Transcript Highlights:

• As we currently regulate them, none.
• One of which is regulating unrelated occupancy, whereas currently we have a regulation that bases occupancy
• One of which is regulating unrelated occupancy, whereas currently we have a regulation that bases occupancy
• ><c> regulated</c><01:36:19.719><c> by</c> municipalities how they're regulated by municipalities how
• </c> have public input have public input and<01:52:05.280><c> I</c><01:52:05.400><c> can</c><01:52:05.560

Committee: House Municipal and County Government

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:31:08.240><c> that</c> haven't seen any trending data that haven't seen any trending data that
• We had a lot of input. process works. We had a lot of input.
• So, she's had input.
• </c> federal regulators federal regulators uh<01:10:40.159><c> for</c><01:10:40.400><c> the</c><01:10
• , uh, we do look to the regulators.

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• We need these rules in place to regulate the data, the duration this data is stored, and who has access
• the storage of the AI, but to regulate the storage of the data.<00:09:46.960><c> I</c><00:09:47.040>
• We need these rules in place to regulate<00:10:09.000><c> the</c><00:10:09.080><c> data</c><00:10:09.800
• ><c> the</c><00:10:09.920><c> duration</c><00:10:10.360><c> this</c><00:10:10.520><c> data</c> regulate
• the data the duration this data regulate the data the duration this data is<00:10:10.920><c> stored<

Bills: HF3951 , HF4005 , HF962 , HF4585 , HF3870 , HF4542 , HF3893 , HF4293 , HF4075 , HF4057 , HF3809

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• I thank you for reaching out and bringing forward that input.
• It also adds an appropriation to the Data Center to implement the data repository.
• It also adds an appropriation to the Data Center to implement the data repository.
• And I'm also very glad that there'll be data kept from this, and we can use that data to modify the program
• We've received very useful input on this bill, Mr.

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Summary: The Appropriations Committee heard presentations on the Senate’s proposed 2025-2026 budget, SPB 25-200, totaling $117.4 billion. Chair Hooper and committee chairs highlighted major spending priorities including a 4% raise for state employees, continued health insurance contributions, investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and workforce development, along with reductions tied to long-vacant positions. Education funding was a major focus, with increases for K-12 public schools and scholarships, higher education workforce programs, nursing initiatives, tutoring, and university performance funding. Health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/economic development, and agriculture/environment budgets were also outlined, including Medicaid, mental health, corrections staffing, affordable housing, beach restoration, citrus recovery, and water projects. Members then questioned several budget choices, especially K-12 funding. Senators Polsky and Smith raised concerns that the Senate’s AP and dual enrollment funding changes could disadvantage public schools, while Burgess argued the budget preserves the money in the FEFP and gives districts more flexibility rather than reducing support. Questions also addressed voucher availability, school stabilization funding, and the My Safe Florida Home program. The committee adopted 171 consent amendments and three late-file amendments, then approved SPB 2500 as a committee bill. It also favorably reported implementing and conforming bills for state employees, retirement, natural resources, judgeships, K-12 education, higher education, and health and human services, along with SB 7022 on Florida Retirement System contribution rates and elected-officer DROP options, CS/SB 1320 on the Resilient Florida Trust Fund, SB 7014 ending the Mediation and Arbitration Trust Fund, SB 7028 on cancer research, CS/CS/SB 170 on nursing home quality and oversight, CS/SB 168 on mental health diversion and behavioral health data, SB 114 creating an insurance and risk management research center at FSU, and SB 180 on emergency preparedness and post-storm recovery. Most bills were reported favorably with little or no opposition, though SB 180 drew discussion about local-government authority after storms and the need to balance recovery speed with local safety and planning concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I will question the data that comes out of the pandemic, mainly because people did, because they
• That's why the numbers and the data, I've not seen the data, how the numbers probably demonstrated how
• If the police had input, they would provide input at that point in time. Okay, all right, thanks.
• Existing law regulates outdoor advertising decisions. Community programs and services.
• But without legislation this year, these regulations will disappear starting January 1, 2026.

