Transcript Highlights:

• Otherwise, it would be forced to exercise its enforcement rights under Chapter 19.
• Government transparency is required in Wisconsin Chapter 19, and this is a quote from Chapter 19: In
• And so I would just like to quickly go through our analysis of Chapter 19.
• Critically, Wisconsin Chapter 19 details the remedy in the event that... ...rule or order.
• Wisconsin Chapter 115 clearly defines the duties of the office.

Committee: House Assembly Committee on Government Operations, Accountability, and Transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• And then paragraph C, 7.15 through 7.18, asserts that the Inspector General is subject to chapter 13.
• </c><00:41:06.280><c> 13</c> Inspector General from all of chapter 13 Inspector General from all of chapter
• violating chapter 13 by doing<00:42:12.560><c> so</c><00:42:13.480><c> and</c><00:42:13.680><c> then
• </c> General is subject to chapter General is subject to chapter 13<00:42:22.680><c> CH</c><00:42:22.880
• </c><01:01:28.880><c> 10A</c> disclosure requirements in chapter 10A disclosure requirements in chapter

Bills: HF1 , HF779 , HF1034

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: Office of Inspector General, inspector general, legislative audit, fraud prevention, waste and abuse, public funds, grant oversight, state grants, grant management, whistleblower protection, retaliation, subpoena power, data practices, government transparency, accountability, law enforcement referrals, sanctions, debarment, payment withholding, public assistance fraud

Transcript Highlights:

• Today that proud spirit lives on through more than than 200 chapters nationwide, including at least 10
• chapters right here in the United States.
• six and a half, and it's called chapter six and a half, title 71.
• Section 171A-403, Construction of Chapter Related to Asserted Defense.
• Programs under chapter 466 of health and safety code.

Bills: SJR59 , SCR30 , SCR46 , SB31 , SB127 , SB324 , SB401 , SB407 , SB467 , SB482 , SB506 , SB529 , SB584 , SB619 , SB636 , SB646 , SB647 , SB659 , SB715 , SB732 , SB735 , SB771 , SB784 , SB800 , SB801 , SB816 , SB1013 , SB1026 , SB1049 , SB1055 , SB1065 , SB1137 , SB1169 , SB1181 , SB1383 , SB1395 , SB1410 , SB1433 , SB1524 , SB1531 , SB1568 , SB1640 , SB1666 , SB1681 , SB1718 , SB1754 , SB1757 , SB1972 , SB1980 , SB2004 , SB2007 , SB2041 , SB2046 , SB2050 , SB2075 , SB2076 , SB2154 , SB2173 , SB2206 , SB2225 , SB2253 , SB2268 , SB2306 , SB2308 , SB2314 , SB2322 , SB2330 , SB2351 , SB2366 , SB2371 , SB2392 , SB2398 , SB2476 , SB2533 , SB2540 , SB2544 , SB2589 , SB2610 , SB2623 , SB2660 , SB2662 , SB2693 , SB2707 , SB2717 , SB2722 , SB2742 , SB2753 , SB2779 , SB2807 , SB2843 , SB2844 , SB2858 , SB2877 , SB2880 , SB2885 , SB2920 , SB2938 , SB2986 , HJR4 , HCR35 , SJR3 , SJR18 , SB5 , SB260 , SB1786 , SB914 , SB963 , SB1197 , SB1415 , SB1437 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR84 , SJR59 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR46 , SCR48 , SCR19 , SCR30 , SCR3 , SB2023 , SB1433 , SB2322 , SB2877 , SB407 , SB1718 , SB1395 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB1502 , SB507 , SB1026 , SB1434 , SB1376 , SB1585 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB619 , SB1122 , SB732 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB529 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB2253 , SB584 , SB1085 , SB2314 , SB2046 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB1524 , SB1137 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1410 , SB1845 , SB1863 , SB2681 , SB2200 , SB2199 , SB1757 , SB2050 , SB2458 , SB2201 , SB1055 , SB2660 , SB2662 , SB1065 , SB801 , SB2533 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB647 , SB1721 , SB2268 , SB2366 , SB1013 , SB2797 , SB2371 , SB2383 , SB646 , SB1169 , SB1754 , SB2779 , SB2004 , SB2119 , SB2448 , SB1777 , SB1283 , SB2392 , SB2076 , SB2786 , SB2876 , SB2284 , SB2225 , SB1540 , SB2920 , SB2929 , SB1972 , SB2540 , SB2742 , SB2595 , SB2217 , SB715 , SB2330 , SB1383 , SB500 , SB1640 , SB2001 , SB2080 , SB2722 , SB506 , SB2514 , SB2623 , SB2753 , SB2398 , SB1241 , SB2927 , SB2173 , SB2538 , SB898 , SB467 , SB1449 , SB2529 , SB1531 , SB2846 , SB2476 , SB986 , SB1181 , SB2075 , SB2154 , SB2864 , SB31 , SB2880 , SB1359 , SB2386 , SB771 , SB2844 , SB2550 , SB1351 , SB1423 , SB1931 , SB2245 , SB2589 , SB2707 , SB2807 , SB2351 , SB410 , SB659 , SB816 , SB2776 , SB2693 , SB2580 , SB1980 , SB1886 , SB1234 , SB739 , SB482 , SB456 , SB127 , SB1666 , SB2843 , SB2801 , SB800 , SB2055 , SB784 , SB2986 , SB735 , SB1012 , SB324 , SB2926 , SB2938 , SB2007 , SB2138 , SB1242 , SB2615 , SB1049 , SB2310 , SB1224 , SB2972 , SB1568 , SB2841 , SB2885 , SB3016 , SB2858 , SB2610 , SB2139 , SB1856 , SB2035 , SB2308 , SB2306 , SB2041 , SB1528 , SB1681 , SB1141 , SB2401 , SB2530 , SB2375 , SB547 , SB1266 , SB1373 , SB1467 , SB2069 , SB2269 , SB2480 , SB2544 , SB672 , SB904 , SB2695 , SB2891 , SB2422 , SB2543 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB2539 , SB2532 , SB2925 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB2203 , SB457 , SB2357 , HJR4 , HB135 , HB 1109 , HCR35 , HCR64 , SB2721 , SB243 , SB1285 , SB2568 , SB1959 , SB1442 , SB1454 , SB2520 , SB2541 , SB1708 , SB1237 , SB1844 , SB1586

