Transcript Highlights:

• General Laws, Chapter 93, Section 76, is where the continuing care statute resides.
• and what's spelled out in the contracts, what needs to be included in the contracts, are defined in Chapter
• 93, Section 76 of the Are defined in Chapter 93, Section 76 of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection
• Governor Patrick signed Chapter 419, an act relative to continuing care retirement communities, which
• But it is what you did, frankly, Mr. and Madam Chair, in Chapter 197.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Aging and Independence commission meeting focused on continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), with members and presenters discussing how the model works, consumer protections, and areas for future review. After member introductions, Jennifer Fuller summarized survey results showing the top priorities as financial viability and affordability, consumer protections and rights, and regulation/monitoring standards. The commission said those issues would guide its work plan, while also keeping staffing, definitions, and federal support on the radar. Alyssa Sherman of LeadingAge Massachusetts and Jim Freiling of Brookhaven at Lexington gave a detailed overview of CCRCs, explaining that they combine housing with health-related services under long-term contracts and typically require entrance fees plus monthly fees. They described the three common contract types: Type A/life care, where costs stay relatively stable if residents need more care; Type B, which offers some included or discounted care with higher costs later; and Type C, fee-for-service, with lower entrance fees but higher costs if care needs increase. They also discussed nonprofit governance, resident involvement, and the role of state and Attorney General disclosure requirements. Several members raised concerns about affordability, refund timing, and the need to distinguish true CCRCs from other senior housing marketed similarly; presenters said refunds are often tied to reoccupancy and that their organizations are collecting data on refund timelines and contract terms. The discussion also covered resident rights and governance, including whether residents should have seats on nonprofit boards. Christine Griffin said her community lacks resident board representation and urged the commission to consider a state requirement, while others said resident associations and direct engagement with boards can be more effective than mandatory board seats. Members also discussed transparency around monthly fee increases, financial screening before admission, and the importance of clear marketing so consumers understand what they are buying. No votes were taken. The meeting ended with logistical updates, including a tentative public hearing date of June 3, 2025, a note that the next meeting would focus on regulation and monitoring standards, and a reminder that the commission would continue refining its work plan based on survey feedback.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1099, amending Title 12, Chapter 6, Article 6, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section
• Title 12, Chapter 6, Article 6, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section 12-651.01, relating to civil
• House Bill 1452, amending Title 41, Chapter 1, Article 5, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section
• Amending Title 9, Chapter 4, Article 8, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section 9-500.54 and Section
• Senate Bill 1635, amending Title 13, Chapter 25, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section 13-2519,

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1038: An act amending Title 16, Chapter 4, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by amending
• Please do the next bill on the calendar: Senate Bill 1133, an act amending Title 16, Chapter 3, Article
• Please proceed with the next bill: Senate Bill 1247, an act amending Title 36, Chapter 4, Article 1,
• Senate Bill 1247: An act amending Title 36, Chapter 4, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding
• Senate Bill 1038: An act amending Title 16, Chapter 4, Article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and routine journal and calendar actions, including referral of a gubernatorial nomination and several bills. The chamber then resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider four measures: SB 1038 on election conduct and cast vote records, SB 1133 on nominating procedures and candidate financial disclosures, SB 1247 on assisted living centers, and SCR 1001, a constitutional election-requirements referral. Each measure received committee amendments and was reported out do pass, with SB 1133 and SB 1247 treated as emergency measures. Most of the debate centered on SCR 1001. Supporters said it would speed election results, strengthen election security, require proof of identity, and preserve legislative authority over election procedures. Opponents argued it would reduce access to voting by changing mail-ballot rules, eliminating the active early voting list, limiting Election Day ballot drop-offs, and potentially creating long lines and confusion, with disproportionate impacts on rural voters, voters of color, and people with disabilities. The Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole report and then took third-reading votes. On final passage, SB 1038 passed 17-9-1, SB 1133 passed 23-6-1, SB 1247 passed 28-1-1, and SCR 1001 passed 17-12-1. Senators explained votes on both sides, with supporters emphasizing integrity and faster tabulation and opponents warning of disenfranchisement and reduced mail voting. The Senate also passed SB 1172 and SB 1175 by 28-1-1 each, then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you're registered as Cyrus Reed on behalf of the Lone Star Chapter Sierra Club testifying for the
• I'm with, uh, the vice president of, of government affairs for the Texas chapter of American Society
• to cost of pumping groundwater from the common aquifer and share common regulatory authority under Chapter
• This bill authorizes the Hayes Trinity District, to assess pumpage fees under the chapter on permitted
• 30 cents per 1000 gallons, the bill also repeals some other provisions that are inconsistent with chapter