Committee: House Governmental Organization

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Organization met and heard several bills, beginning without a quorum and later establishing one. SB 364 by Senator Strickland would speed up outdoor advertising permit processing by allowing Caltrans to act on applications as freeway projects are completed in segments, and it also clarifies customary maintenance for signs. Supporters from Fountain Valley and the outdoor advertising industry said the bill would reduce delays and help local revenue; there was no opposition. The bill passed 13-0, with the roll left open for additional votes. The committee also heard SB 470 by Senator Laird, which extends until January 1, 2030 the sunset on the alternative open-meeting rules for state boards and commissions created by SB 544. Supporters, including the Little Hoover Commission and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, said remote participation has increased public attendance, saved money, and improved access for people with disabilities and caregivers. Opponents, including the ACLU of California Action, California News Publishers Association, and media and good-government groups, argued the bill weakens transparency and should be more narrowly tailored. The bill passed 12-4, with the roll left open. SB 395 by Senator Wiener would create a hospitality zone in San Francisco allowing up to 20 additional non-transferable liquor licenses for restaurants in the Union Square/Yerba Buena area. Supporters said the measure would help downtown recovery, fill vacant storefronts, and support small restaurants by offering licenses at the ABC application fee rather than the high secondary-market price. The bill passed 16-0, with the roll left open. Finally, SB 783 by Senator Rubio would extend until January 1, 2029 the current rules for outdoor advertising displays in former redevelopment areas. Supporters said the extension would protect existing signs and give communities time to work on a permanent solution, while opponents warned about unfair market advantages and possible federal highway funding risks. The bill passed 21-0, and the committee adjourned at 2:45 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I like the data that I've read, and these men will bring it to you, and I will if we do get this
• This is an obligation and another regulation on our school.
• This is an obligation and another regulation on our school.
• This is an obligation and another regulation on our school.
• “We have had full support and input from all stakeholders involved in this.

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• So what I'm saying is, while the data for this proposal, its impact, is so thin, there is data that we
• There will be more power, more input. Maybe you can more power, more input.
• Actual input, not input—an interest on behalf of the administration. Correct.
• What's your data?
• We say, 'Hey, give us the input.'

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to collect the data.
• SB 26 last session, it was about the LMHA's collecting data.
• And I appreciate your commentary specific to data.
• So it's a data point that no state has been collecting, but it's huge.
• Again, my data bill, 2488, I think you'll find to be of value.

Bills: HB45 , SB1540 , SB2225 , SB2284 , SB2382 , SB2487 , SB2514 , SB2595 , SB2876 , SB2877 , SB3031 , SB2753

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: The committee first adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 30 and then voted to report the substituted bill favorably to the full Senate; the roll call showed six ayes and one nay, with later unanimous-consent corrections noted for additional aye votes. The committee also reported Senate Bill 801 favorably to the full Senate by an eight-to-one vote. Both bills were left with no further action in the meeting after the votes. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2595 by Senator Middleton and Senate Bill 2876 by Chairman Hughes, both aimed at addressing masked harassment and riot-related conduct. Supporters said the bills would deter intimidation, protect public order, and respond to recent protests and anti-Semitic incidents, while opponents from civil rights, disability, and advocacy groups argued the measures were overly broad, could chill peaceful protest, and would burden people who wear masks for religious, medical, or disability-related reasons. Public testimony was taken on both bills, and both were left pending after testimony closed. Senate Bill 2753, by Senator Hall, proposed consolidating early voting and election day into a single continuous in-person voting period with common procedures and equipment, while preserving countywide voting and mail voting. The Secretary of State’s office said the bill could improve ballot secrecy and simplify administration, though witnesses raised concerns about ballot privacy, logistics, and access for disabled voters; some county election officials were neutral or supportive of the concept, while others opposed it as confusing or potentially burdensome. The bill was left pending after extensive testimony. The committee also heard Senate Bill 2225 on allowing spirit-based ready-to-drink beverages to be sold in grocery and convenience stores, with supporters arguing the law should focus on alcohol content rather than the source of the alcohol and that the bill would modernize an outdated code. Later, Senate Bill 1540, which would add election officials and related workers to confidentiality protections, drew support from county election officials who described threats and harassment, though one witness suggested the bill’s language may need technical adjustment to better match its intent. Finally, Senate Bill 2382, concerning statewide voter registration systems and offline counties, drew opposition from county election administrators and vendors who warned about capacity, cybersecurity, and single-point-of-failure risks, while others suggested a phased approach or API-based integration; the transcript ends with testimony still open on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• policy remains focused on electricity generation within Minnesota's borders and doesn't attempt to regulate
• </c> Minnesota's prior attempt to regulate Minnesota's prior attempt to regulate AOS<00:02:00.039><c>
• </c> generate electricity and we regulate generate electricity and we regulate that<00:28:58.240><c>
• </c> Minnesota has the authority to regulate Minnesota has the authority to regulate electricity<00:29
• </c><00:30:20.000><c> our</c> Monopoly compact we regulate our Monopoly compact we regulate our utilities

