Video & Transcript Research : 'Senate Joint Resolution 40'

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US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, May 5, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • That the Senate passed Senate 307, Senate 616, Senate Joint Resolution 31, which the Senate passed without
  • amendment, House Joint Resolution 42, House Joint Resolution 75, which the Senate agreed to without
  • Resolution 75, that the Senate agreed to Resolution 75, that the Senate agreed to without<02:13:32.400
  • > love<03:40:25.120> and<03:40:25.279> affection<03:40:25.920> for<03:40:
  • They will<03:40:29.600> not<03:40:29.760> allow<03:40:30.000> the<03:40:30.239><
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-05-29 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Are there bills or joint resolutions on third reading? None on the desk, Mr. Speaker.
  • Are there bills or joint resolutions on third reading? None on the desk, Mr. Speaker.
  • Senator Snatter, thank you. To not fund Florida Forever. Senator Snotter, thank you, Mr.
  • By Senator Brodeur, Senate Bill 2506E, a bill to be entitled an act relating to fuel taxes.
  • By Senator Brodeur, Senate Bill 2508E, a bill to be entitled an act relating to the state agency law
Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former Senator Don Childers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Officer Antonio Richardson as law enforcement officer of the day. The chamber announced it would take up 11 budget conference committee reports, with no third-reading bills or special-order calendar items. Members were reminded that conference reports were subject to debate but not amendment, and that the required review periods had been satisfied. The first major action was on HB 7031E, the tax package. Representative Duggan explained that the conference report included a mix of retained, modified, and new tax provisions, including sales tax holidays, property tax and homestead-related changes, reductions in certain gaming and carbon-related taxes, changes to child care and documentary stamp tax credits, a new refund process for public works construction tax paid by universities and colleges, and other tax administration changes. Debate focused on the bill’s consumer impact, the reduction of the child tax credit from three years to one, the inclusion of firearm accessories in a sales tax holiday, the absence of gas tax relief and combined reporting, and the homestead exemption provision for certain deployed diplomatic and foreign service personnel. Critics argued the package favored niche or corporate interests over broad affordability relief, while supporters said it provided targeted tax relief and reflected conference negotiations. The House adopted the conference report and passed HB 7031E by a vote of 88-11. The House then began presenting the conference report for HB 501E, the state budget, which totaled $114.5 billion for fiscal year 2026-27 and was described as below the prior year’s spending level while maintaining reserves. Subcommittee chairs outlined major budget areas: pre-K-12 funding included an increase in FEFP, salary increases for veteran teachers, stabilization funding, and support for declining enrollment; higher education included full Bright Futures funding, workforce programs, college operating support, university initiatives, and school guardian expansion; IT funding focused on Palm, ACCESS, APD’s I-Connect replacement, corrections systems, emergency management systems, and cybersecurity grants; health care funding covered Medicaid, nursing home rates, waiver provider increases, ADAP funding and restructuring, child welfare, and behavioral health; transportation and economic development included housing, cultural grants, jobs and rural infrastructure, Visit Florida, Space Florida, highway patrol equipment, and local transportation projects; justice funding included correctional construction, juvenile justice facilities, law enforcement grants, and clerk and due process reimbursements; state administration included fire stations, constrained counties, building maintenance, and Safe Florida Home; and agriculture/natural resources funding emphasized Everglades restoration, water quality, land acquisition, Florida Forever, state parks, and citrus research. Members then began questioning the budget details, including school voucher accountability, school funding formulas, public defender parity, prison technology, wastewater monitoring in prisons, ADAP policy, SNAP fraud controls and AI-assisted verification, Florida Forever funding, school lunch funding, and coral reef restoration. No final vote on HB 501E appears in the transcript excerpt.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

February State Budget and Economic Forecast - 03/06/25

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate budget resolution calls for smaller cuts, so what the end result will be and what the actual
  • The Senate budget resolution calls for smaller cuts, so what the end result will be and what the actual
  • 00:40:07.000> whereas<00:40:07.480> in<00:40:07.599> the<00:40:07.760> past
  • were<00:40:08.280> sort<00:40:08.440> of<00:40:08.599> lagged<00:40:09.040><
  • <00:40:17.839> Decline<00:40:18.839> and<00:40:19.200> the<00:40:19.440>
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives Apr 27th, 2026

