Transcript Highlights:

• And this is a major bill that basically follows up on a penal code review committee that the Judicial
• Very complicated, and I have to say good job to the Judicial Council for doing this.
• council convened uh uh that the judicial council convened uh because<00:45:23.599> the<00:45:
• circuits, the chair of the judicial circuits, the chair of the Senate<00:45:36.720> Judiciary
• <00:46:00.480> Council, Affairs, member of the Judicial Council, Affairs, member of the Judicial

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard opening remarks and ground rules from Chair David Tarnas, including a request for two-minute testimony limits, clear speaking, Zoom etiquette, and respectful conduct. The first measure taken up was HB 2062, relating to gun violence prevention, which would appropriate funds for enforcement of gun violence protective orders and for public awareness campaigns. Judiciary submitted written testimony recommending technical changes to clarify that it does not enforce laws and instead should be funded for personnel to process temporary restraining orders and gun violence protective orders; the Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill and said it is well positioned to conduct public education. Support also came from county and advocacy witnesses, including Moms Demand Action, Giffords Gun Owners for Safety, HGEA, and a retired police officer, while opposition testimony argued the measure raises due process and Fifth Amendment concerns and that education, not enforcement, should be the focus. The chair noted 37 testimonies in support, 103 in opposition, and three comments; no vote was taken in the portion provided. Testimony on HB 2062 emphasized both public safety and constitutional concerns. Supporters described the bill as a way to increase awareness of an existing legal tool, prevent suicides and shootings, and help law enforcement and the public understand gun violence protective orders. Opponents, including gun owners and firearms groups, argued that red flag laws can be abused, lack due process, and should not be expanded through state funding. A county neighborhood safety witness suggested an amendment to allow public, private, and nonprofit consultants to assist with training and implementation. Members asked a few questions, but the agencies with written testimony were not present, so the chair referred members to their submissions. The committee then moved to HB 2061, relating to firearms, which appropriates money for the state gun buyback program and requires at least two buyback events in each county. Written support was noted from the Department of Law Enforcement, Hawaii County Council, the County of Kauai Prosecuting Attorney, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, with the latter emphasizing that buybacks are voluntary prevention tools that can reduce risk before crises escalate. Opposition came from the Mid-Pacific Pistol League, SDM Training Group/Bows and Bullets, and others; one witness argued buybacks are ineffective, costly, and can be vulnerable to misuse or black-market diversion, and suggested a year-round surrender option instead. The committee heard additional support from a retired police officer and from a gun violence survivor with Students Demand Action, but no final action or vote was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, that number came from what our auditors determined.
• Therefore, the validity of these disbursements cannot be determined.
• This matter has been investigated by the 14th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney and the Arkansas
• This matter has been investigated by the 14th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney and the Arkansas
• Therefore, the validity of these disbursements could not be determined.

Summary: The committee first heard updates on delinquent private water and sewer reports. For reports due as of December 31, 2012, staff said five additional 2024 reports had been received since the December meeting, bringing the total of released escrow funds to 17 and leaving 26 still escrowed. For reports delinquent as of December 31, 2023, two more reports were received, bringing 59 of the original 64 into compliance and leaving five outstanding. Both update reports were filed without objection. The committee then discussed Act 709 of 2021 and the town of Daisy’s repayment of street turnback funds. Staff said Daisy had made improper payments to a nonprofit, used restricted street funds for fire truck and fire department building costs, and had not adopted the required repayment ordinance or obtained approval for a reduced repayment percentage. Mayor Lisa Cogburn said the city council had not approved repayment because members disputed the amount, though she said the city had funds to pay. After questions from members and staff explaining the audit calculations, the committee adopted a motion requiring Daisy to repay 10% of unrestricted general fund revenues under the statute and to withhold turnback funds if the city fails to comply. The report was then filed. The committee reviewed numerous deferred and current audit findings from cities, counties, and water systems. Several local officials appeared and described corrective steps, including Harrison district court, Carroll County airport, Izard County treasurer, Alexander district court, Town of 56 officials, Bull Shoals, Lone Oak County, Beaver, Central City, Gravette, Ralston Water Department, Thornton Waterworks, Ozan, and Lee County. Findings included missing or inaccurate reconciliations, unsupported credit card charges, payroll and compensation issues, improper use of public funds, missing receipts, and budget overruns. Some matters were referred to the prosecuting attorney and Attorney General, including Bull Shoals and Lone Oak County, while others were filed or deferred as appropriate. The committee also deferred two private water and sewer reports for lack of proper responses, filed 19 reports with resolved findings, and filed 53 reports with no findings. Before adjourning, the committee set its next meeting for February 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill expands CESAC's membership to include members of the judicial branch, which will help ensure
• Also, the board would still have to make the determination looking at the totality of the circumstances
• Also, the board would still have to make the determination looking at the totality of the circumstances
• <01:02:51.960> looking have to make the determination looking have to make the determination
• reie review that states the judicial reie review that states the judicial branch<01:03:46.000>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• debate making judicial elections debate making judicial elections partisan,<00:45:24.160> that's
• > from limit judicial candidates from limit judicial candidates from responding<00:49:58.120><
• Now, Kentucky wants to prevent judicial Now, Kentucky wants to prevent judicial candidates<00:50
• When Kentucky writes these judicial When Kentucky writes these judicial cannons,<00:50:22.560>
• <00:50:57.920> candidates judicial candidates judicial candidates engage<00:50:59.920> in

