Transcript Highlights:

• So while people wanting information about us is not new, So while people wanting information about us
• in a nationwide ...with us.
• We don't know where they are or when somebody might be using them to watch us.
• Using that can be very powerful.
• the most vulnerable among us.

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• They use the tax data, they use the Medicare data, and the Bureau has always been careful in how they
• The Bureau has used that.
• So it was kind of the first agency use, but it is not the only agency use.
• They're only for statistical use.
• Those three would be the three conceivable uses, but the answer is it can't be used for anything.

Committee: Senate Senate Committee on the Census

Transcript Highlights:

• I cannot offer them a path out from using dirty needles or create a way to use safer.
• . ...to use is somehow accepting illicit drug use is going to be tolerated.
• We have a high, you know, minority population around us and within us.
• But a person who relapses using a substance and goes to see us... ...but a person who relapses using
• It saves us in other social services programs. It saves us money in other programs.

Committee: House Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• So any use of seclusion is an emergency use. Mr.
• Um, we use breaks, we use other calming strategies.
• Um, we use breaks, we use other calming strategies.
• Um, we use breaks, we use other calming strategies.
• Um, we use breaks, we use other calming strategies.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representatives us be here Wanko excused.
• Can we use AI and then the chief of staff and the agency secretary, the sides do we want to use AI?
• So for us, I cannot be used to develop source codes to create official documentation.
• We used Ph I we use patient data, those those, but it's in a very controlled environment.
• What what's the intent of the use?

Transcript Highlights:

• it is used to harm people.
• I'm using it as it should be used, and it's going to perform.
• Okay, I'm using it correctly, I'm using it as it should be used, and it's going to perform in a way that
• It could also be used.
• It could also be used.

Summary: The joint informational hearing by the Assembly Health and Privacy Committees focused on generative AI in health care, with opening remarks emphasizing both the promise of improved care and the risks around privacy, bias, workforce impacts, reimbursement, and liability. Members and witnesses repeatedly stressed that AI should augment clinicians rather than replace them, and that California has a role in shaping responsible adoption. The first panel featured health systems and developers describing current uses such as ambient scribes for physicians and nurses, imaging triage, maternal-fetal risk prediction, and administrative automation. Speakers from Cedars-Sinai, Kaiser Permanente, Penguin AI, and Google highlighted efficiency gains, reduced clinician burnout, faster treatment, and some reported patient-safety benefits, while also noting the need for human review, governance, and ongoing monitoring. Committee members pressed the panel on bias, especially for multilingual patients, women of color, and Medi-Cal populations, and on whether predictive tools could worsen disparities or drive unnecessary interventions such as C-sections. Witnesses said tools must be tested in real-world settings, with humans in the loop and outcomes tracked by demographic group. They also discussed the legal landscape, with concerns that liability may fall more on hospitals and physicians than on developers, and that clearer rules may be needed for clinical, clinical-adjacent, and administrative uses. Several speakers argued that administrative uses like prior authorization and coding are lower-risk and ripe for automation, while clinical applications require much stronger safeguards. The second panel shifted to broader policy and equity issues. The California Health Care Foundation described early AI adoption in the safety net, including a Los Angeles County homelessness-risk model and AI tools supporting community health workers, and said safety-net providers want guidance on privacy, liability, safety, bias, and workforce impacts. Dr. Ziad Obermeyer described research showing racial bias in widely used risk algorithms and argued for accountability, access to data under strong protections, public-sector leadership, and partnerships to steer AI toward better outcomes. Dr. Michelle Mello said most organizations lack strong governance, that monitoring is difficult and costly, and that states could require AI governance structures as a condition of licensure. The discussion closed with calls for clearer standards, better data access for evaluation, and policy approaches that protect patients while allowing beneficial AI to spread beyond large health systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• and used fuel topics.
• So you're using a... ...solvent extraction. So you're using a... Process using solvent extraction.
• It is now an initiative for us. It used to be one of the thrust areas.
• it, and use it for energy dominance, frankly, and how to use that with fossil.
• Now we can use the oxygen for steel, and we can use that for oxy-firing coal.

Committee: Joint Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• and non-consumptive use.
• Thirty minutes of AI use, roughly 2.6 cups of water are used.
• Those two uses by far demand most of our water use as a nation.
• How much energy are they using? And of course, there's an indirect water use.
• multi-use it?

