Transcript Highlights:

• And if it doesn't, we hope and pray that it happens on the floor.
• And we can reserve our votes to the floor.
• So I definitely want that taken into consideration.
• Thank you, and we appreciate your consideration. Thank you.
• We have the motion and second on the floor.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 753, which would modernize California’s shopping cart recovery rules by allowing cities and counties to return abandoned carts directly to retailers, recover documented retrieval costs, and avoid the current impound-and-wait process. The author and supporters, including San Jose officials and the League of California Cities, said the bill would help clear streets, sidewalks, and waterways and reduce local costs. Grocers and retailers opposed the measure unless amended, arguing it would turn cart retrieval into a new cost burden and could create incentives for cities to charge too much for stolen property. After extensive discussion about notice periods, cost caps, and local ordinances, the committee adopted amendments and passed the bill 6-0 as amended. The committee then took up SB 445, which would speed up permitting and approvals needed for high-speed rail by requiring early engagement, setting rules for third-party coordination, and creating a dispute-resolution process. The author said the bill was narrowed from an earlier, broader transit proposal and was intended to reduce delays caused by utilities, local governments, and other entities. Supporters said permitting bottlenecks add major costs and delays to infrastructure projects, while opponents from utilities, cities, counties, telecoms, and special districts raised concerns about safety, reliability, affordability, and the need to review the pending amendments. The bill passed 8-1 to the Utilities and Energy Committee. The committee also heard SB 9, a narrower housing bill focused on accessory dwelling units. The author explained that it would require local ADU ordinances to be submitted to HCD for review and would make state standards control if a local agency fails to submit a compliant ordinance or respond to HCD findings. Supporters from housing and YIMBY groups said the bill would improve enforcement of state ADU law and prevent local barriers from slowing housing production. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 6-0. The committee then began hearing SB 79, which would allow more housing near major transit stops; the author and supporters framed it as a response to the housing shortage and transit underuse, and the hearing continued with extensive support testimony as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:41:32.560><c> balcony</c> lighting, balcony flooring, balcony lighting, balcony flooring, balcony
• </c><00:43:40.400><c> Thank</c> consideration to House File 1459.
• Thank consideration to House File 1459.
• </c> considerations, stocking must continue. considerations, stocking must continue.
• Appreciate your consideration in this going forward.

Bills: HF2411 , HF2471 , HF1440 , HF1393 , HF1631 , HF1259 , HF280 , HF1281 , HF1459

Committee: House Legacy Finance

Keywords: cultural heritage, funding, White Earth Nation, tribal community, construction, Delano, sesquicentennial, community events, fall of Saigon, Saigon anniversary, Vietnam War commemoration, Vietnamese Minnesotans, Cambodian Minnesotans, Lao Minnesotans, Southeast Asian refugees, Asian American heritage, cultural heritage fund, Minnesota Humanities Center, Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, equity funding

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> 2709, the bill now under consideration. 2709, the bill now under consideration.
• </c> 4284, the bill under consideration. 4284, the bill under consideration.
• </c> 1665, the bill now under consideration. 1665, the bill now under consideration.
• . consideration. consideration.
• </c> the bill now under consideration. the bill now under consideration.

Bills: HR831 , HB6380 , HR528 , HB2196 , HB5729 , HB5254 , HB4294 , HB3073 , HB2294 , HB1665 , HB4284 , HB4467 , HB2709 , HB1422 , SB1884 , SB3971

Keywords: Down syndrome, awareness month, federal funding, research, advocacy, healthcare, quality of life, disabilities, Vietnam veterans, recognition, freedom, democracy, military service, Save Our Sequoias Act, giant sequoia, giant sequoias, Sequoiadendron giganteum, California forests, wildfire resilience, forest management

Transcript Highlights:

• On 5/6, it was scheduled for floor debate.
• To the floor, maybe we can discuss some more things about the program.
• We thank you for your consideration. We thank Representative Fontneau and Mr.
• Let's do it for the floor. Okay, do it for the floor. Yes.
• Let's do it for the floor. Okay, do it for the floor. Yes.

