Video & Transcript : 'archive preservation' :
Page 73 of 466
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm lucky to live... ...time how do we preserve the history that we also have here in Arizona?
- I think that's important history that we preserve.
- I think preserving our historic structures is important.
- But we keep it that way by preserving a free market for that sort of thing.
- But we keep it that way by preserving a free market for that sort of thing.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- Would you suggest that this could be called the Anti-Second Amendment Preservation Act?
- But would you consider this the anti-Second Amendment Preservation Act?
- Would you suggest that this could be called the Anti-Second Amendment Preservation Act?
- But would you consider this the anti-second amendment preservation act?
- Previous language and endeavor from the Second Amendment Preservation Act. I know that came up.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and first went into executive session, where House Bills 3012, 2997, and 3058 were combined into a House committee substitute and then voted do pass by a 17-0 roll call. House Bill 2868 was set aside for further work on a substitute. The committee then moved into public hearings, beginning with House Bill 1740, “Melanie’s Law,” which would increase penalties for intoxicated driving cases involving injury or death and expand ignition interlock requirements, including for high-BAC offenders. The sponsor and family members of victims described the bill as a response to fatal crashes involving loved ones, while law enforcement, MoDOT, prosecutors, and MADD supported the measure as a prevention tool and cited data on recidivism and fatal crashes. Members asked about BAC thresholds, whether the bill would cover drug impairment, fiscal impacts, and the relationship to existing sentencing and parole rules. No vote was taken on HB 1740 during the hearing.
The committee also heard House Bills 3049 and 368, described by the sponsors as technical cleanup bills to resolve conflicts in Missouri’s sex offender registry statutes after court rulings and to reorganize and clarify the law. A prosecutor testified in support, and members discussed registry tiers, age-of-consent issues, and how the changes might affect people whose offenses were tied to older laws or unusual fact patterns. The bills were presented as consistency and cleanup measures, and no opposition testimony was offered.
Next, House Bill 2311 was heard, proposing to raise the age of consent to 18 and reduce the close-in-age exception from four years to three. The sponsor said the change was intended to align the law with recent marriage-age changes and avoid mixed signals. Members raised concerns about criminalizing high-school relationships and about consistency with existing law, but there was no testimony in opposition or a vote.
Finally, House Bill 3105, a revised Second Amendment Preservation Act-style bill, was heard. The sponsor said it would remove unconstitutional language from the prior law, bar state and local officials from knowingly violating law-abiding citizens’ firearm rights, and preserve cooperation with federal law enforcement. Supporters, including sheriffs, argued it protects constitutional rights while allowing officers to act against dangerous criminals and people in crisis. Opponents, including gun-rights advocates, argued the bill still lacked a meaningful deterrent to federal overreach and raised concerns about vague language such as “danger to self or others,” which they said could function like a red-flag law and be misused. The hearing ended without a vote on HB 3105.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Feb 10th, 2026
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- these are just a few examples, they serve as milestone moments over the last year to advance the preservation
- We are absolutely focused, and I am committed on what we have discussed, and that is the preservation
- A few of those examples, if I could include, the family preservation... ...family preservation.
- So that family preservation... ...developmentally, whether that's academically or behaviorally.
- So that family preservation aspect is something that came directly from lived experiences and through
Summary:
The committee first took up CS/SB 1600, which included a strike-all amendment and a technical amendment to correct the effective date. The bill would require insurers and child welfare lead agencies/subcontractors to respond to information requests within 30 days, authorize fines or penalties for noncompliance, and include a repeal date for the new subsection. After brief support from child welfare groups and comments from Senator Harrell about insurance access for CBCs and providers, the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably.
The committee then heard CS/SB 556, which would allow students with disabilities to satisfy the physical education requirement through participation in Special Olympics if included in their IEP, and would clarify that two years of marching band participation can satisfy both PE and fine arts credit. Special Olympics Florida, a student athlete, and parents testified in support, and Senator Simon praised the bill’s flexibility and recognition of student effort. The committee voted to report the bill favorably.
