Transcript Highlights:

• Senator from Essex, Ms.
• The Senator from Middlesex, Ms.
• The Senator from Fourth Middlesex, Ms.
• The Senator from Fourth Middlesex, Ms. Friedman, moves that the Senate now adjourn.
• The Senator from Fourth Middlesex, Ms. Friedman, moves that the Senate now adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ms. Cantwell: No. Ms. Cantwell: No. Mr. Bennett: No. Mr. Warner: No. Mr. Whitehouse: No. Ms.
• Ms. Cortez Masto: No. Ms. Warren: No. Mr. Sanders: No. Ms. Smith: No. Mr. Lujan: No. Mr.

Committee: Senate Finance Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senator from Bristol and Plymouth, Ms.
• The Senator from Bristol and Thomas, Ms.
• The Senator from Bristol and Plymouth, Ms.
• Plymouth, Ms. Duner, off the audience for three.
• The Senator from Bristol and Plymouth, Ms. Duner, moves that the Senate now adjourn.

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several local and private bills. It passed to be enacted House No. 4004, validating the results of a special election in the town of Hygwick, requiring and receiving the necessary two-thirds vote. The chamber also advanced House No. 4245, increasing the membership of the select board in the town of Mattapoisett, and ordered House No. 4263, establishing a charter for the City of Medford, to a third reading after suspending the rules. The Senate likewise moved several sick leave bank bills forward, including measures for Alexander Schwartz of the Department of State Police and Stephanie Bramante Miller of the Appellate Tax Board, both ordered to a third reading. Joint Rule 12 was suspended for several House petitions, which were then referred to the appropriate committees. The Senate also adopted the emergency preamble for Senate Bill 2580, establishing a sick leave bank for Robert Tiro of the Trial Court, with a standing vote showing unanimous support. The chamber then adopted a resolution in memory of Joseph William Conelli, honoring his military service, long career with the Boston Police Department, and family. After a moment of silence, the Senate passed Senate Bill 2580 to enactment and ordered it sent to the Governor. The Senate adopted an order to adjourn until Thursday at 11:00 a.m., and adjourned in memory of Joseph William Conelli.

Transcript Highlights:

• The question now comes on adoption of the order; the Senator from Worcester, Ms.
• The Senator from Worcester, Ms. Kennedy, has presented an amendment which the clerk will read.
• The Senator from Worcester, Ms. Kennedy, has been... The Senator from Worcester, Ms.
• Ms.

Summary: The Senate took up several local and procedural matters. It passed to be engrossed H. 4225, authorizing Marblehead to establish a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption, and H. 4584, further regulating the appointment of special police officers in Malden. The Chair also announced changes to the Committee on Bills in the Third Reading, with Senator Tarr and Senator Durant exchanging committee membership through resignation and reappointment. The chamber then considered multiple Senate orders extending reporting deadlines for committees under the Rules of the Two Branching Act. An extension for the Committee on Financial Services under S. 2796 was adopted, with members noting it covered seven bills through May 4, 2026. Another order for the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs under S. 2775 was amended to extend the deadline from April 30, 2026 to June 30, 2026, and then adopted. A similar order for the Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery under S. 2776 was also amended from April 30, 2026 to June 30, 2026 and adopted, with members again confirming it covered seven bills. On final passage, the Senate adopted an emergency preamble for H. 4259, designating the Wider Park tennis courts as the Kim O'Connell Tennis Courts, by a standing vote of 2-0. It then enacted H. 4602, increasing the membership of the select board in the town of Munson, and H. 4259, sending both bills to the Governor. The Senate also adopted an order to reconvene the following Thursday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senator from Worcester, Ms. Kennedy, has presented an amendment, which the clerk will read.
• The Senator from Worcester, Ms. Kennedy, has presented an amendment, which the clerk will read.
• The Senator from Worcester, Ms. Kennedy, has been... The Senator from Worcester, Ms.
• Ms.