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened, opened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 96 members present, excused absent members, and approved the journal from March 4, 2026. The chamber also received notice that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 50 and 191 and requested concurrence. Several bills were reported for second reading and committee action, including measures on schools, barbering, virtual currency kiosks, eminent domain, DUI, fire protection, school district reporting, teacher certification, legal representation, cost and fee reporting, dentistry, credit insurance, harmful practices, elections, child welfare, health data, Medicaid directed payments, workplace violence in health care, utilities, solid waste, carbon sequestration, and coal/energy affordability. House Bill 534 was sent to the Rules Committee after receiving prior readings, and House Bill 600 was brought up for third reading and passage. House Bill 600, relating to the collection of delinquent tax bills, was explained as allowing counties to use a consolidated procedure to collect multiple delinquent tax cases more efficiently, requiring county attorney contracts with the Department of Revenue to include that option, and extending to counties some property-tax collection tools already used by cities for delinquent and dilapidated properties. A member from Jefferson raised concerns that the bill could allow foreclosure on occupied properties and warned about potential harm to elderly or low-income homeowners; the sponsor responded that the bill was not intended to remove anyone from their property. The House passed HB 600 by a vote of 82-11, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 662, concerning regulation of low-voltage battery-charged security fences by local governments, was described as a business-friendly measure supported by the Chamber of Commerce and affected industries, intended to define the fences and reduce regulatory uncertainty in commercial and industrial zones without removing local regulation. It passed unanimously, 96-0, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 364, relating to benefits for Kentucky National Guard members, was amended by House Floor Amendment 1 to define Commonwealth emergency pay and hazardous duty for Guard members on state active duty during emergencies. Supporters emphasized compensation for Guard members responding to disasters and emergencies, and members cited recent flood and crash responses as examples of their service. The bill passed 96-0, and a clincher was applied. House Bill 534, an elections bill, was taken up with House Committee Substitute 2 adopted. The sponsor said the bill was the product of work by the Secretary of State, the Board of Elections, county clerks, KREF, and others, and was intended to strengthen election laws. Debate focused on a provision that would remove from voter rolls individuals convicted of felonies even while appeals are pending; one member argued this would disenfranchise people before appeals are resolved and sought to offer an amendment, but a motion to suspend the rules for that amendment failed with only 18 votes in favor. Another member said the substitute was the best version of the bill and indicated he would offer amendments, including changes to the felony-appeal language and campaign finance timing, while also seeking to remove a section requiring federal cooperation. The transcript cuts off during that discussion, before final action on HB 534 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• That makes it harder to determine whether or not they were guilty.
• That makes it harder to determine whether or not they were guilty.
• Ultimately, it was determined it was inexpedient to legislate.
• <01:56:59.719> process all of you know our our judicial process all of you know our our judicial
• <02:33:22.200> system completed through the judicial system completed through the judicial

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If we've determined there's an appropriate home study or they could be placed with a non relative.
• So the court is the one that makes the original adjudication a dependency determination.
• The department determines whether they are a citizen or not.
• Now, if the court determines that the the relative placement.
• because it's very high in situations like this to determine it is the judge that makes that determination

