Transcript Highlights:

• in opposition to each bill.
• And in fact, just five years ago in 2021, coastal tourism and recreation made up 67% of California's
• Some UV filters have been banned in Hawaii in order to protect the marine ecosystem.
• She's in everything. She's in. Yeah. It's a man. That's hard. Yeah, we're in the way.
• As a parent, I'm a strong believer in transparency and accountability in education, especially when it

Summary: The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee heard several bills focused on consumer transparency, environmental protection, education accountability, and privacy protections. AB 2143 by Assemblymember Irwin would prohibit online marketplaces from accepting payment for noxious weeds shipped into California; supporters said the bill would close an e-commerce loophole that helps spread invasive species, while TechNet opposed it unless clearer standards and safeguards were added. AB 1744 by Assemblymember Addis, the Clear Labels, Clear Seas Act, would bar sunscreen products containing chemical UV filters from being marketed as “reef safe” or similar claims; supporters, including a Sacramento high school eco club and Surfrider Foundation, said the bill would prevent misleading greenwashing, while the Personal Care Products Council expressed concern about implications for the safety of those ingredients. The committee also heard AB 1861 by Assemblymember Lackey, which would require the California Department of Education to maintain a public, searchable database of special education complaint decisions with personal information redacted. Supporters said the bill would improve transparency and help identify patterns of noncompliance affecting students with disabilities, while county education officials argued state resources should instead go toward filling special education vacancies. AB 2624 by Assemblymember Bonta would expand the Safe at Home address confidentiality program to immigrant service providers, employees, and volunteers and restrict online posting of their personal information when intended to threaten or intimidate; supporters described rising harassment, doxing, and threats against immigrant-serving organizations, while Assemblymember DeMaio raised First Amendment and public transparency concerns and Assemblymember Patterson questioned the bill’s limits on protest and publication. Because the committee initially lacked a quorum, several bills were heard and later voted on once quorum was established. Members generally praised the bills and, in some cases, requested to be added as coauthors. When votes were taken, AB 1861, AB 1744, AB 2143, and AB 2624 all passed out of committee, with AB 2624 receiving 11 aye votes and 2 no votes; the others were reported out on unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• These include 9 in the chairman's district who just left, 4 in your district, Eddie, um, and 3 in your
• Well, in my ranch, I'd lock them out. Fair. OK, and bottom line. Yes, sir.
• It covers some in more quantified terms, some in qualitative terms, but they're all in there, and I think
• And in answer to your question, in uh '91, uh 402B.
• 33,100 wells in 44 counties in the state of Texas.

Committee: House Energy Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> they come in. they come in.
• </c> and also a journ in memory. and also a journ in memory.
• </c> &gt;&gt; adjourn in memory. &gt;&gt; adjourn in memory.
• </c> that do so in recognition of Regin in that do so in recognition of Regin in memory<00:35:42.720>
• Adjourn<00:36:32.960><c> in</c><00:36:33.119><c> memory.</c> Adjourn in memory. Adjourn in memory.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 21 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a flood area in there, and so this bridge would offer another way of crossing the river in case
• Amendments submitted by Tedford. in its entirety in renumbering subsequent paragraphs.
• It's a flood area in there, and so this bridge would offer another, homes in that area, it's a flood
• Oh, there, Patzkowsky got it in.
• But it's a fair question, correct? I would say it's a fair question. Thank you. Other questions?

Bills: HB3443 , HB2123 , HB3757 , HB2445

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: transportation, oversize permit, overweight permit, permit fees, motor carrier, commercial trucking, heavy haul, wide load, special combination vehicle, manufactured home transport, portable building transport, utility poles, rural electric cooperative, farm equipment, agricultural hauling, bridge formula, load limits, weight limits, road funding, highway construction

