Video & Transcript Research : 'spending limits'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 4/8/26
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- You here where there's no limitations.
- is limited. I think it was 3 3.7. is limited. I think it was 3 3.7.
- So we did limit the treatment itself.
- I I I'm I'm pretty sure this spend.
definitely <01:03:03.680>something coverage limits is definitely something coverage limits
Keywords:
infertility, fertility treatment, fertility preservation, IVF, assisted reproductive technology, ART, oocyte retrieval, embryo transfer, egg freezing, sperm freezing, reproductive health, maternity coverage, health insurance mandate, health plan benefits, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, MinnesotaCare, family planning, oncology fertility preservation, chemotherapy
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 04/08/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Local Government Committee Apr 29th, 2026
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- The monies that we are auditing here do flow through the county general fund, and they are limited to
- The monies that we are auditing here do flow through the county general fund, and they are limited to
- The Alameda County Grand Jury has identified that there has been unchecked spending of discretionary
- Transparency and county spending benefits everyone.
- So it limits the use of these funds for an entity that provides health care services, human services,
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Local Government met with a quorum and first approved the consent calendar, including SB 1187 and SB 1388. The committee then heard SB 983, which would authorize the Port of San Diego to use job order contracting for smaller repair and maintenance work; supporters said it would speed up routine repairs and reduce costs, while opponents raised concerns about construction language and project labor agreement effects. The bill was moved to the floor but initially remained on call after a split vote, along with several other measures heard later in the day.
The committee also heard SB 1256, aimed at limiting repeated litigation against a San Diego County housing project, with supporters arguing it would curb duplicative lawsuits and opponents warning it could weaken wildfire safety review. SB 992, which would make permanent and expand a financial oversight option for very small special districts, drew support from county auditors and special districts and passed unanimously. SB 1115, addressing governance failures at the Tulare County Public Cemetery District by allowing supervisors to remove individual trustees under specified conditions, also passed unanimously after testimony about district dysfunction and insurance concerns.
Later, the committee considered SB 1193, which would impose transparency requirements on Alameda County discretionary funding; supporters said it would add guardrails against conflicts of interest, while the county argued its current process is already transparent and the bill is overly restrictive. SB 1383, clarifying that local labor standards cannot be waived through density bonus concessions, passed on a divided vote after labor groups supported it and no opposition testified. SB 1361, intended to prevent local governments from undermining transit projects to avoid SB 79 housing requirements, also passed on a split vote. Finally, SB 1272, the CASH Act, would give homeowners more time to cure certain non-safety code violations; county and code enforcement groups opposed the introduced version but said they were working on amendments, and the bill passed unanimously as amended. The committee adjourned after reporting several bills out, with some measures remaining on call until later votes were taken.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 5 on State Administration May 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- We also recommended the new process for generative AI projects be limited to this and the second round
- We also recommended the new process for generative AI projects be limited to this and the second round
- It was provided on a limited-term basis that expires June 30th of, I guess, 2024.
- It was provided on a limited-term basis that expires June 30th of, I guess, 2024.
- We review our spending every year, but we haven't reviewed or updated our tax code in decades.
Summary:
The subcommittee heard an informational update on the state’s generative AI implementation and related oversight. Administration officials said several proof-of-concept projects have moved into minimum viable product phases, including work at CDTFA and Caltrans, and that CDPH has a May Revision request for up to $8 million to scale up its healthcare facilities inspections project. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the administration to publish a report on lessons learned from each POC and recommended limiting the new generative AI approval process to a pilot through the first two rounds of projects, with continued monthly meetings and stronger legislative oversight. Members pressed for more transparency and questioned why the CDPH request was not included in January; the administration said the cost estimate was not available then and that only one project is seeking additional resources beyond existing departmental budgets.
The committee then reviewed a proposed $400 million loan from the Labor and Workforce Development Fund to the General Fund. Finance and the Labor Agency said the fund has grown because civil penalty revenues have risen sharply, and the loan would be repaid in 2029-30 with provisional language allowing earlier repayment if needed. The LAO agreed the fund could support the loan but warned that recent PAGA reforms may reduce future revenues. Public commenters, including labor and community groups, argued the money should instead support labor-law enforcement and outreach programs such as CWOP, and urged rejection of the loan.