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and announced changes to the Committee on Bills in the Third Reading, with Senator Tarr resigning and Senator Durant appointed, then later the appointments were reversed. The chamber took several matters out of the orders of the day and advanced two local bills on third reading: H. 4225, authorizing Marblehead to establish a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption, and H. 4584, further regulating the appointment of special police officers in Malden. Both bills were passed to be engrossed. The Senate then considered and adopted several committee reports extending reporting deadlines for pending legislation. It approved an extension for the Committee on Financial Services, with discussion clarifying that seven bills were covered and the deadline was May 4, 2026. It also adopted an amended extension for the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, changing the deadline from April 30, 2026 to June 30, 2026, and an amended extension for the Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, likewise changing the deadline to June 30, 2026; in each case, the orders were adopted after suspension of the rules. For final passage, the Senate adopted an emergency preamble by standing vote for H. 4259, designating the Wider Park tennis courts as the Kim O'Connell Tennis Courts, with two members voting in favor and none opposed. The Senate then passed H. 4602, increasing the membership of the select board in the town of Munson, and H. 4259 to be enacted and sent to the Governor. The session concluded with an order to adjourn until Thursday at 11:00 a.m., which was adopted, and the Senate adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Ms. Taylor. Committee, any questions for Ms. Taylor? Representative Redman.
• Ms. Taylor again, thank you, Chair.
• Thank you, Ms. Taylor. Thank you, Ms. Taylor. Committee, any questions? Representative McCann.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:56:49.800><c> Ms.</c><00:56:49.960><c> Rao</c> Correct? Ms. Rao Correct? Ms.
• And as Ms.
• And as Ms.
• And as Ms.
• </c> Ms. Heimark or who would like Ms. Ms. Heimark or who would like Ms. Heimark? Heimark? Heimark?

Bills: HF4906 , HF3971 , HF4777 , HF2109 , HF2988

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: property tax, tax refund, taxpayer relief, Minnesota taxation, one-time payment, taxation, property valuation, Tax Court, evidentiary standards, Minnesota Statutes, disparity reduction, aid payments, local government, funding, Fillmore County, education funding, managed forest land, classification, forest management plan, agricultural land

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:32.000><c> Ms.
• Ms. Kenderis, would you from Okay. Ms.
• Thank you<00:46:00.040><c> Ms.</c><00:46:00.200><c> Shikany.</c> you Ms. Shikany. you Ms. Shikany.
• Ms.<00:46:19.040><c> Shikany.</c> Ms. Shikany. Ms. Shikany. &gt;&gt; Sure. &gt;&gt; Sure.
• </c> have questions for Ms. Morbitzer? have questions for Ms. Morbitzer?

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:14:19.400><c> Johnson</c> relate to what Ms. Nord and Ms. Johnson relate to what Ms.
• Ms. Sunderman, can &gt;&gt; All right, wonderful. Ms.
• >> Ms.
• >> Ms.
• &gt;&gt; Ms.<01:39:04.800><c> Kuntz.</c> &gt;&gt; Ms. Kuntz. &gt;&gt; Ms. Kuntz.

Bills: HF3877 , HF3714 , HF3750 , HF3024

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: public authorities, dissolution cases, court system, child protection, legal notice, foster care, child welfare, enrollment priority, education programs, child care assistance, foster youth, extended foster care, bill of rights, out-of-home placement, Minnesota Statutes chapter 260C, social services agency, caseworker, permanency team, sibling visitation, relative contact

Transcript Highlights:

• Ms.
• Ms. Chairman, I move in. Please move 2662 and the amendment. Ms.
• Okay, Ms. Berger, your time's up. Thank you so much. Okay, Ms. Berger, the time's up.
• Okay, Ms. Berger, your time's up. Thank you so much. of whatever that was charged with. Okay, Ms.
• Ms.