Summary: The committee took up several transportation-related bills. House Bill 2123, as amended, would change an existing statute authorizing the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to build a bridge crossing the Arkansas River between Tulsa and Bixby by removing self-sufficiency language. Representative Tedford said the bridge has been contemplated for decades, that traffic and safety concerns have increased as the area has grown, and that local, state, and federal officials discussed the project and potential funding for connector roads. Members asked about fiscal impact and funding sources; Tedford said there was no appropriations fiscal impact and that local governments and possible federal dollars could help with connector roads. The bill passed 10-1. House Bill 3757, as amended, would extend the time before the Turnpike Authority’s authorization sunsets, changing the construction deadline from five years to seven years. Representative Wilk said the bill was intended to give the project more time to begin construction. A member raised a question about what happens if bonds are already issued before the deadline, but no answer was provided. The bill passed 7-4. House Bill 2445, with a PCS adopted, would extend the work of the Route 66 Centennial Commission and continue state efforts tied to the Route 66 centennial beyond the initial celebration period. Representative Hill said the goal was to preserve and build on investments already made along Route 66, including signage and related improvements, and to continue that work for the next 100 years. Members discussed maintenance and ongoing investment in the corridor. The bill passed 10-0. The committee also reported one earlier bill out of committee by a 10-0 vote before moving to HB 2123.

Transcript Highlights:

• witnesses in opposition.
• Most major hotels and casinos in the U.S. have a version of this bill's language in their collective
• So I think it's a fair balance on principle.
• So I think it's a fair balance on principle.
• Do we have any witnesses in support? None. Do we have any witnesses in opposition?

Summary: The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard three bills. AB 1136 would provide workers who are detained or deported by ICE with five unpaid days to handle immigration-related matters and up to 12 months of unpaid leave in detention/deportation cases, with an amendment allowing employers to require use of other leave first and a requirement to restore workers to their prior position once legal status is proven. Support came from labor groups including the California Federation of Labor Unions and SEIU California, while opposition came from the Association of California School Administrators and others who raised concerns about the length of the rehire period and impacts on public education and employers. Committee members described the bill as a necessary response to current immigration enforcement conditions, and the Senate amendments were concurred in. AB 1514, the committee’s cleanup bill for AB 5, would extend the sunset on the licensed manicurist exemption by three years and the commercial fisherman exemption by five years, while adding reporting requirements from EDD and the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement on misclassification and unemployment claims. There were no witnesses in support or opposition, though one member noted the importance of continuing to work on manicurist issues, especially for API women in the industry. The committee approved concurrence in the Senate amendments. AB 406, presented on behalf of Assembly Member Chavira, makes technical and clarifying changes to prior legislation related to leave for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other violence. The bill adjusts enforcement timelines between the Civil Rights Department and the Labor Commissioner, adds sunset dates to certain Labor Code sections, and aligns paid sick leave language with a new Government Code section. There was no public testimony, and the committee voted to concur in the Senate amendments. All three bills ultimately received unanimous committee approval and were reported out.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it is what we are seeing in Republicans across the country, including here in Minnesota, where we
• </c><00:07:57.120><c> the</c> up in a set of emotions that get in the up in a set of emotions that get
• </c> is coming in like a two-headed monster. is coming in like a two-headed monster.
• /c> Republicans demanded in this uh in this Republicans demanded in this uh in this agreement,<00:13:
• Jobs in labor. sign their spreadsheet. Jobs in labor.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Help us in this time of reflection.
• In your name, we say amen.
• In your name, we say forward new ideas. In your name, we say amen. amen. amen. &gt;&gt; Amen.
• The testimony will be in and it will be considered. I trust my chairs to be fair people.
• [applause] Vienna in Dorchester County. [applause] Vienna in Dorchester County.

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, January 23, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the world, and we're only located in Napa in a little tin shed that we keep remodeling and expanding
• Okay, so it's the only one here in the United States. It's the largest in North America, yes? Wow.
• All in favor say aye. Any opposed? All right.
• All in favor say aye. Any opposed? All right.
• All in favor say aye. Any opposed? All right.

Committee: Senate Agricultural Affairs

Summary: The Senate Agricultural Committee met with a quorum and first approved the minutes from February 24, 2026. The committee then heard House Bill 662, which would allow milk buyers and sellers to consider bacteria counts in milk testing and give the Idaho State Department of Agriculture a role in developing rules for that process. Representative John Vander Woude explained that current milk payments are based on components like butterfat, protein, somatic cell count, and lactose, and said the bill would only open the door to possible future bacteriology standards, not require them. Testimony in support came from Jamie Neal of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association and Travis Jones of the Intermountain Milk Processors Association. Both described the bill as a compromise between producers and processors that would create a fair, transparent process for resolving disputes over milk quality testing and pricing. Vander Woude also answered questions about his lab’s role, explaining that it tests individual cow samples as a management tool and does not currently perform bacteriology testing. After closing testimony, Senator Cole moved to send House Bill 662 to the floor with a do pass recommendation, seconded by Senator Lent. The motion passed without opposition, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Oklahoma, the produced water in the surface or all water in the surface are connected, so essentially
• We could have an economic impact for surface owners and then, in the same time, Those in production could
• be relieved of some of their cost in moving water.
• Megan spent 7 years working in banking, gaining valuable experience in finance, customer service, and
• and Fair and accurate local elections.