Members also heard a Department of Industrial Relations request for $19.1 million for phase two of Public Works Information Technology System Enhancements, which officials said will support labor-law enforcement and apprenticeship registration. The department said the project was delayed because a prior procurement did not result in a contract award and that completion is now expected in October 2026. The committee then took up an EDD Next reappropriation technical adjustment to extend UI fund spending authority through June 30, 2026; the LAO said the request was fine but again raised concerns about oversight of the larger modernization effort, which EDD said now totals more than $660 million and is expected to continue through 2029.
Finally, the committee discussed DGS’s request for new parking facilities near the May Lee Building and a trailer bill shifting statewide telework policy language from DGS to CalHR while also expanding NDI eligibility for certain CEA employees. The LAO said the telework trailer bill should likely go through the policy committee process instead of budget, and union and employee witnesses strongly opposed it, arguing it would undermine bargaining rights and could be used to narrow telework. In a separate item on the governor’s return-to-office order, administration officials said departments are being directed to move to a four-day in-office expectation starting July 1, 2025, but they had no statewide cost estimate yet because departments are still assessing vacancies, exemptions, and space needs. Members criticized the lack of analysis and said the state should have clearer numbers before moving forward.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Joint Legislative Auditing Committee Feb 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES ARE AND WE NOTED INSTANCES WHERE THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS WERE NOT REVIEWING THE LIMITS
- LIMITS FOR APPROPRIATENESS AND INTO DISTRICTS THERE WERE TWO INDIVIDUALS HAD CARD LIMITS OF $2000 AND
- ON FISCAL TRANSPARENCY THIS IS RESPONSIBLE SPENDING AND IMPROVE ACCOUNTABILITY AND IT IS IMPORTANT FOR
- EMPLOYEE ACCESS PRIVILEGES SHOULD BE LIMITED TO WHAT THEIR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES ARE.
- IT SEEMS INORDINATE. >> ARE YOU REFERRING TO HOW MUCH MONEY THE COLLEGES SPEND ON CONTRACTS?
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nomination of Michael Faulkender, of Maryland, to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury; to be immediately followed by hearings to examine the nomination of Mehmet Oz, of Pennsylvania, to be Administrator of the Centers Mar 14th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Finance Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I've got limited time. Let me ask you one more thing, or a couple more things, hopefully.
- The question is, would you consider addressing this limitation?
- This year we're spending about $600 billion. The last good year we had. have for spending.
- It's a real disgrace that we spend the most and get the least.
- And we can spend less money on the things that could be done a lot more efficiently.
Keywords:
Michael Falkender, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, IRS, taxpayer privacy, nomination process, committee hearing
Summary:
The committee convened to discuss critical issues surrounding the nomination of Michael Falkender for the position of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. This meeting included a series of remarks from committee members who expressed divergent views on Falkender's qualifications and the implications of his appointment. Senator Wyden voiced strong opposition, arguing that Falkender represents harmful policies expected to be perpetuated under the current administration, especially concerning taxpayer privacy and IRS tactics. Meanwhile, other members defended Falkender, noting his extensive experience, including a commitment to transparency in government operations if confirmed.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Ways and Means (02/04/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- the limited money that we have.
- the limited money that we have.
- assistance as we can so it's not limited assistance as we can so it's not limited to<01:46:00.599
- <01:46:12.480>
to extremely tight um we were limited to extremely tight um we were limited - <02:06:29.040>
of situation uh the limit of situation uh the limit of $50,000<02:06:30.760
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on HB 530, a bill to increase funding for New Hampshire’s Affordable Housing Fund. Representative Jessica Lontine, the sponsor, described the state’s housing crisis, citing high rents, low vacancy, and the lack of affordable units. She said the bill would double the annual transfer-tax deposit into the fund from $5 million to $10 million, and she later presented an amendment to hold the Education Trust Fund harmless by directing the housing-fund deposit from remaining revenue after that trust fund is funded. She also explained a prospective appropriation idea tied to a possible future sale of the Laconia State School property, with the goal of supporting community housing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Much of the testimony focused on the shortage of accessible and supportive housing for people with disabilities and aging family caregivers. Lontine, Ben Saul of Visions for Creative Housing Solutions, Lori McIntosh of Our Place NH, and Maddie Mandelbaum all described the difficulty families face in planning for adult children with disabilities as parents age or die. They emphasized that many people need not only affordable housing but accessible, supportive settings, and they argued that state investment would help nonprofit providers build such housing and prevent homelessness or inappropriate institutional placement. Several witnesses also noted that existing projects rely on capital funding and that operating revenues are limited because residents often depend on SSI and Medicaid.