Bills: HB 5208, SB 863, SB 1243, SB 1624, SB 1965, SB 2660, SB 2702, SB 2885

Keywords: water filtration, public drinking water, health and safety, well maintenance, water quality, Edwards Aquifer, water conservation, reclaimed water, aquifer storage, environmental protection, public utility agency, dissolution, local government, regulatory framework, municipal authority, Texas Water Bank, Texas Water Trust, water rights, water banking, instream flow

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:33:52.799> that<00:33:53.120> would and plant amendment chapter that would and
• plant amendment chapter that would allow<00:33:53.600> the<00:33:53.840> commissioner<00
• <00:38:53.839> and<00:38:54.320> section in the gasoline tax chapter and section in
• the gasoline tax chapter and section 38<00:38:55.599> modifies<00:38:56.079> the<00:38
• <00:40:39.680> to inspection and enforcement chapter to inspection and enforcement chapter

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• finally, regarding Part IV, this is establishing Kale special or Kale initiative special funds in Chapter
• finally, regarding Part IV, this is establishing Kale special or Kale initiative special funds in Chapter
• that are captured in chapter that are captured in chapter 844g<00:55:31.760> um<00:55:32.000
• testimony there is chapter testimony there is chapter 844g<00:56:46.720> which<00:56:46.880
• <00:56:50.520> and evidence collection kits chapter and evidence collection kits chapter and

