Transcript Highlights:

• Izzy Wedgewood, Emory Woodworth, Alex Booth, Kinsley McCain, Emory Punches, Mickelson, Ashen Allred, Marin
• Izzy Wedgewood, Emory Woodworth, Alex Booth, Kinsley McCain, Emory Punches, Mickelson, Ashen Allred, Marin
• Woodworth, Alex Booth, Kinsley McCain, Emory Punches, Mickelson, Ashen Allred, Marin Sunage, and Kaylee

Transcript Highlights:

• Why </font> <font color="aaaaaa">should a marine patrol flu </font> <font color="aaaaaa">one who fought
• Why </font> <font color="aaaaaa">should a marine patrol flu </font> <font color="aaaaaa">should be violent
• Less </font> <font color="aaaaaa">should a marine patrol flu </font> <font color="aaaaaa">should be violent

Transcript Highlights:

• I wore a uniform for seven and a half years in the Marine Corps.
• That person, Narciso Bronco, the father of three Marines. And you know what he did?
• When federal law enforcement does its job, when they're allowed the resources, I don't know. strain on
• When federal law enforcement does its job, when they're allowed the resources, I don't know.
• When federal law enforcement does its job, when they're allowed the resources and given the support of

Summary: The Senate took up a series of third-reading bills covering horse racing, local taxation, consumer financial security, elections, utilities, batteries, sexual health, body-worn cameras, property tax treatment for inherited homes, adoptee birth records, youth housing bonds, workers’ compensation, and civil rights. SB 795 on horse racing, SB 762 allowing Hercules to seek voter approval for a sales tax increase, SB 505 requiring two-factor authentication for money transmitter platforms, SB 46 barring California ballot access for presidential candidates who have already served two terms, SB 73 restricting federal access to voting machines without a court order, SB 327 on utility oversight and ratepayer protections, SB 501 expanding battery producer responsibility, SB 608 on school contraceptive access, SB 691 on EMS-related redaction of body-worn camera footage, SB 288 clarifying Proposition 19 timing for inherited homes in probate, SB 381 giving adoptees access to original birth certificates, SB 492 creating a youth housing bond, SB 555 increasing permanently partially disabled workers’ benefits, and SB 747 creating a civil cause of action for constitutional violations by federal officers were all debated and advanced. Most measures passed on roll call, with SB 505 and SB 288 approved by unanimous roll call, and SB 73 carrying an urgency clause that also passed unanimously. Debate on SB 747 was the most extensive and contentious. Supporters argued the bill was needed to hold federal officers accountable for alleged constitutional violations, especially in immigration enforcement, and described it as a civil-rights remedy for people harmed by federal agents. Opponents said existing federal and state remedies already cover such conduct, warned the bill was politically motivated, and argued it could increase litigation and strain law enforcement resources. The bill nevertheless passed on a 30-10 vote, with the urgency clause also approved. SB 492 on youth housing also drew debate over state bonding and debt, with supporters emphasizing early intervention for homeless and foster youth and opponents arguing the state should avoid borrowing and instead fund projects through the budget; it passed 30-9 on both urgency and the measure. Other bills also drew focused testimony. SB 555 was presented as a long-overdue cost-of-living adjustment for permanently partially disabled workers’ benefits, and SB 381 was supported as a way to give adopted adults access to their original birth certificates for identity and medical-history reasons. SB 691 was framed as a privacy measure for patients receiving medical or psychological treatment, while SB 501 was described as closing a gap in California’s battery recycling and safety rules by adding medium-format batteries used in e-bikes and portable power systems. SB 762 was presented as a local option for Hercules to address revenue shortfalls, and SB 46 and SB 73 both centered on election integrity and constitutional questions, with members split over federal-state authority and ballot access.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mariner. Manor. Okay. Mariner. Excuse me.
• One of the resources... This is...
• What resources the community can bring to bear.
• And so we're trying to figure out what resources that the state can bring to bear, what resources the
• So we're really working very closely, providing the resources.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The Joint Committee on Ways and Means held a public FY27 budget hearing at Barnstable Town Hall, with opening remarks emphasizing the Cape and Islands’ seasonal infrastructure, housing, transportation, workforce, and digital needs. The hearing began with testimony from the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, which outlined the Healey-Driscoll administration’s budget priorities for job training, apprenticeship, youth employment, reentry programs, and unemployment insurance modernization. The secretary highlighted proposed funding for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, Career Technical Initiative, YouthWorks, reentry workforce development, and services for young adults with disabilities, along with a proposal to streamline youth work permits. Members also discussed the unemployment trust fund, the COVID assessment on employers, rising unemployment, and the need to improve DUA customer service and claims processing. Committee members asked about job seeker barriers such as child care, housing, transportation, and out-migration of young workers, as well as how to keep Cape Cod graduates and seasonal workers in the region. The administration said its strategy is to pair training with broader affordability investments and to expose students to career pathways earlier, including through middle school, early childhood STEM, YouthWorks, pre-apprenticeships, and Building Pathways. Senators and representatives also raised concerns about regional funding disparities, especially for Hampshire Franklin MassHire, and the administration said it is reviewing MassHire funding and service equity through a policy committee and statewide workforce board. On unemployment assistance, officials reported major improvements in wait times and claims processing, but said they are still working through backlogs and staffing challenges while maintaining program integrity. The committee then heard testimony from the Executive Office of Economic Development. The secretary described House 2 as a fiscally restrained budget with no new taxes or fees, while preserving core programs and using the Mass Leads Act tools to support competitiveness. EOED’s proposal included funding for the Community One Stop for Growth, rural economic development, social enterprise operating grants, regional economic development organizations, the Workforce Investment Trust Fund, Community Workforce Partnerships, Pathmaker, advanced manufacturing training, life sciences, innovation vouchers, AI initiatives, small business assistance, and tourism and live theater support. The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation also testified on its FY27 request, focusing on consumer protection, licensing, banking, insurance, and public safety regulation. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• fiscal note attached to it that the department has indicated that they have the current capacity and resources
• fiscal note attached to it that the department has indicated that they have the current capacity and resources
• example from my area: Textron just announced recently a $450 million contract to build tanks for the Marines