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• system is is too long in determining system is is too long in determining that<00:48:22.240>
• > dependent These determinations are not dependent These determinations are not dependent on<00
• these kinds of statutes and determined these kinds of statutes and determined that<01:15:23.920>
• HP 1323 will regulate judicial HP 1323 will regulate judicial discretion<01:25:46.239> and
• determining parental alienation? determining parental alienation?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, what do you use to determine what is a healthy family?
• Who determines that a home visitation is necessary? Is it asked by the parents?
• Who determines that a home visitation is necessary? Is it asked by the parents?
• And so they need to determine what's best for them. Senator Dever: Mr.
• This was a list determined federally with this funding source.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It merely determined that the coverage formula was not justified by current means.
• It merely determined that the coverage formula was not justified by current means. determined that the
• We are in communication with the judicial branch.
• The top dotted lines reflect those where the signatures determine not to match that on file.
• The top dotted lines reflect those where the signatures determine not to match that on file.

Summary: The committee held a work session on voting rights in the United States and Washington, beginning with testimony from Marissa Wright of Campaign Legal Center and David Montes of the ACLU of Washington. They described the federal Voting Rights Act’s main protections—preclearance, vote suppression, and vote dilution—and argued that Supreme Court decisions such as Shelby County v. Holder and Brnovich have weakened those tools. They said Washington should consider stronger state-level protections, including a preclearance program and broader safeguards against discriminatory voting practices. Members asked about Washington’s history of discrimination, voter roll purges, noncitizen registration, and remedies under the Washington Voting Rights Act, including ranked-choice voting and district-based systems. The committee then heard from the Office of Equity and several commissions, which described their roles in advising state government and working with communities. They focused on the immigration sub-cabinet created under Executive Order 2509, saying it is intended to improve coordination across agencies, the legislature, the courts, and community organizations on issues such as data privacy, language access, health care, education, and accountability under the Keep Washington Working Act. Members asked about the use of NGOs, accountability for KWW violations, and the sub-cabinet’s goals, and the panel said the effort is meant to help government respond more quickly and collaboratively while centering immigrant, disability, LGBTQ, and other communities. The final panel was from the University of Washington Elections Database Project, which presented data on vote-by-mail ballot challenges, cures, and rejections from 2020 to 2024. They reported that about 1.5% of ballots are signature-challenged in most elections, roughly 60% of challenged ballots are cured, and overall rejection rates are about 1% in general elections and 1.5% in primaries. The researchers said voters of color, younger voters, and some tribal-area voters experience higher rejection rates, and that differences appear tied to signature mismatch, language access, ballot timing, and familiarity with the system. In the last panel, Maria Fernandez and Vicki Frausto of EIA described voter education and civic engagement work in Yakima County and Sunnyside, including concerns about intimidation, language barriers, signature mismatch, and at-large election systems; they said stronger Washington Voting Rights Act protections would help communities elect candidates of choice. No votes were taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• All we're doing is this is a local bill for the Third Judicial District and the 30th Judicial District
• as part of the domestic violence intervention work that's currently being done here in the 19th Judicial
• In the 19th Judicial District Court, our organization, led by our CEO, Ms.
• subcommittee in a position of making recommendations and the SANE coordinator as the entity that is to determine

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hill, an act relating to courts, creating an additional judgeship in the second judicial district, making
• de la Cruz (member_22660), an act relating to pre-trial detention, requiring a probable cause determination
• House Bill 182, introduced by Representative Roybal-Caballero (member_12219), an act relating to judicial
• retirement, providing for appropriations and income derived from investments to be credited to the Judicial
• credit required for certain judges, and increasing certain service credit multipliers provided in the Judicial

Transcript Highlights:

• The conflict of interest of us drawing our own lines and us determining for voters what the district
• Representative Greenman said, “Can I just respond to your judicial analogy?”
• She said that if they are talking about judicial reform and the whole process of judicial selection,
• If they are talking about judicial reform and the whole process of judicial selection, that is a different
• She said that if they are talking about judicial reform and the whole process of judicial selection,