Bills: HB2992 , HB3183 , HB3464 , HB4170 , HB4338

Committee: Senate Energy

Keywords: HB2992, Data Center Customer Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026, Corporation Commission, Oklahoma utilities, ratepayer protection, data centers, artificial intelligence computing, AI data centers, cryptocurrency mining, large load customer, electric rates, utility tariffs, cost causation, rate design, public power utility, municipal utility, electric cooperative, investor-owned utility, load growth, interconnection

Transcript Highlights:

• By remaining in the meeting, you consent to being recorded.
• In the discussion that followed, we wanted to broaden that.
• One was rules about heat, which we added in discussion.
• One was rules about heat, which we added in discussion.
• We're in budget session right now, so I apologize that we're living in two worlds.

Summary: The Massachusetts Youth Sports Working Group held a public hearing and working group meeting focused on finalizing recommendations for youth sports regulation. Members first approved the minutes from the April 27 public hearing and the April 7 working group meeting by roll call votes. The group then discussed and approved a health and safety protocol recommendation from the children’s subcommittee. The updated language broadened the state’s authority from concussion-specific rules to protocols covering injuries and health risks more generally, including issues such as heat and related emergency responses. Members noted that this could also encompass emergency action plans for sports events. The recommendation passed by roll call. Next, the group considered two recommendations from the parents, money, sports, and facilities subcommittee. The first would prohibit facilities or organizations from banning parents or family members from recording youth sports events, reflecting concerns about private streaming requirements. The second would direct the state agency to work across government on a grant program offering low- to zero-interest capital funding for organizations or facilities that meet youth sports access benchmarks. Both recommendations were approved by roll call. No public testimony was offered beyond a few attendees indicating they were only observing, and the meeting adjourned after a final call for comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we are holding our hearing in Room 2200 of the Old Street Building.
• We will be moving quickly through the agenda alphabetically in author order.
• In addition, for any bills that are being amended today, we will be hosting In addition, for any bills
• Blake's Fair. Senator Blake's Fair, SB 99, military protective orders.
• We were in good hands. Well, I appreciate. Thank you. Thank you so much.

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We’re going to begin in a moment in file order.
• in 2022, Massachusetts in 2022, Louisiana in 2022, Connecticut in 2021, and New York in 2019.
• in 1962.
• My service in the Legislature began in 1990. I've had some breaks in service.
• Now in C, it was in the prior subdivision D.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with SB 16, which would require county behavioral health directors to create clear pathways for clinicians to be authorized to initiate 5150 involuntary holds. The author and supporters argued the bill would reduce reliance on law enforcement and create more consistent crisis response standards statewide, while county behavioral health directors opposed it as an unfunded mandate that could increase law enforcement involvement and create implementation burdens. Members raised questions about county costs and funding, but the author emphasized the bill’s role in building a more clinical response system. SB 561 would require public guardians to acknowledge conservatorship referrals, make determinations within a reasonable time, and provide status updates on request. Supporters said the bill would reduce delays that leave vulnerable adults in limbo, while the opposition from public guardian representatives was removed after amendments. SB 381 drew extensive public testimony in support; it would allow California-born adoptees, and descendants of deceased adoptees, access to original birth certificates, with a nonbinding contact preference form for birth parents. Supporters framed the bill as a matter of dignity, identity, and health, and there was no formal opposition on the record. The committee also discussed SB 880, which would give tenants and prospective owner-occupants notice and a first opportunity to make an offer when institutional investors sell certain homes. Supporters said it would expand homeownership opportunities and preserve neighborhood stability, while opponents warned about conflicts with federal law, bundled-sale restrictions, and impacts on build-to-rent and affordable housing projects. Members and the author discussed possible amendments to address those concerns. SB 1238 would impose a duty of care and additional transparency requirements on HOA managers and boards; supporters said it would protect homeowners from mismanagement, while the main opposition argued the duty should remain contractual and could increase litigation. Finally, SB 423 would require disclosure of emergency-service records related to private detention facilities, and SB 28 would make changes to the CARE Court process, including a statewide ombudsperson and expanded oversight; both drew support and opposition, with concerns focused on transparency, privacy, implementation, and the balance between treatment and coercion. SB 574, discussed at the end, would require disclosure and human oversight for AI use in courts and legal practice and create a complaint process for ADR providers, with the State Bar noting requested amendments related to complaint handling and confidentiality.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, in summary, 1758 sets in law of these reforms.
• Senator Rouson, you came in in 2008 in the Florida House, and I came in a special session.
• In the Florida House, and I came in a special session in a special election in 2009, and you were the
• So I believe that all employees deserve a system that provides fairness in the workplace and that respects
• So I believe that all employees deserve a system that provides fairness in the workplace and that respecting