Committee members asked questions about the fiscal impact of the bill and amendment, including whether the proposal would shift money from the general fund or education trust fund and whether the Finance Committee should have final say over spending priorities. Lontine said she understood those concerns but argued that housing should be prioritized. Housing Action New Hampshire’s Tom Duroza also testified in support of the bill, saying the state’s housing shortage is driving record prices and vacancy rates below 1%, and that the Affordable Housing Fund has leveraged more than $500 million in private investment and helped build thousands of rental homes. He said his organization supported the underlying bill but had not yet reviewed the amendment. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll be limiting public testimony to three minutes.
- About 45% of people want to spend tax money on transit and and don't want to spend it on roads.
- About 45% of people want to spend tax money on roads, but not transit.
- But if you ask, do you want to spend it on roads?
- spend tax money on sidewalks, 85% of people want sidewalks. So please support. HB 769.
Bills:
HB769, HB2132, HB3383, HB3792, HB5431, HB5682, HB5677, HB5678, HB5680, HB5681, HB5683, HB5684, HB5685, HB5686, HB4078
Keywords:
environmental regulation, sustainability, business compliance, state oversight, local control, pollution, renewable resources, grant program, neighborhood organization, pedestrian infrastructure, Texas Department of Housing, financial assistance, neighborhood organizations, grants, urban development, safety, public safety, housing development, low income housing, tax credits
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (03/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:11:20.040>
to equivalent this is it's not limited to equivalent this is it's not limited - The department does have limited authority and limited oversight of schools, but in RSA 21-N:9, and I'm
- Absolutely. because you're spending less time because you're spending less time chasing<01:16:07.760>
- <01:54:48.280>
on followed thereafter are there limits on followed thereafter are there limits - service for example that limits service for example that limits information<03:07:04.840>
sharing
Summary:
The House Judiciary Committee met to hear House Bill 520, which would authorize the Department of Education to issue subpoenas in investigations and hearings involving the code of conduct for New Hampshire educators. Representative Lynn, the bill sponsor, said the measure was intended to give the department standard subpoena power during investigations and in later adjudicatory proceedings, with a process for challenging overbroad subpoenas. He argued that agencies with investigative and hearing authority should also have the power to compel witnesses and documents, and said the bill was narrowed from an earlier broader draft to focus on teacher credentialing and address concerns about scope.
Members raised several concerns about whether the department already has enough authority, whether the Attorney General could handle subpoenas instead, and whether the bill creates an imbalance by giving subpoena power mainly to the investigating side. Representative Burroughs said she did not feel she had enough information and was uncomfortable with the bill, especially regarding who bears subpoena costs. Representative Biron questioned the trial analogy and whether both sides truly have equal subpoena rights. Lynn responded that the investigative stage is like a grand jury process, where only the investigating body subpoenas witnesses, while the adjudicatory stage allows both sides to seek subpoenas through the hearing officer.
Other questions focused on the bill’s scope. Representative Andreos asked what investigative authority the Department of Education already has, and Representative Organ questioned why the bill is limited to educators rather than also covering vendors, charter school boards, or the EFA scholarship organization. Lynn said the limitation to educators was deliberate, because earlier broader versions drew objections for being too expansive. Representative Tur asked whether the Attorney General could already handle such matters, and Lynn said that while the AG might be able to pursue some investigations or court subpoenas, agencies should be able to conduct their own internal investigations. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- deduction uh which would be limited deduction uh which would be limited under<00:07:56.400>
the - <00:34:12.000>
on modification of how the limit on modification of how the limit on business - <00:34:30.000>
by uh increase the amount of the limit by uh increase the amount of the limit - three, uh, we do not want to limit three, uh, we do not want to limit questions<00:36:32.240>
- 30% limit on business interest. 30% limit on business interest.
