Transcript Highlights:

• So I really want to thank the City of Mercer Island for bringing this issue to my attention.
• Dave Rosenbaum, Mayor of Mercer Island: Good afternoon.
• Mercer Island, like many cities in Washington, has seen a dramatic increase in usage of e-motorcycles
• So AWC has been working with a number of cities, brought them together with Mercer Island to look at
• Ebey Island, just in December, had to evacuate quickly in my district.

Bills: HB2307 , HB2374 , HB2379 , HB1823 , HB2111

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: commute trip reduction, definitions, transportation, environmental impact, urban planning, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, regulation, vehicle classification, tolling, emergency suspension, public access, state highways, transportation improvement board, TIB, transportation improvement account, motor vehicle fund, arterial streets, local match, private match

Transcript Highlights:

• We attended the Battle of Great Island reenactment in Hingham, which was on May 18th.
• And she mentioned Grape Island, which I was also at, and the same is true for Chelsea.
• So, of course, Hingham, as was mentioned, was the Battle of Great Island.
• And she mentioned Grape Island, which I was also at, and the same is true for Chelsea.
• So, of course, Hingham, as was mentioned, was the Battle of Great Island.

Summary: The Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution met without a quorum, so the gathering remained unofficial and no minutes were approved or formal votes taken. Chair Senator Paul Mark conducted roll call, then moved to updates and presentations from House co-chair Representative Sean Garballey, Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism Director Sheila Green, and Revolution 250’s Jonathan Lane. Representative Garballey highlighted the recent Patriots’ Day and Lexington-Concord commemorations, calling them highly successful, and noted that the House’s supplemental budget included $15 million for 250th anniversary events. Director Green gave a broad Massachusetts 250 update, emphasizing the large turnout for April commemorations, upcoming events including Fall River, Bunker Hill, Flag Day, Charlestown’s parade, Gloucester’s reenactment, and Newburyport’s parade, plus ongoing initiatives such as Museums 250, Lunch and Learns, grant programs, podcasts, and partnerships with sports teams, museums, and state agencies. She also reported 131 applications for FY26 grants totaling $7.5 million, with $2 million available for awards. Jonathan Lane described Revolution 250’s work supporting local commemorations across the Commonwealth, including Chelsea Creek, Monotomy, Hingham, Pittsfield, Plymouth, and other communities, and praised local legislators’ involvement. He previewed major upcoming Bunker Hill and Charlestown events, the Gloucester reenactment, the 250th Revolution 250 podcast episode featuring Rick Atkinson, Knox Trail programming, and the start of Massachusetts 250 events in 2026. The meeting ended with thanks to the presenters and a note that the commission would likely reconvene after July 4.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Concurrent Resolution 27 deals with Wake Island.
• read it and understand that there was a substantial number of people from Idaho that were on Wake Island
• And I never realized that until I read this, that actually Wake Island was attacked right after Pearl
• all remember Pearl Harbor, but we don't really remember it was the same day that they attacked Wake Island
• ...of war, there's people that are still in Idaho that their family members were actually on Wake Island

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I was in Marine infantry with Third Battalion, Third Marines in Hawaii, a tough duty station.
• I was able to marry the love of my life and have my first child in Hawaii in the Marine Corps and be
• have my first the love of my life and have my first child<01:44:50.400><c> in</c><01:44:50.560><c> Hawaii
• the</c><01:44:51.360><c> Marine</c><01:44:51.679><c> Corps</c><01:44:52.000><c> and</c> child in Hawaii
• in the Marine Corps and child in Hawaii in the Marine Corps and be<01:44:52.320><c> supported</c><01

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Rhode Island, and people are sounding the alarm about anticoagulants.
• remains to have Massachusetts prohibit the use of anti-coagulant rodenticide statewide, as Rhode Island
• remains to have Massachusetts prohibit the use of anti-coagulant rodenticide statewide, as Rhode Island
• mentioned. prohibit the use of anti-coagulant rodenticide statewide as Rhode Island mentioned earlier