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, it's not your input uh for this.
• Regulation, but that's us, you know.
• So, we just went from state regulation to federal regulations.
• </c><00:37:25.440><c> to</c> we just went from state regulation to we just went from state regulation
• We let the feds be federal regulations.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Every year they come up with your input.
• It's standards and regulations and bringing a work group together.
• It's standards and regulations and bringing a work group together.
• We have proposed regulations already.
• Thank you. ...in essence, we would regulate that.

Summary: The committee first considered a series of Governor’s Message nominations, largely to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities and one to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances. Testifiers and agencies spoke in strong support of the nominees, emphasizing their advocacy, community involvement, and lived experience. The committee heard from nominees and supporters for John Paul Moses III, Cynthia Fowler, Joshua Eay, Alicia Kim, Raymond Mamea, Maria Christina Valenzuela, Eden Watabayashi, Sierra Whiteside, and Brandy Lynn Macallani Hayen. After hearing testimony, the committee voted to advise and consent on each nomination, with the votes adopted by the members present. The committee then took up SR 53 / SCR 69, which asks the Department of Health to convene a pharmacy benefit manager working group to improve transparency, fairness, and drug affordability. Supporters included the Hawaii Pharmacist Association, the University of Hawaii system, and several individuals, while the Department of Health said the issue is complex and may require additional support or a different structure. Members discussed whether the Department of Health should lead the effort or whether another entity, such as SHIPA with an appropriation, might be more workable; the Department of Health suggested a $100,000 appropriation could be sufficient. Next, SR 56 / SCR 73 proposed a report on the developmental needs of children born during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office of Wellness and Resilience supported the measure and asked for an extended deadline to the end of 2026, and several youth, mental health, and community organizations testified in support. The committee also heard SR 69 / STR 86 on creating an aeromedical services working group, with support from Air Methods, the Department of Health, and the Hawaii Medical Association, and SR 99 / STR 118 on studying the use of filtered catchment water for business activity, which drew support from the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association and comments from the Department of Health that the issue is complicated and should include the Department of Agriculture. No final votes on the resolutions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:34:10.639><c> in</c> for us whether I was analyzing data in for us whether I was analyzing data
• What they're talking about, the public input is more administratively public input." Yeah.
• about, the public input is more administratively<03:26:46.160><c> public</c><03:26:46.479><c> input.
• </c> administratively public input." Yeah. administratively public input." Yeah.
• regulation regulation doesn't<03:36:37.439><c> work</c><03:36:37.600><c> well</c><03:36:37.840><c> for

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, I mean, obviously that may be a profound difference, but when most privacy regulations around data
• Now, I mean, obviously that may be a profound difference, but when most privacy regulations around data
• out there that are not in compliance with the regulations.
• It serves a purpose outside the ambit of copyright regulations.
• sets used to train Gen AI, as well as whether the data sets included copyright-protected data.

