Video & Transcript Research : 'Chapter 93A'

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MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Apr 15th, 2026

Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Bills: H5036, H5138
Keywords: tariff transparency, consumer disclosure, price transparency, vehicle pricing, Monroney label, auto dealer, car manufacturer, retail pricing, shelf tag, receipt disclosure, online storefront, import duties, trade taxes, Chapter 93A, Attorney General enforcement, consumer protection, federal preemption, customs, supply chain costs, tariff surcharge
Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a public hearing on two bills: House Bill 5138, which would create a statewide cash-rounding standard for transactions involving pennies, and House Bill 5036, which would require consumer disclosure of tariff-related price impacts. Committee chairs noted the hearing was taking place while the House and Senate were in session and that members might need to leave for roll calls; the hearing was ultimately closed after testimony, with a motion and voice vote to adjourn the hearing. Testimony on H.B. 5138 was broadly supportive. Senator Paul Feeney described the bill as a response to the federal decision to stop producing pennies, saying the measure would reduce confusion for consumers and businesses by requiring cash totals to be rounded to the nearest five cents, while leaving electronic, check, and gift-card payments unchanged. Retail and restaurant representatives said the bill would improve operational efficiency, provide legal clarity, and create a fair statewide standard, though the Retailers Association suggested changing mandatory language from "shall" to "may" to preserve flexibility. Several witnesses also noted that clear notice requirements would help consumers understand the rounding process. Testimony on H.B. 5036 was largely opposed. The Massachusetts Retailers Association, New England Convenience Store and Energy Marketers Association, and Massachusetts State Auto Dealers Association argued that requiring tariff disclosures on shelf tags or similar materials would be difficult or impossible to implement because tariffs and product costs change frequently and vary by item and manufacturer. They said the proposal would add burdens, create confusion, and potentially raise costs rather than help consumers. No votes were taken on either bill during the hearing.
MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 23rd, 2026

Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Transcript Highlights:
  • Of G.L. c. 93A laws here. It’s a bit of a mess.
Bills: S3082, S3090, H5425, H5130, H5114
Keywords: animal telehealth, veterinary telemedicine, veterinary telehealth, veterinarian-client-patient relationship, VCPR, animal health, pet care, companion animal, livestock, remote veterinary care, synchronous audio-video, telemedicine, prescription drugs, antimicrobial drugs, controlled substances, xylazine, compounding pharmacy, veterinary practice, Massachusetts Controlled Substances Act, animal owner
Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on late-filed bills, with testimony heard both in person and remotely. The committee reviewed several measures, including H. 355 and S. 3082 on veterinary telemedicine/telehealth, H. 5445 on additional liquor licenses for East Hampton, and S. 3090/H. 5114 on consumer-connected devices and software support disclosure. The chair outlined hearing logistics, including three-minute testimony limits and written testimony submission, and noted that Lawrence High School students were present to observe. On the veterinary bills, supporters of H. 355 argued that allowing veterinarians to establish a client-patient relationship remotely would improve access to care for pets whose owners face transportation, mobility, or anxiety-related barriers, and could help veterinarians continue practicing through telemedicine. Opponents of S. 3082, including the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association and several veterinarians, said the initial in-person exam is essential to detect conditions that cannot be seen on video, avoid misdiagnosis, and preserve the standard of care; they emphasized that teletriage and follow-up telemedicine are already used after an in-person relationship is established. Committee members pressed both sides on the distinction between teletriage and establishing the relationship, the timing of annual exams, and whether limited exceptions for sedatives or other pre-visit needs might be workable. Senator Lovely testified in support, citing a recent Lyme case where follow-up telemedicine would have been useful. On H. 5445, Representative Gomez and East Hampton Mayor Salem Derby urged approval of the bill to authorize eight additional liquor licenses, saying the city has reached its current cap, needs economic development, and wants to support downtown revitalization and new restaurant growth. Members asked about public safety and the number of licenses sought; the mayor said local public safety officials support the request and that the licenses would be for restaurants, not bars. On S. 3090 and H. 5114, consumer advocates and cybersecurity experts supported requiring manufacturers of connected devices to disclose software support timelines, arguing it would improve consumer transparency, cybersecurity, and reduce e-waste. Industry groups opposed the bills, saying fixed disclosure requirements could be impractical, create confusion, burden small businesses, conflict with federal efforts, and be difficult to apply to appliances, lighting, and other products with long lifecycles. The committee did not take a substantive vote on the bills during the hearing; at the end, staff announced a forthcoming poll for House members, and the committee voted to adjourn.
MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 23rd, 2026

Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Housing Jun 18th, 2026

Joint Committee on Housing

Transcript Highlights:
  • The law is Chapter 241.
  • It's my suggestion that we amend Chapter 241, and in doing that we would provide the court with the authority
  • I don't think you want to amend the condominium statute. ...that we amend Chapter 241 and, in doing that
  • But one of the reasons may be that Chapter 241 has been used mostly for... ...it started off in the Middle
  • I would say it's not unusual, but it's at the lower end of the scale of using Chapter 241. Got it.
Bills: H5314
Keywords: condominium conversion, co-owned property, tenants in common, two-unit building, duplex, partition action, Land Court, chapter 183A, chapter 241, master deed, shared ownership, housing, property law, real estate, easements, common areas, common expenses, condominium ownership, small multifamily housing, 1212
MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Mar 3rd, 2026

Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions

Transcript Highlights:
  • There's a subsection of Chapter 4 that would specifically exempt those conversations with nonprofit organizations
  • the House hasn't taken a position, so can you show me in the statute, because I'm right here with Chapter
Bills: H5004
Keywords: public records, public records law, transparency, open government, government accountability, legislature, general court, governor's office, executive records, legislative records, constituent communications, policy drafts, deliberative process, freedom of information, FOIA, records access, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, Chapter 4, veterans services records, initiative petition
Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 25-14, H 5-004, “an act to improve access to public records.” Chairs Cindy Friedman and Alice Peisch outlined the Article 48 process and explained that the committee was hearing expert testimony, then proponents, then opponents, before any public testimony. The first expert, Will Clark of the National Conference of State Legislatures, gave a general overview of public records laws across the states, emphasizing that all states have some form of open-records law but that exemptions, timelines, fees, and coverage of legislatures vary widely. He discussed legislative exemptions, legislative privilege, and court cases showing that outcomes often turn on the exact language of state constitutions, statutes, and chamber rules. Rebecca Murray, General Counsel for the Secretary of the Commonwealth, testified about Massachusetts public records administration, saying requests and appeals have risen sharply since the 2017 law update, with state agency requests increasing from 22,572 in 2017 to 47,776 in 2025 and appeals reaching a record 4,051 cases in 2025. She said the initiative would extend the law to the General Court and the Governor’s office and add exemptions for those branches, while warning that the volume and complexity of requests could require more resources. The proponents, led by Jesse Littlewood of the Coalition for Healthy Democracy, Scotia Hila of Act on Mass, and Auditor Diana DiZoglio, argued that Massachusetts is an outlier for exempting the legislature and governor from public records law and that the proposal would create needed accountability without exposing personal constituent communications or internal deliberations. They said the measure would make records such as committee votes, final bill drafts, amendments, expenditures, attendance records, minutes, and public testimony available, while preserving exemptions for constituent services, draft legislation, internal staff communications, and policy development discussions. DiZoglio emphasized that the initiative is aimed at basic administrative and financial records, citing her own difficulty obtaining receipts, contracts, and procurement documents, and said the public should be able to see how taxpayer dollars are spent. Committee members questioned the witnesses extensively about the scope of exemptions, constituent privacy, legislative privilege, and whether the measure could reach communications with nonprofits or lobbying-type interactions; proponents responded that privacy and constituent-service exemptions were intended to remain in place, though some members pressed for clearer statutory language. The hearing also included a contentious exchange over whether the initiative could affect legislative communications and whether the Senate had already taken a position against the measure. Some members raised concerns about separation of powers, legislative privilege, and the possibility of exposing constituent communications or internal deliberations, while proponents argued that the initiative was narrowly tailored and that any legal disputes could be resolved in court. No votes or formal actions were taken at the hearing. The committee concluded the testimony portion after hearing from the proponents and their questions, with the matter left pending for further consideration.
MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Mar 3rd, 2026

Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions

Transcript Highlights:
  • There's a subsection of Chapter 4 that would specifically exempt those conversations with nonprofit organizations
  • Because I'm right here with Chapter 4 and I can't find it.
Bills: H5004
Keywords: public records, public records law, transparency, open government, government accountability, legislature, general court, governor's office, executive records, legislative records, constituent communications, policy drafts, deliberative process, freedom of information, FOIA, records access, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 66, Chapter 4, veterans services records, initiative petition
Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on initiative petition 25-14, H5-004, “an act to improve access to public records,” which would extend Massachusetts public records requirements to the General Court and the Governor’s office. The committee first heard from two subject-matter experts: William Clark of the National Conference of State Legislatures, who gave an overview of how public records laws and legislative exemptions vary by state and discussed legislative privilege and court cases, and Rebecca Murray of the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office, who described Massachusetts public records trends, including sharp increases in requests, appeals, and fee/time-extension petitions since the 2016 law update. Murray said the proposal would add the legislature and governor to the law and create two new exemptions specific to those offices, while also noting resource pressures on the public records system. The proponents, led by Jesse Littlewood of the Coalition for Healthy Democracy, argued the measure would close a major accountability gap by applying the same public records rules that already cover cities and towns to the state legislature and governor. They said the proposal is limited and includes carve-outs for personal information, constituent services, internal staff communications, draft legislation, policy development discussions, and communications among legislators, while making final decisions, expenditures, committee votes, and other administrative records public. Auditor Diana DiZoglio, speaking for the campaign, said the public should be able to see basic records such as receipts, contracts, invoices, and budget documents, and argued that transparency would improve trust and help her own efforts to audit legislative spending. Committee members questioned the witnesses extensively about the scope of the exemptions, especially whether constituent communications, lobbying-style communications, and sensitive casework would remain protected. Proponents said constituent service communications and deliberative legislative discussions would be exempt, but some members pressed for clearer statutory language and raised concerns about legislative privilege, separation of powers, and whether the initiative could be used to alter internal legislative rules. No vote was taken at the hearing; it was an informational and testimonial session only.
MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Continuing Care Retirement Communities Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am

Transcript Highlights:
  • trade practice violations are subject to Chapter 93A.
  • I'd sort of like to make some comments about Chapter 93A, the consumer protection regulations, because
  • And the Attorney General's office is working on 93A regulations for ALRs.
  • But we have to remember that Chapter 93A has a very general proposition: if you're in business, you can't
  • We're subject to Chapter 93A.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Special Commission on Continuing Care Retirement Communities met for its third meeting, focused on regulations, oversight, and enforcement. Staff and agency presenters reviewed the current framework: the Executive Office of Aging and Independence explained that assisted living regulations generally do not apply to CCRCs unless an assisted living component markets itself separately, and that CCRCs must submit marketing materials, contracts, and disclosure statements for public posting. The Attorney General’s office described Chapter 93A consumer protection standards and noted it is working on draft assisted living-specific regulations. DPH outlined its oversight of licensed nursing facilities associated with some CCRCs, including routine surveys, complaint investigations, and enforcement tools such as admissions freezes, fines, receivership, and license actions, along with federal CMS sanctions for certified facilities. Commission members and presenters then discussed gaps and ambiguities in how CCRCs are defined and regulated, especially whether communities without on-site skilled nursing should still be treated as CCRCs, how assisted living-like services within CCRCs are classified, and whether residents have enough clarity about the services they are buying. A major theme was disclosure: members raised concerns about entrance fees, refund timing and conditions, whether skilled nursing is on-site or provided by contract, and how residents can compare communities. Several participants suggested more standardized disclosure and possibly broader consumer protection rules, while others cautioned that overly rigid requirements could affect community finances and development. The commission also explored enforcement and resident protections. Some members argued that independent living residents are already covered by landlord-tenant law and that existing complaint systems and community education may be sufficient, while others said residents in supported or assisted settings within CCRCs should have clearer access to ombudsman services and oversight. The discussion turned to closure and ownership transfer, with members citing recent national examples of sales and bankruptcies that changed resident terms. DPH explained its closure process for licensed nursing facilities, and members noted that Chapter 197 of 2024 adds oversight for facility transfers and financial disclosures. The meeting ended with logistics for the next session at Brookhaven at Lexington on June 2, a public hearing on June 16, and a request to circulate the hearing notice broadly to residents and stakeholder organizations.
MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/25

Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • 144.5 to 111.56, and the definition of a nursing home employer references chapter 256R that outlines
  • 144.5 to 111.56, and the definition of a nursing home employer references chapter 256R that outlines
  • </c><00:25:44.919><c> 144a</c><00:25:45.840><c> and</c><00:25:46.039><c> statutes</c> references chapter
  • 144a and statutes references chapter 144a and statutes 144.5<00:25:48.240><c> to</c><00:25:49.000><c
  • 256 r that outlines Medicaid chapter 256 r that outlines Medicaid reimbursement<00:25:57.880><c> so<
Bills: HF339, HF1272, HF2121, HF2122, HF1216, HF1003, HF2319
Keywords: HF339, Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board, nursing homes, long-term care, elder care, workforce standards, certified worker organizations, labor funding, general fund appropriation, worker grants, Minnesota labor law, nursing home staffing, caregiver workforce, section 181.214, HF1272, nursing home, boarding care home, nursing home workers, labor standards, Medicaid-certified facility
MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Higher Education Mar 19th, 2026

