Video & Transcript : 'campaign planning' :

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House/Senate DFL Media Availability 2/27/26

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Donald Trump's government and his retribution campaign is harming Minnesotans.
  • The Republican affordability plans are an insult to people.
  • 03:57.599><c> are</c> The Republican affordability plans are The Republican affordability plans are an
  • This retribution campaign is simply harming the most vulnerable Minnesotans.
  • If we do a bonding bill, which we plan to do, we'll have to pay for the debt service.
Keywords: 1183, house
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • By focusing on our California brand campaign.
  • But we plan to leverage this brand campaign to grow the key sectors that we're focused on, as well as
  • together and to build the plans—but we worked very closely.
  • But at the end of the day, each of the regions came up with plans.
  • So, of course, they're doing unique and focused and activated plans.
Keywords: 988, house, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • On the end implementation of this plan.
  • If you haven't, take a minute to look at the marketing campaigns that they put together, their ad campaigns
  • The campaigns are fantastic, and they run campaigns in countries around the world.
  • They're planning to expand to 88 employees over their five years.
  • This is why we have proposed the plan.
Keywords: 988, house, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-28 (1:00PM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It would still have the three parts regarding the mitigation fees, the streamlined comp plan approval
  • One is streamlining the comp plan process.
  • Please explain any differences if you plan to substitute for the Senate.
  • Please explain any differences if you plan to substitute for the Senate bill.
  • Finally, as a reminder, we plan to have the local bill calendar on Wednesday, April 30th.
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, pledge, and several recognitions, including remarks from Senator Berman on Democratic priorities and introductions of military leaders and an intern. The chamber then moved through a long special-order calendar, with many bills substituted to House companions, amended, and passed, while several others were temporarily postponed. Major measures approved included the dangerous dogs/Pam Rock Act (SB 572/HB 593), which tightened penalties and procedures for dog attacks and passed 36-0; local government land regulation (SB 1080), which was amended to remove agricultural enclave language and passed 26-8; vessel/freedom-related legislation (SB 1388/HB 1137), which passed 35-0; blood clot screening and treatment (SB 890/HB 1421), which added registry and training provisions and passed 36-0; fleeing or eluding law enforcement (SB 468/HB 113), which increased offense levels and passed 36-0; concealed carry/licensing for certain officers and service members (SB 490/HB 383), which passed 33-3; timeshare management (SB 496/HB 897), which clarified governance and annual meeting requirements and passed 36-0; background screening education (SB 614/HB 531), which created a public webpage and passed 36-0; utility service restrictions (SB 1002/HB 1137), which preempted local energy-source restrictions and passed 36-0; Medicaid oversight (SB 1060), which created a joint oversight committee and passed 35-0; health facilities authorities (SB 68), amended to make fentanyl urine screening more discretionary, and passed 36-0; and veterans’ nursing home beds (SB 78/HB 797), which authorized veteran- and spouse-designated beds and passed 36-0. The chamber also passed disability history and awareness instruction (SB 540/HB 447), a highly personal bill honoring Evan Hartzell that drew extended debate about disability language, inclusion, and education; it passed 35-0 after 35 co-sponsors were added. Manufacturing policy bills SB 600 and SB 602 were approved after amendments to add reporting, ranking metrics, and fee-use restrictions, both passing 35-0. Educational opportunities for military children (SB 1528) passed 36-0 after testimony from student sponsors and senators praising the bill’s origin. Several other bills, including Medicaid oversight, mammograms, Parkinson’s disease, condominium/cooperative associations, waste management, human trafficking, and Bright Futures, were postponed or not taken up during this segment.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • ,</c><00:13:08.880><c> against</c> illegal taxpayer funed campaign, against illegal taxpayer funed campaign
  • That is example, your campaign finance.
  • </c><00:26:28.559><c> We</c> people to finance our campaigns. We people to finance our campaigns.
  • Likewise, when it finance our campaigns.
  • All important to the planning as well.
Summary: The committee met to approve the October 21 minutes and then took up BR 25 for the 2026 regular session, a proposal relating to prohibited uses of tax dollars and public resources. The sponsors said the bill is intended to strengthen existing law by adding civil and criminal penalties for taxpayer-funded advocacy on ballot questions, especially in light of controversies during the 2024 election over school officials and districts using public resources to oppose a constitutional amendment. They also described related concerns about school districts hiring third-party lobbyists and public relations firms, particularly in Fayette County, and said the proposal was meant to keep tax dollars focused on public services rather than political persuasion. Committee members raised several concerns about scope and drafting. Some asked whether the bill should specifically mention schools, school boards, and school employees, and the sponsors said they would add that language. Others questioned whether the measure would also affect local government lobbying through groups like KLC and KCO, and the sponsors said they intended to focus narrowly on schools while exempting certain advocacy organizations and internal government lobbyists. Members also asked whether public employees could still speak as private individuals, and the sponsors said yes. Several members suggested splitting the lobbying and ballot-advocacy issues into separate bills, and the sponsors said they would consider that. Members also pressed for clarification on how the bill would apply in practice, including whether it would cover legal challenges to petition drives or only advocacy after a question is on the ballot. Counsel for the sponsors said the bill would not cover some petition-related litigation as drafted, though they believed it should. The sponsors and supporters argued the proposal was needed to give the existing prohibition real enforcement, while some members warned that the language could unintentionally limit legitimate public representation or be too broad if not carefully drafted. No final vote was taken during the discussion.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 2/19/25

Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um, I have no other questions and plan on supporting the bill so we can keep it moving.
  • campaign about the dangers<00:43:44.640><c> and</c><00:43:44.920><c> consequences</c><00:43:45.559><
  • on seat belts Safety messaging campaigns on seat belts click<00:43:55.040><c> at</c><00:43:55.160><c
  • </c><00:52:27.680><c> um</c> about an awareness campign campaign um about an awareness campign campaign
  • Coincidentally, he had campaigned for her opponent.
Keywords: 1183, house
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • The agenda describes the budget language requiring these plans, but to summarize, plans were required
  • Now I'll focus on the turnaround plans.
  • We reviewed CSU's turnaround plans, and as CSU just shared, the plans identify campus strategies for
  • So I think that you all have laid out a really nice plan to do that, but I think that plan is only as
  • So I already mentioned our CSU Forward strategic plan, which is our system-wide strategic plan, our clear
Summary: The committee first heard updates from the California State University on its turnaround plans for seven campuses with enrollment declines. CSU said overall enrollment has grown for three straight years, but some campuses—especially in Northern California—continue to face structural declines tied to demographics and community college pipelines. The system described campus-specific strategies such as outreach to stopped-out and adult learners, guaranteed admissions, partnerships with community colleges and high schools, expanded high-demand programs, and cost reductions including hiring freezes, program suspensions, and shared administrative services. The LAO said the plans were reasonable but urged regular reporting so the Legislature can track results. Committee members pressed CSU for ongoing implementation updates, stronger recruiting efforts, and safeguards around AI use; CSU said it would continue regular check-ins and share best practices across campuses. The second item focused on the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education and its request for a $10 million General Fund appropriation to repay a special fund loan used for litigation costs. DCA and BPPE said the bureau has long had a structural deficit and has already cut positions, streamlined operations, and shifted some costs to the Student Tuition Recovery Fund, but still needs fee increases through the sunset review process. The LAO opposed the General Fund backfill, arguing the bureau can cover near-term costs with its loan, that litigation costs should generally be borne by regulated entities through fees, and that using General Fund money could set a precedent. Finance supported the one-time backfill as a way to avoid larger fee increases on institutions and to isolate the litigation expense from the bureau’s ongoing structural shortfall. Members asked how the bureau would avoid repeating the problem; BPPE said it has updated policies and practices, including disability accommodation procedures and non-discrimination training. The committee then reviewed Cal Grant funding and program updates from CSAC, UC, CSU, and the community colleges. CSAC said the Governor’s budget would increase Cal Grant funding to about $3.2 billion in 2026-27, driven by enrollment growth and higher tuition at UC and CSU, and highlighted efforts to improve payment processing and financial aid data. UC and CSU emphasized that Cal Grants are central to affordability and debt reduction, while also warning that federal changes under H.R. 1 could reduce access to loans and harm graduate and part-time students. Community colleges reported rising aid applications and awards, but said students still face major affordability barriers, especially mixed-status and undocumented students, and asked for more support for aid administration and completion grants. The chair repeatedly asked for data on eligible students who are not receiving Cal Grants and for a phased-in path to implement the Cal Grant Equity Framework; Finance said full implementation would cost hundreds of millions and the state is not currently in a position to fund it. Finally, the committee began discussion of the Middle Class Scholarship Program. CSAC said the program helps low- and middle-income students cover total cost of attendance, not just tuition, and warned that cutting funding by more than half would reduce award coverage from 35% to 17.5% of cost of attendance. CSU and UC said the program is important for reducing student debt and supporting affordability, and CSU noted recent administrative changes have reduced workload and award adjustments. The hearing continued into the next agenda item after these presentations.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Your agenda describes the budget language requiring these plans, but to summarize, plans were required
  • Now I'll focus on the turnaround plans.
  • We reviewed CSU's turnaround plans, and as CSU just shared, the plans identify campus strategies for
  • So I think that you all have laid out a really nice plan to do that, but I think that plan is only as
  • I already mentioned our CSU Forward strategic plan, which is our system-wide strategic plan, with our
Keywords: 987, senate, all
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
  • and conceptual land use plans, including that a five-year disposition plan be completed for each county
  • and that both plan types be updated within two years of the effective date.
  • conceptual land use plans, including that a five-year disposition plan be completed for each county and
  • that both plan types be updated within two years of the effective date.
  • The Poor People's Campaign didn't stop in 1968.
Summary: The caucus reviewed a large number of House bills, mostly on third-read consent or for floor strategy, covering education, health, water, land, energy, housing, taxation, and public safety. Topics included ESA administration funding, AI in schools and legal communications, towing and DUI changes, health facility licensing and nursing records, internationally trained physicians, nurse anesthetist reimbursement, childhood cancer research, cybersecurity encryption, school mental health instruction, superintendent pay and benefits, adoption disclosures in college health settings, anti-Semitism provisions, school safety firearms authorization, coerced abortion penalties, domestic violence testimony standards, border health and terrorism-related bills, and multiple water, land, and state trust land measures. Several members flagged concerns about unfunded mandates, local control, constitutional issues, and special legislation, while others supported bills as technical fixes, public safety measures, or ways to expand access and funding. A number of bills were pulled from consent for further discussion, including HB 2020, HB 2093, HB 2386, HB 2481, HB 2575, HB 2906, HB 2040, HB 2136, HB 2665, HB 2904, HB 2957, HB 2044, HB 2352, HB 2667, HB 2830, HB 2307, HB 2425, HB 2426, HB 2427, HB 2497, HB 2751, HB 2780, HB 2804, HB 2926, HB 4030, and HCR 2052, among others. Some bills were noted as unanimous or split votes, and several were described as party-line or having constitutional problems. The caucus also discussed committee amendments on multiple measures, including changes to water, land, health, and AI bills. The meeting ended with a series of remarks on the late Reverend Jesse Jackson and an “affordability award” presentation to Representatives Lorena Austin and Simacek for work on economic justice and working families. The caucus then adjourned.
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session - 2026-05-14 - 10:00AM