Committee: Joint Energy Development and Transmission Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• I cannot offer them a path out from using dirty needles or create a way to use safer.
• We have a high, you know, minority population around us and within us.
• We always use the phrase...
• who use drugs.
• use disorder.

Summary: The task force heard extensive testimony on recovery support, harm reduction, and community-based care. Dan Haniken of Into Action described his own recovery from addiction and incarceration and argued that treatment alone is not enough; he said recovery housing, peer support, employment, accountability, and stable housing are what help people stay sober and avoid relapse. Members asked about funding, housing shortages, transportation, treatment courts, and support for medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Haniken said Into Action relies on a braided mix of federal, state, county, city, foundation, and private funding, and that recovery housing needs longer-term support than many current funding streams provide. He also said Missouri should expand recovery housing, peer recovery support, and recovery community centers, and improve awareness and access to MAT in recovery settings and after incarceration. Matt Cushman, a community paramedic with Raytown Fire Protection District, urged Missouri to expand harm reduction, including syringe service programs and broader access to clean needles and drug-checking tools. He argued that stigma and abstinence-only approaches keep many people from seeking help, and said harm reduction reduces disease transmission, overdose deaths, hospitalizations, and other harms while creating pathways to recovery. He cited naloxone distribution as a successful example and said similar strategies should be decriminalized and expanded. Members asked about naloxone access, community paramedicine funding, and whether safe consumption sites should be considered; Cushman said syringe exchange should be a near-term priority, while safe consumption sites are a longer-term policy question. Representatives from Ozarks Medical Center/COMC and Four Rivers Community Health Center focused on the need to reimburse peer support specialists and community health workers, especially in rural and underserved areas. COMC’s Monet Lehman shared her trauma and recovery story and described her jail reentry work, helping incarcerated people with housing, benefits, IDs, employment, MAT, and community supports before release. Four Rivers said its care coordinators and CHWs provide wraparound services such as transportation, housing help, Medicaid enrollment, clothing, and same-day MAT access. Members and staff discussed confusion over reimbursement rules, noting that CCBHCs can bill for peer services through Medicaid while FQHCs generally cannot, and that CHWs are often funded through grants rather than reimbursement. No votes were taken; the meeting consisted of testimony and member questions, with several requests for follow-up information on funding, transportation, and reimbursement rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• We all use, we none of us use the metric system in our measurements, except for two liters of soda.
• We all use, we none of us using the metric system in our measurements, except for two liters of soda.
• to use this data—our data that's most personal to us.
• So help me, what would this be used to detect? Yeah, so today it could be used.
• I won't use any company in particular, but let's use a telematics device that is using location services

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

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a package of Massachusetts privacy and technology bills, especially measures to ban the sale of location data, establish a comprehensive consumer data privacy law, and regulate biometric recognition and surveillance pricing. Chairs and sponsors argued that self-regulation has failed, that data brokers and large tech companies routinely collect and monetize sensitive information, and that state action is needed because federal protections are weak or absent. Several speakers tied the bills to reproductive health, gender-affirming care, domestic violence, children’s data, and other sensitive uses of location and biometric information. Supporters included legislators and advocates who backed H. 86/S. 197 (Location Shield), H. 78/S. 45/H. 104/S. 29 (comprehensive privacy bills), H. 99/S. 47 (surveillance pricing in grocery stores), and H. 36/S. 36 (biometric recognition accountability). They emphasized data minimization, bans on selling sensitive data, consumer rights to access, delete, and opt out, and in some cases a private right of action. Several witnesses said Massachusetts should lead or align with other states, while others argued that stronger protections are needed because data can be weaponized by stalkers, anti-abortion actors, abusive partners, insurers, or law enforcement. Industry and coalition witnesses urged the committee to favor a more standardized, interoperable framework modeled on laws already adopted in other states, warning that novel definitions, data-minimization rules, and private rights of action could create compliance burdens, confusion, and costs for businesses, including small businesses. They argued that entity-level exemptions for sectors already covered by federal laws like HIPAA or GLBA promote consistency, and that Attorney General enforcement is preferable to private lawsuits. Committee members questioned witnesses on patchwork concerns, the scope of exemptions, and whether the proposed bills would harm or help consumers and small businesses. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; written testimony was noted as due later, and the committee continued taking testimony from multiple panels and virtual witnesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Val to the we used in previous role Val to the we used in previous role Val to the we used in previous
• Use the previous role. All move BR. Use the previous role. All move BR. Use the previous role.
• He ain't going as strong as he used ain't going as strong as he used ain't going as strong as he used
• President I move P using previous role without objection. using previous role without objection. using
• I'd move u passage of HB 258 using previous ro without HB 258 using previous ro without HB 258 using

