Transcript Highlights:

• We're having a live session online because I know you're watching with bated breath.
• Utility gas services had increased by 11.7%.
• This or also the healthcare practitioner services GRT deduction and many, many more.
• You're would be the value of all the goods and services that.
• There's going to be that transition phase of them now selecting this deduction.

Committee: Joint Revenue Stabilization & Tax Policy Committee

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that there's several years before this would probably be enacted, and I know they wanted to do transitioning
• I see this every day with four teenagers in Live Oak, one of the best schools in the state, right?
• I was alerted last fall by a constituent of mine whose daughter-in-law lives down here in southeast Louisiana

Bills: HCR26 , HB28 , HB195 , HB283 , HB316 , HB319 , HB363 , HB380 , HB386 , HB392 , HB406 , HB636 , HB738 , HB807 , HB905 , HB992 , HB1146

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: human growth, development education, prenatal education, state standards, biological science, teacher certification, certification appeals, BESE, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, Teacher Certification Appeals Council, educator licensure, teaching license, teacher licensure, appeals process, certification denial, administrative appeal, special meeting, board president, retroactive application, education board

Summary: The committee met with a large docket and adopted the April 29 minutes. Several bills were heard and advanced, mostly on education, workforce, literacy, early childhood, charter schools, and student mental health. Testimony was generally supportive, with many witnesses waiving in favor; a few bills drew questions about implementation, student awareness, and whether proposals were sufficiently broad or specific. House Bill 406, requiring the Department of Education to study the direction and regulation of interscholastic high school athletics and report back by March 1, 2027, was reported favorably after testimony from a retired principal who urged an open-minded study and discussion from the bill author about compliance and the bill’s purpose. House Bill 380, creating a pilot program between community and technical colleges and local school systems to expand awareness of CDL, entry-level driver training, and related programs, was also reported favorably. House Bill 807, creating a workforce and structure capacity investment program and fund to help industry partner with colleges to train instructors, was reported favorably after support from higher education and industry witnesses; senators raised interest in adding a stronger health care component and in reaching students earlier, but the author said he would work on amendments. The committee also advanced House Bill 316 on adolescent literacy and high-dose tutoring, with amendments clarifying teacher training timing, existing statutory bans on outdated literacy practices, and charter school participation; House Bill 1146, consolidating early childhood governance into a commission; House Bill 28, creating an appeal path for denied teacher certification applicants through BESE; and House Bill 992, assigning early childhood education identification numbers to support data collection on outcomes. House Concurrent Resolution 26, urging BESE to add the science of human growth and development to science and health standards and provide approved instructional resources, was amended and reported favorably. House Bill 386, allowing local districts to let locally authorized charter schools operate as their own LEA under district rules, was amended and reported favorably. House Bill 392, expanding suicide prevention information requirements on school websites, ID cards, handbooks, and signage, was reported favorably as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• that there's several years before this would probably be enacted, and I know they wanted to do transitioning
• I see this every day with four teenagers in Live Oak, one of the best schools in the state, right?
• I was alerted last fall by a constituent of mine whose daughter-in-law lives down here in southeast Louisiana

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I LIVE HERE IN TALLAHASSEE AND I'VE BEEN LIVING HERE FOR ALMOST 5 YEARS NOW AND SOMETHING I LEARNED A
• I WISH WE LIVED IN A FANTASY WORLD BUT I KNOW EACH AND EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU KNOW WE DON'T LIVE IN
• ENVIRONMENT WITH SERVICES.
• MUCH LESS LIVE ON A BEACH.
• COUNTY AND WALTON COUNTY AND I'VE LIVED IN WASHINGTON NOW FOR 10 YEARS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just living paycheck to paycheck.
• </c> State a great place to live and thrive. State a great place to live and thrive.
• </c> services have been provided for years. services have been provided for years.
• I live in Concord.
• It may be because of his work lives.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> by excellence and commitment to service. by excellence and commitment to service.
• </c> protect lives, land, and livelihoods. protect lives, land, and livelihoods.
• Lower the prices and save lives.
• Lower the prices and save<00:29:47.760><c> lives.</c> save lives. save lives.
• But now, America lives at stake.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't matter whether you live in the, uh, core cities or the suburbs or greater Minnesota.
• </c> boosting support for continuous living boosting support for continuous living cover<00:32:37.760
• I live in Shoreview in Ramsey County.
• </c> groundwater and that will help service groundwater and that will help service water<01:24:37.199
• But thank you for service of the state.