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a brief hybrid hearing on late-file bills, with Chair Becca Rausch outlining procedures and limiting testimony to three minutes. The hearing focused on six home rule petitions from Ayer, Boxborough, Groton, Lincoln, Nahant, and Sharon that would restrict or prohibit the use of anticoagulant rodenticides, referred to by speakers as harmful “escars.” Testimony was uniformly in support of the petitions. Speakers including Christine Goulet, Heather Packard of Mass Audubon, Carrie Stamos of Save Lincoln Wildlife, and Lisa Nayan de Muel described the dangers of these poisons to bald eagles, other wildlife, pets, and ecosystems, and argued that towns had already shown local support for restrictions. Several witnesses said non-rodenticide pest management methods and integrated pest management can work effectively, and urged the committee to report the bills favorably. Mass Audubon also framed the local petitions as a step toward a broader statewide ban, citing recent action in Rhode Island, California, and other states. No opposition testimony was presented, and no votes were taken during the hearing. After the final witness, the chair asked whether anyone else wished to be heard and then adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also co-direct the opioids and overdose work at Rhode Island Hospital and I'm at Brown.
• So I see also some of the things that happen downstream or down the way in Rhode Island, where there
• I also co-direct the opioids and overdose work at Rhode Island Hospital, and I'm at Brown.
• So I see also some of the things that happen downstream or down the way in Rhode Island, where there
• The fifth study I wanted to highlight and bring forth is a study that also we did in Rhode Island, but

Summary: The Special Commission on Xylazine convened its second meeting, approved the minutes from its June 23 meeting, and reviewed its timeline and working groups. The co-chairs said the commission’s final report is due to the House and Senate clerks by March 30, 2026, and outlined three working groups focused on regulation/oversight of xylazine, treatment and outreach for exposed patients, and education/training for first responders, clinicians, treatment providers, and people who use substances. Staff will schedule working group meetings, with group presentations planned for December 11, followed by commission meetings in February and March to review and finalize the draft report. Public comment centered on research and practical responses to xylazine contamination in the drug supply. Dr. Tracy Green of Brandeis reviewed recent studies showing severe xylazine-related wounds and amputations in Philadelphia, withdrawal symptoms, the value of wound identification tools, and the usefulness of drug checking in detecting xylazine even when users did not suspect it was present. She urged expanded low-barrier wound care, more access to medications for opioid use disorder, overdose prevention sites, housing, and trauma-informed care, while cautioning that stricter controls could push the market toward other dangerous alpha-2 substances. Commissioners asked about early wound identification, dilution/cutting strategies, supplier engagement, and how to reduce stigma and improve treatment access. Tia Johnson of Boston Medical Center and Boston Health Care for the Homeless testified that xylazine contamination still requires naloxone for overdose response, but sedation can last longer and may require low-dose naloxone, oxygen support, and low-threshold monitoring spaces. She emphasized that xylazine-associated wounds can heal with consistent care, but patients often lose access to services when sent to hospitals unnecessarily. Commissioners discussed reimbursement barriers, especially in MassHealth and behavioral health settings, and the need for wound care to be available within detox and treatment programs rather than requiring transfers. The meeting ended with agreement to continue working group planning and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Croix River on Beeran Island.
• And the boat was initially just abandoned on Beeran Island.
• Since the boat River on Beeran Island.
• And the boat was initially just abandoned on Beeran Island.
• And the boat was initially just abandoned on Beeran Island.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we came up with this islanding load.
• </c><02:30:34.960><c> and</c> system may say set up your island and system may say set up your island
• And then the islanded and functioning.
• initially, but helping set up the island initially but making sure as they're setting up those islands
• ,</c><02:41:16.160><c> that's</c> smaller way with these islands, that's smaller way with these islands

Committee: Joint Minerals, Business & Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, we will get started with C.S. for HB 4003, City of Marco Island, Collier County, by Representative
• C.S. for HB 4003, City of Marco Island, Collier County, by Representative Benaroach, please approach.
• I'm here to present House Bill 4003 for the City of Marco Island. This bill is simple.
• The reason why we have this bill is because the city council in Marco Island had a vacancy that went