Vermont Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> from I just don't believe Planned from I just don't believe Planned Parenthood<00:37:39.680><c>
  • </c><00:37:49.320><c> Planned</c> money from outside areas. Planned money from outside areas.
  • Planned Parenthood have been put on the Planned Parenthood have been put on the working<00:41:25.600>
  • It could become a campaign issue because those forms are available to the public.
  • And it would become a campaign issue in that sense.
Keywords: 927, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Education Pre-K - 12 Nov 18th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • We try to develop an intervention plan. What can we do?
  • We did invest a few years back, many years back, in a campaign on time all day, every day.
  • days because we do have plenty of families who do want to plan their vacations.
  • The first one, we had to develop an attendance matters campaign.
  • I'm going to click on... ...to our campaign.
Summary: The committee on Pre-K through 12 Education met to discuss chronic absenteeism, district attendance interventions, and related truancy procedures. Chair Simon reviewed Florida’s attendance laws and escalation process, including school-based interventions, child study team meetings, referrals to the Department of Juvenile Justice, truancy petitions, and possible sanctions for parents and driving privileges. The committee heard first from University of Florida professor Dr. Chris Curran, who presented state and national absenteeism data showing chronic absenteeism has risen sharply since the pandemic, with Florida at about 31.4% in 2023-24. He emphasized that absenteeism has multiple causes, including transportation, mental health, housing instability, safety concerns, and family barriers, and said effective responses include early warning systems, multi-tiered supports, mentoring, and community partnerships rather than relying only on punitive measures. Members questioned Dr. Curran about whether absenteeism is a behavior or barrier issue, whether exclusionary discipline is counted, the need for a uniform definition across districts, and whether more punitive truancy enforcement is effective. He said the issue is usually a mix of barriers and choices, that excused and unexcused absences both matter for chronic absenteeism data, and that root-cause analysis and supportive interventions are generally more productive than punishment alone, though consequences can still play a role. The committee then heard from Collier County Superintendent Leslie Ricciardelli and district staff, who described a highly structured attendance system built around attendance specialists, social workers, mental health staff, home visits, attendance contracts, multilingual outreach, and frequent parent notifications. They said Collier’s chronic absenteeism rate was about 9% in 2023-24 and credited their success to early contact, community partnerships, and a strong district culture around attendance. Volusia County Schools Executive Director Mike McAuliffe described a newer districtwide attendance initiative that uses automated letters, same-day notifications, data dashboards, MTSS tiers, incentives, and community supports such as bikes, washers and dryers, and faith-based partnerships. He reported Volusia reduced chronic absenteeism from 34% in 2023-24 to a projected 29% and said the district is now seeing about 20% in the first quarter of the current year. No formal votes were taken.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 23rd, 2026

