Video & Transcript Research : 'dispatchable generation'
Page 101 of 500
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- So, I'd move it forward to the general register.
- So, I'd move it forward to the general register.
- So, I'd move it forward to the general register.
- With forward to the general register.
- File 4492 is re-referred to the general File 4492 is re-referred to the general register.<00:09:
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Fraud Committee Meeting - 2026-05-13
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We have passed the independent Office of Inspector General bill.
- <00:20:28.799>
to we had asked the attorney general to we had asked the attorney general to - Um, so regarding Attorney General Ellison, that he led to those convictions.
- Um, so regarding Attorney General Ellison, that he led to those convictions.
- Um, so regarding Attorney General Ellison, that he led to those convictions.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- fund programs... ...operating budget as well as any discretionary general fund programs.
- I appreciate the fact that this budget has just generalized 5% cuts. ...that this budget has just generalized
- $228 million in general fund dollars.
- And then Brian, I usually try ladies first, just general rule.
- There's not a specific general fund allotment from here.
Bills:
HB4138, HB4139, HB4140, HB4141, HB4142, HB4143, HB4144, HB4145, HB4146, HB4147, HB4148, HB4149, HB4150, HB4151, HB4152, HB4153, SB1831, SB1832, SB1833, SB1834, SB1835, SB1836, SB1837, SB1838, SB1839, SB1840, SB1841, SB1842, SB1843, SB1844, SB1845, SB1846
Keywords:
appropriations, education funding, health care, general fund, state budget, local funding, gaming, pari-mutuel, horse racing, regulatory assessment, first-time starters, budget implementation, federal funds, government services, budget stabilization, financial reporting, capital outlay, infrastructure, veterans services, highway construction
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Taxes Committee considers HF169 3/11/25
Transcript Highlights:
- 122,500 they pay 177% to the general 122,500 they pay 177% to the general fund<00:03:57.480>
- <00:10:21.320>
fund <00:10:21.600>of to the general fund of to the general fund of - It goes into the general fund, and the general fund pays for the things that Minnesotans need from their
- significant cost to the general significant cost to the general fund<00:53:41.400>
a <00:53 - fund a significant cost to the general fund a significant cost to the general fund<00:53:43.200>
Summary:
The committee took up House File 169, which would change the tax structure for charitable gambling. Representative Robbins offered and the committee adopted the A1 author’s amendment, described as a technical correction to ensure sports-themed tip boards are not inadvertently taxed under the bill. Robbins then presented the bill as a way to replace the current tiered combined net receipts tax on charitable gambling with a flat 5% rate, arguing charities were being overtaxed and that prior promises of relief had not been fully delivered.
Chair Stevenson pushed back on several of Robbins’ factual claims, correcting the record on the status of E-pull tabs, the share of charitable gambling revenue they represent, and the amount of tax relief already enacted in 2023 and 2024. He said E-tabs were not eliminated, that the revenue split between paper pull tabs and E-tabs is closer to 45/55, and that charities had already received a $15 million tax cut plus savings from reduced developer fees. Robbins responded that the changes still significantly reduced revenue and that the bill was intended as a middle-ground approach.
Testimony largely came from charitable gambling and veterans groups in support of the bill. Rachel Jenner of Allied Charities of Minnesota said nearly 1,000 charities depend on charitable gambling, cited high taxes and fees, and said many organizations were seeing revenue declines after the new E-pull tab rules took effect. Dr. Christy Jano of the American Legion Department of Minnesota said charitable gambling funds support veterans, youth, and community programs, and that a flat 5% tax would help posts continue those efforts. Members asked about the size of the revenue drops and how much gambling proceeds go to overhead and operating costs; Jenner said the losses varied by organization and that it was too early to know the long-term effect, while Jano said some expenses are used for property taxes and building upkeep. The committee then moved on to additional testimony, including Tim Angstrom, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- It's taxpayers, and it's coming out of the general fund, and... ...it is coming out of the general fund
- I do not think we have general fund dollars to keep this alive.
