Transcript Highlights:

• Coordinator, Janitra Igweiler; our Commissioner from the National Social Action Commission, Kristen McGuire
• Also recognized are San Mateo County Chief of Private Defender Program Lisa McGuire, Shasta County Chief
• And many thanks as well to Mike Miller, director of UAW Region 6, who is with him here in the back of
• Members, please join me in welcoming UAW International President Sean Fane and Mike Miller, Director

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then approved a procedural motion by a 41-17 roll call to re-refer AB 2690 and AB 1863 to Appropriations and to allow guests for the Latino Spirit Awards ceremony. House Resolution 92, recognizing Cinco de Mayo Week, was adopted after supportive remarks from members of several caucuses, and the chamber then held the 2026 Latino Spirit Awards ceremony honoring 11 individuals and organizations in higher education, human rights, philanthropy, health and science, advocacy, business, environmental justice, journalism and media, culinary arts, and a legacy award for Los Tigres del Norte. After the ceremony, the Assembly resumed business with guest introductions and moved through the daily file, passing or retaining a number of bills and resolutions. Among the measures taken up, the Assembly passed AB 1657 on domestic violence restraining order procedures (64-0), AB 2042 on civil procedure and service of process (66-0), AB 1660 on probate and public guardians (45-10), AB 1917 on criminal procedure and reinstatement of dismissed charges (43-15), AB 2148 clarifying that public school employees are human beings in the context of AI (69-0), AB 1647 protecting juvenile statements at transfer hearings (63-0), AB 1555 expanding community college access in Siskiyou County (66-0), AB 1608 on High-Speed Rail Inspector General oversight and reporting (45-18), AB 1803 requiring anti-hate speech training in workplace harassment prevention (50-9), AB 2128 protecting tenants in subsidized housing from certain federal work requirements and time limits (44-16), AB 2576 as a land-use cleanup bill protecting historic resources (61-0), AB 2601 allowing concurrent review for certain housing projects, and AB 2764 on extended foster care eligibility (60-0). Several items were passed and retained on file, and AB 2601 was interrupted by a call of the house before later business continued. The chamber also adopted ACR 159 on indigent defense after adding 59 coauthors, then heard guest introductions from chief public defenders from multiple counties. ACR 179, designating Wildland Urban Interface Preparedness and Resilience Day, was adopted with 65 coauthors after remarks on wildfire risk and forest management. Later, ACR 183 establishing Black Health Equity Advocacy Week was presented with extensive testimony from members of multiple caucuses emphasizing racial health disparities, maternal mortality, life expectancy gaps, and the need for systemic change; the debate continued beyond the excerpt provided. Throughout the session, members repeatedly used guest introductions to recognize visiting groups and individuals, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority members, UAW President Shawn Fain, California Women in Agriculture, and others.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Thank<00:20:22.240><c> you,</c><00:20:22.400><c> Mike.</c> &gt;&gt; Thank you, Mike.
• &gt;&gt; Thank you, Mike.
• Represent McGuire. McGuire. McGuire. &gt;&gt; Thank<00:38:15.040><c> you,</c><00:38:15.280><c> Mr.
• Representative McGuire asked a question. He said, Mr.
• Representative<03:50:09.680><c> McGuire.</c> Representative McGuire. Representative McGuire.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Edward Redd and Elaine Sweeney McGuire. Loving wife of the late Francis X.
• Dawn and Nancy McGuire, John McGuire, Kathleen, and the late John Watts, Matthew and Anne-Marie McGuire
• , and the late, Monica and Daniel Bombard and the late Edward and Beverly McGuire.
• Elaine McGuire-Darland. The Senate will come to order.
• Elaine McGuire-Darland to meet again on Thursday next at 11 a.m.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> representative Carol McGuire. representative Carol McGuire.
• </c> McGuire to confirm all that. McGuire to confirm all that.
• Carol McGuire, &gt;&gt; Representative Carol McGuire, &gt;&gt; yes.
• Representative<04:57:48.958><c> McGuire</c><04:57:50.160><c> McGuire.
• </c> Representative McGuire McGuire. Representative McGuire McGuire. &gt;&gt; Yes. &gt;&gt; Yes.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm pleased to present ACA 8 on behalf of Speaker Rivas, Pro Tem McGuire, and dozens of co-authors both
• Madam Chair You The author is Rivas and McGuire in section two we authored this actually.
• Mike and we are extending 30 seconds to you as well. Thank you, Madam Chair and members.
• So Mike, I'm glad that you read that aloud. So we have intent language.
• And so I want to say, everybody get out there, get Mike Johnson, the speaker, to let Kevin Kiley bring

