Transcript Highlights:

• In order to be a principal witness, you have had to have filed a letter of opposition with the committee
• With that, we will proceed with the first bill, file item one, Senate Bill 99 by Senator Blakespear.
• Bill file item 1, Senate Bill 99 by Senator Blakespear. Good morning.
• So with that, we'll proceed now to file it in two, which is Senate Bill 758 by Senator Umburg.
• Okay, let's now go back to File 1, SB 99. Blake Speer. Is there a motion? You moved the bill?

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety heard two bills. SB 99 by Senator Blakespear, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense, would improve coordination between civilian and military law enforcement in domestic violence cases involving military protective orders (MPOs). The bill would require courts to check for MPOs in the NCIC system when considering restraining orders, allow MPOs to be admissible evidence, require civilian officers to notify military law enforcement of possible MPO violations, and allow local agencies to enter MOUs with the military. Supporters said the bill would close jurisdictional gaps that can leave survivors unprotected; the ACLU opposed it unless amended, citing due process concerns because MPOs are issued by commanders without court process. The committee discussed amendments to make notification and MOU provisions less automatic and to broaden local agency participation, then passed SB 99 to Judiciary on a 5-0 vote. SB 758 by Senator Umberg, as amended, would make the sale or distribution of products with unnaturally concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) a misdemeanor and would restrict nitrous oxide sales by tobacco retailers while preserving legitimate culinary and medicinal uses. Supporters, including local governments, law enforcement, and public safety advocates, described widespread misuse of nitrous oxide and 7-OH, especially among youth, and cited poisonings, injuries, and deaths. Opponents argued the bill would criminalize adults using kratom-related products for pain relief or harm reduction, questioned the scientific evidence, and urged a regulatory or public health approach instead of prohibition. Committee members largely agreed the issue raised public health questions and supported moving the bill forward with amendments; SB 758 passed to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• In order to be a principal witness, you must have filed a letter of opposition with the committee in
• With that, we will proceed with the first bill, file item one, Senate Bill 99 by Senator Blakspier.
• With that, we will proceed with the first bill, file item one, Senate Bill 99 by Senator Blakspier.
• Bill file item 1, Senate Bill 99 by Senator Blakspier. Good morning.
• Okay, let's now go back to File 1, SB 99. Blake Speer. Is there a motion? You moved the bill?

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety heard two bills. SB 99, by Senator Blakespear, would improve coordination between military and civilian law enforcement in domestic violence cases involving military protective orders. The author and a Department of Defense witness said the bill would help courts and police identify existing military protective orders, allow them to be considered in restraining order proceedings, require notification to military authorities when violations are suspected, and encourage memoranda of understanding between agencies. The ACLU California Action opposed unless amended, citing due process concerns because military protective orders are issued by commanders without court procedures. Members generally supported the bill as a way to protect survivors, and it passed the committee 5-0 to the Judiciary Committee. SB 758, by Senator Umberg, addressed nitrous oxide and concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products sold in retail settings. Supporters, including local officials, law enforcement groups, and parents, argued that nitrous oxide misuse and concentrated 7-OH products are harming youth and communities and that the bill would restrict sales while preserving legitimate culinary uses of nitrous oxide. Opponents, including kratom and drug policy advocates, argued the bill would criminalize adults, that 7-OH is a naturally occurring kratom component with limited evidence of severe harm when used alone, and that regulation rather than prohibition would be preferable. After discussion, the committee adopted amendments narrowing the bill and voted 5-0 to send SB 758 as amended to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• It hears contests of candidacy after candidate filing periods.
• But candidate filing is coming up April 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, right there in the middle of session.
• I think we had upwards of 600 file in 2022 and almost 800 file in 2018.
• Because April 1st, 2nd, 3rd, the Friday is Good Friday, and yes, we will have candidate filing on April
• which is the state election board revolving fund that consists mainly of two Things: one, candidate filing

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We had the file and pay that we stood up this month. We had a lot of stuff going on.
• at the tax side, we do a math audit of every single rec tax return that comes in 700,000 taxpayers filed
• Did you file time? We did you file accurately uses to correct payment.
• You have a filing due date. If you don't make that do gate, the computer said this.
• session for maybe drafting initial legislation or certainly reviewing the good bills you all have filed

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill has evolved significantly from what I filed in the first called special session.
• When I filed House Bill 1, I knew that there would be changes that needed to be made.
• The filed version is not strong enough. Okay, so let's fix it.
• And floods have ravaged our community, and I filed similar legislation that this chamber has passed,
• as filed.

