Transcript Highlights:

• beat the ground every day and are after these drug dealers to stop the flow of drugs and get them in prison
• and<00:19:34.720> get<00:19:34.960> them<00:19:35.120> in<00:19:35.360> prison
• <00:19:35.600> where<00:19:35.840> they drugs and get them in prison where they drugs
• and get them in prison where they won't<00:19:36.240> be<00:19:36.400> selling<00:19:36.720
• for the work that plus years in prison for the work that they<01:08:42.560> had<01:08:42.719>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the September 24 minutes, and heard a briefing from representatives of three Kentucky drug task forces: Greater Hardin County, Bowling Green-Warren County, and Bluegrass Narcotics. The presenters described how multi-jurisdictional task forces operate, their partner agencies, and the kinds of drugs and trafficking patterns they are seeing, with fentanyl identified as the most dangerous and fastest-growing threat. They also described large seizures and investigations involving fentanyl pills, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, tractor-trailer shipments, postal shipments, and a case tied to a pill press and undercover work with the DEA. Bluegrass Narcotics said it was formed in response to overdose deaths and has since seen major reductions in complaints and overdose deaths in Harrison and Bourbon counties. A major theme of the presentation was funding. The task forces said Byrne JAG funding has declined from about $2.1 million statewide in 2023-2024 to $1.4 million this year, while their costs for vehicles, fuel, technology, overtime, office space, and training have risen sharply. They said local support and asset forfeiture help, but the revenue is uneven and unpredictable, and they asked the legislature to consider adding about $1 million per year in state support, with oversight from the Justice Cabinet or Office of Drug Control Policy. They also emphasized that if meth labs return, many agencies would need new training and equipment because those capabilities have largely expired or been scaled back. Members asked about possible statutory barriers, coordination across counties and states, the source of drugs, and how seized cash is handled. The task forces said coordination with federal, state, and other local agencies is generally strong, but money remains the main obstacle to broader operations. They explained that seized cash is held as evidence and, after court proceedings, may be awarded back to task forces or split under statute, with 15% going to the Commonwealth’s attorney and 85% to law enforcement. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• filling in for my friend and colleague, Chair John Velis, as he fulfills his obligations to the National Guard
• times where you're not even making the leap to meet that provider, or if you are, you still have a guard
• And so that really... ...still have a guard up in terms of sharing exactly what it is you've experienced
• There are a number of reasons people choose to stay guarded when they need healing.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery held a public hearing on 14 bills focused on insurance, parity, opioids, behavioral health access, and mental health system reform. Chair Mindy Domb and Vice Chair Robyn Kennedy outlined hearing procedures and noted the committee would accept written testimony. The hearing featured testimony from legislators, providers, advocates, and behavioral health organizations, with most speakers urging favorable reports on the bills they addressed. A major topic was psychiatric collaborative care, including H. 222/S. 1390, which would raise reimbursement for collaborative care codes to at least Medicare levels and allow billing outside the MassHealth primary care subcapitation model. Supporters said the model improves access, outcomes, and cost savings by embedding behavioral health in primary care, and several witnesses described successful implementation in practices and schools. Committee members asked questions about how the model works, what specialties use it, barriers to adoption, and whether copays, deductibles, and subcapitation rules should be changed. Witnesses also supported related innovation legislation, including H. 2224, which would create a mental health innovation fund and support nontraditional trauma-healing approaches. Other bills discussed included H. 2212, which would require prescribers to discuss opioid and pain-medication risks, alternatives, and addiction/overdose concerns with patients or guardians; H. 2232 and H. 2233, which would address equitable payment and equitable access for behavioral health providers serving MassHealth patients; and S. 1406, which would add opioid maintenance treatment information to MassPAT and allow patient-authorized access to that information. Witnesses also strongly backed S. 1399, which would set targets to increase behavioral health spending within the overall health care cost benchmark, arguing that Massachusetts underinvests in behavioral health and that greater investment could reduce emergency, hospitalization, homelessness, and criminal justice costs. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded after testimony and committee questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• weekend when I went to drill as a JAG attorney and to work as a legal assistant for the Army National Guard
• . ...to work as a legal assistant for the Army National Guard.
• During this time, it's the first time, however, that I've served in this capacity for the Guard during
• And so soldiers were coming to me as they... ...for the Guard during a shutdown.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate considered a fiscal year 2025 close-out supplemental appropriations bill and a series of amendments, many of which were withdrawn, adopted, or rejected. Early debate focused heavily on funding for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Massachusetts, with Senators O’Connor and Feeney arguing for restoring money for transportation, safety, and event readiness, citing projected ridership surges, economic benefits, and the need for Boston and the Commonwealth to invest. Senator Driscoll also won adoption of an amendment directing the MBTA to study and report on its local assessment formula, using Milton and Quincy as examples of perceived inequities in how communities are charged relative to service received. The Senate then took up several other amendments, including measures on fire survivor support, vaccine liability, mental health and sidewalk projects, council on aging and public safety items, disaster relief, service dogs, and MBTA assessments. Senator Tarr offered amendments on driver record transparency and energy cost reporting, but those were not adopted. A major roll-call vote rejected Tarr’s amendment to restore a larger share of excess capital gains to the stabilization fund; supporters argued for stronger rainy day reserves, while the Ways and Means chair defended the bill’s use of a deficiency reserve fund and warned of revenue losses from federal tax changes. The Senate also adopted an amendment on shelter and Home Base spending transparency, requiring renewed reporting on emergency shelter and housing assistance programs. Later, the chamber adopted Senator Edwards’ amendment creating a Massachusetts Federal Employee and Service Member Civil Relief Act to protect federal workers and service members in the event of a shutdown, including relief from eviction and foreclosure-related harms. The Senate also adopted Senator Rodrigues’s Ways and Means amendment, then approved the underlying supplemental budget as amended and ordered it to third reading. After the final roll call, the bill was passed to be engrossed by a 39-0 vote. The Senate concluded by agreeing to adjourn and by honoring Mrs. Anne Lee in memory, with a brief communication from Senator Cyr noting a prior remote-vote error for the journal.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'd encourage anybody out there, a veteran, active duty military, National Guard, retired military
• military, there, a veteran, active duty military, um,<00:23:45.600> National<00:23:46.000> Guard
• ,<00:23:46.960> uh,<00:23:47.120> retired um, National Guard, uh, retired um, National
• Guard, uh, retired military,<00:23:48.799> um,<00:23:49.200> if<00:23:49.440> you've