Committee: Senate Judiciary B

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill will pass with favorable expression and move to the floor. Thank you very much.
• I look forward to supporting the bill on the floor. Thank you, Senator Wheeler. Thank you.
• thank you Senator bill on the floor thank you Senator wheeler<00:43:55.839><c> thank</c><00:43:56.040
• </c><00:51:36.280><c> Amendment</c> working with you on um a floor Amendment working with you on um a
• floor Amendment or<00:51:37.119><c> two</c><00:51:37.480><c> to</c><00:51:37.640><c> make</c><00:51:

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and heard three bills. Senate Bill 26, sponsored by Chair Storm, would protect parents and prospective parents with disabilities by barring disability alone from being the sole basis for denying an adoption petition or terminating parental rights. Testimony from Judge Marcus Vanover and Crystal Adams described the bill as a product of the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health and its work groups, cited Kentucky and national cases and federal ADA guidance, and said the bill would require consideration of supportive services, clearer documentation, retention of records, and conforming language changes. Senator Carroll asked how the bill would apply to a hypothetical adult child with special needs; witnesses said the bill is aimed at adoption and termination proceedings where the Cabinet is already involved, not proactive service requests. The committee approved SB 26 by a unanimous 7-0 vote and sent it to the floor with favorable expression. The committee next considered Senate Bill 64, also sponsored by Chair Storm, which would expand the definition of key infrastructure assets to include telecommunications services such as telephone lines and broadband and make damaging, tampering with, or rendering those services inoperable a Class D felony. Representatives from Charter/Spectrum and AT&T testified that copper theft and vandalism have increasingly damaged fiber and other facilities, citing more than 20 incidents in Kentucky in 2024 affecting over 30,000 customers and diverting resources from broadband expansion. The committee adopted a committee substitute and then passed SB 64 by a 7-0 vote with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 73, sponsored by Senator Julie Adams, which would create a felony offense for sexual extortion, allow victims or their representatives to bring civil actions, include the offense in Kentucky’s sex-crime definitions, and require school-based notification and education efforts along with resource information for students. Senator Adams and witness Lady T. Thompson described sextortion as a fast-growing online crime targeting minors, often through social media, gaming, and messaging apps, and argued that stronger penalties and prevention efforts are needed. The transcript cuts off before any committee action on SB 73.

Transcript Highlights:

• with all public records exemptions, it requires two-thirds of a vote from all committees and on the floor
• But if I don't see the changes that really need to be made as this bill hits the floor, I will be down
• I'm also interested in seeing continued dialogue and development of the policy before it hits the floor
• Thank you very much for your time and consideration today. Ms. Lynch, thank you for being here.
• So I do concur that, along with my support for this legislation, I would like to see some consideration

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met with a quorum present and took up a full agenda of bills, beginning with agency and records measures from Senator Massullo. SB 488, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles agency package, would update reporting thresholds for crashes, expand DHSMV’s use of email for certain transactions, and align tank vehicle definitions with federal rules; it was reported favorably. Its companion, SB 490, creates a public records exemption for certain email records and also passed favorably. The committee also approved SB 892, revising enhanced sentencing procedures for repeat offenders, and SB 124, which cleans up outdated Florida Virtual School language without changing day-to-day operations. Later, SB 584 on commercial driving schools, SB 656 codifying the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and related grant program, and SB 816 establishing the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in statute all passed favorably as well. The most extensive debate centered on SB 216, which would tighten reemployment assistance eligibility by adding job-search requirements, interview attendance rules, identity and immigration verification every two weeks, and fraud-reporting duties for the Department of Commerce. Senator McLean argued the bill targets fraud and improves program integrity, while opponents and several members raised concerns about fiscal impact, administrative burden, and reduced access for unemployed workers, especially seniors and rural residents. Dr. Rich Templin of the Florida AFL-CIO testified against the bill, warning it could sharply reduce recipiency and worsen an already restrictive system. Despite opposition, the bill was reported favorably on a divided roll call. The committee also approved CS/SB 382 on electric bicycles, which requires riders to yield to pedestrians on shared pathways, sound an audible signal before passing, and limits speed near pedestrians; it also creates a task force to study further regulation. Michelle Lynch, whose son was killed in an e-scooter crash, testified in support of broader safety rules and urged the committee to add e-scooters back into the bill. Several members echoed concerns about e-scooter safety and asked for further work, but the bill advanced favorably. At the end of the meeting, members requested to be recorded on specific tabs, and the committee adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I'm so excited to welcome NDI New Mexico to the floor of the House to celebrate their 31st year
• More announcements from the floor before I go to bill introduction, and that's going to take me a while
• The resolution provides for consideration of governor veto overrides for bills during certain special
• Member Signore, announcements from the floor. Bernalillo. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Announcements from the floor. All right, members, take notes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I humbly and respectfully ask for your favorable consideration. Thank you.
• Chairman and members, for your consideration. I'm glad to answer any questions.
• And I would appreciate your favorable consideration. I close. Thank you, Chairman.
• And I would appreciate your favorable consideration, not close. Thank you, Chairman.
• If you don't have any further questions, I'd ask for your favorable consideration. I close.