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. AB 416 would allow emergency room physicians to initiate 5150 psychiatric holds, with supporters saying it would reduce delays in emergency departments and speed access to psychiatric care; counties and behavioral health directors opposed the bill, and members raised concerns about juvenile use and whether the measure was a band-aid for a larger system problem. The bill was later approved on a unanimous roll call after amendments. AB 446, the Surveillance Pricing Act, would prohibit businesses from using personal data to set individualized prices; supporters framed it as a consumer fairness and anti-discrimination measure, while business and industry groups argued the bill was too broad, could chill discounts, and should be enforced by a public agency rather than a private right of action. After extensive discussion of exemptions, discounts, and enforcement, the bill passed on a divided vote. AB 632 would give local governments a faster way to collect unpaid administrative fines for serious code violations, including illegal cannabis activity, unsafe housing conditions, and fire hazards, by allowing money judgments and clarifying ordinary property lien authority. County, city, and code enforcement representatives supported the bill as a tool to improve compliance and reduce costly litigation; there was no recorded opposition, and the bill passed unanimously as amended. ACA 7, a constitutional amendment from Assembly Member Jackson, was presented as a clarification of Section 31A of the California Constitution to curb misuse and align it with voter intent; it received support from Education Trust-West and was placed on consent after committee approval. AB 649 would create a longer, six-year incentive period for businesses that proactively obtain a CASp accessibility inspection and correct identified barriers, giving them a 120-day right to cure later claims during that window. The author and small business witness argued the bill would encourage voluntary compliance and reduce predatory ADA litigation, while disability rights groups ultimately moved to neutral after amendments and committee members debated whether the bill might weaken enforcement or create confusion between state and federal claims. The committee also discussed the need for better public awareness of CASp inspections and the broader problem of repeat litigation against small businesses. The bill was approved as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• You're bound by all the regulations that an employee is bound by.
• Thank you, colleagues, for your input on this.
• of an advisory committee, ensuring public input.
• And I appreciate your input as well.
• It deals with incinerator regulations specifically in Miami-Dade County, and it deals with landfill regulations