Bills: SCR 4 , SCR 18 , SCR 43 , SB 227 , SB 269 , SB 330 , SB 434 , SB 437 , SB 438 , SB 463 , SB 528 , SB 584 , SB 604 , SB 663 , SB 668 , SB 682 , SB 747 , SB 841 , SB 912 , SB 968 , SB 1013 , SB 1020 , SB 1044 , SB 1137 , SB 1138 , SB 1143 , SB 1164 , SB 1169 , SB 1200 , SB 1236 , SB 1244 , SB 1299 , SB 1325 , SB 1335 , SB 1369 , SB 1410 , SB 1418 , SB 1422 , SB 1455 , SB 1468 , SB 1495 , SB 1534 , SB 1579 , SB 1580 , SB 1612 , SB 1624 , SB 1667 , SB 1734 , SB 1745 , SB 1746 , SB 1760 , SB 1784 , SB 1860 , SB 1862 , SB 1864 , SB 1896 , SB 1898 , SB 1920 , SB 1940 , SB 1952 , SB 1998 , SB 1999 , SB 2004 , SB 2032 , SB 2052 , SB 2068 , SB 2073 , SB 2121 , SB 2127 , SB 2141 , SB 2145 , SB 2161 , SB 2167 , SB 2196 , SB 2207 , SB 2216 , SB 2246 , SB 2323 , SB 2332 , SB 2395 , SB 2429 , SB 2431 , SB 2439 , SB 2443 , SB 2581 , SB 2601 , SB 2629 , SB 2702 , SB 2705 , SB 2717 , SB 2798 , SB 2873 , SB 2881 , SB 2964 , SB 3034 , SCR 4 , SCR 38 , SB 39 , SB 227 , SB 240 , SB 330 , SB 401 , SB 407 , SB 467 , SB 506 , SB 512 , SB 527 , SB 584 , SB 618 , SB 619 , SB 636 , SB 648 , SB 663 , SB 715 , SB 732 , SB 758 , SB 801 , SB 843 , SB 847 , SB 870 , SB 957 , SB 1013 , SB 1020 , SB 1065 , SB 1152 , SB 1164 , SB 1181 , SB 1183 , SB 1257 , SB 1283 , SB 1299 , SB 1325 , SB 1349 , SB 1395 , SB 1433 , SB 1455 , SB 1490 , SB 1558 , SB 1574 , SB 1624 , SB 1626 , SB 1640 , SB 1717 , SB 1718 , SB 1727 , SB 1734 , SB 1756 , SB 1757 , SB 1789 , SB 1832 , SB 1845 , SB 1868 , SB 1920 , SB 1924 , SB 1964 , SB 2004 , SB 2018 , SB 2031 , SB 2037 , SB 2052 , SB 2073 , SB 2075 , SB 2080 , SB 2111 , SB 2117 , SB 2154 , SB 2161 , SB 2196 , SB 2206 , SB 2253 , SB 2268 , SB 2322 , SB 2323 , SB 2349 , SB 2533 , SB 2540 , SB 2570 , SB 2623 , SB 2626 , SB 2658 , SB 2660 , SB 2692 , SB 2705 , SB 2717 , SB 2722 , SB 2742 , SB 2743 , SB 2753 , SB 2788 , SB 2877 , SB 2900 , SB 2920 , SB 3031 , SB 5 , SB 260 , SB 1786 , SB 1 , HJR 4 , HB 135 , HB 1109 , SJR 36 , SJR 50 , SJR 63 , SJR 84 , SJR 59 , SCR 12 , SCR 39 , SCR 38 , SCR 4 , SCR 18 , SCR 43 , SCR 46 , SCR 48 , SCR 19 , SB 2023 , SB 1257 , SB 240 , SB 1727 , SB 870 , SB 618 , SB 62 , SB 666 , SB 847 , SB 284 , SB 854 , SB 1073 , SB 810 , SB 1505 , SB 583 , SB 1502 , SB 507 , SB 1026 , SB 1349 , SB 1433 , SB 1434 , SB 1376 , SB 1585 , SB 1772 , SB 2016 , SB 1163 , SB 619 , SB 1122 , SB 732 , SB 731 , SB 397 , SB 508 , SB 1436 , SB 287 , SB 261 , SB 1882 , SB 393 , SB 1791 , SB 529 , SB 209 , SB 2429 , SB 1999 , SB 511 , SB 2309 , SB 510 , SB 1860 , SB 2037 , SB 1924 , SB 2253 , SB 2018 , SB 2206 , SB 1299 , SB 841 , SB 668 , SB 584 , SB 1085 , SB 2431 , SB 1490 , SB 1868 , SB 2314 , SB 434 , SB 2046 , SB 1667 , SB 2127 , SB 1975 , SB 1760 , SB 1734 , SB 1335 , SB 2246 , SB 2439 , SB 1624 , SB 1244 , SB 1468 , SB 2717 , SB 1612 , SB 1262 , SB 604 , SB 2395 , SB 1832 , SB 1745 , SB 1746 , SB 2207 , SB 1784 , SB 1524 , SB 528 , SB 437 , SB 269 , SB 1137 , SB 968 , SB 636 , SB 747 , SB 1325 , SB 1455 , SB 2056 , SB 1940 , SB 2052 , SB 1579 , SB 2068 , SB 3034 , SB 1920 , SB 1558 , SB 1236 , SB 1044 , SB 884 , SB 463 , SB 227 , SB 517 , SB 1200 , SB 1410 , SB 1626 , SB 1845 , SB 1863 , SB 2216 , SB 2681 , SB 1717 , SB 2141 , SB 2323 , SB 2200 , SB 2332 , SB 2199 , SB 1757 , SB 2050 , SB 1138 , SB 2458 , SB 1864 , SB 2201 , SB 1862 , SB 1055 , SB 2660 , SB 1898 , SB 2662 , SB 2161 , SB 2964 , SB 2881 , SB 1065 , SB 801 , SB 2743 , SB 2533 , SB 2073 , SB 3014 , SB 3013 , SB 2702 , SB 2629 , SB 2443 , SB 2349 , SB 2167 , SB 2145 , SB 2121 , SB 758 , SB 648 , SB 647 , SB 512 , SB 438 , SB 1721 , SB 2268 , SB 1495 , SB 2705 , SB 2366 , SB 1422 , SB 1369 , SB 1013 , SB 682 , SB 2692 , SB 2570 , SB 2797 , SB 2111 , SB 1896 , SB 1164 , SB 1020 , SB 663 , SB 2371 , SB 1152 , SB 2196 , SB 2383 , SB 2581 , SB 2798 , SB 330 , SB 646 , SB 843 , SB 1998 , SB 1418 , SB 2788 , SB 1169 , SB 2873 , SB 1754 , SB 1534 , SB 1718 , SB 2779 , SB 2004 , SB 1143 , SB 1756 , SB 912 , SB 2119 , SB 2032 , SB 527 , SB 1580 , SB 1952 , SB 2601 , SB 2322 , SB 2448 , SB 1777 , SB 1283 , SB 407 , SB 2392 , SB 2076 , SB 2786 , SB 3031 , SB 2877 , SB 2876 , SB 2284 , SB 2225 , SB 1540 , SB 2920 , SB 2929 , SB 1395 , SB 1972 , SB 2540 , SB 1183 , SB 2742 , SB 2595 , SB 2217 , SB 2117 , SB 715 , SB 2330 , SB 1964 , SB 1383 , SB 500 , SB 1640 , SB 39 , SB 2001 , SB 2080 , SB 2722 , SB 506 , SB 2514 , SB 2623 , SB 2658 , SB 1574 , SB 2900 , SB 2753 , SB 2398 , SB 401 , SB 1241 , SB 2927 , SB 2173 , SB 2538 , SB 898 , SB 467 , SB 1449 , SB 2529 , SB 1531 , SB 2846 , SB 2476 , SB 2031 , SB 986 , SB 1181 , SB 2075 , SB 2154 , SB 2864 , SB 31 , SB 2880 , SB 1359 , SB 2386 , SB 771 , SB 2844 , SB 2550 , SB 1351 , SB 1423 , SB 1931 , SB 2245 , SB 2589 , SB 2707 , SB 2807 , SB 2351 , SB 410 , SB 659 , SB 816 , SB 2776 , SB 2693 , SB 2580 , SB 1980 , SB 1886 , SB 1234 , SB 739 , SB 482 , SB 456 , SB 127 , SB 1666 , SB 2843 , SB 2801 , SB 800 , SB 2055 , SB 784 , SB 2986 , SB 735 , SB 1012 , SB 324 , SB 2926 , SB 2938 , SB 2007 , SB 2138 , SB 1242 , SB 843 , SB 1152 , SB 1164 , SB 1299 , SB 1349 , SB 1868 , SB 2037 , SB 2349 , SB 2788 , SB 39 , SB 1183 , SB 1717 , SB 1832 , SB 2743 , SR 429 , SR 432 , SCR 38 , SB 39 , SB 240 , SB 618 , SB 870 , SB 1183 , SB 1257 , SB 1717 , SB 1727 , SB 1832 , SB 2743 , SB 2 , SB 3058 , SB 3059 , HB 6 , HB 14 , HB 43 , HB 100 , HB 136 , HB 149 , HB 204 , HB 206 , HB 307 , HB 467 , HB 685 , HB 1130 , HB 1393 , HB 1644 , HB 2027 , HB 2118 , HB 2176 , HB 2468 , HB 2488 , HB 2525 , HB 2596 , HB 2890 , HB 2894 , HB 3077 , HB 3114 , HB 3204 , SCR 4 , SCR 18 , SCR 43 , SB 269 , SB 330 , SB 434 , SB 437 , SB 438 , SB 463 , SB 528 , SB 604 , SB 663 , SB 668 , SB 682 , SB 747 , SB 841 , SB 912 , SB 968 , SB 1020 , SB 1044 , SB 1138 , SB 1143 , SB 1236 , SB 1244 , SB 1325 , SB 1335 , SB 1369 , SB 1418 , SB 1422 , SB 1455 , SB 1468 , SB 1495 , SB 1534 , SB 1579 , SB 1580 , SB 1612 , SB 1624 , SB 1667 , SB 1734 , SB 1745 , SB 1746 , SB 1760 , SB 1784 , SB 1860 , SB 1862 , SB 1864 , SB 1896 , SB 1898 , SB 1920 , SB 1940 , SB 1952 , SB 1998 , SB 2032 , SB 2052 , SB 2068 , SB 2073 , SB 2121 , SB 2127 , SB 2141 , SB 2145 , SB 2161 , SB 2167 , SB 2196 , SB 2207 , SB 2216 , SB 2246 , SB 2323 , SB 2332 , SB 2395 , SB 2431 , SB 2439 , SB 2443 , SB 2581 , SB 2601 , SB 2629 , SB 2702 , SB 2705 , SB 2798 , SB 2873 , SB 2881 , SB 2964 , SB 3034 , SB 227 , SB 584 , SB 1013 , SB 1137 , SB 1169 , SB 1200 , SB 1299 , SB 1410 , SB 1999 , SB 2004 , SB 2429 , SB 2717 , SB 3058 , SB 3059 , HB 6 , HB 14 , HB 43 , HB 100 , HB 136 , HB 149 , HB 204 , HB 206 , HB 307 , HB 467 , HB 685 , HB 1130 , HB 1393 , HB 1644 , HB 2027 , HB 2118 , HB 2176 , HB 2468 , HB 2488 , HB 2525 , HB 2596 , HB 2890 , HB 2894 , HB 3077 , HB 3114 , HB 3204

