Video & Transcript Research : 'election amendment'
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FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Rules Apr 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- That's the amendment. Other questions on the amendment?
- There are no appearance forms on the amendment. Any debate? Amendment.
- That is the amendment. Are there questions on the amendment?
- And that's the amendment, Madam Chair. And that's the amendment, Madam Chair.
- Is there any debate on the amendment? Is it a good amendment?
Summary:
The committee took up a long agenda of bills, beginning with CS/SB 678, which would allow pawnbroker transaction forms to be printed or digital; it drew support from a business representative and was reported favorably. Members then heard several bills by Senator Leak, including SB 466 to designate St. Johns County as the site of the Florida Museum of Black History and create a board to work with the museum foundation and Florida Memorial University; the bill drew supportive testimony about preserving accurate Black history and the significance of the site, and it passed favorably. Leak’s CS/SB 578 would let Florida wineries use recyclable inserts and other alternative containers for larger wine sales, and it also passed favorably. SB 582 would increase penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings and structures, limiting the higher penalties to certain nationally or internationally recognized historic properties; it was supported by preservation advocates and reported favorably. CS/SB 1168 would create an aggravated offense for installing or using tracking devices or apps in furtherance of crimes such as murder, domestic violence, or robbery, and it passed favorably after a brief discussion about stalking and violent crimes. CS/SB 806 would make the Florida Attorney General the exclusive public official with standing to enforce Florida charitable trusts, limiting out-of-state attorneys general from suing over Florida-administered trusts; members debated whether this would burden out-of-state beneficiaries, but the bill was reported favorably. SB 1228 would advance spring restoration efforts for Ichetucknee Springs and Santa Fe spring flows and allow a utility compliance plan amendment to deliver reclaimed water to replenish the aquifer; it passed favorably. CS/CS/SB 304 would require a qualified medical opinion in child protective investigations involving infants and young children with possible genetic or medical conditions that can mimic abuse, and it drew emotional support from parents and advocates before passing favorably. SB 1286 would clarify that ordinary unsupervised childhood activities like biking or playing outside do not constitute neglect absent reckless endangerment, and it was reported favorably. SB 1318, the hands-free driving bill, generated the most extensive debate: it renames the texting-while-driving law, expands the prohibition to handheld device use, and adds penalties in work zones and school zones; supporters cited fatal crash statistics and personal loss, while opponents raised concerns about enforcement, civil liberties, racial disparities in traffic stops, and the need for broader distracted-driving and insurance reforms. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably after amendments. The committee also approved two claims bills, SB 14 for the estate of Penao-Hanvier against Miami Beach and SB 20 for J.N. against Hillsborough County, both settled claims recommended favorably by the special master. Finally, CS/SB 68 would modernize health facilities authority financing for private not-for-profit health systems, and CS/SB 172 would restrict misuse of health care specialty titles while preserving titles authorized under existing practice acts; both were discussed with questions about doctors, optometrists, and CRNAs, and both were reported favorably after amendment and debate.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Community Affairs Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill proposes an amendment for the 2026 general election ballot to create an additional ad valorem
- All in favor of the amendment say aye. The amendment is adopted.
- All in favor of the amendment say yay. The amendment is adopted. We're back on the bill as amended.
- All in favor of the amendment say, yay. The amendment is adopted.
- All in favor of the amendment say, yay. The amendment is adopted.
Summary:
The committee took up several claims bills first and reported both favorably without debate. SB 20, relating to relief of J.N., a minor, would pay the remaining $400,000 of a $600,000 settlement after an 11-year-old was injured on a Hillsborough County sidewalk with a known defect; SB 14, relating to the estate of Pineal Januier, would authorize payment of the remaining $1.7 million of a $2 million settlement after a drowning at a Miami Beach youth center pool. Both bills were supported by the sponsors and the Senate Special Master’s favorable recommendations, and both passed on roll call votes.