Louisiana House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senate resolutions reported by committee: SCR 3 by Senator Myers from Criminal Justice with amendments
  • Senate resolutions reported by committee: SCR 3 by Senator Myers from Criminal Justice with amendments
  • Senate Bill 103 favorably; Senate Bill 104 favorably; Senate Bill 114 favorably; Senate Bill 12 favorably
  • ; Senate Bill 14 favorably; Senate Bill 14 favorably; Senate Bill 418 favorably; and Senate Bill 40 favorably
  • Ways and Means reports: House Resolution 118 favorably, and Senate Bill 442 favorably.
Summary: The House convened with a quorum, adopted the journal, and spent much of the day on recognitions and resolutions. Members honored NAMI and proclaimed Mental Health Awareness Month, recognized fourth graders from Alpine Christian School, Hunter Nation supporters, Vermilion Parish guests, and the 2026 Louisiana Young Heroes. The House also observed a moment of silence for Martha Odom after the Mall of Louisiana tragedy, and one member spoke against political violence and harassment. Several resolutions were adopted, including measures for Louisiana Young Heroes Day, Rural Mental Health Day, Nurses’ Day/Week, a study of child abuse reporter training, a memorial on FISA/privacy, and studies on civil bench warrants, property transfer/public records issues, the term “foreign” in state law, and carbon sequestration-related property issues. The House also adopted HCR 4 by a 63-30 vote to suspend certain Louisiana Administrative Code provisions on supplemental feeding, baiting, and chronic wasting disease control areas for 18 months. The chamber then moved through a large number of committee reports and bills, mostly advancing them without objection. Notable measures included bills on criminal discovery and law enforcement records, impaired driving task force, sexual assault nurse examiners and oversight, election commissioner pay, Medicaid dental coverage tied to other procedures, judicial salaries, teacher phased retirement, TOPS Tech eligibility, school emergency operations plans, pharmacy benefit manager transparency, and school-based health services. Several bills were recommitted to Appropriations or sent to third reading, while others were adopted as titles or amended in committee reports. In floor action on final passage, the House approved a series of bills with broad support: H.B. 12 on survivor benefits for reserve and auxiliary law enforcement officers (102-0), H.B. 402 on phased retirement for higher education employees (97-2), H.B. 205 on supplemental compensation for election commissioners (98-0), H.B. 224 on Medicaid dental coverage for medically necessary procedures (98-0), H.B. 267 on Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors appointments (70-19), H.B. 324 on judicial salary increases (98-0), H.B. 325 on TOPS Tech eligibility changes (90-7), H.B. 350 expanding a charter school’s grade levels (98-0), H.B. 745 extending special permit authority for tandem loads (100-0), H.B. 749 transferring administration of 529/ABLE savings programs to a third-party platform while keeping state oversight (94-0), H.B. 797 creating the Bayou Gold Program for digital gold businesses (101-0), H.B. 807 creating a workforce instructor capacity investment program (90-0), H.B. 821 moving the Center for Safe Schools to the Law Enforcement Commission (103-0), H.B. 896 on toll signage, dispute procedures, and customer service centers (103-0), H.B. 979 increasing first responder survivor benefits to $404,000 after amendment (103-0), H.B. 992 assigning student IDs in early childhood programs (94-6), H.B. 1000 adjusting highway priority program procedures and local district contract limits (96-0), H.B. 1024 creating a Louisiana Democratic Party license plate (100-0), H.B. 1050 clarifying CDL age and vision requirements (98-0), and H.B. 1173 easing late-fee treatment in license reinstatement payment plans (94-0).
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives Apr 27th, 2026