Bills: HCR35 , SJR59 , SJR84 , SCR30 , SB127 , SB317 , SB324 , SB457 , SB506 , SB511 , SB529 , SB547 , SB584 , SB619 , SB636 , SB646 , SB659 , SB715 , SB732 , SB735 , SB771 , SB784 , SB800 , SB801 , SB904 , SB1026 , SB1049 , SB1065 , SB1181 , SB1224 , SB1250 , SB1383 , SB1467 , SB1524 , SB1528 , SB1531 , SB1568 , SB1585 , SB1640 , SB1681 , SB1754 , SB1757 , SB1777 , SB1972 , SB1980 , SB2007 , SB2041 , SB2046 , SB2050 , SB2055 , SB2069 , SB2080 , SB2119 , SB2138 , SB2139 , SB2154 , SB2201 , SB2225 , SB2268 , SB2306 , SB2308 , SB2310 , SB2330 , SB2366 , SB2375 , SB2392 , SB2401 , SB2422 , SB2480 , SB2514 , SB2530 , SB2533 , SB2543 , SB2544 , SB2589 , SB2610 , SB2615 , SB2623 , SB2660 , SB2662 , SB2693 , SB2695 , SB2707 , SB2722 , SB2742 , SB2753 , SB2807 , SB2843 , SB2844 , SB2858 , SB2880 , SB2885 , SB2891 , SB2925 , SB2938 , SB2986 , SJR3 , SJR18 , SB5 , SB914 , SB963 , SB1197 , SB1415 , SB1437 , SB1786 , SB326 , SB767 , SB769 , SB783 , SB1035 , SB1271 , SB1619 , SB1637 , SB1806 , SB1 , SB260 , HB135 , HB 1109 , HCR35 , HCR64 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR84 , SJR59 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR48 , SCR19 , SCR30 , SCR3 , SB2023 , SB619 , SB2742 , SB646 , SB1026 , SB2880 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB1502 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1376 , SB1585 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB529 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB584 , SB1085 , SB2046 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB1524 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB1863 , SB2681 , SB2200 , SB2199 , SB1757 , SB2050 , SB2458 , SB2201 , SB2660 , SB2662 , SB1065 , SB801 , SB2533 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB1721 , SB2366 , SB1013 , SB2797 , SB2383 , SB1754 , SB2119 , SB2448 , SB1777 , SB1283 , SB2392 , SB2076 , SB2786 , SB2876 , SB2284 , SB2225 , SB1540 , SB2929 , SB1972 , SB2540 , SB2595 , SB2217 , SB715 , SB2330 , SB1383 , SB500 , SB1640 , SB2001 , SB2080 , SB506 , SB2514 , SB2753 , SB2398 , SB1241 , SB2927 , SB2173 , SB2538 , SB898 , SB1449 , SB2529 , SB1531 , SB2846 , SB2476 , SB986 , SB1181 , SB2075 , SB2154 , SB2864 , SB1359 , SB2386 , SB771 , SB2844 , SB2550 , SB1351 , SB1423 , SB1931 , SB2245 , SB2589 , SB2707 , SB2807 , SB410 , SB659 , SB2776 , SB2693 , SB2580 , SB1980 , SB1886 , SB1234 , SB739 , SB456 , SB127 , SB1666 , SB2843 , SB2801 , SB800 , SB2055 , SB784 , SB2986 , SB735 , SB1012 , SB324 , SB2926 , SB2938 , SB2007 , SB2138 , SB1242 , SB2615 , SB1049 , SB2310 , SB1224 , SB2972 , SB1568 , SB2841 , SB2885 , SB3016 , SB2858 , SB2610 , SB2139 , SB1856 , SB2035 , SB2308 , SB2306 , SB2041 , SB1528 , SB1681 , SB1141 , SB2401 , SB2530 , SB2375 , SB547 , SB1266 , SB1373 , SB1467 , SB2069 , SB2269 , SB2480 , SB2544 , SB672 , SB904 , SB2695 , SB2891 , SB2422 , SB2543 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB2539 , SB2532 , SB2925 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB2203 , SB457 , SB2357 , SB2721 , SB243 , SB1285 , SB2568 , SB1959 , SB1442 , SB1454 , SB2520 , SB2541 , SB1708 , SB1237 , SB1844 , SB1586 , HB1392 , HB22 , SB1551 , SB3039 , SB2819 , SB66 , SB629 , SB1015 , SB2342 , SB2903 , SB2933 , SB1965 , SB2477 , SB3029 , SB2605 , SB2419 , SB1957 , SB375 , SB250 , SB777 , SB628 , SB2523 , SB2367 , SB2703 , SB2608 , SB2778 , SB3044 , SB2965 , SB2521 , SB865 , SB127 , SB506 , SB529 , SB584 , SB659 , SB735 , SB771 , SB784 , SB800 , SB1049 , SB1383 , SB1531 , SB1568 , SB1681 , SB1972 , SB1980 , SB2007 , SB2041 , SB2046 , SB2050 , SB2080 , SB2225 , SB2306 , SB2308 , SB2366 , SB2392 , SB2544 , SB2610 , SB2660 , SB2662 , SB2807 , SB2843 , SB2844 , SB2885 , SB2938 , SB2986 , SB324 , SB1065 , SB1754 , SB2330 , SB2693 , SB2858 , SR448 , SR463 , HCR35 , SB324 , SB619 , SB646 , SB1026 , SB1065 , SB1754 , SB2330 , SB2693 , SB2742 , SB2858 , SB2880 , SB3063 , HJR5 , HJR98 , HB 109 , HB 114 , HB388 , HB421 , HB431 , HB879 , HB 1244 , HB1399 , HB1445 , HB1672 , HB1695 , HB1734 , HB1875 , HB1893 , HB1950 , HB2152 , HB2217 , HB2558 , HB2559 , HB2775 , HB2789 , HB2809 , HB2856 , HB3012 , HB3126 , HB3135 , HB3163 , HB3229 , HB3306 , HB3513 , HB3770 , HB4134 , HCR56 , HCR102 , SB3063 , HJR5 , HJR98 , HB 109 , HB 114 , HB388 , HB421 , HB431 , HB879 , HB 1244 , HB1399 , HB1445 , HB1672 , HB1695 , HB1734 , HB1875 , HB1893 , HB1950 , HB2152 , HB2217 , HB2558 , HB2559 , HB2775 , HB2789 , HB2809 , HB2856 , HB3012 , HB3126 , HB3135 , HB3163 , HB3229 , HB3306 , HB3513 , HB3770 , HB4134 , HCR56 , HCR102

