the measure could affect elections. Supporters, including members with corrections and election administration experience, said many people on supervision are working, paying taxes, and should be able to vote; opponents or skeptics focused on the seriousness of criminal penalties and the need to preserve public confidence. The substitute was adopted and the combined bill was ordered perfected and printed.
Finally, the House took up House Bill 2125. The sponsor said it has three provisions: codifying the sharing of citizenship-status information in an existing Department of Revenue/Secretary of State data exchange, removing a sunset on the Secretary of State’s authority to seek court relief and subpoena records in credible election-violation investigations, and extending a technology fee sunset for another five years. The sponsor said the subpoena authority had been used only twice since 2020 and was intended to gather information, not automatically bring charges. Discussion on the bill began after the sponsor’s presentation.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- A thousand jobs of supporting families.
- I, too, want to stand in support.
- Is your co-sponsor here to support?
- Yes, yes, they're in support. Yes, the tribes, nations, and Pueblos are in support.
- I do support this bill. Thank you. Senator Sophanix, I do support this bill. Thank you.
Keywords:
SB273, appropriations, general fund, hold harmless, local government finance, municipal revenue, county revenue, correctional facility, jail contract, private prison, detention facility, immigration detention, revenue bonds, clawback, child welfare, juvenile justice, protective services, school improvement, New MexiCare, aging services
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.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 1 - 05/18/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House environment panel considers bill to establish year-round bass fishing season 4/1/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Max Band and the Leech Lake band are fully supportive of it.
- We also know fully supportive of this.
- </c> Minnesota fishermen is fully supportive. Minnesota fishermen is fully supportive.
- I ask for your support. I agree it's bipartisan. It should be a great thing.
- I ask for your support. I agree it's bipartisan. It should be a great thing.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Environment and Natural Resources Mar 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- NEXT WE HAVE CAMERON FINK AND HE IS WITH ASSOCIATED INDUSTRIES OF FLORIDA, WAIVING IN SUPPORT, THANK
- WHICH IS A REALLY BAD PLACE SO WE ARE SUPPORTIVE OF THE BILL AND APPRECIATE MR.
- AND THEN DEREK GREGOR WAIVING IN SUPPORT FROM THE FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES.
- WE HAVE MICHAEL GOLDSTEIN HERE WHICH IS WAIVING IN SUPPORT.
- FILE WITH BOTH US WAIVING IN SUPPORT, ANY DEBATE ON THE BILL?
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm in support of the same bill that Anthony Benedetti was just speaking to you about.
- I am here to testify today in strong support of House Bill 1974 and Senate Bill 1143.
- My name is Susanna Apgar, and I’m testifying in support of H. 1974 and S. 1143.
- And as a lawyer who practices in this area, I strongly support this bill.
- And I strongly support its passage to see it have a similar effect in Massachusetts.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Summary:
The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing on bills in the Civil Actions 2 and Court Administration areas, with testimony spanning judicial security, judicial compensation, civil process fees, bar advocate compensation, interstate discovery, defamation protections for sexual assault survivors, and related criminal procedure changes. Chairs Edwards and Day opened with housekeeping rules on testimony limits and written submissions, then called witnesses on each bill in turn.
On H. 1766, judicial officers and the Massachusetts Bar Association strongly supported a judicial security bill that would protect judges’ personal information, citing threats, online harassment, swatting, and violence against judges and their families. On H. 1819, judges and the Massachusetts Judges Conference asked for higher compensation, saying Massachusetts judges rank low nationally after cost-of-living adjustment and that pay affects recruitment and retention. The committee also heard support for H. 1582/S. 1183 to raise civil process service fees, with sheriffs saying the fees have been unchanged since 2003 and are needed to cover rising costs, safety equipment, and operations funded by those fees.
The committee heard from prosecutors on H. 1604 and H. 1846, which would give district courts concurrent jurisdiction over certain school-threat and leaving-the-scene offenses, allowing prosecutors to handle less serious or panic-driven cases more efficiently while preserving mandatory penalties. CPCS and bar advocates supported H. 1876 on bar advocate compensation, describing a continuing shortage and crisis in indigent defense despite recent pay increases and staffing investments. The Boston Bar Association supported H. 1857, a Massachusetts version of the Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, saying it would simplify out-of-state discovery and reduce cost and delay.
A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 1974/S. 1143, which would protect survivors of sexual assault and harassment from retaliatory defamation suits unless the plaintiff proves actual malice, and would allow fee shifting and damages against abusive suits. Survivors, advocates, and attorneys described threats, legal costs, and chilling effects that silence reporting, while supporters said the bill would protect truthful speech and improve access to counsel. The committee also heard insurance-industry testimony on S. 1101, which would change personal injury protection payment rules to require insurers to tender disputed amounts within 30 days to avoid attorney’s fees; insurers said the bill would curb a growing volume of provider lawsuits and reduce abuse of the no-fault system. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair closed after all scheduled testimony was complete.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 15th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There are some specific items in this budget I do support.
- We need to support transit and not allow these reductions to go into effect.
- I also rise in strong support of this bill.
- And with that, I will be supporting AB 109. Senator Perez. Thank you, Madam President.
- I rise in support of AB 109.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the June 8–11, 2026 journals, and adopted floor amendments. It also referred several bills to Rules and approved motions affecting Budget and Fiscal Review Committee procedure, including second-reading treatment for budget measures and suspension of Joint Rule 62A to allow budget hearings on short notice. Both motions passed on roll call after some protest votes.
The chamber then considered several appointments to the Delta Stewardship Council and the Board of State and Community Corrections. Senators discussed the Delta, water policy, and the proposed Delta Tunnel, but the confirmations of Julie Lee, Ann Patterson, and Sheriff Christopher Clark all passed. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 17, authored by Senator Choi, honoring Republic of Korea veterans who served alongside U.S. troops in Vietnam and urging Congress and the President to clarify that states may extend burial and memorial benefits in state veterans’ cemeteries.
The main floor debate centered on Assembly Bill 109, the 2026 Budget Act. Supporters highlighted a $355.9 billion budget with $253 billion General Fund spending, $36.5 billion in reserves, a reduced structural deficit, and investments in child care, Medi-Cal, hospitals, housing, IHSS, education, transit, and other services. Opponents criticized the budget as relying on future tax increases, leaving a structural deficit, and failing to do enough on affordability, public safety, Prop. 36, unemployment insurance debt, and gas prices. After extensive debate, AB 109 passed 28–9, and the Senate later approved a consent calendar of six Assembly bills. The session ended with adjournments in memory of Hajan Lee, Doris Fisher, and James Leslie Barbie, and the Senate adjourned until June 18, 2026.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment & Energy Feb 23rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Environment & Energy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm here today in strong support of SB 5360.
- We cannot support this bill as written.
- My name is Crystal Leatherman, in support of this bill today.
- I am testifying in support of Senate Bill 5975.
- We do appreciate and support this solution.
Committee:
House Environment & Energy