Video & Transcript Research : 'American Sign Language'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - Part 2 - 03/13/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Labor and Employment Committee Jun 10th, 2026
Labor and Employment
Transcript Highlights:
- Keith Momoto from California Alliance for Retired Americans, in support.
- Keith Momoto from California Alliance for Retired Americans in support.
- Keith and Momoto with the California Alliance for Retired Americans in support.
- California must keep pace with the changes in the American family structure.
- Hello, Keith and Momoto at the California Alliance for Retired Americans in support.
Summary:
The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard several bills focused on worker protections, enforcement, and technology in the workplace. SB 909 would strengthen enforcement of public works prevailing wage laws by raising contractor registration fees and penalties and directing part of penalty revenue back to enforcement; labor groups supported it as a way to deter wage theft, while contractor groups opposed the fee and penalty increases as burdensome and potentially costly for public projects. The committee members generally expressed support for stronger enforcement but also concern about the state’s backlog and capacity to enforce the law. SB 909 passed on a due pass vote and was re-referred to Appropriations.
The committee also considered multiple bills addressing AI and workplace rights. SB 951 would require 60-day notice when technology displaces 25 or more workers and would require reporting on AI-related job impacts; labor and education groups supported it, while business, public sector, and industry groups argued it was premature and overbroad. SB 947 would require human review of automated discipline, termination, or deactivation decisions and prohibit predictive behavior analysis; supporters said it would prevent algorithmic abuse, while opponents raised concerns about independent contractors, private rights of action, and forum shopping. Both bills advanced on party-line style votes to the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection.
The committee also approved SB 1149, which would expand bereavement leave to cover a “designated person” equivalent to family, with emotional testimony from a witness describing the loss of a long-term partner. Supporters said the bill reflects modern family structures, especially for LGBTQ and older Californians; there was no opposition. SB 1185, applying skilled-and-trained workforce standards to pharmaceutical facility construction, also passed despite opposition from contractors and business groups who said there was no demonstrated safety problem and warned of higher costs and fewer bidders. In addition, the committee approved consent-calendar bills SB 1316, SB 1046, and SB 1059, and left rolls open for absent members before adjourning.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Labor and Employment Committee Jun 10th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Keith Momoto from California Alliance for Retired Americans, in support.
- Keith and Momoto, with the California Alliance for Retired Americans, in support.
- California must keep pace with the changes in the American family structure.
- Hello, Keitha Momoto at the California Alliance for Retired Americans in support.
- Keith and Womoto with the California Alliance for Retired Americans, in support. J.P.
Summary:
The Assembly Labor and Employment Committee heard several bills focused on worker protections, AI in the workplace, bereavement leave, and construction labor standards. SB 909 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would increase public works contractor registration fees, raise prevailing wage and related penalties, and direct half of collected penalties back into the Public Works Enforcement Fund. Supporters said the bill would help combat wage theft and misclassification and strengthen enforcement; opponents argued the higher fees and penalties would burden contractors without fixing enforcement backlogs. The committee voted the bill out on a due pass motion to Appropriations.
The committee also approved SB 951 by Senator Reyes, which would require 60-day notice when 25 or more workers are displaced by technology and require reporting on AI-related job impacts. Supporters framed it as a response to rapid AI-driven layoffs and a way to gather real-time data; opponents raised concerns about small employers, proprietary information, and litigation. SB 947 by Senator McNerney, the “No Robo Bosses Act,” would require human review of automated discipline, termination, or deactivation decisions and restrict predictive behavior analysis. Supporters said it would prevent biased or mistaken automated decisions; opponents objected to the inclusion of independent contractors, private rights of action, and other provisions. Both bills were advanced to the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection.
The committee also passed SB 1149 by Senator Durazo, which would expand bereavement leave to cover a “designated person,” including chosen family relationships. Supporters, including AARP and a witness who described losing a long-term partner, said the bill reflects modern family structures; there was no opposition. In addition, SB 1185 by Senator Cortese, applying skilled and trained workforce standards to pharmaceutical facility construction, was approved despite opposition from business and construction groups who said there was no demonstrated safety problem and that the mandate could raise costs and reduce competition. Several other bills on the consent calendar were also approved, and all measures were reported out of committee.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the STOP CSAM Act. Mar 11th, 2025 at 01:30 pm
Criminal Justice and Counterterrorism Subcommittee
Transcript Highlights:
- This is an American problem. One IJM study found 34% of cases involved U.S. offenders.