Transcript Highlights:

• Let us. Work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Let us pray.
• Silencing the voices of the people who don't look like us, love like us, or even worship like us.
• So let us be clear. Meeting violence with violence does not make us free.
• He'd want us to march. He'd want us to organize.
• He'd want us to march. He'd want us to organize.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum present, the flags were escorted in, and the chamber observed the Pledge of Allegiance, a National Anthem performance by Pastor Pamela Bowman, and a prayer by Pastor Joseph Bowman. The session was centered on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, with remarks emphasizing Dr. King’s legacy of justice, nonviolence, equality, and service, along with musical performances including “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “Grateful.” House Resolution 4672, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was read in full and moved for adoption by Representative Penner. Several members offered extended remarks supporting the resolution and reflecting on King’s impact, the continuing struggle for civil rights, and the need for moral courage, nonviolence, and community service. The House then voted and adopted House Resolution 4672 by voice vote, with the Speaker noting that applause was appropriate. After the resolution, the House handled routine procedural business. Bills and resolutions on the introduction sheet were advanced to first reading and referred to committee, committee report items were referred as designated, and the Rules Committee was relieved of House Bill 1160 on local government design review and House Bill 1798 on firefighters pension boards, placing them on the second reading calendar. The Rules Committee was also relieved of Substitute House Bill 1066 on regulated substance use data and Engrossed House Bill 1574 on substance use care services, placing them on the third reading calendar. Both caucuses announced meetings after adjournment, and the House adjourned until 9:55 a.m. Tuesday, January 20.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've worked with other community members and groups to say as we use AI, responsible use, security,
• We actually, in our policy, have prohibited uses and high-risk uses that then require additional review
• The other, I think, really important point here is that in that use case, not once did I use the term
• I really want to thank our applicants for working with us, and you as leaders for working with us, as
• Please join us.