Bills: HB2041 , HB2144 , HB2239 , HB2321 , HB2371 , HB2594 , HB2661 , HB2662 , HB2793 , HB2968 , HB2995

Committees: Senate Federalism and Family Law , Senate Senate Federalism and Family Law Committee of Reference

Keywords: child neglect, financial resources, behavioral health, Christian Science treatment, parental rights, child support, preborn children, retroactive support, medical expenses, child welfare, child care, grant program, low-income, early learning, infrastructure, economic growth, HB2371, Arizona divorce, family law, dissolution of marriage

Transcript Highlights:

• Moran of Boston, Ms. Foley Bouvier of Pittsfield, and Mr. Vieira of Talmouth.
• And when the vote is taken— Excuse me, Ms. Gordon.
• The Chair recognizes Ms. Barber of Somerville. Thank you all. The Chair recognizes Ms.
• Ms. Barber of Somerville. Thank you, Madam Speaker, and through you to the members.
• Ms. Barbara Rassman will be taken to take by a call of the yeas and nays.

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and welcomed several student and community guests, including ambassadors from Robinson Middle School in Lowell, visitors honoring the Gaudet family and Patricia Rappucci, Scottish visitors celebrating Scotland’s World Cup appearance, Top-Notch Scholars students from Lawrence, and the King Philip Regional High School baseball team after its first state championship. The chamber also adopted several routine resolutions and orders, including extending the reporting deadline for the Health Care Financing Committee and suspending Joint Rule 12 for a condominium-related petition. The House then rejected concurrence with the Senate on the Massachusetts Data Privacy Act and instead voted to appoint a committee of conference. The major policy action was on Senate Bill 3064, the Mass Ready Act, a large climate resilience and environmental bond bill. Members speaking in support emphasized flood protection, clean water, PFAS remediation, municipal vulnerability preparedness, coastal resilience, parks, trails, housing, and agricultural and food-system investments. The bill was described as authorizing roughly $3.8 billion in general obligation bonds, with discussion of specific funding for the Clean Water Trust, PFAS remediation, coastal infrastructure, biodiversity, healthy homes, and farmland preservation. A consolidated amendment was adopted, and after debate the House passed the bill to be engrossed by a roll call vote. The House also took up the conference report on H. 5511, the early literacy and teacher preparation bill. Supporters said the measure would require evidence-based reading instruction, move away from three-cueing approaches, support educator training and apprenticeships, and improve student literacy outcomes statewide. The conference report was accepted on a roll call vote of 152-0. Later, the House considered amendments to the Mass Ready Act, including one proposal to increase PFAS remediation funding that was ultimately withdrawn, and adopted another consolidated amendment before passing the bill to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 151-0. The House then adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and adjourned to an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Moran of Boston, Ms. Foley Bouvier of Pittsfield, and Mr. Vieira of Tewksbury.
• And when the vote is taken— Excuse me, Ms. Gordon.
• The Chair recognizes Ms. Barber of Somerville. Thank you all. The Chair recognizes Ms.
• Ms. Barber of Somerville. Thank you, Madam Speaker, and through you to the members.
• Ms. Barbara Rassman will be taken to take by a call of the yeas and nays.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to marketing leadership, Ms.
• AZLTA strongly supports Ms.
• “Today and support Ms. Skelpsa Ridgeway. My name is Bridget Binsbacher.
• Alex has done that, and in addition to that, brings, as Ms.
• Alex has done that, and in addition to that, brings, as Ms.

Committee: Senate Director Nominations

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Ms. Gunderson. Thank you for your testimony. I don't see anyone else. Ms.
• Ms. Fellin, come on up for our last testifier before we get to 5061.
• Ms. Fellin, when can we expect your fiscal note, would you say?
• Are there any more questions for Ms. Fellin before we close our hearing?
• Ms. Frazier, yeah, can I add to that as well?

Bills: SB5944

Committee: House Labor & Workplace Standards

Keywords: language access, collective bargaining, labor relations, employment rights, worker protections

Transcript Highlights:

• We are going to start with a staff briefing from Ms. Smith. Ms.
• Ms. Smith, when you are ready, go ahead and proceed. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Are there any questions for Ms. Smith at this time?
• Are there any questions for Ms. Smith at this time?
• Are there any questions for Ms. Smith at this time?

