Video & Transcript : 'Paul P. Mendes' :
Page 10 of 369
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jan 15th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul W. Mark: No. Liz Miranda: No. Mark C. Montigny: No. Michael O. Moore: No. Patrick M.
- Paul W. Mark: No. Liz Miranda: No. Mark C. Montigny: No. Michael O. Moore: No. Patrick M.
- Paul W. Mark. Joan B. Lovely. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda. Yes. Mark C. Montigny. Michael O.
- Paul Arfini. Yes. Paul Arfini. Yes. Paul W. Mark? Mark C. Montigny? Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor. Yes.
- Paul R. Feeney. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Yes. Mark C. Montigny. Yes. Patrick M.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Tribal Flag Plaza Dedication Ceremony Sep 11th, 2025
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul, the legislature, the Minnesota Historical Society, and many state agencies.
- Paul and the Department of Administration, Commissioner Granvall, Assistant Commissioner Weslowski and
- </c><00:03:21.680><c> Paul</c><00:03:22.000><c> and</c> our partners at the city of St.
- Paul and our partners at the city of St.
- Paul and the<00:03:22.400><c> department</c><00:03:22.720><c> of</c><00:03:22.879><c> administration,
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 4/14/26
Public Safety Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm here today on behalf of all six crime victims coalitions: Violence Free Minnesota, Mending the Sacred
- victims coalitions, Violence Free crime victims coalitions, Violence Free Minnesota,<00:55:08.480><c> Mending
- </c><00:55:08.800><c> the</c><00:55:08.880><c> Sacred</c><00:55:09.240><c> Hoop</c> Minnesota, Mending
- the Sacred Hoop Minnesota, Mending the Sacred Hoop Coalition<00:55:10.160><c> and</c><00:55:10.280><
Committee:
House Public Safety Finance and Policy
Keywords:
public safety officer, survivor benefits, line of duty death, occupational cancer, firefighter, police officer, paramedic, EMT, correctional officer, first responder, workers' compensation, death benefits, occupational exposure, carcinogen, cancer presumption, mesothelioma, leukemia, lung cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Brendan P. Crighton: No. John J. Cronin: No. Julian Cyr: No. Sal DiDomenico: No. Kelly A.
- Paul R. Feeney. Yes. Dylan A. Fernandes. Yes. Adam Gómez. Yes. Jason M. Lewis. Yes. Paul W. Mark.
- Paul W. Mark. Joan B. Lovely. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda. Yes. Mark C. Montigny. Michael O.
- Paul Arfini. Yes. Paul Arfini. Yes. Paul W. Mark? Mark C. Montigny? Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor. Yes.
- Paul R. Feeney. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Paul W. Mark. Yes. Mark C. Montigny. Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor.
Summary:
The Senate considered a campaign finance and ballot question transparency bill, taking up a series of amendments. Several amendments offered by Senator Tarr were rejected, including proposals on safety-based redactions, standardized valuation/liability reporting, higher contribution limits, municipal ballot question reporting, tax-exempt entities in ballot campaigns, and post-election audits for all statewide elections. Amendments by Senators Rausch and DiDomenico were adopted, including late contribution reporting and retroactive reporting with an emergency preamble. Senator Feingold’s amendment to prohibit pay-per-signature arrangements for petition gathering was also adopted after a roll call vote. The bill, Senate No. 2898, An Act improving campaign finance reporting by state ballot question committees, was then passed to be engrossed by a 38-0 vote.
The Senate next took up Senate No. 2903, An Act honoring Blue Star families, which would provide specialty license plates at no charge to the parent, child, or spouse of a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty. Senators spoke in support, emphasizing the sacrifice of officers and their families, including the recent funeral of Officer Stephen LaPorteur. The bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed by a 38-0 vote.
The chamber also approved several committee extension orders. These extended deadlines for the Committees on Aging and Independence, Education, Public Service, and Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, with members noting the limited number of bills and the need for additional time to complete review, cost analysis, or respond to commission reports. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Tuesday at 11 a.m., dispensed with printing a calendar, and adjourned in memory of Stuart H. Altman.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jan 15th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul Feeney: No. Dylan A. Fernandes: No. Thank you. Dylan A. Fernandes: No. Adam Gómez: No.
- Paul W. Mark. Mark C. Montigny. Michael O. Moore. Patrick M. O'Connor. Jacob I. Oliveira.
- Paul W. Mark. Joan B. Lovely. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda. Yes. Mark C. Montigny. Michael O.
