Transcript Highlights:

• Committee on Rules reports recommending that the following resolutions ought to be adopted: Resolutions filed
• Resolutions filed by Representative Duffy of Holyoke honoring the retirement and services of Karen Dejean
• And resolutions filed by Representatives Murray of Milford, Soder of Bellingham, Meridian of Grafton,

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House began with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up a series of committee reports and routine legislative actions. The Committee on Rules recommended adoption of several congratulatory and honorary resolutions, including recognition of Grupo Nosa Senora Das Candiaas, Karen Dejean, and Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick; the House suspended the rules and adopted them. The House also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer two petitions, one on school library standards to the Committee on Education and one on damages for employees aggrieved by Massachusetts Wage Act violations to the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development. The House then considered several bills and special matters. It approved a sick leave bank bill for J.O. Charlatan of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, ordering it to a third reading, and later passed to enactment a Senate bill establishing a sick leave bank for Andrew Satera of the Trial Court after adopting the required emergency preamble. The House also advanced and enacted Senate 2152, as amended, designating June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day, again first adopting the emergency preamble and then passing the bill to be enacted. In addition, the Committee on Steering, Policy, and Scheduling reported the Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day bill for House consideration, and the House suspended the rules to take it up. The Speaker welcomed guests from Weymouth High School’s Scrap Robotics Team. At the end of the session, the House adopted an order to meet the following Monday at 11:00 a.m. and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules reports recommending that the resolutions filed by Representative LaNatra of Kingston
• Governor submitting the annual budget of the Commonwealth for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, was filed
• for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects was filed

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The following House Files have been offered for introduction today.
• The chief clerk will report the House Files and give them their first reading: House Files 1 through

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But I would reiterate as well, we intend to provide regional center master files for this match.
• But do you like share them in different pieces or is it like you just get a big old file? Oh, no.
• We will have a data-sharing relationship where they are sending us updated files.
• We create kind of a master file. I'll use myself as an example.
• “No, our exemption file—so our determination of Medi-Cal exemptions won’t be available.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing focused on the impacts of federal HR1 on CalFresh and Medi-Cal, along with related state mitigation efforts. CDSS, DHCS, DDS, county representatives, LAO, and Finance discussed automatic exemptions, data-sharing between departments, county workload, and the timing of implementation. CDSS said about two-thirds of adults ages 18 to 64 are already known to be exempt in CalFresh, and that administrative data matches could newly exempt about 200,000 of the roughly 955,000 adults potentially at risk. DHCS said Medi-Cal work requirements would begin in 2027 and the department is working to automate exemptions, including for IHSS recipients and some caregivers, while DDS said its population is expected to be covered by auto-exemptions. County welfare directors emphasized that individualized worker contact is critical, that counties need more staffing and stable funding, and that without it they expect delays, higher error rates, and reduced exemption screening capacity. Members pressed for written timelines, county-by-county impact data, and clearer guidance; the administration said it would provide follow-up materials and technical assistance. No votes were taken. The committee then heard a separate discussion on a proposed CFAP expansion or “CFAP Plus” concept to provide state-funded benefits to additional populations affected by HR1, including lawfully present non-citizens and ABODs. CDSS said implementation could not occur before October 1, 2027 because of policy and system-design constraints, and that adding unique eligibility rules would increase complexity and cost. Finance cautioned that any expansion would have General Fund impacts likely in the hundreds of millions to multiple billions. Members asked for cost estimates and technical feedback on trailer bill language, and CDSS said it would review the proposal and respond. The hearing also covered CDSS’s CalFresh strategic plan and mandated reporter training updates. CDSS said it is hiring a strategic plan lead to develop a long-term, data-informed CalFresh plan, and that the revised mandated reporter training is on track for launch in fall/winter 2026, ahead of the July 1, 2027 statutory deadline. The training will include updated content on structural racism, ICWA protections, implicit bias, and the distinction between reporting and supporting families. Members praised the work and asked for continued updates. Later panels focused on Promise Neighborhoods, Stop the Hate, and housing programs. Promise Neighborhood advocates and CDSS described the state’s prior $12 million investment, a positive evaluation showing roughly a 4-to-1 return, and a new proposal to support place-based partnerships and community schools through AB 1969. Stop the Hate grantees and CDSS reported that the program has provided direct services, prevention, and statewide coordination to millions of Californians, and urged reauthorization before funding expires; members asked for best-practice language and discussed focusing future funding on solidarity work, harm reduction, legal services, and education. Finally, CDSS presented on the CalWORKs Housing Support Program and Housing and Disability Advocacy Program, saying proposed General Fund investments of $105 million and $55 million would prevent funding cliffs and allow the programs to continue through 2026-27, while the absence of new funding would force reductions in housing assistance, subsidies, and enrollments.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I would reiterate as well, we intend to provide regional center master files for this match.
• But do you like share them in different pieces or is it like you just get a big old file? Oh, no.
• We will have a data-sharing relationship where they are sending us updated files.
• We create kind of a master file. I'll use myself as an example.
• No, our exemption file—our determination of Medi-Cal exemptions—won’t be available.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In order to counter these actions, we've had to file numerous actions.
• We have filed 66 lawsuits since the beginning of the federal administration.
• As Danielle mentioned, we've also been very active filing a number of different amicus.
• As Danielle mentioned, we've also been very active filing a number of different amicus briefs, often
• We found ourselves filing briefs quoting Alexander Hamilton in the Federalist Papers, because that's