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The House bill relative to assault and battery upon a transit worker, House No. 1877.
• An act relative to assault and battery upon a transit worker, House No. 1877.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House took up several committee reports and adopted a series of congratulatory resolutions, including recognition of the Monson Lions Club’s 70th anniversary, the town of Groveland’s 175th anniversary, and James McLaughlin’s retirement from the Franklin Fire Department. The chamber also considered two emergency preambles for sick leave bank bills and adopted both, for James Caruso of the Department of Transportation and Carlos Borges of the Department of Correction. A separate bill dissolving the Wellesley Housing Development Corporation was passed to be enacted. The Rules Committee reported and the House adopted orders extending reporting deadlines for the Housing Committee and the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee then listed a number of bills for House consideration, including measures on the Gloucester Fisheries Commission, a special mayoral election in Methuen, assault and battery on a transit worker, retirement benefits for Levera Gilbert and Leo McCaskill, Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day, recall elections in Berlin, special police officer age limits in Weston, moderator terms in Holden, legal notices in Hingham, and support orders for adult children in need of support. The House suspended Rule 7A, ordered these bills to a third reading, and later passed several of them to be engrossed. On third reading, the House passed to be engrossed bills increasing the income limit for Ipswich’s senior tax deferral program, adjusting Springfield’s local property tax assessment rules, and amending the Seacon town charter. The Seacon bill was amended by substitution before passage. The two sick leave bank bills for Caruso and Borges were then passed to be enacted. The House also adopted an order to adjourn to meet the following Tuesday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> conflicts within our own lives conflicts within our own lives um<01:23:38.400><c> is</c><01:23:38.719
• </c><01:57:03.199><c> It</c> medical services incident report. It medical services incident report.
• No, I wanted to add 'Live Free or Die' to the flag.
• </c><02:04:56.239><c> So</c> to add live free or die to the flag.
• So to add live free or die to the flag.

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• services.
• This services all branches of the legislative body, the Council Services, Finance Committee, Senate Chief
• in the uniformed services.
• in the uniformed services.
• I want to thank the Legislative Council Service.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> department of administrative services department of administrative services can<00:36:18.880><c>
• These services which are uh services.
• These services which are uh these<01:20:45.280><c> services</c><01:20:45.679><c> are</c><01:20:46.000
• c> services</c><01:20:56.239><c> to</c><01:20:56.560><c> be</c> We found those services services to be
• We found those services services to be necessary<01:20:57.920><c> and</c><01:20:58.239><c> help</c><

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the March 21 minutes and then took up a consent calendar, withdrawing several items before adopting the remainder. It also moved item FIS 25103 to the table by a 6-4 vote after Senator Gray argued the Executive Council had not yet acted on a prior $5 million approval and that the committee should avoid adding to the rainy day fund draw. The committee then approved item 25106 for the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources/State Library after hearing that the department expected about a $400,000 lapse to return to the state. A major discussion centered on New Hampshire Police Standards and Training (item 2577). Senator Gray questioned whether a proposed equipment purchase could be delayed to the next biennium in light of the state’s deficit and rainy day fund use. The agency said the equipment was needed now for scenario training, vendors had already been identified, and delaying would likely increase costs and force continued reliance on unpaid volunteer help. The committee ultimately approved the item. The committee also approved Department of Energy item 2587 after hearing that federal weatherization funds are drawn down on a reimbursement basis, and item 2588 after similar testimony that weatherization work must be completed and inspected before reimbursement, limiting how quickly funds can be expended. Item 250094 had been withdrawn. Later, the committee discussed Senator Carson’s request for an LBA review of the YDC claims settlement fund, with members expressing concern about administrative costs, attorney fees, settlement-loan payoffs, and the need for more detailed reporting. The committee voted to direct LBA to conduct the audit described in Senator Carson’s memo, with the additional request that the review include the term over which attorney fees are paid. The meeting then moved on to an HHS staff item, where members began questioning the timing of dashboard data and reporting delays.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are people living in Wenden and Salome.
• So it's an imperfect world we live in.
• part of the utility service district.
• service that include debt.
• I’ve lived in Arizona since 1970.

