Video & Transcript : 'Woman and Child Protection Act' :
Page 65 of 500
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Racism, Hate, and Xenophobia Mar 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And this is what today is all about: uplifting the voices of protected classes and proclaiming solidarity
- up the support to not just act in solidarity, but show our solidarity and respond effectively and quickly
- If you say a man or a woman, you don't know. men and women and not have someone try to take your culture
- We need the state to be proactive, protective, and bold, because rhetoric becomes policy and policy becomes
- And you create a successful violence because it does not end and you create a situation if your child
Summary:
The Select Committee on Racism, Hate, and Xenophobia met to hear from Los Angeles County officials and community advocates about rising hate, discrimination, and xenophobia, with opening remarks emphasizing the need for stronger anti-hate infrastructure, community-based reporting, and state support. Assemblymember Lowenthal noted the broader economic and social impacts of discrimination, and the committee framed the hearing around understanding local conditions and identifying legislative responses.
Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission Executive Director Robin Toma presented county hate-crime data showing record-high levels in 2024, with racial/ethnic hate crimes remaining the largest category and anti-Black hate crimes the most common. He also highlighted high levels of anti-Latino, anti-Jewish, anti-Muslim, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-transgender hate, the role of underreporting, and the county’s L.A. vs. Hate system for reporting and victim support. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said it uses hate-crime and hate-incident data to guide proactive patrols, community outreach, and training, and discussed the need to build trust amid immigration enforcement fears that discourage reporting.
Community organizations described how current political rhetoric and federal immigration enforcement are intensifying fear and underreporting. LULAC called for multilingual, culturally competent reporting systems, prevention education, and stronger support for grassroots organizations. The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles described severe anti-Semitism, increased security costs, and the need for safe worship protections, security grants, and Holocaust education. The NAACP emphasized the continuing impact of anti-Black racism and the need for cross-community solidarity, while the Los Angeles LGBT Center highlighted rising anti-trans violence and urged funding for gender-affirming care, LGBTQ centers, and reauthorization of California vs. Hate. CHIRLA and CAIR California both described heightened fear among immigrants and Muslims, workplace discrimination, and the need for stronger civil-rights protections, data collection, and community-based reporting.
No formal votes were taken. The discussion focused on policy ideas and funding priorities, including improved law-enforcement training, alternative sentencing or diversion for hate offenders, protections for houses of worship, and continued or expanded funding for California vs. Hate, Stop Hate, and related programs. Committee members and witnesses repeatedly stressed that hate is underreported, that words and leadership rhetoric matter, and that California should continue investing in prevention, response, and healing.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Foster Youth Bill of Rights established 3/11/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- After my adoption, I continued to deal with child protection, and I turned 18 due to my adoptive family's
- </c><00:14:29.120><c> from</c> act as my parent took my child away from act as my parent took my child
- It is the child. And it should always be the child.
- It is the child. And it should always be the child.
- And it should always be is the child. And it should always be the<00:35:55.760><c> child.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- welfare of both mother and child are prioritized.
- Within 24 hours of giving birth, my child was taken by Child Protective Services.
- She said she spent years looking for answers on how to protect herself and her unborn child against her
- I spent years looking for answers on how to protect myself and my unborn child against my abuser, yet
- childcare and screening of child care providers and education and support for families in selecting
Summary:
The committee first adopted a seven-bill consent calendar, then heard several public safety measures. AB 1127 by Assembly Member Gabriel would restrict sale of certain semi-automatic handguns that can be easily converted to automatic weapons with “switches”; supporters, including Everytown and Moms Demand Action, said it targets a specific Glock-style design flaw linked to mass shootings, while the NRA and gun-rights groups argued the bill duplicates existing federal law and effectively bans popular handguns. The bill was moved on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Judiciary and remained on call. AB 468, also by Gabriel, would increase penalties and clarify offenses involving looting and impersonating emergency personnel in evacuation zones and during disasters; firefighters, district attorneys, and law enforcement supported it as a deterrent, while public defenders and justice advocates warned it was overbroad and could worsen racial profiling. The committee approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations, also held on call.