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Depending on the size of the pool of applicants, we then have to make determinations relative to the
• I had a recent case that I won't go into too much, but we're trying to determine fraternity in a case
• My name is Kimberly Budd, and I am the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court.
• Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you on behalf of the judicial branch.
• You have to determine what do you want us to do.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held its sixth public hearing on the Governor’s H-2 budget proposal for fiscal year 2026, focused on public safety and judiciary agencies, at the Foxborough Community Center. After opening remarks and local welcomes, the committee heard first from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, led by Secretary Gina Kwan, who outlined a $1.72 billion budget, up $69.8 million from FY26. She said the proposal emphasizes core operations, readiness, and partnerships with municipalities, and highlighted work on firearms-law implementation, State Police reform, DOC reentry efforts, hate-crimes prevention, emergency response, and planning for major events including the World Cup. Members also raised concerns about DNA backlog reporting, State Police academy boxing and training standards, ICE communication, disaster relief funding, crime lab staffing, EMS placement, and diversity in public safety leadership. Several exchanges focused on specific operational issues. Secretary Kwan and her team said the State Police are tracking the influx of forensic work from local sheriffs, that the boxing program remains suspended pending an IACP review and likely will not return in its prior form, and that EOPS has no direct communication with ICE but supports law-enforcement coordination where appropriate. On disaster preparedness, officials said the new disaster relief fund is being developed with MEMA and A&F, currently capitalized at $14 million with another $14 million expected, though members urged a more permanent funding source. On the crime lab, staff said the roughly $4.5 million increase is intended to cover core operations and a structural funding gap rather than expand services. The secretary also said EOPS is not ready to absorb OEMS from DPH at this time, though she would keep an open mind. The committee then heard from district attorneys, led by Suffolk County DA Kevin Hayden, who said the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association is seeking a 10% increase in operating budgets, including about $16.7 million for staffing salaries, to recruit and retain prosecutors, advocates, and support staff. He said the request reflects rising workload and the need to keep the criminal justice system functioning efficiently and fairly. The hearing was recessed briefly after the district attorneys’ opening remarks, with additional testimony expected to continue afterward.

Transcript Highlights:

• As part of the union representation election process, among other things, the DLR must determine whether
• Committee were public judicial employees, that is, employees in the judicial branch of government, it
• also determined that the CAJ was not their public employer under Chapter 150E because the CAJ did not
• Just last week, the committee again considered this issue and determined that it would follow the same
• As in prior legislative discussions on this topic, the committee is determined that it will not advocate

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 2522 / H. 5909, which would amend state labor law to treat the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) as a public employer and allow its employees to seek collective bargaining rights. The chair explained the Article 48 initiative process, noted that no opponents or members of the public had signed up to testify, and said written testimony would be accepted through March 20. The hearing focused on whether CPCS staff should be brought within the public-sector bargaining framework and how that would interact with the agency’s statutory duties. Expert testimony began with an NCSL analyst, who gave a national overview of public employee bargaining rights and examples of public defender unions in other states and localities, including Colorado, New York City, Indianapolis, Cook County, Maryland, and Illinois. Department of Labor Relations officials then reviewed prior failed organizing efforts at CPCS and its predecessor, explaining that earlier petitions were dismissed because the agency was not considered a public employer under existing law. They said passage of the initiative would not automatically unionize employees, but would allow a union to petition for an election or written majority authorization, with normal unit-appropriateness and supervisory/confidential employee issues still to be resolved. CPCS Chief Counsel Anthony Benedetti testified that the agency supports providing information to the legislature but is not taking a position for or against unionization. He described CPCS’s statutory responsibilities, size, and current efforts to expand staffing after recent indigent-defense crises, and said any new bargaining framework would need to operate alongside the agency’s obligations to provide counsel. Proponents from SEIU Local 888 and allied labor groups argued that CPCS employees have long been denied the same collective bargaining rights as other public workers, and that a union would provide just-cause protections, a voice on staffing and working conditions, and better support for recruitment and retention. CPCS attorneys and staff testified in favor of the measure, citing heavy caseloads, rapid expansion, inadequate supervision and office support, and the need for representation in disciplinary and workplace disputes. Committee members asked about bargaining-unit composition, the role of the DLR, the effect of unionization on attorneys’ ethical duties, and the use and cost of paid signature gathering. The hearing ended with no votes taken and no opposition testimony presented.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you read up in the judicial system.
• That's determined through hydrogeological testing.
• determined through hy that's determined through hy hydrogeeological<05:05:20.878> testing.
• <05:36:06.400> branch impact on the on the judicial branch impact on the on the judicial branch
• <05:46:12.480> council, agriculture, for the judicial council, agriculture, for the judicial

