Transcript Highlights:

• At this time, I'll call Bart Teeter and also Ariel Wolf.
• At this time, I'll call Bart Teter and also Ariel Wolf. Please come forward. Mr.
• My name is Ariel Wolf, and I serve as General Counsel to the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association,

Bills: SB1493, SB1598, SB1895, SB1919, SB2039, SB2226, SB2243, SB2425

Keywords: SB 1493, Texas Transportation Code, motor vehicle lighting, vehicle lighting standards, high-mounted stoplamp, center high mount stop lamp, CHMSL, brake light, stop lamp, federal motor vehicle safety standards, 49 C.F.R. 571.108, FMVSS 108, vehicle inspection, automotive compliance, Transportation Committee, Texas vehicle equipment, motor vehicle collision report, crash report, accident report, traffic accident

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard and advanced a wide range of transportation-related bills. Early in the meeting, SB 1598 by Senator Hagenbuch was heard on allowing collision report information to be used and shared more clearly for law enforcement investigations, including through records-management partners and nonconfidential VIN data; the bill drew support from the Sheriff’s Association and Carfax for Police and was left pending before later being reported favorably. SB 1493 by Senator Parker, which would codify DPS’s position on flashing/pulsing stop lamps as compliant with federal standards, also received supportive testimony and was reported favorably. SB 1895 by Senator Perry would designate Loop 88 in Lubbock as a First Responders Memorial Loop and was reported favorably, and SB 1919 and SB 2243 by Senator West, dealing with TxDOT liability claim settlements and TxDMV authority to require VIN inspections for certain trailers, were likewise heard without opposition and later reported favorably. SB 2039, concerning right-of-way and traffic rules for sidewalk users such as bicycles, e-bikes, skateboards, and scooters, was heard and left pending before being reported favorably later in the meeting. SB 2226 by Senator Nichols, reducing the local match requirement for aviation grants in economically disadvantaged counties from 10% to 5%, was discussed with TxDOT testimony explaining how federal and state airport funding interact; it was reported favorably. SB 2499 by Senator Flores, involving memorial markers and an account for donations, and SB 1394 by Senator Hall, concerning concrete truck axle rules, were also reported favorably. The committee recessed after handling the pending items and leaving some additional matters for a later hearing. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 2425 by Senator Nichols, a comprehensive bill on commercial autonomous vehicles. The author said the bill was developed through extensive stakeholder meetings with industry, agencies, insurers, and lawyers, and it would require AV companies to provide information to TxDMV, submit first-responder interaction plans to DPS, and allow DPS and DMV to suspend or revoke operations in certain circumstances. The committee substitute also updated definitions, addressed Level 3 systems, clarified commercial use and fleet penalties, and created an expedited process for reinstating operating authority after disputes. Supporters included the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Tesla, GM Cruise, Bot Auto, and the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, who said the bill balances innovation and safety and helps Texas remain a leader in AV deployment. One witness opposed the bill, arguing that it would improperly shield manufacturers from liability, but committee members and the industry witnesses said liability would continue to be governed by state law and that the bill was intended to clarify, not eliminate, responsibility. After debate, the committee adopted the substitute and reported SB 2425 favorably on a 6-0 vote. Throughout the hearing, members asked questions about practical effects and funding. On SB 2226, TxDOT’s aviation director explained that some airports already receive federal and state support and that the bill would mainly help state-only airports in disadvantaged counties that struggle to meet local match requirements. On SB 2425, members asked about reliability metrics, commercialization, and liability; industry witnesses said the technology is still being refined but that Texas’s framework has attracted investment and could improve road safety over time. Several bills were recommended to the local and uncontested calendar after favorable votes, and the committee also agreed to keep motions in writing open briefly for members who were absent, so long as doing so would not change any bill outcomes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent the towns of Wolf and Tenboro. I'm here to present House Bill 771.