Transcript Highlights:

• Much of the data that Representative Reedy shared.
• I'm just wondering if you have any data... Thank you.
• Do you have any data around that delayed driver conversation?
• We do deal in data in my office, and we are very close with Highway Patrol and crash data.
• Federal regulations just require a birth certificate. Okay.

Committee: House Professional Registration and Licensing

Summary: The committee first met in executive session and adopted a House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2300 by a unanimous roll call vote of 18-0. The substitute combined a number of previously approved professional registration items, including emergency suspension authority, chiropractic and massage therapy provisions, accountant regulations, the athletic trainer compact, social worker regulations, a speech-language pathologist fix, telehealth, nonprofit pharmacies, and the physician assistant compact. Members noted that work was still ongoing on bell bondsman language before the committee moved into public hearing. The main public hearing was on House Bill 2897, which would expand optometrists’ authority to perform certain laser and in-office procedures. Representative Farnan and optometry supporters argued the bill is about patient access, especially in rural areas, and said it would allow three laser procedures—YAG capsulotomy, laser trabeculoplasty, and laser iridotomy—plus clarify other already-performed office procedures, while still excluding major surgeries such as cataract surgery, LASIK, and corneal transplants. Supporters said optometrists already receive relevant training, that a 32-hour certification course would serve as a safeguard, and that patients often face long waits or long travel times for care. Opponents, including ophthalmologists, argued the bill would blur the line between optometry and surgery, create safety risks, and rely on insufficient training and ambiguous language. They cited complications from laser procedures, questioned emergency care claims, and said optometrists should not be regulated as surgeons unless placed under the State Board of Healing Arts. No vote was taken on HB 2897, and the chair recessed the hearing for later continuation. The Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education then took up House Bill 3239 and adopted Amendment 0.01H, which capped the program at $4 million to keep it from becoming an open-ended cost. The committee then adopted the House Committee Substitute and voted the bill do pass by 11-7. The committee also combined House Bills 2913 and 3228 into one substitute and voted that combined measure do pass by 19-0. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2195, which would create the Missouri Integrated Safe Driving Program and encourage school districts to incorporate driver-safety content into existing courses without adding a fiscal note or mandating a standalone driver’s ed class. Sponsor Representative Reedy and supporters from AAA Missouri and the Missouri Driver Education Coalition said the bill would address teen crash rates, improve access to driver education, and help schools use existing curriculum time more flexibly. The hearing remained in discussion with testimony continuing.