Bills: HB1 , HB 2 , HB 3 , HB 5 , HB20 , HB 22

Keywords: youth camps, emergency preparedness, safety standards, health regulations, camp licensing, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license

Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on the discussion and passage of several key bills, including SB5, which pertains to supplemental appropriations for disaster relief. This bill was passed unanimously, highlighting the committee's commitment to addressing disaster preparedness. HB20, aimed at reducing fraudulent charitable solicitations during disasters, also saw significant debate, with positive sentiments expressed by its sponsor, Mr. Darby. Additionally, HB22, which expands the authority of the comptroller to fund emergency communication systems, was passed with overwhelming support, indicating a consensus on improving emergency response capabilities within the state. The session concluded with discussions about future legislative measures aimed at strengthening infrastructure against disasters.

Transcript Highlights:

• File, thank you members.
• File item one, Assembly Concurrent Resolution 14 by Assemblymember Michelle Rodriguez.
• Moving on to business on the file, item 1, Assembly Bill 4, with amendments by Assemblymember Gabriel
• tally the votes, ayes 57, noes 0, the rules are suspended to take up the bill without reference to file
• Without reference to file Senate Bill 3 by Wiener, by Assemblymember Gabriel. The clerk will read.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• with the office complaints can be filed with the office of<01:02:57.480><c> the</c><01:02:57.600><c>
• people<01:06:59.160><c> who</c><01:06:59.280><c> want</c><01:06:59.440><c> to</c><01:06:59.520><c> file
• who want to file complaints as well<01:07:00.480><c> as</c> well as well as witnesses<01:07:01.800><
• </c><01:08:41.719><c> They</c><01:08:42.000><c> have</c> system to file complaints.
• They have system to file complaints.

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 963, which would make crimes against elders age 60 and over strict liability offenses by removing the requirement that the perpetrator knew or should have known the victim’s age. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that removing the state-of-mind element would create unfair and subjective results and suggesting sentencing enhancements or broader vulnerability-based language instead. Supporters, including Sandy Wong and another testifier with elder-abuse experience, said the current knowledge requirement creates a loophole that lets offenders avoid the elder enhancement even when they target vulnerable older adults. No vote was taken on the measure in the portion provided. The committee also heard HB 384, which increases penalties for promoting minor-produced sexual images, extends probation terms for felony obscenity offenses, tolls the statute of limitations during a victim’s minority, and requires sex offender registration for certain felony obscenity offenses involving minors. The Public Defender opposed the bill as overly broad and warned of absurd results, while the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney supported it, saying the bill addresses sextortion and other exploitation cases where adults solicit images from minors and that the 3-year age-gap threshold preserves ordinary teen relationships. Committee members questioned whether the bill was aimed at adults only and whether the age-gap carveout was narrow enough; the prosecutor said it was intended to cover adult predators and not consensual peer conduct. No final action was reported. HB 1100, which renames the Neighbor Islands Blind and Visually Impaired Service Pilot Program to use “low vision” instead of “visually impaired,” was supported by the Department of Human Services and disability advocates, who said the current term is derogatory and that the change responds to the blind community. The department said it was beginning work on administrative rules and expected to seek an appropriation, with implementation hoped for in 2026. The committee then heard HB 1283, exempting paternity proceedings from mediation when domestic abuse is alleged; the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and others supported it as consistent with divorce law and important for survivor safety. HB 689, creating safe harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement help, drew support from HPD, Emua Alliance, the Judiciary, and others, who said it would prevent traffickers from using prostitution charges to silence victims. Finally, HB 383, reinstating mandatory minimum jail terms for successive violations of protective orders and removing the court’s ability to suspend those minimums, drew opposition from the Public Defender, who said some repeat violations stem from mental health or substance use issues, and support from the Prosecuting Attorney, who argued the bill treats protective orders like temporary restraining orders and preserves judicial discretion within a misdemeanor framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and then we're going to hear Representative Burkel's bill, House File 4148.
• </c> We are going to now discuss house file We are going to now discuss house file 4148<00:47:44.240>
• 4148 be laid over for a that House File 4148 be laid over for a possible<00:48:12.720><c> inclusion<
• 2310, which was recall um House File 2310, which was authored<00:50:40.559><c> by</c><00:50:41.040><
• </c> Burkel renews his motion for House File Burkel renews his motion for House File 41 41 41 48<01:14