- Paul Arfini. Yes. Paul Arfini. Yes. Paul W. Mark? Mark C. Montigny? Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor. Yes.
- Paul R. Feeney. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Yes. Yes. Mark C. Montigny. Yes. Yes.
Summary:
The Senate took up Senate Bill 2898, a campaign finance transparency bill for state ballot question committees, and considered a series of amendments. Several amendments offered by Senator Tarr were rejected, including proposals on safety-based redactions, standardized reporting definitions, contribution limits, municipal ballot question reporting, post-election audits for all statewide elections, and tax-exempt entities in ballot campaigns. Amendments by Senators Rausch, DiDomenico, and Finegold were adopted, including late contribution reporting, retroactive reporting with an emergency preamble, regulations for preliminary costs, and a ban on pay-per-signature arrangements for signature gathering. One amendment by Senator Edwards on stronger penalties for violations was withdrawn. The Ways and Means amendment, as amended, was then adopted, the bill was ordered to third reading, and it ultimately passed to be engrossed by a 38-0 roll call vote.
The Senate then considered Senate Bill 2903, an act honoring Blue Star families, which would provide specialty license plates at no charge to the parent, child, or spouse of a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty. Senators spoke in strong support, citing the recent funeral of Officer Stephen LaPorteur of Uxbridge and the continuing grief of families of fallen officers. The bill was ordered to third reading and passed to be engrossed unanimously by a 38-0 roll call.
Later, the Senate adopted several committee extension orders. These extended deadlines for the Committees on Aging and Independence, Education, Public Service, and Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, with members and committee chairs explaining the need for additional time to complete work on pending bills, review commission recommendations, and finish cost analyses. The Senate also adopted an order to adjourn to the following Tuesday at 11 a.m., and the chamber adjourned in memory of Stuart H. Altman.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul W. Mark. Yes. Thank you. Paul W. Mark? Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor? Yes. Jacob R. Oliveira. Yes.
- Paul R. Feeney. Yes. Dylan A. Fernandes. Yes. Barry R. Finegold. Cindy F. Friedman. Yes.
- Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda. Yeah. Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda? Yes. Yes. Mark C. Montigny? Yes. Yes.
- Brendan P. Crighton. John J. Cronin. Peter J. Durant. Ryan C. Fattman. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Yes.
- Brendan P. Crichton. John J. Cronin. Julian Cyr. Yes. Sal N. DiDomenico. Yes. Yes. Sal N.
Summary:
The Senate first handled a House petition from John H. Rawlers and others seeking eminent domain authority for a parcel in Norwood; Joint Rule 12 was suspended and the matter was referred to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. The chamber then resumed debate on the literacy bill, with Senator Tarr offering a series of amendments focused on school district funding, teacher competency, reporting, waivers, and curriculum implementation. Most of Tarr’s amendments were rejected, but one requiring written, appealable denials of district waivers was adopted by roll call, and another amendment on reporting from the Early Literacy Fund, including provisions for English language learners and special education educators, was also adopted. A separate amendment extending the timeline for DESE to publish high-quality curricula was adopted, while several other amendments were withdrawn or defeated.
The Senate also considered and adopted an amendment from Senator Comerford addressing rural and regional equity in education funding. That amendment expanded eligible uses of the Early Literacy Fund to include screening assessments, required DESE to prioritize geographic and funding equity, mandated a public hearing in Western Massachusetts before final grant criteria were finalized, and directed technical assistance to rural districts. Senators from across the chamber spoke in support, emphasizing chronic underfunding, declining enrollment, minimum-aid pressures, and the need for a broader review of the Chapter 70 formula and a Foundation Budget Review Commission. The amendment passed unanimously.
Later, the Senate took up an amendment from Senator Moore on children’s vision care, which would have created a registry for vision screening and expanded eye exam requirements, but it was withdrawn after supportive debate. The chamber then adopted the Ways and Means redraft, ordered the bill to third reading, and passed An Act relative to teacher preparation and student literacy to be engrossed by a unanimous roll call. Final passage was also achieved for a separate House land-taking bill allowing the town of Hingham to use municipal property for a center for active living, which passed by the required two-thirds vote and was enacted. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday and adjourned in memory of Donna Goldstein.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 35 Apr 6th, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Out with pop and nod, as if mending the hem of my sleeve deserved magic.
