Transcript Highlights:

• S227, S. 227, an act relating to creating immigration protocols in Vermont schools.
• S 228, an act relating to collective S 228, an act relating to collective bargaining<00:07:37.199><c>
• S. 231, an act relating to a family caregiver tax credit.
• S. 234, an act relating to the Vermont green FC license plate.
• S. 236, an act relating to venous beverage manufacturers and fourth class licenses.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is one proposed substitute offered by Senator Cleveland, S-416.
• The next amendment before you is S-4624.1, offered by Senator Christian.
• There is a proposed substitute from Senator Riccelli labeled S-4555.1.
• There is a proposed substitute labeled S-4532.1, which is now before us.
• Madam Chair, I move adoption of amendment labeled S-4626.1. S-4626.1. Thank you.

Bills: SB5899 , SB6292 , SB6094 , SB6182 , SB5947 , SJR8206 , SB5933 , SB6138 , SB5823 , SB6210 , SB5921 , SB6226 , SB6159 , SB5924 , SGA9291 , SGA9307

Committee: Senate Health & Long-Term Care

Keywords: chiropractic, animal care, veterinary medicine, license endorsement, nonhuman animals, health care, financing, legislative committee, joint committee, policy management, pediatric care, transitional services, healthcare, licensing, children's health, abortion, reproductive health, pregnancy termination, clinic access, abortion access fund

Transcript Highlights:

• There is one proposed substitute offered by Senator Cleveland, S-4612.1.
• There is a proposed substitute from Senator Richelli labeled S-4555.1.
• Madam Chair, I move adoption of amendment labeled S-4622.1 to the proposed substitute. S-4532.1.
• Madam Chair, I move adoption of amendment labeled S-4626.1. S-4626.1. Thank you.
• The proposed substitute labeled S-455.1 is before us.