Summary: The Government and Operations Committee met and first heard C.S. for HB 4003, relating to the City of Marco Island in Collier County. Representative Benaroch said the bill addresses how city council vacancies are filled: if a vacancy occurs more than one year before a general election, the council must call a special election within 130 days or the governor must do so; if the vacancy occurs within one year of a general election, the council has 60 days to appoint a qualified replacement or the governor must appoint. The bill was reported favorably with a roll-call vote. The committee then considered HB 91 on candidate qualification, sponsored by Representative Tant. The bill requires candidates to swear they have been registered in the relevant party for 365 consecutive days before qualifying, and clarifies who may challenge that oath and where such challenges must be filed. An amendment changing the effective date to upon becoming law was adopted. Representative Tant and others argued the bill would clarify election law and prevent abuse of the challenge process; a county clerk waived in support. HB 91, as a committee substitute, was reported favorably. The committee next took up three proposed committee bills extending public-record exemptions. PCB GOS 26-06 preserves exemptions for certain aquaculture records held by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, with Representative Gentry citing theft concerns involving harvest locations and production records; it was reported favorably. PCB GOS 26-07 preserves exemptions for information received by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles related to potential violations involving title certificates, licenses, and inspection providers; it also passed favorably. PCB GOS 26-08 extends exemptions tied to investigations involving social media platforms and antitrust or speech-restriction issues, with Representative Greco noting the underlying law has been enjoined by the courts; it too was reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members of the Chamber of Commerce Big Island and Realtors were recognized and asked to stand.
• :39.639><c> Big</c> members of the Chamber of Commerce Big members of the Chamber of Commerce Big Island
• ><c> stand</c><00:04:41.240><c> and</c><00:04:41.400><c> Realtors</c><00:04:42.560><c> Mahalo</c> Island
• please stand and Realtors Mahalo Island please stand and Realtors Mahalo enjoy<00:04:43.919><c> your

Transcript Highlights:

• we think about the multiple lines of defense we have across our coast, we start with our barrier islands
• the past couple of years about the renewed need, or the continued need, for rebuilding our barrier islands
• these have been completed, and we're continuing to look at moving the NIF-WIF dollars to our barrier islands
• being built, that are under construction, under design, along with, like you said, the Chandeleur Islands
• So for the barrier islands, the back marsh, the new land bridges, all good.

Summary: The House Natural Resources Committee met to consider House Resolution 1, which approves the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s annual State Integrated Coastal Protection Plan for fiscal year 2026-27. CPRA officials Michael Hare and Gordon Dove presented the plan, describing about $1.54 billion in proposed spending authority, a three-year outlook near $1 billion annually, and a portfolio of 143 projects focused largely on construction and implementation. They highlighted major work in multiple regions, including marsh creation, shoreline protection, levees, land bridges, barrier island restoration, the Birdsfoot Delta, Grand Isle, and the Barataria and Terrebonne basins, and said the plan is intended to restore roughly 12,000 acres and support coastal jobs and labor income. A major portion of the discussion focused on non-structural flood protection, especially home elevations and related measures being pursued with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Representative Sauer questioned whether this approach represented mission creep and whether CPRA and the state should be responsible for such programs. CPRA staff responded that non-structural measures have been contemplated in the master plan, but are now treated more programmatically and at a local level; they said the state is already involved as a non-federal sponsor in many projects and has used CPRA, HUD, and FEMA funding to help offset costs. Members also discussed the scale of the program and the need to determine which agencies should lead it. Chairman Dove emphasized that the coastal program is moving forward through regional, multi-parish projects and praised cooperation among parish leaders, levee boards, ports, state officials, and federal partners. He also stated that the Mid-Barataria sediment diversion is fully defunded, its permit and coastal use authorization have been terminated, and related contracts have been settled or are still being resolved in court. Members asked follow-up questions about the diversion settlement, project tracking, and the status of expropriation-related litigation tied to the canceled project. No vote on HR 1 was recorded in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• NATIVE PUERTO RICO And as everybody here knows, New York has great interest in what happens on that island
• And as a fellow Puerto Rican from West Puerto Rico on the island, we're extremely proud of Carlos Beltrán
• Long Island people come to Queens on the way to the airport because they like to be able to stop and
• So many Long Islanders told me their parents were originally from Queens.
• TO SHOW THAT WE CAN BUILD And in my district, which is Astoria and Long Island City in western Queens