Bills: HF4148

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Keywords: Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, Outdoor Heritage Fund, executive director, natural resources, conservation, wetlands, prairies, forests, wildlife habitat, fish and game, bipartisan hiring, interview panel, legislative branch, Minnesota Statutes 97A.056, administrative expenses, nonpartisan staff, council governance, environment and natural resources, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and that it did make filing easier.
• </c><00:59:17.359><c> that</c> meant a lot more claims were filed that meant a lot more claims were filed
• </c><00:59:36.400><c> period</c> system and after the filing period system and after the filing period
• </c><01:08:22.799><c> So,</c><01:08:22.960><c> if</c> adopt this and place it on file.
• So, if adopt this and place it on file.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on January 23, 2026, approved the December 19, 2025 minutes, and adopted the remaining items on the consent calendar after noting several withdrawals. The committee then took up Department of Safety item FIS 26007, which involved Homeland Security/FEMA grant funding for equipment and UAS-related activities. Senators asked whether any of the funding would support federal civil immigration enforcement or shared operations with federal agencies, and about privacy protections for drone data. The department said the grant is governed by federal parameters, that the state uses the remaining 20 percent after federally directed uses, and that privacy law in this area is evolving. The item was adopted on an 8-2 vote. The committee next considered Department of Environmental Services item 26003, which had been withdrawn by the Senate. A senator said concerns about using the funds for a different project had been resolved after speaking with the commissioner, and the item was adopted without further debate. The committee then moved to Department of Health and Human Services item 260005, a request for about $700,000 in remaining ARPA-related funds for the Hampstead children’s facility project. Commissioners explained that the project had been funded in stages because the original appropriation was based on estimates and bid assumptions, and that the remaining money would cover alternates and finish the project without using general funds. Senators raised concerns about repeated requests for additional money, the adequacy of security, site-selection costs, and why the project had not been fully funded at the outset. The department said the project had been intentionally structured to proceed in phases and that required security would be provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let me do the file so I can be surprised here. I went to 528. Just out.
• At the time I was filing this, uh, we were dealing with the loss of my brother-in-law.
• here and filed the bill because I had been requested to do it.
• Um, the House does have the file in terms of who has supported this in the past and now.
• ><c> I</c><00:38:36.640><c> had</c> here and filed the bill because I had here and filed the bill because

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the governor, to submit that on February 15th in printed format, at least one electronic computer file
• the governor, to submit that on February 15th in printed format, at least one electronic computer file
• the governor, to submit that on February 15th in printed format, at least one electronic computer file
• the governor, to submit that on February 15th in printed format, at least one electronic computer file
• the governor, to submit that on February 15th in printed format, at least one electronic computer file

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules reports recommending the resolutions filed by Representative Zlotnik of Lexington
• The Committee on Rules, to whom was referred the order filed by Mr. McMurtry of Dedham and Mr.
• The Committee on Rules reports to whom was referred the order filed by Representatives Cahill of Lynn

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several Committee on Rules reports and related procedural motions. Members adopted a resolution congratulating the Indian Americans of Lexington on their 30th anniversary. The House also adopted orders extending reporting deadlines for the Labor and Workforce Development Committee on House Document 4600 and for the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee on House Document 4598. In addition, the House concurred with a Senate referral sending a petition on host community agreements to the Committee on Cannabis Policy, and it suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow a petition authorizing pre-participation electrocardiogram screenings for interscholastic athletics to go to the Committee on Financial Services. The chamber then considered House No. 1302, a bill on remediation of home heating oil releases, and ordered it to a third reading. Under Rule 7A, the House also advanced several local and policy bills to third reading: House No. 1269 to eliminate penalty charges when canceling auto insurance, House No. 4312 on charter changes for Longmeadow, House No. 4313 allowing print-free digital legal notices for North Brookfield, and House No. 4314 allowing Hingham to use municipal property for a center for active living. On third reading, the House took up House No. 899, dedicating certain park and field space in South Boston. An amendment changed the bill’s language from “a suitable marker” to “suitable markers,” and the bill was then passed to be engrossed as amended. The House also adopted an order to adjourn to the next day at 11 a.m., and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• recommending legislation relative to Massachusetts winning global investment, talent, and innovation was filed
• recommending legislation relative to Massachusetts winning global investment, talent, and innovation was filed
• recommending legislation relative to Massachusetts winning global investment, talent, and innovation, was filed

Summary: The House convened, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and received a Senate petition concerning certain property in Lowell, which was concurred in after suspension of Joint Rule 12 and referred to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling then reported several bills for House consideration, including measures designating October 15 as Pregnancy and Infancy Loss Awareness Day, addressing security bonds, police appointment age requirements in Worcester and Boston, a Somerville net-zero emissions standard for new buildings and major renovations, a waiver of the maximum age requirement for a police officer applicant, maintenance of pre-employment physical exam records in Peabody, smart meters, and an additional alcohol license for Bridgewater. The House suspended Rule 7A, gave the listed bills second reading, and ordered them to a third reading. The chamber also welcomed former Pennsylvania House Speaker Dennis M. O'Brien as a guest of Speaker Mariano. Several bills were then taken up for final action, including a bill naming the Wheeler Park Tennis Courts as the Kim O'Connell Tennis Courts, for which the emergency preamble was adopted, and a bill enacting the membership of the select board in the town of Munson, which was passed to be enacted. A gubernatorial message recommending legislation on Massachusetts winning global investment, talent, and innovation was filed and referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. The House adopted an order to meet again the following Thursday at 11 a.m. and then adjourned. No recorded roll-call votes or substantive opposition were noted in the transcript beyond voice votes and the emergency-preamble count.