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held confirmation hearings for Ryan Moran to lead the Health Care Authority and Dennis Worsham to serve as Secretary of Health. Moran emphasized his personal background, experience in Maryland Medicaid, and priorities of protecting coverage amid federal changes, addressing health disparities, strengthening tribal partnerships, and improving agency operations. Worsham described his long public health career in Washington, his statewide listening tour, and his focus on collaboration, science-based decision-making, accountability, workforce support, and rebuilding public trust. Senators raised questions about behavioral health, social determinants of health, communication, misinformation, and the impact of federal policy changes; both nominees said Washington should continue leading on coverage, prevention, and public health resilience. In executive session, the committee advanced several bills. It passed SB 5899, allowing qualified chiropractors to perform chiropractic diagnosis and adjustments on animals; SB 6292, creating a joint legislative-executive committee on health care financing with a substitute; SB 6182, establishing an abortion savings program, after rejecting several Christian-sponsored amendments and adopting a Bateman amendment limiting eligible organizations to DOH-contracted abortion providers or funds; SB 5947, creating the Washington Health Care Board; SJR 8206, proposing a constitutional right to affordable health care; and SB 5933, on overdose mapping information sharing, with a substitute. The committee also recommended confirmation of both gubernatorial appointments. In a second group of bills, the committee passed SB 5823 on patient advocates with a substitute requiring at least one person physically present daily in acute care settings and expanding exemptions for certain hospitals; SB 6210 on the health plan certification process with a substitute; SB 5921 on psilocybin; SB 6226 protecting audiologists’ clinical autonomy with a substitute; and SB 5924 expanding pharmacists’ prescriptive authority with a substitute. Members discussed access, affordability, rural workforce shortages, and patient safety, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• S 299 an listen to the first reading.
• S 301, an act relating to reading.
• S. 303, an act relating to administration of 3 acres storm water discharge permit.
• S. 304, an act relating to parental rights and responsibilities.
• S. 305, an act relating to housing and land use.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to talk on H. 542 and S. 341.
• I also ask you to support this law and H. 542/S. 341. H. 542/S. 341.
• I urge you to report out favorably S. 341/H. 542.
• She said they strongly support H. 687 and S. 339.
• We will close testimony on S. 372, on S. 357, and on H. 275 and on H. 275, S. 133.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held its sixth public hearing and took testimony on a large slate of bills, with the chair moving H. 542/S. 341 on family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) child care to the top of the agenda so young constituents would not have to wait. Witnesses from labor, community organizations, and FFN providers strongly supported the bill, saying FFN care fills critical gaps for families working nonstandard hours, especially in low-income, immigrant, and BIPOC communities. Testimony emphasized that FFN providers are currently underpaid, often receive only about $24 per child per day, and should be guaranteed at least the state minimum wage. Witnesses also backed changes to the voucher system to allow families to combine formal and FFN care more flexibly, and they supported creating an FFN advisory council. Committee members asked about the difference between FFN and center-based care, registration requirements, fingerprinting/background checks, EEC’s ongoing study group, and the fiscal impact; witnesses said the current annual cost is about $1.8 million and could rise to about $6 million if all current FFN providers were paid minimum wage, still under 1% of the EEC budget. The committee then closed testimony on that bill. The committee next heard testimony on several preschool and universal pre-K bills, including H. 707 on public preschool facilities, H. 687/S. 339 on universal pre-K and mixed delivery, and related bills such as H. 606, H. 523, H. 618, H. 522, H. 510, and H. 615, many of which were later closed without additional witnesses. A Lowell school official testified that space and facilities funding are major barriers to expanding preschool and that the city has hundreds of children on voucher waitlists. Other witnesses and organizations, including the Early Care and Education Consortium and AFT Massachusetts, supported mixed-delivery universal pre-K and warned that public-school expansion should not undermine community-based providers, whose preschool tuition helps subsidize infant and toddler care. Several witnesses also urged stronger standards for preschool teachers, better staffing ratios, and more integrated special education and support services. The committee accepted written testimony on some bills and closed testimony on the others when no one else came forward. A major portion of the hearing focused on H. 541/S. 373, which would ban school exclusion in pre-K through third grade. Advocates from Massachusetts Advocates for Children, Mass Appleseed, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, AFT Massachusetts, and the Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee argued that suspensions and expulsions at young ages harm learning, worsen inequities, and contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline. They cited data showing disproportionate impacts on Black and Latinx students, students with disabilities, and low-income children, and described personal stories of children whose behavior improved when schools kept them in class and addressed underlying needs. Committee members asked for updated data on the number of students and districts affected, and witnesses said they would provide more detailed written information. After testimony on this and a few other bills, including S. 372, S. 357, and H. 275/S. 133, the committee closed testimony and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll move amendment 1200-S. And I'll speak to it. Senator Waters moves 1200-S.
• I'll move amendment 1200-S. And I'll speak to it. Senator Waters moves 1200-S.
• Um what we have on this standard in moves 1200-S. moves 1200-S.
• </c> of amendment 0501-S. of amendment 0501-S. Okay. Okay. Okay.
• 1200-S. 1200-S.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• The first bill is my bill, S-79. The committee director will read.
• Third bill, by Senator Jackson, S.1018. The director will read.
• Fourth bill, S-1510A by myself. The director will read.
• Fifth bill, S-4449 by Senator Jackson. The director will read.
• The seventh item, my bill, S-6355A, the director will read.

Committee: Senate New York City Education

Summary: The New York State Senate Committee on New York City Education met with quorum and considered nine bills, with Chair John Liu presiding and Senators Jackson, Sutton, Tedisco, Sepúlveda, and Chan participating. The agenda focused on New York City education issues including special education placement during school closures or major changes (S-79), assistant principal assignments in NYC schools (S-82B), school transportation contracts and after-4 p.m. transportation for students (S-1018 and S-8266A), participation in selecting members of the city Board of Education (S-1510A), charter school transitional aid for large city school districts (S-4449), a Caribbean steel pan educational music program (S-6138), qualifications for citywide council membership (S-6355A), and requests to the Committee on Special Education for services mandated by an individualized education services program (S-10007A). Members generally described the bills favorably, and most were moved, seconded, and approved by voice vote. Several bills were reported to the Senate calendar, including S-79, S-1018, S-1510A, S-6138, S-6355A, and S-10007A. S-82B and S-4449 were approved and referred to the Senate Finance Committee, while S-8266A was approved and referred to the Senate Education Committee. One member, Senator Chan, was noted as voting without recommendation on S-8266A. The meeting concluded after all nine items were acted on and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first bill we'll hear testimony on is S-54H-1-9.
• So S. 54 does this head-on.
• That's why I support bills S. 63 and H. 128.
• I’m here to speak in favor of S. 63 and H. 128.
• I'm testifying in support of bills H. 124 and S. 64.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries

