Video & Transcript : 'entertainment districts' :
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NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 6th, 2026 at 11:27 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee Jun 22nd, 2026
Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- Quickly, is a Sasha Horowitz, Los Angeles Unified School District.
- If it's an ed tech vendor that the district has contracted with, is it the school district who is consenting
- Ignacio Hernandez, on behalf of the Communication Workers of America, District 9.
- Video games have become recently the largest entertainment market in the world.
- I'm Jennifer Givens with the Entertainment Software Association.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Feb 4th, 2026
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh with that I'll be glad to entertain any questions.
- Uh with that I'll be glad to entertain any questions.
- Uh with that I'll be glad to entertain any questions.
- Uh with that I'll be glad to entertain any questions.
- </c><00:17:49.440><c> any</c> with that I'll be glad to entertain any with that I'll be glad to entertain
Committee:
House Ways and Means Education
Keywords:
HB187, court fees, docket fee, sheriff's fund, sheriff's office, jail operations, law enforcement, county sheriff, court filing fees, Alabama Code 12-19-312, solicitor's fund, clerk's fund, forensic services trust fund, budget flexibility, public safety, municipal court, district court, circuit court, cosmetology, makeup application
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Ladies and gentlemen of the house, my name is Samuel Bartley of District 55.
- I'm represented by Joe Laor in HD 79, just a few streets over from Representative Jeremy Gray's district
- I'll give you an opportunity to look at it. ...All right, I entertain any motion on the amendment.
- I entertain a motion for the passage of... ...the bill.
- I entertain a motion for the passage of the bill. Representative Soros has a motion. Second?
Committee:
House Health
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Finance Committee Meeting Jun 25th, 2026 at 11:00 am
Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, I would entertain a motion.
- One point four million of that is for school district tax rebilling.
- For school district tax rebilling, they had to reissue 205,000 bills.
- Is that in your district? No, it isn't. Anybody?
- It is in Senator Huxable and Representative Schupe's district. I have—it's not in my district.
Committee:
Joint Finance
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:
- district for the Springfield Water and Sewer Department.
- I have commissioners that live within my district. We are not trying to...
- I have commissioners that live within my district.
- John Keenan, representing the Norfolk district and State Senate.
- Fairs are not just entertainment.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a hybrid hearing on bills related to land use, zoning, permitting, municipal governance, and homelessness. Early testimony focused on a home rule petition for Ipswich to remove a residency requirement for a town manager, with supporters saying it would broaden the applicant pool and help fill a vacant permanent manager position. Another panel backed legislation to change the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission’s governance so ratepayers in surrounding communities would have representation, arguing the current board structure leaves many users without a voice in rate-setting and capital decisions.
Several housing and zoning bills drew testimony. Senator Keenan and the Home Builders and Remodelers Association supported a bill to toll the one-year period for acting on a variance while an appeal is pending, saying appeals should not consume the time needed to implement approved projects. Representative Murray and the Real Estate Bar Association also testified on broader zoning reforms, including changes to undersized lots, merger rules, hearing deadlines, appeals, and variance standards; they argued the proposals would reduce delay and uncertainty and help housing production. Committee members questioned whether shifting zoning appeals from de novo to closed-record review would limit new evidence, and the witnesses said the change would speed cases while preserving limited opportunities to supplement the record.
The committee also heard testimony on bills to end the criminalization of homelessness. Representatives, advocates, and shelter organizations said local camping bans and fines are counterproductive, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Grants Pass decision, and urged a statewide response centered on housing and public health rather than punishment. Other municipal bills included remote participation in open town meetings for Wayland and a statewide local option, Fairhaven and Mattapoisett charter changes, and Cambridge’s request to use automated parking enforcement and mail parking tickets. The hearing also included testimony supporting fairground zoning flexibility, a Shrewsbury solar siting bill, and an Inspector General bill clarifying county land disposition procedures by requiring written notice to DCAM and a defined response period. No votes were taken during the hearing.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll be hearing the bills in agenda and file order, and we'll be entertaining motions on bills at the
- I thank the committee for entertaining the bill.
- That's the air pollution control officers from all 35 local air districts.
- Alan Abbs with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District in opposition. Thank you. Thank you.
- Actually, we can entertain a motion on the consent calendar. All right, do we have a motion?