Bills: HB316 , HB549 , HB646 , HB752 , HB824 , HB873 , HB1129 , HB1157 , HB1170

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met on April 22 and first considered Chairman Beaulieu’s House Bill 646, a constitutional amendment limiting the amount of State General Fund money that may be appropriated in a fiscal year. After adopting a set of amendments creating the Louisiana Income Tax Elimination Fund and making conforming changes, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. The companion bill, House Bill 824, which establishes the growth limit formula based on CPI, medical CPI, and population change, was also amended and reported favorably as amended. Supporters framed both measures as a way to keep spending within recurring revenues and create a path toward reducing or eliminating the state income tax. The committee then reported favorably as amended House Bill 1157, creating the Louisiana State Infrastructure Fund to help finance infrastructure-related projects, with testimony that it would leverage private and federal dollars and initially focus on rail, port, road, and bridge projects. House Bill 316, which provides a framework for student literacy reforms for grades four through eight, was presented as having no new cost because the Department of Education said the work was already covered by existing resources; it was reported favorably. House Bill 549, creating the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program to provide employer-based training grants, also received support from business groups and was reported favorably as amended. House Bill 1129, dealing with the sale of state-owned surplus movable property, drew support from Louisiana auctioneers who argued local firms should be allowed to bid on the state’s auction contract instead of relying on an out-of-state vendor; it was reported favorably. House Bill 873, which would fund pursuit intervention technology through a $2 driver’s license fee, generated significant concern about adding fees and whether the money should instead come from existing budgets. After discussion of the proposed technologies and training, the committee deferred the bill voluntarily to work on alternatives, including a possible sunset and other funding options. Finally, House Bill 752, which would change the timing and duration of regular legislative sessions by joint rule, was reported without action after members noted the revised fiscal note showed a decrease in state general fund expenditures. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• fiscal note attached to it that the department has indicated that they have the current capacity and resources
• fiscal note attached to it that the department has indicated that they have the current capacity and resources
• example from my area: Textron just announced recently a $450 million contract to build tanks for the Marines

Bills: HB316 , HB549 , HB646 , HB752 , HB824 , HB873 , HB1129 , HB1157 , HB1170

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• the Secretary advance safety and efficiency through faithful application. of the authorities and resources
• very important personnel in and around the NRC, that the Army Aviation Brigade at Fort Belvedere and Marine
• No, I don't discount the need to be able to make sure we're being good stewards of the resources of this