Bills:
HR1037 , HR1043 , SB1491 , SB1451 , SB1286 , SB1581 , SB1521 , SB201 , SB1290 , SB169 , SB1377 , SB1991 , SB1346 , SB1509 , SB1928 , SB2028 , SB2071 , SB2110 , SB2117 , SB2127 , SB2134 , SB722 , SB3
Keywords:
National Poetry Month, poetry, education, cultural celebration, arts and humanities, child abuse, prevention, community support, family safety, child welfare, presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, elections, voter registration, election integrity, Secretary of State, cancellation of registration, gender neutrality
Summary:
The House convened, completed the roll call, prayer, pledge, and a series of ceremonial recognitions and introductions. Chaplain Ronnie Wilson delivered the invocation, and the chamber honored Veteran of the Week Bobby Joe Floyd for his Army service and decades in Oklahoma law enforcement. Members also recognized a visiting youth performer, Nova Williams, and adopted House Resolution 1037 recognizing April as National Poetry Month and House Resolution 1043 recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The House also featured several special presentations tied to Caregivers Day, including introductions of Dr. Mukesh Perrek as Doctor of the Day, Dr. Colby Kipp as Psychologist of the Day, and Cynthia Cothram as Nurse of the Day. Additional guests from Stillwater Medical Center and Share Medical Center were welcomed, and Representative West presented Metropolitan Library System poet laureate Hallie Waugh, reading one of her poems in honor of Poetry Month. Representative Hill then recognized the week’s pages, highlighting students from across Oklahoma and their academic and extracurricular achievements.
In floor action, Representative Schreiber moved to request further conference on House Bill 1851, and the motion was adopted without objection. The House also reassigned measures according to the Majority Floor Leader’s list. After announcements, Representative Kennedy hosted a special presentation for the Oklahoma Rifle Association and NRA-related guests, and the House adjourned until Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- He is fully on the mend, and he can still PCS, he can still deploy if needed.
- Paul Kirchhoff, Executive Director of the Missouri Veterans Commission.
Committee:
House Veterans and Armed Forces
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 2535 in executive session. Members adopted a House committee substitute and two cleanup amendments, including clarifications related to Gold Star spouses and a correction to a property tax exemption amount for veterans. The substitute was then approved, and the committee voted the House Committee Substitute for HB 2535 do pass by a recorded vote of 15 ayes and 1 no.
The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 974, which Senator Black described as a consumer-protection measure aimed at preventing exploitation of veterans by unaccredited claims assistance companies. The bill would restrict compensation for referrals and certain claims work, require written agreements, cap fees tied to benefit increases, and prohibit upfront fees and misleading practices. Supporters, including a former VA official and several veterans, argued the bill would provide needed guardrails and choice for veterans navigating a difficult claims process. Opponents, including the VFW and Missouri veterans groups, argued the bill conflicts with federal law and could legitimize paid claims assistance outside the VA accreditation system; they urged striking the contested section and relying on existing federal rules and Missouri consumer-protection law instead.
Testimony also covered several other provisions folded into SB 974, including military leave for public employees, National Guard-related items, survivor benefit tax deductions, and the MoGives living organ donor language. Witnesses on the organ donor provision said it would help service members avoid financial hardship while donating organs. The hearing ended without a vote on SB 974, and the chair announced the committee was out of time and adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Mar 11th, 2026 at 02:15 pm
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the Senate as a whole or in our caucus, she is someone who cares deeply about relationships, about mending
- Paul, Peterson, Riccelli, Robinson, Saldaña, Solomon, Aye. Aye.
Bills:
SCR8410
Keywords:
returning bills to house of origin, sine die, end of session, legislative procedure, Rules Committee, third reading, unfinished business, pending bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, joint memorials, special session, bill numbering, legislative records, House of Representatives, Senate, Washington Legislature, session adjournment, procedural resolution, 904
Summary:
The Senate took up several bills on final passage, beginning with Substitute House Bill 2689 on the Working Connections Child Care program. The chamber adopted a Ways and Means striking amendment, then passed the bill 33-16. Supporters said it would change provider payment to attendance-based reimbursement, require subsidy rates to reach at least the 75th percentile of market rates, update use of market rate surveys, and remove previously scheduled income-eligibility expansions. Opponents argued it would not treat all child care providers equally and could create unfair workarounds. The bill was immediately transmitted to the House.
The Senate then passed Engrossed House Bill 2487, which clarifies how insurance companies and their affiliates are taxed, and Substitute House Bill 2089, which narrows a tax preference for certain financial institutions and dedicates the revenue to the Wildfire Mitigation Fund. HB 2487 drew criticism for applying the tax retroactively to 2019 despite prior court rulings, while HB 2089 was opposed on affordability grounds because it affects mortgage-related taxation. The chamber also passed Engrossed House Bill 2681, raising annual license fees for cannabis producers, processors, and retailers; opponents said the increase reflected broader budget pressures.
