Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Mark Newton with the Legislative Analyst's Office, and I'm asked to provide a brief overview of our
• I'm Mark Beckley, Chief Deputy Director for Operations for the Department of State Hospitals.
• See one person coming up, and if the sergeants can check if there's any in the hallway.
• but I do remember so many people offering public comment that it wrapped all the way down to our sergeant
• Mark Faruque on behalf of the California Hospital Association.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held a May Revision hearing covering several health-related budget proposals and broader concerns about the state’s budget structure. The Chair opened by praising some May Revision changes, such as added health IT funding, county administration support tied to Medi-Cal changes, a delay in Medi-Cal cuts for some lawfully present immigrants, and additional support for Covered California subsidies, while criticizing proposed increases in Medi-Cal premiums, changes to senior eligibility, the lack of a Medi-Cal dental solution, and other reductions affecting counties, mobile crisis units, workforce incentives, and physician shortages. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the state’s budget condition remains weak despite progress on the structural deficit, and the Department of Finance said the May Revision uses a mix of reductions, reforms, revenue proposals, and fund shifts to cut out-year deficits. The committee first heard Department of State Hospitals proposals, including adjustments to county bed billing authority, contract exemption language for online clinical/pharmacy subscriptions, reversion of unspent funds, a revised Metro Central Utility Plant replacement project, electronic health record implementation, and workforce development funded partly through Behavioral Health Services Act resources. DSH also described savings and realignments in incompetent-to-stand-trial and conditional release programs, including extending the independent placement panel program and shifting funds to support additional bed capacity and a mental health rehab center. Members asked about the use of BHSA funds for workforce programs, and the department said the proposal would replace General Fund support with BHSA reimbursements. The Emergency Medical Services Authority proposed funding for statewide behavioral health crisis response guidance and for enterprise system development, and the Department of Managed Health Care proposed modernization of its complaint system and claims-settlement data system to improve oversight and comply with AB 3275. The largest discussion centered on the administration’s BHSA spending plan under Proposition 1, including state-directed prevention, workforce, and other uses, plus General Fund offsets for existing programs. The LAO questioned whether some proposed offsets fit Proposition 1’s non-supplant and eligible-use requirements, while the administration argued the uses were consistent with the measure and that the state-directed share can be adjusted annually. The Commission for Behavioral Health’s proposals drew the most public and member concern. The administration proposed cutting the commission’s Innovation Partnership Fund from $20 million to $10 million and reducing the Community Advocacy Program by $6.7 million, while redirecting BHSA dollars to other state purposes and direct services. Commissioners, advocates, and several members argued the cuts would weaken community voice, reduce support for underserved populations, and disrupt grants already in process; they also objected to using BHSA funds to backfill General Fund commitments. Public commenters, including youth, disability, behavioral health, LGBTQ, tribal, veteran, immigrant, and community-based organization representatives, overwhelmingly opposed the cuts and urged preservation of prevention, advocacy, mobile crisis, and innovation funding. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• He's got enough gold around his neck to finance Mark DeRasio's currency bill. Thank you.
• relating to the designation of a portion of State Highway 11 in Morris County as the Army Staff Sergeant
• This does designate a portion of Highway 11 in Morris County as Army Staff Sergeant Samuel T.