Summary: The Senate met on May 4, 2026, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of resolutions and floor bills. The chamber first adopted a resolution honoring Carlos Beltran on his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, with several senators praising his Mets career, athletic achievements, and philanthropy in Puerto Rico. The Senate also adopted resolutions recognizing the 2026 Women of Distinction, including tributes to living honorees and posthumous recognition of Congresswoman Nita Lowey and Dr. Hazel Dukes, and later adopted resolutions commemorating May Day and Panama’s Black Heritage Month. A Queens Chamber of Commerce resolution also prompted extensive remarks celebrating Queens’ diversity, small businesses, immigrant communities, and cultural institutions. On legislation, the Senate recalled two bills from the Assembly and restored them to the third reading calendar by a 62-0 reconsideration vote. The chamber then passed a long list of bills, including measures affecting public health, agriculture and markets, insurance, criminal procedure, public officers, labor, not-for-profit corporations, and executive law. Several bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously, while a few drew recorded opposition, including the environmental conservation bill on animal cruelty and the public health bill on Calendar 840. Supportive floor explanations emphasized animal welfare, protections for abandoned pets, and other public-interest reforms. The Senate also heard brief explanatory remarks on some bills, such as concerns about animals left behind in vacated housing and the treatment of wild animals in traveling circuses. After completing the calendar, the Senate reported no further business and adjourned until Wednesday, May 6, at 3:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I really want to thank the city of Mercer Island for bringing this issue to my attention.
• Dave Rosenbaum, Mayor of Mercer Island: Good afternoon.
• Mercer Island, like many cities in Washington, has seen a dramatic increase in usage of e-motorcycles
• So AWC has been working with a number of cities, brought them together with Mercer Island to look at
• Ebey Island, just in December, had to evacuate quickly in my district.

Summary: The Transportation Committee held public hearings on three bills. HB 2307 would update the commute trip reduction program by removing the current 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. arrival-time requirement from key definitions, so more employers and shift workers could qualify for CTR benefits. The bill sponsor and several supporters, including Microsoft, transit and transportation nonprofits, local transportation management groups, and city representatives, said the change would modernize the program, improve equity, reduce congestion, and help workers with transportation costs. No one testified in opposition. HB 2374 would distinguish electric-assisted bicycles from higher-powered electric motorcycles, clarify labeling and equipment rules, and direct DOL to convene a work group on enforcement and consumer protection. The sponsor and many supporters, including cities, trail and park organizations, Washington Bikes, and several students, said the bill would address unsafe high-powered vehicles being marketed as e-bikes, especially those used by younger riders, while preserving access to true e-bikes. Some testifiers asked for additional work group members and suggested civil enforcement options for underage riders. HB 2379 would require WSDOT to suspend tolling on facilities that serve as evacuation routes during emergencies such as wildfires or levee breaches. The sponsor said the bill was prompted by constituents facing evacuation while tolls were still being charged; staff noted the fiscal impact would be indeterminate and could reduce toll revenue during suspensions. After the hearings, the committee took executive action on two bills. It adopted proposed substitute H-2771 for HB 1823, which cleans up Transportation Improvement Board provisions and removes obsolete language while retaining remaining bond authority. It also passed HB 2111, which directs interest earned from toll revenues for the Interstate Bridge project to be credited to that project. Both actions were approved by voice vote, 27-0, with two members excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• running back in afternoon and they're running back in from<00:09:15.440><c> the</c><00:09:15.600><c> island
• c> it</c><00:09:16.560><c> if</c><00:09:16.800><c> you're</c><00:09:16.880><c> going</c> from the island
• It it if you're going from the island.
• that plan based on what the needs of the estuary system is, what the needs of the sound, the barrier islands
• that plan based on what the needs of the estuary system is, what the needs of the sound, the barrier islands

Committee: Joint Ports and Marine Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• because I don't think we're looking at having the risk of, you know, the Chernobyl or Three Mile Island
• We even have, today, some of these, like Three Mile Island.
• pretty significant nuclear facilities in Minnesota around the '70s, at Monticello and at Prairie Island
• </c><00:07:23.639><c> down</c><00:07:23.840><c> near</c> and at Prairie Island down near and at Prairie
• Island down near Redwing<00:07:25.680><c> and</c><00:07:26.039><c> I</c><00:07:26.120><c> think</c><