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation, pledge, roll call, and approval of the previous day’s journal. The House clerk then reported that the House had passed House Bills 134, 214, 281, and 416 and requested concurrence. The clerk also read the second-reading calendar, including Senate Bills 1, 3, 48, 84, 105, and 122, and a new filing, Senate Bill 141 on legal advertisements. The Rules Committee later reported those bills to the regular orders or to appropriations, and the Committee on Committees referred several bills to Agriculture and to Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor. The chamber then took up and passed Senate Bill 20, relating to city government and training incentive programs for appointed and elected local officials. The sponsor described it as a straightforward measure to encourage training for city officials and board members; it passed unanimously, 35-0. Senate Bill 68, relating to the Kentucky Horse Park, also passed unanimously. Its sponsor said the bill would give Horse Park leadership authority to remove individuals restricted by U.S. Center for SafeSport actions in order to protect guests, staff, and participants. Members also adopted Senate Resolution 65 honoring John and Debbie Rogers on their 50th wedding anniversary and Senate Resolution 50 honoring the Lexington Opera House on its 140th anniversary. Several members requested co-sponsorships on bills and resolutions, and announcements were made about Military Kids Day on February 19 and the Black History Celebration beginning February 3 at the Thomas D. Clark Kentucky History Center. New floor amendments were introduced to Senate Bills 3, 34, and 39, and new filings included Senate Bills 142 and 143 and Senate Resolutions 69 and 70. The Senate then adjourned until 4 p.m. Monday, February 2, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is relating to the Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program.
• This bill is relating to the Hawaii National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program.
• It basically just expands the current National Guard State tuition assistance program to include graduate