The committee then heard AB 1187 by Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez, which would require eight hours of firearm safety training, including live-fire instruction, before obtaining a firearm safety certificate and would add a requirement for new residents who import firearms. Supporters said California should require training comparable to other safety-sensitive activities and that the measure would reduce gun deaths; opponents argued the bill misunderstands the existing FSC process, would be hard to implement because of range and instructor limits, and would burden a constitutional right. The bill passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations and was held on call. The committee also heard AB 1424 by Rodriguez, which would require CDCR climate resiliency and heat-safety measures in prisons, including temperature monitoring, shade, showers, fans, and emergency planning. Prisoner-rights and labor groups strongly supported the bill, citing extreme heat, wildfire, and flooding risks, while one opponent said the monitoring mandate could be too costly; the bill was moved on a due-pass motion to Labor and Employment and held on call.
Finally, the committee began hearing AB 1258 by Assembly Member Kalra, which would extend the sunset of the Young Adult Deferred Entry Program through 2029 for selected counties. Kalra and Santa Clara County Judge Erica You described the program’s success in reducing recidivism and providing wraparound services for young adults with felony charges, including housing, counseling, and parenting support. The transcript cuts off before the committee completed action on AB 1258.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 46 (3-13-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- an act relating to child care centers and declaring an emergency.
- c> an</c> protection entities and declaring an protection entities and declaring an emergency.<00:16:
- I'm confident that we'll continue to update and refine our Consumer Data Protection Act, which has really
- </c> Miles, an act relating to child welfare. Miles, an act relating to child welfare.
- </c> an act relating to planning and zoning. an act relating to planning and zoning.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- to make sure that children and families are protected.
- And so if the government chooses to do so, then they can do it by ordinance and act with the full-fledged
- officers, to protect and serve and to make certain that they are helping our state be a safer place
- And then it essentially maintains that a child may be photographed and fingerprinted in connection with
- We have sent numerous drafts back and forth, back and... to 45 days for a child not continued in custody
Committee:
Senate Judiciary B
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Legislative Session - Session 2 - 38th Legislative Day Jun 18th, 2026
Delaware House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Walsh and other representatives and senators, an act to amend Title 6 and Title 16 of the Delaware Code
- affected date of this act and remains the same ownership.
- Cleanup Act and the Realty Transfer Tax.
- Griffith, and Act 2 amends Title 29 of the Delaware Code relating to child support.
- Hoffner and other representatives and senators, is an act to amend Titles 20 and 29 of the Delaware
Summary:
The House received a series of Senate communications and committee reports, then took up a long consent calendar and several individual measures. Early actions included passing consent calendar items, recognizing Freedom of Speech Week and Juneteenth, and hearing numerous introductions and tributes, including remarks honoring House fellows, Father’s Day, and Representative Mara Gorman. The chamber also adopted several procedural motions and recesses, with roll calls recorded throughout.
Among the bills considered, the House passed House Bill 134 on animal cruelty, increasing penalties for repeat offenses; House Bill 131 with Senate Amendment 1 on pet stores and animal welfare; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 320 on technical corrections to the Delaware Constitution; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 407 on technical updates to the Hazardous Substance Control Act; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 425 on salary supplements for certain school employees; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 450, the Road Delaware Act, on land use and permitting reform; House Bill 459 on restricting energy drink sales in schools; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 439 on electric moped and motorcycle disclosures; and House Bill 444, the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, after amendment delaying its effective date to July 1, 2027. House Amendment 1 to House Bill 459 was adopted, and House Amendment 1 to House Bill 444 was adopted before final passage.
The House also rejected House Amendment 1 to House Substitute 1 for House Bill 425 after debate over salary supplement policy for school-related certifications, then passed the substitute bill itself. House Bill 407 prompted questions about the increase in civil penalties, which DENREC said was intended to update outdated fines and align the penalty structure with other laws. House Bill 444 drew floor speeches emphasizing voting rights protections and concerns about voter suppression and dilution. The session ended with the House moving to recess after continuing consideration of House Bill 355, the Speaker Truth Act, which had just adopted an amendment changing damages language to attorney’s fees and costs.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/05/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- woman serving as the state's attorney general, and a Black woman as our Senate Majority Leader.