The committee then considered SJR 1510 and its implementing bill, SB 1512, both by Senator Avila, which would create a new property tax benefit for owners who lease a non-homestead residential property for more than six months in order to encourage more affordable rental housing. Local governments, the Florida League of Cities, and the Florida Association of Counties opposed the proposal, warning of major revenue losses, impacts on public safety and services, and uncertainty for local budgets; several senators also questioned whether landlords would pass savings on to renters and whether the measure would worsen density and parking issues. Despite the opposition, both measures were reported favorably after the sponsor said the bills would be refined and revised.
SB 674, by Senator Wright, was reported favorably with support from property appraisers who said it would let them budget and pay hiring or retention bonuses, similar to authority already given to tax collectors, to help compete for specialized staff. CS for CS SB 268, by Senator Jones, also passed after an amendment adding congressional members; the bill would create a public-records exemption for certain home-address information for elected officials, and debate centered on balancing transparency with safety after members described death threats and harassment. The committee then approved SB 100, by Senator Fine, which would bar government buildings from displaying flags representing political viewpoints and allow active or retired military or National Guard members to use reasonable force to stop desecration of the U.S. flag; the bill drew extensive opposition from transparency, civil rights, and LGBTQ advocates who argued it was vague, unconstitutional, and aimed at pride flags, while supporters said government should not endorse political messages.
Finally, CS for SB 1664, by Senator Trumbull, was reported favorably after a strike-all amendment. The bill would require voter reapproval every eight years for certain local discretionary taxes, including tourist development taxes and some local option taxes, unless pledged to revenue bonds. Cities, counties, tourism groups, and the lodging industry opposed it, saying the measure would create uncertainty, threaten tourism marketing and beach restoration funding, and make long-term infrastructure and debt planning difficult. Senator Trumbull argued the proposal simply gives voters a recurring chance to decide whether they still support the taxes and the projects they fund.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 2/13/25 - Part 1
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- The amendment is adopted and engrossed into your bill. Members, questions on the bill as amended?
- Eighth Amendment.
- Eighth Amendment.
- and<01:22:26.159>
the Amendment the Fourth Amendment and the Amendment the Fourth Amendment - This amendment deals with it.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- There are no amendments. Is there any further discussion?
- There are no amendments. Is there any further discussion?
- The amendment is adopted. Please move the bill as amended.
- No amendments. Okay. There are no amendments. Is there any further discussion?
- You are no amendments. Okay. There are no amendments.
Keywords:
school libraries, public school libraries, library funding, professional associations, library associations, librarians, information services, dues, membership fees, public monies, school governing body, county free library district, municipal library, library contracts, library services, books and programs, Arizona education, Title 15, Library Freedom Act, school district transparency
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The A7 amendment.
- The first amendment is a 6 amendment, which I will offer the A6 amendment.
- >
a <00:08:40.800>6 <00:08:41.120>amendment, the first amendment is a 6 amendment - you're moving amendment A8. you're moving amendment A8.
- roll call on this amendment. roll call on this amendment.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 06/02/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Calendar 1314, Senate Print 6259, Senator Skoufis, an act to amend the Election Law.
- the Election Law.
- AMEND THE LOCAL FANS LAW. SKOUFIS, AN ACT TO AMEND THE RETIREMENT AND SOCIAL SECURITY LAW.
- ACT TO AMEND THE HIGHWAYS LAW.
- TO AMEND THE VILLAGE LAW.
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior day’s journal, and then processed a large number of motions to discharge bills from committees and substitute identical Senate or Assembly versions for third reading. The chamber also adopted the resolution calendar with exceptions and took up several resolutions and ceremonial recognitions, including a resolution mourning Hudson Talbott, a Dairy Month resolution highlighting New York’s dairy industry, and introductions honoring Niskayuna academic teams, Gabriella Scheer for receiving the Liberty Medal, the Hartstein family’s civic engagement, and Diana Cochran’s advocacy for safe firearm storage.