Bills: SB2057, SB2109, SB2400, HB1752, SB2599, SB2930

Keywords: immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, detainer, ICE, federal immigration authorities, 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 U.S.C. 1373, 8 U.S.C. 1644, deportation, undocumented immigrants, noncitizen, migrant rights, local police cooperation, law enforcement cooperation, hold request, judicial warrant, probable cause, civil immigration enforcement, county police, state police

Transcript Highlights:

• dialogue, though the response may be disdain, to get to the heart of an issue, though the feelings guarding
• TO GET TO THE HEART OF AN ISSUE, THOUGH THE FEELINGS GUARDING IT ARE DEEP AND DIVISIVE.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, October 31, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Coast Guard. So this is also considered an unallowable expense.
• Coast Guard. So this is also considered an unallowable expense.
• Coast Guard. So this is also considered an unallowable expense.
• Guard. Guard.
• National Guard and airport activity.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Dedicated Funds met to review the House budget provision that would impose a 5% administrative charge on a broad list of dedicated funds, with some exemptions. Members discussed the House approach versus the Senate’s more general approach of leaving the governor discretion over which funds could be charged. The chair explained the committee was hearing from agencies about any legal, contractual, or practical reasons their funds should be exempt, and the agenda was expanded to include several departments and written submissions from others. The Department of Education testified first, identifying several funds it said should be exempt: a printing revolving fund that is funded by transfers rather than fees; teacher certification, which is self-funded by educator licensing fees and would require an immediate fee increase if charged; a vending stand set-aside tied to the federal Randolph-Sheppard program and subject to federal approval and vendor committee procedures; and a public school infrastructure/safety account, where most revenue is transferred from the education trust fund or general fund rather than generated by fees. Members questioned the department about the effect on school safety projects and whether the fee would simply reduce the number of projects completed each year. The Veterans Home asked for exemptions for three funds: a donation benefit account used for recreational activities and quality-of-life expenses for residents, a small memorial trust fund whose interest supports veteran activities, and a resident member account that holds veterans’ personal income such as Social Security and pensions. The department argued the charge would reduce donations, cut services, and effectively function like an income tax on vulnerable veterans. The Banking Department also requested exemption for its consumer credit administration license fund, saying it is used to keep exam fees low and is expressly intended by statute to reduce costs on regulated businesses; it said the 5% charge would undermine that framework and could eventually force higher fees. The Department of Justice began testimony on its dedicated funds, starting with the medical legal investigative fund, which pays for death investigations and related services under statute and without general fund support. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the committee mainly heard testimony and asked questions about the practical and legal effects of applying the administrative charge.

Transcript Highlights:

• guard rails and they're fine with that. guard rails and they're fine with that.
• Matter of fact, one of them just retired from the Minnesota National Guard as a two-star general.
• <00:51:06.559> as<00:51:06.720> a<00:51:06.880> twoar Guard as a twoar Guard as
• <01:25:49.679> We<01:25:49.840> firmly puts guard rails in place.
• We firmly puts guard rails in place.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, Keenan Wend for Legal Services for Prisoners with Children, in support.
• Kenne, with Legal Services for Prisoners with Children, in support.
• I'm a policy and campaigns manager with Legal Services for Prisoners with Children, and all of us are
• At 4:30 in the afternoon, I was taken, with six other people, to a prison on a trip of almost two and
• I was taken with six other people to a prison on a trip that lasted almost two and a half hours.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills and took testimony on each, with members often noting amendments and continuing negotiations. SB 1009 by Senator Becker would require juvenile courts to find that less restrictive alternatives are unsuitable before ordering detention, and would require periodic review of continued detention and consideration of alternatives at disposition. Supporters argued it would reduce unnecessary youth detention and improve transparency; probation, judges, and police groups opposed it as an undue limit on judicial discretion and potentially unsafe in serious cases. The chair said he would recommend an aye with amendments, but the bill was held pending quorum and later remained on call. SB 1130 by Senator Gomez Reyes would update privacy law for wearable recording devices such as smart glasses, requiring consent before recording in places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy and banning devices or accessories designed to defeat recording indicators. Supporters said the bill addresses secret recording and invasive surveillance; opponents from tech and hospitality groups sought clarification to avoid unintended liability for businesses and exempt workplace communication devices. Members discussed those exemptions, and the chair recommended an aye, but the measure also remained on call. Senator Blake Spear presented SB 99, which would let courts consider military protective orders in domestic violence proceedings and require better communication between civilian law enforcement and military authorities. Supporters from the Department of Defense, local officials, and military representatives said it would close protection gaps for military families; the ACLU opposed it on due process grounds because MPOs are issued without judicial process. The chair and author emphasized that the bill only allows consideration of MPOs and does not require civilian enforcement of them. The bill passed out on a vote, though it remained on call for additional members. The committee also heard SB 937 by Senator Gonzalez, restricting flashbang use for crowd control and banning flashbangs and explosive breaching charges in immigration enforcement, and SB 1022, creating a statewide anti-trafficking task force. SB 937 drew support from civil rights and community groups and opposition from police and sheriffs over the use-of-force standard and limits on tactics; it passed out on a vote but remained on call. SB 1022 was supported by survivor and faith groups and opposed by public defenders and sex worker advocates who raised concerns about racial disparities and enforcement harms; it also passed out on a vote. Later, SB 1395, extending criminal protective orders for certain felony sex offenses against minors up to 20 years, and SB 1230, increasing penalties for repeat illegal dumping, were both heard with mixed testimony and were held on call after committee votes. The committee also adopted a consent calendar and several bills were moved forward with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> And through you, Madam President, this is punishable by ten years in federal prison, is that correct
• safe staffing levels in our facilities or any of the issues raised with HALT for the rising issue of prison
• agreements, but I want to ask about the jail enforcement Model, which allows officers working in jails and prisons
• immigration officials in identifying potentially deportable individuals in the custody of jails and prisons
• judicial warrant won't do, issued by an Article 3 judge, is ensure that a person who is Leaving jail or prison

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with routine proceedings, approval of the prior day’s journal, and several motions to restore previously passed bills to the third-reading calendar. Senate Print 2436A, an amendment to the Administrative Code of New York City, and Senate Print 7160, an amendment to the Elder Law, were both reconsidered and restored to the calendar by roll call. Amendments were also received on Senate Print 9960, which retained its place on the third-reading calendar. The chamber then paused to honor Madeline Wilson on her 100th birthday and Marilyn D. Mosley through previously adopted resolutions, with family members and guests recognized on the floor. The Senate also welcomed Columbia Kicks Cancer, a student-run East Greenbush fundraising team that raised more than $239,000 for blood cancer research and care. The Finance Committee reported Senate Print 9005C, a budget bill amending Chapter 268 of the Laws of 1996, directly to third reading, and the Senate accepted the report and the message of necessity. The bill was then taken up on the controversial calendar, leading to extended debate on Part LL, which focused on limits on state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, including 287(g) agreements, informal cooperation, masking rules for law enforcement, sensitive locations such as polling places, and the creation of an Office of Immigration Trust within the Attorney General’s office. Supporters argued the bill would keep state and municipal employees focused on their own duties, protect constitutional rights, and prevent New York resources from being used for federal immigration enforcement; they also said it would not bar all cooperation or prevent local police from responding to crime. Opponents argued it would hinder public safety, restrict law enforcement cooperation, and interfere with local discretion, while some raised concerns about constitutional issues and the practical effects on sheriffs, county jails, and police agencies. The debate also included a separate provision creating a civil cause of action for constitutional-rights violations by federal, state, or local officials, which supporters described as an accountability measure. Members further discussed the masking section, with supporters saying it applied broadly to officials and was intended to withstand constitutional scrutiny, while opponents cited a recent Ninth Circuit ruling striking down a similar California law. The Office of Immigration Trust and its complaint/referral process were also examined, including the role of the Governor and the State Education Department in reviewing alleged violations. No final vote on the controversial calendar bill was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I had the privilege of leading the class at Pleasant Valley State Prison where this bill originated.
• level from preschool all the way to high school and community college, and I've also taught in three prison
• school for a fight, a weapon on campus, or a school shooting than when I was teaching inside of a prison
• We initiated a legislative process training within Pleasant Valley State Prison.
• And if we have programs like this, then we can save lives, and we can reduce the prison rate in our society