Transcript Highlights:

• Leave-filed amendment. Leave-filed amendment, barcode 631-746, by Senator Yarborough.
• Senators, I did not ask if there was any objection to taking up the leave-filed amendment.

Bills: S0760 , S1012 , S1536 , S1582 , S1792

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Keywords: pretrial release, bond conditions, violations of release conditions, violent crimes, victim safety, public safety, warrantless arrest, probable cause, pretrial detention, first appearance hearing, law enforcement immunity, domestic violence, stalking, battery, aggravated assault, robbery, kidnapping, sexual battery, murder, manslaughter

Summary: The Criminal and Civil Justice Committee met with a quorum present and began with a notice that the committee would not present its budget that day, explaining that the budget rollout would be coordinated with House partners and Senate notice requirements, with the next opportunity expected the following week. The committee then moved to legislation, starting with CS for SB 760 by Senator McLean, the Victim Safety and Pre-Trial Release Act, which would address willful violations of court-ordered no-contact conditions for defendants on pretrial release for serious violent crimes. The bill had support from the Florida Sheriffs Association, received no debate, and was reported favorably by roll call vote. The committee next considered SB 1536 by Senator Pizzo on digital voyeurism, described as expanding the reasonable expectation of privacy to include a privately fenced yard. The transcript shows the chair moved on before questions or a vote were taken on that bill. The committee then took up CS for SB 102 by Senator Yarbrough on inmate services, first adopting a leave-filed amendment that revised provisions on inmate welfare trust funds, Medicaid supplemental reimbursement participation, emergency transport reimbursement, and negotiated rates for certain community health care providers, including telehealth and secure-unit care. Justin Senior of the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida testified in information, saying the amendment was a major positive move, and the amended bill was then reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted that two agenda items were being temporarily postponed: CS for SB 1582 on statewide data sharing of secondhand dealer and pawnbroker transactions and SB 1792 on public records for pawnbroker transactions. No further business was raised, and the committee adjourned after a motion by Senator Simon.

Transcript Highlights:

• recommending legislation relative to financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges was filed
• The Committee on Rules, to whom was referred the order filed by Representatives McMurtry of Dedham and
• The Committee on Rules, to whom was referred the order filed by Representatives Madero of Boston and

Summary: The House received a gubernatorial message recommending legislation to finance long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges, which was referred to the Committee on Transportation. The House also acted on several Rules Committee reports extending reporting deadlines for the Labor and Workforce Development and Revenue committees, and it suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition by Rep. Mindy Domb concerning disclosure of consumer information related to tariffs. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee reported several local and special bills for House consideration, including measures to waive age requirements for Boston and Haverhill police applicants, authorize continued employment for a Monterey police officer, and update expungement law. After suspending Rule 7A, the House ordered these bills to a third reading. The House then passed to be engrossed a bill waiving the age requirement for Rodney Alcindor to join the Boston Police Department, and it adopted an emergency preamble amendment before passing to be engrossed a sick leave bank bill for Marnie Jean Goldstein of the Department of Children and Families. The House adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and a special adjournment in memory of Robert S. Hargraves, a former member from Groton. The chamber then adjourned to meet the following day in formal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Corrected journal will be filed in the office of the Senate Secretary.
• That correspondence will be filed in the office of the Secretary. Mr. President.
• That correspondence will be filed in the office of the Secretary.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed.
• Senator Sparks is recognized to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed
• Commission, and the committee substitute basically replaces the filed version of the bill with the Legislative

Committee: Senate Economic Development

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Sparks is recognized to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed
• Senator Sparks is recognized to explain the difference between the committee substitute and the bill as filed
• program at the Texas Workforce Commission, and the committee substitute basically simply replaces the filed

Committee: Senate Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• The first item on the agenda, and the only item on the agenda, is File Item 1, AB 493, Mr.
• Please call the roll for File Item 1, AB 493, Harabedian.
• File Item 1, AB 493, Harabedian.

Committee: House Banking and Finance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I watched the floor pretty closely on bills filed and I noticed when this bill was filed there were a
• lot more than 66 bills that had already been filed.
• I watched the floor pretty closely on bills filed and I noticed when this bill was filed there were a
• and I noticed when this bill bills filed and I noticed when this bill was<00:15:59.920><c> filed</c>
• It bills that had already been filed.

Committee: House Primary and Secondary Education

Keywords: 958, all