• So did Mark or Mike pass this bill? I think Mark did. But he hasn't passed the bill yet.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation and pledges, received Senate messages, and adopted several procedural motions allowing committees to meet during the session and postponing or scheduling certain committee hearings. Members also observed a memorial recognition for Wood County Deputy Sheriff Melissa Pollard, who died in the line of duty, and adopted a resolution honoring her service. The chamber then adopted House Resolution 897 recognizing May 6, 2025 as Golf Day in Texas and House Resolution 1063 recognizing Dallas Housing Coalition Advocacy Day; additional recognitions highlighted Mental Health Awareness Month and tardive dyskinesia awareness, The Woodlands’ 50th anniversary, Alzheimer’s advocacy, student athlete Gator Young, an intern in Rep. Leo-Wilson’s office, and educator Jessica Lopez. The House spent much of the day on third-reading consideration of a long calendar of bills. Among the measures passed were HB 24 on zoning protest procedures, HB 3800 creating a health care workforce advisory board, HB 42 on higher education appropriations, HB 129 restricting contracts with foreign adversary companies, HB 677 on county elections administrator political activity, HB 668 on license-to-carry renewal procedures, HB 2128 directing a rural firefighting study, HB 2038 expanding physician licensing options, HB 2316 on election result reporting, HB 3686 on retired peace officer ID cards, HB 2563 creating a prescribed burn manager self-insurance pool, HB 1160 increasing penalties for assaults on utility workers, HB 3883 on major events funding, HB 2788 protecting fraud-detection information, HB 2663 on inactive well plugging extensions, HB 3305 extending a county health provider participation program, HB 3474 on pension reporting, HB 1105 expanding tuition exemptions for certain paramedics, HB 3490 on closed meetings with internal auditors, HB 3597 on child care facility notice thresholds, HB 1295 on health literacy planning, HB 3512 on AI training for government employees, HB 3783 on court-ordered counseling, HB 2017 on intoxication manslaughter penalties, HB 3010 on rural disaster recovery, HB 3112 on cybersecurity-related public information and meetings, HB 4215 on delivery network companies, HB 3223 on construction claims limitation periods, HB 3464 on controlled substances in correctional facilities, HB 3120 on residential child detention facilities, HB 4214 on public information, HB 481 on trade secret sealing, HB 4783 on opioid antagonist program reporting, HB 4063 on unilateral memoranda of contract, HB 2783 on county employee deferred compensation, HB 5085 on seed banks, HB 2510 on assisted living facility operations, HB 3426 on digital driver’s licenses, HB 4361 on emergency notifications at higher education institutions, HB 1169 on oil and gas infrastructure protection, HB 2516 on Medicare supplement eligibility for Texans under 65, HB 3560 on hospital staff background checks, HB 3860 on occupational licenses for inmates, HB 3146 on SOAH hearings, HB 184 on loan repayment for border prosecution attorneys, HB 198 on firefighter cancer screenings, HB 247 on border security infrastructure taxation, HB 367 on excused absences for students with severe illnesses, HB 449 on deepfake sexually explicit images, HB 1778 on human trafficking and related offenses, HB 514 on maternal health workforce outreach, HB 632 on pharmacy regulation, HB 2582 on victim parole information, HB 766 on precinct chair ballot applications, HB 2715 on suspension/removal of officials, HB 2712 on water and sewer utility test years, HB 3069 on transmission projects, HB 3505 on health provider participation districts, HB 1269 on plant disease and pest prevention grants, HB 4224 on access to health care records, HB 5032 on historical documents in the Capitol complex, HB 2240 on void marriages, HB 5180 on diploma designation, HB 3348 on health provider participation programs, HB 4668 on PUC authority to retain assistance, HB 4665 on child care training providers, HB 3395 on beneficiary designation for manufactured homes, HB 3157 on interim electric utility rates, HB 4395 on electronic submission of public securities records, HB 4325 on bribery civil penalties, HB 4386 on annuity replacement transactions, HB 4273 on Medicaid fraud-related unlawful acts, HB 2760 on judicial review of unemployment decisions, HB 2820 on charitable bingo operating capital, HB 1828 on legislative leave for correctional officers, and a series of Senate bills including SB 2349, SB 1268, SB 610, SB 1577, SB 1369, SB 2032, SB 1057, SB 1044, SB 922, SB 1759, SB 1143, SB 1506, SB 1403, SB 2361, SB 870, SB 372, and SB 72. Several bills drew debate or amendments, including HB 24, where a germane point of order was sustained against an amendment, and HB 198, HB 3348, and SB 2361, which were amended before passage. Most measures passed by wide margins, though some drew notable opposition, including HB 3883, HB 514, HB 1295, HB 184, SB 1143, and others. The House also postponed further consideration of HB 4700 until the end of the day and HB 24 until 1 p.m., and it granted permission for committees to meet during the House session and for the Calendars Committee to meet that morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• The sergeants are going to guide us to the buses, and we will gavel out of the committee at 4:30 at the
• The sergeants are going to guide us to the buses, and we will gavel out of the committee at 4:30 at the