Bills: HB322 , HB331 , HB673 , HB 1147 , HB 1154 , HB2488

Committee: House S/C on Workforce

Keywords: JET Grant Program, career education, technical education, community colleges, technology solutions, high demand jobs, first responders, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, benefits, compensation, presumption of disability, emergency services, healthcare, Medicaid, mental health, substance abuse, treatment access, cost, insurance coverage

Transcript Highlights:

• From the shop floor to the ballot won.
• </c><01:07:51.039><c> of</c> ability to require consideration of ability to require consideration of
• consideration consideration factors<01:45:27.840><c> which</c><01:45:28.080><c> are</c><01:45:28.239
• </c> the committee have brought to the floor. the committee have brought to the floor.
• </c> and ask for its immediate consideration and ask for its immediate consideration in<03:44:29.600>

Bills: HR498 , HR845 , HR1366 , HB4776

Keywords: antisemitism, Jewish safety, civil rights, hate crimes, freedom of expression, political protest, drowsy driving, road safety, public awareness, preventative measures, traffic accidents, NEPA, National Environmental Policy Act, environmental review, permitting reform, permit streamlining, infrastructure, economic development, federal agencies, categorical exclusion

Transcript Highlights:

• We just have a very long process, and you'll have a chance on the House floor, trust me.
• And if this bill goes forward, I expect it's going to be a very healthy floor debate.
• So I'm hoping that on the floor that we can maybe get a little bit of an expansion of how the localities
• I urge your support and thank you for your consideration. Please proceed. Good morning.
• I urge your support and thank you for your consideration. Please proceed. Good morning.

Bills: SB5536 , SB5868 , SJM8006 , SB6011

Committee: House Civil Rights & Judiciary

Keywords: divorce, dissolution, marriage, domestic partnership, property division, real property, community property, separate property, liabilities, family law, equitable distribution, court order, personal jurisdiction, absent spouse, absent domestic partner, creditors, secured creditors, unsecured creditors, home equity, family home

Transcript Highlights:

• during session on Monday, March 16, and for Senator Laird to allow a guest to be on the Senate floor
• I'm deeply grateful to Governor Newsom for this appointment and for your consideration of me.
• I'm deeply grateful to the Governor Newsom for this appointment and for your consideration of me.
• I'd like to move the country to the full Senate floor for a vote. Thank you very much.
• I'd like to move the country to the full Senate floor for a vote. Thank you very much.

