Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I move that, in compliance with Article 4, Part 2, Section 9 of the Constitution of Arizona,
• Speaker, I move that in compliance with Article 4, Part 2, Section 9 of the Constitution of Arizona,
• Senate Bill 1445, amending Sections 43-3441, 41-241, and 25-501, relating to water quality.
• Senate Bill 1478, amending Sections 4-101, 4-201, and 4-203, Arizona Revised Statutes, repealing Section
• Amending Title 9, Chapter 4, Article 8, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section 9-500.54 and Section

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1602, amending Section 8-514.03, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to kinship foster care
• 12, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section 28-2470.40, and amending Sections 28-6501, 28-691, and
• Senate Bill 1776, an act amending Sections 36-2907 and 36-2939, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to
• Section 13-3408, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to drug offenses. Very good. Senator Werner.
• Senate Bill 1740, an act amending Section 41-1728.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to turquoise

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This removes the section that designates the amount of the presidential candidate filing fee.
• This removes the section that designates the amount of the presidential candidate filing fee.
• Section number one deals with the binding process overall.
• This is very important, this section. So we've got the initial section that binds them.
• inconsistent with this section shall have no force.

Summary: The Elections Committee met in executive session first and adopted a House Committee substitute for House Bill 2387, which combined HB 2387 and HB 2480. The substitute removed provisions on extending no-excuse in-person absentee voting and shortening the absentee voting window, shifted the presidential candidate filing fee to be set by state party committees, and added language to bind presidential delegates to primary results while allowing national party rules to control where required. Members discussed the legal basis for delegate binding, party input on the substitute, and the role of closed primaries, then the committee voted 10-2-1 to do pass HB 2387 as substituted. The committee also passed House Bill 1987 and House Concurrent Resolution 23 without opposition, and passed House Bill 1802 after members discussed election transparency and concerns about applying the measure uniformly across counties; the vote was 11-2. In public hearing, the committee heard House Bill 2605, which would update election notice requirements, especially for bond elections. Sponsor Rep. McGaugh and the State Auditor’s office said the bill would address technical publication errors that had jeopardized voter-approved bond issues by allowing notice defects to be cured if no election contest is filed within 30 days, while also allowing one newspaper publication and one direct mailing notice. Testimony from county clerks, school administrators, a fire district, the Missouri Press Association, and others generally supported the bill as a practical fix, though one witness urged broader website posting of notices. The hearing also covered House Bill 2301, a campaign finance cleanup bill that would clarify definitions and reporting rules in Chapter 130, especially for continuing committees and indirect political spending; the sponsor said it was intended to fix ambiguity from prior law, and the only testimony in favor called for additional restrictions on recurring donations and more transparency. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1787, which would require schools used as polling places to treat election days as school holidays beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The sponsor said the bill was intended to improve child safety and could also help with staffing and voter participation, while members raised concerns about school calendars already being set and whether the mandate should instead be optional or delayed to a later school year. A witness in favor supported the safety goal but asked for local control and a later effective date. No opposition testimony was presented, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So in the bill, that's section one, which raises the weight distance tax; section two raises current
• January 1, 2027, for bonds issued pursuant to section E of this section, the department shall provide
• Section E of this section that could replace a proposed project in the event of an unforeseen.
• Number two is to re-letter the sections of court order. Mr.
• So, in Section 5 of the bill, first of all, if you go to Section 5 of the bill, which is on page 14,

Bills: SB2

Keywords: SB 2, State Highway Project Bonds, highway funding, transportation bonds, state road fund, motor vehicle fees, vehicle registration fees, electric vehicle fee, EV surcharge, plug-in hybrid fee, weight distance tax, road construction, infrastructure financing, Department of Transportation, State Transportation Commission, bonding authority, county road funds, municipal road funds, transportation improvement program, state highways

Transcript Highlights:

• Then you have sections in the bill that address where that new revenue goes.
• Beginning on January 1, 2027, for bonds issued pursuant of Section E of this section, the Department
• Number two is re Letter the sections of 40A. Mr.
• So, in section 5 of the bill, first of all, if you go to section 5 of the bill, which is on page 14 it
• Chair and Senator Lanier, Section 3 of the bill would create a new, for the first time.