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Keywords: transportation, air traffic control, safety regulations, Boeing 737 MAX, Department of Transportation, infrastructure funding, public safety, legislative oversight

Summary: The committee meeting addressed several pressing issues concerning transportation, particularly focusing on the need for improved safety standards and efficient management at the Department of Transportation. Specific discussions revolved around air traffic control, with members highlighting the urgency for a significant upgrade in systems and personnel. Notably, concerns were raised regarding past practices, especially the handling of safety regulations during the Boeing 737 MAX incidents. The committee expressed a clear intent to ensure rigorous safety oversight moving forward, emphasizing that the health and safety of the public must remain the top priority in all legislative and funding decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2025, the governor is proposing critical resources and steps to strengthen the department's anti-fraud
• Marin Holden. Representative Mueller, I think that you asked an answerable question.
• 01:14:08.239><c> legal</c><01:14:08.600><c> counsel</c><01:14:09.440><c> Miss</c><01:14:09.600><c> Marin
• </c><01:14:09.880><c> Holden</c><01:14:10.639><c> Miss</c> our legal counsel Miss Marin Holden Miss our
• legal counsel Miss Marin Holden Miss Holden<01:14:11.840><c> uh</c><01:14:11.960><c> chair</c><01:14

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• work of this legislature, we placed on the ballot Proposition 4, the climate resilience and natural resources
• The clerk will read: Assembly Bill 946 by Assembly Member Brian and others, relating to natural resources
• It had bipartisan support in Natural Resources and Water, Parks and Wildlife.
• It had bipartisan support in Natural Resources and Water, Parks and Wildlife, and it does not have opposition
• I served 21 years in the Marine Corps. At 21 years, I was 40 years old when I retired.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, offered a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on guest introductions recognizing visitors, community college delegations, students, caregivers, a retired Assembly staff member, and a championship high school football team. Members also observed an adjournment in memory for Alex Preddy, a VA nurse killed in Minnesota, and later for Kathy Wooten and Rowena Ramos. The chamber then moved through the daily file and third reading file, with several items passed, retained, or continued. Among the bills taken up, AB 34 on renewable portfolio standard exemptions for publicly owned utilities passed 55-0; AB 35 to accelerate implementation of Proposition 4 climate resilience funds passed 62-0; AB 52 on food and agriculture equity passed 50-6; AB 72 creating an EV economic opportunity zone passed 58-0; AB 96 removing a diploma requirement for Medi-Cal peer support specialists passed 55-0; AB 230 extending Pierce’s disease control programs passed 64-0; AB 277 requiring background checks for behavioral health employees passed 59-0; AB 647 clarifying a county RV disposal pilot passed 54-0; AB 664 authorizing limited bachelor’s programs at Southwestern Community College passed 60-1; AB 673 creating a support grant for unaccompanied homeless youth passed 55-1; AB 710 on dynamic electricity pricing passed 54-0; AB 748 streamlining pre-approved housing plans passed 65-0; AB 767 expanding protections around sexually violent predator placements near schools and daycares passed 65-0; AB 883 protecting officials’ personal information from data brokers passed 66-0; AB 946 expanding 30x30 conservation efforts to urban areas passed 65-0; AB 1054 creating a deferred retirement option program for CHP and Cal Fire passed 61-1; AB 1070 on missing middle housing code simplification passed 66-0; AB 1159 strengthening student data privacy passed 54-4; AB 1204 revising the Local Control Funding Formula passed 54-1; AB 1265 extending the historic building tax credit passed 64-0; AB 1349 banning speculative ticketing passed 61-0; AB 1359 allowing seniors 80+ to opt out of jury service without a doctor’s note passed 67-1; AB 643 on organic waste procurement credits passed 48-4; AB 685 creating a small business resiliency fund passed 63-0; AB 714 tightening oversight of commercial driving programs passed 65-1; and AB 805 establishing a youth apprenticeship bridge program passed 66-0. Several other items were passed and retained or continued without debate. Debate on AB 1054 drew the sharpest disagreement, with opponents warning about pension costs and supporters arguing it would help retain experienced CHP officers and firefighters. AB 767 also prompted strong comments about public safety and placement of sexually violent predators in rural communities. On AB 1349, supporters from both parties backed the anti-speculative ticketing bill as consumer protection, while AB 664 drew support from members emphasizing access to higher education in underserved regions. The Assembly then adjourned until January 29, 2026, after announcing upcoming session dates and recording a few vote changes from the dais.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, SCR 32, requesting the establishment of a marine life conservation district carrying capacity study