Keywords:
taxation, pass-through entity, qualifying owner, partnership, S corporation, tax return, corporate franchise tax, individual income tax, research expenditures, federal compliance, Minnesota Statutes, income tax, corporate tax, section 179, federal conformity, HF3815, Minnesota taxes, tax conformity, Internal Revenue Code, IRC conformity
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- , Massachusetts and have these bet limits, Massachusetts and have these bet limits, which<01:17:40.560
- <01:17:42.000>
the which means that we'd be limiting the which means that we'd be limiting - which we currently have a wager limit on table games.
- Um, this is under my limit. I think that, you know, it is money well spent.
- <01:34:51.360>
and <01:34:51.600>it resource limit and it resource limit and it also
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, June 4, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:05:45.199>
to leaders and the minority whip limited to leaders and the minority whip limited - remind you, Mr. speaker that we spend remind you, Mr. speaker that we spend about<04:51:59.360><
- years from now, we're going to spend years from now, we're going to spend $1.1<04:52:07.958>
- drugs such as Narcan, which can limit drugs such as Narcan, which can limit usage<05:11:13.920><
- limits under the 115 Medicaid waiverss." limits under the 115 Medicaid waiverss."
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, January 21, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:05:13.680>
to leaders and the minority whip limited to leaders and the minority whip limited - My message to Governor Ferguson is this: Get spending under control.
- <00:25:48.480>
Get <00:25:48.720>spending Governor Fergus is this. - Get spending Governor Fergus is this. Get spending under<00:25:49.440>
control. - , bureaucracy, cutting wasteful spending, bureaucracy, cutting wasteful spending, and<07:17:06.558
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Sep 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- And when you came into that session, that gap would become your non-recurring spending and you'd spend
- I should spend a second to point out that when we talk about spending targets, 6% would include revenue
- Do we limit her executive orders?
- Over a billion dollars we're spending.
- They're trying to tighten down exactly how they're going to spend money for five years, limiting your
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It brings significant spending on hotels, restaurants, transportation, and local businesses.
- The increased spending generates more sales tax revenue.
- The increased spending generates more sales tax revenue for the state and local governments.
- The reason I ask, Senator, is because the NRA has some questionable history on spending.
- We're not trying to limit their speech. We're trying to keep them from limiting your speech.
Summary:
The Senate first adopted a motion to move the intent calendar deadline to 4 p.m. and then took up several bills by suspending the regular order of business. Senate Bill 2031, concerning removal of high fences around breeder deer release sites, passed after an amendment shortened the testing period from five years to three, tied visible identification requirements to the date Parks and Wildlife began requiring them, and made the bill effective immediately. Senate Bill 1490, a cleanup to adult charter high school funding, and Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2227, creating a process for delayed birth certificates and renamed the Charles E. Barton Act, both passed unanimously after floor amendments. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1964, regulating artificial intelligence systems used by state agencies, also passed unanimously after the author described guardrails for high-risk AI and disclosure requirements.
The Senate then considered Senate Bill 2877, which increases penalties for election fraud and related attempts; after debate over whether existing law already covers some conduct and whether the bill was necessary given the small number of convictions, it passed to engrossment and later final passage on a 21-10 vote. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2658, on brackish groundwater production and study, passed after four amendments, including one giving water districts authority to stop production if monitoring shows harm to freshwater supplies or subsidence and another returning a portion of transported water revenue to districts. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 648, strengthening recording requirements for real property instruments to help prevent deed theft, also passed on a 26-4 vote.
Other measures approved included Committee Substitute Senate Bill 401, making it easier for homeschool students to participate in UIL activities through local district opt-in/nearest-district participation rules; Committee Substitute Senate Bill 407, requiring health care facilities to honor conscience or religious vaccine exemptions for employees, despite extensive questioning about patient safety and immunocompromised patients; Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2117, creating a Texas Committee on Foreign Investment to review risky foreign acquisitions; Senate Bill 1718, adding the NRA annual meeting to the major events reimbursement program after a failed amendment seeking equal space for gun-control advocacy; Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1626, clarifying limits on censorship and interference with digital expression by social media platforms; and Senate Bill 2206, updating the state R&D franchise tax credit and related sales tax treatment, which passed 31-0.