Joint Committee on Higher Education

Bills: H5012, S2927
Keywords: student nutrition, food allergies, celiac disease, gluten-free meals, allergen-free meals, medically restricted diets, school meals, college dining, K-12 education, higher education, disability access, accessibility services, food service, nutrition information, website disclosure, school website, meal accommodations, special diets, Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71
Summary: The Joint Committee on Higher Education held a hearing on two late-filed bills, H. 5012 and S. 2927, titled An Act Relative to Students Accessing Food and Nutritional Information, sometimes referred to by witnesses as the “Snack Act.” The bills would require schools to make clearer, centralized online information available about gluten-free and allergen-free meals, including menus, food safety protocols, ingredient information, and contact information, so students with celiac disease and other medically necessary dietary restrictions can safely participate in universal school meal programs. Representative Michelle Badger and Senator Joan Lovely both testified in support, describing the legislation as an equity measure that would help families trust school meals and reduce barriers to participation. A series of witnesses, including pediatric and adult gastroenterologists, a Harvard Medical School faculty member, a Celiac Disease Foundation representative, parents, and several children and college students with celiac disease, said that celiac disease requires a strict lifelong gluten-free diet and that lack of clear communication often leads families to avoid school meals. They emphasized risks from cross-contamination, the stress and social exclusion children experience, and the fact that many schools already have the underlying information but do not present it in an accessible way. Committee members responded positively, praising the young witnesses and noting that the bill could benefit students beyond the celiac community by improving transparency for all medically restricted diets. One member suggested the Department of Public Health might also address the issue through regulations, similar to a prior restaurant allergy protocol effort. No votes were taken at the hearing, and the chair closed the hearing after testimony concluded.
MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • How many Chapter 93A consumer protection lawsuits have been brought by the Commonwealth against suppliers
  • I know there's a current class action by a private group, but has there been any Chapter 93A unfair and
  • Are you aware how many Chapter 93A unfair and deceptive business practice lawsuits have been brought
  • General Law Chapter 93A, the consumer protection law, to sue the bad actors in the industry.
  • Maybe we ought to have an oversight hearing on the Attorney General's failure to enforce Chapter 93A
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several energy-related bills, with the main focus on H. 3534/S. 2255, which would ban or sharply restrict residential third-party electric suppliers, and on related reform proposals. Supporters included the Attorney General’s office, municipal and regional planning officials, environmental justice groups, consumer advocates, and city officials from Boston and Chelsea. They argued that the residential competitive supply market has produced higher bills, deceptive sales tactics, auto-renewals into higher rates, and disproportionate harm to low-income residents, seniors, communities of color, and people with limited English. Witnesses cited AG reports estimating hundreds of millions of dollars in overcharges over time, described door-to-door and storefront marketing abuses, and said municipal aggregation programs have saved residents money while offering more stable rates. Several supporters said the Legislature should either ban residential competitive supply or adopt strong guardrails such as ending automatic renewals, banning incentive-based commissions, and capping rates relative to basic service. Opponents or industry representatives from the Retail Energy Advancement League, Vistra, and Constellation argued that the market can provide savings, longer-term price stability, and value-added products such as renewable options and time-of-use offerings. They said Massachusetts has already improved consumer protections through DPU proceedings, that complaints are relatively few compared with the size of the market, and that a ban would eliminate consumer choice. They also defended direct sales and commissions as normal features of a retail market, while saying they would support additional protections, licensing, bonding, and stronger oversight of bad actors. Committee members pressed both sides on whether the market truly saves money, whether automatic renewals should be banned, and whether the AG’s proposed reforms would be enough. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3972, a bill to extend utility shutoff protections during extreme heat, with Rep. Mindy Domb arguing that Massachusetts should treat extreme heat like extreme cold and protect customers facing financial hardship. Rep. Barrett also testified for H. 3450, a municipal broadband/right-of-way bill, arguing that communities need easier and cheaper access to utility poles and public rights of way to build municipal broadband. In addition, Senate Majority Leader Creem testified for S. 2239, which would bar utilities from recovering ratepayer funds for lobbying, promotions, trade association dues, and similar expenses. No votes were taken during the hearing.
TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Mar 17th, 2025

