Transcript Highlights:

• Um, these provisions add greater transparency about uh the background studies process.
• Uh there's a background studies<00:02:26.080> clarifying<00:02:26.959> and<00:02:27.440
• > uh<00:02:27.599> technical studies clarifying and uh technical studies clarifying and
• Uh, it updates some of studies process.
• This creates a background studies disqualification from positions of management and billing based on

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard House File 2260, a Judiciary Committee clone of portions of the larger DHS policy bill, and adopted the A1 amendment, which was described as largely technical but also incorporating changes from the related human services bill. The bill was presented as covering several DHS-related policy areas, including background studies transparency, anti-kickback provisions for medical assistance and child care assistance, and personal data protections for human services judges. The amendment also added a number of provisions related to direct care and treatment, competency restoration billing and data sharing, fraud enforcement tools, behavioral health fund eligibility, and clarifications to prior law. Testimony from DHS Office of Inspector General legislative director Ardian Diddy emphasized that the bill would improve transparency in background studies, update investigative and arrest data access, extend a limited set-aside to similar provider types, and correct an effective-date error from last session. He also said the anti-kickback language would mirror federal Medicaid law for medical assistance and create a state-level prohibition for CCAP, giving DHS and law enforcement more tools to investigate fraud and misuse. Additional provisions would add human services judges to existing personal data protections for judicial officials. Diddy also explained amendment sections from the governor’s fraud package, including authority to act against entities convicted of fraud or theft, data-sharing improvements, and a disqualification from management and billing positions. Members raised questions about possible conflicts of interest involving DHS employees with outside LLCs and about the need for stronger safeguards against fraud. The chair and other members referenced recent fraud cases and said the bill would help prevent similar abuses. Christy Grumman of DHS testified on the judge privacy section, saying there are about 35 human services judges and describing a recent incident in which a judge received violent threats serious enough to require the family’s temporary relocation by the State Patrol. Representative Hudson supported the anti-kickback provisions as a needed codification of agency authority. The committee then approved the amended bill and recommended it be re-referred to the Committee on Public Safety, Finance, and Policy.

Transcript Highlights:

• , RECORDS MAINTENANCE AND ACCESS, UNIT OWNER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AND STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY STUDIES
• THE RESERVE STUDY SAYS WE HAVE 10 – 12. HOW DO WE FIX THAT?
• I BELIEVE THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, I CAN'T SPEAK FOR THEM COMPLETELY BUT THE DATA STUDY -- I WAS TOLD
• IT'S THE PARTICULAR STUDY THAT FOCUSES ON PALM BEACH, BROWARD AND DADE COUNTY.
• IT JUST DOESN'T MAKE A LOT OF SENSE BECAUSE THEY JUST THROW THE FULL RESERVE STUDY OUT OF THE WAY. >>