The chamber also debated Senate Bill 1395 on school health advisory councils. An initial amendment to restore voting seats for teachers and school employees failed, but a later amendment by Senator West added students back in an advisory, non-voting capacity. The Senate then handled routine motions, committee scheduling, first-reading referrals, and adjourned until April 29, with the session ending in memory of two constituents.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 26th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It'll focus utilities on spending money better, not spending more money.
- Investors like that spending because they earn a return on it, and it lowers the risk of a huge fire
- We need them to spend money better, not spend more money.
- When the state spends public dollars on construction, workers should be paid fairly.
- limit where they can be located, away from a school or daycare center, 600 feet away.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journals, and confirmed three gubernatorial appointments: Doreen Diyamo to the State Water Resources Control Board, Dr. Anne Maria de Mars to the State Athletic Commission, and Ronald Fiore to the State Athletic Commission. The chamber then took up a series of floor items, including SB 73 on election security, SB 929 on annual reporting by the California Energy Commission, SB 1370 on wildfire-related oversight testimony, SB 983 on Port of San Diego contracting authority, SB 1367 on restricting new detention-facility land use approvals, SB 1257 on annual reporting of immigration enforcement incidents, SB 1103 on retailer reporting related to immigration enforcement, SB 1399 on continuing DOJ reviews of immigration detention facilities, SB 873 on limiting ICE arrests near courthouses, SB 1292 on pilot camera/sensor enforcement for curb management, SB 878 on insurance prompt-payment penalties, SB 958 on CEQA clarification for building-height impacts, SB 924 on low-income energy assistance, SB 1057 on certification changes for nurse assistants and home health aides, SB 1092 on resident bid opportunities for mobile home park sales, SB 1123 on considering consumer benefits in regulatory analysis, SB 1233 on utility rate transparency, SB 1237 on pay equity reporting enforcement, SB 886 on data-center cost allocation, SB 905 on utility executive incentives and ratepayer protections, SB 909 on public works wage enforcement, and SB 925 on a statewide fusion-energy roadmap.
Most of the debate centered on election security, immigration enforcement, utility rates, housing and land use, and environmental/CEQA policy. SB 73 drew sharp support and opposition over ballot custody and law-enforcement access at voting locations, with supporters framing it as a response to election interference and opponents arguing it would hinder legitimate investigations and raise constitutional concerns; the urgency clause and the measure both passed. Immigration-related bills were defended as protections for vulnerable communities and court access, while opponents argued they would obstruct enforcement and public safety. Energy and utility bills were presented as ratepayer protections and transparency measures, with supporters emphasizing affordability and accountability and opponents warning about regulatory burdens and impacts on business and utility operations. SB 954 generated extensive discussion over whether it appropriately refined last year’s CEQA exemptions for advanced manufacturing or improperly rolled back housing-related reforms; supporters said it added needed guardrails and labor/environmental protections, while opponents said it would add bureaucracy and uncertainty.
Several measures passed on recorded votes, including SB 73, SB 929, SB 1370, SB 983, SB 1367, SB 1257, SB 1103, SB 1399, SB 873, SB 1292, SB 878, SB 958, SB 924, SB 1057, SB 1092, SB 1123, SB 1233, SB 1237, SB 886, SB 905, SB 909, and SB 925. SB 958 passed unanimously without objection, and SB 925 also passed unanimously. The transcript ends during continued debate on SB 954, with supporters and opponents still discussing the bill’s CEQA, housing, labor, and manufacturing provisions.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Nov 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Those who are working are only earning at the edge of their income limit.
- Okay, I'm not gonna... to spend a ton of time talking about H.R. 1.
- There are limits on how much we can do to increase payment rates.
- We're going to have to spend more out of our budget just due to the change with HR1.
- To spend that higher cost share, and I think that's really what's delicate.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Apr 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- there's an actual: what did they actually spend at the end.
- A number of those are also limited term.
- There's no real time to debate about whether or not we need to spend it.
- We need to spend it quickly.
- There's no real time to debate about whether or not we need to spend it.