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The corrected journal will be filed in the office of the Secretary. Mr. President.
• That report will be filed in the Office of the Secretary. That's a big stack you've got there.
• That report will be filed in the Office of the Secretary. March 16, 2006.
• That correspondence will be filed in the office of the Secretary.
• That report will be filed in the Office of the Secretary.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have filed 59 lawsuits, and if you take a look at how long this administration has been in office,
• You've heard a couple times this morning that we filed 59 lawsuits. Thank you.
• You've heard a couple times this morning that we filed 59 lawsuits as of about a half hour ago.
• We filed our 60th lawsuit today challenging the President's new imposition of tariffs.
• And also in the area of health care, we filed a lawsuit opposing their interpretation of the Affordable

Summary: The Senate Budget Subcommittee on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor, and Transportation heard updates from the Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Department of Justice. Cal OES Acting Director Tina Curry described the department’s proposed budget, disaster response and recovery work, Los Angeles wildfire recovery, FEMA reimbursement delays, hazard mitigation grant applications, planning for major events like the FIFA World Cup and LA28 Olympics, and the state’s next generation 911 priorities. Senators raised concerns about Operation Stonegarden, small-disaster recovery delays, FEMA reimbursement timing, VOCA funding, and the need for more detailed reporting on federal grants and recovery costs. The committee then focused on Next Generation 911. Cal OES staff said the current regional deployment encountered call-routing and transfer failures, leading the department to pause further rollout and propose a new phased plan centered on a statewide provider, followed by an open procurement for a long-term vendor. They said the plan is intended to improve reliability, simplify architecture, and support Los Angeles-area PSAPs ahead of the Olympics, with a target of full statewide transition by summer 2030. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the Legislature to pause major changes until it receives more information, including a clearer explanation of the problems, alternatives considered, costs, cybersecurity and privacy issues, and oversight needs. Members expressed mixed views, with some supporting a joint oversight hearing and requesting quarterly fiscal reports and monthly progress updates. The Department of Justice then presented its overall workload, emphasizing public safety enforcement, fentanyl and human trafficking prosecutions, housing enforcement, civil rights work, and extensive federal litigation against the Trump administration. DOJ said the additional federal accountability work has significantly increased staffing and overtime demands, though it has hired 44 additional employees. The committee also heard DOJ’s firearms workload proposal, including funding for SB 704 implementation, continued firearms IT modernization, and a proposed shift of Bureau of Firearms costs to the General Fund. The LAO recommended using special funds and loans instead of ongoing General Fund support where possible, and asked DOJ to develop a framework by January 2027 for determining which firearms and ammunition workload should be supported by fee revenue. The Department of Finance largely agreed with the need for SB 704 funding but disagreed with the LAO’s proposed loan approach for the firearms account.

Transcript Highlights:

• They file 990s. You can look up their 990s; they're available publicly.
• It was after Stewart Health filed for bankruptcy, it was an OB case, and it was after they had pretty
• And, you know, we do have more medical malpractice claims filed here than in other states.
• can file it, but there's no duplication.
• So some of you may have seen that when you did your campaign finance filings.