Louisiana House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • House Resolution 15 by Representative Lecombe to express legislative support for a request by Senator
  • House Resolution 86 by Representative Lecombe to express legislative support for a request by Senator
  • Senate resolutions reported by committee.
  • Senate Concurrent Resolution 3 by Senator Myers from Criminal Justice with amendments.
  • , Senate Bill 14 favorably, Senate Bill 14 favorably, Senate Bill 418 favorably, and Senate Bill 40 favorably
Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the pledge, adopted the journal, and then spent much of the day on recognitions and resolutions. Members recognized NAMI and proclaimed Mental Health Awareness Month, honored fourth graders from Alpine Christian School, Hunter Nation supporters, Vermilion Parish visitors, and Louisiana Young Heroes. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for Martha Odom, a Lafayette student killed in the Mall of Louisiana tragedy, and heard remarks condemning political violence and social-media harassment. Several resolutions were adopted or advanced, including measures on rural mental health day, domestic violence prevention, nurses’ day, wildlife studies, child abuse reporter training, privacy/FISA reform, and Law Institute studies on property, foreign-entity terminology, and carbon sequestration issues. The House then moved through a long series of committee reports and floor actions on bills covering criminal justice, education, health, insurance, transportation, alcohol regulation, wildlife, elections, retirement, and public benefits. Many bills were advanced unanimously or near-unanimously, including measures on school emergency plans, impaired driving, victims’ compensation, sexual assault response, Medicaid dental coverage tied to other procedures, TOPS Tech eligibility, early childhood student IDs, highway priority program deadlines, CDL rules, and toll dispute procedures. Some bills were recommitted to Appropriations or returned to the calendar, and several were amended before being sent onward. On final passage, the House approved H.R. 1 adopting the annual State Integrated Coastal Protection Plan for FY 2026-2027 by 101 yeas, and also passed H.R. 17 on TOPS return-on-investment study, H.C.R. 4 suspending certain feeding and baiting restrictions in chronic wasting disease areas by 63-30, H.C.R. 47 on child abuse reporter training, H.R. 30 on FISA reform, H.B. 12 expanding death benefits for reserve auxiliary law enforcement officers, H.B. 205 allowing parish supplementation of election commissioner pay, H.B. 224 on Medicaid dental coverage for related procedures, H.B. 324 on judicial salaries, H.B. 325 on TOPS Tech eligibility, H.B. 350 expanding a charter school’s grade levels, H.B. 745 extending special vehicle permit sunsets, H.B. 797 creating the Bayou Gold Program, H.B. 807 creating a workforce instructor capacity investment program, H.B. 821 moving the Center for Safe Schools, H.B. 896 on toll signage and customer service, H.B. 979 increasing first responder survivor benefits to $404,000 via amendment, H.B. 992 assigning early childhood student IDs, H.B. 1000 on highway priority program administration, H.B. 1024 creating a Democratic Party license plate, H.B. 1050 on CDL age and hazmat rules, and H.B. 1173 on installment agreements for OMV fines and late fees. Several other bills were reported favorably, amended, or recommitted, with no recorded opposition on most of the final votes.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/23/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The clerk is instructed to record the action of the House and convey the resolution to the Senate.
  • The clerk is instructed to record the action in the House and convey the resolution to the Senate.
  • The clerk is instructed to record the action of the House and convey the resolution to the Senate.
  • House Resolution 2002.
  • Senator Culloden, how do you vote? Senator Sosie, how do you vote?
Keywords: 1182, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session - 03/09/26

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I impose a call of the Senate. The Senate is now under call. Senator Murphy. Mr.
  • . senators. senators.
  • Members, Senate Resolution Number 67 will be referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
  • Remaining under motions and resolutions, I call on Senator Murphy to designate special orders.
  • > Senator Putnam, Senator Nelson, and Senator Putnam, Senator Nelson, and Senator Coleman.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Bledsoe, here. Senator McDaniel, here.
  • :36.480> Our<00:40:36.720> commitment<00:40:37.119> is<00:40:37.359> clear
  • and<00:40:39.520> to<00:40:39.680> do<00:40:39.839> so<00:40:40.000> in
  • In conclusion, thank you Senator Rawlings and members of the interim joint budget review subcommittee
  • >> Senator<01:09:29.120> West. >> Senator West. >> Senator West.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The Interim Joint Budget Review Subcommittee on Education met to hear updates from Kentucky public universities and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System on compliance with House Bill 4, which restricts DEI-related activities and requires institutional and viewpoint neutrality. The chair emphasized that the hearing should focus on both compliance and the financial effects of the law. Eastern Kentucky University said its board adopted a House Bill 4 compliance resolution and an institutional neutrality policy. KCTCS reported systemwide reviews of programs, websites, scholarships, personnel, and admissions language, along with board actions removing a cultural competency course requirement, adopting institutional neutrality, and certifying compliance. KCTCS said about $2.5 million annually had been reallocated to other needs, and that no personnel were eliminated, though some roles were reassigned and DEI-related offices closed. Kentucky State University said it had already dissolved DEI offices before the bill passed, ended DEI-specific training, revised policies and gift acceptance rules, adopted a viewpoint neutrality policy, and was conducting ongoing reviews of programs, job descriptions, and web content. KSU said it had achieved substantial compliance, expected full operational integration by August 1, and had not terminated staff or closed academic programs because of the law. In response to questions, KSU said it was broadening outreach to all students rather than targeting specific populations and that its prior diversity finding was tied to not meeting a diversity quota. Morehead State University said it had no DEI office before House Bill 4, amended its non-discrimination statement to include political and social viewpoint neutrality and condemnation of religious and ethnic discrimination, and remained focused on serving its largely low-income student body. Murray State University reported reviewing scholarships, expenditures, training, and academic programs to ensure no differential treatment or indoctrination, revising its neutrality policy, and updating non-discrimination posters and training. When asked about a statement that DEI would “look different,” the university said it meant student support services would continue in a different form. Northern Kentucky University said it dissolved its diversity office and chief diversity officer position in 2024, reviewed programs, events, scholarships, and employee affinity groups, adopted a statement on intellectual diversity and viewpoint neutrality, and reviewed about 2,000 courses for compliance. NKU also said its new Center for Belonging would focus on first-generation and commuter students rather than rebrand prior DEI efforts. The University of Kentucky began its presentation by describing earlier changes made in August 2024, including disbanding its office of institutional diversity, removing diversity statements and mandatory training, adopting institutional neutrality, and ending race-based consideration in admissions and scholarships; the transcript cuts off before the rest of UK’s testimony and any committee votes or formal actions beyond receiving the presentations.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Education Committee, February 13, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Brennan excused. >> Senator Olsen here. >> Senator Rothfuss here. >> Senator Scott here. >> Chairwoman
  • >> Yes, Senator Scott or Senator. >> Yes, Senator Scott or Senator.
  • Um, so and I believe Senator<01:40:49.360> Rothus<01:40:49.920> did<01:40:50.159> say
  • <01:40:50.480> when<01:40:50.719> he<01:40:50.880> was Senator Rothus did say
  • when he was Senator Rothus did say when he was reviewing<01:40:51.679> this<01:40:51.920>
Bills: HB0076, HB0102, HB0115
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Commerce May 18th, 2026

Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator?
  • Senator Mizell?
  • 69 by Senator Abraham.” 69 by Senator Abraham.
  • On your next bill, Senate, House Concurrent Resolution 103. three.
  • Senate House Concurrent Resolution 103. Ms. Vagra is. That's still... Oh, I'm sorry. Mr. McArthur.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Civil Law and Procedure Apr 22nd, 2026

Civil Law and Procedure

Transcript Highlights:
  • Next is Chairman Jay Morris on Senate Bill 68. Chairman Jay Morris on Senate Bill 68.
  • Back on Senator-Chairman Morris's Senate Bill 68, Ms. Alonzo, please read that into the record.
  • Members, this is the draft 6.8A report on Senate Bill 68 by Senator Morris.
  • Of the 41 total joint resolutions introduced, 17 have been reported out by other standing committees,
  • Members, this is Senate Bill 66 by Senator Hodges.
Summary: The House Civil Law and Procedure Committee met on the 22nd and considered a series of resolutions and bills, many of them requesting Louisiana State Law Institute studies. HCR 31, asking the Institute to study the use of the term “foreign” in state law as it applies to juridical persons, was reported favorably. HCR 38, urging Congress to reform FISA and the FISA Court to restore privacy protections, was also reported favorably. HCR 61, directing a study of expropriation issues related to carbon capture and sequestration, and HCR 96, directing a study of civil bench warrant recall and debtor notification practices, were both reported favorably. Chairman Muscarello’s HCR 160, requesting a study of property transfer provisions and the public records doctrine in light of the SimSport State Bank v. Roy matter, was likewise reported favorably. The committee also advanced several substantive bills. SB 68, a constitutional amendment to give the Louisiana Supreme Court authority to discipline out-of-state attorneys in certain circumstances, was amended and reported with amendments. SB 76, which codifies and revises standards for modifying child custody judgments, including a five-year rule and definitions distinguishing consent judgments from considered decrees, was reported as amended. SCR 19, requesting a study of extended-duration trusts and possible revisions to the Louisiana Trust Code, was reported favorably. SB 336, allowing civil investigative demands in Medicaid fraud False Claims Act investigations, and SB 139, capping interest on certain claims against the state or political subdivisions at 6%, were both reported favorably. Later, the committee approved HB 1198, which prohibits arbitration of child custody and visitation disputes and bars enforcement of foreign custody laws that conflict with Louisiana public policy or constitutional protections. Members questioned whether such arbitration was currently occurring, and the author said the bill was intended to close a potential gap. The committee also reported favorably SB 66, which prioritizes testimony from medical experts and other professionals in child abuse, neglect, and custody-related cases so they are not kept waiting unnecessarily. Testimony in support emphasized the burden on providers and nonprofits when hearings are repeatedly continued. Throughout the meeting, motions to report the measures favorably or with amendments were adopted without objection, and one bill, HB 668, was voluntarily deferred by its author.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • on<00:40:30.080> this<00:40:30.240> for<00:40:30.440> years<00:40:31.480>
  • <00:40:33.120> There<00:40:33.360> is<00:40:33.600> currently<00:40:34.240><
  • I<00:40:41.360> know<00:40:41.560> at<00:40:41.680> least<00:40:41.920> one
  • > places<00:40:43.640> to<00:40:43.760> be<00:40:43.880> at<00:40:44.000>
  • <00:40:45.920> So, I'm just in very strong support of this resolution and really appreciate
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