Committee: House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans

Summary: The committee held a work session focused on technology use in government, AI policy and oversight, and federal broadband funding. The first panel featured Seattle CTO Rob Lloyd, who described the city’s AI approach as centered on public trust, responsible use, privacy, security, and community partnership. He said Seattle is using small pilots and a data strategy to test AI for tasks such as public records processing, infrastructure inspection, and housing/permitting improvements, while keeping human decision-makers responsible. Members asked about permit review, training on best practices, labor engagement, and public records risks; Lloyd emphasized that AI should assist rather than replace human judgment and that the city is still testing solutions for records redaction and search. Washington Technology Solutions CTO Nick Stow and Deputy Director Mark Quimby then outlined the state’s AI policy work, noting that the state’s guidance now covers more than generative AI and is built into existing privacy and security review processes. They described a statewide AI community of practice, a sandbox used by more than 15 agencies, and use cases including a resident portal with opt-in consent features, cybersecurity screening, and wildfire detection. Committee members raised questions about labor, data privacy, and the status and effectiveness of wildfire detection tools. The AI Task Force update from the Attorney General’s office reported progress through eight subcommittees on topics including governance, consumer protection, labor, health care, public safety, education, government efficiency, and climate/energy, with an interim report due December 1 and a final report due July 1, 2026. The presenter also warned that a pending federal budget reconciliation provision could bar state AI regulation for 10 years, and a member noted ongoing work on prior AI bills for the 2026 session. The broadband portion of the meeting began with Commerce’s Dave Pringle, who said the BEAD broadband program is being reshaped by new NTIA guidance issued June 6. He explained that Washington’s original multi-round application process has been compressed into an expedited roughly 30-day application window, with a September 4 state submission deadline, and that earlier rounds are effectively being replaced under the new federal rules. He noted that no projects have been built yet, that four counties did not receive round-two applications, and that the state is working with applicants, the Governor’s Office, and the Attorney General’s Office while also managing a leadership transition in the broadband office. The Office of Equity then reported on the Digital Equity Forum’s growth, membership expansion, outreach, and draft recommendations, including better interagency coordination, improved data for underserved communities, and elevating digital equity as a statewide priority; members discussed the loss of federal digital equity operating funds and the forum’s transition back to Commerce. The final presenter, Lumen’s Rob Thoms, discussed private-sector broadband deployment, saying the company continues investing in fiber overbuilds and working with local governments, but faces permitting, regulatory, and geography challenges. He said Washington has strong backbone fiber and is well positioned for enterprise and AI-related demand, but that rural and legacy telecom transitions remain difficult and that satellite and wireless options may play a larger role over time.

Transcript Highlights:

• In his letter of transmittal, the Governor told us why. He gave us two reasons.
• That's not what they asked us to do. They didn't ask us to ignore it.
• He's asking us to ignore the law. Are you kidding me? He's asking us to ignore the law.
• They see us all together.
• And now the governor has asked us, he's told us— to do that.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just give us a couple examples.
• Thanks for having us.
• It's us. We're paying for this.
• against us.
• use Massachusetts law prohibits using an individual's name, portrait, or picture for commercial use without