- This will give us the tools to protect both American and foreign-born children.
- Platforms often detect grooming behavior or other signs of child and distress.
- Request uses sexually aggressive languages.
- To me, this is the age old American story. Who's going to have the power?
Keywords:
Stop CSAM Act, child exploitation, online safety, reporting requirements, tech accountability, NCMEC, survivor support, legislative testimony
Summary:
The committee meeting centered around the urgent need to address child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online, focusing primarily on the testimony and discussions surrounding the Stop CSAM Act. Several witnesses, including representatives from law enforcement and advocacy organizations, highlighted the significant drop in reports of child exploitation cases despite an alarming increase in actual incidents. Concerns were raised about tech companies' reporting practices, with calls for more stringent requirements to ensure timely and accurate reporting of suspected abuse. The legislation aims to fortify protections for child victims by imposing stricter obligations on tech platforms to report incidents and support law enforcement in investigations.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Apr 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Tiffany McCaskill hadn't Henderson with the American Heart Association speaking for the Bill.
- The American Heart Association is in support of this very good legislation.
- After the investigation began, they reached out to her teachers and asked if they saw any signs.
- These are 2 of the biggest signs that a child is being trafficked.
- It's clear that our educators are seeing the sign. We just us. I'm sorry, seeing the signs.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- John Moffitt, on behalf of the American Council of Engineering Companies.
- Jason Eichard, on behalf of the California Council of the American Society of Landscape Architects, very
- Scott Terrell, on behalf of the American Institute of Architects, California, and strong support.
- And so if there's further commentary from opposition or from members as we move forward on the language
- dream and the foundation of who we are as Americans.
Summary:
The committee heard a long agenda, much of it focused on homeowners association (HOA) issues. AB 2584, relating to civil immunity for lawful self-defense, was presented only and left for further work after the chair and others said California already has strong self-defense laws and more discussion was needed. AB 1684, which would bar HOAs from restricting homeowners’ ability to install or use compliant cooling systems, drew support from the author and housing advocates, with opposition from CAI seeking more association discretion; members emphasized heat as a health and safety issue and the bill was moved forward. AB 1892, a technical cleanup bill on HOA utility repairs, election notices, and electronic ballot timing, passed unanimously. AB 2050, requiring a formula for HOA reserve funding, also passed with broad support as a consumer protection measure to reduce surprise special assessments and address aging condominium stock. AB 2106, extending certificate-of-merit protections for design professionals and landscape architects, passed with support from professional associations and no opposition. AB 2145, directing HCD to study senior downsizing barriers, moved forward after mortgage and banking groups shifted from opposition to neutral. AB 2238, aimed at deterring meritless mobile home park litigation by shifting fees and penalties to attorneys, passed after amendments, though legal aid groups remained opposed. AB 2439, prompted by two authors’ personal HOA payment problems, would require stronger notice when payment processors change and address liens/fees; it passed despite concerns about return-receipt mail and personal liability for board members. AB 2579, responding to the $100 HOA fine cap enacted last year, would create a Department of Real Estate process to define serious health and safety violations and passed with support from HOA industry groups. The committee also took up SCR 89, a resolution reaffirming California’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in response to federal rollbacks; it received support from student, civil rights, labor, and legal groups and was advanced without opposition.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee May 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- , some of the new language there.
- That does not at all comport with what the bill language provides.
- That does not at all comport with what the bill language provides.
- I think by passing this statutory language, it creates more uncertainty.
- We provide radar feedback signs.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills and took up multiple votes. AB 576, dealing with updates to California’s charitable fundraising platform registry after AB 488, was presented as a technical fix to help charities and platforms more quickly update eligible listings; there was no opposition testimony, and the measure was later moved on a due pass basis. AB 1160, on law enforcement drone programs, was presented with proposed amendments requiring U.S.-based data storage and limits on sharing or selling collected data; supporters said it would protect sensitive drone-collected information while preserving affordable drone use, while there was no opposition testimony, and it was also later passed out on a due pass as amended basis. AB 75, which would require insurers to give notice before collecting aerial images of homes and provide homeowners access to those images, drew support from the Department of Insurance and consumer advocates, while insurers opposed it unless amended, arguing aerial imaging is a cost-saving inspection tool and that the bill could worsen availability and affordability; the bill was moved to Appropriations on a due pass basis, with the roll held open for absent members.