Summary: The Education Administration Subcommittee was called to order and a roll call established a quorum, with several members excused. The chair noted that the committee was meeting on the last day of committee weeks before session and that members were headed on a field trip to Tallahassee Collegiate Academy. The chair reminded members to bring their driver’s licenses for school check-in and said administration would be verifying identities. No bills, testimony, or substantive policy issues were discussed during the meeting. The committee then adjourned from the room to travel by bus to the school, with the plan to gavel out at 4:30 p.m. at Tallahassee Collegiate Academy.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thanks always for our sergeant staff for keeping us and our guests safe. Attendance this morning.
• Again, thank you always for our sergeant staff for keeping us and our guests safe.

Summary: The Rules and Ethics Committee met on Thursday, April 10, 2025, with members present and the chair opening the meeting by thanking members and staff for their prompt attendance and safety support. The main item of business was a special order letter for the House session on Wednesday, April 16, which included 58 bills and set negotiated time allocations for questions and debate on each bill. There was no public testimony and no debate on the special order letter. The committee adopted the special order letter without objection. The chair also reminded members that the main amendment deadline for the Wednesday session was the next day, Friday, with main amendments due to House bill drafting by 3:00 p.m. and approved for filing by 4:00 p.m., and hearing amendments due by 6:30 p.m. and approved for filing by 7:00 p.m. The meeting then adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, please take your seats, Sergeant-at-Arms. Members, please take your seats.
• Sergeant-at-Arms. The House is now in session.

Keywords: April 23, 2026 - Reconvened Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sergeant First Class Nicole Amore of White Bear Lake was killed while serving our country in Kuwait.
• And when we lose someone like Sergeant Amore, that loss is deeply personal.
• May we honor Sergeant Amore's life with gratitude by supporting her family, by remembering the extraordinary
• 00:01:51.880> lose<00:01:52.160> someone<00:01:52.560> like<00:01:52.760> Sergeant
• major of the Minnesota Army sergeant major of the Minnesota Army National<00:04:43.600> Guard.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Minnesota Senate Subcommittee on Veterans met on March 4, 2026, and began with a moment of silence honoring Sergeant First Class Nicole Amore of White Bear Lake, who was killed while serving in Kuwait. The committee then took up Senate File 3956, an MDVA policy bill giving the commissioner clearer authority to direct staff time and other non-monetary resources toward partnerships with organizations serving veterans, especially on food insecurity, homelessness, suicide prevention, and related efforts. MDVA and Disabled American Veterans testified that the bill would help them work more quickly and clearly with outside partners, including food pantry and outreach efforts, while remaining focused on non-monetary support. Senator Howe offered an A1 amendment narrowing the bill to the three named priorities and removing the broader “other critical issues” language; the amendment was adopted after discussion about whether the reporting language also needed adjustment. SF 3956, as amended, was laid over for further consideration. The committee then heard Senate File 3955, which would create a new procedure for temporary closure of a Minnesota veterans home if an involuntary termination notice requires it, bringing state law into closer alignment with federal expectations. MDVA emphasized that it had no intention of permanently closing any veterans homes and that the bill was intended only to establish a temporary closure plan to satisfy survey requirements. Senator Howe offered an A1 amendment clarifying that any closure would be temporary unless the legislature approved a permanent closure; MDVA and the Department of Health indicated the change was acceptable. The committee adopted the amendment and then voted to recommend SF 3955, as amended, to pass and refer it to the full committee. Finally, the committee began Senate File 4072, an MDVA cleanup and conformity bill. After adopting a technical A3 amendment, MDVA explained that the bill would reclassify the Chief of Staff/Deputy Chief of Staff role as Deputy Commissioner for Administration to better reflect the scope of the position, and would also repeal outdated statutes related to environmental hazards assistance and a data-collection requirement that the department said it could not implement. The bill was still being presented when the transcript ended, and no final committee action on SF 4072 was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• He attended drill sergeant school and U.S. armor school.
• He attended drill sergeant school and U.S. armor school.
• He attended drill sergeant school and U.S. armor school.
• But mark my words, we will not stop there.
• But mark my words, we will not stop there.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If you wish to give testimony, fill out a witness card and hand it to the Sergeant at Arms.
• Sergeant at Arms, can you pass that out? All right. Thank you. That's okay. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• Sergeant, at arms, can you pass that out? All right. Thank you. That's okay. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
• I did give some handouts to the sergeant at arms. And I got to tell you, this, please review it.