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee heard several transportation, climate, and vehicle-related bills. SB 1087 by Senator Cabaldon proposed modernizing SB 375 regional planning by moving plans from a four-year to an eight-year cycle, clarifying agency roles, aligning funding programs with regional climate plans, and reducing duplicative process costs. Supporters from MPOs and environmental groups said it would improve efficiency and implementation; opponents warned it could weaken climate accountability, expand vehicle miles traveled concerns, and reduce public participation. SB 1315, also by Senator Cabaldon, would require manufacturers to report software updates for semi-autonomous vehicle features to the Insurance Commissioner to build data for future policy; it drew no opposition. SB 1275 by Senator McNerney would replace the state sales tax on motor vehicles with a higher vehicle license fee to preserve a federal tax deduction and reduce money sent to Washington, with LAO providing technical testimony on the tax structure.
The committee also heard SB 1287 by Senator Hurtado, which would create a tax credit to spur private investment in short-line railroad infrastructure. Supporters said it would improve freight efficiency, safety, emissions, and rural economic development; there was no opposition. SB 1064 by Senator Daly would reduce the frequency of clean truck checks for very low-mileage heavy-duty and off-road diesel vehicles, with supporters saying it would save time and costs and opponents asking for CARB analysis before taking a position. SB 1375 by Senator Cortese would streamline environmental review for certain transit and rail projects that have already undergone extensive prior review, while preserving other environmental laws; it received broad support and no opposition. SB 1392, also by Senator Cortese, would expand the smog exemption for certain collector vehicles used mainly for shows, parades, and historic display; classic car and lowrider supporters backed it, while air quality groups opposed it as likely to increase emissions and weaken smog-check accountability.
After testimony, the committee took up motions and later completed roll calls once a quorum was established. SB 1213 was placed on the consent calendar and approved. SB 1087, SB 1315, SB 1275, SB 1287, SB 1423, SB 1064, SB 1375, and SB 1392 were all reported out of committee, generally to the Senate Appropriations Committee, with SB 1392 receiving the closest vote and some opposition from members. The committee also briefly discussed another bill on active transportation funding tied to SB 79 areas, and that measure was approved after amendments and a roll call vote.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the District 7 Director for the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association.
- As I said, I'm open to entertaining a couple of things.
- OK, um, I'm happy to entertain a motion.
- With that, I'm happy to entertain a motion.
- I'm sure anyone else, I'm happy to entertain a motion.
Committee:
House House Judiciary
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Apr 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- These platforms are not merely entertainment apps.
- Do you finance tours or any part of the entertainment industry at all? No.
- Video games have become one of the largest entertainment markets in the world.
- Jennifer Gibbons with the Entertainment Software Association.
- Special districts, actually. Special Districts.
Summary:
The committee heard AB 1988, which would require AI companion chatbots to respond to credible self-harm or violence-related crisis expressions by displaying the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, warning users, and pausing the chat for human review after repeated crisis signals. The author and supporters said the bill is a measured safety standard to redirect vulnerable users to human help, citing research and cases where chatbots worsened suicidal ideation or violent behavior. Support came from crisis and medical advocates, while no opposition testimony was offered. The chair and members expressed strong support, and the bill was held pending quorum before later action on the agenda.
The committee then took up AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for users to create or maintain accounts on social media platforms with harmful addictive features and would create an E-Safety Advisory Commission in the Attorney General’s office. The author argued the bill targets product design, not speech, and is intended to curb compulsive features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and algorithmic feeds while allowing safer or non-addictive platforms to remain available. Supporters, including a psychologist and the Organization for Social Media Safety, described cyberbullying, predation, compulsive use, and mental health harms; opponents, including EFF, ACLU-Cal Action, TechNet, and youth advocacy groups, warned about privacy, First Amendment, and access-to-community concerns, especially for LGBTQ youth and other marginalized groups.
Committee members debated whether the bill is a ban or a delay, how age assurance would work, and whether the proposal would be effective or could push youth to less safe spaces. Several members said they would support the bill as a first step, while others raised concerns about enforceability, privacy, and constitutional issues. The author emphasized that the bill is limited to specific harmful design features, not content or general internet access, and that the new commission would monitor evolving technology and recommend future updates. No final vote was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee (12-16-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> I'll entertain a motion. I'll entertain a motion. >> Motion<00:05:25.840><c> made.