Summary: The Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries held its second hearing and heard testimony on a wide range of bills, including food security, cottage food entrepreneurship, hemp regulation, lobster industry support, pesticide restrictions, pollinator protections, pet cemeteries, and municipal land rights. Committee chairs outlined hearing procedures, noted that 19 bills were on the docket, and took testimony both in person and remotely, with several legislators testifying out of turn because of scheduling conflicts. Several speakers supported food access and local economic opportunity bills. Representative Howard and Senator Oliveira backed the Food Justice Frontline Program and a cottage food/food entrepreneur bill, arguing they would fund nonprofit food security organizations, create jobs, improve SNAP/HIP outreach, and reduce barriers for home-based food businesses. Eastie Farm representatives and a student testified in favor of the food justice bill, describing food insecurity in East Boston and the need for grants, youth involvement, and multilingual outreach. Sidney Travis of the Institute for Justice also supported cottage food reforms, saying current municipal permitting rules create unequal access and that cottage foods are generally safe. The committee also heard sharply divided testimony on hemp legislation. Senator Comerford supported S. 54 as a public health measure to ban synthetic THC products, restrict intoxicating hemp sales to licensed dispensaries, and fund local enforcement, while Laura Beiner, John Nathan, and Elizabeth Wendorf opposed the bill or parts of it, warning it would harm compliant hemp businesses and small farmers. Representative Arena-DeRosa testified in support of a related pollinator bill, and Adam Karachi opposed pesticide restrictions for schools while Deborah Smith supported them, arguing existing protections should be expanded to other child-centered locations. The committee also heard support for a bill to aid lobstermen affected by right whale protections, a bill to preserve private pet cemeteries, and a municipal right-of-first-refusal bill for agricultural and recreational land. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next bill is S. 1250B by Senator Adop.
• Next bill is S. 2073 by Senator Scarcella-Spanton... S. 2073 by Senator Scarcella-Spanton.
• Next is S. 3194 by Senator Scopus.
• Next bill is S. 5729. Bill is reported to Finance. Next bill is S. 5729 by Senator Barcoe.
• Bill is S. 8897 by Senator Addabbo.

Committee: Senate Veterans, Homeland Security And Military Affairs

Summary: The Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee held its fourth and final meeting on May 18 and considered a series of bills related to veterans services, emergency preparedness, and related state programs. Measures discussed included revising the New York State Veterans Memorial and Monument Registration process, recognizing military experience for institutional transfer credit, creating an insurance liaison on the Disaster Preparedness Commission, requiring DMV to share certain veteran information with the Department of Veterans Services, clarifying the alternative veterans exemption, and creating a veterans bill of rights. The committee also took up bills on home care information for veterans, eligibility for New York State veterans’ homes, opportunities for veteran and emerging businesses, the New York Emergency Responder Act, a report on coordinated services for veterans with service-connected disabilities, and a Women’s Veterans History Trail. Members generally moved each bill without substantive debate, and the chair repeatedly called for motions and votes. Most measures were approved unanimously or without recorded opposition, with several reported to Finance, several to the floor, and others referred to other committees such as Higher Education, Health, or Finance depending on subject matter. The meeting concluded after the final bill was reported and the chair noted that it was the committee’s last meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:22:30.360><c> 325</c> Act 181 and S. 325 Act 181 and S. 325 tackle<00:22:32.320><c> the</c><00
• </c><00:22:45.080><c> 325</c> passage of S. 325 passage of S. 325 and<00:22:46.920><c> the</c><00:22:
• c> those</c> S.209 relates solely to those S.209 relates solely to those individuals<00:29:00.920><c>
• I was proud to vote yes on S. 209.
• I was proud to vote yes on S. 209.

Transcript Highlights:

• I urge you to support Bill S. 345 by Senator S.
• I'm here to support H. 678, S. 388, and S. 400.
• I'm here to support H-678, S-388, and S-400.
• So I'm here to support S. 345, S. 440, which would deal with future historic inflation, and S. 388-678
• S. 400 and S. 394 would provide realistic, meaningful, and measured approaches to the S. 400 and S. 394