Transcript Highlights:

• In Minnesota statutes, SUD treatment providers are licensed by DHS under the requirements of chapters
• 245i which is Minnesota statutes chapter 245i which is the<00:41:40.599><c> um</c><00:41:40.760><c>
• This is under chapter 245A in statute.
• This is under chapter 245A in statute.
• under chapter 245a in sanctions are under chapter 245a in statute<01:09:20.799><c> um</c><01:09:20.960

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• We advocated for the passage of Chapter 222, school discipline reform that provided due process rights
• Despite the progress we've made since Chapter 222, students of color and students with disabilities continue
• And there's a few key changes that are introduced that seek to amend Chapter 151C. by adding special
• And there's a few key changes that are introduced that seeks to amend Chapter 151C. 51C.
• This would amend Chapter 151C of our laws. Sure.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on a large slate of bills, with much of the testimony focused on school discipline and student equity. Bills discussed included measures to address inequities in suspension and expulsion, clarify school exclusion rules, reduce discipline for dress and grooming violations, and expand protections related to fair educational practices. Committee members repeatedly reminded witnesses of the two-minute limit and asked for written testimony to supplement oral remarks. A substantial portion of the hearing centered on the RAISE Act and related school discipline bills, including H. 730/S. 376 and H. 731/S. 380. Testifiers from advocacy groups, legal services, and the legislature argued that exclusionary discipline disproportionately affects Black and Latino students, students with disabilities, low-income students, and DCF-involved youth. They said current law is overly broad or unclear in areas such as “assault on educational staff,” indefinite suspensions tied to felony complaints, and definitions of weapons, leading to unnecessary removals from school. Supporters said the bills would add due process, clearer definitions, and better accountability, while one legislator testified in support of the discipline reforms and opposed several other bills on the agenda. The committee also heard testimony on H. 576/S. 368, which would prohibit suspensions and expulsions for dress and grooming violations and require clearer, non-discriminatory dress code policies. Witnesses cited research and personal stories about disproportionate enforcement against Black girls, girls of color, non-binary students, and students wearing religious attire, and said the bill would prevent physical contact used to enforce dress codes. Another major topic was H. 641/S. 349, which would add “special medical status” protections in education; supporters said it would prevent exclusion based on medical decisions or conditions, though members questioned how it would interact with existing disability law and vaccination-related school requirements. The committee also heard testimony on H. 625, which would extend the ban on corporal punishment from public to private schools, with witnesses citing research on harm and disproportionate impact. Additional testimony covered bills on accelerated learning and gifted education, with parents, educators, and advocates saying Massachusetts under-identifies advanced learners and lacks adequate acceleration pathways. A senator also testified for S. 406 on recovery high schools, saying the funding formula should be updated to better support students in recovery. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair closed testimony on several bill groups and noted that written testimony would remain open for a week.