- County Water District. This regional County Water District.
- </c> If not, I'll entertain a motion. If not, I'll entertain a motion.
- Entertainers want to come there.
- </c><01:21:10.000><c> The</c> entertainers want to come there. The entertainers want to come there.
Summary:
The committee first received several information items, including University of Kentucky reports on medical and research equipment purchases, five school districts’ planned bond issues, and a School Facilities Construction Commission list of prior debt issues. Members then heard and approved an appropriation increase for a federally funded University of Kentucky project at the Central Kentucky Regional Airport in Richmond. The project will construct a terminal building and is tied to EKU’s airport operations and planned flight school; members asked about the public funding, the role of EKU, and possible aviation expansion, and the item was approved by roll call.
The committee next approved a University of Kentucky lease purchase for an 85,000-square-foot facility at 415 West Sun Street in Morehead for $6.4 million. UK said the property, formerly the Rowan County Board of Education site, is directly across from UK St. Clair and will be used for multiple purposes; members questioned the quarterly payment structure and why the county preferred not to receive the full amount upfront, but the item was approved. The committee then heard three appropriation increases in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet: a Fish and Wildlife pump project at Ballard Wildlife Management Area and two Lake Barkley State Resort Park repair projects. Finance staff explained the Lake Barkley increases were mainly to cover construction contingencies after bids came in close to available funding, and the committee approved the action items.
Janice Thomas then presented four pool projects requiring no action: HVAC upgrades at the Future Farmers of America Leadership Training Center in Hardinsburg, geothermal and HVAC work at the Kentucky School for the Blind, a Brady Hall HVAC project at the Kentucky School for the Blind, and a renovation of Shanti Hall at Kentucky State University for the School of Engineering Technology. Members asked no substantive questions on those items. Finally, Natalie Broner presented a new CHFS lease in Wayne County and a Transportation Cabinet lease modification in Christian County. The Wayne County lease drew the most discussion, with members questioning the rent, the lack of other bids, and whether another county location might be preferable; CHFS said it maintains county-seat offices statewide and that the Wayne County site would replace an existing office. The Christian County item was described as a replacement site for driver licensing services with renovation costs largely absorbed by the lessor. Both lease items were presented for action after the discussion.
DE
Transcript Highlights:
- At this time, I entertain a motion to release. Regularly move in the second to release.
- And as you look at the district map now, it pretty much blankets the whole entire state.
- And what Representative Vanderwyn was talking about is their other role is to approve new districts,
- In that case, unlike a smaller farm, which just comes through the Aglands Foundation, a district goes
- At this time, I'll entertain a motion. Motion to release. Do I hear a second? Second.
Committee:
House Agriculture
Keywords:
pesticide, licensing, agriculture, landscaper, grain inspector, record keeping, Delaware agriculture, certified applicators, regulatory compliance, HB371, Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation Act, farmland preservation, agricultural lands, agricultural preservation district, Farmland Preservation Advisory Board, county advisory board, Delaware Foundation, Department of Agriculture, DNREC, planning and zoning
Summary:
The House Agriculture Committee met with a quorum present and considered three bills. Senate Bill 53 would codify and continue the Farm to Community Program if federal support is reduced or unavailable, prioritize Delaware farmers, and require reporting and transparency. Testimony in support came from the Delaware Farm Bureau, the Academy of Medicine and Public Health, and Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Jimmy Crone, who said the department supports the bill. Members raised no questions, and the committee voted to release the bill by roll call.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 311, a Department of Agriculture maintenance bill updating Title 3 provisions related to plant industry and pesticides. The bill removes an outdated $100 license fee, requires certified private applicators to keep pesticide application records available for inspection, expands the definition of landscaper to include commercial entities installing their own nursery stock, and removes a good-character requirement for grain inspector applicants. With no public comment or questions, the committee voted to release the bill by roll call.