Bills: SCR173 , SCR78 , SCR114 , SCR162 , SCR48 , SCR160 , SCR87 , SCR28 , SCR74 , SCR20 , SCR32 , SCR55 , SCR69

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• He would always be with him, but he fell out of a helicopter many years ago in the Marines and broke

Bills: HB191 , HB196 , HB134 , HB14 , HB14

Committee: House County and Municipal Government

Transcript Highlights:

• Medical resources should never be distributed on the basis of critical race theory or critical gender
• Medical resources should never be distributed on the basis of critical race theory or critical gender
• </c> are able to provide the same resources are able to provide the same resources throughout<01:08:40.719
• </c> because it made more fiscal and resource because it made more fiscal and resource sense<02:02:55.760
• What the Cohen Institute has created, among other things, is a library of resources.

Committee: Senate Executive Departments and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• The board approves the director's annual priorities and adopts performance metrics, but the resource
• So the body accountable for performance has no authority over the resources that produce it.
• The board approves the director's annual priorities and adopts performance metrics, but the resource
• So the body accountable for performance has no authority over the resources that produce it.
• may need more resources.

Summary: The joint oversight hearing focused on the Board of Environmental Safety (BES), created by SB 158 in 2021, and on broader DTSC reform efforts, including permitting, community engagement, fee setting, and the hazardous waste management plan. Chair Connolly opened by noting the board’s original goals of improving transparency, accountability, and fiscal stability, and raised concerns about a recent board appointee later becoming a lobbyist with DTSC-regulated clients. Witnesses and members also discussed the long-delayed SB 673 regulations on facility permitting and community vulnerability protections, as well as the board’s role in approving the hazardous waste management plan and reviewing permit appeals. Community and environmental justice witnesses argued that the board has improved access by creating a public forum, ombudsperson, and appeal process, but said it remains too passive and lacks authority over budgets, staffing, and implementation. They urged more statutory direction, stronger community participation, better transparency on how comments are used, and more meaningful authority in permit and plan decisions. One witness suggested the Legislature consider a separate oversight body or stronger legislative engagement, while another called for youth representation and paid fellowships on advisory bodies. Business and regulated-community testimony was more supportive of the board’s structure, emphasizing that SB 158 was a negotiated compromise that improved transparency and accountability while avoiding politicization, and calling for faster fee analysis and clearer budget information. Board Chair Andrew Rakestra and DTSC Director Barbara Butler reported that reform has produced measurable gains: more public engagement, stronger enforcement, fewer continued permits, improved compliance, increased revenues from the generation-and-handling fee, and progress on Exide cleanup, safer consumer products, and community revitalization grants. They acknowledged, however, that the board’s authority is limited, permit appeals can be slow, SB 673 regulations remain unfinished, and public trust still needs work. Both said the board is most effective when involved early and when DTSC shares information proactively. Members asked about fee stability, the hazardous waste management plan, and whether the Legislature should give the board a more formal role in budget change proposals, regulatory processes, and implementation oversight. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational and ended with public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So natural resource value speaks to the natural or ecological services that the land provides.
• Natural resource value speaks to the natural or ecological services that the land provides.
• Agricultural Resources, Conservation, and Recreation, and Fish and Game.
• I noted that we define natural resource value. Right.
• Sky, I think you know, visiting Marine Park.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Summary: The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held an oversight hearing on draft regulations implementing Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution under Chapter 274 of the Acts of 2022, the Open Space Act. Chairs Cabral and Collins framed the hearing as a review of how the new process for dispositions or changes in use of Article 97 land would work, including public notice, environmental justice protections, replacement land, appraisals, and the role of the legislature. Under Secretary Stephanie Cooper and Commissioner Adam Bakke testified for EEA/DCAM, followed later by Deputy Inspector General O’Neill and Deputy Inspector General Giles on appraisal review. Much of the discussion focused on how the draft regulations would operate in practice. EEA said the regulations would require advance public notice, define “comparable location” for replacement land, and allow the Secretary to make findings on whether an action would adversely affect environmental justice communities. Members pressed for longer public comment periods, clearer notice to local officials, more frequent updates to the site evaluation tool, and a clearer definition of terms such as “limited duration” for permits and licenses. EEA said the regulations are intended to standardize a process that has been handled through policy and case-by-case review, and that the legislature still retains the final authority to approve any Article 97 disposition. Committee members also questioned whether the draft rules shift too much discretion to the Secretary and whether the proposed “proponent” process could allow private entities to drive Article 97 actions. EEA responded that non-public proponents would still need municipal support and legislative sponsorship, and that the regulations do not create a new avenue to bypass the existing home rule and legislative process. Members raised concerns about the current policy’s unanimous-vote requirements for municipal commissions, the proposed waiver provisions, whether MEPA applies, and the lack of explicit enforcement or penalty language in the act or regulations. EEA and DCAM said the act does not provide an enforcement mechanism and that disputes would generally be handled through the courts or the Attorney General. The Inspector General’s office explained its role in reviewing appraisals for special legislation, including Article 97 matters, to ensure compliance with USPAP standards and to forward its review to DCAM. The hearing did not include any votes or formal committee action; members indicated that the committee may later issue recommendations to the executive agencies based on the testimony and questions raised.