The committee spent the most time on AB 325, which would address algorithmic price-fixing and collusion. The author and supporters argued that competitors using the same pricing software or algorithm to set prices can function as collusion even when the agreement is hidden behind code, and cited examples involving housing, frozen potatoes, gas pricing, and other industries. Opponents, including apartment, business, hospital, retail, chamber, and tech groups, said the bill was too broad, could sweep in lawful software and public-data market research, and might chill legitimate pricing tools, especially for small businesses and housing providers. Committee members raised concerns about clarity, intent standards, and whether the bill should focus more narrowly on nonpublic competitor data; despite those concerns, AB 325 was moved to Appropriations on a due pass basis, with the roll held open.
Later, AB 1221 was presented as a workplace surveillance bill that would prohibit certain invasive or discriminatory surveillance tools, require notice to workers, limit sharing of worker data, and require corroborating evidence before discipline based on surveillance outputs. Labor and consumer groups supported the bill, saying modern surveillance technologies can track speech, movement, emotion, and other sensitive traits and can be biased or abusive. The Security Industry Association opposed it, warning that the bill’s broad definitions could restrict legitimate security systems, emergency sharing with first responders, and employer responses to misconduct or unsafe behavior. The transcript cuts off before any final vote on AB 1221 is shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
HF2432, the omnibus judiciary, public safety, and corrections bill is repassed in MN House 5/19/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That language was adopted by the conference committee.
- That language was adopted by the conference committee.
- :43.680>
that <00:10:44.560>originally language in this bill that originally language in - In 2018, the American, let me get space.
- >
American <00:26:25.440>Correctional the right name, American Correctional the right name
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (03/18/2026)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So, we believe this language in 91-A is redundant of language already in the statute.
- and an increasing number of Americans and an increasing number of Americans receive<01:06:13.560
- that signed up online.
- You're the only one that signed up, and no one signed up online.
- up and no one the only one that signed up and no one signed<01:19:57.680>
up <01:19:57.840>
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Sep 10th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We have to protect... ...seek American elected to state office.
- And my condolences to your caucus and to all Americans affected by the tragedy today.
- And I have not spoken with one legislator that has said they've actually signed one.
- He was active in the Filipino American community and committed himself to civic service.
- language accessibility and improve overall health care outcomes for all.
Summary:
The Assembly convened, initially lacked a quorum, then returned to session with prayer, pledge, and a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk following news of his shooting. Members then handled a series of procedural motions, including suspending rules, moving several bills to the inactive file, re-referring bills to committees, and authorizing committee meetings. The chamber also observed adjournments in memory for several individuals, including Ermilo Don Rodas, John Burton, Nina Chomsky, and Barbara “Bobby” Samperey.
On the floor file, members considered and passed a long list of Senate bills, largely on bipartisan or unanimous votes. Topics included consumer protection and transparency for self-storage contracts (SB 709), adoption jurisdiction (SB 450), privacy and name/image protections (SB 683), an audit of the February 2025 bar exam (SB 47), data broker transparency (SB 361), used-car buyer protections (SB 76), state parks land acquisition streamlining (SB 630), cemetery work group deadlines (SB 777), financial enforcement authority (SB 825), utility outage reporting and reliability planning (SB 292), vital records confidentiality (SB 313), health care coverage and hormone therapy access (SB 418), workplace outreach (SB 578), Holocaust and genocide education (SB 472), county jail treatment for misdemeanor incompetency cases (SB 820), and AI companion chatbot safeguards for minors and self-harm risks (SB 243). Most measures passed with little or no opposition, though SB 578 drew sharp debate over the workplace outreach program and its funding.
The Assembly also took up concurrence items and approved numerous Assembly bills with Senate amendments. These included transparency in legislative nondisclosure agreements (AB 1370), affordable faculty/staff housing provisions at community colleges (AB 648), tribal youth foster care reforms (AB 1378), EV charger payment regulations (AB 1423), technical Political Reform Act changes (AB 1511), diacritical marks on vital records (AB 64), reproductive health protections with urgency (AB 260), union and collective bargaining protections (AB 288), bench trial statement-of-decision streamlining (AB 515), agricultural land stewardship (AB 524), geothermal exploratory project rules (AB 527), Medi-Cal field medicine changes (AB 543), tobacco-related provisions (AB 573), social media platform rules (AB 656), state parks transaction reporting (AB 679), professional licensing changes (AB 742), and child care staffing and assistant teacher pathways with urgency (AB 753). Votes were generally strong, with several measures passing unanimously or near-unanimously.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Mar 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Resilient Palisades has signed the coalition letter opposing AB306.