Transcript Highlights:

• You're here on behalf of the Texas chapter of the U.S.
• Kenneth Flippen, you're testifying on behalf of the Texas Chapter of the U.S.
• Flippen, you're testifying on behalf of the Texas Chapter of the U.S.
• Again, Ken Flippen, Texas Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. Just a few suggestions.
• Craig Naser, Lone Star Chapter, Sierra Club.

Bills: HB2 , HB1 , HB18 , HB19 , HB20 , HB1 , HB2 , HB18 , HB19 , HB20

Committee: House Disaster Preparedness & Flooding, Select

Transcript Highlights:

• The only chapter that I've read carefully is the education chapter.
• But I wrote none of the words that are in that chapter.
• Again, I agree with most of what's in that chapter don't really know what's in most of the other chapters
• Just a really know what's in most of the other chapters. Just a visiting fellow.
• The chapter that I was asked to write is what can trustees do? This is before I was even a trustee.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just wanted if it'd be germane on this one if we amended this to repeal Chapter 18, I'm If we amended
• this to repeal Chapter 18?
• And on page 25, line 31, the court would have jurisdiction of the juvenile pursuant to Chapter 18-8-6A
• So the court still would have jurisdiction under Article 4 of Chapter 49. ...still would have jurisdiction
• under Article 4 of Chapter 49 on page 25.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its prior meeting and then took up House Bill 5537, a bill to repeal several obsolete or outdated code sections. Counsel explained that the bill would remove provisions related to professional development, a behavioral interventionist pilot program, county lists of facilities for child daycare, and high school graduation rates, with a proposed amendment adding another outdated education code section from 1923. The committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 5537 to the full Senate with a recommendation that it do pass as amended. The committee then considered House Bill 4656, which would shift truancy policy toward chronic absenteeism and earlier intervention. Counsel said the committee substitute would replace punitive status-offense treatment with wraparound services, student support specialists, and a new child-in-need-of-supervision process, while also ending compulsory attendance at age 18 and removing criminal penalties for 18-year-olds. Members questioned how the new thresholds would work, including the role of attendance directors, prosecutors, judges, and the Department of Human Services, and whether the bill would change current diversion funding or court authority. Witnesses from Fayette County, Greenbrier County, and Taylor County largely opposed the bill or urged caution. The Fayette County attendance director said current truancy procedures, including school-based probation and court involvement, help secure family participation and services, and warned that removing the status offense would weaken enforcement. A Greenbrier County probation officer said diversion programs are effective and that court involvement often leads to needed services. A Taylor County juvenile prosecutor said status-offense jurisdiction gives courts meaningful leverage and flexibility, and asked that counties be allowed to keep existing approaches that work locally. After testimony, the committee voted to report HB 4656 to the full Senate without recommendation and with a recommendation that it be re-referred to the Committee on Education, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second reading of bills: HB 2960, behavioral health; HB 2196, the appropriation clapout chapter; HB 2983
• House Bill 2010, amending Title 44, Chapter 2, Article 5, A.R.S., by adding Section 44-1484, relating
• House Bill 2155, repealing Section 41-3026, A.R.S., remaining Title 41, Chapter 27, Article 2, A.R.S.
• House Bill 2178, amending Title 41, Chapter 57, Article 1, A.R.S., by adding Section 41-5902, relating
• House Bill 2395, amending Title 15, Chapter 2, Article 2, A.R.S., by adding Section 15-249.20, relating

Transcript Highlights:

• As we pray today, the text I've chosen is Philippians chapter 1 verse 27.
• Members, chapters throughout the state have joined us today And their members are seated in the south
• The organization later established its southwest province chapters to serve as Arkansas...
• I'd like to acknowledge the Dallas alumni chapter.
• If you're from the Dallas alumni chapter, will you wave your hand?