Bills: SCR58, SB309, SB514, HCR63, HCR69, HB401, HB487, HB722, HB730, HB745, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1024, HB1032, HB1050, HB1081, HB1086, HB1108, HB1172, HB1173, HB1175, HB1192, HB1218, HB1244

Keywords: SCR 58, Senate Concurrent Resolution, DOTD, Department of Transportation and Development, public-private partnership, P3, public-private partnership contracting, Belle Chasse Toll Bridge, Belle Chasse Bridge, toll bridge, tolling, tolls, transportation infrastructure, roads and highways, Plaquemines Parish, bridge project, toll fees, unauthorized charges, contract oversight, procurement

Transcript Highlights:

• , Warden Camacho, Officer Samuel Earl, Inspector, from the Inspector General's Office, Detective Sergeant
• Jim Currier, and Sergeant Hisham Saidemad.
• , Warden Camacho, Officer Samuel Earl, Inspector, from the Inspector General's Office, Detective Sergeant
• Jim Currier, and Sergeant Hisham Saidemad.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• this um commission uh through across this um commission uh through representative<02:11:39.119> Mark
• I'm the mother of Russell Durgen, Sergeant Russell Durgen, who was killed in action in Afghanistan on
• mother of Russell Durgen, Sergeant mother of Russell Durgen, Sergeant Russell<04:27:47.960> Durgen
• You didn't mark<05:21:38.080> off<05:21:38.240> the<05:21:38.400> box,<05:21:38.638
• mark off the box, but I wasn't sure. mark off the box, but I wasn't sure.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I serve as the Chief Sergeant at Arms for the House of Representatives.
• Chair, and thank you, Sergeant Hodapp. I urge members to support the resolution. Thank you, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• Machine sergeant is now calling on the hall. Roll call is now in progress.
• Clerk, through the machine sergeants on roll call and all roll call is now in progress. More.

Bills: SB1475, SB1447, HB2288, SB1521, SB592, SB1533, HB1276, SB201, SB1477, SB1232, SB1255, SB1327, SB1525, SB1721, SB667, SB1436, SB1317, SB604, SB1325, SB1496, SB2007, SB1567, SB2112, SB1980, SB1735, SB1558, SB1491, SB1287, SB1378, SB1369, SB1441, SB137, SB483, SB843, SB1433, SB1257, SB1365, SJR49, HJR1090, HJR1091, HJR1092, HJR1093, HJR1095, HJR1094

Keywords: memorial, infrastructure, transportation, dedication, Toby Keith, employees insurance, contract awarding, certifications, state procurement, insurance plan, teachers, retirement, postretirement employment, earnings limitations, Oklahoma, artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, chatbot, conversational AI

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I move that the Sergeant-at-Arms or officers appointed by her send for all absentees whose attendance
• The Sergeant-at-Arms and any officers appointed by her are directed to send for all absentees whose attendance