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and it's uh, it could be up to 3 years in prison, but nobody gets up to 3 years for a misdemeanor
• could be up to 3 Uh, and it's uh, it could be up to 3 years<00:37:10.080> in<00:37:10.200> prison
• 11.000> gets<00:37:11.280> up<00:37:11.400> to<00:37:11.520> 3 years in prison
• , but nobody gets up to 3 years in prison, but nobody gets up to 3 years<00:37:12.000> for<00:
• So, for those that use these weapons in a crime, that is up to 20 years in prison.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 16, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened on Monday, March 16th, with an invocation focused on safety during storms, support for first responders, and recognition of Women’s History Month. A quorum was present, and the President noted the chamber was preparing for a very busy week, with possible double sessions and a Saturday session if needed. The House message on House Bill 297, concerning adult education and high school diploma pathways, was received and referred to the appropriate standing committees. The chamber then took up several committee reports, mostly adopting committee amendments and favorable reports without objection. Among the bills advanced to third reading were SB 85 on use of Information Technology Investment Fund revenues, SB 520 on public safety spending flexibility in charter counties, SB 558 creating a Chesapeake Bay Enhancement Program, SB 641 on procurement exceptions for historic preservation services, SB 647 establishing a catastrophic disability benefit tier for certain law enforcement retirement members, SB 654 raising the State Police mandatory retirement age to 62 and adjusting DROP rules, and SB 668 on Children’s Cabinet funding for local management boards. SB 756, a Baltimore City PILOT/tax exemption bill for a Downtown Rise District project, was also advanced. Several bills were special ordered to allow time for amendments or further discussion. SB 334 on machine gun convertible pistols was special ordered to the next day after members said amendments were not ready. SB 309, concerning a statewide sales and use tax exemption for precious metal bullion or coins, was also special ordered for the next day so members could add co-sponsors. SB 818 on State Center development contract requirements and an advisory group was special ordered to the appropriate time the next day after discussion of its community input and federal-law compliance provisions. The Budget and Taxation Committee then reported on the fiscal 2027 operating budget, SB 282, and the budget reconciliation and financing act, SB 284. The committee chair said the budget left a $250 million cash surplus and $2.2 billion in the rainy day fund, kept general fund spending below the current year, imposed no tax or fee increases, and funded priorities including behavioral health in schools, child care scholarships, local government disparity grants, nursing homes, developmental disabilities services, public schools, Medicaid, energy assistance, and economic development. Both SB 282 and SB 284, along with their committee amendments, were laid over until the next day for second reading debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• <02:40:26.080> against collateral guarding against collateral guarding against destabilizing
• <07:39:20.558> that airlifted, the Coast Guard that airlifted, the Coast Guard that responded
• Our first responders and our great Coast Guard saved countless lives.
• Our first responders and our great Coast Guard saved countless lives.
• <08:12:02.398> saved and our great Coast Guard saved and our great Coast Guard saved countless

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Coast Guard.
• <01:27:51.320> and<01:27:51.480> have overseen by the Coast Guard and have overseen
• I actually thought of this when you were mentioning the Coast Guard: how the Coast Guard, you know, whatever
• gone through a stringent background check, has been overseen by the U.S. government and the Coast Guard
• administer Merchant Marine Coast Guard administer Merchant Marine officer<01:33:32.679> exams

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sorry, Ben, if I cut you off guard, do you mind introducing yourself?
• Chairman and experts, you were getting information from the National Guard.
• I'm wondering about the National Guard facility.
• The National Guard does have activities that are west of the Santa Fe Airport.
• Perhaps the airport or the National Guard.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And even some women just released from prison, and they all come to us, and other organizations refer
• language um<02:37:33.120> and<02:37:33.439> if<02:37:33.760> the<02:37:34.000> prisoner
• ><02:37:34.399> if<02:37:34.640> the<02:37:34.800> petitioner um and if the prisoner
• if the petitioner um and if the prisoner if the petitioner is<02:37:35.520> indigent<02:37:36.800