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education opened a hybrid public hearing on a large slate of bills related to school buildings, school finance, technology, data privacy, safety, and related education issues. Chairs Jason Lewis and Ken Gordon outlined procedures for the hearing, including two-minute testimony limits and the plan to group similar bills together. Several bills drew no testimony and were closed without further discussion, while others drew extensive testimony from legislators, school officials, parents, advocates, and educators. A major theme was school safety and student well-being. Lori Al-Hadeth testified in support of bills on alert systems in public schools, describing the loss of her daughter in the Parkland shooting and urging adoption of Alyssa’s Law-style panic alert technology. Representative Gallagher and disability advocates also supported a bill authorizing, but not requiring, airway clearance devices in schools, arguing they could save lives in choking emergencies and provide an option for people who cannot use the Heimlich maneuver. Another bill on reducing cafeteria waste drew support from a legislator and a Lexington sustainability official, who said installing dishwashers during construction would reduce waste and long-term costs. Much of the hearing focused on Chapter 70 school funding and the inflation cap. Senator Pavel Payano, Senator Sal DiDomenico, Representative Senna, and multiple local officials and school committee members from Bridgewater, Chelsea, Groton-Dunstable, and other districts argued that the 4.5% cap on inflation adjustments has left schools underfunded during years of high inflation, forcing layoffs, larger class sizes, and cuts to programs and student supports. They urged bills to eliminate the cap, restore lost funding, increase the Commonwealth’s share of the foundation budget, or create commissions to study reforms. Testimony also highlighted the impact on special education, English learners, and low-income students, with Chelsea witnesses saying the cap has cost their district about $7 million annually. School construction and MSBA reform were the other major topic. AIA Massachusetts, Boston Public Schools, Lynn officials, and AFT Massachusetts described aging facilities, overcrowding, deferred maintenance, and the difficulty of financing new schools under current reimbursement rules. Boston officials said the district has many pre-World War II buildings and has only built a handful of new schools in decades, while Lynn leaders said reimbursement rates have fallen well below the statutory 80% because of caps and ineligible costs. Witnesses urged modernization of the MSBA program, higher reimbursement rates, and more resources for school construction. The committee also heard support for a bill to study the adequacy and equity of the school building program, and chairs indicated some bills would be closed after no one signed up to testify.

Transcript Highlights:

• An act to protect the independence of clinical decision-making, H. 2486, and S. 1628, S. 1534, Dr.
• On H. 2486, S. 1628, S. 1534, do we have Michael Bartlett in the room?
• Moving back to S. 1525 and H. 2405, Dominique Muldoon.
• I respectfully urge you to support S. 1494 and H. 2563.
• I'm here today to oppose H. 2484 and S. 1499.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing to take testimony on a wide range of bills involving professional licensure, clinical practice, and public health-related workforce issues. The chair explained that no votes would be taken at the hearing and that the purpose was to gather public input. Early testimony focused on Marnie’s Law, with supporters describing the bill as a no-cost, preventive measure to require nursing education on inflammatory breast cancer after a family tragedy and arguing it could reduce misdiagnosis and save lives. A major portion of the hearing centered on bills affecting clinical decision-making and licensure compacts. Supporters of the physician ownership/clinical autonomy bills argued they would protect independent practices from corporate interference after the Steward collapse, while supporters of EMS, dental, psychology, physical therapy, and physician assistant compacts said the measures would improve workforce mobility, reduce delays, and expand access to care, especially for rural patients, military families, and telehealth users. Several witnesses emphasized that the compacts would not reduce standards and would strengthen public protection through shared disciplinary databases and streamlined credentialing. There was also testimony on bills to ensure safe medication administration and to protect the independence of complementary and alternative health care practitioners. Nursing representatives urged that only licensed professionals administer medications in hospitals, hospices, and home care settings, warning that delegation to unlicensed staff could endanger patients and nurses’ licenses. A complementary and alternative care witness supported consumer access with mandatory disclosures and limits on reserved medical acts. On the dental compact, witnesses were split: some supported portability and workforce flexibility, while others warned the compact lacked a hands-on skills exam and could weaken Massachusetts’ regulatory authority and patient safety. The hearing concluded with continued testimony on the psychology compact, physical therapy compact, and physician assistant bills, with most speakers favoring expanded interstate practice and reduced administrative barriers.