Bills: HB4, HB 4

Keywords: redistricting, congressional districts, Texas Legislature, elections, 2020 Census, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Mark Rolo, a lifelong family physician. Dr.
• He was a tough character, former Worcester Police Sergeant, who lived life to its fullest.
• At this time, I would like to welcome, by way of Teams, Mark Peterson. Can you hear me?
• At this time, I want to welcome Mark Carey by way of Teams.
• Okay, Mark is not here on Teams, but I do see my colleague, Senator Cream.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health opened its first hearing of the session and heard testimony on bills in three areas: emergency medical services/AED access, athletic training and student safety, and end-of-life options. Committee chairs outlined testimony rules and noted that written testimony would also be accepted. Some bills had no live witnesses, while others drew extensive testimony from advocates, professionals, and legislators. On AED-related bills, the American Heart Association supported requiring automated external defibrillators at sporting events and athletic fields, citing sudden cardiac arrest survival rates and urging cardiac emergency response plans as an added safeguard. A parks and recreation professional supported AED access but raised concerns about the cost, staffing, maintenance, and feasibility for municipalities with limited resources. Athletic trainers supported expanding their scope of practice and removing workplace restrictions, arguing it would improve injury prevention, reduce costs, and help retain professionals in Massachusetts. The committee also took extensive testimony on end-of-life options legislation. Supporters included legislators, physicians, hospice volunteers, clergy, patients’ family members, and advocacy groups, who described the bills as allowing terminally ill, mentally capable adults to choose a peaceful death with strict safeguards and self-administration requirements. They emphasized personal stories of suffering, public support, and the claim that other states have not seen abuse. Opponents, including faith-based, disability-rights, and family policy representatives, argued the bills amount to physician-assisted suicide, could pressure vulnerable people, and may be influenced by prognosis errors, coercion, or financial incentives. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mark Gonzalez. Haney. Harabedian: Here. Lackey: Here. Wendy. Ramos. Sharp-Collins. All right.
• With the vice chair absent, I will be passing the gavel to Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez to chair the
• Just a couple of weeks ago, June 17, 2025, marked the 54th...
• Just a couple of weeks ago, June 17, 2025, marked the 54th anniversary of the infamous war on drugs,
• In 2022, a PG&E employee was stabbed while marking gas lines in San Francisco.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills, with testimony split between supporters who framed the measures as targeted fixes and opponents who warned about overcriminalization and unintended consequences. SB 701, by Senator Wahab, drew support from law enforcement and local government groups, who said state law lacks a tool to address the conduct at issue; the ACLU opposed it as duplicative of existing law, while public defenders said they may withdraw opposition after amendments. Because there was no quorum at that point, the bill was held open without a vote. SB 834, by Senator DeRazzo, was presented as a technical cleanup bill to improve California’s automatic record clearance system by preventing outdated “pending” charges from blocking relief, requiring local court records to match DOJ records, and creating a way for people to obtain proof of relief. It received broad support from criminal justice reform and defense organizations, with no opposition, and the chair indicated support, but no final action was taken during the hearing. SB 248, by Senator Rubio, would require DOJ to send new gun purchasers educational materials during the waiting period about safe storage, suicide prevention, domestic violence, and related resources; supporters called it common-sense education, while one opponent argued the information is already available. The committee voted the bill out on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, but it remained on call pending one additional vote. Senator Rubio’s SB 19, the Safe Schools and Places of Worship Act, would create a new offense for credible threats against schools or houses of worship even when no specific individual is named. Supporters, including law enforcement and Jewish community advocates, said current law leaves a loophole and that the bill would help prevent panic and resource-draining lockdowns; opponents from civil liberties and youth justice groups argued existing law already covers threats and that the bill would worsen the school-to-prison pipeline. After a motion and second, the committee voted due pass to Appropriations, with the measure also left on call. Later, SB 759 by Senator Archuleta, prompted by the killing of Whittier Officer Keith Boyer, would require a court hearing after a third supervision violation or new offense for people on post-release community supervision; supporters said it adds accountability, while opponents said it removes probation discretion and could increase jail and court burdens. The bill passed due pass to Appropriations and was reported as passing. The committee also heard SB 6 by Senator Ashby, which would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance while preserving veterinary use. Supporters, including veterinarians, law enforcement, and a parent who lost a son to a drug-related death, said the drug is increasingly present in fentanyl mixtures and needs to be controlled; opponents from drug policy and civil liberties groups argued scheduling would criminalize users, hinder research, and repeat failed drug-war policies. After extensive debate, the committee voted the bill out due pass to Appropriations, and it passed. Finally, SB 11, the AI Abuse Protection Act, was introduced to regulate AI-generated voice, image, and video replicas, with supporters emphasizing protection against deepfakes and nonconsensual images; the California Chamber of Commerce opposed unless amended, seeking narrower definitions and limits on consumer warnings. The hearing ended while SB 11 was still under discussion, with no final vote reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, I move that the Sergeant at Arms or officers appointed by her send for all absentees whose attendance
• The sergeant at arms and any officers appointed by her are directed to send for all absentees whose attendance