Summary:
The hearing was an informational budget session on energy agency proposals, with no votes taken. Early discussion focused on Proposition 4 climate bond implementation, including funding for demand-side grid support, offshore wind development, and transmission financing. The Department of Finance said the budget includes allocations for demand-side grid support and offshore wind, but not yet for the $325 million transmission financing piece pending a required study. The Legislative Analyst’s Office urged the Legislature to consider whether to wait on offshore wind funding, whether to keep shifting funds into demand-side grid support, and how to direct future transmission financing. Members also raised concerns about local technical assistance for offshore wind, Salton Sea priorities, and the need for more information before final decisions.
The California Energy Commission and CPUC then reviewed the broader energy package. The CEC highlighted the demand-side grid support program’s growth, distributed energy backup assets, long-duration storage, hydrogen grants, and the SIRP clean energy reliability program. CPUC testimony emphasized affordability, wildfire mitigation costs, rooftop solar cost shifts, and efforts to reduce rates while maintaining reliability and clean energy goals. Members questioned CPUC staffing, delays in proceedings, coordination with the CEC and CAISO, and the impact of rate increases on customers. The agencies also discussed the AB 3264 transmission financing study, with CPUC saying work on the study had already begun and was on track for the July 1 deadline.
Several trailer bill and implementation items were also discussed. The committee reviewed a proposal to extend the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program surcharge, with members split over whether it should be handled in budget trailer bill language or policy legislation; the administration said the surcharge supports a critical program serving about three-quarters of a million Californians. The committee also heard a CPUC data-sharing proposal to allow nondisclosure agreements for transmission and reliability data, which members generally supported as a technical fix. DWR explained a proposal to clarify language for the Electricity Supply Strategic Reliability Reserve so it can potentially sell three gas-fired units it owns, and the CEC presented a federal transmission grant proposal tied to grid-enhancing technologies and ratepayer cost recovery. Finally, the committee discussed California Lifeline and possible broadband pilot reforms in light of uncertainty around federal Universal Service Fund support, with CPUC saying it is exploring a statewide standalone broadband option for eligible customers.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- Spending on our… Spending on our schools and kids is one of the best ways we can use our resources.
- based on their previous year's spending and the current… Previous year's spending and the current needs
- And it limits tuition increases in order to provide some support with the new excess spending changes
- The excess spending mechanism is imperfect.
- When spending is compressed faster than...
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- We are spending millions of dollars to equip vehicles... ...carriers.
- Despite this obvious need, our options are extremely limited.
- He developed sores, so he had to spend two months in bed.
- Manny was limited to just his bedroom and bathroom.
- This socially isolated him from spending time with his friends and his son.
Summary:
The Public Safety and Homeland Security Joint Committee heard testimony on several bills focused on accessibility, fire safety, and transportation safety. House 2569, expanding adaptable housing for people with disabilities and seniors, drew broad support from Rep. Christine Barber, disability advocates, and members of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council. Witnesses said the bill would close gaps in the Architectural Access Board’s authority, require more adaptable housing in rehabs and older conversions, and extend accessibility requirements to employee-only work areas. They emphasized the shortage and cost of accessible housing, the benefits for aging in place, and the risk of institutionalization when accessible units are unavailable.
The committee also heard strong support for House 2577, which would allow local fire departments to inspect and enforce fire code compliance in state-owned buildings. Rep. Robert Cataldo and Boston Fire Chief Pat Ellis described this as closing a long-standing loophole that leaves state properties outside local fire-code enforcement, despite the hazards posed by aging state buildings and life-safety systems. Fire service representatives also supported bills to create a statewide technical rescue system under the Department of Fire Services, standardizing training, equipment, funding, and coordination across regional rescue teams, and they backed related fire-safety measures including sprinkler-related legislation and professionalism measures.
Rep. James O’Day testified for House 2676, which would require window screens to prevent child falls, arguing it is a common-sense safety measure and noting recent fatal incidents. Ann Shuey and John Kalura testified for House 2601, which would require motor coach passengers to wear seat belts, citing a family tragedy, low seat-belt use, and research showing signage can improve compliance. Steven Poglisi of NAGE supported House 2568, requiring carbon monoxide alarms in public buildings, describing a past CO exposure incident involving a union member. The committee took no votes on the bills during the hearing and adjourned after testimony concluded.