- So, without a non-general source fund, I cannot vote for this bill.
- Yeah, the amendment eliminates general funds and uses non-general funds, and I'm willing in a COB amendment
- funds, as long as it stays non-general funds.
Keywords:
mental health, hearings, acquaintance witnesses, patient rights, treatment evaluation, barbering, cosmetology, appropriation, funding, licensing, board operations, peace officer, training, public safety, traffic offenses, judicial system, corrections, recruitment, state budget, crime victims
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations - Human Resources Division Apr 9th, 2025 at 03:00 pm
Appropriations - Human Resources Division
Transcript Highlights:
- And then the next—and that's for $99,96 out of the general fund.
- General fund is $8,922. Other funds is $3,426.
- That's the $4,200 from the general fund.
- That is from the general fund, and I believe that was From the general fund.
- How many interns do you generally have?
Summary:
The committee took up Senate Bill 2025, the Veterans Home/Veterans Affairs budget, and worked through the long sheet line by line. Members discussed base payroll, salary and health insurance increases, FTE pool adjustments, IT rate increases, operating expenses, transportation grants, the PTSD service dog program, salary equity requests, temporary help/intern funding, a Veterans Benefit Specialist FTE, accrued leave, and several one-time or carryover items including the Fisher House, document scanning, and veterans medical transportation. The committee also reviewed proposed policy language that would shift governance authority for the Veterans Home and Department of Veterans Affairs from the Administrative Committee on Veterans Affairs to the governor, and would remove board authority over salary-setting and related hiring powers.
A major portion of the meeting focused on clarifying the commissioner salary equity line and how the agency had shifted operating dollars to fund the commissioner’s current salary increase. After discussion with agency staff and Lonnie, the committee voted to remove the separate commissioner salary equity increase line and instead restore operating funding, ultimately setting the operating line at $50,000 above the prior amount rather than fully funding the executive request. The committee also approved funding for the Veterans Benefit Specialist FTE, approved a carryforward/exemption for accrued leave, approved authority to accept $200,000 in federal transportation grant funds, approved the $500,000 transfers related to veterans homelessness, and approved the exemption language for certain federal/state fiscal recovery funds after discussing whether the funds were properly obligated.
On the governance amendment, members expressed concern about making a major policy change in an appropriations bill, but also frustration over the board’s salary actions. After debate, the committee adopted the amendment transferring governance authority to the governor by a 7-1 vote. The committee also approved a smaller amount for veteran service officer salary equity than requested, and rejected funding for temporary salaries and an intern. The chair then directed staff to prepare the amended bill for further action, with the committee planning to revisit it once the revised version was ready.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 11, 2025 - 10:15 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- The college system receives a direct appropriation from the state for its general...
- Some only have adult general education.
- Some only have adult general education.
- On an annual basis, we actually only have 14.6 for general release.
- Generates about $1.6 million, and it's kind of in arrears.
Summary:
The Higher Education Budget Subcommittee met to review funding models for the Florida College System and district workforce education programs, with an emphasis on how new dollars are allocated in the program fund and how performance and targeted funding are incorporated. Chancellor Hebda explained the Florida College System model, including base program funding, student success and pipeline funds, performance incentives for industry certifications, and the 2022 president-developed formula that weights enrollment, workforce enrollment, completions, small-college factors, and regional cost differences, plus a targeted funding floor for colleges below a minimum per-FTE level. Vice Chancellor Goodman then outlined the district workforce model, which uses lagged enrollment, program cost weights, local revenue offsets, small-district adjustments, and unmet-need calculations to distribute lump-sum appropriations to school districts offering workforce education.
The department also provided updates on several grant programs and funding delays. Goodman said the Workforce Development Incentive Grant, Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant, Graduation Alternative to Traditional Education Startup Grant, and teacher apprenticeship/mentor bonus programs all involve multi-year awards and often require reversions and reappropriations because projects are delayed, extended, or not fully obligated by year-end. She said the department is moving toward an electronic grants system and had already adjusted internal deadlines to speed awards, while acknowledging some reimbursement delays and explaining that mentor bonuses for teacher apprentices will not be paid until the first cohort reaches the statutory timing requirement.