Summary: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held public hearings on three bills. HB 2104 would make permanent the Aviation Assurance Funding Program, which lets DNR provide aerial wildfire response resources to local fire departments during initial attack. The prime sponsor, Rep. Tom Dent, said the program helps small rural districts avoid costly state mobilization and keeps fires small; DNR and local fire officials testified in strong support, citing rapid response times, major property protection, and even a rescue of a trapped civilian. No opposition testimony was heard, and the sign-in record showed 215 pro and one con. HB 2348, a DNR request bill, would streamline timber and land sale procedures by allowing more online notice, changing where sales may be held, permitting re-offering of no-bid sales, and clarifying appraisal and fair-market-value standards for certain land transfers. DNR said the bill would improve efficiency and reduce administrative burden, while the American Forest Resource Council and Washington Forest Protection Association supported it as a modernization measure that preserves fiduciary protections for trust lands. Committee members asked about the scope of the trust-land language and potential savings; the sign-in record showed 43 pro and one con. HB 2454 would raise the surface mine reclamation threshold from three acres to seven acres of disturbed area, reducing the number of small gravel and aggregate operations subject to DNR permitting. Rep. Andrew Engel argued the change would help small rural producers compete against larger corporations and lower burdens on local material suppliers. DNR opposed the bill, saying acreage alone does not determine environmental risk and that the permit process provides important review, technical assistance, and reclamation planning; the agency said it was open to discussing alternative approaches. A remote industry witness supported the bill, saying it would help small sources remain viable while county regulation would still apply. The sign-in record showed 143 pro and three con. After the hearings, the committee adjourned without taking votes on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Shigley today, we have our nurse, Ms. Lee Fasio. Ms. Lee, thank you.
• And if you were to turn around and see Ms.
• Lee and see the big smile that she had, And if you were to turn around and see Ms.
• in the North Gallery today, up above me here, from the NCSL, our liaison for the state of Arkansas: Ms

Transcript Highlights:

• Ms. Freeman was the lead attorney in the Supreme Court decision of Davis v. St.
• Ms. Freeman was appointed and nominated in 1964 by President Lyndon B.
• Ms. Freeman has been honored with a statue in Kiener Plaza, which is in my district. Ms.
• I did have the pleasure of meeting Ms. Freeman. Very nice lady.

Committee: House Special Committee on Tourism

Summary: The Special Committee on Tourism met with all members present and held a public hearing on House Bill 2796, sponsored by Representative Marlon Anderson. The bill concerns honoring the Honorable Frankie Muse Freeman, a St. Louis legal pioneer and civil rights advocate who argued Davis v. St. Louis Housing Authority, served on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, and has a statue in Kiener Plaza. Representative Anderson and several committee members spoke in support, emphasizing her contributions to civil rights, women’s rights, and the legal profession. Testimony in favor also came from Tierra Harrell of the NAACP State Conference and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, who said the bill would continue Freeman’s legacy and support education and awareness, and from Miguel Ariannis, who said Freeman’s recognition was appropriate given her role in the civil rights movement and her inclusion in the Civil Rights Walk of Fame. During questioning, Harrell briefly explained Delta Sigma Theta’s founding and mission. No one testified in opposition. The committee did not take a vote on the bill during this portion of the meeting. After the hearing concluded and no further business remained, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senator from Hampshire, Franklin, and Worcester, Ms. Comerford, has a resolution.
• By Ms.
• The Senator from Bristol and Plymouth, Ms. Dooner, offers an order. The clerk will read.
• Relative to consecration to oyster shell recycling, the Senator from Bristol and Plymouth, Ms.
• The Senator from Bristol and Plymouth, Ms. Dooner, moves that the Senate now adjourn.