A major portion of the meeting was devoted to Senate Resolution 8704 honoring Senator Rebecca Saldaña. Numerous senators from both parties praised her work on labor, environmental justice, child welfare, immigrant and worker rights, and her habit of centering marginalized communities and checking on colleagues personally. Saldaña responded with remarks about organizing, democracy, and the importance of collective action, saying she was grateful for the chamber and looking forward to the next chapter. The Senate adopted the resolution unanimously, and members agreed to add all senators’ names as co-sponsors.
The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 8702 honoring Senator Judy Warnick, with speakers from both parties highlighting her long service, agricultural background, calm leadership, bipartisan approach, and work on rural economic development, children and families, and capital projects. Warnick thanked colleagues and said she looked forward to spending more time with her family, farm, and horses. The meeting also included routine motions to move between orders of business and a message from the House concurring in Senate amendments to several bills.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Rules Feb 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Yarra Mendes, I'm sorry, Zamora, American Friends Service Committee, waves against.
- Paul Hawks waves in support. Any debate? Senator Brawl, you're recognized to close. Waive close.
- Samira Burnside waves in support, Kevin Doyle waves in support, Laura Munoz waves in support, and Yara Mendes-Amora
- Yalla Mendes-A-Mendez-A-Morah, sorry, waves in support; Peter Abello waves in support; AARP; Karen Murillo
Summary:
The committee took up a long agenda of retained bills and several new measures, with most receiving favorable reports after amendments. Major debate centered on CS/SB 706, which preempts airport naming to the state and designates Palm Beach International Airport as the Donald J. Trump International Airport subject to FAA and trademark-related conditions. Senator Jones offered amendments to avoid private royalty benefits, but both failed. Senators Berman, Osgood, Jones, and Pizzo spoke against the bill, raising concerns about naming an airport after a sitting president, lack of local input, and ethical issues; Senator Mayfield defended the bill as cost-free to the airport and noted the naming agreement. The committee ultimately voted the bill favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 546 on conservation land notice requirements and CS/SB 1014 on municipal utility service to properties outside city limits, both with amendments and some opposition from the Florida League of Cities on the utility bill.
Several other bills were heard and reported favorably with little controversy. CS/SB 1500 would streamline uncontested probate proceedings; SB 962 would exclude farms and farm operations from certain zoning definitions tied to affordable housing preemption; CS/SB 820 would strengthen reporting for problem-solving courts; SB 840 would revise portions of last year’s hurricane-related land-use law to narrow its scope and sunset temporary restrictions; and SB 856 would require online property listings to show estimated ad valorem taxes, with an amendment excluding social media platforms and broadening liability protections. SB 110 would clarify homestead exemption eligibility for 98-year or longer residential leases. SB 394 would exempt certain underwriting managers handling limited facultative reinsurance from licensure requirements, and SB 434 would prevent wind-hardening improvements from increasing assessed value for residential property tax purposes.
The committee also advanced several public-safety and transparency measures. CS/CS/SB 658 and 608, a combined water-safety bill, would require safety features for rental properties with pools or nearby water bodies and authorize DBPR enforcement; supporters framed it as a response to Florida’s high child-drowning rates, and Airbnb waived in support. SB 748 would place constitutional language on restoration of voting rights on sentencing score sheets, with broad support from voting-rights and civil-rights groups. CS/SB 824 would require annual reporting of unimproved school-district land inventories, and CS/SB 848 would create a framework for off-site stormwater treatment and related credits, with support from builders and mitigation bankers. The committee also heard CS/SB 1036 on school counselors, which clarifies certification requirements and performance criteria after a delete-all amendment.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Yarra Mendes—I'm sorry, Zamora—American Friends Service Committee, waves against.
- Paul Hawks waves in support. Any debate? Any debate? Senator Grall, you’re recognized to close.
