Transcript Highlights:

• amendments to House File number 2130. amendments to House File number 2130.
• House file House file number 2442.
• The secretary will read the Senate file numbers. Senate File 2374.
• The secretary will read the House file number: House File 2435.
• file numbers. Senate file number 2374. file numbers. Senate file number 2374.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We had to meet this morning because committees met late in the day yesterday.
• I was kind of late. Late there, Representative.
• No, it applies to all counties, but that's where it should be filed. ...that's where it should be filed
• Before, it said you could file in any county, but this is shall — you should file where you're supposed
• to file, originally, to speed up the process.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If nuts lately and it is a big issue.
• 2024, it did make filing easier.
• Um, and that it did make filing easier.
• <00:59:17.359> that meant a lot more claims were filed that meant a lot more claims were filed
• <00:59:36.400> period system and after the filing period system and after the filing period

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 The committee next considered Department of Environmental Services item 26003, which had been withdrawn by the Senate.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:

• Many individuals never even know they are exposed until it is too late.
• I mean, they have so many files. You know, people often complain about public defenders.
• The problem is they just have so many files.
• He has stayed late. of some consumers in that process.
• He has stayed late. Travis has worked on a number of bills, summaries, and amendments.

Summary: The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the previous day by roll call vote, 126-0. Members then offered several points of personal privilege, including recognition of National Fentanyl Awareness Day and a moment of silence for journalist Ray Hartman. The chamber also welcomed numerous student groups, interns, and other special guests in the gallery. The main floor action centered on the conference committee report for House Bills 2637 and 3155, a very large public safety/criminal justice package. Supporters said it refined earlier legislation, including narrowing juvenile certification to certain A and B felonies, sex offenses, and repeat offenses, adding mental health and cyberstalking provisions, addressing sex offender registry issues, and including a drone-related section with an emergency clause. Critics argued the bill was overly long, multi-subject, and difficult to vet. The House adopted the conference report 124-13, passed the bill 119-18, and then adopted the emergency clause 125-15. The House also passed Senate Bill 834, a consumer protection measure on mortgage modifications and residential sale-leaseback transactions, by 139-1 after members described it as a companion to a House bill and a way to protect homeowners from predatory practices. Senate Bill 937, a land transfer bill authorizing the governor to dispose of certain state properties, passed 137-2 after amendment. Senate Bill 938, which raises recording fees to support the land survey program and recorder of deeds offices, passed 121-21-2 after supporters said the fee had not been increased since 1969 and was needed to keep the program operating. Finally, House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 973, dealing with wholesaler disclosures and land banks, passed 110-36 after an amendment removed a school property right-of-first-refusal provision and added land bank language. The House then moved several other bills to the informal calendar, made announcements, and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't file amendments like this just to file them, but those emails that you all are receiving and
• late filed amendment that sunset Senator McLean, and you're going to find an amendment that he has filed
• , a late-filed amendment that sunsets the language that we're discussing.
• There is no application you can file.
• It was clear because I didn't file any legislation. I filed an amendment.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest and staff introductions. The chamber then took up returning messages from the House and acted on multiple bills, with votes recorded on each. Senate Bill 628 on transportation facility designations was concurred in as amended and passed 31-4 after discussion about naming roads for deceased individuals and an exception for President Trump. The House amendment to the Live Local affordable housing package, CS/CS/HB 1389, was also concurred in and passed 35-0; Senator Claudio explained it as the fourth iteration of the Live Local Act, including new provisions allowing certain affordable housing on qualifying religious property, extending some timelines, and removing accessory dwelling unit language. CS/CS/HB 1451 on utility services was concurred in and passed 30-6 after questions about phasing out surcharges and reporting requirements. The chamber also substituted CS/CS/HB 1279 for SB 7038 and adopted an education amendment package before passing the bill 36-1, while several other measures were temporarily postponed. The Senate then considered CS/CS/SB 484 on data centers and concurred in the House amendment 383-957, passing the bill 31-6. Senator Avila said the amendment strengthened ratepayer protections, required a PSC tariff filing, and directed an OPAGA study on large-scale data centers. Several senators pressed concerns about the removal of the Senate’s nondisclosure agreement prohibition, the possibility of delayed public awareness of data center projects, and whether costs could be shifted to other ratepayers; Avila responded that the amendment preserved local land-use authority and that ratepayer costs could not be borne by the general body of ratepayers. Debate reflected a split between senators who supported the bill as a needed regulatory framework and those who objected to the transparency changes and the loss of the Senate’s original NDA language. Later, the Senate took up land use and development regulations, substituting CS/CS/CS/HB 399 for SB 208. An amendment by Senator Jones to remove language affecting a Fontainebleau Hotel water park project in Miami Beach failed 17-20 after debate over local control and preemption. Senator McLean’s amendments then added a sunset date and other changes, and Senator Claudio’s amendment preserved Miami-Dade’s urban development boundary supermajority protections and related planning provisions. The chamber then began extended debate on Senator Martin’s amendment creating a process for property owners to challenge rural boundary designations and seek compensation or removal from the designation without going to court; supporters framed it as a property-rights and due-process measure, while opponents argued it would undermine local planning, impose costs on taxpayers, and weaken voter-approved rural boundaries in Orange and Seminole counties. The transcript ends amid that debate, with no final vote shown on the rural boundary amendment in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:04.879> in for late approval or approval late in for late approval or approval late
• We have states against DOE, firings, late resignation.
• The entity completes pre-filing paperwork, they file the paperwork, and they get a check.
• The entity completes pre-filing paperwork, they file the paperwork, and they get a check.
• The entity completes pre-filing paperwork, they file the paperwork, and they get a check.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• a party filing their petition.
• And if you're late on your rent, you get a notice to quit.
• I used to file it. I still file another one.
• Senator Fernandez is filing that.
• I still file another one was a first-time homeowner savings accounts which I filed for a long time now