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative McGuire. Yes. Representative McGuire. Yes. Representative<00:25:39.560><c> Griffin.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Representative McGuire. &gt;&gt; Representative McGuire.
• </c> Representative McGuire. Representative McGuire. Representative<00:54:30.920><c> McGuire.
• </c> Representative McGuire. Representative McGuire. Yes. Yes. Yes.
• Representative<00:57:33.400><c> McGuire.</c> Representative McGuire. Representative McGuire. Yes.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 408 FN, which expands prosthetic device insurance coverage from children to individuals over 19, with limits on activity-specific devices and one device every five years. Members noted an indeterminate fiscal impact beginning in fiscal year 2028, but speakers said the bill addressed a gap in current coverage and had already been supported unanimously in policy. The committee voted 9-0 to recommend ought to pass. Next, Senate Bill 534 FN, dealing with compliance with foreign influence and funding restrictions for political expenditures and contributions, was discussed and then approved. Supporters said it clarifies that the restrictions apply to local elections and constitutional amendment questions as well as state and federal elections, and that enforcement costs would be minimal absent violations. The committee voted 9-0 to recommend ought to pass. The committee then considered Senate Bill 538, extending net metering eligibility terms for municipal energy projects. Members discussed a proposed amendment to align the bill with related conference committee language in HB 221 and to address projects already in the pipeline, but the amendment failed on a 4-5 vote. The underlying bill was then recommended ought to pass on a 9-0 vote. The committee also heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 541 FNA, which reallocates existing capital funds for regional drinking water infrastructure in southern New Hampshire, including PFAS-related work and the southern regional waterline project; after discussion of funding sources and project impacts, it was approved 9-0. Finally, the committee began work on Senate Bill 557 FN, which would prohibit liquor commission licensees from selling or allowing certain kratom products. Representative Sweeney offered an amendment intended to narrow the bill to target semi-synthetic and synthetic kratom products while preserving lawful natural products, and members discussed enforcement scope and fiscal impact. The transcript ends during that discussion, before a final vote on the amendment or bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, my name is Mike Summers.
• Uh, next I have uh Mike Summers. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Chair: All right, thank you, Representative McGuire.
• I appreciate your time. >> Next, I have, um, Mike Summers. Mike Summers: Good afternoon, Mr.
• Mike Summers: At 8.5%, we're currently the second highest in New England.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Roys, Representative Born, Representative Kurtz excused, Zimmerman, Rodriguez, Dallman, Hurd, Murd, McGuire
• Zimmerman, Rodriguez, Dallman, Hurd, McGuire, and Andraca. Okay, motion fails 4 to 11.
• Representative McGuire? Yes, thank you. Representative McGuire? Yes, thank you.
• Bradley, Quinn, Johnson, Roys, Representative Born, Zimmerman, Rodriguez, Dallman, Hurd, McGuire, and
• McGuire: Aye. Okay. The conclusion passes 15 to 0. That concludes our meeting today.