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 733, a third-party litigation financing reporting bill. Representative Cole explained that the bill shifts reporting from the Secretary of State to the courts, which he said removes the fiscal note and helps insurers obtain information for underwriting and premium-setting. The committee accepted the explanation and voted ought to pass; the roll call was 8-0 in favor, with one member taking a pause. The committee then heard House Bill 219, dealing with the renewable portfolio standard and the renewable energy fund. Representative Bose argued the bill would reduce electricity costs by lowering the REC purchase obligation from 220,000 to 170,000, which he said would reduce payments into the renewable energy fund by roughly $1 million to $2 million and save consumers only pennies a month. After questions about timing and whether to wait for a DOE report, the committee voted to retain the bill for further discussion rather than advance it; the motion to retain passed 5-4. House Bill 365 was then discussed as an election-related bill intended to help verify citizenship for voter registration and create a voucher process for people who cannot afford a birth certificate. The sponsor said the Secretary of State may be able to use federal and state databases to verify citizenship, and if not, indigent applicants could receive a voucher reimbursed by the state, with a $25,000 appropriation included. Members raised concerns about the Secretary of State’s access to databases and the bill’s timing and cost, and the committee decided to hold the bill until Secretary Scanlan could come testify. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 552, which updates retiree health coverage rules so dependent children can remain on the plan until age 26, consistent with the Affordable Care Act. DAS officials said retirees pay the full cost for dependents, about $1,000 per month, while the state covers only the retiree and spouse. The committee voted ought to pass unanimously, 9-0. The committee then began discussion of House Bill 572, a housing bill aimed at missing-middle housing, describing a voluntary program to identify developable public land, support construction, and streamline review, but the transcript cuts off before any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• And as Joe would tell you, this is what we've determined and how we help the state set the price for
• These are all things that are going to be determined over the next, you know, hopefully three to five
• The biggest concern is primarily the judicial wing parking lot that can get pretty full, and we have
• The biggest concern is primarily the judicial wing parking lot that can get pretty the biggest concern
• This is in the judicial wing on the first floor.

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum and approved the March 18 minutes before hearing a series of informational updates. The Petroleum Council reported that North Dakota oil production is expected to remain relatively flat at just under 1.2 million barrels per day, with activity shifting northward in the Bakken as technology improves and three- and four-mile laterals boost well performance. The presentation also discussed oil and gas prices, gas taxation, flaring concerns, the importance of pipelines and other linear infrastructure, and enhanced oil recovery pilot projects supported by state and federal funding. Members asked questions about gas production taxes, natural gas liquids, and the outlook for drilling rigs and future production. The Office of State Tax Commissioner then reviewed the federal “big beautiful bill” and its estimated effect on North Dakota individual and business income tax collections. Staff explained that most of the individual income tax impact comes from the permanent increase in the standard deduction, while temporary provisions such as senior deductions, tip and overtime exclusions, and auto loan interest deductions have smaller or limited-term effects. They also noted that business tax changes, especially depreciation and expensing provisions, create a larger near-term cash impact, and that some FY25 collections likely reflected one-time oil field transactions that may have inflated the baseline used in earlier estimates. OMB provided updates on major capital projects and facility funding. For Capitol grounds improvements, officials described plans for 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding upgrades, public seating, lighting, tree management, and possible restroom and lobby reconfiguration, while also noting the governor’s residence security project and the discovery of human remains on the Capitol grounds. OMB and its consultants also reported on the state facility maintenance fund, including window replacement, boiler work, roof and foundation repairs, and a new facility conditions assessment covering more state buildings. Updates were also given on the new state hospital in Jamestown, the Minot state office building, and the use of federal state fiscal recovery funds, including possible future reallocations to the Department of Corrections. Finally, Legislative Council staff summarized the interim compliance report on legislative intent and trust fund activity, highlighting the status of lines of credit, Bank of North Dakota profit transfers, the statewide litigation pool, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, corrections planning, HHS program updates, and a likely future general fund request for the unemployment insurance modernization project. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes; the meeting was primarily informational, with members asking clarifying questions throughout.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are not equipped to interpret complex immigration law or determine someone's legal status, yet this
• Texas has a strong reputation for independence, self-determination, and local control.
• It is not reviewed by a judge or any neutral party to determine if it's based on probable cause.
• Lowe, I would love to talk with you and with everyone to discuss what is an ICE warrant, what's a judicial
• This will lead to an increase in crime and a decrease in our trust in our judicial system.