- We just want, you know, when it's as simple as a sign-off, a review and a sign-off for the most part,
- We just want, you know, when it's as simple as a sign-off, a review and a sign-off for the most part,
- And today we're speaking the same language as Assemblymember Patterson. Is that your closer?
- Lauren De Valencia, representing the American Planning Association. Good morning again, Mr.
Summary:
The committee heard a series of housing and wildfire-recovery bills, with members repeatedly framing the package as a response to the Los Angeles fires and the state’s broader housing affordability crisis. AB 306, by Assembly Member Schultz, would place a six-year moratorium on new residential building-code updates and local code modifications except for health-and-safety emergencies. Supporters argued it would reduce costs and provide certainty for rebuilding and new housing production, while opponents from environmental, clean-energy, and labor groups warned it would freeze beneficial code improvements, delay innovation, and limit local control. Despite those concerns, several members said they would support the bill while seeking amendments, and the committee voted it out on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations.
The committee also approved AB 301, which would require state agencies to follow shot-clock style deadlines for reviewing building permits, and AB 253, which would allow licensed third-party professionals to conduct certain post-entitlement permit reviews if local departments take more than 30 days. Supporters said both bills would reduce delays, lower costs, and speed rebuilding and housing production; some members emphasized that safety reviews must remain intact. AB 301 passed on a due pass vote to Appropriations, and AB 253 passed 8-0 to Local Government.
AB 462, by Assembly Member Lowenthal, would exempt accessory dwelling units in Los Angeles County’s coastal zone from coastal development permit requirements, with the goal of speeding ADU construction for disaster recovery and housing supply. Supporters said ADUs are a proven tool and that the bill would help displaced residents and future coastal disaster areas; one member of the public opposed the bill, arguing ADU proliferation can change neighborhood conditions. The committee sent AB 462 to Appropriations on an 8-0 vote. The final bill discussed, AB 299, would let disaster-displaced families stay in hotels, motels, and short-term rentals for more than 30 days without triggering landlord-tenant rules, mirroring an earlier homelessness-related law; the transcript ended as the author began presenting the bill and its support.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Consumer Protection & Business Dec 5th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- So ABA, the American Bankers Association, Different countries and their scam losses.
- How is the American Bankers Association really encouraging your members?
- It's more of, how come you didn't see the signs? So they become... ...victims.
- It's more of, how come you didn't see the signs?
- In 2024, $6.5 billion was reported to them for Americans.
Summary:
The committee began with a work session on the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee’s cannabis market study, presented by JLARC staff member Susanna Pratt. The report found Washington’s cannabis production in 2023 was likely two to three times higher than retail sales, with production estimated at 292,000 to 443,000 pounds of THC versus 139,000 pounds sold. Pratt explained that canopy data are inconsistent and that the Liquor and Cannabis Board’s traceability system is incomplete and unreliable, limiting data-driven regulation, tax verification, recall tracking, and diversion enforcement. JLARC recommended that LCB submit a plan by the end of 2025 for obtaining accurate licensee data by the end of 2026; LCB partially concurred and said a 2027 timeline may be more realistic. JLARC also concluded that the social equity producer licenses would likely have only a minimal effect on statewide production capacity, and suggested the legislature consider broader ways to increase equity in the industry. Members asked about the slow issuance of social equity licenses and about comparable traceability systems in other states.
The committee then heard a series of presentations on fraud and scam prevention. Paul Benda of the American Bankers Association described the scale of fraud losses, the role of telecom spoofing, social media scam ads, SIM farms, and crypto ATMs, and argued for a shared-responsibility approach involving banks, telecoms, and platforms. Katie Clark of IQ Credit Union described member-to-member fraud, romance scams, and the operational and financial impacts on credit unions, and recommended better information sharing, safe harbors for returning scam-related funds, and stronger fraud education. Kyle Innes of SIFMA highlighted investor fraud and Washington’s 2009 report-and-hold law, which he said helped shape similar protections in most states, and emphasized the need for better communication among financial firms, APS, and law enforcement.
Brian Gerard and Ali Higgs from the Department of Financial Institutions discussed “pig butchering” and other investment scams, focusing on how scammers build trust through social media, dating apps, fake websites, and crypto schemes before extracting funds. Across the fraud presentations, witnesses repeatedly stressed consumer education, interagency information sharing, and stronger controls on telecom, social media, and crypto ATM activity. Members asked about model laws from other states, the role of financial education in schools, and whether crypto ATMs should be regulated or banned. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/23/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- Anyone else who hasn't signed up?