CPC Public Hearing - Wed Feb 18, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Consumer Protection & Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • Um<00:40:46.160> there's<00:40:46.480> a<00:40:46.640> lot<00:40:46.720> of
  • 48.560> and<00:40:48.720> and<00:40:49.040> I've<00:40:49.280> seen<00:40
  • HB244 provides<00:40:57.359> the<00:40:57.599> foundation<00:40:58.000> our<00:40
  • Um, every<02:40:01.439> one<02:40:01.520> of<02:40:01.600> the<02:40:01.760>
  • :40:58.240> us<02:40:58.479> as<02:40:58.720> a<02:40:58.880> state.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 20, which would create a lava zone insurance subsidy/fund. The Insurance Division opposed the bill, arguing that lava zones 1 and 2 are the highest-risk areas, that a subsidy would not reduce the underlying risk or loss costs, that it could invite similar subsidy requests for other hazards, and that the bill may conflict with HICV by diverting funds from the CRF. Members discussed the lack of authorized homeowners insurance in those lava zones, the role of HPIA and the surplus market, and the difference between the proposed lava-zone subsidy and the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund. The chair noted 37 submitted testimonies in support and one in opposition, and the committee then moved on without taking a vote on HB 20 in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 2612, relating to mortgages, which would clarify that a mortgage does not exist independently of the debt it secures and is not independently enforceable from that debt. The Hawaii Credit Union League and Hawaii Financial Services Association opposed the bill, while several individuals testified in support, arguing it would restore Hawaii’s long-standing lien-state rule and prevent so-called “zombie mortgages” after the Hawaii Supreme Court’s White decision. Supporters said the bill would protect borrowers from delayed foreclosures and predatory lending practices, while opponents and the Insurance Division emphasized that foreclosure actions still require proof of standing and possession of the note, and that lenders generally pursue foreclosure without seeking deficiency judgments. Committee members questioned the Insurance Division about how the current market works, whether lenders could wait out the statute of limitations and then foreclose only on the mortgage, and whether equitable tolling or later defaults could allow refiling. The division said it is still trying to attract authorized insurers back into the lava-zone market, but has seen little progress. No vote or final action on HB 2612 was taken in the excerpt provided.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 15th, 2025

Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • champions transparency, accountability, and collaboration, and it's companion in the House and the Senate
  • SB 617 has already passed the Senate, is here in the House, and I'm happy to answer any questions y'all
  • We felt these procedures would make the impasse resolution process more fair, orderly, and efficient.
  • The ruling, unrelated to the contract resolution procedures, invalidated these procedures for voters,
  • It’s imperative to recognize the implications that these arbitration resolutions have not only on the
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Apr 15th, 2025

Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • If the state representative submits no letter, then a resolution of support from the local government
  • The Senate took themselves out of this process about 10 or 15 years ago. Thank you.
  • So I only know this because I was in the Senate committee on local government last night, about this
  • That was a council resolution.
  • We just finished the fifth fire station, but it was a resolution we needed.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Transportation Apr 2nd, 2025

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • We did get a commissioner's resolution for that. I believe I have any questions? Senator?
  • Senator West, the Chair lays out Senate Bill 1919 by Senator West.
  • Senator West moves that Senate Bill 1493 be reported to the Senate.
  • Senate Bill 1895 by Senator Perry.
  • Senate Bill 1919 by Senator West.
Summary: The committee meeting focused on two primary bills, SB1598 and SB1493. SB1598, introduced by Senator Hagen Booth, addresses the clarity of collision report information access for law enforcement, aiming to enhance the tools available to police agencies across Texas for solving crimes. The meeting featured strong support from police representatives, including Sheriff Brian Hawthorne of Chambers County, who emphasized the significance of the CARFAX program for police in facilitating access to vital vehicle information, free of charge. Public testimony reflected a consensus on the necessity of the bill for improved investigatory processes.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Mar 26th, 2025