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Have you seen any—I've been reading a lot of studies, and this isn't, I'm in no way opposing the bill
• But have you been aware or been following any of these new studies that are coming out where they're
• I've been reading a lot of studies, and this isn't, I'm in no way opposing the bill.
• But have you been aware or been following any of these new studies that are coming out where they're
• I can't say I'm familiar with those studies.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Have you seen any—I've been reading a lot of studies, and this isn't, I'm in no way opposing the bill
• But have you been aware or been following any of these new studies that are coming out where they're
• Have you seen any—I've been reading a lot of studies, and this isn't, I'm in no way opposing the bill
• But have you been aware or been following any of these new studies that are coming out where they're
• I can't say I'm familiar with those studies.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary B Committee met on May 27 and first approved the minutes from the May 21 meeting. The committee then took up House Bill 75, as amended, which would increase the promotional play tax deduction for gaming facilities from $5 million to $7 million and apply the change to racetracks and other brick-and-mortar casino properties on a phased-in basis. The bill’s author and gaming industry witnesses said the measure would help Louisiana compete with neighboring states, drive visitation, and support horse racing purses and tourism. The committee adopted the amendments and reported HB 75 favorably. The committee next considered House Bill 623, which creates a three-tier system for vapor products and includes related technical changes, including a provision allowing in-person delivery of vapor, alternative nicotine, or smokeless tobacco products by third-party contractors from licensed Louisiana retailers with age verification. Amendments were adopted to correct language and address an effective-date issue tied to another bill. The committee then reported HB 623 with amendments. House Bill 302, which would prohibit the sale of vapor products near schools, was also amended and heard with testimony from the New Orleans Health Department and the American Lung Association. Both witnesses supported youth protections but urged clarifying language to ensure local governments can keep or adopt stricter rules and to avoid conflicts with existing local ordinances; the health department also noted concerns that the bill focuses only on vapor products while youth nicotine use is broader. After discussion, the committee reported HB 302 with amendments. The meeting ended with thanks to staff and members, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• effect and also when I was on the study effect and also when I was on the study committee<00:25:
• SB50, establishing a committee to study SB50, establishing a committee to study the<00:46:44.240
• So he suggested a study committee.
• assuming we are able to pass this study assuming we are able to pass this study committee<01:55:
• to come in to testify to the study to come in to testify to the study committee<01:55:29.920>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 302, which would update New Hampshire’s solid waste facility background-check law so the state can continue to access federal FBI criminal databases for checks on key owners and officers. Senator Howard Pearl and DES Waste Management Director Mike Whimsatt said the bill is the third attempt to correct prior drafting problems that prevented the FBI from accepting the language. They explained that the existing statute has long required background checks for hazardous and solid waste facility applicants because of concerns about organized crime, but the current wording is too ambiguous for federal use. The bill also includes technical corrections, clarifies which company officers must be checked, specifies which DES officials receive the results, and removes the Department of Justice as an unnecessary middleman. Committee members asked about the purpose of the bill, whether family members are covered, who pays the cost, and whether permits have ever been denied; Whimsatt said the applicant still pays, the checks focus on key officers, and at least one permit had been denied in the past due to a felony conviction. The hearing then closed, with one person listed in favor on the blue sheet and no opposition noted online. The committee then opened Senate Bill 229, which would allow retailers to sell uninspected bison, red deer, and elk meat and remove the sunset on the existing program. Senator Pearl said the bill would expand market opportunities for farmers while keeping labeling and traceability requirements in place, including identifying the meat as uninspected and maintaining records of the source farms. Representative Bixby, who had worked on earlier legislation, explained the current framework in detail: the animals are raised on closed farms, must be fenced, cannot be newly imported, and are subject to annual veterinary herd inspections and recordkeeping. He said the prior bison inspection regime was too burdensome for farmers to maintain, and the current law was intended as a workable compromise. Questions from members focused on how many farms participate, how many animals have been sold, and whether the program posed disease risks; the witness said he did not know the exact numbers, and Bixby said the existing import and fencing rules help prevent chronic wasting disease from entering the state. No vote was taken during the hearing, and the bill was left before the committee for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• The MDH did a bit of a study looking at some green burial parameters that have been studied by these
• The MDH did a bit of a study looking at some green burial parameters that have been studied by these
• purposes and then to use the mdh study purposes and then to use the mdh study look<02:08:17.559>
• especially now after the state's study especially now after the state's study um<02:14:22.239>
• <02:16:45.479> would said I I wish this uh the study would said I I wish this uh the study

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:27:08.440> but a in a rigorous course of study but a in a rigorous course of study but
• I have no idea what we studied.
• I have no idea what we studied.
• <01:09:42.040> in taught Middle School social studies in taught Middle School social studies
• Students who study here stay here, work here, and pay taxes here.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• study recommendation. study recommendation.
• motion will be interr study refer to intram<03:21:33.040> study.
• alternative motion of interim study. alternative motion of interim study.
• in study, >> right?
• study and it's 5 to 5. study and it's 5 to 5. Anything<03:23:19.040> further?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division 3 work session opened on February 13, 2026, with the chair outlining the committee’s advisory role and the possible motions available under House Rule 45. The committee then took up House Bill 1569, concerning the Philbrook Center/state hospital campus property, and heard extensive testimony from Commissioner Charlie Arlinghouse. He explained that the property is currently one parcel and state law prevents subdivision unless a separate Senate bill, identified as SB 572, is enacted to fix the legal issue. He said HB 2 directed the sale of the property but did not address subdivision or marketing details, and he characterized the $5 million revenue estimate as speculative. He also said the state would first offer the property to the city or county, which he viewed as the most practical buyer and potential partner for any subdivision work. Members asked whether the building should be retained for transitional housing or sold, what would happen after July 1, 2026, and whether other vacant state buildings could absorb the current occupants. Arlinghouse said there are no firm plans for the building if it is not sold, and that HHS would remain until a sale occurs. He described the building as not especially historic or attractive and noted plumbing issues, while also acknowledging HHS’s view that it could serve as transitional housing. He said there is no reserve stock of office space, that the state already rents substantial office space in Concord, and that some nearby state buildings are either under renovation or only partially usable. He also said the Executive Council would have to approve any sale and that moving costs are usually not budgeted in advance, leaving the using agency to absorb them. Several members raised concerns about relying on asset sales to balance the budget, citing past examples where projected real estate revenue did not materialize on schedule. Arlinghouse agreed that one-time revenue should generally be used for one-time expenses, but said the state sometimes has legitimate reasons to sell assets and that such decisions depend on the state’s needs. He estimated the state rents roughly 100,000 square feet of office space in Concord at about $25 per square foot, and said he would provide a more exact figure later. In response to a question about whether the state should include a right of first refusal if the property is later resold, he said that idea had not been considered but could make sense, especially if the buyer is the city or county. No votes were taken during this portion of the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:25.440> ecology schools and water study ecology schools and water study ecology Institute
• We did an interim study on this.
• We did an interim study on this.
• <02:37:55.200> laws creating a committee to study laws creating a committee to study laws
• uh um testified at the um that study uh um testified at the um that study committee<04:05:09.319