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted a resolution offered by Senator Comerford recognizing Russell Carrier’s 44 years of service to the Forbes Library. It then took up several local bills, including the Provincetown charter bill, which was passed to be engrossed, and the Greenfield charter bill, which was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 12 on a petition related to updating Massachusetts student transportation, referring the matter to the Committees on Public Safety and Homeland Security. The chamber then enacted two bills: one increasing the age limit for retired police officers serving as special police officers in Weston, and another dissolving a special fund in Athol. A House petition concerning access to applied behavior analysis services in schools was received under suspension of Joint Rule 12 and referred to the Committee on Education. The Senate also adopted an order to meet again the following Thursday at 1:00 p.m. in a formal session. Later, the Senate adopted an order extending the Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries’ reporting deadline on Senate Document 58, concerning oyster shell recycling, until January 23, 2026. The Senate then agreed to adjourn in memory of Manuel B. Barros, with a lengthy tribute describing his life, family, faith, and community service, observed a moment of silence, and adjourned until the next scheduled session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I see Ms. Wicks and Ms. Berkserva and then, oh, Ms. Berkslova. Go ahead. Thank you.
• Ms. Quirk-Silva.
• Ms. Quirk-Silva.
• And Ms.
• Ms. Wix. Thank you.

Summary: The committee heard a long housing agenda with several bills presented before quorum was established. AB 1725, as amended, would require disclosure of nearby oil wells and methane monitoring issues in a specific district; the author and community witnesses described serious health and safety risks in Vista Hermosa Heights, while the California Apartment Association, California Building Industry Association, and California Chamber of Commerce opposed, arguing the bill targeted the wrong industry and that the state should instead fix abandoned wells directly. AB 2110, a local finance tool to create tax increment districts for workforce housing for education, health care, manufacturing, and public safety workers, drew no witnesses in support or opposition and was presented as a way to help workers live closer to jobs. AB 1732 would expand CEQA streamlining for public university and college housing projects; UC and several housing and labor groups supported it, while housing advocates raised concerns about amendments affecting existing 100% affordable housing exemptions. AB 1771, amended into a study bill, would direct HCD to report on the long-standing resident manager requirement for apartment buildings with 16 or more units; the rental housing industry supported studying the issue, while the chair emphasized the need to consider tenant protections and the impact on current resident managers before changing the law. The committee also heard AB 2185, which would direct state affordable housing programs to update guidelines to better support factory-built housing; it drew broad support from housing, labor, technology, and local government groups, with no opposition. AB 2748 would delay new EV-readiness requirements for 100% affordable housing developments, keeping the prior 40% standard through 2035; supporters said the higher standard would add significant costs and threaten project feasibility, while clean air and transportation advocates argued the code changes are modest, important for equity, and should not be rolled back. Members split along those lines, with some emphasizing housing production and others urging more public subsidy for EV infrastructure rather than delaying the code. SB 417, a proposed $10 billion affordable housing bond for the November ballot, received extensive support from housing organizations, local governments, labor, and business groups, but Habitat for Humanity and the Los Angeles mayor’s office asked for specific allocations for CalHome and interim housing; the bill was ultimately moved to Appropriations on an 8-0 vote, with members noting ongoing negotiations over funding priorities. Finally, AB 1740 would create an urban multimodal community designation for Santa Monica, allowing local approval of certain low-impact coastal-zone activities—such as some housing, bike and bus lanes, outdoor dining, and building changes—without Coastal Commission review. The author and Santa Monica officials said the bill would reduce delays and uncertainty for infill housing and local economic recovery while preserving protections for sensitive coastal resources; supporters included housing, business, and city groups. The Coastal Commission and environmental organizations opposed, saying the bill would carve out broad exemptions, weaken public access and appeal rights, and bypass the local coastal program process that Santa Monica has not completed. Committee members debated the Commission’s role, with some criticizing it for opposing legislation and others arguing the bill was a common-sense way to modernize coastal permitting. A motion and second were made on AB 1740, and the bill was left pending with the committee’s action to be taken when appropriate.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I see Ms. Wicks and Ms. Berkserva and then, oh, Ms. Berkslova. Go ahead. Thank you.
• Ms. Quarksova.
• And Ms.
• And Ms.
• And Ms.

Committee: House Housing and Community Development