• 21.440> Cordelli<00:39:22.079> representing<00:39:22.400> Tuft<00:39:22.960> Wolf
• uh Glenn Cordelli representing Tuft Wolf uh Glenn Cordelli representing Tuft Wolf Bronospy.<00:39
• I represent the towns<00:40:18.960> of<00:40:19.119> Wolf<00:40:19.599> and<00:40
• I'm here to towns of Wolf and Tenboro.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I see Annalisa Wolf of the Prosecuting Attorney's Office from the County of Hawaii, in support.
• Miss Wolf, identify yourself. You have 1 minute.
• And<01:03:26.520> I<01:03:26.640> see<01:03:26.920> Annalisa<01:03:27.480> Wolf
• Please proceed.<01:03:34.840> Miss<01:03:35.080> Wolf,<01:03:35.400> identify<01
• Miss Wolf, identify yourself. proceed. Miss Wolf, identify yourself.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up gubernatorial message nominations. Margaret Jackson was heard for reappointment to the State Council on Mental Health, where she said her lived experience with family members facing schizophrenia, houselessness, and substance use issues motivates her service. Andrew Savaiano was heard for the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council and said he wanted to continue elevating youth voice and lived experience. Tao Yan was heard for the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants and emphasized the importance of wastewater treatment to public health and the environment. The Department of Health testified in support of the nominations, and the committee later adopted chair recommendations to advise and consent to all three nominations, noting Senator Favela’s excuse and no recorded objections. The committee then heard HB 1853 relating to dementia. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state agencies, advocacy groups, caregivers, and individuals with lived experience, including a person living with Alzheimer’s and his caregiver spouse, who described the value of early diagnosis and coordinated support. Supporters said the bill would expand memory care navigation and access, especially on neighbor islands and in rural areas, and help families connect to resources earlier. One member raised concerns about the cost and scale of the proposed program, asking about the number and cost of dementia specialists and noting broader budget pressures, but the bill remained under discussion with no final action shown in the transcript. The committee also heard HB 1591 relating to health care, which would expand the preceptor tax credit to additional health professions, including physician assistant students and PAs, with testimony in support from nursing, public health, medical, and provider organizations. Supporters argued the measure would help address workforce shortages and improve training opportunities for local and economically disadvantaged students. A committee member asked about the aggregate cost of the credit and whether the existing credit had been fully utilized; the chair noted the bill was being kept narrower than broader proposals because of fiscal concerns. The transcript then moved to HB 1961 relating to health care access near facilities, with supporters arguing it protects access to legal reproductive health care and opponents saying it is unnecessary, vague, and burdensome on free speech and protest activity. No final vote on the bills appears in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Wolf? Thank you for being here, friend. Um, all right. Anyone else?
• Wolf? Thank you for being here, friend. Um, all right. Anyone else?
• Wolf. And uh not a >> Thank you, Mr. Wolf.
• <00:51:31.760> Wolf?
• Wolf? Thank you for Any questions, Mr. Wolf?