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • any other law, this section applies only only to that first section is basic coverage plan under chapter
  • 1551 that's employees section 2 of their line 6 basic plan under chapter 1575.
  • Part three, primary care coverage plan under Chapter 1579. nine, that is TRS retired employees, and then
  • There's under chapter 1601, those are the U.T. and A&M systems have separate policies, so they had to
  • Citizens and businesses by integrating this office into Chapter 13, a house.
Bills: HB201, HB272, HB618, HB 1094, HB 1142, HB201, HB272
Keywords: financial crime, card fraud, motor fuel theft, law enforcement, criminal activity, skimmers, prevention, training, credit card fraud, debit card fraud, prosecution, illegal possession, state law, HB 618, Texas insurance code, IVF, in vitro fertilization, fertility treatment, infertility coverage, government employee health benefits
TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Licensing & Administrative Procedures Mar 25th, 2025

Licensing & Administrative Procedures

NV
NV

Nevada 2025 Regular Session

Assembly Committee on Government Affairs Jun 1st, 2025 at 10:00 am

Government Affairs

TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Committee on Economic Development Apr 23rd, 2025

Economic Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • Plano, located in Collin County, is actually the largest Texas city not currently qualifying for Chapter
  • Specifically, we're seeing Chapter 380 rebate agreements used not to incentivize new investment, but
  • It doesn't eliminate the use of Chapter 380 rebate agreements.
  • This is not how Chapter 380 agreements were meant to operate.
  • Chapter 207 specifies a suitable job that someone should be applying for.
Bills: SB317, SB1250, SB1520, SB1950, SB2298, SB2532, SB2539, SB2747, SB2925, SB2993
Keywords: monuments, memorials, public property, historical significance, civil penalties, local governance, project financing zone, municipal tax revenue, convention centers, multipurpose arenas, infrastructure development, hike and bike trails, outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, Bicentennial Trail, Texas history, cultural heritage, unemployment benefits, eligibility, Texas Workforce Commission
MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 3rd, 2026

Joint Committee on Public Service

MN
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/26

State Government Finance and Policy

TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Committee on Business and Commerce (Part I) Feb 18th, 2025

Business & Commerce

TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Committee on Business and Commerce (Part II) Feb 18th, 2025

Business & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • Beyond that, my other point is, I don't like that your bill takes away Chapter 2110 of the government
  • It's just saying to provide the same protections in both chapters 302 and 304 of the Business and Commerce
  • However, only Chapter 304 defines a telephone call to include mobile phone numbers and text messaging
  • SB 140 simply extends the definition of a telephone call found in Chapter 304 to Chapter 302, acting
  • However, Chapter 36 includes a provision that grants increased departmental authority, stating that the
Bills: SB 21, SB21, SB72, SB140, SB262, SB370, SB372, SB495, SB627, SB703, SB764, SB842
Keywords: emergency alerts, weather alerts, public safety, local government, municipality, county, website posting, online notice, emergency management, disaster preparedness, evacuation, National Weather Service, NOAA, Texas Division of Emergency Management, TDEM, localized alerts, hazard warnings, severe weather, watch warning advisory, public information
TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Insurance Mar 26th, 2025

Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Property and casualty anti-rebating statutes have never been in Chapter 541, and there is no evidence
  • This bill moves the life. and health anti-rebating statutes into a new chapter in the insurance code,
  • Texas Academy of Family Physicians, and the Texas chapter of the American College of Physicians.
  • When we first started looking at Chapter 1460, we thought that it was about.
  • Clearly, Chapter 1460 triggers that part of things.
Bills: HB139, HB1818, HB1942, HB1959, HB2221, HB2254, HB2563, HB2067, HB2275, HB3211, HB139
Keywords: HB 1818, Texas Insurance Code, Texas Department of Insurance, commissioner of insurance, health maintenance organization, HMO, insurer, utilization review, preauthorization, prior authorization, medical necessity review, health care services, medical care, insurance regulation, insurance examination, regulatory oversight, confidential records, public information exception, Chapter 843, Chapter 1301
TX
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Insurance Mar 26th, 2025

Insurance

Transcript Highlights:
  • injury survivors and as the Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of America, Texas Chapter
  • National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals, and we're the Texas chapter.
Bills: HB139, HB1818, HB1942, HB1959, HB2221, HB2254, HB2563, HB2067, HB2275, HB3211, HB139
Keywords: HB 1818, Texas Insurance Code, Texas Department of Insurance, commissioner of insurance, health maintenance organization, HMO, insurer, utilization review, preauthorization, prior authorization, medical necessity review, health care services, medical care, insurance regulation, insurance examination, regulatory oversight, confidential records, public information exception, Chapter 843, Chapter 1301