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several introductions and memorials, including a resolution designating August 9, 2026, as Bob Graham Day and a moment of silence for firefighter Roger Timmy Miley. The chamber then moved through a long special-order calendar, with several bills substituted with House companions and adopted by voice vote or recorded vote. Early measures included a tax conformity bill tied to federal Internal Revenue Code changes, which passed 34-0, and a Medicaid/public assistance bill that drew extensive debate over work requirements, fraud reduction, behavioral health services, and SNAP/EBT reforms. Amendments offered by Senators Berman and Osgood to condition or soften the work and photo-ID provisions were rejected, and the underlying bill was placed on the third-reading calendar after lengthy questioning about implementation, exemptions, and eligibility effects. The Senate also passed bills on computer science education and AI instruction, a Parkinson’s disease registry public-records exemption and registry update, designation of the SS American Victory as Florida’s official state flagship, electronic payments for local governments, repeal of the legal-tender sunset for gold and silver, public-records protections for gold/silver custodians and stablecoin-related entities, a Florida stablecoin pilot program, and local government budget transparency/spending measures. Most of these measures were adopted after minor amendments or technical substitutions, with votes generally ranging from 31-3 to 34-0. The chamber also recognized the Florida Channel’s 30 years of legislative coverage. Later, the Senate approved a digital voyeurism bill expanding the reasonable-expectation-of-privacy definition to include private fenced yards, and an insurance customer representative licensing bill allowing high school students to complete insurance/personal finance coursework and later qualify for licensure. The final major item was a medical freedom bill that would expand parental vaccine information requirements, add a conscience-based exemption to immunization mandates, allow behind-the-counter ivermectin for adults, and repeal the sunset on the mRNA mandate prohibition; two amendments clarifying anti-kickback rules and requiring vaccine information to include risks, benefits, safety, and efficacy were adopted, while questions from Senators Smith and Massullo focused on public-health impacts and the content of the required materials. The transcript ends during discussion of that bill, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Girls in Texas deserve the right to privacy, safety, and fairness.
• joy, in protest, in pride, and in purpose.
• Comes in there, some stud comes in there, wanting to pee in the urinal.
• You belong here in our workplaces, in our classrooms, in our communities.
• In a moment, the Senate will gavel in.

Bills: SB7 , SB14 , SB 7 , SB 14

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, law enforcement, confidentiality, personnel files, employee records, misconduct, abortion, civil liability, abortion-inducing drugs, qui tam actions, Texas Citizens Participation Act, Religious Freedom Restoration Act, healthcare regulations, impact fees, water conservation, reuse projects

Transcript Highlights:

• We’re going to begin in a moment in file order.
• in 2022, Massachusetts in 2022, Louisiana in 2022, Connecticut in 2021, and New York in 2019.
• in 1962.
• My service in the Legislature began in 1990. I've had some breaks in service.
• He's speaking. result in humans, in Californians, in our own people.