Keywords: 970, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's been moved by Representative McGuire, seconded by Representative Lay.
• So, Representative McGuire, yes, the fact that the Liquor Commission has to approve beer labels has been
• 20.160><c> representative</c> it's been moved by representative it's been moved by representative McGuire
• seconded by representative lay McGuire seconded by representative lay on<00:09:22.360><c> any</c><00
• </c> just one item so uh represent McGuire just one item so uh represent McGuire yes<00:13:07.519><c>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened with routine business, approving the minutes and adopting the consent calendar. It then took up an interim rule from the Department of Safety concerning a definition of “medical provider” in a rule affecting veterans. Staff explained that the original language unintentionally excluded VA-affiliated physicians who are licensed in another state, which had caused some veterans to be denied benefits tied to medical notes. The department proposed a conditional approval with edits to include physicians licensed in any U.S. state who are affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, along with conforming changes to the related form. Members asked a clarifying question about the form language, and the committee voted to grant conditional approval as amended. The committee next discussed an emergency rule from the Liquor Commission involving beer label approvals. Staff said the existing rule denying labels that might be perceived as advertising to children had been applied ambiguously, and the emergency rule would clarify that desserts are not automatically denied. The commission argued the issue created a financial emergency because a New Hampshire brewery had spent about $200,000 on new labels and could not get its product on shelves. Members discussed whether that financial impact met the standard for an emergency rule, with comments that the burden was arguably self-imposed but still financial in nature. No formal motion was made to object, and the committee did not take further action on the emergency rule. The meeting concluded with a brief update that two objection responses were still outstanding, with one expected in April and another pushed to May. The committee also agreed to cancel the mid-month continued meeting, and the meeting was adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Representative<00:06:07.520><c> McGuire.</c> &gt;&gt; Representative McGuire.
• Uh, any other uh Representative McGuire? >> Yes, thank you.
• Uh any other uh Representative<00:22:35.039><c> McGuire?</c> Representative McGuire?
• Representative McGuire. >> Yes, thank you.
• Represent<00:43:15.760><c> McGuire.</c> Represent McGuire. Represent McGuire. &gt;&gt; Yes.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 241, which would provide information about alternative pain treatments rather than mandate services. Members cited support from the prime sponsor, medical organizations, insurers, and other stakeholders, and noted there was no fiscal impact. The committee voted unanimously, 7-0, to ought to pass the bill. It then took up House Bill 629, which raises a boat decal fee and dedicates the revenue to the dam maintenance fund. Members described the state’s deteriorating dam infrastructure, noting the large number of dams, the high-hazard sites, and the much larger funding need, while saying the bill would provide only a modest start. They also said boat owners generally did not strongly object to the fee. The committee voted 7-0 to ought to pass. House Bill 1042, concerning an increase in the unified contingent credit limit for New Hampshire Business Finance Authority projects, drew more divided discussion. Supporters said the higher cap would provide needed flexibility and liquidity for business development and that the state treasurer and BFA had explained the credit structure and low historical loss rate; opponents warned the increase would raise state exposure too much, too soon. After debate, the chair postponed the bill, then later returned with an amendment lowering the proposed limit from 450 million to 400 million, which the committee adopted unanimously. The committee then moved to ought to pass as amended. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 1411, which would have allowed withholding payments to the federal government in response to federal actions. Members opposing the bill argued that withholding employee-related funds would be unlawful and ineffective, while supporters said it could serve as a statement and suggested interim study instead. The committee rejected the bill on a 4-3 vote and voted to inexpedient to legislate.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> McGuire for a motion please. McGuire for a motion please.
• Uh represent McGuire. McGuire. McGuire. &gt;&gt; Thank<02:21:28.640><c> you</c><02:21:28.880><c> Mr.
• </c> represent McGuire. represent McGuire. the<02:24:37.040><c> the</c><02:24:37.920><c> reason</c><02
• </c> the other representative McGuire the other representative McGuire inquired<02:26:47.439><c> of</
• And Representative McGuire, tax return.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Secondly, I want to thank our legislative leadership, our pro tem, Mike McGuire, Speaker Rivas, and frankly
• Mike Miller, disabled veteran, Ironworkers Local 378, in support.
• Mike Pickens, Operating Engineers, North Bay, in support. Good morning.