Finally, House Bill 371, sponsored by Representative Vanderwyn, would streamline the Agland Preservation Act by eliminating a redundant county advisory board step for farmland preservation districts. Representative Vanderwyn and Deputy Secretary Crone explained that the advisory boards were more useful when the program was new, but now the county planning and zoning commissions and the Department of Agriculture already provide the needed review. After brief discussion, with no public comment, the committee voted to release the bill by roll call and then adjourned.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- , moving to 1.10, this clarifies the scope of the sales tax exemption for the Browerville School District
- Um, this change recognizes that the district previously received a 5-year rule extension. local sales
- c><00:04:10.440><c> in</c><00:04:10.800><c> the</c><00:04:11.120><c> Fillmore</c> special taxing districts
- in the Fillmore special taxing districts in the Fillmore County<00:04:12.000><c> disparity</c><00:04
- </c> school districts. school districts.
Committee:
Senate Taxes
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Agriculture (2-12-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- , Allan Bry, and I serve as the president of the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts.
- What this bill does is it increases the threshold for the audits for the conservation districts.
- How many conservation districts meet the million-dollar threshold?
- My name is Representative Doer, 9th District, and I'll let my guest introduce himself.
- If there's nothing else, I will entertain a motion to adjourn. We have a motion and a second.
Keywords:
00:00 Meeting Start
00:45 Attendance Roll Call
01:50 Introduction of New Members
07:10 Discussion of HB 24
09:36 Roll Call Vote
12:20 Discussion of HB 216
19:25 Roll Call Vote, 958, all
Summary:
The Agriculture Committee met for its first meeting of the 2025 session, with the new chair opening the meeting, confirming a quorum, announcing the House’s 24-hour rule for committee substitutes and amendments, and welcoming several guests and new committee members. The chair also emphasized agriculture’s importance to Kentucky’s economy, citing crop revenue and the broader economic impact of the sector.
The committee first considered House Bill 24, which would raise the audit threshold for conservation districts from $750,000 to $1 million. Supporters said the bill updates an outdated threshold and helps reduce the burden of costly audits amid inflation. The bill received a motion and second, no opposition was raised, and it passed by roll call vote.
The committee then took up House Bill 216, presented by the vice chair and Brandon Reed of the Kentucky Office of Policy. The bill would allow certain Department of Agriculture employees to apply for grants or loans while preserving the existing prohibition for employees who oversee those programs. Testimony explained that the office’s funding comes from tobacco master settlement dollars, with a formula that directs money to agriculture and other purposes, and members discussed the importance of keeping those funds in Kentucky. The bill passed with favorable expression by roll call vote.
Before adjournment, members made additional welcoming remarks for local officials and guests, and the chair noted the National Farm Machinery Show and tractor pull as a major event for Kentucky agriculture. The committee then adjourned.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty Eight - Wednesday, April 8 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Louis County, District 88. 66, Mr. Speaker. Thank you very much.
- I have some very special guests, some FFA students from District 62.
- I also want to congratulate the Afton Fire District, the fire districts that passed Prop F, especially
- the Afton Fire District.
- And with that, I will now entertain a question.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Sonia Galaviz, District 16.
- So I think if we were to entertain this...
- I think people in your district may want to know that too.
- A request was made to take the poster home to the districts.
- So I would entertain a motion on that. Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Senator Adams.
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from its February 13, 2020 meeting, with a correction changing a reference from the America 250 subcommittee to the America 250 Council. Members then received a financial update showing remaining balances in the commemorative and celebration funds, with discussion that some unspent celebration money could revert to the commemorative fund. Haley Domgaard also reported that seven grant applications had made it through scoring and could be approved for disbursement, with additional applications still being reviewed.
The committee considered several America 250 spending requests. A proposal to fund special “I Voted” commemorative stickers for counties at a cost of $12,992 was debated, with concerns raised about whether the state should pay for something counties normally print themselves and whether funds should be reserved for later needs. After a roll call vote, the motion failed on a 3-3 tie. Members also discussed the Capitol Celebration and ambassador program, including plans for events, booths, a scavenger hunt, music, food trucks, and school outreach tied to the Liberty Bell and other America 250 activities.