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• front of us. help uh we would be in in a little bit help uh we would be in in a little bit of<00:10:
• up in up in Washington DC or in about a up in up in Washington DC or in about a week<00:18:56.840><c>
• as in that in that costs are considered as in that in that list<00:35:27.240><c> of</c><00:35:27.720
• </c> lapse in in funding in in lapse in in funding in in 2016<00:36:46.040><c> uh</c><00:36:46.160><c
• </c><00:58:58.000><c> in</c> we have the natural disasters in in we have the natural disasters in in

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:01:04 Attendance Roll Call: 00:01:12 Senate Bill 3 (Sen. Wise): 00:05:28 Senate Bill 6 (Sen. Givens): 00:32:17 House Bill 241 (Rep. Truett): 00:52:18 Senate Bill 268 (Sen. Reed): 01:11:57 Adjournment: 01:24:48, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Education met and first handled introductions of guests and visitors from several school districts and education groups. The committee then took up Senate Bill 3, which relates to student athletes and includes an emergency clause. The bill sponsor and invited witnesses, including athletics directors from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, said the measure is intended to update Kentucky’s NIL laws in light of the House v. NCAA settlement and other national changes in college athletics. Supporters said SB 3 would let Kentucky universities directly compensate student athletes, help them secure third-party NIL deals, require reporting of deals over $600, and create guardrails and fair-market-value review to reduce pay-for-play concerns. They emphasized that the bill is meant to keep Kentucky institutions competitive, align with expected national standards, and prepare for changes expected around July 1, 2025. Witnesses also discussed the need for more uniform rules nationally, the role of the Power Four conferences in developing governance and clearinghouse systems, and the desire to preserve both athlete mobility and continuity in college sports. Several members raised concerns about the transfer portal, NIL incentives, and the broader effect on college athletics, with one senator saying NIL and the portal have damaged the sport but acknowledging Kentucky must compete. Witnesses responded that tighter portal windows and clearer national rules would help, while still preserving student-athlete transfer rights when needed. After discussion, the committee moved to a vote on SB 3; the roll call was taken, and the bill advanced out of committee, with at least one senator explaining a reluctant yes vote because of competitive pressures on the Commonwealth.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:30:59.639><c> General</c> in education and Outreach in General in education and Outreach in General
• ><c> in</c><00:37:34.640><c> August</c> Minnesota in August Minnesota in August 20123<00:37:36.839><c
• in the field uh um both in the you know in the field uh police<01:02:39.160><c> fire</c><01:02:39.520
• Serv</c> I spent 10 years in in uh Financial Serv I spent 10 years in in uh Financial Serv in<01:10:35.560
• in labor whether uh it's in whether it's in labor whether uh it's in finance<01:16:11.360><c> that</

Committee: Senate Labor

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> increase in the pdium as we have done in increase in the pdium as we have done in the<00:18:31.360
• In response, states across in humans.
• In one year, we closed 240 cold cases. in Kentucky, you would not have swapped in Kentucky, you would
• Um is not a society in which we live in.
• </c> constitution in 1787. constitution in 1787.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the October 21 minutes, and then heard a KO presentation focused on county jail funding pressures. KO leaders and county judges said jail costs have become a statewide crisis, noting that county general fund contributions to jail budgets have risen sharply since 2019. They said the organization’s sole legislative priority this session is to “reshape the shared responsibility” for county jails through three main proposals: incentivizing regional jails, clarifying responsibility for pre-trial felony detainees, and changing the model for housing state inmates. On regional jails, KO proposed one-time state construction help for new or expanded regional facilities, allowing former county jails to become 96-hour holdover facilities, changing regional jail authority boards so each participating county jailer can serve, increasing the closed-jail supplement, and offering a one-time payment to counties that close a jail and join a regional plan. On pre-trial felony detainees, Judge Mosley argued counties bear the full cost for people held before trial, sometimes for years, and said counties should be reimbursed for time served credit when those inmates are later sentenced. On state inmates, KO said the current per diem of $35.34 is below the average daily county jail cost of $63.44, and proposed a new contract model requiring the Department of Corrections to pay actual housing costs while counties provide agreed programming such as substance use treatment, cognitive behavioral programming, re-entry services, workforce training, and academic programming. Members asked about the fiscal impact of the package, the feasibility of regional jail population thresholds, and whether the proposal could affect counties’ ability to house federal inmates. KO said regionalization should remain a local decision, that a bill draft and fiscal note were being developed, and that only certain jails are eligible to house federal inmates under existing agreements. Representative Maddox also asked about social media comments by Judge Mosley regarding homeschooling; Mosley said the remarks were unrelated to KO and apologized for any offense. Senator Mills asked what counties would do with savings from jail costs, and judges said the money would likely go to local services such as roads, ambulance service, senior programs, parks, economic development, infrastructure, broadband, and water projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• From growing up in a small town in the Adirondacks to becoming a leader in New York City, Erik served
• FROM GROWING UP IN A SMALL TOWN IN THE ADIRONDACKS, TO BECOMING A LEADER IN NEW YORK CITY, ERIC SERVED
• HE WAS THE ONE WHO GRABBED THAT AND THAT WAS USED IN BY THE MAYOR IN HIS SWEARING IN.
• In fact, that's not a requirement in the bill.
• I rise today not in anger but in sorrow.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, received messages and substitutions from the Assembly, and welcomed two new members, Senators Erik Bottcher and Jeremy Zellner. The chamber then adopted the resolution calendar and took up a privileged resolution sponsored by Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in New York. Senators Bailey, Baskin, Sanders, Scarcella-Spanton, Brisport, Parker, Cleare, Comrie, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Black history as American history, the importance of education and remembrance, and the contributions of Black New Yorkers and historical figures. The resolution was adopted, and the leader opened it for co-sponsorship. The Senate then moved to the bill calendar and passed several measures, including bills on civil procedure, urban development, labor, and public service law. One labor bill was substituted from the Assembly and passed. Several energy and utility-related bills drew debate, with supporters arguing they would improve affordability, utility rate-setting, and consumer protections, while opponents said they would not meaningfully lower costs and instead reflected broader policy choices. Senator Walczyk voted no on one utility bill, and Senators Tedisco and others criticized the package; Senators Mayer and Harckham defended the measures as needed reforms to utility regulation and return-on-equity standards. Most bills were approved by wide margins, including one public service bill that passed 53-9 and another that passed 61-1.