Transcript Highlights:

• I served in the United States Marine Corps from 2006 to 2010, and I'm a veteran, a combat veteran of
• Okay, and you're with Health and Human Services, and you're neutral and a resource as well.
• The resource guide must be submitted. To the Texas Legislature by November 1st of 2026.
• I'm here as a resource for you. Thank you. Mr. Ford? Thank you very much. Yes, you are...
• It's a very good bill and will offer a lot of very practical resources for people in the field.

Bills: HB44 , HB2200 , HB1612 , HB2747 , HB2038 , HB3717 , HB1431 , HB3800 , HB3801 , HB3560 , HB3246 , HB44

Committee: House Public Health

Keywords: HB 44, Life of the Mother Act, abortion exceptions, medical emergency, reasonable medical judgment, pregnancy complications, maternal health, life-threatening condition, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, spontaneous abortion, fetal survival, Texas abortion law, abortion ban, physician liability, health care provider, disciplinary action, aiding and abetting, emergency abortion, obstetric care

Summary: The meeting of the public health committee focused on the pressing issue of opioid addiction in Texas, with a particular emphasis on House Bill 3717. Chairman Harris detailed the bill's intent to fund a grant program for Ibogaine clinical trials, framing it as a critical response to the ongoing opioid crisis. He shared poignant testimonies highlighting the struggles of families and veterans battling addiction and mental health issues. The conversation underscored the necessity of innovative treatments, like Ibogaine, which showed promising results in studies for reducing symptoms of withdrawal and PTSD.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you very much, Chairwoman Pintor Marin. Thank you very much, Chairwoman Pintor Marin.
• This is not non-state resources, so it's just off budget. Yeah, non-state.
• You can't guarantee and predict the future of all the resources.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Committee met on June 28, 2026 and considered a long list of budget and policy bills, reporting many of them out of committee, often with amendments. Early measures included AB 2550 on continued dependent health coverage for certain adults with disabilities, AB 4794 allowing tax data sharing with the New Jersey Innovation Authority and Secure Choice Savings Board, and AB 3381/SB 1493 updating occupational therapy licensure requirements. The committee also advanced AB 4014, creating a social media research center at a public four-year institution, though one member opposed it as unnecessary spending given existing research on social media harms. Another bill, AB 5048/SB 1281, would ban certain apparel and diaper products with intentionally added PFAS; some members opposed it over safety and cost concerns, especially for firefighter gear, but it was reported. The committee also moved AB 383, which promotes volunteerism to help FamilyCare and SNAP recipients meet eligibility requirements, and AB 4357, extending telehealth pay parity, though one member objected to parity between telehealth and in-person care. The committee then took up several energy, environmental, and housing-related bills. AB 5188, the Advanced Grid Technologies Act, was released despite opposition from some members and labor interests. AB 2524 would let dual-use solar projects participate in community solar, and AB 5236 would strengthen pediatric psychiatry and behavioral health services; both were reported. AB 5348, allowing temporary use of open-space and related funds for certain municipalities, drew sharp criticism as a diversion of preservation money to fill budget holes, but passed. AB 5280 returned unexpended county appropriations to Hudson County and authorized supplemental operating aid; it also passed despite objections about prior bidding violations. AB 5347 provided certain motor vehicle-related funding to municipalities and was reported, as was AB 5334/SB 4423, appropriating Green Acres and CBT revenues for local open space and park projects. A major portion of the meeting focused on tax and business-related bills. AB 5329 increased the child tax credit for 2026-2028, with testimony urging that the expansion be made permanent; it was reported. AB 3899, the General Contractor Licensing Act, also passed. AB 5310/SB 4406 clarified sentencing under certain circumstances and was reported. AB 5330, allowing temporary transfers in the pension system, drew testimony from NJEA warning that the State Health Benefits Program was in crisis and asking for a longer repayment period to avoid rate spikes; the bill was still reported. AB 1326 created a higher education governance and funding task force and was