Summary: The Assembly Natural Resources Committee heard three major bills. SB 237, by Senator Grayson, proposed a package of fuel-supply and permitting changes aimed at stabilizing gasoline prices during California’s energy transition. Supporters, including state officials, Kern County representatives, labor groups, and industry groups, said it would help retain in-state refining and drilling capacity, reduce price spikes, and protect jobs. Opponents, including environmental justice and conservation groups, argued it would expand oil drilling without enough community protections and would not meaningfully address climate goals. After extensive testimony and questions about emissions, sunsets, and long-term strategy, the committee passed SB 237 on a due pass vote, with some members voting no or not voting. SB 352, by Senator Reyes, sought to strengthen implementation of AB 617, the community air protection program, by codifying the Environmental Justice Bureau in the Department of Justice, extending monitoring requirements, and requiring annual legislative reporting. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability and ensure that funding for impacted communities actually produces emissions reductions. Some environmental justice advocates were neutral or not fully supportive because they wanted stronger language, while business and industry groups opposed the bill, arguing it was added late and duplicated existing processes. The committee approved SB 352 on a due pass vote. SB 840, by Senator Limon, was the cap-and-invest reauthorization package. It would update offset protocols, adjust how revenues are spent, and continue funding for key climate, housing, transit, and community programs, including AB 617. Support came from environmental groups, labor, local governments, housing advocates, and clean transportation organizations, while some agricultural interests objected that the package did not sufficiently prioritize climate-smart agriculture and methane reduction programs. The committee passed SB 840 on a due pass vote as well. All three measures were later confirmed out of committee after calls were lifted.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, Represent McGuire, do you believe.
• Represent McGuire. &gt;&gt; Is there a second? Represent McGuire.
• Representative McGuire: Can I respond?
• Representative McGuire. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Represent McGuire, do you have a Okay.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative McGuire, thank you.
• Representative McGuire, thank you.
• Representative McGuire: Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Representative McGuire, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Representative McGuire, thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard HB 295, which would make school building aid funds non-lapsing/non-APS. Representative Cahill said the bill was intended to keep any unused building aid money available for future projects, potentially helping move projects up the priority list or provide a little more funding for school construction. Members asked about how much money has lapsed in past years, whether the education trust fund and building aid are separate, and whether any lapsing dollars could be used to pay down debt. Department of Education official Jim Carney said about $29.1 million would be available if building aid is funded to the $50 million maximum in FY26, confirmed that the fund currently lapses, and said the department would gather historical lapse data. Committee members also discussed whether a dedicated fund structure could achieve the same goal, and the chair noted that the education trust fund statute includes school building aid as one of its uses. No vote was taken; the hearing was closed and the committee said it would later hold a work session after receiving more information. The committee then took up HB 237, introduced by Representative Dan McGuire, which would prohibit the use of special education state funds and differentiated aid for students not receiving special education services. The New Hampshire School Boards Association, through Becky Wilson, opposed the bill as written, saying it was unclear, potentially unnecessary, and difficult to implement because adequacy and differentiated aid are distributed as part of a districtwide lump sum rather than as student-specific dollars. She explained that special education costs are embedded across district budgets, including staffing, training, transportation, and instruction, and that some staff and services benefit both special education and general education students. Wilson also said differentiated aid is not tied to a specific pupil and is used at the district’s discretion, though it is intended to support students with greater needs. Committee members pressed on whether the bill would require districts to track money by individual student, whether it could conflict with federal special education law, and whether it would affect least restrictive environment requirements. Wilson said making the funds student-specific could create privacy and accounting problems and could make it difficult to staff inclusive classrooms, though she did not give a definitive legal opinion on federal compliance. She agreed that students who are not eligible for special education would not be included in the separate catastrophic/special education aid reimbursement program. The discussion continued into the second section of the bill, with members exploring how adequacy aid and differentiated aid are used in practice, but no action was taken during the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative McGuire, okay, on House Bill 164 I again recognize Representative Evil.
• Representative McGuire, yes. Representative Eel, yes. Representative Mooney, yes.
• Representative McGuire, on House Bill 216, I again recognize Representative Eel.
• Representative McGuire, on House Bill 216, I will move to retain it.
• </c><00:52:37.599><c> yes</c> representative McGuire yes representative McGuire yes representative<00

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee first took up a nongermane amendment to House Bill 71 that would require state vendors, through contract language, to comply with the New Hampshire Patient Bill of Rights. Representative Edwards said the amendment was revised after feedback from the hospital association and DHHS, applies only to new contracts or amendments, and includes a repeal date of November 30, 2026 so it would function only for the current budget cycle. John Williams of Legislative Affairs said the changes reflected work with DHHS procurement staff and with hospital stakeholders, including the removal of the term "addenda" in favor of "amendment" and clarification on prospective application. The committee did not vote on the amendment at that time, noting it would be attached later to HB 71. The committee then moved into executive session and acted on several bills. HB 67, which converts a pilot program for accessible voting machines in local elections into a permanent program, was amended to remove a $100,000 appropriation and adjust dates; the amendment and the bill as amended both passed unanimously, 25-0, and the bill was suggested for the consent calendar. HB 111, extending the Right-to-Know Ombudsman position, was retained and slated to be incorporated into HB 2 after a unanimous 25-0 vote, with the ombudsman noting the office could expire July 1 if the budget were delayed. HB 164, creating a process for a publicly accessible website for local records retention and access, was also retained for HB 2 by a 25-0 vote because it carries an appropriation. HB 216 was retained for further work because the committee could not get reliable cost information from the retirement system or the Labor Department; members said the fiscal note looked alarming, though the committee believed the actual cost might be near zero. HB 282, which raises the biennium cap on critical injury benefits for first responders from $500,000 to $1 million without increasing any individual benefit, was voted ought to pass 25-0 and will require a report. HB 619, dealing with solid waste issues and a possible self-funding accounting unit, was retained for HB 2 by a 25-0 vote. HB 650, an annual dedicated-funds cleanup bill that also caps a robotics fund at $1 million, passed ought to pass 25-0 and was placed on consent. Finally, HB 129, defining "evidence-based" in public education, was retained 25-0 while members continued working on language, and HB 133, concerning new resident driver’s license transfer requirements and DMV notices, drew a split policy discussion: the minority raised constitutional, administrative, and fiscal concerns, while the majority moved to retain it for HB 2 consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative McGuire asked how many tons per year they are talking about.
• Representative McGuire asked how many tons per year they are talking about.
• For the record, my name is Mike Whimet.
• Chairman, and nice to see you, Mike. I have a question on surcharge charges.
• </c><00:54:39.760><c> thank</c><00:54:39.920><c> you</c><00:54:40.079><c> Mr</c> else represent McGuire