Next, the committee considered CS/SB 794, which requires background screening for employees of residential facilities and day training programs serving people with developmental disabilities and directs a review of waiver support coordination, including quality, caseloads, training, recruitment, retention, and geographic access gaps, with recommendations due to the Legislature and Governor in February 2027. An amendment to match the House version was adopted, multiple supporters appeared, and the bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee held a confirmation hearing for Taylor Hatch to continue as Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. Hatch discussed DCF’s mission, data showing reductions in out-of-home care, Baker Acts, opioid deaths, and public assistance reliance, and described efforts on youth advisory input, missing children recovery, provider capacity, peer support, and technology improvements. Senators Sharief, Harrell, and Rouson raised concerns about child welfare system delays, parent notification, funding formulas, opioid settlement use, and interoperability; Hatch committed to continued work on those issues. The committee voted to recommend her confirmation favorably, with Chair Grall voting no.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Feb 3rd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Environment, Energy & Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- agreed upon information and data sharing agreement with the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation
- The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation is directed to develop a model ordinance for
- The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation is directed to develop a model ordinance for
- It says the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation must send a letter electronically to
- I just wanted to acknowledge that it is critical to make sure that we are preserving cultural resources
Keywords:
appliance affordability, cost index, energy efficiency, consumer protection, Washington state, energy facilities, large energy consumers, regulation, environment, sustainability, artificial intelligence, data privacy, technological impacts, cultural resources, land use, environmental policy, exemptions, state laws, Washington climate policy, greenhouse gas
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Agriculture Oct 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- commissioner has provided us with that opportunity, right, to take the corridor lands and work on preserving
- These lands are managed and preserved for enjoyment by future generations through providing resource-based
- It connects the Panther National Wildlife Refuge and the Big Cypress National Preserve to the Dinner
- We also recently closed 74 acres in Polk County to expand Alan David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve
- So I think we cannot understate the importance of preservation.
Summary:
The Committee on Agriculture met to hear updates on land conservation and agricultural preservation programs. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services presented on the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, explaining that it protects active agricultural lands through conservation easements while keeping land in private ownership and on the tax rolls. The director said the program requires participants to use agricultural best management practices, noted strong demand with 428 ranked projects for 2025, and reported that consistent legislative funding and partnerships with USDA, DOD, local governments, land trusts, and water management districts have expanded acreage protected, much of it within the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Committee members asked about eligibility, ranking, local government involvement, and how many projects are typically funded each year.
Conservation Florida’s president and CEO testified that both Rural and Family Lands and Florida Forever are critical and complementary tools for preserving working lands, wildlife habitat, water resources, and public access to nature. She warned that uncertainty or cuts in state funding can stall projects, raise land prices, and reduce conservation momentum. In discussion with senators, she said public access is often negotiated case by case and is more common on lands acquired for parks, forests, and other public green space than on conservation easements.
The Department of Environmental Protection then updated the committee on Florida Forever, describing it as the state’s premier conservation and recreation land acquisition program. DEP said Florida Forever uses both conservation easements and fee-simple purchases, with about half of acquisitions done through easements, and emphasized that steady funding is needed to keep projects moving. The deputy secretary reported 60 projects on the current work plan, more than $1.4 billion invested since 2019, and recent acquisitions including new state forest, park, and preserve expansions. Members also raised concerns about payment in lieu of taxes for fiscally constrained counties, local notification of acquisitions, and the need for continued support for agriculture, citrus, roads, and conservation funding. No formal votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after member comments and public testimony.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Texas state senator for a district number of the State of Texas and will, to the best of my ability, preserve
- , protect, and defend the Constitution... ...preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and laws
- One is the oath that you just took, to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States
- oftentimes, people will think of somebody like the Attorney General who fights every single day to preserve
- the State of Texas, of the Senate of the State of Texas, and I will do to the best of my ability preserve
Summary:
The Texas Senate convened for the opening of the 89th Legislature with an invocation, roll call, and certification of the newly elected senators by the Secretary of State. Senators-elect were then administered the oath of office by Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, formally seating the new members. Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott addressed the chamber, congratulating members and emphasizing priorities such as border security, education, energy, foster care, and school choice, while Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick highlighted the Senate’s bipartisan culture and the work ahead.
The chamber then held its organizational business, including the election of Senator Brandon Creighton as President Pro Tempore. Senator Parker nominated Creighton and Senator Bettencourt seconded the nomination, both praising his background, legislative record, and leadership. The Senate voted by standing vote to elect Creighton, who was then escorted to the dais and sworn in. In his remarks, Creighton reflected on his family, his time as a Senate messenger, and his priorities for the session, including Texas sovereignty, economic opportunity, education, and conservative policy goals.