- I'm so pleased the Majority Leader here appointed her posthumously to be a Woman of Distinction, and
- President, it is both the privilege and a personal honor to recognize an extraordinary woman and public
- >> CALENDAR 511, SENATE PRINT 197 SENATOR MARTINEZ, AN ACT TO AMEND THE AGRICULTURE AND MARKETS
- Calendar 787, Senate Print 5488, Senator Comrie, an act to amend the Agriculture and Markets Law.
Summary:
The Senate met on May 4, 2026, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of resolutions and floor bills. The chamber first adopted a resolution honoring Carlos Beltran on his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, with several senators praising his Mets career, athletic achievements, and philanthropy in Puerto Rico. The Senate also adopted resolutions recognizing the 2026 Women of Distinction, including tributes to living honorees and posthumous recognition of Congresswoman Nita Lowey and Dr. Hazel Dukes, and later adopted resolutions commemorating May Day and Panama’s Black Heritage Month. A Queens Chamber of Commerce resolution also prompted extensive remarks celebrating Queens’ diversity, small businesses, immigrant communities, and cultural institutions.
On legislation, the Senate recalled two bills from the Assembly and restored them to the third reading calendar by a 62-0 reconsideration vote. The chamber then passed a long list of bills, including measures affecting public health, agriculture and markets, insurance, criminal procedure, public officers, labor, not-for-profit corporations, and executive law. Several bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously, while a few drew recorded opposition, including the environmental conservation bill on animal cruelty and the public health bill on Calendar 840. Supportive floor explanations emphasized animal welfare, protections for abandoned pets, and other public-interest reforms.
The Senate also heard brief explanatory remarks on some bills, such as concerns about animals left behind in vacated housing and the treatment of wild animals in traveling circuses. After completing the calendar, the Senate reported no further business and adjourned until Wednesday, May 6, at 3:00 p.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Judiciary Committee Jun 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- looking to support the growth and development and thriving of their child.
- who are meant to serve and protect them.
- Transparency protects workers, protects the public, and deals with stress.
- AB 635 protects our guardrail and improves a path forward.
- AB 635 protects our guardrail and improves a path forward.
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary Committee met as a subcommittee and announced a large agenda, including a consent calendar and several bills pulled for separate hearing. Early in the hearing, the committee heard AB 1876, which would codify federal nondiscrimination protections in state health care law. The author and supporters said it would protect access to coverage and services for all protected classes, including transgender people, while opponents argued it would force coverage of disputed gender-affirming treatments and impose penalties on providers and insurers. No vote was taken during the informational-style presentation, and the author requested an aye vote when a quorum was present.
The committee then heard AB 1650 on requiring rental vehicles used by government agencies for enforcement to be clearly marked, with supporters describing it as a transparency and public-trust measure in response to immigration enforcement activity and opponents later withdrawing opposition after discussions with the author. AB 635, dealing with the Mobile Home Residency Law Protection Program, would extend and revise a resident-funded legal assistance program for mobile home owners; supporters said it improves access to justice and enforcement, and there was no opposition. AB 1697 would extend the date for enforceability of certain employment contract provisions under AB 692 and add an urgency clause; the NFL supported it, SIFMA was support-if-amended, and the chair noted sympathy for some workers while expressing concern about high-paid executives.
The committee also heard AB 2784, the annual State Bar fee bill, which held fees flat while making governance and reporting changes; it drew support from the State Bar and no opposition. AB 2782, the Assembly Judiciary Committee civil omnibus bill, made minor clarifying code changes and also drew no opposition. Other measures heard included AB 2662 on monitoring and reporting federal immigration enforcement impacts, AB 2235 on allowing judges to use alternate mailing addresses for safety, AB 1544 on courthouse access and transparency, AB 2624 expanding Safe at Home protections to immigrant service providers, AB 1857 to block grocery restrictive covenants that prevent new grocery stores in underserved areas, AB 1892 clarifying HOA duties and election notice rules, AB 634 banning products containing tianeptine, AB 1684 limiting HOA restrictions on home cooling systems, AB 1752 increasing appraisal reimbursement in eminent domain cases, AB 1660 improving compliance by financial institutions with public guardian requests, AB 782 narrowing a prior housing redevelopment law for certain charter cities, and AB 2195 limiting occupational license suspensions for low-income parents owing child support. Across these bills, testimony was largely supportive, with several measures drawing “support if amended” or no opposition after negotiations; the transcript does not reflect final votes on the bills discussed here.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, June 27, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- to</c><00:19:12.400><c> condemn</c> these acts of violence and to condemn these acts of violence and
- </c> extreme and horrifying acts of violence. extreme and horrifying acts of violence.