- it in fact that language isn't in there. it in fact that language isn't in there.
- more comfortable with the language more comfortable with the language political<04:21:06.800>
- this language right now doesn't do that. this language right now doesn't do that.
- amendment to tighten that language. amendment to tighten that language.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Mar 4th, 2025
Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- be better educated on the importance of brain health and reducing the risk of dementia, the warning signs
- Almost two-thirds of Americans living with Alzheimer's are women.
- Black Americans are twice as likely to develop the disease.
- We start to see true signs of incapacity at about year 10.
- American Children's Campaign. You are recognized.
Summary:
The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs met with a quorum and first took up SB 398, which would create a statewide public health awareness campaign through the Department of Elder Affairs on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Senator Burgess said the campaign would focus on early detection, brain health, risk reduction, clinical trial access, and community resources. The committee heard supportive testimony from a caregiver, AARP, the Alzheimer’s Association, and others, with members discussing the need for culturally responsive outreach and continued funding. SB 398 was reported favorably by roll call vote.
The committee then heard SB 106, which would strengthen Florida’s exploitation injunction law for vulnerable adults by allowing service of an unascertainable exploiter through the same communication method used to contact the victim, such as text, Facebook Messenger, or WhatsApp. Senator Martin explained the bill as a way to close a loophole that lets scammers evade traditional service, and witnesses from the Florida Bankers Association and the Florida Bar’s Elder Law Section supported it, describing how the bill could stop ongoing thefts more quickly while preserving due process. Members asked about gift card scams, clerk workload, and the definition of an unascertainable respondent. SB 106 was reported favorably.
The Department of Children and Families then presented an update on the Adoption Benefits for Qualifying Adoptive Employees Program, describing its expansion over time and the current one-time lump-sum benefit structure for eligible adoptive parents. The presentation covered eligibility rules, open enrollment, funding history, and the program’s impact on adoption placements, with members asking why tax collectors were included but other constitutional offices were not, and whether foster relatives could qualify. Finally, the committee considered SPB 7012, a committee bill addressing child welfare workforce shortages, treatment foster care for high-acuity children, and improved data collection on commercially sexually exploited children. The bill would direct DCF to recruit former public safety workers for CPI and case manager roles, create a treatment foster care pilot in two judicial circuits, and require more detailed, analyzable data and capacity studies. The bill drew support from child welfare advocates, with some members urging DCF to return with a more developed framework; it was adopted as a committee bill and reported favorably.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs May 6th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Signing up is marketed as one-click enrollment for free trials, while canceling requires long phone calls
- In H.B. 750, the cancellation process should be as easy as the process for signing up.
- Alice Klein with the American Cancer Society, wishing to speak. Did you want to speak?
- We have, I think it's Chastity Anderson of the American Cancer Society in support, and wishing to speak
- It may need some clarification in the language about the Department of Corrections reentry, but that
Keywords:
roof standards, construction code, residential property, fortified roofs, insurance, medical debt, interest rate, healthcare services, consumer protection, debt collection, Louisiana Medical Debt Protection Act, child exploitation, online reporting, platforms, cyber crime, PROTECT Act, automatic renewal, cancellation policy, subscription service, transparency
NJ
New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Appropriations Jun 24th, 2026
Senate Budget and Appropriations
Transcript Highlights:
- So we want some language to clarify that they're all exempt.
- First, put in language that assures that the state will First, put in language that assures that the
- Why would we not put in language to avoid that crisis?
- my colleagues here as well to try to get the language right.
- And we'd argue that by the current language, if we're keeping the language at any strategy, the definition
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Children and Families Finance and Policy Committee 4/8/25
Children and Families Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- of the ombbudz person for American of the ombbudz person for American Indian<00:10:15.360>
families - /c><00:15:33.760>
requirements language that outlines the requirements language that outlines - the DE does not reflect the signed the DE does not reflect the signed agreement<00:36:18.560>
- Sadly, missing from uh language moving forward is language that would require self-reported violations
- uh language moving forward uh<01:18:37.920>
is <01:18:38.159>language <01:18:38.640>
Bills:
HF2436
Keywords:
child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, 1183, house
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Yeah, it was just a cleanup of language from the bill when we came over.
- I'll sign it. I just want to make a statement. Okay. Mr. Sonier.
- Jason Young, co-founder, Americans for Lower Drug Prices.
- Americans for Lower Drug Prices.