The only formal legislative action taken was adoption of Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7, granting permission for the Legislature to adjourn for more than three days during the specified period. The resolution passed by a roll call vote of 31 ayes and no nays. The Senate then adopted a motion to recess until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, after a caucus meeting earlier that morning.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- We have Joanne Kona, and from Lima Huli Garden and Preserve, Lewan.
- We have Joanne Kona, and from Lima Huli Garden and Preserve, Lewan.
- ><00:01:49.200><c> and</c> Kona and from Lima Huli garden and Kona and from Lima Huli garden and preserve
- 51.240><c> Mahalo</c><00:01:51.600><c> for</c><00:01:51.759><c> joining</c><00:01:52.000><c> us</c> preserve
- Lewan Mahalo for joining us preserve Lewan Mahalo for joining us today<00:01:52.520><c> and</c><00:01
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- concluded that the phased-in approach was the best way to keep Massachusetts competitive while preserving
- By completely opting out of the five changes, rather than just delaying them, Massachusetts can preserve
- Permanently preventing state-level adoption of Trump's corporate tax cuts would preserve almost $500
- Permanently preventing state-level adoption of Trump's corporate tax cuts would preserve almost $500
- Permanently preventing state-level adoption of Trump's corporate tax cuts would preserve almost $500
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing on H. 4975, Governor Healey’s bill to manage the impact of the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OB3) on Massachusetts tax law and state revenues. Administration officials, led by Secretary of Administration and Finance Matt Gorowitz, said OB3 would otherwise reduce FY26 revenue by about $442 million and argued for a phased-in conformity approach that would preserve the current-year budget while still adopting selected federal business tax provisions over time. The proposal would phase in the research and experimental expenditure deduction first, delay other major corporate provisions for two years, extend the pass-through entity excise to income subject to the 4% surtax, add a one-year delay mechanism for future federal tax changes over $20 million, limit opportunity zone benefits to Massachusetts investments, and make smaller technical changes to DFML contributions and casino reporting thresholds. Committee members questioned the rationale for phasing in rather than fully decoupling, the effect on the budget if the bill did not pass, and the treatment of opportunity zones, the surtax, and future federal tax changes.
Public testimony was split. MassBudget, Progressive Massachusetts, and several labor and public-sector groups urged the committee to permanently decouple from the federal corporate tax changes rather than delay them, arguing that the bill would still send state revenue to corporate tax breaks, often for investments outside Massachusetts, and that the state should protect funding for schools, health care, human services, and other public services. The Massachusetts Society of CPAs supported the administration’s timing and the research-and-development provisions, citing filing deadlines and the importance of certainty for businesses and startups. Business and tax experts also testified that rushed conformity can create revenue losses and that the governor’s review-and-delay framework was a prudent improvement, though some said decoupling should be the default if the Legislature does not act.
Unite Here Local 26 testified against sections 3 and 4, which would raise the slot-machine jackpot reporting threshold from $1,200 to $2,000, arguing the current threshold helps with problem-gambling intervention, preserves slot attendant jobs, and generates revenue. Several union leaders, including the Massachusetts Teachers Association, AFT Massachusetts, SEIU 509, the Massachusetts Building Trades, the AFL-CIO, and 1199 SEIU, urged permanent decoupling, warning that OB3’s federal tax cuts and related spending reductions would worsen budget pressures, harm public services, and shift costs onto workers, patients, and schools. No votes were taken at the hearing.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Our ability to respond to any new referral starts with preserving the staff and infrastructure we have
- Our ability to respond to any new referral starts with preserving the staff and infrastructure we have
- Our ability to respond to any new referral starts with preserving the staff and infrastructure we have
- Our ability to respond to any new referral starts with preserving the staff and infrastructure we have
- The truth still comes out and the rights are still preserved.