amended to add a Talmudic institution or theological seminary representative. Later, AB 5333/SB 4424 appropriated additional Green Acres and CBT funds for recreation and conservation projects and was reported. The committee also advanced several business and alcohol-related measures, including AB 5235 establishing the School-Based Partnership for Access and Resilience for Kids program, AB 5325 reducing business formation fees, AB 4836/SB 2368 on portable solar devices, AB 4881 establishing an advanced nuclear energy procurement program, AB 3974/SB 3183 revising renewable energy incentive and solar interconnection rules, AB 4013 creating a social media research center focused on addictive behavior, AB 5225 making temporary alcohol beverage provisions permanent, and AB 5295 revising alcoholic beverage licensing laws. The most contentious debate came on AB 4085, the Fair Price Protection Act, which would restrict “surveillance pricing” and regulate grocery pricing practices. Consumer advocates supported the bill as a protection against individualized pricing, while retailers and chambers of commerce argued the language was too broad and could undermine loyalty programs, discounts, and electronic shelf labels. Despite those objections, the committee voted to report the bill after amendments. Finally, AB 4530/SB 3739 on EV supply equipment standards was reported, and AB 5322 imposing a temporary cap on net operating loss deductions under the corporate business tax sparked strong opposition from business groups and a policy debate over whether legitimate losses and investment-related deductions should be limited; the bill was still moved out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• As many rural communities don't have the resources to get the projects over the finish line or, in some
• occurred in September and October in the Miami and Globe areas, which are further draining available resources
• Marine veteran.
• I joined the Marine Corps, and I was a communication specialist in Okinawa for four years.

Summary: The committee heard a lengthy Arizona Department of Transportation presentation on major corridor projects, beginning with Interstate 11. ADOT Director Jennifer Toth said the entire 280-mile I-11 corridor from Nogales to the Nevada line is covered by a federal lawsuit, which has paused Tier 2 work pending a Tier 1 reevaluation and public comment period expected later this year and into early 2027. Members asked whether the northern segment could move forward separately; ADOT said the lawsuit covers the full corridor and that segmentation would likely add time and cost. The committee also heard updates on SR 347 and the I-10 Wild Horse Pass corridor, including widening, interchange reconstructions, grade separations, and traffic-management improvements, with members raising concerns about congestion, signal timing, construction hours, signage, and safety. ADOT also presented the West Kingman I-40/US 93 project, a $106.5 million free-flow ramp project that is about 60% complete and expected to finish in early 2027; members discussed temporary traffic controls near Beale Street and the need for better access and safety in the area. The committee then moved to a mass hearing on the Regional Transportation Advocacy Council (RTAC) bill, House Bill 2304, which appropriates about $473 million for a list of rural and small-metro highway projects. Testimony came from regional planning organizations, county officials, mayors, and city staff supporting projects in Apache Junction, Show Low, Chino Valley, Sedona, Eloy, Coolidge, Casa Grande, Lake Havasu City, Clarkdale, San Luis, and Yavapai County. Speakers described projects such as road widenings, bypasses, bridge and interchange improvements, flood and evacuation routes, freight access, and safety upgrades, often emphasizing local matching funds, shovel-ready status, and economic development benefits. Committee members frequently asked about traffic flow, emergency access, and project design details, while the chair reminded witnesses that support in the budget would still depend on members advocating for the projects during budget negotiations. No final vote on the RTAC bill or the individual project bills was taken in the portion provided, but the chair announced a mass-motion approach: members and witnesses would be allowed to speak briefly on each project, after which the committee would vote on the package together. The meeting also included brief staff explanations of several individual appropriation bills, including funding for Apache Junction, the Wolford Road extension in Show Low, Ray Lane in Graham County, SR 89 widening in Chino Valley, and Sedona roadway and roundabout-related improvements.