Summary: The House convened amid a quorum failure and a forceful statement from the Speaker criticizing absent members for leaving the state and delaying action on urgent issues such as disaster recovery, flood-related deaths, and human trafficking. The Speaker said the House would use all available rules to compel attendance, including a call of the House and civil arrest warrants if necessary. The chamber then opened with prayer and the pledges to the U.S. and Texas flags. Representative Garin moved to place a call on the House until consideration of HB 4 on third reading was completed. The motion was adopted by record vote, 86 ayes and 6 nays, and the doors were locked. Garin then moved that the Sergeant at Arms or appointed officers send for all absent members not excused, with warrants of arrest if necessary, continuing beyond adjournment until further order of the House. That motion also prevailed by record vote, 85 ayes and 6 nays. While under the call, members needed written permission to leave the chamber. The Speaker granted permission for members registered present to leave and return the next day. The House then adjourned without objection until 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• The prayer today will be offered by House Sergeant-at-Arms Russell Hosford, at my invitation.
• Thank you, Sergeant. Thank you, Sarge.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present. The Speaker recognized recent deaths in the chamber’s community, including Representative Plakon’s father, Bartow William Saunders Jr., and former Speaker John Thrasher, and the House observed moments of silence in their honor. The journal was approved, and there were no Senate messages, committee reports, reconsiderations, third-reading bills, or special-order bills on the desk. The House then adopted a motion to waive the rules to introduce House Bill 5, House Bill 5017, and House Joint Resolution 5019. Representative Garrison moved to take up House Concurrent Resolution 1635, which was read twice by title and explained as extending the 2025 regular session until June 18, 2025, while limiting further consideration to the general appropriations act, the implementing bill, and specified conforming bills; all other measures would be indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration as of May 3, 2025. The resolution was adopted without recorded opposition. Before adjournment, the Speaker noted Representative Yvette Benarroch’s birthday. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn after receiving reports and to reconvene upon call of the chair for committee and subcommittee meetings and other House business.

Transcript Highlights:

• And to my right is Command Sergeant Major Thad Edy, who serves as the command senior enlisted leader
• And to my right is<00:01:26.560> Command<00:01:26.880> Sergeant<00:01:27.280> Major<
• /c><00:01:27.920> Thad<00:01:28.240> Edy,<00:01:28.720> who is Command Sergeant
• Major Thad Edy, who is Command Sergeant Major Thad Edy, who serves<00:01:29.119> as<00:01:29.360
• And then do you guys, uh, Command Sergeant Major Edy, anything from you? Do we want to...

Bills: SF0012, SF0013, SF0067

Keywords: military, national guard, reenlistment, extension bonus, funding, Wyoming, Wyoming National Guard, recruitment, referral bonus, military service, eligibility expansion, incentive program, Wyoming state guard, emergency response, governor authority, state council of defense, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate will be attentive to our chaplain, the Reverend Mark Warren. >> Well, thank you, Madam President
• And um the sergeant-at-arms, thank you for keeping us safe. Um, we really appreciate it.
• And um the sergeant-at-arms, >> Thank you.
• And um the sergeant-at-arms, thank<03:51:20.239> you<03:51:20.399> for<03:51:20.560>
• I would be remiss if I didn't point out the co-commanders here that work with our sergeant-at-arms and

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Sergeant-at-Arms will now escort Her Excellency the Governor, Her Honor the Lieutenant Governor,
• So please gather here together and follow the Sergeant-at-Arms.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The joint session convened with the Pledge of Allegiance and remarks from the Governor and Lieutenant Governor welcoming members, guests, and the Governor’s Councillors-elect. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the council’s role in reviewing judicial nominees and noted recent confirmations, including 50 judges over the past two years and 38 in the prior year, emphasizing the importance of the council’s work in ensuring qualified and experienced judges for the Commonwealth. The Secretary of the Commonwealth transmitted the certified returns of the November 5, 2024 election for councillors, as required by the Constitution. The councillors-elect were then sworn in, taking oaths to support the Constitutions of Massachusetts and the United States and to faithfully discharge their duties. They were reminded to sign required paperwork before leaving so their service would be official. After the swearing-in, the Sergeant-at-Arms escorted the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, councillors, and guests from the chamber. On motion by the Senator from Brockton, Mr. Brady, the joint convention voted to adjourn, and the motion carried by voice vote.