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Island has. Island has.
• We have been working with Prairie Island, and we will continue to work with Prairie Island.
• We have been working with Prairie Island, and we will continue to work with Prairie Island.
• We have been working with Prairie Island, and we will continue to work with Prairie Island.
• Prairie Island.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've had patients who live in Rhode Island, for example, I've had patients who live in Rhode Island,
• Many states have modernized PA practice laws, including our neighbors in Maine, Rhode Island, and New
• Many states have modernized PA practice laws, including our neighbors in Maine, Rhode Island, and New
• Eleven other states, including Rhode Island and Maine, have passed similar laws years ago.
• Eleven other states, including Rhode Island and Maine, have passed similar laws years ago.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing to take testimony on a wide range of bills involving professional licensure, clinical practice, and public health-related workforce issues. The chair explained that no votes would be taken at the hearing and that the purpose was to gather public input. Early testimony focused on Marnie’s Law, with supporters describing the bill as a no-cost, preventive measure to require nursing education on inflammatory breast cancer after a family tragedy and arguing it could reduce misdiagnosis and save lives. A major portion of the hearing centered on bills affecting clinical decision-making and licensure compacts. Supporters of the physician ownership/clinical autonomy bills argued they would protect independent practices from corporate interference after the Steward collapse, while supporters of EMS, dental, psychology, physical therapy, and physician assistant compacts said the measures would improve workforce mobility, reduce delays, and expand access to care, especially for rural patients, military families, and telehealth users. Several witnesses emphasized that the compacts would not reduce standards and would strengthen public protection through shared disciplinary databases and streamlined credentialing. There was also testimony on bills to ensure safe medication administration and to protect the independence of complementary and alternative health care practitioners. Nursing representatives urged that only licensed professionals administer medications in hospitals, hospices, and home care settings, warning that delegation to unlicensed staff could endanger patients and nurses’ licenses. A complementary and alternative care witness supported consumer access with mandatory disclosures and limits on reserved medical acts. On the dental compact, witnesses were split: some supported portability and workforce flexibility, while others warned the compact lacked a hands-on skills exam and could weaken Massachusetts’ regulatory authority and patient safety. The hearing concluded with continued testimony on the psychology compact, physical therapy compact, and physician assistant bills, with most speakers favoring expanded interstate practice and reduced administrative barriers.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're looking at doing everything from land bridges to barrier island restoration, marsh creation, pump
• We're looking at doing everything from land bridges to barrier island restoration, marsh creation, pump
• And you see on the top right, you've got the Chandler Islands all the way down to the work we're doing
• Barrier islands, just as a reminder, continue to be at the forefront of our defense.
• And we’ve got a number of other barrier islands there, including East Timbalier and others.

Bills: HR1 , HB96 , HB345 , HB360 , HB401 , HB592 , HB703 , HB723 , HB729 , HB776 , HB838 , HB844 , HB882 , HB885 , HB888 , HB966

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Summary: The committee first heard House Resolution 1, which approves the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s annual State Integrated Coastal Protection Plan for fiscal years 2026-2027. CPRA officials described the plan as about $1.54 billion, with roughly 93% directed to project implementation and construction, funded through state mineral revenue, GOMESA, BP spill dollars, surplus funds, and newly available coastal sediment funds. They outlined projects across the coast, including marsh creation, barrier island restoration, levees, pump stations, freshwater diversions, and nonstructural flood protection, and said the plan had been unanimously approved by the CPRA board after public hearings. Members asked about specific coastal and basin issues, including the Sabine River, the Chafalaya Basin, Bayou Sorrel, and tidal flooding in interior parishes. HR 1 was reported favorably without objection. The committee then considered House Bill 838, as substituted, dealing with vehicle inspection stickers and related OMV modernization. The substitute would repeal inspection requirements for assembled vehicles, keep periodic inspections for commercial and student transportation vehicles, address federal inspection requirements, allow out-of-state inspections in some cases, and create a Louisiana Vehicle Identification Program using QR codes. Members focused on privacy and enforcement questions, and OMV and state IT officials explained that the QR code would contain only the VIN and that the system would support police ticketing applications. The bill also ties implementation to the OMV modernization effort and takes effect January 1, 2027. HB 838 was reported by substitute. The committee next advanced House Bill 888 on temporary dealer plates, adopting a set of amendments that added security features, clarified timing for the new electronic issuance system, and adjusted rules for temporary tags and dealer plates. Testimony from the auto dealers’ association said the bill was intended to reduce fraud, resolve confusion over five-day versus 60-day tags, and extend certain temporary loaner tag periods from five to ten days. HB 888 was reported with amendments. The committee also heard House Bill 885 on electronic titles and lien recordation, which would allow electronic signatures, electronic lien notifications, and electronic titling/recordation for participating commercial entities, with civil immunity for good-faith actions and a severability clause. Members raised questions about fraud prevention and consumer participation, and supporters said the bill would modernize the process and align Louisiana with current industry practice. HB 885 was reported by substitute. Finally, the committee advanced House Bill 723, which allows certain two- and three-wheeled motorcycles and mopeds to proceed through a red light under specified circumstances when sensors fail to detect them. The sponsor said the measure is a safety fix for riders stuck at malfunctioning signals, and the bill was amended to clarify the vehicle types covered. The committee also considered House Bill 882 on outdoor advertising, which would increase billboard spacing on state highways from 150 feet to 1,000 feet and allow certain signs damaged by an act of God after January 1, 2010, to be rebuilt. Supporters said the bill would reduce billboard density and improve aesthetics, while opponents argued it would harm smaller operators and impose a one-size-fits-all rule. After testimony, HB 882 was amended and reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• John, Water Island—continues to be defined by the collective greatness of all Virgin Islanders who have
• The island of St.
• They held that island for almost a year.
• Not only am I the representative of the Virgin Islands here in Congress, but as a daughter of those islands
• Not only am I the representative of the Virgin Islands here in Congress, but as a daughter of those islands