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several governor’s appointments, bill referrals, rule waiver requests, and floor acknowledgments. The committee approved multiple non-appearance appointments, including Peter Briar-T to the Southern Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission, several appointees to the Acupuncture Board, Roy Mathur to the Board of Pilot Commissioners, and Davina Hurt to the California Water Commission; the Water Commission appointment drew a 3-2 vote. The committee also approved bill referrals, two rule waiver requests allowing guests on the Senate floor on March 16 and March 23, and floor acknowledgments, all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Afterward, the committee returned to the earlier appointment of Peter Briar-T and added it to the record by roll call. The committee then heard testimony from Lillian Corral, nominated to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Corral emphasized her background as a Colombian-born immigrant and first-generation college graduate, and said her priorities would include helping students navigate a changing economy shaped by AI, improving data and digital infrastructure, supporting Vision 2030 goals, and expanding pathways to jobs. Senators questioned her about community college bachelor’s degrees, achievement gaps, dual enrollment, staffing, and her work at New America and the Open Technology Institute, focusing on privacy, student safety, age verification, TikTok, and financial aid fraud. Corral said safety and security should come first, that she supports privacy and technically feasible verification tools, and that the community college system is using identity verification, AI tools, and human review to reduce fraud. The committee voted 3-0 to advance her nomination to the full Senate. The committee also heard from Paul Tupi, nominated to lead the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Tupi described a career in law enforcement and ABC enforcement and said he would focus on public trust, timely licensing, licensee education, community responsiveness, and accountability when alcohol-related harms occur. Senators asked about enforcement against sales to minors, alcohol-related traffic deaths, delivery compliance, agency responsiveness, fund stability, and potential policy changes such as entertainment zones and cocktails-to-go. Tupi outlined ABC’s decoy, shoulder-tap, delivery decoy, and TRACE programs, and said the department also works with local agencies through grants and training. Supporters from the alcohol policy, wine, brewing, and former ABC legal communities praised his open-door approach and enforcement focus. The committee unanimously approved his nomination to move to the full Senate for confirmation.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> yourselves for the record and the floor yourselves for the record and the floor is<00:01:47.440>
• </c> weighing all sorts of considerations weighing all sorts of considerations about<00:42:08.840><c>
• Our floor is 26 cents. >> Yes. >> And so the one 4.6, I believe, is the floor. >> Okay.
• </c> floor is 26 cents. floor is 26 cents. &gt;&gt; Yes. &gt;&gt; Yes. &gt;&gt; Yes.
• </c> 4.6, I believe, is the is the floor. 4.6, I believe, is the is the floor.

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met for its first meeting and received an overview from Transportation Cabinet officials on the governor’s executive order responding to high gas prices. Deputy Secretary Mike Hancock and budget director Shawn McKiernan explained that the order declared a state of emergency, reduced the state motor fuels tax by 10 cents per gallon, froze the tax rate for FY27, and urged Congress to suspend the federal gas tax. They said the emergency regulation would remain in effect until the war in Iran ends or Kentucky gas prices fall below $3 per gallon, and that any transportation budget shortfalls could be covered by the state budget reserve trust fund if requested later by the governor. McKiernan estimated the 10-cent reduction would reduce the road fund by about $26.8 million per month, with roughly 44% flowing to county road aid, rural secondary, and municipal road aid. He said the immediate impact to counties and cities would be about $11.8 million for one month, while the cabinet would see about $15 million per month less available for its own use. He also said the freeze on the FY27 motor fuels tax rate would prevent a scheduled increase and, compared with the budget assumption, would produce about $42 million in net additional revenue, split between local governments and the cabinet. He added that if the reduction lasted through December, the major transportation programs could be down about 16.9% from budgeted levels. Members focused on the effect on local governments, the road fund, and the cabinet’s cash management process. Several senators and representatives criticized the executive order as short-sighted or political, while others emphasized the need for a long-term solution to transportation funding. Questions were raised about how make-whole payments to counties and cities would be handled, how the cabinet manages cash flow, and whether the state should continue relying on general fund transfers to support the road plan. Cabinet officials said they would work with lawmakers, explained that project authorizations are managed based on cash flow and seasonal spending patterns, and noted that construction and maintenance costs have risen sharply, making revenue adequacy a continuing concern.

Transcript Highlights:

• At this time, the Chair will recognize Floor Leader West to present House Bill 3041. One.
• committee before we take time on the floor.
• Cap as an amendment for consideration by the committee before we take time on the floor to do this.
• So now it's a floor of 2%. Okay, you're right.
• Why can't we just work together and do it on the floor? Do it on the floor, man.