Transcript Highlights:

• Connolly Atkins' strong support of H. 455 and S. 257.
• I'm here to support S. 242.
• So I'm here also in support of H. 444 / S. 284.
• 242, S. 242, S. 252, S. 252, S. 252, S. 257, S. 257, S. 255.
• S. 252, S. 256, S. 257, S. 258, S. 276, and S. 284. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Summary: The committee opened a hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure focused on health care and human services, reviewed testimony logistics, and then heard a long series of witnesses on several bills. Much of the testimony centered on interstate licensure compacts for dentistry, social work, and occupational therapy, with supporters arguing these compacts would improve workforce mobility, continuity of care, and access while preserving state oversight and public protection. Dental witnesses were split on H.455/S.257, with supporters backing the AADB dental compact for its hands-on exam, background checks, and disciplinary safeguards, while opponents argued a competing compact would better promote portability and avoid conflicts tied to proprietary testing and outside commissions. Social work witnesses strongly supported H.380/S.252, emphasizing continuity of care for clients who move across state lines, reduced costs and delays for practitioners, and the compact’s public-protection features; occupational therapy witnesses similarly supported H.427/S.256, citing access, telehealth, military families, and maintained standards. The committee also heard testimony on S.242, which would expand licensure for lactation care providers. Supporters, including lactation counselors and health center staff, said adding certified lactation counselors and related credentials would expand access, improve breastfeeding support, and allow reimbursement for services now often provided without billing. They described the training required and said the bill would help families, especially in underserved communities. Representative James O’Day also testified in support of the social work compact, and a Council of State Governments witness provided background on compact mechanics and state participation. Another major topic was H.419/S.214 on medical debt. Physicians and researchers testified that cancer patients experience long-lasting medical debt and collections burdens, and they supported limits on the sale and collection of medical debt, bans on reporting it to credit bureaus, and related consumer protections. The hearing also included H.465 on a pathway to special licensure for certain long-term limited-registration dentists serving MassHealth patients, which Representative Senna supported as a way to allow immigrant dentists to practice independently. Finally, the committee heard sharply divided testimony on H.444/S.284, which would allow trained dental hygienists to administer Botox and dermal fillers: supporters framed it as a safe, preventive, and access-expanding tool for TMJ, bruxism, and pain management, while dermatologists opposed it as outside hygienists’ training and a patient-safety risk. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• S-409, an act relative to student voice.
• I know that you're here; you're signed up for S. 726, no, H. 726, S. 409.
• I'm here to give a favorable report for the Thrive Act, S. 374, as well as S. 409 and H. 726, an act
• We also will close testimony on H. 527, S. 431, an act developing a portrait of a graduate, on S. 398
• That closes testimony on S. 367. We're going to move to S. 3980 and Representative Gentile.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education heard testimony on several bills centered on school accountability, receivership, graduation requirements, charter school access, community schools, school libraries, and student voting rights. Much of the discussion focused on the Thrive Act, S. 374, which would end state receivership and change the state’s accountability approach. Supporters, including educators, parents, advocacy groups, and students, argued that receivership has not improved outcomes in districts such as Lawrence, Holyoke, Southbridge, Boston, and the Dever, and that local communities should have more control, with greater emphasis on community schools, wraparound services, and broader measures of school quality. They also supported related bills on community schools and school library standards, and several witnesses backed a bill to expand student representative voting rights on school committees. Opponents of S. 374, especially charter school leaders, parents, students, and some education advocates, focused on Section 4 of the bill, which would change the charter school net school spending cap in the lowest-performing districts. They argued that the provision would reduce access to charter seats in communities where families are seeking more options, and that schools such as Roxbury Prep, Excel Academy, Brook, Veritas Prep, and Libertas Academy have produced strong results for students, including students of color, low-income students, and students with special needs. Several witnesses said the section would force schools to shrink or close and would remove opportunities for families in districts with long waitlists. Committee members questioned witnesses on both the effectiveness of receivership and the charter school cap language. Chair Lewis and Chair Gordon emphasized the need for a better accountability system and noted concerns about whether current measures, including MCAS-based designations, accurately reflect school quality. Some witnesses said they had discussed the possibility of removing Section 4 from the Thrive Act and suggested it might be addressed in separate charter reform legislation. No votes were taken during the hearing; testimony was received and the committee later closed testimony on S. 374 and several related bills before moving on to the student voting rights bill, S. 367.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the H.121/S.61, related to local and urban agriculture.
• I know there's a companion S. 602 filed by Chair Fernandes.
• I want to speak primarily on behalf of H.112 and S.55.
• H. 121, S. 61, An Act Relative to Urban Farmland. H. 121, S. 61, An Act Relative to Urban Farmland.
• We have no one signed up for S. 71.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries

Summary: The Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries held a public hearing on 19 legislative proposals, with testimony limited to three minutes per speaker and seven minutes per panel. The hearing opened with testimony on bills promoting urban agriculture and vacant-lot conversion, including H.121/S.61, which Green Roots staff and community members supported as a way to turn vacant lots in environmental justice communities into urban farms and gardens that improve food access, health, community cohesion, and climate resilience. Rep. James Arena-DeRosa also spoke in support of H.109/S.56, the PFAS bill, describing it as a measure to protect soil and farms from contamination and to create relief for affected farmers. A major portion of the hearing focused on H.109/S.56, which would ban land application of sewage sludge/biosolids, provide liability protection and relief funds for farmers, and address PFAS contamination in soil, water, crops, and animals. Testimony came from environmental groups, farm organizations, and individual farmers, including the Mass Food System Collaborative, Conservation Law Foundation, Clean Water Action, CEMAP, NOFA, Sierra Club, and several farmers who described contamination in Maine and Massachusetts and urged the committee to act. Witnesses emphasized that PFAS poses serious health risks, that farmers should not bear responsibility for legacy contamination, and that the bill should be paired with funding for testing, remediation, and assistance. Committee members asked questions about farm liability, the scope of the bill, contamination in different ownership situations, and the costs and timelines of remediation, with Senator Comerford and others clarifying that the bill is intended to protect farms and farmers rather than non-agricultural landholders. The committee also heard strong support for H.416, a farm-to-institution pilot program, from Rep. Lee Davis, Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, and Berkshire Bounty. They said the pilot would connect Massachusetts farms to schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and other institutions, creating new markets, strengthening local supply chains, and supporting food-is-medicine efforts. Members discussed whether the model could be statewide and referenced existing programs such as Island Grown Initiative and local hospital and insurance partnerships. Another agricultural bill, H.1058, was supported by Rep. Mark Sylvia and the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association as a way to allow unused cranberry water rights to be transferred within the same watershed for municipal mitigation while helping growers retire or consolidate bogs. The hearing also included testimony on the broader farm omnibus bill H.112/S.55 and related measures, with the Massachusetts Farm Bureau and others praising the committee’s work on agricultural resilience, food security, agritourism, workforce development, and farmland access, while suggesting additional transportation-related fixes for farmers. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Colleagues, I rise today to speak in strong support of S. 2947. Thank you.
• Colleagues, I rise today to speak in strong support of S. 2947. Thank you.'
• I rise today in support of S. 2947, filed by my colleague, the gentleman from Springfield.
• S. S. S. S. S. S. S. S. S. S. S. W. W. W. W. W. W. W. W. W. W. S. S. S. S. S. S. S. S. Mr. F. F. F.
• S. S. S. S. S. Mr. C. C. C. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. Senator Collins.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our first bill is S-394 by Senator Meyer, the committee clerk. That.
• Our first bill is S-394 by Senator Myrie, the committee clerk.
• Second bill on our agenda is S-2509A by Senator Salazar.
• This bill is S. 8492. Vice Chair Sepúlveda...
• The ninth bill on our agenda is S. 9916 by Senator Jackson.

Committee: Senate Crime Victims, Crime And Correction

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction met with a quorum of members present and considered 10 bills. The committee held a lengthy debate on S.2656, a bill to repeal provisions related to solitary confinement, with supporters arguing the current law is not fully implemented and that solitary confinement is harmful and ineffective, while opponents said the law has made facilities less safe and removed needed disciplinary tools. After discussion, the bill failed to advance, with five negative votes and no report to the floor. The committee also considered several correctional administration and health-related measures. S.394, the Clemency Justice Act, and S.2509A, concerning transfers of incarcerated individuals from county jails to state facilities, were both reported to finance. S.5134, creating a uniform electronic medical records system for correctional facilities, was reported, as was S.9126A. S.8492, establishing a digital legal mail program, drew concerns about privileged communications and was defeated in committee. S.9467, setting radiation standards for employees and visitors at correctional facilities, was reported to the Health Committee. Two additional bills, S.9916 on employee mental health services and S.9928 on rights of sexual assault survivors during the investigative process, were reported after brief discussion and expressions of support. One bill on the agenda was laid aside at the sponsor’s request. Overall, the meeting featured a mix of correctional policy, facility operations, health, and survivor-rights legislation, with several bills advancing and one major reform measure on solitary confinement failing to move forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are S. 298, S. 328, S. 197, S. 578, and then finally H. 727.
• Again, S. 298, S. 328, S. 197, S. 578, and then H. 727.
• Again, S. 298, S. 328, S. 197, Again, S. 298, S. 328, S. 197, S.<00:00:44.480><c> 578,</c><00:00:45.840
• </c> S. 578, and then H. 727. S. 578, and then H. 727.
• </c> S. 197 to the Senate forthwith. S. 197 to the Senate forthwith.