Bills: SB2

Keywords: SB 2, State Highway Project Bonds, highway funding, transportation bonds, state road fund, motor vehicle fees, vehicle registration fees, electric vehicle fee, EV surcharge, plug-in hybrid fee, weight distance tax, road construction, infrastructure financing, Department of Transportation, State Transportation Commission, bonding authority, county road funds, municipal road funds, transportation improvement program, state highways

Transcript Highlights:

• If there are no objections, amendments to Section 1 will be considered read.
• That the amendment to Section 1 be adopted. Mr.
• Ayes have it, and the amendment to Section 1 has been adopted.
• If there are no objections, the amendment to Section 2 will be considered read.
• Amendment to Section 2 has been adopted.

Summary: The Senate convened with 33 members present and a quorum established. After prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the corrected journal, the body received committee reports on several gubernatorial appointments and printed bills. Those appointments included Brian Skigliano and another Human Rights Commission appointee, Gregory Donica, Nora Carpenter, and Salvador Cruz for the Health Insurance Exchange Board and Department of Finance, and Clayton Steele for the Board of Environmental Quality; all were referred to the 10th order and held for one legislative day. The Senate also received first reading of Senate Bills 1235, 1236, and 1237, which were referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee, and second reading of Senate Bill 1222, which was sent to third reading. The Senate then resolved into the Committee of the Whole to consider Senate Bill 1225, which had one amendment. Members adopted amendments narrowing the bill’s 10-business-day public disclosure requirement for a sole finalist name so it applies only to presidential searches at colleges and universities, while removing broader application to other searches and making a clerical title correction. The committee then reported Senate Bill 1225 back to the Senate as amended without recommendation, and the report was adopted; the bill and amendments were referred to Judiciary and Rules for engrossing and printing. During miscellaneous business, senators announced a nuclear energy caucus luncheon, a Friday ceremony for the Liberty Bell’s removal for restoration, and caucus meetings for both minority and majority members after adjournment. The Senate then adjourned until 10:30 a.m. the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2749, an act amending Title 13, Chapter 6, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding Section 13-
• House Bill 296, an act amending Sections 11-671, 49-202, 49-203, and 49-1243, Arizona Revised Statutes
• House Bill 282: an act amending Section 36-121, Arizona Revised Statutes, amending Title 36, Chapter
• An act amending Section 38-1106, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to law enforcement officers.
• House Bill 2663: An act amending Sections 26-8 and 38-610, relating to military affairs.

Summary: The Senate convened, took attendance, approved the journal, and received gubernatorial communications and nominations. Several nominations were referred to committee, and messages from the House were entered, including transmission of Senate Bills 1058, 1237, and 1294 to the Governor. The chamber recessed for caucus, then reconvened and moved into Committee of the Whole to consider bills on the calendar. In Committee of the Whole, members considered HB 2082, HB 282, HB 2749, and HB 296 (the transcript also contains some misstatements of bill numbers/titles). Amendments were adopted on HB 282, HB 2749, and HB 296, including a Rogers floor amendment to HB 2749 establishing a sunset and a Shope floor amendment to HB 296 making technical and coordination changes related to water infrastructure and the Clean Water Act. The Committee of the Whole reported all of those measures do pass as amended, and the Senate later adopted the report. The Senate then took up additional business, including confirmation votes on gubernatorial nominees. John A. Conley, Ruby Dylan Williams, Thomas J. Connolly, Charles Essex, and Dr. Lynette Levesay were all confirmed. The chamber then passed several House bills on third reading, including HB 2308, HB 4011, HB 2049 as an emergency measure, HB 2253, and HB 2663, with recorded votes largely showing 24 ayes and 0 nays. Committee announcements were made for upcoming Natural Resources and Education meetings. Near adjournment, Senator Epstein gave a personal privilege statement criticizing ICE conduct in a Minnesota case and calling for accountability, and Senator Gonzales thanked her and offered birthday wishes to a family member. The Senate then adopted a motion to notify the Governor of the day’s confirmations and adjourned until Tuesday, May 26, 2026, subject to earlier recall by the President if needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• each other, but there are differences, and so this effort is to put all of those provisions in one section
• So beginning in section one, sections one and two deal with CHIPS cases where there's a request for a
• where we're taking the language out of existing statute and we're recodifying it in a subsequent section
• It also the the new section in the bill.
• Section four is a new provision that addresses compliance hearings.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill amends certain sections to create a level 6, third-degree felony offense for a person 18 years
• First, it amends Section 893 to add 7-OH concentrated at a level above 400 parts per million on a dry
• And fourth and finally, the bill amends Section 893.135 to create a first-degree felony for trafficking
• It also proposes changes to several sections of Chapter 943 to clarify the duties and responsibilities
• It also proposes changes to several sections of Chapter 943 to clarify the duties and responsibilities