Transcript Highlights:

• When Lewis was killed, there were really no resources available.
• This budget cut will reduce access to resources.
• WRS has done what it can to stretch resources.
• It's a unique, irreplaceable resource for a specialized population, offering expertise, space, resources
• There is no plan without resources.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The Joint Ways and Means Committee held its final public hearing on the FY26 state budget, with chairs and members emphasizing that public testimony would help shape the budget and asking speakers to keep remarks brief. Committee leaders introduced members, explained the hearing process, and repeatedly thanked residents, students, and advocates for participating. No votes were taken during the hearing. Testimony focused heavily on education funding and the Chapter 70 formula. Students from Amherst, Northampton, Gateway Regional, Chester Elementary, and other districts described budget-driven cuts to electives, special education supports, paraprofessionals, counselors, transportation, and building maintenance. They urged higher Chapter 70 aid, increased minimum aid, rural school aid, and a reopening or restructuring of the funding formula, arguing that current formulas leave many districts unable to meet student needs and force local layoffs and overrides. Other speakers urged funding or protection for a range of programs and facilities, including the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute for homicide survivor services, the Museum of African American History, the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and CART/interpreter services, the Access to Counsel housing legal aid program, the Department of Mental Health and Pocasset Mental Health Center, and Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children. One speaker opposed offshore wind-related spending and urged a reset of the state’s energy approach, while another advocated ending the aircraft sales tax exemption. Committee members responded sympathetically to many speakers, asked a few follow-up questions, and several expressed support for maintaining or expanding the programs discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Such magnitude that it required additional state assets or resources, we would coordinate the response
• Again, through our federal partners, again, we have intelligence resources in our Our fusion center,
• But, so with that, it opens it up for us. us to be able to throw every resource we have at it through
• Chair now calls Mike George. 438 He's a resource, so it's not necessary after yours? Okay.
• The Army and Marines also have facilities there.

Committee: House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• We're teaching you about HBAC, Marine Service Technology, Engineering, and Cooking.
• And so, including making sure that, again, they have the resources to meet MassCore, the resources to
• research resources.
• They're a critical resource to look for a job, to access the internet, and much more.
• Our students have needs we can't meet with the resources available to us.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Summary: The hearing was a Joint Committee on Ways and Means budget session held in Lawrence focused on the governor’s proposed FY27 education and local aid budget, with remarks from legislative co-chairs, local officials, and education agency leaders. Acting Mayor Giovanni Rodriguez and Superintendent Ralph Carrero emphasized Lawrence’s high-need student population, the importance of Chapter 70 and Student Opportunity Act funding, and the impact of state aid on schools serving many English learners and low-income families. Carrero highlighted Lawrence High School programs such as early college, dual degrees, career pathways, and early childhood classrooms embedded in the high school, while lawmakers introduced themselves and noted the importance of the hearing to their districts. Acting Secretary of Education Amy Kershaw, Commissioner of Higher Education Noi Ortega, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Pedro Martinez, and Commissioner of Early Education and Care Amy Kershaw outlined the administration’s FY27 priorities. They described investments in literacy initiatives, universal school meals, student mental health, early college and career pathways, higher education affordability, community college and university student-success supports, preschool expansion, child care subsidies, and workforce supports for early educators. The commissioners also discussed federal funding threats, equity gaps, and the administration’s efforts to improve outcomes for Black and brown students, multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and low-income students. Members questioned the panel about the local contribution formula study, the final year of Student Opportunity Act implementation, and the need to revisit Chapter 70 funding to better address rising costs such as special education, transportation, and health care. Officials said the local contribution study report is expected by the end of June, with a draft to be shared after data analysis and public comment. Commissioner Martinez said the Student Opportunity Act narrowed funding gaps but more work is needed, and he pointed to a proposed Accelerating Achievement Initiative to support the highest-need schools. Senator Oliveira also raised concerns about Chapter 70 disparities and asked about partnerships with libraries to support literacy, prompting discussion of broader early literacy collaboration.