Committee: House House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee began by announcing that House Bill 2094 would be held and not heard that day, then received a lengthy update from Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzky on Colorado River negotiations and post-2026 operating rules. He described Arizona’s legal position, the basin’s water allocations, current shortages, conservation efforts, and the state’s view that the Upper Basin should share more of the reductions and move more water from reservoirs above Lake Powell to Lake Mead. Members asked about tourism, recreation, tribal water rights, public outreach, and the role of the state’s delegation and the federal government. Buschatzky said Arizona has already made major conservation cuts and that further reductions are likely, whether by agreement or federal action, and emphasized ongoing negotiations and public meetings. The committee then heard House Bill 2758, which would expand McMullen Valley groundwater transfer rules to allow eligible entities, including private water companies, to withdraw and transport groundwater under specified conditions, with ADWR oversight and reporting requirements. Supporters argued the bill would provide a lawful, regulated way to move water for urban growth and housing needs, while opponents from La Paz County and rural advocacy groups said it would accelerate aquifer depletion, harm private wells, and benefit a New York hedge fund at the expense of local residents. After debate over guardrails, stakeholder outreach, and the impact on rural communities, the committee adopted the Griffin amendment and passed HB 2758 as amended on a 6-4 due-pass vote. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 2098, which revises bonding authority and public hearing notification requirements for county water augmentation authorities and allows such authorities to enter into local repayment agreements with WIFA. Pinal County officials and related stakeholders testified in support, saying the changes would help the Pinal County Water Augmentation Authority finance future water and infrastructure projects, including possible augmentation efforts tied to Bartlett Dam, and would clean up statutory language to match the authority’s needs. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 2098, before any committee vote on that bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• programs, and other services.
• long, healthy, and happy lives.
• </c> do live long healthy and happy lives do live long healthy and happy lives it's<04:07:03.399><c>
• So he lived to be an old man.
• So he lived to be an old man.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We both have the same degree in Foreign Service.
• We both have the same degree in Foreign Service.
• And this is missing the 18 and the living here.
• They have a lively interest in elections and feel a deep pride in being able to cast... ...a lively interest
• We live spread out, transportation is harder, communication is slower.