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • it wasn't for my grandmother's voice in my head, I don't know what I would be now. receiving no resolution
  • And my fear is if we reduce it from 40 hours to 24 hours, the demand is higher, and it shouldn't be this
  • The other concerns that we have is it codifies joint and several liabilities, which is really within
  • Basically, the MVP case, we have a basic principle. the 2017 amendments to the current bill, where the Senate
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Mar 26th, 2025

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • But in no instance would the resolution of whatever the irreparable harm was create a situation where
  • Finally, members, the chair lays out House Joint Resolution 12 as pending business.
  • Yes, it did not pass the Senate. Yes, that was part of House Bill 3504. 3504, correct.
  • How many senators, if you know, how many historical cemeteries are actually landlocked?
  • Last session, the Commission supported a bill by Senator Zaffirini, Senate Bill 380, ensuring that individuals
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • The Senate Budget Committee will mark up a budget resolution for fiscal year 2025 today.
  • increase the deficit, this resolution turns off that point of order on the Senate floor.
  • Past budget resolutions have similarly tasked the Congressional Budget Office and the Joint Committee
  • It shall not be in order in the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution, motion, amendment, or
  • Thank you, Senator Murray. Senator Kennedy, Mr.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am

Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, Senators, for hearing us today.
  • And thank you, Senator Mark, for your compassion and leadership and insights into the Thank you, Senator
  • Thank you, Senator.
  • The Joint Committee, and recognize Senator Miranda and Representative Kluke Reed as well.
  • I'm going to call in, actually, Senator Lovelie. There we go. Senator.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy public hearing on a wide range of civil rights, immigration, hate crimes, and reparations bills. Chair Edwards and Chair Day opened with strict testimony rules, including two-minute limits, written testimony options, and decorum requirements. Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell testified in strong support of S. 1126/H. 1920, the Combating Hate in the Commonwealth bill, saying Massachusetts needs stronger tools to address rising hate and bias incidents. Her Civil Rights Division chief explained that the bill would give the division civil investigative demand/subpoena power, expand civil rights enforcement, close loopholes in the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act, add protected classes to the hate crimes law, and require better hate-crime data reporting. The committee also heard support for H. 1954 on access to counsel in immigration proceedings, H. 4684 on law enforcement identification and public trust, and H. 1927 to exonerate individuals accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts. Several bills focused on discrimination and civil rights enforcement. Supporters of S. 1248 on organizational standing said fair housing nonprofits need explicit authority to bring discrimination complaints in their own names, especially as federal protections are under attack. On H. 1246, advocates urged adding sex and gender as protected classes in the hate crimes statute, arguing women are not protected under current state law. H. 1820 drew testimony for protections against height and weight discrimination. H. 1995 would regularize sentencing for hate crimes by requiring diversity awareness training for both convictions and continuances without a finding, and H. 1056/H. 1589 would broaden hate-crime victim standing and require restitution to be used to repair harm. H. 1886 would clarify that defense-based social service staff are exempt from mandated reporter obligations when working under attorney-client privilege. The committee also heard testimony on H. 1889/S. 1064, a bill to eliminate disparate impact. Environmental justice advocates, fair housing attorneys, and community members argued that neutral policies can still produce discriminatory outcomes and that Massachusetts should allow state-court claims and a private right of action to address them. Committee members raised concerns about litigation floodgates, punitive damages, and the scope of protected classes, while supporters said the bill would mainly target systemic harms and injunctive relief. Additional testimony supported H. 1922/S. 119, the Fair Investment Act, which would create civil rights protections in venture capital and other investment settings for founders and investors, especially women and minority entrepreneurs. The hearing also included testimony on H. 1683, the Sex Trade Survivor Act, which would expand vacatur and expungement relief for trafficking survivors, remove archaic offenses from the code, and create an interagency commission; supporters emphasized reducing barriers to housing, employment, and reentry. Finally, the committee heard extensive support for H. 1753/S. 1181, establishing a commission to study reparations in Massachusetts. Testifiers described the state’s history of slavery, redlining, and ongoing racial disparities, and urged the committee to report the bill favorably. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.