Transcript Highlights:

• Kamal Ahmad, Director of Public Affairs, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Minnesota Chapter, Nusrat Mosque
• So members, I would urge a no vote because it's not in the same chapter of law.
• We don't need to see it because it's in Chapter 13, I believe, or...
• Specific part of Chapter 13 that deals specifically with the Attorney General's office, lucky for you
• 13 and how he's to operate under Chapter 13.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> requirements of KRS chapter 13A. requirements of KRS chapter 13A.
• And the agency amendment KS chapter 13A.
• </c> KS Chapter 13A. KS Chapter 13A.
• </c> sections to comply with KRS chapter 13A. sections to comply with KRS chapter 13A. 907<02:10:40.239
• <02:11:24.960><c> 13A</c><02:11:26.000><c> 907106</c> chapter 13A 907106 chapter 13A 907106 is<02:11:

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then recognized a staff member’s birthday and a guest shadowing Senator Adams. It then moved into informational review of Education and Labor Cabinet, Department of Education regulation 702 KAR 3:30, which sets insurance coverage requirements for school district buildings and structures. Department of Education officials explained that districts are expected to carry coverage at replacement cost and said they understand some districts participate in self-insurance pools with backup policies, but they deferred detailed insurance questions to the Department of Insurance. Senators raised concerns that pooled coverage could leave districts exposed if claims exceed pool limits, and the chair asked KDE to follow up with DOI to confirm districts are adequately covered, especially for bondholders. No vote was taken on the informational review. The committee then reviewed emergency ABC regulations 804 KAR 130:01 through 130:04 implementing Senate Bill 100’s new licensing requirements for tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product businesses. ABC and Public Protection Cabinet representatives outlined the emergency rules governing enforcement, license applications, denial criteria, and transitional licenses. Retail industry witnesses Shannon Stiglet and Brian Clark said they support licensure in principle but argued the rules add duplicative requirements borrowed from alcohol licensing, create confusion about transitional licenses, and may be too burdensome for the roughly 7,000 affected businesses to meet by the January 1 deadline. They also said guidance has been inconsistent and requested the agency revise the regulations, remove requirements not grounded in law, and provide clearer, separate processes for new and existing businesses. Committee members asked whether the industry had worked directly with ABC and noted the public comment period was still open. Witnesses said they had communicated with ABC and the Public Protection Cabinet, but responses had been uneven and they wanted written guidance. Members expressed concern about the short timeline and the need to avoid disruption so businesses can operate legally on January 1. Representative Marzian asked for clarification that the discussion concerned emergency regulations already in effect while ordinary regulations remain in process. No formal action was taken beyond receiving the informational testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Howard of Seekonk moves to amend the bill by adding the following section: Chapter 272 of the General
• Chapter 272 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 official edition, is hereby amended by inserting
• Paragraph 2 of subsection B of Section 137A of Chapter 140 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024
• Subsection G of Section 2 of Chapter 159A and a half is hereby amended by adding the following sentence
• foregoing, this section shall not apply to the vocational veterinary science programs approved under Chapter