Committee: House House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee convened with roll call, member and staff introductions, and a review of amendment deadlines and decorum rules. Members also suspended the committee rule on late-distributed amendments to allow consideration of a Kolodin amendment. The chair then moved to the agenda bills, beginning with HCM 2001, a memorial urging Congress and the President to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization and asking Arizona agencies to monitor related organizations. Testimony on HCM 2001 was sharply divided, with supporters arguing the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR are linked to terrorism and Sharia law, and opponents calling the memorial discriminatory, unsupported by evidence, and an attack on Muslim civil rights organizations and free speech. The committee voted 4-3 to pass HCM 2001 out of committee. The committee then heard HCM 2002, which urges a federal review of CAIR for possible foreign terrorist organization designation and supports related congressional action. Testimony again split along similar lines: opponents, including CAIR representatives, a veteran, and community members, said the measure was scapegoating, lacked legal basis, and would stigmatize Muslim communities; supporters cited the Holy Land Foundation case, FBI concerns, and alleged ties between CAIR, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Hamas. After debate, the committee voted 4-3 to pass HCM 2002 out of committee. Following a brief recess, the committee took up HB 2009, which would prohibit committees primarily organized to influence constitutional amendments from accepting foreign national contributions and require disclosure of out-of-state funding. The sponsor said the bill was intended to improve transparency and keep constitutional initiatives focused on Arizona voters; members discussed whether the measure should apply to all ballot initiatives and how donor verification would work. HB 2009 was also approved 4-3. The committee then began HCR 2001, a proposed constitutional amendment on election procedures, including citizenship requirements for voting, limits on foreign contributions to candidate and ballot measure campaigns, government-issued ID requirements, and changes to early voting and mail ballot rules. The committee adopted a late amendment after procedural discussion, and the sponsor described the resolution as a broad election-security reform modeled on Florida. Members raised concerns that the proposal could reduce access, increase lines, and create confusion for mail voters, while the sponsor argued it would improve security and voter confidence. The transcript cuts off during this bill’s discussion, before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, we heard earlier about, you know, as is, the voters of the Commonwealth have busy lives.
• all members and staff by the Legislative Services Bureau or equivalent.
• Megan McClure is a senior policy specialist in the legislative staff services program at the National
• to be provided, is that service being provided equitably?
• Just to clarify that, certainly if the legislature mandates a service and an audit could look at how

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The subcommittee hearing focused on whether the Office of the State Auditor may constitutionally audit the Massachusetts Legislature under Chapter 250 of the Acts of 2024 and what such an audit could include under generally accepted government auditing standards. Chair Cindy Friedman opened by explaining the background: voters approved Ballot Question 1 in November 2024, the law took effect in January 2025, and the Auditor then initiated audits of both chambers. The chair said the subcommittee was seeking expert testimony because the proposed audit scope, constitutionality, and possible bias concerns remained unresolved. Public testimony was invited, but no members of the public pre-registered; written testimony remained open for a short period after the hearing. The hearing then proceeded with invited experts on constitutional law/state government and auditing-related issues. Professor Lawrence Friedman testified that the ballot initiative’s approval by the Attorney General and by voters did not resolve constitutional questions, and he argued Chapter 250 violates the Massachusetts Constitution. He said the Legislature has constitutional authority to set its own rules and manage its proceedings, and that an executive-branch audit would intrude on legislative deliberation, speech and debate protections, and separation of powers. He also warned that even audits of supposedly administrative matters could become a vehicle for repeated document demands and litigation that would indirectly burden legislative functioning. In questioning, senators pressed him on the line between administrative and deliberative functions, the role of the Attorney General versus the courts, the possibility of retroactive audit scope, and whether prior legislative consent to audits mattered; he said prior consent would not bind future legislatures and that constitutionality is ultimately for the courts. Professor Ray La Raja also opposed the audit, framing it as a threat to institutional independence and representative democracy. He argued that allowing an executive-branch official to audit the Legislature without consent would upset separation of powers, chill internal debate, and create a precedent for broader executive intrusion. He said voters often support “transparency” reforms without fully appreciating institutional consequences, and that legislatures should defend their autonomy, especially amid what he described as broader executive overreach nationally. Senators asked about chilling effects, the practical distinction between administrative and core legislative functions, and whether the courts or the Legislature should resolve the issue; he said the courts would ultimately adjudicate disputes, but the Legislature should not waive its constitutional authority lightly. Jean Kempthorne took the opposite view, arguing the audit is permissible and should proceed. She said the state auditor is a constitutional officer accountable directly to the people, that the audit power can be expanded by statute, and that separation of powers does not require watertight compartments. She contended the audit would not displace core legislative powers because the auditor can only evaluate operations, report findings, and make recommendations. She also argued the Legislature itself already conducts audits of other branches, so it is inconsistent to claim an audit of the Legislature is unconstitutional. In response to senators’ questions, she said there are guardrails against truly intrusive requests, but that the administrative-versus-legislative distinction is not a workable bright line; she suggested disputes should be handled case by case, with objections, negotiation, or litigation if specific requests go too far. No votes or formal actions were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I lived on 40th Street, Newport Beach. He was apprehended on 41st Street.
• And finally, we save lives and we save millions.
• For years, I lived in silence. More than silence, I lived in fear.
• Where would they live?
• Would they just have to live outdoors?