- in support, Samira Burnside in support, Kevin Doyle in support, Laura Munoz in support, and Yara Mendes-Amora
- Yalla Mendes-A-Mendez-A-Morah, sorry, waves in support; Peter Abello waves in support; AARP; Karen Murillo
Bills:
S0092 , S0110 , S0192 , S0212 , S0260 , S0350 , S0394 , S0422 , S0434 , S0442 , S0484 , S0546 , S0556 , S0684 , S0696 , S0706 , S0748 , S0786 , S0820 , S0824 , S0838 , S0840 , S0848 , S0856 , S0962 , S1000 , S1014 , S1036 , S1050 , S1054 , S1080 , S1118 , S1134 , S1338 , S1480 , S1500 , S1506 , S1622 , S1724
Committee:
Senate Rules
Keywords:
employee protections, whistleblower, retaliation, public trust, ethics complaint, Commission on Ethics, Public Employees Relations Commission, public employee, local government attorney, public officer, adverse personnel action, protected disclosure, whistleblower retaliation, state agency, independent contractor, public employment, civil service, reinstatement, back pay, front pay
Summary:
The Committee on Rules met with a quorum and considered a long agenda of bills, many of them retained from the prior week. The most debated measure was CS for SB 706, which would preempt naming of major commercial service airports to the state and designate Palm Beach International Airport as the Donald J. Trump International Airport, subject to FAA approval and a trademark agreement. Amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to prevent private financial benefit from the naming. Several senators spoke in opposition, citing concerns about naming an airport after a sitting president, lack of local input, and the trademark/licensing arrangement; supporters argued there was no cost to the airport and that the bill simply set a state naming policy. The committee reported the bill favorably after a roll call vote. The committee also reported favorably CS for SB 546 on conservation land notice requirements, CS for CS for SB 1014 on municipal utility service to properties outside city limits, CS for SB 1500 on uncontested probate proceedings, SB 962 on excluding farms from certain zoning definitions, and CS for SB 820 on problem-solving court reporting requirements.
The committee then approved several bills from Senator DiCeglie and Senator Arrington. SB 840, addressing land-use regulations for local governments affected by natural disasters, was supported by local-government and environmental advocates who said it would restore local control after SB 180’s hurricane-related restrictions; the sponsor said it was intended to correct unintended consequences of last year’s law. CS for SB 856, requiring online listing platforms to show estimated ad valorem taxes on residential listings, was amended to exclude social media platforms and broaden liability protections; the sponsor and a county property appraiser described it as a consumer-transparency measure. CS for SB 110, clarifying homestead exemption treatment for long-term leases that end at death, was also reported favorably.
The committee took up a controversial strike-all amendment to SB 212, which focused on public swimming pools and added residency and related restrictions for certain sex offenders and offenders on community control or probation. The amendment drew strong opposition from advocates and affected families, who argued it would worsen homelessness, impose broad geographic restrictions, and lack evidence of improving child safety; supporters said it was a targeted public-safety measure. Despite the objections, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also approved SB 684 on electronic signatures for total-loss vehicle and vessel titles, SB 394 on reinsurance intermediary managers, SB 434 on property tax assessment treatment for wind-hardening improvements, CS for CS for SBs 658 and 608 on water-safety requirements for rental properties with pools or nearby water, SB 748 on adding voting-rights restoration information to sentencing score sheets, and CS for SB 824 requiring school districts to inventory unimproved real property. The meeting ended while the committee was beginning SB 848 on stormwater treatment, with an amendment being introduced as the transcript cut off.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jan 29th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul Feeney. Yes. Dylan A. Fernandes. Yes. Dylan A. Fernandes. Barry R. Finegold. Cindy F.
- Paul W. Mark. Yes. Thank you. W. Mark? Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor? Yes. Jacob R. Oliveira. Yes.
- Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda. Yeah. Yes. Barry R. Feingold. Cindy F. Friedman? Yes. Adam Gomez.
- Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda. Yeah. Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda? Yes. Yes. Mark C. Montigny? Yes. Yes.
- Brendan P. Crighton. John J. Cronin. Peter J. Durant. Ryan C. Fattman. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Yes.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) May 21st, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul Feeney. Thank you. Yes. Ryan C. Fattman. Paul Feeney. Yes. Dylan Fernandes. Yes. Barry R.
- Paul W. Mark. Yes. Liz Miranda. Mark Montigny. Michael O. Moore. Patrick M. O'Connor. Jacob R.
- Paul W. Mark. Yes. Liz Miranda. Yes. Mark C. Montigny. Thank you. Ms. Miranda? Yes. Mark C.
- Brendan P. Crighton. Yes. John J. Cronin. Yes. Julian Cyr. Yes. William J. Driscoll, Jr. Yes.
- And thank you to the team at LIS, Paul, Claudio, Seamus, and many, many others.