Bills: HB0015, HB0017, HB0019

Keywords: right to repair, digital electronics, consumer protection, embedded software, manufacturers, repair providers, tools and documentation, anti-theft measures, blockchain, financial technology, digital innovation, economic development, select committee, trespass, hunting, land use, public access, wildlife, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Leanne Little Wolf, I believe you're joining us on Zoom.
• My name is Leanne Little Wolf, and I'm the executive director for the American Indian Community Housing
• <01:04:28.760> uh<01:04:28.880> I<01:04:28.960> believe um Leanne Little Wolf
• uh I believe um Leanne Little Wolf uh I believe you're<01:04:29.400> joining<01:04:29.880>
• Thank you so much, Miss Little Wolf. Next we have Dr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• running Conway I small bus line that's running Conway I think<00:24:03.600> to<00:24:03.760> Wolf
• in<00:24:04.559> that<00:24:04.799> area<00:24:05.280> probably think to Wolf
• Bro in that area probably think to Wolf Bro in that area probably on<00:24:05.919> demand<00:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Capital Project Overview Committee approved the minutes from its February 24 meeting and then received a briefing on the legislative parking garage from Terry Poff, Chief Operating Officer for the General Court. He reported that the pre-stressed concrete garage, being built with panels fabricated by Unistress in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, remains on schedule, with erection expected in late July through August and functional occupancy targeted for March 17, 2026. He said the garage will provide 409 spaces, security cameras, a communications repeater, and a maintenance plan developed from the outset. In response to questions, he explained nearby street excavation is for drainage vaults and oil-water separators, and that temporary closures will be needed during panel deliveries. He also said the garage was designed with future EV charging infrastructure in mind, but current charging stations would need to be located outside the secure facility; he has begun discussions with city officials about possible curbside charging options. The committee then heard and approved a $754,000 capital request for Cannon Mountain/Franconia Notch State Park maintenance projects. The request, recommended by the Cannon Mountain Advisory Commission, covers lodge exterior repairs, lift maintenance, snowmaking pipe replacements and pump controls, and equipment purchases to improve maintenance operations. The committee approved the item after brief discussion. Next, the Department of Transportation presented two toll-credit requests. The first, CAP 250007, sought toll credits to support transportation planning, regional planning commissions, GIS and asset-management work, and related federal planning requirements; members asked about coordination with Granite data and the effect of a prior budget decision on regional planning officers, and staff said the request would not affect the regular federally funded program. The committee approved the item. The second, CAP 25010, sought $245,000 in toll credits for bus terminal improvements, regional mobility management, a statewide transit assessment, and an intercity bus pilot intended to connect Keene with southern New Hampshire or Concord. Members asked about the subsidy structure and ridership reporting; staff said the intercity service would be a net-cost subsidy and agreed to provide updated ridership and route information. The committee approved this item as well. At the end of the meeting, the committee noted that a quarterly capital projects report from DAS and the community college system was informational only, and members opted not to hear a separate presentation that day. The next meeting was set for September 29 at 9:00 a.m., with a request to invite HHS to discuss closed-loop referral system projects. Members also asked for future updates on the planned sale of the Cenuunu Center, and the committee adjourned after a motion carried.

Transcript Highlights:

• it stands, it denigrates the sanctity of motherhood, the safety of newborns, and above all, it's a wolf
• Above all, it's a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Bills: SB87, HB491, SB43, SB101

Keywords: midwifery, licensed midwives, State Board of Midwifery, licensure fees, professional liability insurance, complaints investigation, emergency care plan, out-of-hospital care, HB491, public schools, K-12, school nutrition, school lunch, cafeteria, artificial dyes, food additives, food coloring, synthetic dyes, Red Dye No. 3, Red Dye No. 40

Transcript Highlights:

• That being said, do you have the Mexican gray wolf on the Mescalero Apache Nation yet?
• wildlife management plan, so one of the components we are considering is the eventual spread of the wolf
• Spread of the wolf onto tribal lands. So we're factoring it in.
• And so I wanted to make sure that you are preparing for the Mexican gray wolf to come in.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next we<00:33:39.919> have<00:33:40.240> Anelise<00:33:40.880> Wolf,<00:33:41.360
• > president<00:33:41.760> for<00:33:42.399> West we have Anelise Wolf, president
• for West we have Anelise Wolf, president for West Hawaii<00:33:43.120> Bar<00:33:43.360> Association
• Wolf was unavailable.
• Wolf, as well as two of our other officers, have signed on in opposition to the provisions of SB 935

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• increase compensation, a badly needed part for those producers up in northern Minnesota for elk and wolf
• for elk and wolf for elk and wolf compensation.<00:17:50.880> We<00:17:51.200> uh<
• And beyond that, in egg protection services, this section of the bill that, you know, funds the wolf
• And beyond that, in egg protection services, this section of the bill that, you know, funds the wolf
• This section of the bill that, you know, funds the wolf and elk depredation that dramatically affects