- Americans for Lower Drug Prices. Okay. Mr.
Summary:
The House Insurance Committee met on April 29 with a quorum present and considered several insurance- and health care-related bills. SB 192, concerning dental reimbursement and payment methods, was amended to clarify opt-in for electronic acceptance and then reported as amended. SB 84, which expands prostate cancer screening coverage for men over 40 and bars cost-sharing, was also amended and reported as amended after testimony from the American Cancer Society supporting earlier detection and reduced out-of-pocket barriers. SB 275, dealing with reimbursement and network access for certified registered nurse anesthetists, was reported favorably with broad support from nurse anesthetists, hospitals, and related groups. SB 169, a biomarker testing cleanup bill, was amended to clarify legislative intent and reported as amended.
The committee spent substantial time on two major drug-pricing bills. SB 401 would create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to study selected prescription drug prices, collect manufacturer and related pricing data, and report findings to the legislature; amendments narrowed the scope, addressed confidentiality, and delayed implementation. Supporters said it would provide transparency similar to Texas and help lawmakers understand drug pricing, while opponents warned about government overreach and confidentiality concerns. SB 387, the companion PBM reform bill, would restrict PBM compensation to flat fees and performance bonuses, require rebate pass-throughs, limit formulary practices, expand audit and reporting requirements, and create enforcement mechanisms; it was amended to delay implementation, refine definitions, and address ERISA-related concerns. Supporters argued it would curb PBM abuses and lower drug costs, while opponents from the Pelican Institute and PCMA said it would interfere with private contracts, reduce flexibility, and could raise premiums. After a roll call vote, SB 387 was reported with amendments.
The committee also took up SB 241, which requires certain insurance adjusters and appraisers to include license numbers in written communications. After amendments narrowing the requirement to individual claims and public adjusters, the bill was reported as amended. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly raised concerns about unintended consequences, especially for cities, school boards, and other non-ERISA plans, and sponsors said they would continue working on the drug-pricing bills before floor consideration.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:25:51.440>
and emergency response plan signs and emergency response plan signs and symptoms - The first sign of sudden cardiac arrest is loss of consciousness and collapse.
- The American Heart Association is also involved.
- empower coaches to recognize the signs empower coaches to recognize the signs of<00:43:32.319>
- And so I'm wondering if that language in there is really what you want it to be.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Housing Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Housing
Transcript Highlights:
- So we will be signing off on the property, and we will own it.
- Both New York and California have recently signed bills into law.
- And she signed the lease.
- More than a third of American households pay rent for housing.
- More than a third of American households pay rent for housing.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Housing held a hybrid hearing on a broad slate of landlord-tenant and home rule bills, with most testimony focused on rent stabilization, tenant opportunity to purchase (TOPA), tenant fees, access to counsel, algorithmic rent fixing, and tenant protections in subsidized housing. Chairs Cyr and Haggerty outlined the hearing procedures and noted that written testimony could also be submitted. Several members and invited speakers emphasized that the committee was hearing from both local officials and residents affected by housing instability, especially in Somerville and other communities facing high rents and displacement.
Supporters of rent stabilization and local-option rent control argued that Massachusetts needs tools to prevent displacement while new housing is built. Senator Eldridge, Senator Jalen, Somerville officials, tenant organizers, and residents described steep rent increases, no-fault evictions, and the loss of naturally occurring affordable housing. Somerville’s home rule petition was described as allowing annual increases tied to CPI plus 2%, capped at 5%, with exemptions for owner-occupied two- and three-family homes and a 15-year exemption for new construction. TOPA supporters said it would let tenants or their designees buy buildings before speculative buyers, preserving affordable housing stock; opponents, including small landlords and property managers, argued rent control would reduce supply, discourage investment, and that TOPA could delay sales and harm properties.
The committee also heard testimony on bills to curb junk fees and regulate tenant charges, including limits on late fees, lease renewal fees, payment portal fees, attorney’s fees, and other add-on charges. Advocates said these fees can add hundreds of dollars a month and disproportionately harm low-income renters and renters of color. Another major topic was algorithmic rent fixing: Senator Moore and Representative Sabadoza said landlords should not use software such as RealPage to coordinate pricing, citing federal antitrust actions and arguing that competition is essential to lowering rents. Additional testimony supported a statewide right to counsel in eviction cases, with legal services providers saying representation dramatically improves outcomes and can save the state money, and a bill to create an office of tenant protections to better enforce sanitary code violations. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.