Members asked about tracking whether CTE students work in their trained fields, how Xello is used to inform students about career pathways, how FTE is calculated, whether the funding formulas could encourage growth over quality, and how students with disabilities are counted in workforce funding. Questions also focused on tuition, enrollment trends, and the gap between college and university funding. The committee heard that tuition has remained flat for more than a decade, enrollment has rebounded from COVID and is projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels, and the college system’s funding per FTE varies widely. Valencia College President Kathleen Plinsky testified in support of the proposed formula and an additional $200 million for the Florida College System, saying Valencia is the second-largest college in the state but ranks last in per-FTE funding, which has made it difficult to recruit and retain faculty and admit qualified students in high-demand programs like nursing. The committee took no vote and adjourned after the presentations and questions.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES Feb 12th, 2026
LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-STATE AGENCIES
Transcript Highlights:
- We also referred this to the prosecutor and the Attorney General, and it was also certified to the bond
- This finding was referred to the project attorney and the Attorney General.
- This finding was referred to the project attorney and the Attorney General.
- This finding was referred to the prosecutor, the Attorney General, and was also certified to the bond
- The Attorney General has indicated that he has notified the 100,000.
Summary:
The committee met with prayer and approved the January minutes, then heard a series of Arkansas Legislative Audit reports. Reports with findings were presented for the Department of Human Services, Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Department of Corrections, and Department of Veterans Affairs, along with a special report on law enforcement racial profiling policy compliance. Several reports without findings were also filed without objection.
For DHS, auditors reported apparent thefts involving false benefit claims in disaster nutrition assistance and Medicaid, a nearly $610,000 altered warrant cashed by a California auto body shop, and multiple asset-control issues, including missing equipment, inventory discrepancies, and improper sales tax paid on exempt vehicle purchases. Members questioned DHS about the warrant fraud and whether other agencies or California officials had been notified. For Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, auditors cited missing museum receipts and problems with change funds at Daisy State Park and War Memorial Stadium; department officials said they are considering cashless payment options and provided an update on the museum loss investigation.
For Corrections, auditors reported unauthorized personal fuel-card purchases totaling about $4,500 and a delayed disaster recovery test for critical IT systems. Department officials said staffing has been increased for fuel-card oversight and that a full production disaster recovery test is scheduled soon. For Veterans Affairs, auditors found improper pay for employees who were not working, duplicate vendor payment, and numerous overtime approvals that were not properly authorized; the department said it has tightened overtime approval procedures. The special report said only 203 of 383 law enforcement agencies had responded regarding racial profiling policies, and the Attorney General had notified the remaining agencies that they were not in compliance. The committee requested a list of nonresponding agencies and adjourned, with the next meeting scheduled for March 12.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Consumer Protection - 01/28/2026
Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- An act to amend the General Business Law and the Executive Law in relation to school security guards.
- An act to amend the General Business Law and the Executive Law in relation to school security guards.
- of the introduction of generic drugs.
- of the introduction of generic drugs.
- An act to amend the General Business Law in relation to requirements for the rental of helmets.
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Consumer Protection held its first meeting of the year on January 28, chaired by Senator Rachel May, with Ranking Member Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and several other senators present. Chair May said the committee would focus this session on consumer protection issues such as surveillance pricing and the use of technology to target consumers unfairly. The ranking member briefly agreed on the importance of protecting vulnerable consumers and wished the committee a successful session.
The committee then considered six bills, all of which had previously passed the Senate. The measures covered school security guards (S.194B), notice to the Attorney General about arrangements that delay generic drug introductions (S.488A), warranties and protections for purchasers of new and used motor vehicles (S.5597), a cap on credit service charges in retail installment contracts (S.5600), requirements for rental helmets to address concerns about damaged helmets (S.6985), and making renewed appearance enhancement and barber licenses and certificates available online in downloadable PDF form (S.7483).