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several measures related to housing, homelessness, caregiving, and tax relief. On HB 431, which appropriates funds for the CAL initiative and HHFDC, the Department of Human Services supported the bill and noted the Governor’s request for $50 million per year for HMS, the need for more permanent supportive housing, and a technical issue with establishing a special fund in session law. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions strongly supported the measure, describing it as unprecedented funding for CAL projects and linking it to goals of reducing homelessness and expanding housing inventory. Catholic Charities Hawaii, the ACLU of Hawaii, and the Reimagining Public Safety in Hawaii Coalition also supported the bill, emphasizing permanent supportive housing, diversion from jail, and public safety benefits. The chair redirected one testifier to stay on the measure when testimony drifted to another program. Written support was also noted from several organizations and agencies. The committee then heard HB 225 on squatting. DHS said it appreciated the intent and deferred to the Attorney General and task force members, while noting that outreach on public lands differs from private land, where owner consent is required. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill and wanted a voice in finding a solution. The Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions also said it supported the intent, while opposition from the Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands and support from one individual were noted. For HB 280, which would make the community outreach court permanent and appropriate funds, the Judiciary strongly supported the bill, describing the court as a mobile, community-based program serving vulnerable populations and connecting participants to services. The Office of the Public Defender also supported the measure, saying the program has helped people move off the streets and into stable housing and that permanent funding would allow expansion. Written support from the Hawaii Substance Abuse Coalition was noted. The committee then moved to HB 71, creating a refundable family caregiver tax credit, where the Department of Taxation provided comments, the Executive Office on Aging and AARP Hawaii supported the measure, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii raised concerns about duplication with an existing dependent care credit and the lack of incentives for cost control. The committee next heard HB 753, which would increase the applicable percentage for the household and dependent care services tax credit. Support came from the Executive Office on Aging, Catholic Charities Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, and Hawaii Children’s Action Network, while the Tax Foundation again raised technical concerns about complexity and administration but noted the bill adds guardrails against abuse. No votes were taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• for certain offenses where the statute of limitations is beyond what is normally prescribed under chapter
• <00:10:50.399> or<00:10:50.720> statute prescribed under chapter or statute prescribed
• under chapter or statute 701108. 701108. 701108.
• <00:48:41.359> And<00:48:41.520> the<00:48:41.680> purpose offenses in chapter
• And the purpose offenses in chapter 712.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills related to bribery and public corruption. On SB 2249, which would increase penalties for bribery under certain circumstances, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, arguing that Hawaii’s current class B felony penalty is probationable and too weak to secure cooperation in corruption cases, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Snyder decision narrowed federal bribery prosecutions. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that elevating bribery to a class A felony and making it non-probationable was excessive, overbroad, and would remove judicial discretion. Multiple individuals also testified in support. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about removing deferred acceptance of plea provisions and asked HPD about the $20,000 threshold; the prosecutor said alternative charges could still be used in plea bargaining, and HPD said the threshold aligns with first-degree theft. The committee also discussed how current law tolls the bribery statute of limitations while an official remains in office, with the prosecutor explaining it can extend up to six years total. The committee then heard SB 2494, which would set a nine-year statute of limitations for bribery offenses. The Public Defender opposed the extension, saying the justification based on the length of federal investigations was too broad and that bribery already has a longer limitations period than most felonies. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill, saying bribery cases often involve coordination with federal investigators, that federal and state evidence-gathering methods may differ, and that a longer period would help ensure admissible evidence and allow state prosecution when federal law no longer applies. Members asked whether there were public examples of cases lost to the current limitations period; the prosecutor said he was not aware of any publicly available examples, but maintained nine years was a reasonable period. The committee also considered SB 2737, which would create a misdemeanor for failure by a state or county elected official to report bribery. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments and suggested changing the term to “public servant” for consistency with existing law. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the intent but warned the reporting requirement could create Fifth Amendment issues for witnesses who might otherwise be useful in grand jury proceedings. The bill drew broad public support, with 33 supporters and no opposition noted. Finally, the committee took up SB 3071, which revises sex trafficking and promoting prostitution statutes by redefining “profits from prostitution” and adding an affirmative defense for certain lawful transactions. The Public Defender opposed the measure, saying it still could reach people without the required criminal intent and that the affirmative defense language could be applied unevenly. The Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported the bill, saying it better addresses concerns raised by the State v. Ibarra decision while closing loopholes that allow traffickers to disguise profits as loans or gifts. The prosecutor emphasized that traffickers are sophisticated and can structure transactions to evade current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• 152 into chapter 342.
• Chapter 152 is where we currently regulate the medical cannabis program.
• <00:12:21.680> 152 and is already allowed in chapter 152 and is already allowed in chapter
• <00:13:39.279> 152 tribal medical patients in chapter 152 tribal medical patients in chapter
• 152 into<00:13:40.240> chapter into chapter into chapter 342.<00:13:42.399> 152<00:13:

Bills: HF2354, HF1672, HF2389, HF2870, HF2743, HF1918, HF2551, HF1671

Keywords: medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, medical cannabis, medical marijuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, hemp, marijuana registry, patient registry, visiting patient, Tribal cannabis, Tribal medical cannabis program, Tribal sovereignty, Office of Cannabis Management, designated caregiver, home cultivation, adult-use cannabis

Transcript Highlights:

• So this commission was established by Chapter 238 of the Acts of 2024, and today is Wednesday, March
• So this commission was established by Chapter 238 of the Acts of 2024, and today is Wednesday, March
• other means of payment by consumers on small businesses; and three, the impact of section 28A of chapter
• other means of payment by consumers on small businesses; and three, the impact of section 28A of chapter
• other means of payment by consumers on small businesses; and three, the impact of section 28A of chapter