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice heard and approved several bills. SB 504 and its related public records bill SB 506, both by Sen. Burgess, would allow local governments to authorize code enforcement officers to use body cameras under standardized policies and create a public records exemption for certain recordings; members raised questions about disclosure and when cameras may be used, and both bills were reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 32 and SB 210 by Sen. Sharif, creating a new injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person and extending public records protections to petitions under that injunction category. Supporters included law enforcement, women’s advocacy groups, and justice organizations. The committee then favorably reported SB 676 by Sen. Arrington, which creates a graduated penalty structure for adults who involve minors in certain animal cruelty offenses and increases penalties related to fighting or baiting animals. SB 432 by Sen. Yarbrough was also approved; it adds certain concentrated 7-OH to Schedule I, exempts FDA-approved veterinary xylazine products, creates penalties for candy-like xylazine products, and establishes trafficking penalties for xylazine. Sen. Osgood spoke in support of the bill, emphasizing the dangers of adulterated street drugs for people with substance use disorder. Finally, the committee approved SB 524 by Sen. Simon, which makes a series of technical and administrative changes affecting the Medical Examiners Commission, district medical examiner appointments, the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, and notice procedures for administrative complaints. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement appeared in support. All measures were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> title requirements in article 3 section title requirements in article 3 section 14<02:07:47.400>
• So I recommend that we remove section one from the bill and remove the change made to section 11-371,
• So I recommend that we remove section one from the bill and remove the change made to section 11-371,
• So I recommend that we remove section one from the bill and remove the change made to section 11-371,
• section 11-371, subsection a, paragraph 1, found in section three, page four, lines 5 to 6, so we would

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 1324, which would require the Judiciary to contract for legal services for residential tenants in landlord-tenant disputes and allow attorneys, paralegals, and law students to provide those services, with an appropriation. The Department of the Attorney General recommended removing reference to Hawaii Public Housing Authority tenants because HPHA eviction proceedings are administrative and could conflict with the bill. Hawaii Appleseed and other testifiers strongly supported the measure, citing studies showing much higher tenant retention when counsel is available, and suggested adding notice of the right to counsel at key points such as rent increases, eviction notices, and lease signing. The committee adopted amendments, including the Attorney General’s suggested change and a technical amendment, and passed the bill out with a recommendation to move it forward; members voted aye, with one member voting with reservations and several excused. The committee then heard House Bill 126 on property forfeiture, which would increase transparency and accountability in civil asset forfeiture by clarifying covered property, changing disposition rules, and removing language requiring liberal construction of the forfeiture act. The Attorney General said forfeiture remains an important law enforcement tool and that the bill would not impair its use. The Office of the Public Defender supported the measure but argued civil forfeiture is broadly problematic because many people cannot meaningfully challenge it and are not entitled to counsel. Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill, saying forfeiture is useful in fighting illegal activity and that added procedures would delay enforcement and reduce operational funding from forfeiture proceeds. Community Alliance on Prisons, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and other supporters urged reform or abolition of civil forfeiture, citing transparency concerns and the risk of abuse. No vote on HB 126 was taken in the portion provided. The final measure discussed was House Bill 166, which would require the state to defend professionally licensed or certified state employees in certain civil actions, allow employees to hire their own counsel at their own expense, and set a process for the Attorney General to transfer or withdraw representation if the state declines to defend. Testimony from the Hawaii Association for Justice and labor representatives was in strong support, describing the bill as a negotiated clarification that balances employee protections with accountability and noting it had passed previously but died in conference. The transcript cuts off before any committee action on HB 166.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 2 and section 4, and I'm available for any questions should you have any. Thank you.
• <02:01:49.280><c> 92-</c><02:01:50.239><c> 3.1b</c> section 92- 3.1b section 92- 3.1b to<02:01:52.199
• 'Vulnerable adult' is defined for purposes of section 4; however, the term is also used in section 2
• 'Vulnerable adult' is defined for purposes of section 4; however, the term is also used in section 2
• 'Vulnerable adult' is defined for purposes of section 4; however, the term is also used in section 2