Bills: HB99 , HB49 , HB164 , SB30 , SB43 , SB50 , SB136

Committee: House House Judiciary

Keywords: medical malpractice, malpractice reform, patient's compensation fund, PCF, health care liability, tort reform, damage caps, punitive damages, hospital liability, physician liability, nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, outpatient facility, ambulatory surgical center, urgent care, free-standing emergency room, insurance surcharge, superintendent of insurance, New Mexico hospitals, medical review process

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 99, which would make changes to the Medical Malpractice Act, especially around punitive damages. The chair and sponsor said the bill would not be voted on that day and that public comment would wait until Monday, when a fuller presentation and any recommended substitute would be considered. Dr. Brooke Baker, a physician-lawyer, gave a long presentation on physician wellness, malpractice stress, and the effect of litigation on staffing and burnout, while also discussing hospital ownership structures, private equity, and rural hospital vulnerability. She argued that punitive damages are often pled too broadly in New Mexico, that the amendment language was unclear about which entities would be capped, and that better oversight and internal quality systems—not punitive damages—are the better tools for addressing bad actors and unsafe care. Committee members from both sides asked extensive questions about the patient compensation fund, indemnification, corporate structures, the effect of caps on insurance and recruitment, and whether the bill would protect physicians’ personal assets. No vote was taken on HB 99, and the committee recessed before moving to the next bill. The committee then returned to House Bill 49, a public safety measure increasing penalties for felons who possess firearms. The sponsors and law enforcement witnesses said the bill is aimed narrowly at serious violent felons who are already prohibited from having guns, and that it would align state sentencing with federal law and give police and prosecutors a stronger tool against repeat violent offenders. An amendment was offered to narrow the bill further, add destructive devices, and make the offense a second-degree felony rather than escalating to first degree on repeat offenses. The amendment was adopted without opposition. Public testimony on HB 49 was largely opposed. The Law Office of the Public Defender argued the bill criminalizes possession without a new act of violence, that current law already punishes felon-in-possession conduct, and that New Mexico has repeatedly increased penalties without evidence of reduced gun crime. The ACLU of New Mexico also opposed the bill, saying increased penalties are not a proven deterrent. The transcript cuts off as additional online opposition testimony was beginning.

Transcript Highlights:

• At the time of the publication of our report in November 2021, 21 months after we first filed our public
• In our unit, again, we file both sex and labor trafficking, and we prosecute those cases in our state's
• I'm going to ask everyone to line up on this side of the room, single file.
• AB 277 did not help me, as I needed to file civil charges against my sex trafficker.
• AB 277 did not help me, as I needed to file civil charges against my sex trafficker in the statute of

Summary: The Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety held an informational hearing in Pomona on sex work-related crimes and efforts to combat human trafficking. The chair and Assembly Member Michelle Rodriguez framed the issue as a major public safety and victim-protection concern, referencing the repeal of the loitering law in SB 357 and the recent enactment of AB 379, which targets buyers of sex rather than sex workers. The hearing was organized into three panels: data and research, policing and anti-trafficking efforts, and courtroom/prosecution impacts. In the first panel, the California Department of Justice presented arrest and conviction data for the repealed loitering statute, noting overall declines from 2019 to 2022 but also explaining that the data did not distinguish clearly between people selling sex, people loitering to sell, and people purchasing sex. USC law professor Hannah Gary summarized a 2021 report finding that law enforcement stings and raids often lack transparency, disproportionately harm Black women, minors, LGBTQ+ people, and undocumented migrants, and rarely achieve the stated goals of protecting victims, prosecuting traffickers, or preventing trafficking. The ACLU of Southern California argued that criminalization of sex work is discriminatory and historically used to police women and people of color, and that laws aimed at buyers still harm sex workers and can increase immigration consequences. Committee members asked about data collection, racial disparities, and whether the new law could worsen profiling; the panelists urged public health approaches, better data, and more survivor services. The second panel featured the California DOJ human trafficking coordinator, Pomona Police Chief Mike Ellis, and survivor advocate Jess Torres of Rising Worldwide. DOJ described its regional trafficking teams, task forces, victim services, and prosecutions, emphasizing a victim-centered and trauma-informed approach. Chief Ellis said SB 357 limited police intervention and contributed to visible open-air prostitution near schools and other sensitive locations, citing complaints from residents and a reported drop in juvenile rescues in Pomona after the law changed; he supported AB 63-style enforcement with safeguards and service referrals. Torres, speaking as a survivor, argued that anti-trafficking policy must be survivor-led, that many youth in the sex trade are boys or LGBTQ youth, and that criminalization and street enforcement often worsen harm and displacement rather than solving the underlying problems. In the final panel, a Riverside County deputy district attorney said AB 63 could help law enforcement make earlier contact with potential victims and identify traffickers, while stressing the need for training, documentation, and oversight. A Los Angeles County public defender argued that prosecuting trafficked people reinforces traffickers’ control, creates lifelong barriers, and retraumatizes survivors, and pointed to diversion programs as a better model. The Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking began its testimony by describing its survivor services and crisis response work. The hearing ended without any vote or formal action, but with committee members and witnesses continuing to debate the balance between enforcement, data collection, and survivor-centered services.