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House and Senate chairs opened the first organizational meeting of the special initiative commission created by Chapter 238 of the Acts of 2024 to study the future of payments and sales transactions by credit card and the impacts on small businesses. They explained that no testimony would be taken at this meeting; instead, the commission would begin its work, introduce members, and prepare for future hearings and a final report with recommendations on credit cards and other payment methods. The chairs outlined the commission’s charge: to examine payment trends, cashless transactions, credit card fees, mobile payments, buy now, pay later financing, and the effects of section 28A of chapter 140D on small businesses. They said the commission would likely organize hearings around business and consumer impacts, the legal and regulatory landscape, and policy options such as transparency measures, reporting requirements, and possible limits. Members discussed the importance of hearing from retailers, restaurants, banks, small businesses, and possibly experts, and suggested considering cryptocurrency and whether hearings should be held outside the State House or include regional access. Several commissioners and stakeholders introduced themselves, including representatives from the Attorney General’s office, the House, the Executive Office of Economic Development, the Commissioner of Banks, retail and restaurant associations, a banking representative, and two small business owners. The chairs said interested parties could sign up to testify or receive notices, written testimony would be accepted, and the first hearing was tentatively set for April 8 in Gardner Auditorium. The meeting ended with a motion to close, which passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Education Code Chapter 162, which is 24 pages long.
• Department of Defense and military families, I'm writing to express strong support for enhancing Chapter
• If you would take a look at it, it changes from sections to chapters. And it's on this fourth page.
• Under current law, school districts are required to purchase attendance credits under Chapter 49 of the
• Importantly, this credit is applied after any other applicable reductions under Chapter 49.

Bills: HB123, HB5606, HB549, HB2757, HB4359, HB5381, HB1939, HB123

Keywords: HB 123, kindergarten readiness, early literacy, early numeracy, reading screening, math screening, foundational literacy, foundational numeracy, dyslexia screening, reading intervention, math intervention, teacher academy, literacy academy, mathematics academy, interventionist academy, K-3 assessments, school readiness, prekindergarten, tutoring grant, parent-directed tutoring

Transcript Highlights:

• what files are made public and what files are not made public, particularly those that have adopted Chapter
• Chapter 143 requires the following documents to be held in the personnel file: substantiated misconduct
• We would like to utilize these reports as part of an early warning system, but we are not a Chapter 143
• The most important case that currently defines what is and is not secret in Chapter 143 cities is San
• Chapter 143 allows for contracts to protect the safeguards of employees.

Bills: SB 15

Keywords: law enforcement, department file, employee records, misconduct, confidentiality, Texas occupations code, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have that in our statute, under Chapter 19.
• They're all in Chapter 49, but none of them were political subdivisions.
• Ultimately, I landed with the End of the Trails chapter out of Santa Fe.
• At the same time, I was asked to join the San Francisco Association Board and the trails chapter, which
• They don't recognize our land grant. authority just yet, even though Chapter 49 does state that we do

Transcript Highlights:

• We show you registered as Cyrus Reed on behalf of the Lone Star chapter of the Sierra Club and that you
• Cyrus Reed on behalf of the Lone Star chapter Sierra Club against the bill, is that correct?
• We're not against all of the bill, uh, but yes, Cyrus Reed, um, Lone Star chapter of the Sierra Club,
• We show you registered as Cyrus Reed, Lone Star chapter of the Sierra Club for the bill.
• Yes, Ken Flipin, Texas chapter US Green Building Council, and yes, I can be enthusiastically for the

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members, the chapter 1160 is the Enterprise Minnesota Inc. chapter, so it talks about the duties
• Chair and members, the chapter 1160 is the Enterprise Minnesota Inc. chapter, so it talks about the duties
• Chair and members, the chapter 1160 is the Enterprise Minnesota Inc. chapter, so it talks about the duties
• Chair and members, the chapter 1160 is the Enterprise Minnesota Inc. chapter, so it talks about the duties
• Senate File 1435 makes two investments. under that chapter so it it's one of under that chapter so it