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Housing held its second introductory hearing to frame the session’s housing agenda. Chairs Cyr and Haggerty described the hearing as a chance to hear a wide range of perspectives on Massachusetts’ housing crisis, including underbuilding, zoning and permitting barriers, rising costs, and the need for both state and local action. The committee heard from court, municipal, advocacy, and regional housing leaders, with recurring themes of increasing supply, preserving existing housing, preventing displacement, and expanding resources for renters and homeowners. Chief Justice Diana Horan of the Housing Court said the court is handling more than 40,000 new filings annually with only 15 judges, and estimated the court would need about 21 judges to meet demand. She described complications from RAFT-related stays, mental health and guardianship issues, aging housing stock, and the new eviction sealing law, which she said was being implemented smoothly but may require additional resources if filings continue to rise. The Massachusetts Municipal Association and MAPC emphasized that municipalities need flexibility, funding, and better tools such as MassWorks, Housing Works, H-DIP, 40R reforms, inclusionary zoning changes, and a local option transfer fee; they also said local control concerns and long permitting timelines remain major barriers. MAPC and others stressed that supply growth alone will not solve the crisis and urged continued support for subsidized housing, access to counsel, and modular/off-site construction. Advocates and housing providers focused on displacement, preservation, and tenant protections. Homes for All Massachusetts and Mass Law Reform Institute called for rent stabilization, stronger tenant protections, foreclosure prevention, elimination of junk fees, continued funding for RAFT and HomeBASE, and expanded access to counsel. Mass Union of Public Housing Tenants said the state needs far more extremely low-income housing, more operating subsidy, and major investment to repair public housing, while also supporting tenant technical assistance during redevelopment. Franklin County’s housing authority warned that rural communities are being left out of many state programs and asked for a rural LIHTC set-aside, a permanent rural credit boost, and a review of housing choice programs. A Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation researcher presented findings that communities that add housing generally see stronger municipal finances, and that housing growth can improve property tax and state aid outcomes. Seasonal community representatives from Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket described extreme affordability pressures and the need for tailored tools. Nantucket’s housing trust chair said the island has made progress through local funding, inclusionary zoning, and deed-restricted units, but still needs a real estate transfer fee and faster ways to preserve year-round housing. Across the hearing, members and witnesses repeatedly returned to the need for a mix of production, preservation, tenant protections, and local flexibility, rather than relying on any single policy solution.

Transcript Highlights:

• Could we file a bill banning Bigfoot in the state of Texas? And when asked, I would say no.
• So if it's, I don't know, a shopping mall... ...retail store, they would file a written complaint to
• No lawsuit need be filed, but $100,000 is a tempting reward.
• However, no such lawsuits have been filed against out-of-state abortion providers.
• Act, yet no enforcement lawsuits have been filed. Why not?

Bills: HB7, SB 8, HB7, SB 8

Keywords: abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam, prohibition, state law, sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• chairman and um members Senate file chairman and um members Senate file 447<00:01:22.200> um<
• thank you uh next up Senate file thank you uh next up Senate file 1592<00:32:36.760> uh<00
• file file 787<01:41:42.199> uh<01:41:42.400> Senator<01:41:42.800> man's<01:41:
• 787 is laid over uh Senate file 787 is laid over uh for<01:48:26.360> Sen<01:48:26.760> file
• for Sen file for Sen file 787<01:48:28.960> as<01:48:29.159> amended<01:48:29.800>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If the late-filed amendment, barcode 463-698, is there any objection to the late-filed amendment?
• If the late-filed amendment, barcode 463-698, is there any objection to the late-filed amendment?
• There is one amendment, late-filed amendment barcode 246-180.
• Senator Wright, is there objection to considering the late-filed amendment?
• Is there objection to considering the late-filed amendment?