Transcript Highlights:

• The final bill on the agenda for today is House File 771, authored by Representative Craft, who is making
• To save time, I will move that House File 771 be laid over for possible inclusion.
• I'm happy to be carrying House File 771 that would create a supplemental grant program to build on the
• Thank you, Representative Craft, for bringing House File 771 forward to address the critical issue of
• Thank you, Representative Craft, for bringing House File 771 forward to address the critical issue of

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: House File 771, as amended, was laid over for possible inclusion. The bill would create a state supplemental grant program to build on LIHEAP, with the goal of expanding energy assistance beyond the winter season to cover summer cooling needs and reduce utility shutoffs. Representative Craft said the proposal would use existing LIHEAP systems, help more eligible households, and support related services like weatherization. The committee adopted the author’s amendment, DE2, without objection. Supporters testified that energy costs remain unaffordable for many Minnesotans, especially in rural areas and among low-income households, seniors, and people using delivered fuels. Annie Levenson-Faulk of the Citizens Utility Board said only about a quarter of eligible households receive assistance, summer shutoffs are common, and cooling needs have grown significantly. Trisha Leite of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association, Amanda Macky of Minnesota Valley Action Council, and Ken Schum of the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association all supported the bill, saying year-round assistance would help households, reduce disconnects, stabilize demand for aid, and ease pressure on utility rates. Michael Schmitz of the Department of Commerce said Minnesota has received about $112 million in LIHEAP funds so far this year and is awaiting additional federal money; he also noted recent funding has been lower than in prior years and inflation has reduced its value. Members discussed the scale of utility shutoffs, the increase in cooling demand, and whether the bill addresses root causes or serves as a temporary fix. Representative Weiner argued that the state should focus on keeping more money in taxpayers’ pockets and reducing the need for subsidies, while Representative Craft responded that the underlying issue is low incomes and widening wealth inequality, and that policies like the child tax credit are better ways to address poverty. The chair also asked how LIHEAP dollars flow, and Commerce said most benefits are paid directly to utilities on behalf of households rather than as direct cash payments to recipients.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our next bill is House File 3295, Representative Gordon. Welcome to the committee.
• And since you are not on the committee, I will move House File 3295 before the committee and recommend
• Um, with that, I will renew my motion that House File 3295 be rereferred to the Committee on Elections
• Um, with that, I will renew my motion that House File 3295 be rereferred to the Committee on Elections

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And the other is I'm very concerned about the withholding of revenue upon filing of the action.
• And the other is I'm very concerned about the withholding of revenue upon filing of the action.
• a city or county or to anywhere without there being any merit to the case whatsoever merely upon filing
• a city or county or to anywhere without there being any merit to the case whatsoever merely upon filing

Committee: House Ways and Means

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That was a bill that I championed, House File 10, and that was a key component that ultimately passed
• 00:01:39.520><c> I</c><00:01:39.680><c> championed,</c><00:01:40.159><c> House</c><00:01:40.479><c> File
• </c><00:01:41.360><c> uh</c><00:01:41.439><c> and</c> that I championed, House File 10. uh and that I
• championed, House File 10. uh and that<00:01:41.840><c> was</c><00:01:41.920><c> a</c><00:01:42.159>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And an urgency be declared, and that the rules of the House be so far suspended, so that House File Number
• House File 3023 extends unemployment benefits an additional 26 weeks for approximately 630 workers that
• Now, do I wish that we were on the floor today talking about House File 3030? Of course.
• In that time, we've had a lot of great conversations about those other things in House File 3030 that

Transcript Highlights:

• And you have filed, or defense attorneys have filed for a... ...attorneys have filed for a preliminary
• And then I filed for a preliminary hearing, which happened, let's say, 30 days later.

Bills: HB537 , HB474 , HB527 , HB449 , HB380 , HB449 , HB380

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: preliminary hearing, criminal procedure, Aniah's Law, pretrial detention, defendant rights, property rights, law enforcement, removal procedures, unauthorized occupancy, trespassing, liability, off-roading, parks, participant safety, risk management, DNA, genetic testing, privacy, consent, criminal penalties

Transcript Highlights:

• May this matter be received and filed? So ordered. Introductions.
• matter be member of the House may this matter be received<00:25:15.840><c> and</c><00:25:16.000><c> filed
• </c><00:25:16.919><c> so</c> received and filed so received and filed so ordered<00:25:19.200><c> introductions