Summary:
The Senate continued debate on the FY27 state budget, with several distinguished introductions and a series of amendment actions. Early amendments from Senator Collins on restoring DCF social worker funding and educator pay were withdrawn without objection. The Chair then sustained a point of order that a group of tax-related amendments, including proposals on teacher tax relief, tips, overtime, estate tax, and income tax rates, were out of order because they would create money bills that must originate in the House; the Senate voted 35-4 to uphold that ruling. Senator Tarr’s gas tax suspension amendment and several other amendments were defeated, while Senator Fattman’s amendment extending domestic violence leave protections to contract employees was adopted unanimously, 39-0. The Senate also adopted Senator Fernandes’ amendment creating a commission to study the adequacy, reliability, and distribution of unrestricted general government aid (UGA), after debate focused on inequities in local aid distribution and the need for a modern formula.
The chamber then took up House No. 5375, the Chapter 90 municipal roads and bridges bill, and passed it to be engrossed. Additional amendments were considered on the budget, including a community programming amendment and a Senate Ways and Means amendment, both adopted, after which the Ways and Means amendment as amended was adopted and the underlying budget was ordered to a third reading. The Senate also handled several procedural matters, including concurrence in a House referral for a bill on poverty-related legislation and ordering a sick leave bank bill for Carla Johnson to a third reading.
After extensive closing remarks from the Ways and Means chair, minority leader, and others praising the collaborative budget process and highlighting investments in local aid, education, public safety, and other priorities, the Senate voted on final passage of House No. 5501, the FY27 appropriations bill. The roll call showed 40-0 in favor, and the bill was passed to be engrossed. The Senate then adopted an order to reconvene the following Tuesday at 11 a.m. and adjourned in memory of Trooper Kevin Thomas Traynor.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/27/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- </p> <p><witness>Mr.
- </p> <p><witness>Mr.
- </p> <p><witness>Mr.
- </p> <p><witness>Mr.
- </p> <p>Thank you.
Committee:
Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Brendan P. Crighton. Yes. Yes. Brendan P. Crighton. Yes. Yes. Yes. John. Cynthia Stone Creem. Yes.
- Paul W. Mark. Mark. Yes. Yes. Yes. Jason M. Lewis. Yes. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Yes. Liz Miranda. Yes.
- Paul Mark. Thank you. Joan Lovely. Yes. Paul Mark. Mark C. Montigny. Michael O. Moore. Yes.
- Paul Mark. Yes. Paul Mark. Yes. Liz Miranda.
- William P. Creighton. Good luck. William Brownsberger. Yes. Brendan P. Creighton. John J. Cronin.
Summary:
The Senate took up a major environmental bond bill with amendments covering climate resilience, housing health, plastics reduction, coastal protection, fisheries, and related regulatory issues. Early debate included Senator Keenan’s withdrawn amendment to fund the Massachusetts Healthy Homes Program with $50 million, followed by his adopted amendment banning hotels from providing plastic toiletry packages. Senator Tarr’s amendment to remove the paper bag charge was defeated after extended debate over whether the 10-cent bag assessment functioned as a tax; a related floor speech from Senator Duner argued the fee would burden working families. The chamber also adopted Senator Fernandez’s ocean acidification amendment, which would aggregate ocean monitoring data to support shellfish, water quality, and coastal management, with support from Senators Sear and Driscoll. Other adopted measures included Driscoll’s Houghton’s Pond multi-use trail, Montigny’s New Bedford State Pier redevelopment and harbor oil-recovery provisions, Collins’s Commonwealth Conservation Commission later withdrawn, and several coastal resilience and housing-related amendments.
The Senate also approved a series of environmental and public health measures. Senator Moore’s rodenticide restriction amendment was adopted after testimony from animal welfare and conservation groups, with the sponsor describing harms to wildlife, pets, and livestock and noting local municipal support. Senator Lewis’s amendment directing DEP to study the feasibility of banning polystyrene was adopted, as was Senator Mark’s Massachusetts Climate Bank amendment and Senator Edwards’s carbon sequestration amendment expanding attention to salt marshes, seagrasses, and waterways. The chamber adopted amendments on equitable representation, improving indoor air quality, and a Douglas State Forest trust fund that would raise the entry fee from $1 to $2 for maintenance. Several amendments were withdrawn, including Collins’s urban coastal resilience commission and Tarr’s proposed Commonwealth Conservation Commission.