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 302, which would repeal the requirement that a provider-patient relationship for medical cannabis certification be established in person first. The Department of Health said it supported the House Draft 2 version as a way to expand patient access, and several testifiers from the medical cannabis community and dispensary industry supported the bill, especially for patients on outer islands or those unable to travel. One witness asked that earlier language removed in committee be restored to further improve access. Representative Shimizu asked whether follow-up in-person visits would still occur, and DOH responded that this varies by provider, with some continuing in-person care and others moving to telehealth for chronic conditions. The committee then took up House Bill 712, relating to the federal 340B drug pricing program and contract pharmacies. The Office of Consumer Protection and the Attorney General’s office both said they supported the bill’s purpose but wanted it clarified and possibly moved into a standalone chapter rather than chapter 481B. Supporters, including Hawaii Pacific Health and the Queen’s Health Systems, said the bill is needed to protect safety-net funding and access to discounted drugs, citing large financial benefits from 340B and losses caused by manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies. PhRMA opposed the bill, arguing the issue is not access to discounts but accountability and transparency in how contract pharmacies distribute benefits, and said it was willing to discuss amendments. Members asked follow-up questions about whether there was data showing misuse; PhRMA said it did not have numbers, while hospital witnesses said the program is federally audited and used appropriately in Hawaii. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1482, HD1, which would tighten hemp and controlled-substance definitions to exclude Schedule I cannabinoids from manufactured hemp products and clarify the treatment of artificially derived cannabis. The Department of Health supported the measure, saying it adds clarity to existing prohibitions. Kūre Hawaii and other supporters said it would close loopholes involving Delta-8 and similar products. An individual testifier urged stronger language to also cover compounds such as HHC, THCA, THCP, and THCO. In response to questions about enforcement against mislabeled hemp products, DOH explained that THC percentages are relative to product weight, that some products can remain under the hemp threshold while still containing significant THC, and that hemp flower is already prohibited from direct retail sale, though enforcement can be complicated and involves both administrative and criminal authorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• The section 7 is just an effective date section on that, and it's immediately upon the bill becoming
• The section 7 is just an effective date section on that, and it's immediately upon the bill becoming
• The section 7 is just an effective date section on that, and it's immediately upon the bill becoming
• Chairman, not being really clear on section one, page one, section one, line 8 through 12.
• one, page one, section one, on section one, page one, section one, line<00:48:33.040><c> 8</c><00:48

Bills: SF0050, SF0068, SF0084, HB0087, HB0029, HB0061, HB0090

Keywords: groundwater, water resource management, state engineer, aquifer study, corrective controls, monitoring wells, public reporting, irrigation, water management, funding, maintenance projects, tax assessments, state law, water conservation, Colorado River, drought, water rights, voluntary program, interstate agreements, water development

Transcript Highlights:

• Under Rule 4, Section 32C1 of the Rules. Mr.
• Section of SB12 under Rule 4, Section 18B in Rule 4, Section 32B-10 on the grounds that the May 13, 2025
• I raise a point of order against further consideration of Section of SB12 under Rule 4, Section 32C2,
• So one section is early childhood literacy...
• ...under section two.