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Daphne Ippolito, who is from Carnegie Mellon and is studying neural language models.
• Thank you for your studies and your work back home.
• We are joined this morning by Asante Johnson, who is studying at Morehouse, studying computer science
• Joe's studying history and political science.
• , who's a student at George Washington, studying political science.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, recognized several guests in the gallery, and then took up a series of committee reports, referrals, and floor actions. Early business included concurrence in committee reports on bills and resolutions from Game and Fisheries, Professional Licensure, Health, and Children and Youth, along with referral of Senate Bill 1377 to Transportation. The chamber also signed House Bill 1344 after the Senate returned it without amendment. Later, members announced caucus and committee meetings, including Rules, Intergovernmental Affairs and Operations, Insurance, and Appropriations, before recessing and then reconvening for floor votes. The House adopted several resolutions, including House Resolution 537 designating Rail Safety Week, House Resolution 449 recognizing the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, and House Resolution 568 designating Javei Syndrome Awareness Day. The chamber also considered House Bill 2037 on cryptocurrency corruption, where Amendment A03882 narrowing the bill to public officials and immediate family members was adopted, while two later amendments were tabled or failed. House Bill 2198, repealing the sales and use tax exemption for computer data center equipment, was amended to take effect immediately and to bar KOZ use for data centers, then agreed to. House Bill 2559, concerning a university conveyance and other conveyances, was agreed to after out-of-order amendments were ruled on. A major portion of the session focused on data center policy. House Bill 2496, creating a 180-day pause on data center proposals to give municipalities time to update zoning and planning, drew extensive support from members emphasizing local control, environmental concerns, and the need for time to assess impacts; it passed final passage 201-1. House Bill 2650, creating the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development certification for data centers, also generated lengthy debate over energy use, water, community benefits, and tax treatment; it passed 134-68. The House also passed House Bill 2162 on temporary licensing for drug manufacturers before FDA approval, House Bill 2388 on rounding cash payments when pennies are unavailable, House Bill 2437 on county and municipal bridge repair funds, House Bill 2555 on equine dealer recordkeeping, and House Bill 2621 directing a Department of Health survey on maternal and infant outcomes. Other actions included final passage of House Bill 1006 on milk tester and wearer sampler certification periods, House Bill 2014 on opportunities for minors and emergency service organizations, House Bill 2512 prohibiting ride-share pricing based on device condition, House Bill 2644 authorizing itemized capital bridge projects, and Senate Bill 1058 updating the E85 flex-fuel reference. The House also adopted House Bill 2162, House Bill 2388, House Bill 2437, and House Bill 2555 by recorded votes, and several committee reports were agreed to throughout the day. The session ended with additional committee referrals, a motion to recommit several bills to Appropriations, and adjournment until the next morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I thought I would highlight five studies, the fifth one being some new data from MADS, and then
• And so I thought I would highlight five studies, the fifth one being some new data from meds, and then
• The fifth study I wanted to highlight and bring forth is a study that also we did in Rhode Island, but
• And then just the study you mentioned where you said nothing, or I think you said nothing’s happening
• And to your point about that study, there was a lot of folks were doing it unknowingly.