Housing and permitting issues were another major theme. Senator Driscoll’s amendment requiring local confirmation before a project is designated a priority housing project was defeated, but his related amendments clarifying the process and requiring consultation with the Housing and Livable Communities Secretary were adopted. The Senate also adopted Crichton’s amendments streamlining permitting for coastal resiliency projects in urban areas and creating a five-year pilot for nature-based solutions, as well as Tarr’s amendment adding dredging and sand placement to general coastal permits. Tarr’s amendment to revise the Salisbury Beach Preservation Trust Fund was adopted, while his later constitutional challenge to a landform-migration provision was withdrawn after he argued it could amount to an uncompensated taking. The session ended with the Senate noting only two amendments remained and then adjourning in memory of Quincy’s former mayor James A. Sheets.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal without Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul Feeney. Paul Feeney. Dylan Fernandes. Barry Finegold. Cindy Friedman, yes. Adam Gomez.
- Brendan P. Crighton. Yes. Yes. John J. Cronan. Yes. John J. Cronan. Yes. P. Crighton. Yes. Yes.
- Paul Arfini. Yes. Yes. Patricia D. Jalen. Yes. Yes. Paul Arfini. Yes. Yes. Patricia D. Jalen? Yes.
- Paul Feeney. Yes. Yes. Dylan A. Fernandes. Paul R. Feeney. Yes. Yes. Dylan A. Fernandes. Yes. Yes.
- Paul W. Mark? Yes. Yes. Michael F. Rush? Yes. All right, recorded. Okay. No.
Summary:
The Senate took up a series of resolutions and bills, beginning with unanimous adoption of resolutions congratulating two Eagle Scouts. It then advanced several local and special acts, including measures on Machado-Joseph disease awareness day, the Ipswich senior tax referral program, Swampscott conservation commission appointments, protections for individuals with disabilities in MassHealth day habilitation programs, continued employment in Brookfield, Marblehead parking fines, Natick’s home rule charter, and Boston affordable housing/branch library space. The chamber also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer several House petitions to committees.
The Senate enacted House bills authorizing additional wine and malt beverage licenses in Lexington and a means-tested senior property tax exemption in Melrose. It also passed Senate Bill 2603 on affordable car rentals after adopting an amendment; supporters said the bill would reduce rental costs by changing Massachusetts’ rental car insurance rules to align with most other states. Senate Bill 1057 on fentanyl test strips was also passed to be engrossed after Senator Creem argued the bill would expand access to a low-cost overdose prevention tool and save lives. Senator Moore then spoke in support of expanding Nikki’s Law to cover MassHealth day habilitation programs, describing the bill as a needed protection for people with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
A major portion of the meeting focused on House 4530, a FY2025 supplemental appropriations bill providing $234 million for hospitals and community health centers. Senators discussed the Health Safety Net shortfall, rising health care costs, underinsurance, and federal reimbursement; Ways and Means explained that about $93 million was expected back in federal financial participation, making the net state cost about $140 million. The Senate also took up House 4531 on the 2026 state primary election date, rejecting an amendment before passing the bill to engrossment. The chamber later adopted emergency preambles for House 4530 and House 4531, and all three final bills—Machado-Joseph Disease Awareness Day, the supplemental budget, and the primary election date bill—were enacted and sent to the Governor. The Senate adjourned in memory of Ricardo Barbosa after a memorial statement by Senator Miranda.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda. Yes. Liz Miranda. Yes. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda? Yes. Mark C.
- Brendan P. Crighton votes yes. Thank you. Michael J. Barrett. Yes. Michael D. Brady. Yes.
- Paul W. Mark. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Yes. Yes. Jacob R. Oliveira. Yes. Rebecca L.
- Paul Feeney. Yes. Dena Fernandez. Yes. Barry R. Finegold. Cindy F. Friedman. Adam Gomez.
- Brendan P. Crighton. Yes. John J. Cronin. Brendan P. Crichton. Yes. John J. Cronin. Yes.
Summary:
The Senate resumed debate on An Act Fostering Agricultural Resilience in Massachusetts and considered a series of amendments focused on farm economics, land preservation, energy, labor, and agricultural education. Senator Tarr’s Amendment 5, allowing local-option tax exemptions for newly constructed farm buildings for up to five years, was adopted by a roll call vote of 38-0. Several other Tarr amendments were debated but not adopted, including proposals on APR criteria and climate resilience, a one-stop permit and grant portal, a foreign-ownership farmland registry, horse-riding instructor licensing, expanding farm-based renewable energy, a farm stand waiver process, non-agricultural conversion notice requirements, and a health and wellness amendment. Senator Mark’s Amendment 20, creating a Massachusetts Food Tourism Task Force to support marketing and procurement of agricultural goods, was adopted. Senator Gomez’s Amendment 41 on farmworker fairness and wage protections was withdrawn after discussion, with Senators Eldridge and Comerford speaking in support of continued work on the issue. Senator Fattman’s Amendment 34, directing a study of agricultural schools and regional workforce needs, was adopted by roll call vote 37-0.