Bills: HB1320, HB2012, HB2293, HB2655, HB3174, HB4108, HB4661, HB4799, HB5534, HB5580

Keywords: transportation, infrastructure, funding, state budget, public safety, child welfare, county boards, membership, local governance, public welfare, government service, social services, Texas Family Code, regulation, vendors, solicitors, roadside sales, county authority, Sweeny Hospital District, board of directors

Transcript Highlights:

• Innocent until proven guilty is the moniker of a fair and judicious justice system.
• <00:50:39.760> justice moniker of a fair and judicious justice moniker of a fair and judicious
• thorough reviews to determine undertook thorough reviews to determine what<03:04:23.520> steps
• <03:05:37.439> whether probation officer to determine whether probation officer to determine
• The fiscal note states the judicial The fiscal note states the judicial branch<03:07:55.439>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas Cade's exceptional talent, determination, and work ethic earned him admission to Mesa Community
• amending Title 25, Chapter 4.1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section 25-419, relating to judicial
• amending Title 25, Chapter 4.1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section 25-419, relating to judicial
• to ensure the system protects children while also maintaining fairness, transparency, and sound judicial
• I understand... ...sound judicial discretion.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, guest introductions, and several personal privilege remarks, including a proclamation recognizing March 10 as Cade’s Day in honor of Cade Keller and teen suicide prevention efforts. Members also welcomed guests from local governments, schools, and the medical community, and the chamber received routine committee and Senate messages. The House then considered several bills in Committee of the Whole. HB 2946 and HB 4018 were amended and given do-pass recommendations, with HB 2946 receiving a floor amendment tied to housing cost concerns. On the main calendar, HB 2083, HB 2308, and HB 2388 were amended and advanced; HB 2389, dealing with energy and environmental review, drew debate over utility costs versus environmental oversight and was also advanced. The House retained HB 4030 and HCR 2052 on the calendar. During third reading, the House passed HB 2047 on forcible entry and detainer, HB 2127 on special license plates, HB 2344 on local government investment pools, HB 2371 on dissolution of marriage, HB 2140 on state investment in gold and silver, HB 2429 on short-term rentals, HB 2434 on the prescription monitoring program, HB 2437 on emergency medical services, HB 2444 on pharmacy-based testing and treatment, HB 2573 on DUI-related treatment, HB 2601 on state highways and routes, HB 2620 on veterans’ services funding, HB 2781 on solar energy power plants, HB 2914 on long-term care cameras, HB 2968 on child custody evidence, HB 4043 on public schools, HB 4064 on municipal improvement districts, HB 4130 on local government budgets, and HCM 2016 renaming a stretch of US 191 as Chief Barbonsito Highway. HB 2123 on financial institutions failed on reconsideration, and HB 2726 on sleep apnea treatment devices failed. Several measures passed with notable split votes and floor explanations focused on housing, licensing, health care access, veterans, family court reform, and tribal sovereignty. The House then adjourned until Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• of us, which is the issue of high school graduation requirement, also known as the competency determination
• the voters of Massachusetts in the last election voted to end the use of 10th grade MCAS tests to determine
• standard across the Commonwealth that would determine high school graduation.
• And I think this extension order represents a judicious use of the tools. Senator Tarr.
• I think this extension order represents a judicious use of the tool for that purpose.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate considered a campaign finance and ballot question transparency bill, taking up a series of amendments. Several amendments offered by Senator Tarr were rejected, including proposals on safety-based redactions, standardized valuation/liability reporting, higher contribution limits, municipal ballot question reporting, tax-exempt entities in ballot campaigns, and post-election audits for all statewide elections. Amendments by Senators Rausch and DiDomenico were adopted, including late contribution reporting and retroactive reporting with an emergency preamble. Senator Feingold’s amendment to prohibit pay-per-signature arrangements for petition gathering was also adopted after a roll call vote. The bill, Senate No. 2898, An Act improving campaign finance reporting by state ballot question committees, was then passed to be engrossed by a 38-0 vote. The Senate next took up Senate No. 2903, An Act honoring Blue Star families, which would provide specialty license plates at no charge to the parent, child, or spouse of a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty. Senators spoke in support, emphasizing the sacrifice of officers and their families, including the recent funeral of Officer Stephen LaPorteur. The bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed by a 38-0 vote. The chamber also approved several committee extension orders. These extended deadlines for the Committees on Aging and Independence, Education, Public Service, and Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, with members noting the limited number of bills and the need for additional time to complete review, cost analysis, or respond to commission reports. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Tuesday at 11 a.m., dispensed with printing a calendar, and adjourned in memory of Stuart H. Altman.