There was little discussion on most bills, though Senator May noted that the helmet bill was intended to address situations where rented helmets may have been damaged or consumers may not know their condition. Each bill was moved, seconded, and approved by the committee without opposition, with one bill reported to the Finance Committee and the others reported to first reading on the calendar. The meeting then adjourned after concluding legislative business.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee Mar 24th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The general fund balance, as shown on the general fund balance chart, remains strong in the governmental
- Dickinson State's book balance did not agree to the general ledger.
- I'm the special assistant attorney general.
- That's a heavy estimate, but I want to be generous.
- The general fund. Alan may know what I'm guessing.
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:
- And so, does the Attorney General believe we should ban gas stations?
- We’ve had numerous attorney generals.
- Does that include generation?
- We're aware that this is a significant area of concern for the General Court, the DPU, the Attorney General
- Then Attorney General, now Governor Healy's testimony continued.
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.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion
Transcript Highlights:
- President, General Warrior, probably speak to those.
- We took advice from the Attorney General and made sure that our General Counsel understood that we were
- We applied for STEM, one for First Generation.
- We have 20,000 jobs available at Mass General Brigham alone.
- the most socially conscious generation ever.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion held an informational hearing on “Protecting Equity in Higher Education” and emphasized that no bills were being heard. Members and witnesses focused on the effects of recent federal actions on DEI, admissions, financial aid, student loans, international students, and campus equity efforts in Massachusetts. Opening remarks from the co-chairs and the chair of Higher Education highlighted Massachusetts’ investments in free community college, expanded financial aid, and early college programs, while warning that federal policy changes could undermine those gains.
Testimony from BU law professor Jonathan Feingold argued that many DEI practices remain legally defensible after Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, and that the decision did not end all race-conscious or equity-oriented efforts. He said the Trump administration’s anti-DEI actions and funding threats were legally suspect and had created confusion and a chilling effect. Bahar Akman-in-Boden of the Hildreth Institute testified that proposed federal cuts to TRIO, Gear Up, Pell Grants, SEOG, work-study, and student loan programs would disproportionately harm low-income, first-generation, Black, Latino, and other underserved students, and urged the state to prepare hold-harmless and advising supports using Fair Share revenue.
Commissioner Noe Ortega described Massachusetts’ long history of equity in higher education and said the state has expanded aid, success programs, and early college, but still has work to do on attainment and completion. He said the state responded to SFFA by creating ACARE and continuing to defend equity practices, while also warning that federal disruptions and “dear colleague” letters have created uncertainty. In the second panel, state university leaders and campus officials said federal threats to Pell, DEI grants, Medicaid, and international student policies could affect access, campus operations, and the economy; they stressed that most state university graduates stay in Massachusetts and that institutions are continuing their equity practices despite federal pressure. Roxbury Community College’s president said RCC remains committed to open access and inclusion, noted enrollment growth, and said executive orders do not change existing law or the college’s obligations.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Can you comment to that in general?
- Their budgeted state general revenue line is for $5 million... ...the state general revenue line is for
- The appropriation is almost entirely funded by general revenue.
- It's general revenue. It's state general... Court? No, not that I'm aware of. It's general revenue.
- That's general revenue. And money for this appropriation is used.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 20, 2026 - 09:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Libby, Attorney General Office, waiving in support. Thank you for being here.
- This bill simply authorizes the Attorney General to initiate legal proceedings...
- And why is the Attorney General investigating instead of the local committees?
- spent and wouldn't hurt people and generally would help our communities.
- The Attorney General is the state law enforcement officer of Florida.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology and Medical Technology Oct 27th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- on site where they can generate electricity, which can offset their own power use.
- Those farms generate food products or silage for animal use.
- Energy generation is regulated by CalRecycle and by CARB and by your local air district.
- So that really puts a cap on what can be generated at a wastewater treatment plant.
- But in the process, they generate a lot of toxic byproducts themselves.