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:17:18.959> on So on line eight, the chair recommends $100,000 from the general fund for wolf
• We're also very grateful for things like meat inspection, wolf elk depredation payments, farm to school
• things like meat grateful for things like meat inspection,<00:43:44.079> uh<00:43:44.160> wolf
• , uh wolf elk depradation payments,<00:43:45.680> farm<00:43:45.920> to<00:43:46.079>
• I think I've gone up 20 in this bill, 25 to 30% on the wolf and crop depredation, and so those funds

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Wolf, welcome. Um, with Renny's group and with, uh, Director Kagan and Mr.
• Wolf, welcome. Yeah, I've been a while since we've had you in front of our committee. Yeah, Mr.
• Jason Wolf with the Department of Workforce Services.
• Wolf, welcome. go to agency first? Mr. Wolf, welcome.
• > Workforce Wolf with Department of Workforce Wolf with Department of Workforce Services.

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The committee opened by taking roll for the Joint Transportation, Highways, and Military Affairs Committee and noting that 20 topics had been submitted for discussion, including one late addition. Members were asked to number the topics for reference, and the chair explained that each presenter should give a brief overview before the committee returned to the dais for questions and possible ranking or action. No votes were taken during the portion provided. The first topic was a request from the Associated General Contractors of Wyoming to have TRIP, a third-party transportation research organization, present a report on Wyoming’s highway system. The report is intended to identify transportation needs and 25 priority projects, and the committee generally supported hearing the report and methodology directly from TRIP. The next topic combined two similar railroad safety proposals. Representative Chestek described a bill addressing train length, wayside detectors, and track inspections, citing the East Palestine derailment and concerns about reduced inspection frequency. Committee members raised questions about federal preemption and enforcement authority; Chestek said states can be more protective of safety where federal rules leave gaps, and WYDOT said it would need additional expertise and staffing to administer such a program. No public testimony was offered on the railroad topic. The committee then heard two proposals from the Wyoming Military Department. One would study Tricare subsidies for mental health providers by comparing Tricare reimbursement rates with other insurers, gathering de-identified data on eligible members and provider participation, and then returning to the committee with findings before any legislative recommendation. Members discussed whether the issue might fit better in Labor, Health, and Social Services, but the military department said it believed the committee had a strong connection to the topic. The second military topic would study Service Group Life Insurance for state active duty, comparing state and federal death benefits for Guard members to identify any shortfalls. The committee also briefly discussed a VSO program review raised by Representative Neff, focusing on the number of veterans service officers and retention, but no action was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Harmon, Julie Sawyer, Susie LaBrie, Angeo Rosenberg with the Sierra Club, Summer Smith, and Logan Wolfe
• to speak: Mark Guillory, Summer Smith, Susie LeBree, Angel Rosenberg with Sierra Club, and Reagan Wolf
• I'm sorry, Summer Smith, Mark Guillory, Julie Sawyer, Angeo Rosenberg with Sierra Club, Logan Wolf, all
• Guillory, Summer Smith, I think it was, Julie Sawyer, Angel Rosenberg with Sierra Club, and Logan Wolf
• Harmon, Anjillo Rosenberg, and Logan Wolfe. In opposition, not wishing to speak: Blanche Gallagher.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• even in a historic district, even in my village district where I live, that's a historic district in Wolf
• historic district where I live, that's a historic district<00:36:14.560> in<00:36:14.720> Wolf
• Roll<00:36:15.280> Falls,<00:36:15.920> you<00:36:16.160> would district in Wolf
• Roll Falls, you would district in Wolf Roll Falls, you would be<00:36:16.480> permitting<00:36

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know the legality on these projects, but it involves the Wolf Amendment.
• I don't know the legality on these projects, but it involves the Wolf Amendment.
• These are the areas in which the Wolf Amendment covers, and we are doing all of those projects.
• Wolf Amendment, NASA-related constraints. Under the Wolf Amendment, there's ITAR issues.
• So they're out of compliance with NDA 238, the Wolf Amendment, and several other foreign gift clause