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Are you saying we shouldn't have campaign finance laws generally? Mr. Lauer: Thank you, Mr.
  • Therefore, no campaign finance law should restrain them. Mr. Lauer: Thank you very much, Mr.
  • So are you saying that our campaign finance law should not apply to churches? Mr. Lauer...
  • You know, there's a lot of things about the campaign finance laws I don't like either.
  • And he said, well, because I'm being paid to do it, and paid by the campaign.
Keywords: 989, all
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Apr 1st, 2026

State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • If you look at our master street map in our 20-year plan, you see tons and tons of investment that are
  • A candidate living in Kuna would need to campaign and start, and a commissioner could be elected by 80%
  • with this, just because it's a part-time gig and then having to try to raise the money to run a campaign
  • and An entity that deals with comprehensive planning and safety of children getting to and from school
  • and an entity that deals with comprehensive planning and safety of children getting to and from school
Committee: House State Affairs
Keywords: 989, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Ethics and Elections Jan 13th, 2026

Ethics and Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you for allowing me to present Senate Bill 414, use of campaign funds for campaign-related child
  • This bill will allow campaign funds to be used for campaign-related child care, which is already allowed
  • We were discussing the governor's travel plans, and they were exempted from public.
  • We were discussing the governor's travel plans, and they were exempted from public.
  • We were discussing the governor's travel plans, and they were exempted from public.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> or event as determined by the Campaign or event as determined by the Campaign Finance<00:01:57.320
  • So, the event is not a luxury service or event as determined by the Campaign Finance Board.
  • </c><00:02:15.440><c> Finance</c> as determined by the Campaign Finance as determined by the Campaign
  • It uh directs the Campaign and policies.
  • </c> that, so we'll plan on laying it over. that, so we'll plan on laying it over.
Keywords: 919, house, all
Summary: The committee first took up HF 2526 and received a walkthrough of the DE1 amendment from nonpartisan staff. The amendment revised the bill’s gift and ethics provisions by defining local government and public safety officer, narrowing covered mental health or wellness services to those provided by a qualified mental health professional and tied to recovery from a traumatic event, excluding luxury services or events as determined by the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board, and allowing local governments to adopt additional gift restrictions. It also added a bribery-related provision for gifts made with intent to influence a public safety officer. Members noted the language had been worked on by Representatives Duran, Vernig, and Freiberg, and the DE1 was adopted unanimously. HF 2526, as amended, then passed to the floor on a voice vote. The committee then turned to HF 3722, which would remove deceased voters from the state voter registration system. The bill author argued that deceased voters should not remain on the rolls and that removing them would clean up the voter list. Secretary of State staff testified in opposition, saying deceased voters are already kept in a separate deceased status, not on active rolls, and that retaining the record helps flag suspicious activity and preserves voter history in case of administrative error. A second testifier described a real case in which a deceased voter’s retained record helped election officials identify and investigate a fraudulent ballot. After discussion, the committee tabled HF 3722. Finally, the committee heard HF 3723, which would require additional verification for absentee ballot applications and permanent absentee voters. Supporters said the bill would help ensure ballots are not sent to people who have died or moved out of state. Secretary of State staff opposed the bill, saying most voters are already verified at registration, that the proposed checks would duplicate existing procedures, and that additional verification could create delays or false rejections. A testifier also objected to the bill’s effective date, saying it would take effect only days after absentee voting begins. The sponsor argued that voters remain on the permanent list indefinitely and that periodic verification is needed because people move or die; the committee did not reach a final vote in the portion provided.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • relocate a species or impact a wetland, the right people are at the table as part of the overall planning
  • And I want to shift gears a little bit and ask you about your time chairing the Yes on Two campaign.
  • So I was going to mention the political campaign about Amendment 2.
  • So I was going to mention the political campaign about Amendment 2.
  • So I was going to mention the political campaign about Amendment 2.
Summary: The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee first took up the appointment of Joshua Kellum to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Kellum described his background in diversified land, agricultural, materials, and real estate operations and said he views himself as a conservationist. Senators questioned him closely about his development background, the balance of perspectives on the commission, his vote supporting the black bear hunt, and the use of Fish and Wildlife Foundation funds for the “Yes on 2” campaign. Supporters argued he is primarily a land steward and conservation-minded landowner, while opponents said the commission is already dominated by developers and lacks scientific or conservation expertise. After debate, the committee voted to recommend Kellum’s confirmation, with Senator Smith voting no and the rest of the voting members in favor. The committee then received a presentation from FWC on implementation of recently enacted boating and vessel laws. Bill Holcomb outlined changes under SB 1388 (the Boater Freedom Act), including limits on vessel stops and boarding, a new Florida Freedom Boater Safety Inspection decal, and revised rules for Springs Protection Zones. He also reviewed SB 164 on derelict and at-risk vessels, including new enforcement tools, a long-term anchoring permit, and updated penalties; HB 289, Lucy’s Law, which strengthens boating safety penalties and education requirements; SB 830 on the disposition of migrant vessels; and HB 735 on water access facilities and boating infrastructure. Holcomb said FWC is in rulemaking, training officers, and updating forms and permitting systems to implement the laws. Members asked follow-up questions about derelict vessel cost recovery and whether penalties go back to the state, and about the Springs Protection Zone standard. Holcomb said the state can recover removal costs from responsible owners and that the new springs standard requires “significant harm” and that vessel activity be the predominant cause, with subject matter experts and partner agencies helping make those determinations. He said Silver Glen Springs remains a proposed zone but was paused pending the new criteria and rulemaking. The committee took no further action on the presentation and adjourned after completing the agenda.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives Apr 21st, 2026