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Cyrus Reed on behalf of the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club, against the bill.
• But yes, Cyrus Reed, Lone Star Chapter, Sierra Club.
• We show you registered as Kenneth Flippin on behalf of the Texas chapter of U.S.
• Yes, Ken Flippin, Texas Chapter U.S.
• Cyrus Reed, Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club, against the bill.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 1904, which would classify intentionally released helium balloons as litter and create criminal penalties for balloon releases. The author and supportive witnesses argued that balloon releases harm wildlife, livestock, waterways, and infrastructure, and that the bill would close a loophole in current litter law. Several members questioned whether criminal penalties were appropriate, and the author said he was willing to work toward civil penalties and fines instead. No vote was taken, and HB 1904 was left pending. The committee then took up several pending bills and reported them favorably to the full House, including HB 3249, HB 3866, HB 4112, HB 1768, HB 1499, HB 573, and HB 464. These measures dealt with topics such as TCEQ contested-case procedures, outdoor storage containers, high-level radioactive waste, concrete plant permitting and grants, unannounced concrete batch plant inspections, and a scrap tire grant program. Most were adopted with substitutes and passed on recorded votes, generally with unanimous or near-unanimous support. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 3997, which would create expedited permitting timelines for LNG facilities and related wastewater permits. Industry witnesses said the bill would provide certainty for multibillion-dollar projects without eliminating public participation, while environmental groups opposed parts of the bill that they said could limit contested-case participation and be unrealistic for SOAH timelines. TCEQ staff described the current wastewater permitting process and said some of the bill’s timing provisions could be workable, especially with an expedited fee. The bill was left pending after the author said he would continue working on committee substitute language. The committee also heard HB 1237 on extending the renewal window for expired TCEQ occupational water licenses, and HB 4519, a TERP consolidation bill that would combine several clean transportation grant programs into fewer programs. HB 1237 was left pending without testimony, while HB 4519 drew broad support from environmental and industry witnesses who favored simplifying the program, though some asked for stronger emphasis on particulate matter and hydrogen funding. The committee withdrew the substitute on HB 4519 and left it pending. Finally, HB 5033, which would eliminate the motor vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program if federal authority changes, drew opposition from environmental and inspection-industry witnesses who warned it would weaken air-quality protections and could remove an important enforcement tool. The author said the bill was intended as a trigger mechanism and would be refined, and HB 5033 was left pending. The committee also heard HB 1227 on municipal solid-waste franchise fees and private-provider access; the author said he would bring a substitute after hearing concerns from cities, and the bill was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• in chapter 13, different committee,<00:30:59.039> different<00:30:59.279> conversation.
• <00:31:36.399> 13, are already covered under chapter 13, are already covered under chapter
• <00:32:05.600> I >> Chapter 13 isn't covered under this.
• I >> Chapter 13 isn't covered under this.
• judiciary uh chapter 13 civil penalties. judiciary uh chapter 13 civil penalties.

Bills: HF4077, HF3798, HF3886

Keywords: municipal nondisclosure agreement, NDA, public records, transparency, local government, county, city, town, school district, housing and redevelopment authority, economic development authority, port authority, economic development, land development, public financing, tax increment financing, TIF, abatement, municipal bonds, debt obligations

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a simple confirming change between two chapters in our statutes, chapter 43A, which provides rules
• regarding state employees that choose to work in public in legislative service, and chapter 3, which
• in public in legislative<00:04:42.200> service,<00:04:43.160> and<00:04:43.440> chapter
• <00:04:43.880> three, legislative service, and chapter three, legislative service, and chapter
• , and it brings together those chapters, and it brings together those provisions<00:05:42.880> for

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Under chapter 141 of the Health and Safety Code, DSHS already has regulatory oversight on camps and youth
• Record shows you're Kenneth Flip and you're testifying on behalf of Texas chapter of US Green Building
• We asked for clear definitions in chapter 49 and related codes to improve clarity and effectiveness.
• Thank you for this opportunity again, Ken Flipping, text chapter of US Green Building Council.
• You represent the Lone Star chapter of Sierra Club and yourself, and you're for the bill.

Bills: HB1, HB 2, HB18, HB19, HB20

Keywords: youth camps, emergency preparedness, safety standards, health regulations, camp licensing, disaster preparedness, emergency management, flooding, mass fatality, mass casualty, fatality tracking, body recovery, autopsy, justice of the peace, medical examiner, county judge, sheriff, mayor, emergency coordinator, emergency manager license

Transcript Highlights:

• DMV, and it places the new section of Delaware code created in section 3 of this act into its own chapter
• My name is Dustin Thompson, chapter director for the Sierra Club Delaware Chapter.
• my name is Aaron Kelly, and I am the Director of Public Affairs for the Pennsylvania, New Jersey chapter
• Dustin Thompson, chapter director for Sierra Club Delaware Chapter.
• Dustin Thompson, chapter director for Sierra Club Delaware Chapter.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on energy, public safety, and environmental cleanup. House Bill 455 would create a historic preservation license plate to raise funds and awareness for Delaware preservation efforts, and House Bill 471 would tighten rules and penalties for off-highway vehicles on shared private roads, with golf carts excluded. House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 439, the Truth in E-Bike Marketing Act, would require clearer disclosures when selling electric mopeds and electric motorcycles so consumers understand classification, power, and licensing/insurance requirements. House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 407, related to the Hazardous Substance Cleanup Act and brownfields, would shift funding for brownfield cleanup from the original realty transfer tax approach to a dedicated share of the hazardous substance cleanup fund and raise civil penalties for fraudulent acts. The committee also approved the June 18, 2026 minutes once quorum was reached. Most of the meeting centered on House Substitute No. 1 for House Bill 233, as amended, a large-load/data center bill intended to protect ratepayers from costs tied to massive new electricity users. The sponsor and Public Advocate said PJM’s warnings about a coming reliability backstop auction made it urgent to establish a Delaware framework now, requiring large energy users to sign utility agreements, cover their share of transmission, distribution, and capacity costs, and comply with curtailment and other protections. Supporters from environmental groups and some labor and business voices said the bill was needed to prevent cost shifts to households and small businesses, while opponents argued it was being rushed, could deter investment, and might unintentionally affect other industries; several asked for more time and clearer definitions. No vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee also took up House Bill 470, which would authorize Delmarva Power, with PSC approval, to build and operate utility-owned battery storage and spread costs across the customer base. The sponsor and Delmarva said the bill would improve reliability quickly and help avoid outages, while the chair expressed concern that the state had not yet fully studied whether utility-owned or competitively procured storage is the best model, noting a recent SEU storage study and broader policy questions. Supporters said utility storage could be deployed faster and help with peak shaving, while others urged a competitive process; the transcript cuts off before any final action on HB 470.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's colloquially called the Terroristic Threat Statute. chapter 26.
• It's colloquially called the Terroristic Threat Statute, Chapter 269, Section 14.
• It's chapter two. is the state's anti-masking law, which is a separate law.
• It's Chapter 268, Section 34.
• The criminal harassment law is Chapter 265. I don't know if you know this one.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on Anti-Semitism met to focus on the role of law enforcement in responding to anti-Semitic incidents. After approving amended minutes, the chair opened with remarks emphasizing that the Commission would confront anti-Semitism from any political direction and outlined the day’s agenda: extremist activity trends, hate-crime statutes, intergovernmental coordination, and security funding. The first presentation came from Ben Pott of the ADL Center on Extremism, who described rising extremist propaganda and anti-Semitic incidents nationally and in Massachusetts, highlighting groups such as NSC-131, GDL, and Patriot Front. He said these groups increasingly use anti-Zionist language, public disruptions, and online platforms to spread hate, and recommended prosecution where possible, civil litigation, education about symbols and tactics, and community reporting to law enforcement and ADL. Assistant District Attorney David Solvin then reviewed federal and Massachusetts hate-crime laws, including federal civil-rights and hate-crime statutes and state provisions for civil-rights violations, assault and battery to intimidate, religious vandalism, terroristic threats, and criminal harassment. He explained that many of these laws enhance penalties based on bias motivation, but some do not create standalone offenses or qualify as dangerousness predicates under current law. Commissioners pressed him on hypothetical fact patterns involving anti-Semitic slurs, symbols, and attacks, as well as on the limits of existing law for pretrial detention and the need for better data collection. Solvin said more training, better reporting, and possible legislative updates could improve enforcement, and he noted pending bills that would require more regular hate-crime reporting and expand protected classes. Detective Lieutenant Ryan Cepiel of the State Police Anti-Terrorism Unit and HART described the unit’s creation in 2023, its role in implementing prior hate-crime task force recommendations, and its work with local, state, federal, and community partners. He said HART has trained civil-rights officers, developed recruit and in-service curricula, created resource pamphlets and a Teams page, and is building a GIS-based reporting portal to improve tracking and victim support. Cepiel reported a year-over-year rise in reported anti-Semitic hate crimes in Massachusetts, while noting that current numbers are incomplete because reporting is inconsistent and there is no mandate for local departments to notify HART. Commissioners discussed underreporting, rural versus eastern Massachusetts coverage, the need for more officers and training, and the importance of making victims feel safe coming forward. The meeting ended with agreement that better data, training, and coordination are needed to address the rise in anti-Semitic hate and bias incidents.