- And he is, of course, acting appropriately in doing so.
- He mentored countless artists and young people, including Destiny's Child and Beyoncé.
- Helped to Destiny's Child and Beyonce.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate Republican Media Availability 4/.28/26 Apr 29th, 2026
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We've proved in the House that Democrats and Republicans can come together and do work and try to make
- </c><00:01:24.600><c> do</c> and Republicans can come together and do and Republicans can come together
- </c><00:05:22.560><c> and</c> to not be so um expensive and and to not be so um expensive and and Republicans
- </c><00:12:05.480><c> So</c><00:12:06.280><c> would</c><00:12:06.440><c> protect</c> private, and charter
- So would protect private, and charter.
Summary:
Republican legislative leaders reacted critically to Governor Walz’s speech, saying it was divisive and focused too heavily on Democratic priorities rather than unity or bipartisan work. Speaker Daudt and Majority Leader Liska argued the governor ignored the state’s affordability problems, including high property taxes, rising business costs, and what they described as mandates imposed under full Democratic control. They also said the speech downplayed poor educational outcomes and failed to offer a unifying vision for the final weeks of session.
A major theme was fraud and accountability. Leaders said the governor waited too long to address the state’s large fraud scandal and then deflected blame to other states. They said Minnesotans want accountability and affordability, and they pointed to the House Fraud Committee and the Senate’s OIG bill as examples of anti-fraud work Republicans say Democrats have blocked. They also criticized the governor’s tax proposals as a “bait and switch,” arguing that promised tax cuts would be offset by new taxes on services and banking fees.
The discussion also touched on school safety, gun policy, child care credits, and the HCMC bailout. Republicans said they were willing to work on bipartisan school safety measures, including mental health supports and funding for public, private, and charter schools, but believed gun-control proposals lacked the votes. On the child care credit, leaders said they would keep evaluating it but were concerned about future deficits and the need for a pay-for. In response to questions, they said they were not surprised HCMC was not mentioned and said conversations were continuing. One leader also objected to the governor’s comments about voting access for people of color, calling them disrespectful.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, February 6, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 12:07.560><c> my</c> and protect your rights and to my and protect your rights and to my Republican<00
- Protection Act because what is going on in the Treasury Department is lawless and wrong and frightening
- We must pass the Protecting American Energy Production Act, and with that, Mr.
- We must pass the Protecting American Energy Production Act, and with that, Mr.
- We must pass the Protecting American Energy Production Act, and with that, Mr.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Jun 22nd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Let us be a community that ensures that every Black, brown, and queer voice is valued, protected, and
- heard. ...valued, protected, and heard.
- And what it really meant was that coming out was a political act, and it was part of that change that
- We are there to protect the change. We are there for people that still need it and still struggle.
- She advocates for protecting and expanding service access for gender-affirming health care and reproductive
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then spent much of the session on floor recognitions and Pride Month observances. Members welcomed guests and honorees including APICA fellowship participants, the El Dorado Roses, retiring Loma Linda University Health president Dr. Richard Hart and incoming leader Dr. Anthony Hilliard, and Scripps National Spelling Bee champion Shrey Parique. The chamber also heard several personal and community tributes tied to LGBTQ+ Pride Month, including a long series of introductions of Pride honorees from across the state.
The main legislative item was SR 116 recognizing June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Senators Cervantes, Weber Pierson, Becker, Menjivar, Arreguín, Wahab, Ochoa Bogh, Wiener, and Laird, among others, spoke in support, emphasizing the history of Stonewall and other LGBTQ+ resistance movements, the contributions of Black, Latino, Jewish, women, and Asian American LGBTQ communities, and the need to oppose ongoing discrimination, violence, and attacks on transgender people. The resolution was adopted after a roll call vote of 28-0, and the Senate then proceeded to honor a large slate of Pride honorees from multiple districts and organizations.