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Public Contract Code was written to guard against favoritism and promote fair competition.
• The Public Contract Code was written to guard against favoritism and promote fair competition in state

Summary: The Senate Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum and heard one bill, SB 1223 by Senator Padilla, after SB 1410 was pulled from the agenda. SB 1223 would require state and county fairs to use competitive bidding standards for contracts and prohibit sole-source contracting. The author and witness argued the bill was needed to close loopholes in the Public Contract Code after media reports and lawsuits alleged corruption and manipulated contract awards at certain fairs, including allegations that RFPs were written to favor a single bidder. No witnesses testified in opposition. Committee members expressed support, describing the issue as a matter of transparency and proper state contracting. A motion was made to pass the bill to the Appropriations Committee. The committee voted 4-0 in favor, with the bill placed on call for the absent member before the meeting concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Public Contract Code was written to guard against favoritism and promote fair competition.
• The Public Contract Code was written to guard against favoritism and promote fair competition in state

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• not only on accessibility, but precisely on affordability and on the numbers that she so carefully guarded
• And what about the $35 million a year that's spent on these gate guard security guards?

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The joint meeting of the Senate Finance, Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, and Transportation committees considered four nominations to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board: Melanie Hartzog, Jeanette Sadecott, Matthew Rand, and James O’Donnell. Each nominee gave opening remarks describing their public service or transportation-related experience and their interest in issues such as affordability, accessibility, state of good repair, regional connectivity, and transit safety. Senators also raised concerns about MTA transparency, the 2025-29 capital plan funding gap, fare and toll evasion, worker safety, and the need for better service in underserved areas. Members pressed the nominees on several policy questions, including the feasibility of free or reduced-fare buses, expanding bus service and bus lanes, restoring Hudson Valley and Harlem Line service, improving west-of-Hudson and Rockland County transit, and advancing the Second Avenue Subway and accessibility projects. The nominees generally said they were open to studying these ideas, emphasized collaboration with the MTA, governor, mayor, and legislature, and supported greater transparency and investment in transit infrastructure. Senators also highlighted labor concerns, including the MTA workers’ contract and safety for bus operators and other transit workers. At the end of the hearing, the committees voted separately on each nomination. Melanie Hartzog, Jeanette Sadecott, Matthew Rand, and James O’Donnell were each approved by the committees and advanced to the Senate floor. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• He was once part of a uniformed honor guard after 1961 for Alan B.
• That was his ship that picked up John Glenn. guard after 1961 for Alan B.
• Shepard, guard after 1961 for Alan B.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The House meeting consisted of announcements and a series of tributes honoring Representative Larry Gagne, a Vietnam-era Navy veteran and longtime member of the Veterans Committee. Representative Moffett introduced the recognition, describing the VA Vietnam-era veterans award and noting Gagne’s service, including his Navy enlistment in 1961, his role in the honor guard for Alan B. Shepard, and his service aboard the USS Noah, which recovered John Glenn after his 1962 spaceflight. Gagne was escorted to the front of the chamber and applauded by members. Former Speaker Steve Shurtleff also spoke in tribute, recalling his long acquaintance with Gagne dating back to police training and their later work together in the House, especially on the Criminal Justice Committee. He emphasized bipartisan cooperation, saying criminal justice should not be partisan, and praised Gagne as a friend and effective legislator. Shurtleff also noted Gagne’s later service on the State and Federal Veterans Affairs Committee and thanked Chair Moffett, saying they could disagree without being disagreeable. Gagne then responded briefly, joking about his long tenure and recalling shared memories from the police academy, including a graduation snowball fight and finding an old photo of himself and Shurtleff. He said he planned to run again, reflected on both good and difficult times in the House, and closed by stressing respect across party lines and the importance of getting along. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the session.