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee held a hearing on House Bill 619, which would appropriate $1 million to the Solid Waste Management Fund for matching grants to municipalities and businesses for waste diversion projects, with 50% of the money prioritized for food waste diversion. Representative Karen Ebel, the sponsor, said the fund would help New Hampshire meet its solid waste diversion goals, preserve landfill capacity, and support composting, recycling, and related local business activity. She cited New London’s composting program as an example, saying 172 families participated and 32 tons of food waste were diverted in 2024, reducing tipping and trucking costs. Committee members asked about possible alternative funding sources, including a surcharge on landfill tipping fees. Ebel said many other states use such surcharges to fund recycling and solid waste programs, while New Hampshire relies on general funds. She also said the current fund balance was about $900,000 because some money had been used for staffing, and that the grant program was still in rulemaking. Questions also focused on how household composting works and whether municipalities could generate revenue from compost; Ebel said participation is optional, most programs use buckets and transfer stations, and the main benefit is cost savings from reduced disposal rather than compost sales. Testimony in support came from the New Hampshire Municipal Association and the Northeast Resource Recovery Association. Both said municipalities are interested in food waste diversion and composting, that these programs can reduce long-term disposal costs and property tax pressure, and that there is growing demand for technical assistance and grant support. The Northeast Resource Recovery Association said food waste makes up about 24% of municipal and business waste, that fewer than two dozen communities and fewer than two dozen businesses currently offer such services, and that a City of Lebanon pilot program saw about 30% savings by composting on site. The Department of Environmental Services said it was not taking a position but is working on rulemaking for the grant program and expects strong interest from municipalities, private composters, farmers, and anaerobic digester operators. No vote or final action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh ought to pass &gt;&gt; Dan McGuire to second.
• </c><02:28:51.520><c> Jan</c><02:28:51.760><c> McGuire.</c> represent McGuire.
• Jan McGuire. represent McGuire. Jan McGuire. &gt;&gt; Thank<02:28:52.560><c> you.
• I represent McGuire for sharing that.
• Representative McGuire. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee met on October 30 to act on a series of bills that had been considered during the budget process, with many being recommended for inexpedient to legislate because their funding or policy language had already been handled in House Bill 2. Early actions were largely unanimous. House Bill 54, allowing alternate treatment centers to operate for profit, was recommended ought to pass and was approved 25-0, then placed on the consent calendar because it carried no appropriation. House Bill 97, a wastewater and infrastructure appropriation, was recommended inexpedient to legislate because its funding had been replaced in HB 2; Representative Rum opposed the motion and argued the grant funding helps local taxpayers and housing development, but the committee adopted ITL 14-11, with a minority report to follow. House Bill 111, dealing with the right-to-know ombudsman, was also unanimously recommended ITL because the budget had already made related reforms. The committee then took up House Bill 164, and adopted Amendment 225-2979H, which appropriates $150,000 in FY 2027 to the Secretary of State’s Division of Archives and Records Management for a local government records manager position. The amended bill was then recommended ought to pass as amended and approved 25-0. House Bill 197, the Property Tax Relief Act, drew the most extended debate. Supporters said it would restore a state contribution to retirement costs for local employers and provide property tax relief, while opponents argued the earlier change was largely offset by employee contribution increases and other retirement-system adjustments. The committee ultimately adopted ITL 14-11, and a minority report was requested. The committee also acted on House Bill 215, a landfill-related bill. Members explained that most of its language had been included in HB 2 but was removed in conference, so the bill was retained and amended to apply more narrowly to new landfills. Amendment 2025-2970H was adopted unanimously, and the bill was then recommended ought to pass as amended by a 25-0 vote. House Bill 216, which would change retirement eligibility rules for certain workers injured on the job, was recommended inexpedient to legislate after its sponsor said the fiscal impact was too uncertain to support. Finally, House Bill 219 received Amendment 2025-2988H to change its effective date to July 1, 2027, and discussion began on the bill’s broader purpose of returning about $5.7 million annually from RPS funds to ratepayers.