Keywords:
children's items, donations, charitable donations, nonprofit, religious organization, public health agency, liability shield, gross negligence, intentional misconduct, car seats, child safety seats, baby formula, diapers, strollers, cribs, playpens, high chairs, used goods, donation centers, Washington RCW
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Agriculture Committee Apr 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- To preserve key protections for California's agricultural lands and rural communities, we respectfully
- ...cancellation payment that recognize and help recoup the significant public investment made to preserve
- We have a very strong interest in the Williamson Act and protecting and preserving ag land, but also
- We've resolved that issue to preserve local police powers so that we can continue to impose mitigation
- So we're certainly interested in funds that go to preserve ag land and mitigate the loss of ag land,
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Agriculture met as a subcommittee and heard several bills, with extensive discussion focused on balancing agricultural land preservation, water scarcity, renewable energy, and farm equity. AB 1156 by Assembly Member Wicks would update the solar use easement program to allow certain Williamson Act lands facing water constraints to be used for solar projects through a suspension rather than cancellation of contracts. Supporters said the bill could help landowners and local governments adapt to falling water supplies and meet clean energy goals, while opponents, including the Farm Bureau, warned it could weaken Williamson Act protections, expand solar development onto prime farmland, and eliminate cancellation fees that help preserve agricultural land. RCRC said its concerns had largely been addressed through amendments and moved from opposition to support once changes are in print, though committee members continued to raise concerns about prime farmland, community benefits, and definitions of commercial viability and water constraints. The bill passed the committee on a due-pass-as-amended motion, with a later roll call recording six votes in favor and one absent member voting aye.
AB 524 by Assembly Member Wilson would create a new state land access program for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, using Proposition 4 funding to provide financial and technical assistance for land acquisition, protection, and long-term leases. Testimony emphasized the lack of secure land tenure for small and underserved farmers, the loss of farmland statewide, and the difficulty of investing in sustainable practices without stable access to land. Committee members strongly supported the measure, with several noting the importance of land access for family farms and equity in agriculture. The bill passed unanimously on an 8-0 vote.
The committee also approved AB 675 by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry, which would codify California’s Farm to School program in statute. Supporters said the program connects students to healthy local food, creates stable markets for farmers, and supports agricultural and nutrition education, while helping direct school meal dollars to California producers. Witnesses from the Center for Ecoliteracy and CAFF described the program’s statewide reach and benefits for small farms and high-need schools. The bill passed on an 8-0 vote. The committee also adopted the consent calendar, approving AB 1322 and AB 1505 on an 8-0 vote.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:35:06.440><c> the</c> we would then ensure and preserve the we would then ensure and preserve
- </c> what the amendment does is it preserves what the amendment does is it preserves the<00:38:51.920
- the purchasing power of the preserve the purchasing power of the fund<00:54:17.080><c> over</c><00:54
- In the new language, while preserving the purchasing power of the fund over time, that to me says that
- the purchasing power of the preserving the purchasing power of the fund<01:08:25.880><c> over</c><01
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Transportation Committee Jun 23rd, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- It includes administration, operations, maintenance, and system preservation and improvement.
- For our recommendations to the state, our first recommendation is to prioritize preservation in state
- Preservation is really essential to avoiding additional deferred maintenance, which quickly balloons,
- Our first recommendation is to prioritize preservation in state support for cities.
- We did focus more on what is needed to maintain the current network to preserve the road network that
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- The bond would fund the construction, preservation, and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing,
- both state and local government, and rescue more than 5,000 units across the state in terms of preserving
- Preserving naturally occurring affordable housing is central to meeting the fair housing goals embedded
- It gives smaller jurisdictions a practical tool and opens the door for community land trusts to preserve
- or rehab. assistance to make affordable housing units available through preservation or rehab.
Summary:
The committee heard several housing-related bills, beginning with SB 222 by Senator Wiener, the Heat Pump Access Act. The bill would streamline permitting for heat pump water heaters and HVAC systems, allow contractors to participate remotely in inspections, cap certain permit fees, and limit HOA barriers to installations. Supporters said the measure would lower costs, reduce pollution, and speed replacements; the League of California Cities opposed it unless amended, citing concerns about the fee cap, virtual inspections, and local control. After discussion about HOA rules, panel upgrades, and statewide-concern language, the committee passed SB 222 on a do-pass motion to the Senate Local Government Committee.
The committee then took up SB 677, also by Senator Wiener, which was narrowed to two cleanup changes related to SB 79: definitions for commuter rail and high-frequency commuter rail, plus a mobile home exemption issue. The author said a broader follow-up bill would be introduced later, and several local governments and counties raised implementation concerns about SB 79, transit definitions, and timing. Some groups moved from opposition to support after the amendments, while others remained concerned. The committee approved SB 677 as amended on a 10-1 vote and sent it to Local Government.