Keywords: 995, all

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:

• But somewhere along the way, um, the Senate decided that it might be better to, um, study this further
• Section five would have set up a study committee to continue the conversations that have been taking
• The Senate has, in its proposal, struck this language so that there would be no study group.
• The House felt that the study group served a useful purpose, and that's why we had included it in our
• The Senate has, in its proposal, struck this language so that there would be no study group.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House took up several Senate amendments and concurred in them after brief explanations from committee members. On House Bill 841, relating to miscellaneous animal welfare procedures, the House suspended rules, heard that the Senate had removed or revised several provisions — including a certified rabies vaccinator program, a fixed limit on breeding dogs, rescue-organization data reporting, and some advertising language — and then concurred 9-0-2 in committee and by voice vote. On House Bill 938, establishing the Vermont homelessness response continuum, members reviewed Senate changes clarifying funding eligibility, municipal grant applications, emergency assistance timing, fair-hearing procedures, rulemaking timelines, a unified housing voucher framework, and a shift of $500,000 from emergency hotel/motel spending to a Burlington day shelter; the House concurred after a question about the fiscal note was answered by noting the amount matched the governor’s budget and existing appropriations. The House also concurred in the Senate amendment to House Bill 941, which would have created a study committee on municipal regulation of agriculture, but the Senate struck that study-group language; the House committee supported concurrence 7-0-1, saying the underlying bill should move forward even without the study group. The House then considered House Bill 957, approving amendments to the Williston charter. The committee explained that the town had voted to eliminate the office of listers and replace it with contracted professionally qualified assessors, with transitional language ending lister terms after passage or upon hiring an assessor; the committee recommended passage 9-0-2, the House ordered third reading, suspended rules to place the bill in all remaining stages, passed it, and voted to message it to the Senate forthwith. At the end of the session, the House noted two additional committee reports: Senate Bill 64 on optometrists was referred to Ways and Means, and Senate Bill 313 on career technical education was referred to Appropriations. The House then adjourned until May 22, 2026, at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> I'll move it for interim study. Second. We have a motion of interim study.
• Motion is for an interim study. Motion is for an interim study.
• All those in favor of interim study, say I. All those opposed, say nay. The eyes have it.
• Motion is for an interim study. All Motion is for an interim study.
• those in favor of interim study, say I. those in favor of interim study, say I. I. I. I.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The department will provide cost estimates and implementation in the study.
• The conferees and people on the commission have been studying this and working on this bill, along with
• And it turns out the answer was just, we're going to spend some more money, and we're going to study
• You pass a bunch of studies. Study this one. Operation Ceasefire works.
• We didn't have to study it at all. We went into dangerous, violent communities.

Keywords: March 14, 2026 - Regular Session Part 2, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> the<00:10:45.440> feasibility<00:10:46.480> of<00:10:47.200> mandating study
• on the feasibility of mandating study on the feasibility of mandating school<00:10:47.920> districts
• Page seven, lines 17, or yeah, 17 through 28, that's the $150,000 for the study on the feasibility of
• One of the policy positions from the select committee was to continue and study that this next interim
• One of the policy positions from the select committee was to continue and study that this next interim

Bills: HB0150

Keywords: Wyoming business council, economic development, task force, evaluation, policy reform, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A Florida study found bicyclists highly complied with traffic rules, 88% compliance, while drivers mostly
• Currently, you have to have a traffic study that can cost as much as $3500 per intersection.
• If we pass this bill, we remove the bureaucratic red tape and studies that that require them that are
• I think a traffic study to state your name and who you represent. Henry. I'm representing myself.
• But traffic studies are an essential part of, uh, uh, identifying issues and problems with roads and,

Bills: HB 535, HB 2120, HB 2822, HB 3243, HB 3457, HB 3544, HB 4089, HB 4192, HB 4669, HB 4868, HB 4955, HB 5253, HB 5669, SB 1371, SB 1919, SB 2001

Keywords: motor vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, traffic safety, municipality, criminal offense, pedestrian safety, traffic regulations, municipal law, bicycle regulations, motor vehicle passing, traffic law, municipalities, bicycle operation, traffic laws, municipal regulations, port commission, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, San Patricio County

Transcript Highlights:

• With the Senate amendment, we do have an OPAGA study; we want to take an extra look to... ...really see
• This new provision that came back from the House, along with that OPAGA study, is going to go a long
• The amendment also keeps the House language regarding the feasibility study for the landfill in Broward
• Cell phone use in school and a pilot from 9 to 12 to study the effects of instructional time.
• We will direct the Department of Education and six school districts to study what I said.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• taxpayers and my Oklahoma taxpayers paid for those and that has become an issue for me There was a study
• with Oklahoma tax dollars to study the effect of climate change on European butterflies Again, I don't
• We did a study on the effects of COVID-19 on the Russians.
• Even on things that seem innocent, like food aid, there's been a long literature of academic studies
• We see a lot of money being paid to researchers, quote, study disinformation.