Bills: SB1003, SB1060, SB1134, SB1275, SB1327, SB1429, SB1618, SB1634, SB1654, SB1803, SCR1002, SCR1005, SCR1023, SCR1027

Keywords: election, canvass, certification, ballot tabulation, write-in candidates, registration, voting procedures, voter registration, temporary absence, absentee voting, residency, military voters, overseas voters, election law, Arizona Revised Statutes, political signs, campaign materials, public safety, municipal regulation, veterans

Summary: The committee first heard a lengthy presentation and discussion focused on Arizona State University’s foreign research ties, especially collaborations and funding connected to China and Chinese military-affiliated institutions. The presenter argued that ASU and the Arizona Board of Regents had not been transparent about foreign gifts, contracts, and research partnerships, citing federal reporting forms, the Wolf Amendment, export-control concerns, and alleged links to dual-use technologies such as quantum systems, AI, robotics, microelectronics, and biosecurity. A witness from American Global Strategies testified in support, saying the bill would help protect U.S. research security and national security by imposing state-level guardrails on sensitive collaborations. After questions, the committee considered a strike-everything amendment to SB 1060 that would bar public universities from entering into or continuing certain loans, gifts, contracts, research partnerships, or sponsored projects involving the PRC, the CCP, and listed Chinese military-linked universities, require ABOR review and approval, and impose reporting and budget penalties. The amendment was withdrawn, and the committee instead took up SB 1327, which directs ABOR to require university research security policies and to report annually on those policies and on foreign contributions over $250,000; SB 1327 received a 4-2 do-pass recommendation, with Del Santos, Hernandez, and Márquez voting no and Kolodin, Powell, Keshel, and Gillette voting yes. The committee then heard SB 1803, a veterans bill regulating unrecognized persons who assist with VA disability claims. The sponsor and industry witnesses said the bill would protect veterans from bad actors by requiring disclosures, capping fees, banning certain practices, and filing service agreements with the Attorney General, while opponents argued it could restrict consumer choice, resemble a price ceiling, and still allow non-attorneys to engage in the unauthorized practice of law. After extensive debate over contingent fees, legal ethics, and whether the bill was too favorable to one company, the committee continued the hearing with additional testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Melody Wolfe. Melody Wolfe. Hi, did you ask for K-I-R-T-I-N? No, we have not. Okay.
• Melody Wolfe. Melody Wolfe. Hi, did you ask for K-I-R-T-I-N? No, we have not. Okay.
• Bill H. 1793, William Wolf. So, thank you for your stamina here in prison. In prison.
• Wolf. Next we have William Eaton. Mr.
• Wolf, next we have William Eaton for the bills, H. 1815 and H. 1244.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy hearing on several juvenile justice and parole-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on H. 2051/S. 1087 to end lifetime parole for juveniles and emerging adults, and H. 1923 to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to include 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds. Chairs Brandy Fluker-Reid and Lydia Edwards opened the hearing by noting the large number of bills and witnesses, the need to keep testimony moving, and special procedures for incarcerated witnesses and sensitive testimony. They also acknowledged the historic nature of the hearing being chaired by two Black women attorneys. No votes were taken during the hearing itself. Many incarcerated speakers and advocates supported ending lifetime parole, arguing that young people can change, that lifetime supervision creates constant fear of technical violations, and that it undermines rehabilitation, family stability, employment, and reintegration. Several testified about their own trauma, youth, and growth in prison programs, while others emphasized the costs of decades of supervision and the racial disparities in the system. Support also came from elected officials, UTEC, the Transformational Prison Project, United Way, CPCS’s Youth Advocacy Division, the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, and others, who said juvenile systems are better suited to developmentally appropriate treatment and that the bills would improve public safety and reduce recidivism. There was also opposition, including testimony from family members of a murder victim who argued that lifetime parole should remain for serious violent crimes and that some offenders are not sufficiently rehabilitated. One virtual witness described a family tragedy