Louisiana House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Bass, relative to pharmacy benefit managers, provides for appeals, duties to enrollees, health plans
  • Senator Bass, relative to pharmacy benefit managers, provides for appeals, duties to enrollees, health plans
  • figure out that, hey, at the end of the first semester, I really thought I could make it on a four-year plan
  • a fair and cost-based floor for reimbursements to make clear that the PBMs bear the cost, not the plan
  • get credits from the drug manufacturer, and they’ll be able to use that credit and apply it to their plan
Summary: The House opened with a prayer, pledge, quorum call, and several personal privileges recognizing guests and special observances, including Junior League Day, Renewable Energy Day, Wholesalers Day, and Sin Law Day. Members also introduced and adopted a number of commemorative resolutions, including condolences, recognitions of schools and community figures, and resolutions related to LSU, ALS Awareness Month, and local festivals. Several Senate and House measures were referred or laid over, and the chamber announced upcoming scheduling changes for House and Senate bills. The most extensive debate centered on House Bill 385, which would require certain TOPS scholarship recipients to repay one semester of aid if they fail to meet academic requirements, subject to listed exemptions and an option to avoid repayment by entering certain high-demand career and technical programs. Opponents questioned the bill’s impact on students, its possible constitutional issues, administrative costs, lack of a fiscal note and implementation details, and whether it would worsen brain drain or convert a merit scholarship into a loan. The motion to recommit the bill to Appropriations failed 34-16, but after continued questioning and criticism, the author later moved to return the bill to the calendar, and that was agreed to. The House then passed House Bill 55, which restricts public disclosure of juror information, after adopting an amendment clarifying that juror interviews are still allowed if jurors choose to participate. The chamber also passed House Bill 394 extending the conditional parole programming period from nine months to 24 months, House Bill 396 making autopsy photographs admissible in criminal proceedings, House Bill 406 directing the Department of Education to study whether it should supervise interscholastic high school athletics, House Bill 622 aligning state criminal history record handling with federal requirements, and House Bill 676 creating the crime of fraudulent patient referrals, or body brokering, with amendments clarifying lawful marketing arrangements. House Bill 1030, concerning reimbursement for non-emergency medical transportation for certain mental health-related services, was taken up with amendments and then temporarily returned to the calendar.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives Apr 21st, 2026