Bills: SB37, SJR84, SJR87, SJR27, SB8, SB10, SB227, SB261, SB15, SB12, SB25, SB57, SB127, SB293, SB441, SB3059, SB512, SB241, SB1718, SB140, SB2055, SB2075, SB2018, SB1534, SB1567, SB785, SB1233, SB1580, SB1663, SB413, SB447, SB519, SB467, SB1579, SB1191, SB1021, SB1838, SB2807, SB2835, SB546, SB2121, SB2167, SB2035, SB2024, SB1032, SB1049, SB1266, SB1400, SB1302, SB401, SB1596, SB1281, SB1242, SB1343, SB310, SB1346, SB2753, SB2703, SB2221, SB1719, SB2177, SB800, SB790, SB748, SB571, SB1957, SB1923, SB1896, SB1760, SB1335, SB2368, SB2477, SB2587, SB2972, SB2986, SB2965, SB1563, SB1467, SB1164, SB1137, SB614, SB705, SB961, SB918, SB955, SB869, SB850, SB863, SB1610, SB1055, SB2206, SB457, SB2337, SB1362, SCR9, SB2405, SB2406, SB2407, SB2166, SB2148, SB535, SB777, SB827, SB1141, SB1330, SB1352, SB1664, SB1862, SB1936, SB1453, SB1448, SB1398, SB2137, SB2111, SB53, SB226, SB1677, SB1723, SB1839, SB36, SB38, SB815, SB1856, SB552, SB646, SB37, SJR84, SJR87, SJR27, SB8, SB10, SB227, SB261, SB15, SB12, SB25, SB57, SB127, SB293, SB441, SB3059, SB512, SB241, SB1718, SB140, SB2055, SB2075, SB2018, SB1534, SB1567, SB785, SB1233, SB1580, SB1663, SB413, SB447, SB519, SB467, SB1579, SB1191, SB1021, SB1838, SB2807, SB2835, SB546, SB2121, SB2167, SB2035, SB2024, SB1032, SB1049, SB1266, SB1400, SB1302, SB401, SB1596, SB1281, SB1242, SB1343, SB310, SB1346, SB2753, SB2703, SB2221, SB1719, SB2177, SB800, SB790, SB748, SB571, SB1957, SB1923, SB1896, SB1760, SB1335, SB2368, SB2477, SB2587, SB2972, SB2986, SB2965, SB1563, SB1467, SB1164, SB1137, SB614, SB705, SB961, SB918, SB955, SB869, SB850, SB863, SB1610, SB1055, SB2206, SB457, SB2337, SB1362, SCR9, HB5560, HB762, HB 107, HB 114, HB300, HB138, HB4386, HB2495, HB581, HB3348, HB5323

Keywords: higher education, curriculum review, governing board, faculty council, ombudsman, tax exemption, property tax, homestead, fire damage, constitutional amendment, bail reform, criminal justice, felony offenses, public safety, judicial conduct, state commission, judicial misconduct, commission membership, immigration enforcement, ICE agreements

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 230 is basically a one.
• That's section 29.
• And that's in section 38. sections 23 and 24. Those are the sections 23 and 24.
• </c> sections 26, 30, and 33 through 37. sections 26, 30, and 33 through 37.
• That's section 29. bodily harm. That's section 29.

Bills: HF2354, HF3407, HF4359, HF4192, HF3356, HF3695, HF1597, HF3155, HF3871, HF4437, HF4446, HF3990

Keywords: medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, ghost guns, unserialized firearms, 3D-printed guns, 3D printer firearms, CNC milling, home-built firearms, firearm serialization, serial numbers, unfinished frame, unfinished receiver, ghost gun ban, gun control, firearm design files, CAD files, digital gun blueprints

Transcript Highlights:

• three and $400,000 to fund four positions in section four.
• 14:42.079><c> 4</c> fund uh four positions in section 4 fund uh four positions in section 4 members<00
• However, if the committee has questions about the EV section of the bill, he urged them to delete section
• > to</c><00:53:00.280><c> please</c> just delete section three but to please just delete section three
• </c> that so as a Tech amendment in section that so as a Tech amendment in section 29158<01:25:57.040