Summary:
The Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology and Medical Technology held an informational hearing on the role of biotechnology industries in wastewater treatment, hosted at Bakar Labs on the UC Berkeley campus. Opening remarks emphasized California’s water scarcity, the rising cost of wastewater infrastructure, and the need to reuse and clean contaminated water. Committee members framed the hearing as a look at both current treatment challenges and emerging technologies that could improve water quality, affordability, and resilience over time.
The first panel focused on statewide wastewater challenges. BACWA Executive Director Laurie Fono described wastewater plants as part of a broader circular economy, noting their roles in recycled water, environmental enhancement, biosolids management, carbon sequestration, and renewable energy generation. She highlighted major challenges including aging 1970s-era infrastructure, nutrient reduction mandates, sea level rise, evolving regulations, and PFAS source control. She said Bay Area agencies face about $11 billion in nutrient reduction costs, with rate increases, state revolving funds, WIFIA loans, and bonds as the main financing tools. Members asked about regional differences, energy revenue opportunities, smaller decentralized plants, and agricultural collaboration.
The second panel featured researchers and lab experts discussing biotechnology solutions. Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s Dr. Romine Chakarvati described using microbial communities and machine learning to help break down PFAS and treat produced water. CEL Analytical’s Dr. Yigi Dearborn explained pathogen testing for direct potable reuse, wastewater monitoring, and the need for larger sample volumes and more funding to validate methods for viruses and protozoa. Stanford’s Dr. Chunhung-Shin presented an anaerobic membrane system that turns domestic wastewater into clean water and energy with less biosolids and lower operating costs. Committee members asked about AI, assay development, scaling technologies, and funding priorities. Public comment from the California Association of Sanitation Agencies stressed the need to balance scalability, reliability, and affordability, and the hearing adjourned without any formal vote or action.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 40 Morning Session Apr 14th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, it is my honor and distinct pleasure to introduce Major General Thomas H.
- Mancino, the Adjutant General of the Oklahoma National Guard. General Mancino, you are recognized.
- Who have the ability to access it, but the general public doesn't.
- I think that the library or something must be made available to the general public.
- But what we stand for should matter for the next generation.
Bills:
SB1290, SB1530, SB1847, HR1050, SB169, SB1377, SB1990, SB1991, SB1778, SB1579, SB1992, SB3, SB2028, SB1928, SB2127, SB2117, SB1439, SB1930, SB330, SB1191, SB2110, SB2134, SB2069, SB2095, SB1613, SB1246, SB1976, SB1346, SB1509, SB2071, SB259, SB1314
Keywords:
2-1-1 services, revolving fund, Department of Human Services, crisis pregnancy, abortion, legal funding, research funding, development rebate, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, tax incentives, higher education partnerships, Medicaid, ADvantage Waiver, home-based services, eligibility criteria, healthcare, senior services, Taiwan, Oklahoma, sister-state relationship
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
House - Appropriations and Finance Jan 28th, 2025
House Appropriations & Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- The majority of the funds that come to the general fund.
- This is a non-general fund revenue agency.
- general funds.
- Typically, it generates around $600,000 to $650,000.
- generate enough from wagering in the state.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Mar 24th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- Indeed, the court held that an out-of-state attorney general had standing to sue a Florida charitable
- As a result, the exclusive sovereign authority of the Florida Attorney General was diluted.
- Years later, the Years later, the Attorney General from Delaware sues again, this time for breach of
- Does this bill limit that Attorney General from representing qualified beneficiaries, even though out
- So technically, the Florida Attorney General... You're recognized.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met and considered five bills, all of which were reported favorably. The committee first heard SB 1168 by Senator Leek, which increases the penalty for unlawfully installing or using a tracking device or app on another person’s property when done in furtherance of a dangerous crime; an amendment broadened the bill to cover both furtherance of and commission of such crimes. The bill passed unanimously. The committee then approved SB 1286 by Senator Grall, clarifying that parents allowing children to engage in unsupervised activities like biking, walking, or playing outside does not by itself constitute child harm or neglect unless the conduct is reckless and endangers the child. That bill also passed without opposition.