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

Summary: The committee held a hearing on several artificial intelligence bills, opening with remarks about the 9/11 anniversary and then broad statements from the co-chairs about AI’s promise and risks. Chair Farley-Bouvier and Senator Moore emphasized the need for guardrails, transparency, and worker and consumer protections, while Senator Finegold described Senate Bill 37, which would create a framework for AI model training with safety assessments, audits, incident reporting, Attorney General oversight, and workforce reporting. Members also discussed Massachusetts’ position relative to other states and the need for state action in the absence of federal regulation. A large portion of the hearing focused on the Fair Act, House 77 and Senate 35, which would limit workplace surveillance, restrict collection of biometric and location data, require notice and human review for automated employment decisions, and protect workers from retaliation. Labor leaders, including AFL-CIO, AFSCME, AFT, SEIU, building trades, and other worker representatives, testified in support, describing harms from bossware, automated benefits denials, hiring and promotion screening, scheduling, and monitoring in workplaces ranging from health care and education to manufacturing and construction. They argued that AI systems are already affecting wages, benefits, safety, and job security, and that Massachusetts should act now to set clear rules. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 74, which would require informed consent and clear contract terms for digital replicas of voices and likenesses, with SAG-AFTRA representatives supporting the bill as a protection for performers and creators. Another major topic was Senate Bill 51 on social media algorithm accountability and transparency; child safety advocates, researchers, and a public health expert described harms from engagement-based algorithms, including exposure to harmful content, eating disorders, and youth mental health impacts, and supported independent audits and public reporting. A few industry and civil liberties witnesses supported regulation but urged balance, warning against overly burdensome rules while acknowledging the need for privacy, transparency, and accountability. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the hearing excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• want us to know.
• This project has taught us how to use our voices, speak up about issues that affect us, and begin to
• This project has taught us how to use our voices, speak up about issues that affect us, and begin to
• Deborah Asquith, are you with us? Deborah Asquith, are you with us?
• Just tell us what I don’t know. Just tell us one.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education

Summary: The committee opened a public hearing on 41 bills related to school climate and safety, with chairs Jason Lewis and Ken Gordon outlining procedures and noting more than 125 witnesses. The first major topic was the “Study Act” on cell phones in schools and related social media restrictions (House 666/Senate 335). Secretary of Education Pat Tutwiler and Attorney General Andrea Campbell testified in strong support, arguing that bell-to-bell phone-free policies would improve student focus, reduce anxiety and distraction, and support mental health. Several legislators also supported the approach, though Representative Jeff Turco and Senator John Keenan emphasized narrower bills focused only on school-day phone restrictions rather than broader social media regulation. Senator John Velis likewise backed a comprehensive school-hours restriction, citing student distraction and mental health concerns. Representative Tarsky described successful implementation of a Yondr pouch system in a school where he served as principal, saying it improved engagement and reduced bullying and discipline issues. The committee then heard testimony on a bill to prohibit Native American mascots in public schools (Senate 312/House 575). Senator Joe Comerford, Brittany Wally, and Rhonda Anderson all urged passage, saying Native mascots are dehumanizing, harmful to Native youth, and inconsistent with civil rights and educational values. They described support from tribal nations and noted that many Massachusetts schools have already changed mascots, but some still resist. The hearing also included testimony on school start times (House 647/Senate 360), where middle school students Caroline Duffy and Emery Jarvis described exhaustion and survey data showing widespread sleep deprivation. Former educator Telia Jacobs, former principal Rep. Tarsky, and others argued that later start times would improve health, learning, and student well-being, while acknowledging transportation and scheduling challenges. Zoriana Petrosian, who helped write one of the bills as a student, said the state already has enough research to act now. Additional bills drew testimony on related school issues. Dr. Raul Fernandez supported a bill promoting racially integrated schools (Senate 324), citing a recent advisory council report showing large disparities in segregated schools and urging DESE to develop a statewide integration strategy. On safe firearm storage education (House 548/Senate 397), multiple witnesses from Grassroots for Gun Violence Prevention and school communities supported annual school-based education about secure storage, saying it would help prevent child access to unsecured firearms and build on local resolutions already adopted in some districts. The committee also heard testimony on bills to expand career and academic plans (House 533/Senate 438), with speakers saying more structured planning would help students make informed college and career choices. Later, testimony on child sexual abuse prevention and survivor support bills described the prevalence of abuse, the need for training in schools and youth-serving organizations, and the importance of extending compensation and prevention measures. Throughout the hearing, chairs repeatedly closed bills with no witnesses and moved the agenda forward, but no votes were taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So where is a groundwater use permit required? It's required for new uses.
• State land use districts.
• to urban use.
• Billiggon used the phrase extra... Rep. Billiggon used the phrase extra credit.
• They're independent of us.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, we looked at a subset of 13 states and found that most used a sales and use tax preference
• It cost us $275,000 per job.
• This brings us to the law. This brings us to the legislative auditor's conclusion.
• The next preference is the sales and use tax exemption for biogas equipment used in landfills.
• The gas can then be sold as fuel, used to generate electricity, or put to other industrial uses.