Louisiana House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Bill 387 by Senator Bass, relative to pharmacy benefit managers, appeals, duties to enrollees, health plans
  • Center Bass, relative to pharmacy benefit managers, provide for appeals, duties to enrollees, health plans
  • figure out that, hey, at the end of the first semester, I really thought I could make it on a four-year plan
  • a fair and cost-based floor for reimbursements to make clear that the PBMs bear the cost, not the plan
  • from the drug manufacturer, and they'll be able to use that credit and apply and give that to their plan
OK
Transcript Highlights:
  • Item number 9 is possible discussion, revision, and vote to approve funding for a recruitment campaign
  • The operations committee has been working on a recruitment campaign to help fill the vacant positions
  • A few The second part is a social media campaign in essence, or some type of media campaign So we reached
  • What would this look like if we had a social media campaign?'
  • So the recruiting campaign is one of our primary items right now, as we've discussed.
Keywords: 914, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am

Joint Committee on Revenue

Transcript Highlights:
  • It does not ask them to remove any plans or divest from any industries.
  • Run a campaign. Build a new hockey rink, had to run a campaign. Laws and all.
  • Building a new hockey rink had to run a campaign. Laws and all, you know, real fun.
  • You know, building a new high school had to run a campaign. Overrock had to run a campaign.
  • The Metropolitan Area Planning Council has shown us the scale of the issue.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from the co-chairs explaining committee procedures, testimony limits, submission instructions, and the new deadlines for acting on House and Senate bills. The committee then heard testimony on several bills related to agriculture, land use, environment, housing, transportation, and taxation, with legislators often taken out of turn. No votes were taken during the hearing. The first major topic was H. 3206, a bill to allow fossil fuel-free 529 college savings plans to qualify for the state tax deduction if MEFA does not offer a comparable option. Representative Steve Owens said the bill would not force MEFA or Fidelity to change existing plans, but would create a definition for fossil fuel-free funds and extend the deduction to qualifying out-of-state plans. The committee also heard strong local testimony on a Belmont home-rule petition, H. 3970, to change tax treatment for the Belmont Country Club under Chapter 61B. Belmont residents and officials argued the private golf course receives an unfair tax break that shifts costs to other taxpayers, while Senator Brownsberger and Representative Rogers supported the measure as a way to help the town recover revenue. Committee members asked about town meeting support, the club’s lack of payment in lieu of taxes, and the size of the tax savings. The committee next heard testimony on a vehicle miles traveled tax proposal, S. 1925, from Senator Barrett and economists Gilbert Metcalf and Christopher Knittel. They argued that declining gas-tax revenue and rising fuel efficiency, especially with electric vehicles, require a more stable transportation funding source; they also said a VMT tax could be designed to be revenue-neutral and mildly progressive, though members raised concerns about administration, fairness, EV disincentives, and the possibility of annual tax shocks. The largest block of testimony focused on the Ahead Act, H. 3194/S. 1973, which would double the deed excise fee and dedicate the new revenue to affordable housing and climate adaptation. Supporters from MACDC, MAPC, FICC, Boston Climate Action Network, CLF, 350 Mass, CHAPA, and a tenant advocate said the bill could generate about $300 million annually for housing production, vouchers, weatherization, resilience, and environmental justice communities, and that it links two urgent crises with a stable funding stream. The committee also heard testimony on the Conservation Land Tax Credit bills, H. 3147/S. 2083, which would raise the annual cap on the credit from $2 million to $5 million for three years and then sunset back down. Conservation groups and a landowner said the program has conserved thousands of acres and that the higher cap would reduce delays and help meet state conservation goals. Finally, the committee took testimony on the Fairness for Farm Workers bills, S. 2011/H. 3107 and S. 2012, which would extend overtime, minimum wage, breaks, and paid time off protections to farm workers and include a refundable tax credit to help farmers offset overtime costs. Senator Gomez and advocates described the bills as overdue civil rights and public health measures, citing low wages, long hours, dangerous conditions, and the racial history behind farm labor exclusions. The hearing also included testimony on H. 3240, a bill to give municipalities a local option vacancy tax on chronically vacant shopping malls, with the sponsor arguing it would help towns address blight, encourage redevelopment, and potentially create housing and tax revenue.