The Senate also adopted SCR 166 designating Soju Day, with support highlighting Korean American culture and soju as a symbol of hospitality and cross-cultural exchange. SCR 155, naming the State Route 52/Interstate 805 interchange in San Diego County the Officer Kirk Leeland Johnson Memorial Interchange, also passed unanimously after remarks honoring Johnson’s military and police service and the long effort by his partner to secure the memorial. In addition, the Senate confirmed Laura Capps to the Board of State and Community Corrections by a 27-9 vote and confirmed Danielle Munoz to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology by a 28-0 vote. The body also approved several Joint Rule 62(a) suspensions to allow committee hearings on short notice, moved AB 2294 to the inactive file, and sent SB 1189 back to the Assembly for further action.
The session concluded with adjournment in memory motions for Judith Helene Ware, Huntley Gordon, and Adolfo Franceschi Colon, followed by announcements that the Senate would reconvene on June 25, 2026.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And this bill does a lot to protect that right.
- But above all of that, what this bill does and safeguards and protects, and I believe promotes, is the
- And this bill protects that right.
- And that's what this bill safeguards and protects. Thank you for that.
- the height of the towers and give the commission some rulemaking authority and act.
Bills:
SB1637 , SB1 , HB300 , SB2601 , SB37 , HB2011 , HB3595 , HB3071 , SB12 , HB3372 , SB457 , HB2067 , SB2337 , SB447 , SB1506 , SB1566 , SB763 , HB3556 , SB13 , SB2018 , SB331 , SB379 , HB145 , SB441 , SB2878 , HB2885 , HB2017 , HB5246 , SB8 , SB2308 , SB1540 , HB 119 , SB1405 , SB3059 , SB15 , SB568
Summary:
The House met in a late-session floor session that began with prayer, pledges, quorum, and a series of excused absences and Senate messages reporting action on numerous bills, conference committee appointments, and conference reports. Members also adopted a memorial resolution honoring Mark James Hanna, a Capitol lobbyist and advocate for nurses, and a congratulatory resolution for Rishi Tarumalasetti, an eighth-grade civics bee winner from Katy. The chamber also received and recorded a parliamentary colloquy about an unusual Senate request on SB 293, with the Chair stating the House could not recede from only part of its amendments and could not suspend the rules because the bill had not been returned from the Senate.
The bulk of the session was devoted to taking up conference committee reports and related procedural resolutions, especially the state budget. The House adopted a resolution allowing the SB 1 conferees to go outside the normal bounds, then adopted the SB 1 conference report on a 107-21 vote. Debate on the budget centered on public education funding, tax relief, health care, corrections pay, and judicial compensation, with supporters calling it a responsible compromise and opponents arguing it was overly expansive and insufficient on property tax relief. The House also adopted a technical correction resolution tying judicial pay increases in SB 1 to the House version of SB 293, and members discussed at length the relationship between judicial salaries and legislative pensions.
The chamber then adopted a long series of conference reports on measures covering topics such as school library review and book challenges (SB 13), SNAP restrictions on sweetened drinks and candy (SB 379), hospital price transparency (SB 331), nursing home accountability (SB 457), school district personnel compensation conflicts (HB 3372), property notice rules (HB 2011), research and development tax credits (SB 2018), and several other bills affecting elections, permits, education, and criminal justice. Most reports passed by wide margins, though some drew significant opposition, especially SB 13 and SB 379. The House also granted several Senate requests for conference committees and introduced additional resolutions to suspend conferee limits on various bills as the session moved toward adjournment.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- Muslim women who were— Muslims are terrorists, that he was willing to harass a woman and her children
- of its residents, and ensure that all of our people are protected.
- In that vein, we would also like to express our support for bills S. 2134 and H. 3351, an act promoting
- of its residents, and ensure that all of our people are protected.