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to put these positions at a grade higher than what they've currently had, I think it makes the transition
• c><00:07:49.680><c> it</c><00:07:49.840><c> makes</c><00:07:50.000><c> the</c><00:07:50.240><c> transition
• </c><00:07:50.880><c> over</c><00:07:51.120><c> to</c> I think it makes the transition over to I think
• it makes the transition over to this<00:07:51.599><c> a</c><00:07:51.840><c> whole</c><00:07:52.000>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 538, a Liquor Commission cleanup bill. Chair Joseph Mica and CFO Tina Deir explained that the bill updates outdated statutory titles and positions after the commission’s 2014 restructuring, deleting references to the former commissioner and COO roles, adding a director of administration and a director of finance and audit, and keeping the new positions at the same labor grade pending review by the Joint Committee on Employee Classification (JCEC). Members discussed the proper sequence for JCEC review, but generally treated the bill as housekeeping. The committee then voted ought to pass, and the roll call was unanimous, 16-0. The committee next took up House Bill 493, which would require continuing education related to child abuse/ACE recognition for physicians and other providers. Testimony and committee discussion focused on whether the bill was too vague, whether it improperly intruded on the Board of Medicine’s authority to set professional education requirements, and whether it would effectively mandate a narrow training course that is currently voluntary and free. Supporters argued the bill addressed a real problem and cited testimony about missed abuse cases, while opponents said the board should handle the issue through its own rules and that the bill was poorly drafted. A motion of inexpedient to legislate passed 9-7, and the committee noted a minority report would be needed. The meeting ended with procedural and scheduling announcements, including that the committee would be dealing with budget hearings the following week and had a large number of Senate bills scheduled for later in the month.

Transcript Highlights:

• Where can you live? How can you maintain your work?
• , along those supporting sectors like information services and publishing.
• Remember is to gather the lives of our ancestors' dreams and walk forward.
• Let us live just barely. Cut off our funding, our breath, our stages, our schools.
• My name is Amanda Sanchez, and I was born, raised, and live here in Sacramento.

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on how recent federal actions are affecting arts, culture, humanities, libraries, museums, and the creative economy in California. Chair Ben Allen and Vice Chair Chris Ward opened by describing the hearing as a response to proposed and ongoing federal cuts to the NEA, NEH, IMLS, and public broadcasting, as well as grant terminations and leadership changes at cultural institutions. Several members emphasized the economic and civic importance of the arts, while one Republican member argued for greater ideological diversity in the arts and noted the loss of music programs in small schools. Testimony from Aaron Harky of Americans for the Arts and Jolie Fisher of SAG-AFTRA described the impact of federal policy on grants, jobs, and production. Harky said executive orders and the FY 2026 budget proposal threaten arts agencies and arts education, and that rescinded grants are causing hiring freezes, shutdowns, and losses for small organizations, especially in rural and underserved communities. Fisher focused on runaway film and television production, outdated tax rules, and the need for federal incentives, intellectual property protections, and action on AI and digital replicas. Members also discussed bipartisan support, the role of business and tourism partners, and the need to include more diverse voices in arts advocacy. The second panel featured Rick Noguchi of California Humanities, Greg Lucas of the State Library, and Danielle Purcell of the California Arts Council. Noguchi said NEH funding was cut immediately, putting California Humanities’ grantmaking and documentary programs at risk and prompting consideration of litigation and possible state support. Lucas reported that IMLS funding for California libraries was briefly canceled but partly restored, though a budget gap remains. Purcell said the California Arts Council is still awaiting federal award language for state partnership funds, but NEA grant terminations and the proposed elimination of federal cultural agencies create major uncertainty; she also said the council is assessing the damage and tracking impacts on grantees. Members asked about measuring outcomes, AI’s threat to creative work, documentary funding losses, and possible state and national strategies to protect cultural institutions and jobs.