Next, SB 417 by Senator Cabaldon proposed placing a $10 billion affordable housing bond on the 2026 ballot to fund affordable rental housing, supportive housing, homeownership, and preservation. Supporters emphasized that existing housing funds were exhausted, that many shovel-ready projects were waiting for financing, and that the bond would leverage federal tax credits and create jobs. Opposition was limited, with Habitat for Humanity asking for a dedicated CalHome set-aside for homeownership. Members debated state debt levels, bond financing, and the need for more affordable housing investment; the bill passed 8-1 to Appropriations. The committee also began hearing SB 492, Senator Durazo’s youth housing and youth center bond, which would fund transitional housing and services for youth up to age 25. Supporters from Covenant House California and the California Coalition for Youth described youth homelessness as a pathway that often leads to adult homelessness, and the hearing continued with testimony in favor of the measure.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- I represent the California Farm Bureau to preserve key protections for California's agricultural lands
- cancellation penal payments that recognize and help recoup the significant public investment made to preserve
- We've resolved. that issue to preserve local police powers so that we can continue to impose mitigation
- So we're certainly interested in funds that go to preserve ag land and mitigate the loss of ag land,
- 8,000 small and mid-sized family farmers in California, and we've worked for more than 45 years to preserve
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Feb 6th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- have more buildings like Milgard Hall in Tacoma, for example, that beautiful building, and also preserve
- The city of Spokane Valley uses a TBD fee for pavement preservation and maintenance, as there is limited
- The city of Spokane Valley uses a TBD fee for payment preservation and maintenance, as there is limited
- We welcome the legislature's focus on transportation system preservation, and we greatly appreciate the
- A big boost for our preservation efforts. Many thanks to Rep. Reid for sponsoring this bill.
Summary:
The committee held public hearings on several transportation-related bills. On Substitute House Bill 2251, staff explained changes to Climate Commitment Act accounts and revenue distribution, including new operating and capital accounts and a revised split of auction proceeds among transportation, capital, operating, and air quality accounts. Members asked about the bill’s effect on CERA funding, the air quality account, and whether the bill responded to projected revenue declines. Testimony was mixed but generally supportive of the bill’s goal of clearer, more predictable budgeting; tribal testimony requested clearer protections and a dedicated tribal set-aside, while other witnesses supported the bill for its transparency and climate/transportation benefits. No action was taken on the bill during the hearing.
The committee then heard House Bill 2588, which would allow county ferry districts to operate and finance vehicle ferries, not just passenger-only ferries. The prime sponsor and county officials from Whatcom and Pierce described the bill as a local option to help fund aging ferry systems without raising taxes, and public testimony from island residents, county representatives, and advocacy groups strongly supported it as a way to stabilize essential ferry service. The committee also heard House Bill 2722, which would raise the vehicle weight threshold for Transportation Benefit District fees from 6,000 to 10,000 pounds. Staff said the change would modestly increase TBD revenue statewide, and the sponsor argued the current law unfairly exempts heavier trucks while lighter vehicles pay the fee. Cities and local officials supported the bill, while the trucking association said it would support a compromise at 9,000 pounds instead of 10,000. The committee also heard House Bill 2727, creating an Educational Transit Access Grant Program for transit agencies and community and technical colleges to pilot free or reduced fares for students; the sponsor and transit advocates said it would improve affordability and access, and testimony emphasized equity and student retention benefits.
In executive session, the committee considered Second Substitute House Bill 1923, which would expand who can form passenger-only ferry service districts and where they can be formed, with added intent language related to southern resident orcas and a revised effective date. After discussion, the committee voted 23-4 to pass the bill out of committee with a do pass recommendation. The chair also announced a deadline extension for amendment requests on bills heard that day and thanked staff before adjournment.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- With the passage of this bill in the preservation program, they would say that in future fiscal notes
- And they’ll keep a surprise of the estimate on the programmatic preservation bucket.
- And we talked about the needs for maintenance and preservation and replacement on those bridges.
- The risks were known, yet preservation was repeatedly deferred.
- That's the Section 106, the National Historic Preservation Act.