Committee: Joint Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences

Summary: The Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on August 4, 2026, with all five commissioners present. The commission approved the May 26, 2026 minutes, welcomed new commissioner Diane Tabilius, and re-elected Andy Knopfsiger Meadows as chair and Dr. Sharon Keiko as vice chair. JLARC staff also introduced two Evans School interns who are assisting with preliminary research for the 2027 review cycle. JLARC presented preliminary findings on seven tax preference reviews, focusing most heavily on the Main Street communities credit, the Equitable Access to Credit Program, and the urban data center exemption. Staff concluded that the Main Street preference has helped increase the number of communities and businesses and recommended continuing it, while also recommending that DAHP collect more detailed and standardized business-count data. The Equitable Access to Credit Program was found to support underserved communities and was also recommended for continuation. The urban data center exemption was found to have been used only for refurbishment projects, not new construction, and staff recommended letting it expire; commissioners and Representative Paulette discussed the need for better performance measures, cost-per-job analysis, and clearer legislative intent language in tax preference statements. Staff then reviewed airplane modification, landfill biogas, automotive adaptive equipment, and housing for people with developmental disabilities. The airplane modification preference was found to likely support jobs and state tax revenue and was recommended for continuation. The landfill biogas preference was also recommended for continuation, with a suggestion for more detailed reporting on use and renewable natural gas production. The automotive adaptive equipment exemption was found to continue providing relief to disabled veterans and service members and was recommended for continuation, while the housing transfer exemption for adults with developmental disabilities had not been used and was recommended to expire. No public testimony was taken at this meeting, and the commission noted that public testimony would be heard at its September meeting before final comments are adopted in October.

Transcript Highlights:

• Going back to that same court and asking him to do us a favor and do something quick for us.
• There are years of history that guides us to this point that makes That guides us to this point, that
• And God bless us all, And God bless us all, and I yield the rest of my time to Dr. Boyd. >> Dr.
• Thou who has brought us thus far on the Thou who has brought us thus far on the way.
• Thou who has by thy might led us into the light. Keep us forever in the path we pray. We pray.

Transcript Highlights:

• In his letter of transmittal, the Governor told us why. He gave us two reasons.
• All I know is what the rest of us know. All I know is what the rest of us know.
• That's not what they asked us to do. They didn't ask us to ignore it.
• to ask us. ...this state, and they are looking at us to ask us the question: are we going to continue
• And now the governor has asked us, he's told us... To do that.

Summary: The Senate convened in special session and took up Senate Bill 8D, later substituted with House Bill 1D, both establishing Florida’s congressional districts. The sponsor, Senator Gates, explained that the Governor had transmitted a proposed redistricting plan on short notice and argued that mid-decade congressional redistricting is legally permissible, citing population growth and the Governor’s view that race-based provisions in the Fair Districts Amendment are unconstitutional. He repeatedly said the Legislature was not being asked to prove the Governor’s legal theory, only to consider the proposal, and noted that no amendments were offered. A lengthy question-and-answer period followed, with senators raising concerns about the rushed process, lack of statewide public hearings, and the map’s effects on minority communities, compactness, communities of interest, and partisan fairness. Senators questioned whether the map cracked Latino and Black communities, whether partisan data was used, whether the Governor’s office had outside consultants, and whether the plan complied with the Florida Constitution, the Fair Districts Amendment, and the Voting Rights Act. Gates generally deferred on legal conclusions, said the Governor’s representatives had testified the map was race-neutral and used political data only as one factor, and emphasized that any constitutional challenge would be for the courts. After a motion to temporarily postpone failed by a recorded vote of 12 yeas to 23 nays, the Senate continued debate. Senators Rouson, Bernard, and others spoke in opposition, arguing the proposal was rushed, partisan, and harmful to communities of interest and minority voting power. Gates maintained that the Governor had a constitutional prerogative to propose the map and that the Legislature could accept, reject, or amend it. The House companion bill was then substituted for the Senate bill, read a third time, and the chamber moved into final debate on the congressional redistricting plan.