Transcript Highlights:

• McGuire says, 'I want to say one word to you, just one word,' and Benjamin says, 'Yes, sir.'
• McGuire says, 'Are you listening?' Benjamin says, 'Yes, I am.' And Mr. McGuire says, 'Plastics.'
• McGuire said, 'There's a great future in plastics.'
• Garcia, Aaron Vega, and other Holyoke officials, and deeply appreciate the help we’ve received from Mike

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a heavily attended hybrid hearing focused primarily on plastics reduction bills, along with a few local and related waste-management measures. Chair Rauch and Chair Barber outlined strict testimony rules because of the large number of speakers. Before the plastics docket, the committee heard support for a local Sharon sewer-extension bill for a Sunrise Senior Living project, and the bill’s proponents said the project would help address senior housing needs and would still require MWRA and local approvals. The chairs also noted a separate local matter involving Sharon and the MWRA. A major portion of the hearing centered on the Plastics Reduction Act and related bills addressing single-use plastics, including plastic bags, polystyrene, black plastic, plastic beverage bottles, non-flushable wipes, skip-the-stuff provisions, and truth-in-labeling. Sponsors and supporters said the bills would reduce litter, microplastics, greenhouse gas emissions, and municipal waste costs, while creating statewide consistency and supporting environmental justice communities. Several speakers cited local bans already adopted by many Massachusetts cities and towns, and many urged the committee to advance comprehensive statewide action. The committee also heard testimony on a boat wrap recycling bill, a mattress recycling bill, and a bill to prohibit hotels from providing small plastic toiletries. Municipal officials and waste professionals supported extended producer responsibility for paint and labeling for non-flushable wipes, saying these measures would shift costs away from cities and towns and reduce strain on wastewater systems. The Massachusetts Municipal Association, Mayor Ruth Ann Fuller of Newton, and a Franklin County waste official all backed paint EPR and wipes labeling. Fire Chief Brian Nardelli testified for the Fire Chiefs Association in support of lithium-ion battery legislation, citing fire safety and disposal concerns. Other speakers, including environmental groups, local activists, and business representatives, supported bag and polystyrene bans, though the Retailers Association of Massachusetts urged any bag policy to be truly statewide and said any bag fee should be retained by retailers. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Yes, Representative McGuire.
• &gt;&gt; Yes.<00:04:30.160><c> Representative</c><00:04:30.639><c> McGuire.
• Representative McGuire. I'd like to &gt;&gt; Yes. Representative McGuire.
• Representative McGuire. Anybody like to have any discussion?
• </c> McGuire, second by Representative Evil. McGuire, second by Representative Evil.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened a work session on 17 retained bills and moved through several measures, often with motions to ought to pass or inexpedient to legislate. House Bill 54, allowing alternative treatment centers to operate for profit, was supported as a way to improve efficiency and potentially lower costs for medical cannabis users, and it was recommended OTP by a 9-0 vote. House Bill 97, an appropriation for wastewater infrastructure, drew mixed views: supporters said the Senate’s reduced funding still met the bill’s intent, while opponents argued the funding was inadequate for critical infrastructure needs; the committee voted 5-4 to ITL. House Bill 111, extending the Right to Know Ombudsman and exempting certain assistance from unauthorized practice of law, was recommended ITL 9-0. House Bill 197, concerning state payment of a portion of local retirement contributions, was discussed as a recurring issue; members noted an amendment could fund it starting in fiscal 2027, but the committee ultimately voted 5-4 to recommend the bill itself rather than ITL. House Bill 215, requiring landfill permit applicants to submit a harms-and-benefits report, was amended to narrow its scope to future privately owned landfills only; the amendment and the bill as amended both passed 9-0. House Bill 216, on workers’ compensation credit toward retirement service, was ITL’d 9-0 after the sponsor said the proposal was too open-ended and could affect unknown numbers of people.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Dan McGuire from the majority of the committee.
• </c><01:22:23.120><c> of</c><01:22:23.160><c> the</c> McGuire from the majority of the McGuire from the
• :43:35.800><c> Collett</c> amendment is Representative Mike Collett amendment is Representative Mike
• Representative Mike Belcher for the committee.
• </c><05:28:14.360><c> The</c> Mike Belcher for the committee. The Mike Belcher for the committee.

Keywords: 1189, house, all