Bills: HB1268 , HB3041 , HB3075 , HB3378 , HB3463 , HB3619 , HB3620 , HB3624 , HB3722 , HB4335

Committee: House Government Oversight

Keywords: retirement, public employees, deferred option plan, service credit, contributions, distributions, credit card transactions, payment methods, service charge, consumer rights, financial regulation, rounding, cash payments, public finance, Oklahoma Common Cents Act, political subdivision, science and technology, research, board appointments, emergency legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• We could work on an amendment for the floor to add co-op representation.
• Support an amendment to this bill if we are to have a floor amendment because that's where we're at.
• I hope to be able to look at it differently on the floor. Excellent.
• So hopefully, I don't know what amendments will be on the floor, but that is a clean energy.
• There is floor time, so we're going to go ahead and roll now.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Summary: During the legislative meeting, House Bill 287 was discussed, which proposes the establishment of a permanent Health and Human Services Committee to oversee the state's $14.4 billion expenditure in this area. An amendment to the bill was adopted, which clarified funding and operational details. Public comments were solicited, but no one spoke in opposition. The committee ultimately voted, with some members expressing concerns about budget implications, but the motion to pass the bill as amended was made and seconded, with several members opposing it. House Bill 371 was also addressed, which focuses on creating an Acequia Infrastructure Fund to support land grant and Acequia communities. The bill aims to provide a financial mechanism for these communities to access funds for infrastructure projects without relying on capital outlay requests. The committee discussed the bill's implications, potential funding sources, and the need for further amendments regarding representation and oversight. A motion to pass the bill was made, with some opposition noted, particularly regarding the lack of specificity in the bill's provisions. Lastly, Senate Bill 143 was presented, which seeks to raise the caps on inspection fees under the Egg Grading Act, among other agricultural regulations. Supportive testimony was provided by representatives from agricultural organizations, emphasizing the need for updated fee structures. The committee engaged in discussions about the bill's implications for consumers and the agricultural sector, ultimately moving towards a vote to pass the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> proceedings on the Senate floor. proceedings on the Senate floor.
• ><c> one</c><00:25:27.640><c> is</c> Senate Floor Amendment number one is Senate Floor Amendment number
• </c> And so all sent the Senate floor And so all sent the Senate floor amendment<00:26:32.280><c> does
• </c> floor amendment. floor amendment.
• Clark, do we have any new floor Mr. Clark, do we have any new floor amendments? amendments?

Transcript Highlights:

• They don’t come out and hit the floor running. That is not something that is done.
• And they take into consideration nursing migration.
• Thank you for the consideration. Thank you. Thank you very much. Good morning.
• Thank you for your time and consideration. Thank you. Thank you for your time and consideration.
• I appreciate your time and your consideration.

Summary: The joint Assembly and Senate Business and Professions sunset oversight hearing focused first on the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), with committee chairs emphasizing oversight, consumer protection, workforce access, and economic mobility. BRN leaders reported improvements since the last review, including faster licensing timelines, streamlined enforcement, higher consumer satisfaction, growth in pre-licensure enrollment, and expanded data collection. Members questioned the board about nurse practitioner scope and supervision, international and military pathways to licensure, online nursing education and clinical requirements, rural workforce shortages, and the 30-unit LVN-to-RN option. BRN staff explained California’s tiered advanced practice system, the NCLEX and certification requirements, English proficiency rules, clinical hour standards, and the board’s role in approving programs and supporting schools through nursing education consultants. Several members and the board president also discussed the need to retain new graduates, improve diversity in the workforce, and better support nontraditional students and rural placements. Public comment on the BRN sunset review was extensive and largely supportive of the board, while also urging policy changes. Nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, and nursing education groups generally supported the BRN report and especially backed clarification of APRN-to-RN delegation authority under issue 13. Other commenters asked for clearer implementation of AB 890, more flexibility for clinical nurse specialists, streamlined renewals for nurse midwives, and changes to federal loan limits affecting graduate nursing education. Higher education representatives and private nursing schools raised concerns about duplicative BRN documentation, clinical placement bottlenecks, and barriers faced by out-of-state and online programs seeking to serve California students. The California Medical Association and some physician groups opposed easing transition-to-practice requirements for out-of-state nurse practitioners and cautioned against changes to specialty and delegation rules, while the California Nurses Association and others stressed the importance of community college pathways, new graduate support, and workforce retention. The hearing then moved to the Physical Therapy Board of California. Board leadership reported that the board oversees more than 41,000 active licensees, has seen about 15% growth since 2021, and continues to maintain high exam pass rates among California physical therapy and physical therapist assistant programs. The board described its mission as consumer protection through licensing, enforcement, continuing competency oversight, and stakeholder engagement. The vice president’s remote testimony encountered technical problems, so the executive officer continued with a brief overview of the board’s work and its commitment to efficient service and public protection. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> time and consideration. Thank you, Ms. time and consideration. Thank you, Ms.
• floor floor without<00:53:35.080><c> any</c><00:53:35.240><c> other</c><00:53:35.520><c> committee</
• </c> brought up on the floor. brought up on the floor.
• </c> on any floor vote. on any floor vote.
• . consideration. consideration.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this is an amendment that's moving our control of the second floor of the annex to the fourth floor
• We already have senators on the second floor, and we have our rules division on the second floor of the
• The fourth floor of the annex is part of phase one and completed so that we can occupy the fourth floor
• We already have senators on the second floor, and we have our rules division on the second floor of the
• </c> can't do any work on the fourth floor can't do any work on the fourth floor till<00:18:37.280><c