- In that vein, we would also like to express our support for bills S. 2134 and H. 3351, an act promoting
Summary:
The Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight reopened a hearing on several bills related to public commissions, diversity on boards, and honorary or representative designations. Most of the testimony focused on bills promoting the rights and inclusion of American Muslims, including support for a Muslim commission that would recommend qualified Muslim residents for appointments, assess state programs’ effects on the community, and advise lawmakers. Witnesses described Islamophobia, discrimination in schools and public spaces, and the need for Muslim representation in government. One speaker, Ahmed Svahani, opposed the Muslim commission bill, arguing it could allow the state to define who counts as a “real Muslim,” create an official class, and silence dissenting voices.
Other testimony supported a bill to promote diversity on public boards and commissions, with Mass NOW arguing that boards should better reflect the state’s racial and gender diversity and that diverse boards make better decisions. Mass Equality testified in support of a commission on the status of transgender people, citing federal restrictions on gender-affirming care, discrimination in housing, employment, and education, and gaps in existing representation. The National Lawyers Guild’s Massachusetts chapter also supported the Muslim commission bill, citing civil-rights concerns and increased reports of discrimination and retaliation against Muslims.
No votes were taken on the bills themselves during the hearing. At the end of testimony, a motion was made and seconded to close the hearing, and the committee voted in favor of adjournment, ending the hearing.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, June 12, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> child development and academic success. child development and academic success.
- woman that she was. And may God bring woman that she was.
- And that's what the Doge and Spending Act will do. Mr.
- And that's what the Doge and Spending Act will do. Mr.
- And that's what the Doge and Spending Act will do. Mr.
NV
Transcript Highlights:
- As a brief overview, the forum was created in 1997 to identify and act upon issues of importance to aging
- As a brief overview, the forum was created in 1997 to identify and act upon issues of importance to aging
- protect seniors from scams and fraud in our state.
- Alarmingly... ...to protect seniors from scams and fraud in our state.
- was there, because we know parent and child is so important.
Committee:
Assembly Judiciary
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- and child and family tax credits.
- tax credits and an act to reduce poverty by expanding the EITC and the child and family tax credit.
- Furthermore, this act would expand the child and family tax credits to all children under 18.
- Passing an act to reduce poverty by expanding the EITC and the child and family tax credit would tremendously
- child and family tax credit.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Revenue
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing focused largely on tax-credit proposals tied to children, families, caregivers, child care, health care workforce development, and public health. A major portion of the hearing concerned bills to expand the state earned income tax credit and child and family tax credit, including H. 3073/S. 1957 and S. 1975. Testimony from advocacy groups, legal services, tax assistance organizations, and health providers supported increasing the EITC match from 40% to 50% of the federal credit, expanding eligibility to immigrant and mixed-status ITIN filers, larger families, younger and older workers, and SSI recipients, and raising the child and family tax credit to $600 per child with inflation adjustments and possible advance payments. Witnesses said these changes would reduce poverty, improve health and educational outcomes, and help families meet basic expenses; committee members asked questions about ITIN filers and expressed support for the policy goals.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on S. 1938/H. 3159, An Act Supporting Family Caregivers. Speakers described the scale of unpaid caregiving in Massachusetts and supported a package that would create a refundable tax credit, respite vouchers, workplace and housing protections, unemployment insurance access for those who leave work to care for relatives, a permanent advisory council, and a provision allowing spouses to be paid caregivers under MassHealth. Several witnesses shared personal caregiving experiences, and committee members responded favorably, noting the emotional and financial strain on caregivers and the importance of supporting them as Medicaid and long-term care systems face pressure.
Additional bills discussed included H. 3174 on a child and dependent care tax credit, which was presented as a way to offset the high cost of child care; H. 3197/S. 2019 to improve the financial security of family child care providers through a tax credit; H. 3218/S. 1960 to create tax credits for health care preceptors to address workforce shortages; S. 2064 to establish a living organ donor tax credit; S. 2034 to promote healthy alternatives to sugary drinks through a tiered tax; H. 3015 to create a tax-return checkoff for the YMCA Youth and Government Program; and several public testimony ideas including vaccination, literacy, and grade-improvement tax credits. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing, which ended after all testimony was heard.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- We have the most robust protections of speech, and I am very hesitant to narrow those via statute, and
- Justifications could include protections for wildlife habitats, cultural and historic sites, and fragile
- Bible education for every child in Arizona, and I do say that with air quotes.