The chamber also took up several procedural matters and extension orders. The Senate adopted a Ways and Means amendment and then ordered the agricultural bill to a third reading before passing it to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 39-0. Separately, the Senate adopted extension orders for the Committee on Revenue and the Committee on Financial Services, with Senators Eldridge and Feeney explaining the need for additional time on revenue and financial services bills; Senator Tarr raised concerns about the scope and duration of some of the extensions. The Senate also approved an extension for a financial technology services bill.
In addition to legislative action, the Senate observed a moment of silence in memory of Mark K. Harris after a motion by Senators Collins and Miranda, and recognized guests for Youth Mentoring Day and the Mass Mentoring Program. The chamber also passed a memorial overpass designation for U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torville and a local alcohol-license bill for the town of Topsfield. The session concluded with an order to adjourn until the next day at 11 a.m., with the adjournment also dedicated to the memory of Mark K. Harris.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Apr 1st, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda? Yes. Mark C. Montigny? Yes. Michael O.
- Brendan P. Crighton votes yes. Thank you. Michael J. Barrett. Yes. Michael D. Brady. Yes.
- Paul W. Mark. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Yes. Yes. Jacob R. Oliveira. Yes. Rebecca L.
- Brendan P. Crighton. Yes. John J. Cronin. Brendan P. Crighton. Yes. John J. Cronin. Yes.
- Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda, yes. Mark C. Montigny, yes. Michael O. Moore, yes. Patrick M.
Summary:
The Senate resumed consideration of An Act Fostering Agricultural Resilience in Massachusetts and took up a series of amendments focused on farm taxation, land preservation, permitting, renewable energy, marketing, and labor standards. Amendment 5, offered by Senator Tarr, would allow local option tax exemptions for newly constructed farm buildings for up to five years; it was supported by Senator Comerford and adopted by a roll call vote of 38-0. Amendment 20, offered by Senator Mark, created a Massachusetts Food Tourism Task Force to improve marketing and promotion of agricultural goods, and it was also adopted. Several other Tarr amendments were debated but rejected, including proposals on APR criteria, a one-stop permitting and grants portal, foreign ownership tracking in the farmland registry, horse-riding instruction licensure, higher solar/agrovoltaics caps on farmland, farm stand waiver flexibility, notice before conversion of registered farmland, and a health and wellness amendment.
A major point of debate was Amendment 41, offered by Senator Gomez, which sought to extend wage and hour protections to agricultural laborers, including raising the subminimum wage, adding overtime, paid breaks, and paid time off. Senator Gomez described the measure as a correction to racist historical exclusions, and Senator Eldridge and Senator Comerford spoke in support of stronger worker protections and continued negotiations. The sponsor ultimately withdrew the amendment, saying talks with stakeholders and Senate leadership would continue. The chamber also heard a brief recognition for youth mentoring guests and later adopted a study amendment from Senator Fattman directing an assessment of the need for a Central Massachusetts agricultural school; that amendment passed 37-0.
After the agricultural bill was amended by the Senate Ways and Means amendment and ordered to a third reading, the Senate passed the bill, An Act Fostering Agricultural Resilience in Massachusetts (S. 3029), to be engrossed by a vote of 39-0. The Senate then adopted several committee extension orders, including extensions for the Revenue Committee and the Financial Services Committee, with some discussion about the number and scope of bills covered. The chamber also passed a local bill designating the U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Torville Veterans Memorial Overpass in Sandwich and another local alcohol licensing bill for Topsfield. The session ended with recognitions for community and youth groups, a motion to adjourn in memory of Mark K. Harris, and adjournment to the following day at 11 a.m.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Apr 1st, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul R. Feeney. Dylan A. Fernandes. Yes. Yes. Barry R. Finegold. Yes. Cindy F. Friedman.
- Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda. Yes. Liz Miranda. Yes. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Liz Miranda? Yes. Mark C.
- Brendan P. Creighton votes yes. Thank you. Michael J. Barrett. Yes. Michael D. Brady. Yes.
- Paul W. Mark. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Paul W. Mark. Yes. Yes. Jacob R. Olivera. Yes. Rebecca L. Rauch.
- Brendan P. Crighton. Yes. John J. Cronin. Brendan P. Crighton. Yes. John J. Cronin. Yes.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Trade, Workforce & Economic Developent Apr 30th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Mending. I Is there anyone else who wishes to testify on for or against the SB 1333?