Transcript Highlights:

• in 2008.
• They're about strengthening professionalism in policing, ensuring fairness and equity within our ranks
• Staffing is in crisis in Massachusetts.
• in the DOC.
• We lead in health care. We lead in a lot of things. As you heard, we are falling behind in this.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security held a public hearing on a wide range of bills affecting law enforcement, corrections, fire services, emergency management, telecommunicators, and sex offender policy. Testimony strongly focused on proposals to restore an education incentive for Massachusetts State Police troopers hired after the Quinn Bill was repealed, with State Police Association witnesses arguing the current system creates unfair pay disparities, hurts recruitment and retention, and leaves newer troopers earning less than some supervisors with the same or less education. They urged favorable reports on H. 2651, S. 1759, and S. 1783. A separate witness also supported H. 2627, a sheriff’s pay-parity bill, while suggesting amendments to avoid distinctions between correction officers and jail officers and warning that the proposal should not be viewed as a funding issue alone. The committee also heard testimony on public safety and oversight bills. A rape survivor testified in support of S. 1663, arguing that municipal fire or police personnel convicted of sex offenses should not remain in positions of public trust. Senator Miranda testified in support of S. 1723, S. 1724, and S. 1727, which would create correctional officer training/accountability standards, a correctional inspector general, and privileged communication with legislators for incarcerated people; he said the bills respond to misconduct and lack of independent oversight in the Department of Correction. In contrast, the Fire Chiefs Association and Professional Fire Fighters opposed H. 2572/S. 1668/S. 1740 on emergency management, saying the bill was developed without enough collaboration, lacked local-control safeguards, and could undermine incident command and local decision-making during disasters. Several panels supported other public safety measures. The Fire Chiefs Association and PFFM backed S. 1641 and S. 1744 to create a Massachusetts Public Safety Building Authority to help fund fire station and municipal public safety building projects, and supported S. 1647 to implement the Walsh-Kennedy Commission recommendations on hot works and welding safety, including tougher penalties and training requirements. Witnesses also supported H. 2664/S. 1736 to create a hoisting machinery regulations board, saying current licensing standards for heavy equipment are too minimal. Another panel backed H. 2663/S. 1761 to classify 911 telecommunicators as first responders, citing stress, burnout, and the expanding role of dispatchers. Finally, an attorney from CPCS testified in opposition to S. 1752, warning that expanded sex offender residency restrictions would likely increase homelessness, make supervision harder, and raise constitutional concerns based on prior court rulings.