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And this bill that I've filed is a simple bill.
• I am grateful to Representative Vargas and Senator Feeney for filing House 3429 and Senate 2146 alongside
• 722, an act to encourage... ...House 1143 and Senate 722, an act to encourage retirement planning, filed
• I'm here to testify on a bill I'm proud to file with Representative Fluker Reed called an act to promote
• Vermont is piloting a program, and Rhode Island and New York have filed legislation.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services heard testimony on several bills focused on financial security, banking regulation, and payment-card fees. Treasurer Deborah Goldberg supported the Massachusetts baby bonds proposal (H. 48) and also endorsed bills on matched savings (H. 1158/S. 737) and retirement planning/Secure Choice (H. 1143/S. 722), arguing these measures would help address wealth inequality, build assets, and improve retirement readiness. Supporters of baby bonds included policy experts and health advocates from Children’s Health Watch and Boston Medical Center, who said early-life asset building could improve long-term economic and health outcomes for children in low-income families. AARP also urged passage of the retirement planning bill, citing the large share of private-sector workers without access to an employer retirement plan. Representative Donato testified for H. 1143, describing it as a voluntary retirement-savings opportunity for workers at small employers. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3933, concerning the Massachusetts Credit Union Share Insurance Corporation, from former Bank Commissioner Mike Hanson, who defended the state’s full deposit insurance system for credit unions and savings institutions as a longstanding consumer-protection model. The Massachusetts Bankers Association raised concerns about the bill’s technical provisions and broader credit union/bank competitive issues, while the Cooperative Credit Union Association supported related legislation allowing modest compensation for credit union directors (S. 821/H. 1338) and flexibility for state financial institutions to grow through partnerships (S. 723). Bankers opposed those credit union bills, arguing they would upset a level playing field and blur long-standing distinctions between banks and credit unions. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 1259/S. 688, which would prohibit card interchange fees on the tax and gratuity portions of restaurant transactions. Restaurant owners and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association testified in favor, saying the fees are a significant and growing expense, especially as most customers now pay by card; they argued the bills would save restaurants money without affecting state revenue. Credit union, banking, and payments-industry representatives opposed the bills, saying interchange helps fund fraud protection and payment infrastructure, that the proposal would create compliance burdens and likely litigation, and that it would mainly affect Massachusetts-chartered institutions while national banks could be preempted. Committee members noted that a commission on payment-card fees is being established and said the issue would be studied further. The hearing also included support for a separate bill on virtual credit cards for dental providers, with dentists saying automatic virtual-card payments impose hidden processing fees and fraud risks.

Transcript Highlights:

• , affidavits of candidacy, and campaign contribution filing.
• But we just had our candidate filing deadline two weeks ago.
• And so we can see that as the filing office. The public doesn't see that.
• We can see that as the filing office; the public doesn't see that.
• But the public isn't seeing that on the filing deadline date.

Committee: Joint Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And because the centers are not regulated, the clients don't have the ability to file a complaint against
• If anybody can file a complaint and he said no. Okay. All right. There are no further.”
• "When you're licensed by the Department of Health, it gives you multiple avenues to file a complaint,
• Section E, anyone has the right to file a complaint with the department, which is DCFS.
• Senator Barrow Peacock filed that legislation about four years ago.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 611 by Rep. Freeman, which would require pregnancy-related service centers that provide health care services to be licensed or, as amended, to clearly disclose that they are not a licensed medical facility regulated by the Louisiana Department of Health. Rep. Freeman and supporting witnesses argued the bill was prompted by a legislative auditor report and concerns that some centers provide ultrasounds, STI testing, pregnancy tests, and related services without clear medical oversight. The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners’ executive director testified that interpreting ultrasounds and performing certain tests can constitute the practice of medicine, while opponents argued the centers already operate under medical directors and that the disclosure requirement was unconstitutional under the NIFLA case. The committee adopted an amendment, but after debate on the amended bill, a motion to report favorably failed on a roll call vote, and the bill was voluntarily deferred. The committee then heard House Bill 902 by Rep. Marcelle, which directs the Louisiana Department of Health to develop trauma-informed training. Supporters said the bill grew out of a task force on student behavior, mental health, and discipline, and that educators need a more consistent, evidence-based trauma-informed curriculum than what is currently available online. Some members raised concerns about cost and whether the bill would mandate new school obligations, while a witness from the Louisiana Baptist Convention opposed the measure as mission creep and argued trauma-informed care is too specialized for general teacher training. Other members supported the bill as a way to help educators identify and respond to children facing trauma. The bill was amended with technical changes and then discussed further, but the transcript ends before a final vote on HB 902 is shown.