involving the kidnapping and murder of her infant nephew and warned that ending lifetime parole could remove needed long-term supervision for dangerous offenders. In addition to the juvenile justice bills, the committee heard testimony on H. 1867, a bill related to continuing care for severe mental illness, and H. 2063, which would increase penalties for assaults on correction officers and other prison staff; the correction officers’ union supported H. 2063 and related safety bills. The hearing continued with many more witnesses and bill topics, but no final committee action was announced in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Even some of the more notable individuals like Naomi Wolf and what have you and it will go and start
• more uh notable individuals<00:45:29.119> like<00:45:29.680> Naomi<00:45:30.319> Wolf
• <00:45:30.640> and<00:45:30.880> what individuals like Naomi Wolf and what individuals
• like Naomi Wolf and what have<00:45:31.280> you<00:45:31.760> and<00:45:32.079> it<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee met to review its mission and to discuss recent work on a letter sent to the governor and legislative leaders regarding COVID vaccine safety and related scientific references. Members said the letter, which included 31 cited sources, had been delivered to the governor’s office, the Speaker’s office, and the Senate President’s office, and a press release had been issued. Several members defended the letter’s sourcing and urged the public to read the materials and evaluate the evidence themselves, while also acknowledging questions about the trustworthiness of some cited articles. A major portion of the meeting focused on a research assistant’s effort to use AI tools to help reconstruct and verify the committee’s 2024 COVID report with citations. She reported mixed results from Copilot and Gemini, noting that the tools often produced broad or incomplete outputs and that she would need to break the report into smaller sections and ask for more specific source types. Members advised using more precise prompts and emphasized that any AI output would still need human verification. The committee said it hoped to produce a revised, fully footnoted 2024 report by early September. The chair then outlined the committee’s fall agenda, saying it would examine long COVID treatment, the patient bill of rights as it relates to COVID vaccinations and death reporting, standards of care and professional judgment by New Hampshire health care providers, and oversight of federal COVID-related funding such as CARES Act education relief dollars. He also referenced a recent fraud case involving misuse of COVID funds and suggested the committee may ask the DOJ for information. The committee will not meet in July or August and plans to resume in September and October, with a final report targeted for the end of October. The chair also introduced a recent DNI/Tulsi Gabbard press release about U.S.-funded biolabs overseas, which members discussed as a possible transparency issue relevant to future pandemic policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am director of policy and grants with Wolf River Electric in Ianti, Minnesota.
• Wolf River was started 10 years ago by three really cool entrepreneurs and has built from a lighting
• River Electric in ianti grants with Wolf River Electric in ianti Minnesota<00:51:37.640> Wolf
• River<00:51:38.319> was<00:51:38.440> started<00:51:38.880> 10 Minnesota Wolf
• River was started 10 Minnesota Wolf River was started 10 years<00:51:39.359> ago<00:51:39.720

Bills: HF845

Keywords: net metering, distributed generation, solar energy, rooftop solar, renewable energy, utility rates, electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, public utilities, Public Utilities Commission, net billing, bill credits, cost of service study, standby charge, qualifying facility, energy policy, clean energy, customer generation, interconnection, Minnesota Statutes 216B.164

Transcript Highlights:

• On my list, I had not speaking was Arthur Wolf, then I got Karen Ko, Bonnie Runo.
• On my list, I had not speaking was Arthur Wolf, then I got Karen Ko, Bonnie Runo.
• Is Miss Wolf still here?
• Anyone with the last name Wolf?
• but I don't oh is she still the end wolf but I don't oh is she still here<03:28:02.359> anyone

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First, we have a virtual testimony from Daniel Wolfe, Alliance for Digital Innovation.
• My name is Dan Wolfe, and I'm the Director of State Programs for the Alliance for Digital Innovation.
• My name is Dan Wolfe, and I'm the Director of State Programs for the Alliance for Digital Innovation.
• Wolfe, have you identified a funding source for this?
• Wolf, have you identified a funding source for this that would?

Keywords: 995, all

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.