Bills: HR117 , HR27

Keywords: committee, House of Representatives, ethics, government, House Resolution 117, H.Res. 117, HR117, committee assignment, committee chair, House Committee on Ethics, Ethics Committee, House ethics, member conduct, congressional ethics, House organization, internal resolution, Mr. Guest, standing committee, leadership appointment, tolling program

Transcript Highlights:

• Massachusetts can join over 20 states, including Minnesota, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Jersey
• Massachusetts can join over 20 states, including Minnesota, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Jersey
• In Rhode Island, where Adams Company has distributed hemp beverages to liquor stores through the state
• In Rhode Island, where Adams Company has distributed hemp beverages to liquor stores through the state
• , New Jersey, and more than here Massachusetts, despite this deep market penetration in Rhode Island,

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a public hearing on a wide range of alcohol, liquor licensing, and hemp-derived beverage bills. Early in the hearing, there was a procedural dispute when Senator Jacob Oliveira attempted to testify virtually on S. 279; the House chairs declined to recognize virtual testimony from a committee member, and Senator Pavel Payano instead read prepared remarks supporting the bill to return liquor license authority to municipalities. The committee then heard testimony on H. 437/S. 279 from the Massachusetts Municipal Association and Cohasset Town Manager Christopher Senior, both of whom argued that local control would streamline licensing, better match modern community needs, and support downtown economic development. A Lexington business owner also supported local licensing flexibility for a paint-and-sip business seeking a beer and wine license. The committee also heard extensive testimony on hemp-derived beverage regulation, including H. 357 and S. 222. Supporters from the Commonwealth Beverage Coalition and Theory Wellness said the products are already widely available in unregulated settings, including gas stations and smoke shops, and argued for a regulated framework with age limits, testing, labeling, and local public health funding. The Massachusetts Brewers Guild supported regulation of low-dose hemp beverages but asked that breweries be allowed to participate using their existing retail and distribution rights. The Guild also supported H. 478, which would allow limited self-distribution by pub breweries, saying it would reduce inefficiency and help small breweries grow. Several bills modernizing alcohol licensing laws were also discussed. Representative Ruel supported H. 477, describing it as a cleanup measure that would remove the contiguous-premises requirement, add a character standard for applicants, and extend public notice periods. Representative Sangiolo testified in support of H. 3893, a local liquor-license bill tied to economic development and new businesses in Lexington, including a movie theater, coffee shop, and paint studio. Fable Brewing Company also supported the local license bill, saying the licenses are needed before they can finalize leases and open. The committee then heard opposition from the Massachusetts Package Stores Association and several retailers, who warned that the retail tier is under pressure from oversaturation, declining revenues, and expanded competition, and opposed a long list of bills they said would further weaken existing stores or the three-tier system. At the end of the hearing, Representative McKenna testified in support of H. 437 and S. 279, emphasizing municipal autonomy and the importance of on-premises licenses for restaurants and other economic-development projects. The chairs noted that additional written testimony could still be submitted on bills that did not receive in-person testimony. The hearing concluded with a motion by Representative Sangiolo, seconded by Representative LeBoeuf, to close the hearing, which passed by voice vote.