Keywords:
transit, community colleges, student transportation, free rides, public transportation, HB 2645, HB2645, Fairfax Bridge, State Route 165, SR 165, Carbon River, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, emergency infrastructure replacement, bridge collapse, bridge closure, transportation emergency, public safety, infrastructure repair, bridge replacement
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- aware, the cost of just about everything has drastically increased since 1994, leading the record preservation
- The user fee can only be used for record storage, microfilming, and preservation, per the statute.
- An additional dollar for the records preservation fund will allow our offices to offset some of the overall
- cost associated with electronic equipment necessary to preserve the record, while also funding microfilming
- and digitizing preservation projects, which is essential to our role as the keeper of the public record
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- Investments in the minor renovation fund can go a long way toward preserving existing child care slots
- And so for us, our ask is for the committee to preserve $4 million in funding in the final budget to
- budget's $309,000 investment for HealthPoint's Federal Way capital project, and we ask that you preserve
- $20 million for the preservation of manufactured housing communities, and we hope that you can also
- We continue to advocate for the preservation of CCA funds.
Keywords:
capital budget, funding, infrastructure, state projects, budget allocation, HB 2353, predesign thresholds, capital construction, major capital projects, Office of Financial Management, OFM, Washington state, state agencies, infrastructure planning, construction costs, inflation adjustment, capital facilities, project review, allotments, lease approval
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Feb 12th, 2026
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- And so we wanted to make sure that we preserved our competitive advantage to support those industries
- that are important to our economy while also insulating and preserving programs and services that might
- Permanently preventing state-level adoption of Trump's corporate tax cuts would preserve almost $500
- Permanently preventing state-level adoption of Trump's corporate tax cuts would preserve almost $500
- And number three, to preserve dozens of good union jobs, blue-collar union jobs here in the state of
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Revenue held a public hearing on H. 4975, Governor Healey’s bill to manage the impact of federal tax changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3) on Massachusetts. Secretary of Administration and Finance Matt Gorowitz said the bill would phase in selected corporate tax changes over time, avoid a $442 million FY26 revenue hit, preserve the current-year budget, and add a few related changes, including expanding the pass-through entity excise to income subject to the 4% surtax, delaying large federal tax changes over $20 million by one year, limiting opportunity zone benefits to Massachusetts investments, adjusting DFML contributions to match IRS guidance, and aligning casino slot-winnings reporting thresholds with federal law. Committee members questioned the administration about why it chose phased conformity rather than full decoupling, the effect on the budget if the bill does not pass, the purpose of the pass-through entity change, opportunity zones, and the slot-machine threshold and family leave provisions.
Public testimony was sharply divided. MassBudget, Progressive Massachusetts, and Don Griswold of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities urged the committee to go further and permanently decouple from the five most costly OB3 corporate tax provisions, arguing that automatic conformity is fiscally risky, rewards investment outside Massachusetts, and has already caused or could cause large revenue losses. Labor and public-sector witnesses, including leaders from the Massachusetts Teachers Association, AFT Massachusetts, SEIU 509, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, and building trades unions, also called for permanent decoupling, warning that the federal law will deepen state budget pressures, harm schools, health care, human services, and infrastructure, and shift costs onto workers and public programs. Several speakers said Massachusetts should not adopt federal corporate tax cuts that mainly benefit wealthy individuals and corporations.
Other testimony focused on specific provisions. Unite Here Local 26 asked the committee to strike the casino slot-winnings threshold change from $1,200 to $2,000, saying the current limit helps identify problem gambling, creates an opportunity for intervention, and supports union jobs. The Massachusetts Society of CPAs supported the administration’s phased approach, especially the research and experimental expense deduction, citing the importance of certainty for business filers and Massachusetts’ strong R&D economy. Greater Boston Legal Services testified on the paid family and medical leave sections, explaining that the bill’s changes would align PFML payroll contributions with new IRS guidance and, if paired with administrative action, would be cost-neutral for workers and employers. No votes were taken during the hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Revenue Feb 12th, 2026
Joint Committee on Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- of OB3 in FY 26 and allows us to plan for these OB3 tax changes in fiscal years 27 and 28 while preserving
- And so we wanted to make sure that we preserved our competitive advantage to support those industries
- that are important to our economy while also insulating and preserving programs and services that might
- By completely opting out of the five changes, rather than just delaying them, Massachusetts can preserve
- Permanently preventing state-level adoption of Trump's corporate tax cuts would preserve almost $500
Bills:
H4975