- And I just want to thank her for making me, helping to make me the woman I am today.
- And I just want to thank her for making me, helping to make me the woman I am today.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and introductions of the Doctor of the Day, guests, and visiting student groups. Members also made several personal privilege remarks, including birthday recognitions and comments about Easter and Arizona’s role in the Artemis moon program.
The chamber then took up several Senate bills on third reading. SB 1126, relating to educational records, passed 31-17. SB 1252, relating to assignment for benefit of creditors, passed 48-1. SB 1479, relating to real property and photo ID for official acts, passed 49-0, with one member explaining support for photo identification. The House then resolved into Committee of the Whole for additional measures.
In Committee of the Whole, members considered and advanced SB 1099 on defamation and online publication, SB 1107 on public safety and law enforcement, SB 1148 on judiciary matters, SB 1294 on property tax treatment of destroyed property, and SB 1366 on transportation and infrastructure. The committee also considered SB 1237 on election procedures manuals, SB 1243 on notice to guardians in court-ordered treatment releases, SB 1281 on notice of federal land acquisitions, SB 1586 on government matters, and SB 1741 on school release time for religious instruction and academic credit. Several bills drew debate over free speech, election administration, guardianship rights, federal land transactions, and religious accommodation in schools, but all were ultimately recommended do pass. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, placing SBs 1237, 1243, 1281, 1586, and 1741 on third reading and engrossing or advancing the other measures as required. The House then adjourned until Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- They saw potential, ambition, and a young woman who wanted to serve her community and lead.
- My name is Gina Persial, and I am testifying pro on this budget, and I'm grateful because it protects
- We need workers and families to have reliable child care.
- ESIT protected, but share all the concerns you've heard about early learning and child care taking the
- This contingency fund is a great start, and I urge you to protect and increase it to protect more of
Bills:
SB5998
Committee:
Senate Ways & Means
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- Please end fluoridation and protect pregnant women and their children. Thank you. Thank you.
- It's S. 1551 and H. 2535, which is an act establishing a naloxone purchase trust fund.
- This is about the Environmental Protection Agency... ...these things hurt us and our children.
- Next, moving to S. 1497, an act protecting patient safety regarding non-FDA approved drugs.
- Next, moving to S1497, an act protecting patient safety regarding non-FDA approved drugs.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Health
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing focused on children’s health, disease prevention, screening, treatment, and pharmacy-related bills. The chair explained that the session was for public testimony only, with no votes or decisions taken that day, and outlined the three-minute limit for individual testimony. The committee then heard testimony on a range of bills, including H. 2413 on adding electromagnetic sensitivity to the state’s MAVEN registry, S. 1508 and H. 2433 on creating an amputation prevention task force, H. 2535 and S. 1551 on establishing a naloxone purchase trust fund, S. 1635 on authorizing pharmacists to provide opioid use disorder treatment, H. 2385 on creating a special commission on avian influenza, and S. 1497 on patient safety and non-FDA-approved compounded drugs.
Testimony on H. 2413 came largely from advocates and individuals who described electromagnetic sensitivity as a real health condition and argued that adding it to the registry would improve data collection, provider education, and public awareness. Testimony on the amputation prevention task force bills came from the American Diabetes Association and podiatry groups, who said diabetes-related amputations are often preventable, disproportionately affect people of color, and could be reduced through earlier screening, better care coordination, and improved insurance coverage for preventive foot care. On the naloxone trust fund bills, a representative, emergency physician, and nurse testified that hospitals often cannot reliably send overdose patients home with naloxone because of billing and reimbursement barriers, and that a bulk-purchase fund would expand access at no added cost to payers or providers.
The committee also heard strong support for S. 1635 from pharmacists and public health researchers, who said community pharmacists could safely initiate and maintain buprenorphine treatment and help close gaps in opioid use disorder care. On H. 2385, a local board of health chair supported a special commission on avian influenza, citing gaps in emergency preparedness and the need for clearer coordination across agencies. On S. 1497, a pharmacy representative opposed restrictions on compounded drugs from outsourcing facilities, warning that changes could reduce access to life-saving medications and harm patient safety. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.