A major portion of the meeting focused on the Liberty Bell project, including a custom trailer and steel transport stand to move the replica bell safely around the state. Officials explained the trailer would be decorated to resemble a coach, that the bell is very heavy, and that the stand and trailer were needed to prevent damage during travel. The committee also heard updates on the Governor’s Task Force, White House-related America 250 initiatives, and a proposed Liberty Grove tree-planting project with the Department of Lands. The committee approved grant disbursements for Blaine County and the cities of Dietrich, Grace, Nespers, Orofino, Pierce, and Twin Falls, and tentatively scheduled its next meeting for March 23 before adjourning.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (3-6-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- She stated that she represents the 37th District, which includes Louisville portions of Jefferson County
- </c> Callaway and I represent 37th District Callaway and I represent 37th District which<00:02:44.760
- She said there had been talk of expungement and that they can entertain that, but the task force needs
- we can entertain that um this<00:05:13.880><c> is</c><00:05:14.080><c> something</c><00:05:14.520><c
- </c> tenure from a senator from his district tenure from a senator from his district was<00:11:04.720
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Elections, Constitutional Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs met with a quorum, recognized a student page from Covington Catholic High School, and then took up House Concurrent Resolution 67, sponsored by Representative Emily Callaway. The resolution would create a Kentucky Restoration of Voting Rights Act task force to study restoration of civil and voting rights for people who have served their sentences and shown rehabilitation. Callaway said the task force would include legislators and representatives from state offices and advocacy groups, and she noted the issue should receive serious attention as part of civic participation and reentry.
Members asked about differences between the House resolution and a similar Senate measure. Callaway explained that her version was more specific about membership and included state agency representatives and advocacy organizations. Representative Blacket said he preferred the House version and noted expungement had also been discussed. Representative Marzian said she would vote no, arguing the Secretary of State already handles election integrity and that the proposal was unnecessary and costly. Representative Roberts supported the resolution, saying the current process for restoring voting rights can be expensive and lengthy. The resolution passed with favorable consideration.
The committee then heard discussion-only testimony on Senate Bill 126 from Senator Chris McDaniel, a proposed constitutional amendment to limit the governor’s pardon power. McDaniel argued the power has been abused and said the amendment would not eliminate pardons, but would restrict them to the 60 days before an election and the period between the gubernatorial election and inauguration so voters could weigh in. He cited high-profile pardons and commutations as examples and said the measure had previously been supported by law enforcement groups. Representative Lockard and another member expressed support, saying pardon power can be undemocratic and that the timing of mass pardons after elections is troubling. McDaniel said the 60-day window was chosen as a practical period for information to reach voters. No vote was taken on the bill, and the meeting adjourned after a visiting district judge was recognized.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
250th Anniversary Celebration of the American Revolution Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- , State Senator for the 57 communities of the Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin, and Hampshire Senate District
- And I was unfortunate to be able to miss the event before that in your district, Senator.
- This could be done through your districts, through your communities, could be done through local libraries
- if 35 senators were doing something and I didn't want to do it and people started doing it in my district
- Educational entertainment. Jump to slide 13 there, Senator. Educational entertainment.
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.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Protection (10-15-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- At this time, I'll entertain a motion for approval of the minutes.
- Entertainment for our first presentation.
- </c> development for ATG Entertainment. development for ATG Entertainment.
- So, we all have to contribute whether that's going to be directly in our district or not.
- So, I I would encourage district or not.
Summary:
The Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development and Tourism met to hear presentations on a proposed downtown Lexington Arts Center. Visit Lex opened by framing the projects as regional economic development efforts that could support tourism, quality of life, and workforce attraction and retention. NextStage Development Corp. and ATG Entertainment then described a proposed $120 million project featuring a 2,500-seat performing arts center and a 20,000-square-foot visual arts gallery, with plans for up to 180 events a year, over 300,000 annual visitors, and an opening target of 2029.
The presenters said the project would be funded through a $30 million state request, $30 million from ATG Entertainment, and $60 million raised by the nonprofit through philanthropy and other financing sources. They cited a feasibility study by Sound Diplomacy and compared the proposal to the Durham Performing Arts Center, arguing that similar venues have driven downtown revitalization, tourism, and economic activity in other cities. They also said the venue would include community access, school partnerships, subsidized tickets, and revenue returned to the nonprofit for grants and arts programming.
Members asked about the total cost, the funding mix, whether the city of Lexington would contribute, and the building’s design. The presenters said they are in contact with city officials and are seeking city support, but have not yet hired an architect or begun conceptual design. They said the design process will involve community input and should fit Lexington’s historic downtown character. Representative Whitten asked whether the project would compete with Louisville; the presenters responded that their market analysis suggests the venue would serve audiences from Lexington, eastern Kentucky, and surrounding areas who are unlikely to travel to Louisville or Cincinnati, making the project complementary rather than competitive.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I am Barbara Ehardt from District 33, essentially Bonneville County. And I appreciate this.