Transcript Highlights:

• Colleagues, I rise today to speak in strong support of S. 2947. Thank you, Madam President.
• Colleagues, I rise today to speak in strong support of S. 2947, an act regarding fair housing practices
• I rise today in support of S. 2947, filed by my colleague, the gentleman from Springfield.
• S. S. S. S. S. S. S. S. S. S. S. S. W. W. W. W. W. W. W. W. W. W. S. S. S. S. S. S. S. S. Mr. F. F.
• S. S. S. S. S. Mr. C. C. C. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. N.

Summary: The Senate opened with recognitions of several young climate advocates visiting the State House and then adopted an adjournment in memory of Nancy Driscoll, with remarks honoring her long public service and family legacy. The chamber then took up Senate No. 2947, An Act Regarding Fair Housing Practices in the Commonwealth, after a Ways and Means redraft. Senators supporting the bill described housing discrimination against voucher holders and Black applicants, emphasized the need for stronger enforcement, transparency, and fair housing education, and noted the bill’s goal of increasing penalties and public reporting for discriminatory brokers. Several amendments were debated. Senator Tarr offered an amendment to require annual HUD-related compliance certifications from municipalities and public agencies, notification to the Attorney General of federal findings, corrective action plans, and possible enforcement consequences; it was defeated on a roll call, 6-30. Senator Kennedy’s gender-neutral language amendment changing “salesmen” to “salespersons” was adopted. Senator Payano’s amendment to require publication of license suspensions as well as revocations for discriminatory conduct was also adopted. Senator Edwards withdrew an amendment that would have expanded housing protections for returning citizens. Senator Keenan’s amendment to anonymize complaint summaries while preserving publication of revoked licensees’ names was adopted. After the Ways and Means amendment, as amended, was adopted, the bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed by a unanimous roll-call vote of 37-0, later clarified as 38-0. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Tuesday at 11 a.m. and adjourned in memory of John Arizian and Nancy Driscoll.

Transcript Highlights:

• Colleagues, I rise today to speak in strong support of S-2947. Thank you.
• I rise today in support of S. 2947. Thank you, Madam President.
• I rise today in support of S. 2947, filed by my colleague, the gentleman from Springfield.
• S. S. S. S. S. S. S. S. S. S. S. W. W. W. W. W. W. W. W. W. W. S. S. S. S. S. S. S. S. Mr. F. F. F.
• S. S. S. S. S. Mr. C. C. C. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. N. Senator Collins.

Summary: The Senate began with recognitions, welcoming four young women from Quincy and Lawrence who were at the State House advocating on climate issues. The chamber then adopted an adjournment in memory of Nancy Driscoll of Attleboro, with remarks honoring her long public service at the State House and her family’s legacy of service. The main business was Senate No. 2947, an act regarding fair housing practices in the Commonwealth. Senators Gomez and Payano spoke in strong support, describing housing discrimination against voucher holders and people of color, and explaining that the bill would expand enforcement authority, increase penalties for repeat violations, require annual complaint summaries, and mandate fair housing training for real estate licensees. Senator Lovely also supported the bill, citing her experience in real estate and the need for stronger fair housing education and enforcement. Several amendments were considered. Senator Tarr’s amendment to add HUD-related certification, notice, and corrective-action requirements for municipalities and public agencies was debated but defeated on a roll call vote, 6-30. Senator Kennedy’s gender-neutral wording amendment was adopted, as was Senator Payano’s amendment requiring publication of suspended as well as revoked licenses. Senator Keenan’s amendment to anonymize complaint summaries was also adopted. Senator Edwards withdrew an amendment on housing access for returning citizens, and other amendments were withdrawn. The Ways and Means amendment, as amended, was adopted, and the bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed by a unanimous roll call vote of 38-0. The Senate then adjourned to meet again the following Tuesday, also noting John Arizian and Nancy Driscoll in memory.