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, welcomed several guests and birthday celebrants, and adopted a resolution honoring the Jeller family for 100 years of service to Plymouth. Members also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition authorizing a lease for Pilgrim Memorial Park in Plymouth. The chamber then took up Senate No. 3028, the omnibus animal welfare bill titled “An act promoting pet equity, treatment, and safety,” which Ways and Means recommended ought to pass with a House amendment and an emergency preamble. During debate on S. 3028, members described the bill as a package of animal welfare reforms covering veterinary technician regulation, expanded oversight of veterinary medicine, pet insurance disclosures and cancellation rights, changes to the Beagle Bill adoption process, a ban on animal testing for household products when alternatives exist, requirements for reporting found dogs to law enforcement, protections for service dogs in transportation, stronger kennel licensing enforcement, and limits on discrimination against companion animals in public and senior housing. Several members spoke in support, especially of Section 25, which creates a civil process for animal neglect cases so authorities can seek care or removal without relying solely on felony prosecution; supporters said it better balances animal protection with due process and human crises. The House rejected two proposed amendments, adopted two others, and then passed the bill to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 151-1. The House also passed Senate No. 2577, increasing parking fees in the town of Scituate, and House No. 2250, dissolving the Whately Water District, by roll call vote of 150-0. In addition, the House declined to concur with Senate amendments to House No. 4361, a bill concerning benefits for teachers, and instead ordered a Committee of Conference, appointing Representatives Ryan of Boston, Gonzales of Springfield, and Ferguson of Holden. Finally, the House passed House No. 5492, authorizing Billerica to transfer land for the Yankee Doodle Bike Path, and then adjourned to meet the next day in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Howard of Seekonk moves to amend the bill by adding the following section: Chapter 272 of the General
• Chapter 272 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 official edition, is hereby amended by inserting
• Paragraph 2 of subsection B of Section 137A of Chapter 140 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024
• bill by inserting after Section 30 the following section: Section 30A, subsection G of Section 2 of Chapter
• foregoing, this section shall not apply to the vocational veterinary science programs approved under Chapter

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

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: HB 123 , HB5606 , HB549 , HB2757 , HB4359 , HB5381 , HB1939 , HB123

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:

• Officials need to go to chapter meetings and talk to the mayor.
• In my past experience, I had to go to chapter meetings, make planning meetings, and I stressed what we
• I want to thank the Pinedale Chapter and its leadership and officials for helping us host our meeting
• Also, our Chair, Sarah Jackson, president of the chapter.

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• And then, if that is requested, we proceed under chapter 2832 with the hearing as requested.
• I didn't see it before, but I think that reference to Chapter 28-27 is not the right cross-reference.
• Oh, on the version you just talked about, it's right on line 23 under Chapter 28-27.
• Well, on the version you just talked about, it's right on line 23 under Chapter 28-27. Okay.

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The subcommittee met on Senate Bill 2224 and reviewed the latest Legislative Council draft, version 1006, which incorporated prior changes including the Christensen amendment, the executive session language, and a 30-day deadline for the Attorney General to issue an order. The Attorney General’s office then explained its proposed amendment, which would clarify that hearings could be held under existing administrative hearing procedures, apply the same process to all violations, and preserve the current appeal structure. The office also raised concerns about the bill’s requirement that hearings be video recorded and broadcast live, noting possible technology and budget limitations. Representative Koppelman responded that the purpose of the bill was to ensure a timely, transparent process and avoid long delays before a sanctioned party could get to court, arguing that the Legislative Council draft better addressed due process concerns. Representative Henderson agreed and said the draft version improved transparency and established a clearer timeline. During discussion, a cross-reference in the appeal section was identified as incorrect and was corrected to refer to Section 28-32-49 rather than Chapter 28-27, with clarification that the appeal path should remain tied to the Attorney General’s administrative determination. The committee then amended the motion to include the corrected cross-reference and approved the Legislative Council version 1006 as amended. The vote was unanimous, and the bill was prepared to be taken back to committee the next morning for further action. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• THESE AGREEMENTS INCLUDE BOTH STATE TERM CONTRACTS AND ALTERNATE CONTRACT THEY ARE DEFINED IN CHAPTER
• JUST LIKE STATE TERM CONTRACTS MUST BE COMPETITIVELY PROCURED WITHIN THREE METHODS PRESCRIBED IN CHAPTER
• CHAPTER 282 OF FLORIDA STATUTE REQUIRES COORDINATION BETWEEN AGENCIES AND THE FLORIDA DIGITAL THE FORM
• CHAPTER 287 REQUIRES MINIMUM NUMBER OF QUOTES FOR ALL STATE TERM CONTRACTS.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said that under Chapter 61B, Belmont Country Club gets a $400,000 tax break.
• Yes, and the reason we’re asking for an exclusion from the entire chapter is I actually don’t object
• This very modest reform of Chapter 149 brought most Massachusetts workers somewhat closer to a living
• This bill would affect the Chapter 61 program by making it possible to operate at a different scale.
• I believe that a Chapter 61 urban would make it possible to address that.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Revenue

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