- I would entertain a motion. Representative Cheatham. Mr.
- For the record, Joe Alfieri, District 4, which encompasses Coeur d'Alene. This is a good RS.
- Lori McCann, I represent District 6, which is all of Lewiston, Orofino, and a small portion of Nez Perce
- Seeing none, I entertain a motion. Representative Birch. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Committee:
House Local Government
Summary:
The committee met on February 10 at 1:30 with a substitute chair presiding. Three RS proposals were heard and all were introduced by unanimous voice vote. The first, RS 33264 C1 on public records complaints and denials, was re-released as a C1 after feedback from the Idaho School Boards Association, Idaho Cities, the Administrative Office of the Courts, and counties; the sponsor said the revisions were intended to make the proposal clearer and more workable.
The second item, RS 33155 on development impact fees, would require cities within a county to collect county-imposed impact fees for county courthouses and county jails, rather than allowing cities to opt out. The sponsor said the change was prompted by a Kootenai County issue and was intended to spread the cost evenly across the county. Members asked whether the bill would be retroactive, whether cities and counties had been consulted, and whether the measure related to a broader local dispute; the sponsor said it was not retroactive and was aimed specifically at county courthouses and jails.
The third proposal, RS 33280 on public meetings and recordings, would prohibit attendees at open meetings from being barred from video recording, audio recording, or photographing the meeting so long as they do not disrupt proceedings. The sponsor said the bill was modeled in part on a Montana measure and was meant to prevent people from being removed simply for recording a public meeting. The committee then adjourned and announced it would meet again on Thursday at 1:30.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity
Transcript Highlights:
- It's crucial to my district, and so I thank you for the question.
- By creating a fair and modern assessment on streaming entertainment providers, the bill establishes a
- I'm the State Representative for the First Middlesex District. I am Margaret Scarsdale.
- Our community media centers, like the one in my district and your districts, are there to broadcast local
- Connect offers more than just background entertainment. It fosters real connection.
Summary:
The committee held its second hearing on a large docket of technology, internet, cybersecurity, broadband, and media bills. Early testimony focused on community media funding legislation, with lawmakers and local access advocates arguing that as cable subscriptions decline and streaming grows, revenue tied to cable franchises no longer supports community television and PEG programming. Supporters said community media remains a key source of local news, government meeting coverage, and civic transparency as newspapers disappear or consolidate. A related bill on cable contract oversight also drew support, with testimony that the Department of Telecommunications and Cable is backlogged and should more actively review municipal-provider agreements and report its workload to the committee.
Another major topic was a proposal to create a Massachusetts Innovation Fund for state IT modernization. The Alliance for Digital Innovation backed the bill, saying agencies need flexible upfront capital to replace outdated systems and improve cybersecurity, and pointing to the federal Technology Modernization Fund as a model. The witness noted that funding for the state program still needs to be identified. The committee also heard strong support for a bill requiring free broadband in public housing, with Rep. Emmela Goodwin and MAPC describing internet access as essential for jobs, school, telehealth, and civic participation. They said the digital divide in Massachusetts is driven largely by affordability rather than infrastructure, though questions were raised about costs, wiring, and whether all housing sites already have broadband access available at the curb.
A substantial portion of the hearing centered on bills to limit addictive social media feeds for minors. Supporters, including lawmakers, parents, teens, and advocacy groups, argued that algorithmic feeds contribute to addiction, anxiety, body image problems, and other harms, and said the bills would restrict surveillance-based curation and overnight notifications while leaving search and followed accounts available. Opponents, including FIRE, CCIA, and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, argued the bills would require invasive age verification, threaten privacy and cybersecurity, burden adults’ anonymity, and likely face First Amendment challenges. They also warned the measures could disadvantage smaller businesses and may be unconstitutional based on recent court rulings in other states. The committee also heard support for blockchain-related bills creating a commission, a pilot program, and consumer education efforts, with testimony that Massachusetts has the talent but needs a coordinated state strategy. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.