Keywords: fiscal responsibility, government waste, foreign aid, funding resolution, legislative oversight

Summary: The committee meeting addressed government spending and foreign aid, with a particular emphasis on perceived wasteful expenditures. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing a funding resolution for the committee, which received unanimous support from the members present. The chair noted a quorum at the beginning of the meeting, signaling that the committee was ready to conduct its business. Discussions highlighted ongoing debates concerning fiscal responsibility and the necessity of legislative oversight, notably regarding foreign aid allocations and their implications for domestic fiscal health.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that study was done and accepted by the governing board of the MPO back in 1996.
• And the study suggested that that assessment start at 50 cents per capita, and that it be capped at a
• do they have any reservations or concerns that would prevent them from fully participating in this study
• What I would ask of this committee is patience—bear with us as we complete this study.
• I have a suspicion that other MPOs will be directed to do this kind of study in the future, and if you

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation met to hear presentations from the Florida Department of Transportation on rural arterial roadways and transportation resiliency, followed by a panel discussion on metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). FDOT’s Will Watts described the state’s growing population and travel demand, emphasizing that rural arterials are critical for connectivity, freight movement, evacuation routes, and congestion relief. He outlined FDOT’s project selection factors, noted thousands of identified rural arterial needs with billions in unfunded demand, and explained that the department uses community input and long-range planning to prioritize safety, capacity, and economic development. Watts then discussed resiliency planning for hurricanes and flooding, focusing on structural design, storm readiness, and drainage. He highlighted efforts such as elevated bridges, wave attenuators, coastal armoring, drainage upgrades, and materials testing at FDOT’s research facilities to extend service life and reduce storm damage. Committee members asked about local project selection, materials research, LiDAR use, and legislative support; Watts said local coordination drives project priorities and asked lawmakers to protect the Transportation Trust Fund. The MPO panel, led by FDOT’s Kim Holland, explained that MPOs are federally required in urban areas over 50,000 population and that Florida has 27, the most in the nation. Holland said MPOs identify and prioritize transportation needs through long-range plans and public engagement, and she noted that several regions are exploring consolidation after the 2020 Census, especially in Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida. Representatives from MetroPlan Orlando, Forward Pinellas, Pasco MPO, and Hillsborough discussed their structures and the potential benefits and challenges of merging, including representation, governance, funding, and maintaining local voice. Members generally supported regional collaboration, urged patience as studies continue, and emphasized the need for transparent public engagement, while the committee adjourned after no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some people may ask, doesn't the Boston Fed's new wealth study address this?
• That study was announced in 2022.
• The Boston Fed study is valuable research.
• Right now, it creates... ...right now, not in some distant future after years of study.
• There is a study that was put into place to begin with DCAM to set plans.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to open meeting law, municipal meetings, town meetings, and remote participation. Senator Rausch supported S. 2205 and S. 2206, and House companion H. 3382, saying they would make remote participation in public bodies permanent and streamline open meeting law and public records complaint processes to reduce burdens on local officials. Committee members and the senator discussed concerns about complaints being weaponized, the role of the Attorney General, and whether public testimony should be presumed allowed unless a chair limits it with justification. The senator said the bills do not change public records fees and are meant to improve process and transparency. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 3342 and S. 2197, which would modernize municipal meetings, town meetings, and local elections by allowing permanent remote or hybrid participation. Supporters included Wayland officials, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, MAPC, MACC, and others, who argued that hybrid and remote options increase participation, help parents, caregivers, people with disabilities, and residents with travel or work constraints, and have worked well during the pandemic-era extensions. Municipal officials emphasized that a mandate would be costly and difficult for smaller communities because of staffing, technology, room design, cybersecurity, and uneven internet access, especially in western Massachusetts. Committee members asked about equal access, funding, and whether local discretion should remain; the chair said the committee wants a permanent solution beyond emergency rules but must balance access with local capacity. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3328, which would allow remote participation to count toward quorum for statewide appointed bodies such as commissions on women and LGBTQ issues. Supporters argued this would improve regional equity and make it easier for people outside Greater Boston to serve, while committee members noted it is a separate issue from municipal meetings and may be easier to address than broader local-government changes. Another bill, H. 4351, was supported by Rep. Brandy Fluker Reed, who described it as creating an Office of Freedmen Affairs to address longstanding racial wealth disparities affecting descendants of enslaved Americans. The hearing also included testimony on H. 3299 from Common Cause and MASSPIRG in favor of guaranteed hybrid access for public meetings with public participation components, with advocates saying it would improve transparency, accessibility, and civic engagement.