Summary: The committee first took up CS/SB 1606 on patient access to records. Sponsor Senator Grall explained an amendment that aligned the bill more closely with HIPAA by defining “designated record set,” allowing a 14-day extension, and requiring records to be produced in the requested form if readily producible. Several senators asked about patient portals, legal representatives, and whether the bill applied post-mortem; Grall said the bill was limited to authorized access during the patient’s life. Testimony was largely opposed, with health information and provider groups warning that the bill could create cybersecurity risks, conflict with HIPAA and meaningful-use rules, burden facilities, and improperly broaden access to portals and sensitive records. Supporters argued it would improve patient access and speed. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote after debate on the bill as amended. The committee then considered CS/SB 712 on construction regulations. Grall described provisions on synthetic turf, change orders, public works bidding, elevator rails, alarm contractor scope, tall mass timber, pool and spa contractor scope, spaceport exemptions, permit document limits, and solar/energy storage inspections. Two amendments were adopted: one removed pool and spa contractor language and delayed the change-order provision until July 1, 2025; the other removed the tall mass timber section. Pool contractors testified against the scope expansion in the original bill, while others supported the remaining provisions. Senators raised concerns about the Florida Building Commission process and how the public-works language might affect small-business participation, but the bill as amended was ultimately reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 1288 on parental rights. Grall said the bill would require parental consent for most minor health care decisions, allow parental access to records, restrict surveys/questionnaires, and limit use of biofeedback devices, while preserving certain exceptions such as emergency care and STD testing. An amendment clarified questionnaire opt-outs for K-12 students, added court-order exceptions, addressed DNA sampling for criminal investigations, refined biofeedback language, and added emergency behavioral health exceptions; it was adopted. The bill drew extensive testimony both for and against: supporters said it restored parental authority and protected children from decisions they are not equipped to make, while opponents argued it would endanger minors seeking confidential STI, mental health, or abuse-related care, especially in unsafe homes. Senators also debated whether the bill would conflict with existing laws and whether it could leave some minors untreated. The transcript ends during continued public testimony on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• File.
• >> File. >> File. >> File.
• >> File. >> File. >> File.
• >> File. >> File. >> File.
• there, it's too late. there, it's too late.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• mayors of both Marksville and Bunkie, and I'd like to make that a matter of record, prior to the filing
• Yes, I have it on file right here.
• Late in the evening, but we'll let you talk as long as you want. I appreciate it, but that's it.
• Members of the committee, I realize it is late.
• I know it's late. We've been working hard, but this is very important.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are here for the purpose of hearing one proposal, Senate File 3432, Senator Latz.
• This is a late bill and, just in all candor, this is a vehicle bill.
• Your task is to let us know why the bill is late.
• provisions of Senate Concurrent Resolution Number 6 be suspended for all further proceedings on Senate File

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we have House File 3672. Representative Quam.
• Next, we have House File 3672. Next, we have House File 3672.
• Next, we have Chair Scott with House File 1234.
• <00:29:20.600> 1234 Over the past year, House File 1234 Over the past year, House File 1234
• Uh<00:46:10.320> House<00:46:10.720> File Uh, House File 3554.

Bills: SF856, HF4482, HF3672, HF1234, HF4591, HF3554, HF936

Keywords: Inspector General, fraud prevention, state audit, public funds, misuse, transparency, government accountability, HF4482, Minnesota Historical Society, state historic sites, historic site management, historic preservation, county historical society, local historical society, municipality, county government, admission fees, grants-in-aid, site operations, site maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• carrying house file carrying house file 2429<00:02:21.000> which<00:02:21.160> is<
• has house file has house file 2429<00:32:16.799> which<00:32:16.960> is<00:32:17.120
• <01:02:24.319> 1470 file 1470 file 1470 oh<01:02:26.960> yeah<01:02:27.559> do<01
• Stevenson we will move to house file Stevenson we will move to house file 1310<01:02:46.119>
• committee I will move that house file committee I will move that house file 1310<01:02:49.240>

Bills: HF1470, HF1310, HF1837

Keywords: opioids, substance use, addiction recovery, mental health, state cabinet, HF1310, Office of Cannabis Management, cannabis, marijuana, tribal consultation, government-to-government relationship, Minnesota tribes, Tribal governments, state government, consultation, rulemaking, Indian affairs, cannabis regulation, tribal sovereignty, state-tribal relations

Transcript Highlights:

• File Item Number 5, AB 359 by Ramos.
• File Item Number 6, AB 502 by Pellerin.
• The current filing process for both state and local elected with whom they file campaign statements.
• whom they file campaign statements.
• filing system.