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation heard several bills on March 11, including measures on harbor vessel requirements, transportation funding, clean fuels, water carriers, parking enforcement, and electric mobility. For SB 1402 SD1 on vessels in state commercial harbors, testimony was split: the General Contractors Association of Hawaii and the Longline Association supported it, while Hol Holo Charters and one individual opposed it, saying the bill should be more specific about tourboat operators. For SB 1473 on central services assessments, SB 321 on privately owned roads, and SB 419 on insurance coverage for child passenger restraint systems, the committee heard brief testimony with no noted objections or actions beyond moving through the agenda. For SB 1009 SD2 on parking, the bill would create fines for misuse of disability and EV parking spaces and direct the revenue to the Safe Routes to School special fund. Support came from Ulupono Initiative, Climate Protectors Hawaii, the Disability Communication Access Board, and others, while the Retail Merchants of Hawaii supported the bill’s intent but questioned using the fines for Safe Routes to School, and Hawaiian Electric suggested directing EV-related fines to the EV charging system subaccount instead. Hawaii Appleseed supported the measure but raised concerns about the size of the fines and possible impacts on low-income residents. The committee asked questions about enforcement when EV chargers are inoperable; DAGS indicated the stalls could be used and would not be enforced in that situation. For SB 1120 on a clean fuel standard, the Department of Transportation supported the measure but asked for the implementation date to be delayed by one year and requested an independent Hawaii-specific economic impact study due before the next session. Support also came from several transportation, airline, and industry groups, while Tim Rhymer and Frank Schultz opposed it. The committee then heard SB 21 on water carriers, which would authorize a PUC inflationary cost index adjustment mechanism and exemptions; DOT, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Young Brothers, and the Hawaii Harbors Users Group supported it, while Frank Schultz opposed. Finally, the committee heard SB 117 on electric mobility, which would expand and rename the rebate program, set age limits and operating rules for e-bikes and electric motorcycles, require insurance for electric motorcycle operators, and make conforming changes. Testimony was largely supportive, including from DOT, the Hawaii Bicycling League, the Queen’s pediatric trauma center, and Ulupono Initiative, though one testifier warned that the bill’s wattage definition could unintentionally capture some pedal-assist e-bikes. No votes were taken on the individual bills in the portions shown, and the transcript ended with the committee continuing its hearing agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section two would create the rebuttable presumption and place that in KRS.
• Section two would create the rebuttable presumption and place that in KRS.
• Section two would create the rebuttable presumption and place that in KRS.
• Section six will name this legislation the Baby Maya Law.
• </c> it um on page five section it um on page five section two<00:15:51.000><c> basically</c><00:15:51.399

Keywords: 00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 00:01:20 Discussion of 25RS HB 479 00:03:22 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 479 00:04:51 Discussion of 25RS HB 574 00:21:49 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 475 00:23:41 Discussion of 25RS HB 291 01:04:38 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 291 01:05:42 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Families and Children met and first took up House Bill 479, which would require one hour of dementia training for DCBS workers. Representative Derrick Lewis and the Alzheimer’s Association said the bill was a straightforward, bipartisan effort to address dementia awareness and improve worker training, with no fiscal impact. Members spoke in support, including remarks about personal family experiences with dementia and the importance of recognizing symptoms early. The committee voted 11-0 to pass the bill with favorable expression. The committee then heard House Bill 574, the “Baby Maya” child protection bill, sponsored by Representatives Dossett and Lewis. The bill would require reporting when a child is born to a parent who previously had children removed for neglect or abuse, create a rebuttable presumption allowing the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to make an initial safety determination, authorize emergency custody procedures, and name the measure the Baby Maya Law. Sponsors said it was intended to add guardrails after the Baby Maya case and stressed that it would not automatically remove children or add new mandatory-reporter penalties. Members asked about hospital involvement, HIPAA, and information-sharing; the Cabinet commissioner said the agency would be open to better data-sharing with hospitals, but currently has no such system. The bill passed 12-1 with favorable expression. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 291, the Family Preservation and Accountability Act, with a committee substitute. The bill would expand sentencing alternatives for primary caregivers convicted of nonviolent offenses, allowing judges to consider family status and use options such as counseling, parenting classes, and related services. Supporters argued it would keep families together, reduce harm from parental incarceration, and save money; one witness cited a report estimating $4 million in direct incarceration savings and broader economic benefits. Another witness, Amanda Hall, gave emotional testimony about the long-term harm of parental incarceration and said access to help would have been better for her family than prison. The committee adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill 12-1 with favorable expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're listed as page two, starting in section line 16.
• I'm sorry, I'm on page three section. What section did you say?
• So in that section in your bill... Good afternoon.
• So in that section in your bill...
• Why did you choose the language that you have in Section... Are we on page three?

