MA H2026

Establishes 31 joint standing committees for the 194th General Court (2025-2026), including committees on Health Care Financing, Bonding/Capital Expenditures, Public Safety, Transportation, and Cannabis Policy, with most having 6 Senate and 11 House members

Requires joint committees to hold public hearings on all referred matters, provide 72-hour advance notice of meetings, livestream hearings on the General Court website, and allow remote public testimony while members must be physically present

Sets committee reporting deadlines of 60 calendar days after a hearing (with possible 30-day extension), with final deadline of the third Wednesday in March of the second annual session; formal business must conclude by third Wednesday in December (first year) and last day of July (second year)

Mandates independent financial audits of joint legislative accounts conducted annually by a private auditing firm recommended by the State Auditor, with results posted publicly online (effective fiscal year 2026)

Establishes procurement rules requiring competitive bidding for contracts over $100,000, quotations from at least 3 vendors for contracts $10,000-$100,000, and use of statewide procurement contracts where practicable