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on March 26, 2025, adopted its 2025-26 committee rules, and approved a five-bill consent calendar. The committee then heard several election-related measures focused on transparency, accessibility, and election administration. AB 775 (Fong) would modernize behested payment reporting by extending filing deadlines, requiring direct filing with the FPPC in most cases, and improving online public access; the FPPC chair testified in strong support, and the bill drew no opposition. AB 287 (Lackey) would require vote centers and polling places to provide accessible parking and curbside voting accommodations for voters with disabilities; Los Angeles County election officials and Disability Rights California supported the bill, while LAUSD raised concerns about parking shortages and storage costs and requested amendments. AB 331 (Pellerin) would clarify that certification of election results is a ministerial duty, address misleading ballot return envelopes, and ensure voter information guides reach incarcerated voters in a usable format; the Attorney General’s office sponsored the bill, while the Secretary of State expressed concerns about the feasibility of a state takeover of county canvassing and said it was working on a solution with the author. The committee members generally supported the bills, emphasizing transparency, voter access, and election integrity. AB 775 and AB 287 both received favorable votes after brief discussion, with members noting the importance of transparency in campaign-related reporting and accessibility for voters with disabilities. AB 331 also passed, though the Secretary of State’s office flagged implementation concerns about the proposed certification backstop and the lack of state equipment and staff to canvass ballots. The chair indicated she would continue working with the Secretary of State and other stakeholders on amendments or a workable remedy. All items ultimately passed out of committee. AB 775 was approved 5-0 and re-referred to Appropriations, AB 287 passed 6-0, and AB 331 passed 6-0 and was re-referred to Public Safety. The committee also later confirmed the votes of absent members and adjourned after all agenda items were disposed of.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, it was in the late 1980s and in 1990 in particular where a lot of the controls were put into
• And so, it was in the late 1980s TIF.
• <00:21:26.320> Um time or whether they're they're late.
• Um time or whether they're they're late.
• Members, I present Senate File 3608.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President, and I do apologize for being late. I had a meeting this morning.
• I had a apologize for being late.
• <00:41:28.000> File Senate Bill 39. File Senate Bill 39.
• File >> the<00:41:28.400> appropriate<00:41:28.720> paperwork.
• <00:41:49.760> the the sponsor and I am now filing the the sponsor and I am now filing the

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened, opened with invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, called the roll, excused absent members, and approved the prior day’s journal. The clerk then reported second-reading bills, including measures on a residential safe room rebate program, planning commission membership, dual credit scholarship programs, missing persons, school transportation, and behavioral health conditional dismissal, which were referred to the Rules Committee. New bills and resolutions were also introduced, including Senate Bill 103 on prescription drugs and Senate Resolution 44 recognizing Kentucky Arts Day. The main floor debate centered on Senate Bill 7, which would allow county officials in counties without permanent regional licensing offices to handle driver’s license renewals and duplicates, including Real ID renewals, with a $25 fee on top of the existing license cost. Supporters argued the bill would reduce long drives, long lines, missed work and school, and restore local access and accountability; several members described it as a necessary but imperfect starting point and noted rural residents were especially burdened by the current system. Opponents or skeptics said the bill was only a band-aid, raised concerns about implementation and whether the executive branch should fix the issue administratively, and some noted they would prefer a stronger statewide solution. After extended debate and several questions about fees, online renewals, and the bill’s limited scope, the Senate voted on SB 7. The bill passed 34-1. Following passage, the Senate recessed briefly for Rules Committee and Committee on Committees meetings, then received committee reports referring additional bills and posting several measures for future consideration. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 43, honoring Graville Reed Jr., and announced it would not meet on Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with the next session scheduled for Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, your bill, Senate File 2085, makes total sense coming from you.
• Now, Senate File 856 many times over.
• <00:02:54.879> total<00:02:55.280> sense Senate File 2085, makes total sense Senate File
• <00:19:14.720> great So um you know uh uh our late great So um you know uh uh our late great
• work that we did with uh my Senate file work that we did with uh my Senate file 2300<00:24:22.159

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know it's late.
• Members are still attending some other committee hearings, and some senators will be coming in late.
• I want to talk about three things today, because the hour is late.
• Zenobia, you're late. Go ahead and come up, ma'am.
• It could be done and placed in the cumulative file.

Bills: HB1022, HB2856, HB3114, HJR5, HB6, HB120, HB210, HB1458, HB1188, HB3126

Keywords: HB 1022, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College, Texas State University System, Education Code, higher education, course levels, upper-level college, lower-division courses, community college-style courses, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Uvalde, Board of Regents, academic programs, university expansion, HB 2856, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, clinical training placements, clinical rotations