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's much support in this bill, so I'm not going to go section by section.
• There's much support in this bill, so I'm not going to go section by section.
• Here to support Section 75.
• Section 36 site plan review, codification, and new sections for housing. So there are two minutes.
• So I think in one of the sections, and I'm sorry, I'm trying to get it, I think Section 39—no, that's

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on Governor Healey’s economic development proposal, H. 5386, also referred to as the Mass Winds Act, focused on global investment, talent, innovation, housing, and business competitiveness. Governor Healey, Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley, and Secretary of Administration and Finance Matt Gorzkowicz described the bill as a response to federal uncertainty and global competition, building on the 2024 Mass Leads Act. They highlighted proposed investments in a Global Mass initiative, including a $50 million innovation access fund and $20 million for sites to help international companies locate or expand in Massachusetts, along with support for AI, quantum, robotics, defense innovation, climate tech, downtown revitalization, and creative/cultural economy projects. They also emphasized measures to lower business costs, including reducing the LLC filing fee, expanding the small business energy tax exemption, and streamlining housing and development rules. Committee members questioned the administration about non-compete reform, AI and data-center infrastructure, housing affordability, and whether the bill would help retain workers and companies in Massachusetts. The governor and secretaries argued that the non-compete changes would restore the original compromise by requiring any alternative to garden leave to be negotiated at separation, and they said the bill’s housing and workforce provisions are intended to help young workers stay in the state. They also said Massachusetts is already investing in AI training, an AI hub, and energy-related planning, while acknowledging that data-center growth will require careful attention to water, electricity, and ratepayer impacts. Several witnesses testified on specific sections. Northeastern University supported the internship tax credit, saying experiential learning helps students gain jobs and remain in Massachusetts. The Latino Empowerment Advisory Council supported the waiver of redundant English testing for internationally trained nurses, saying it would speed entry into the workforce without lowering clinical standards. Russell Beck opposed the non-compete changes, arguing they would undermine the 2018 compromise and could reduce other forms of employee compensation. The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office opposed the LLC fee reduction, citing revenue loss and fraud concerns. Municipal and regional groups, including the MMA and the Metro Mayors Coalition, supported site plan review codification and downtown/arts investments, while urging continued municipal input. The AFL-CIO asked for trigger language to preserve labor protections if federal law changes, and business and industry witnesses generally supported the bill’s competitiveness and global investment provisions. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with written testimony invited after the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's much support in this bill, so I'm not going to go section by section.
• There's much support in this bill, so I'm not going to go section by section.
• Here to support Section 75.
• Section 36 site plan review, codification, and new sections for housing. So there are two minutes.
• So I think in one of the sections, and I'm sorry, I'm trying to get it, I think section 39—no, that's

Bills: H5386

Keywords: economic development, innovation, investment, housing, small business, global trade, infrastructure, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there amendments to Section 1? Yes.
• If there are no objections, the amendment to Section 1 will be considered read.
• The question is, shall the amendment to Section 1 be adopted? Those in favor, please stand.
• The question is, shall the amendment to Section 1 be adopted? Those in favor, please stand.
• The motion is carried, and the amendment to Section 1 is adopted.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House convened with a roll call, prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the Journal. Members then received communications from the Governor and Senate, including notice of signed bills and enrolled measures returned for signatures or referral. Committee reports advanced several bills and resolutions, and House Bill 971, an appropriation for the Attorney General’s office, was introduced and later considered. The House also took up multiple Senate bills and resolutions under suspension of the rules, using roll calls to expedite consideration. A major floor debate centered on House Bill 822, a parental notification/child transition-related bill. Supporters said it clarified that state resources could not be used in social transitioning of children and argued it protected parents’ rights. Opponents criticized its punitive damages and warned it would harm teachers, health care workers, and child care providers. The House ultimately passed the bill, and later the Speaker noted that a vote-change motion on the bill had been improper under House rules and would not stand. The House also passed Senate Bill 1430 on firearms, described as adding executive orders and policies to the state’s preemption of local firearm regulation and creating penalties and injunctive relief for violations. Senate Bill 1359, the virtual currency kiosk fraud prevention bill, drew extensive debate; supporters said it targeted scams by requiring operator registration, disclosures, fraud warnings, recordkeeping, and transaction limits for new users, while opponents called it overbroad and intrusive. The House passed that bill as amended. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 1410 on community health center Medicaid reimbursement updates, Senate Bill 1439 extending a report deadline for model school/facility work, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 127 urging rejection of a medical marijuana ballot initiative; the resolution passed after debate over medical use, public safety, and federal firearms implications. House Bill 971 also passed, and the House later recessed and returned to consider additional measures, including Senate Bill 1436 on procurement clarifications, which was introduced and debated but not resolved in the portion provided.