Transcript Highlights:

• collect sensitive identifying data.
• And while S. 30 regulates specific data management design practices that lead to overuse, it leaves open
• It regulates the kind of data that these companies can use to input into an algorithm to provide information
• Instead, it's about data use.
• It doesn't regulate content at all.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity

Summary: The committee held its second hearing on a large docket of technology, internet, cybersecurity, broadband, and media bills. Early testimony focused on community media funding legislation, with lawmakers and local access advocates arguing that as cable subscriptions decline and streaming grows, revenue tied to cable franchises no longer supports community television and PEG programming. Supporters said community media remains a key source of local news, government meeting coverage, and civic transparency as newspapers disappear or consolidate. A related bill on cable contract oversight also drew support, with testimony that the Department of Telecommunications and Cable is backlogged and should more actively review municipal-provider agreements and report its workload to the committee. Another major topic was a proposal to create a Massachusetts Innovation Fund for state IT modernization. The Alliance for Digital Innovation backed the bill, saying agencies need flexible upfront capital to replace outdated systems and improve cybersecurity, and pointing to the federal Technology Modernization Fund as a model. The witness noted that funding for the state program still needs to be identified. The committee also heard strong support for a bill requiring free broadband in public housing, with Rep. Emmela Goodwin and MAPC describing internet access as essential for jobs, school, telehealth, and civic participation. They said the digital divide in Massachusetts is driven largely by affordability rather than infrastructure, though questions were raised about costs, wiring, and whether all housing sites already have broadband access available at the curb. A substantial portion of the hearing centered on bills to limit addictive social media feeds for minors. Supporters, including lawmakers, parents, teens, and advocacy groups, argued that algorithmic feeds contribute to addiction, anxiety, body image problems, and other harms, and said the bills would restrict surveillance-based curation and overnight notifications while leaving search and followed accounts available. Opponents, including FIRE, CCIA, and the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, argued the bills would require invasive age verification, threaten privacy and cybersecurity, burden adults’ anonymity, and likely face First Amendment challenges. They also warned the measures could disadvantage smaller businesses and may be unconstitutional based on recent court rulings in other states. The committee also heard support for blockchain-related bills creating a commission, a pilot program, and consumer education efforts, with testimony that Massachusetts has the talent but needs a coordinated state strategy. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, it gives us an opportunity to look at the data uh and see what potential enforcement can do to uh
• uh</c><00:05:36.400><c> and</c><00:05:36.720><c> see</c><00:05:36.960><c> what</c> to look at the data
• uh and see what to look at the data uh and see what potential<00:05:37.759><c> enforcement</c><00:05
• For any stakeholder that wants to come and have input to this, they're welcome to do so.
• </c><00:18:45.600><c> to</c> wants to come and and have input to wants to come and and have input to

Bills: SB341 , SB340 , SB341 , SB354 , SB340

Committee: Senate Transportation and Energy

Keywords: SB341, Alabama, veteran license plate, veteran tag, distinctive license tag, specialty plate, radiation exposure, atomic bomb testing, ionizing radiation, World War II veterans, Vietnam veterans, Korean War veterans, Cold War veterans, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Inherent Resolve, Department of Veterans Affairs, probate judge

Transcript Highlights:

• This is data between January and September.
• This is data between January and September.
• So it's a pleasure to share some of that data with you.
• So, you know, the EPA regulations and the California regulations aren't that different in the stringency
• So, you know, the EPA regulations and the California regulations aren't that different.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:47.240><c> we</c> activities in the areas we regulate we activities in the areas we regulate
• There's no regulation on those.
• </c> little bit early there's no regulation little bit early there's no regulation on<00:22:57.840><c
• </c> called uh regulation called uh regulation crowdfunding<00:42:25.599><c> we</c><00:42:25.680><c>
• </c> chance to review or offer some input chance to review or offer some input regarding<01:37:38.520

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a division, our data analysis division, that does these kinds of analyses from time to time.
• members are the ones that live under these rules and regulations, their opinions would be valued and
• members are the ones that live under these rules and regulations, their opinions would be valued and
• It helps to understand the current state of regulation in that.
• Any regulation proposal.

Bills: HB4568 , HB5458 , HB4543 , HB2703 , HB3728 , HCR113 , HCR126

Committee: House Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Keywords: film industry, incentives, grants, Texas, moving image, economic development, production companies, content standards, HB 5458, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, chronic wasting disease, CWD, cervids, deer, elk, moose, wildlife management, game animals, disease management