The committee next took up CS for SB 1198 by Senator DiCeglie, creating a new statute addressing fraudulent use of gift cards and setting penalties and guidelines for such conduct. Several organizations and businesses, including AARP, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Walgreens, and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, appeared in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 774 by Senator Wright, which requires clerks of court to electronically transmit certain involuntary mental health, substance abuse, and risk protection order paperwork to the county sheriff within six business hours after entry; the bill was presented in response to a fatal delay in serving an ex parte order in Volusia County. An amendment clarified the six-hour requirement applies to business hours, and the bill passed unanimously.
Finally, the committee considered CS for SB 806 by Senator Yarbrough, which clarifies that the Florida Attorney General is the exclusive public official with standing to assert the rights of qualified beneficiaries in Florida charitable trusts. Senator Ruson raised concerns about whether the bill could limit out-of-state attorneys general and potentially affect litigation over trust distributions, but said he would support the bill while continuing discussions before Rules. The committee adopted the bill and it was reported favorably. Senator Simon later asked to be recorded in support of SB 1168 and SB 1286, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So that's a sign that there's still many buried, significant pieces in the general laws that need to
- with disabilities, sadly, throughout our Massachusetts General Laws.
- President, the general laws are an expression of the values of all of the people of the Commonwealth
- This amendment would remove the crime of petite treason from our general laws.
- This amendment would remove the crime of petite treason from our general laws.
Summary:
The Senate took up several committee reports, resolutions, and House messages, then moved through a series of bills on the calendar. Early action included adopting a Ways and Means order on Senate Bill 2549, which promotes student learning and mental health, by substituting a new draft and setting amendment deadlines and a second reading date. The chamber also adopted congratulatory resolutions for the Sport Fish Restoration Program’s 75th anniversary and the Hawthorn Hotel’s 100th anniversary, and suspended rules on a sick leave bank petition for a trial court employee and on a House bill validating a special election in Hardwick, which was ordered to a third reading. The Senate also adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Peter Hayden Lapin of Springfield, a veteran and former public servant.
The Senate then considered Senate Bill 137, renaming and updating references in the General Laws to replace outdated and offensive terms regarding people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Senators spoke at length in support of the bill, emphasizing respect, disability rights, and the work of advocates such as Melissa Riley and the Arc of Massachusetts. An amendment by Senator Creem replaced “hearing impaired” with “deaf or hard of hearing,” and a corrective amendment by Senator Lovely was also adopted. The bill was then passed to be engrossed by a unanimous 40-0 roll call.
Next, the Senate considered Senate Bill 1034, which repeals archaic laws including sodomy-related provisions, the common nightwalker law, and the blasphemy statute, and creates a commission to review archaic laws going forward. Senators described the measure as a civil liberties and dignity issue, with particular attention to the misuse of the common nightwalker law against women and trans people and the historical injustice of blasphemy laws. Amendments were adopted to add the Supreme Court as a recipient of commission reports and to remove the crime of petite treason. The bill was then passed to be engrossed unanimously, 40-0.
Finally, the Senate considered Senate Bill 2558, the “blue envelope” bill to improve interactions between police officers and people with autism spectrum disorder. Supporters said the voluntary program would help drivers and passengers with ASD during traffic stops and would be made permanent through the Registry of Motor Vehicles, with the State Police and advocacy groups involved. An amendment requiring in-service training by the Massachusetts Police Training Council was adopted, while a proposed yellow-dot amendment for older drivers with chronic illness was rejected 5-34. A Ways and Means amendment was then adopted, and the bill passed to be engrossed unanimously, 39-0. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned.
VA
Virginia 2026 Regular Session
Commission on Updating Virginia Law to Reflect Federal Recognition of Virginia Tribes Jun 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We have some of the top staff in the General Assembly here.
- I did spend quite a bit of time down here at the General Assembly this past year.
- You know, one of the things about being in the General Assembly is every year is like a whole new General
- So especially around working with the Attorney General too.
- Do we see you have any other, anybody else in the general public? Seeing none?