Committee: House Public Works and Highways

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it exactly like the version that we moved off the floor, the companion?
• And lastly, the bill before you includes an exemption that was removed on the floor for...
• This is also similar to a Senate bill that's currently under consideration in New York State.
• And with that, I just thank you for your consideration. Great. Thank you so very much.
• And absolutely that we end up voting for it on the floor.

Summary: The committee first heard Engrossed Senate Substitute Senate Bill 5984, which would regulate AI companion chatbots. Staff explained that the bill requires disclosures that the chatbot is AI and not human, adds stronger protections when the user is a minor or the chatbot is directed to minors, bars manipulative engagement techniques, requires periodic reminders, and creates protocols for detecting and responding to suicidal ideation or self-harm. Several speakers, including researchers, students, the PTA, the governor’s office, and the Attorney General’s Office, supported the bill and described harms from chatbot sycophancy, emotional dependence, and self-harm risks. Some testifiers urged expanding protections to all users rather than only minors, adding language on harm to others, and clarifying that chatbots should not present themselves as sentient or human; industry representatives said the bill was workable and noted support for removing the exemption for underlying general-purpose AI models, while also discussing concerns about the private right of action and age-verification/data-collection issues. The chair noted that an amendment for narrow educational tools would be worked on. The committee then took testimony on Senate Bill 6046, which would create a state Civil Air Patrol under the Washington Military Department. Staff said the bill would allow the governor to activate the state Civil Air Patrol for cadet training, communications, disaster relief, cybersecurity, search and rescue, and related missions, while preserving the federal Civil Air Patrol’s existing structure. Military Department and Civil Air Patrol leaders testified in support, saying the bill would streamline coordination, improve emergency response, and expand training opportunities without changing federal authorities or adding costs; one witness said the model was based on Kansas law. Members asked about the fiscal note, which was described as indeterminate by one agency despite testimony that the bill would not create new state costs, and about whether the bill would face concerns in Appropriations. The Veterans Legislative Coalition also supported passage, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lawson, the floor is yours. Good morning.
• The floor is yours. Thank you so much.
• Miss Kearney, the floor is yours.
• Page, the floor is yours.” Mr.
• Thank you very much for your consideration.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on several public safety bills, with testimony first on S.2681, Colby’s Law, which would establish safety standards for BMX and motocross tracks. Supporters, including the family of a child killed at a track, argued the bill is needed because some tracks lack basic protections such as barriers, emergency plans, on-site medical staff, and adequate track maintenance. A motocross track representative opposed the bill as overregulation that could impose major costs and argued existing safety efforts and voluntary safety committees are preferable. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee also heard testimony on S.2680, which would expand emergency preparedness requirements around aging nuclear power plants and nuclear waste sites from a 10-mile to a 50-mile radius. Supporters from Cape Cod Downwinders, Massachusetts Peace Action, physicians, and other advocates said current law is outdated and insufficient, citing risks from radioactive waste storage, limited federal oversight, and the need for broader evacuation and emergency planning. Testifiers urged the bill’s passage, and no action was taken. A major portion of the hearing focused on the Protect Act, H.5158, dealing with limits on cooperation between state/local agencies and federal civil immigration enforcement. Sheriffs testified about how ICE detainers and notification requests work in practice, emphasizing discretion, public safety, and the difference between sentenced prisoners and pretrial detainees. Supporters from labor, education, and health care groups said immigrant communities are living in fear and asked for stronger protections, including bans on 287(g) agreements and clearer limits on ICE activity in schools, hospitals, and other sensitive locations. The hearing also included testimony on H.4697 regarding training and certification of constables and civil deputy sheriffs, with the Hampshire County sheriff saying sheriffs are already working with POST and MPTC on training standards and that the bill may be duplicative.