Transcript Highlights:

• behalf of Teamsters California, proud sponsor, co-sponsor of this bill, along with the Amalgamated Transit
• . or online search history, or any of these attributes, to adjust the price of goods or services based
• a few of the examples that were of surveillance pricing in the analysis were actually considered services
• But the problem is that for you, because you live in Orange County, which has a higher area median income
• But the problem is that for you, because you live in Orange County, which has a higher area median income

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with the main discussion focused on AB 1705, AB 1898, AB 2076, and AB 2564. AB 1705 would require pornographic websites and uploaders to certify consent and age before sexually explicit content is posted, including AI-generated nude images, and would allow civil actions by nonconsenting individuals or minors depicted in the material. Supporters, including child advocacy, women’s groups, district attorneys, and university women’s organizations, said it would help combat nonconsensual sexual imagery and revenge pornography; there was no opposition testimony, and the bill drew favorable comments from members. AB 1898 would require employers to give workers advance notice before using AI-powered tools to surveil or manage employees, including disclosure of the purpose, data collected, decisions affected, and general locations of use. Labor groups and privacy advocates supported the measure as a transparency and worker-protection bill, while business and industry groups opposed it, arguing the definitions were too broad, the notice requirements could expose proprietary or security-sensitive information, and the private right of action could lead to litigation and overbroad compliance burdens. Members raised cybersecurity and scope concerns, and the author said the bill had already been narrowed and would continue to be refined, but the committee ultimately took a roll call and advanced the bill on a vote, leaving it on call for absent members. AB 2076 would add nitrous oxide to the list of products subject to online age verification under the Parents’ Accountability and Child Protection Act and increase penalties for large sellers that fail to comply. The author and supporters, including a parent, a deputy district attorney, narcotics officers, Children Now, labor, and the Children’s Advocacy Institute, described rising youth access, health harms, and online sales loopholes. Some opposition groups said they appreciated the amendments but remained concerned about other provisions. Members questioned the bill’s gift-card restrictions and whether they would unnecessarily limit adult purchasing choices; the author and committee staff explained the restriction was aimed at anonymous purchases of the most dangerous items. The bill passed on a 7-0 vote and was left on call for absent members. AB 2564 would prohibit “surveillance pricing,” or using personal data to set individualized prices, while preserving certain transparent discounts and loyalty programs. The author and supporters from Consumer Reports, TechEquity, labor, and privacy groups argued the bill would prevent discriminatory pricing and protect consumers from opaque data-driven price manipulation. Retail, chamber, and industry opponents said the bill was too broad, could chill legitimate discounts and promotions, created compliance and litigation risks, and contained vague definitions. Members discussed the balance between consumer protection and business concerns, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote on AB 2564.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a live rosin vape. It is fully plant-based, full-spectrum, This is a live rosin vape.
• lives because it costs much more than a reputable Texas-based company. ...live their lives because it
• lives because it costs much more than a reputable Texas-based company. live their lives because it costs
• I pray those that can recover and live happy, healthy lives.
• A plant that actually saves lives, lives of veterans, lives of people with immune diseases.

Bills: SB 3 , HB28 , SB3

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: flash flood, flood warning, outdoor warning siren, emergency alert, disaster preparedness, flood mitigation, Hill Country floods, Texas Water Development Board, municipalities, counties, local government mandate, public safety, grant program, backup power, weather siren, emergency management, flood-prone area, warning system, hemp regulation, consumable products