The Senate then moved through the calendar and passed many bills on topics including insurance, public health, education, labor, social services, banking, local government, veterans, public service, consumer protection, criminal procedure, cannabis, parks, taxation, election law, and highway matters. Several members explained votes on notable measures: support for acupuncture insurance coverage, consumer protections for doorbell-camera data sharing, expanded protections in debt collection cases, trauma-informed procedures for sexual assault survivors, a Legionnaires’ disease awareness program, changes to mandatory minimum sentencing, and universal safe storage of firearms. A number of home rule and local authorization bills were also approved, including parkland alienation measures and local tax exemption authorizations.
Most measures passed with broad bipartisan support, though some drew recorded opposition. Notable roll calls included the consumer debt uniformity bill, the mandatory minimum sentencing bill, the safe storage/firearms bill, and the public housing and public health measures, each with more divided votes. The chamber also accepted a lengthy Rules Committee report sending many additional bills directly to third reading, and then began the supplemental calendar, passing at least the first items before the transcript ended.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House County and Municipal Government Committee Mar 5th, 2025
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm sorry, I thought you stepped out to get an amendment. CL, call the amendment.
- We've got an amendment on this. Who's offering an amendment? I will.
- Let's get on the amendments. Chair, I have both amendments.
- Amendment. Representative Clark has an amendment.
- Elected. All I can say is, at least for an amendment, that we look at actionable items.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
State official protective services 3/2/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Green, any final comments on the amendment, the A1 amendment?
- amendment to use existing funds. amendment to use existing funds.
- <00:29:27.160>
I amendment. I don't know the answer. I amendment. - . amendment. amendment.
- members vote no on the amendment. members vote no on the amendment.
Summary:
House File 3791 was laid over for possible inclusion later, with Rep. Green and Rep. Noor presenting it as a response to rising threats against Minnesota elected officials and public officers. They cited increased threat reports, the June 2025 killings of Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman and her husband, the shootings of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, and other recent threats as evidence that current protective resources are insufficient. The bill would create a state officials protective services unit within the State Patrol, provide security and threat-assessment services for principal state officials, and require reporting on credible threats. Rep. Noor said the proposal would be triggered by leadership when there is a credible threat, would include legislators and constitutional officers, and would be funded at about $3.98 million in FY 2027 with an ongoing base of $3.25 million, with some ability to contract with local law enforcement for support in official-capacity situations.
Members raised concerns about scope, jurisdiction, and cost. Rep. Olsen argued the bill was not narrow enough and worried it could allow Capitol Security to provide home or event security too broadly, rather than limiting the work to the Capitol and catastrophic incidents. Rep. Joy offered an A1 amendment to use existing funds instead of adding new spending, saying local sheriffs and police already handle many situations. That amendment failed on a voice vote. Rep. Olson then moved an A2 amendment focused on clarifying who should be in charge of protection at home and how local law enforcement would be involved; discussion centered on whether Capitol Security, State Patrol, or local agencies should lead response and how credible threats would be determined.
Supporters of the bill, including Rep. Green and Rep. Muir, said the events of June 14 showed the need for a dedicated, coordinated protective service and that local responses were uneven across jurisdictions. Rep. Muir described delayed or inconsistent police responses after the attacks and said lawmakers need a more reliable system to keep members and their families safe. Rep. Keagle also testified about personal threats and harassment at home, including a prank pizza delivery that made her fear someone knew when she was home. The committee did not take final action on the bill beyond laying it over, and the A1 amendment failed; discussion on the A2 amendment and the bill’s details continued.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Judiciary Mar 12th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The action on the amendment carries. Back on the bill as amended.
- Let's move the amendment barcode 528505, late filed amendment by Senator Simon.
- By your action, the amendment is adopted. We are back on the bill as amended.
- Those in favor of the amendment? Opposed? This amendment is adopted.
- That is the amendment. Any questions on the amendment? Appearance forms on the amendment? Debate?
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 15 (1-28-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So if I could ask the clerk to report House Committee Amendment 1, which is a title amendment.
- House Committee Amendment 1, the title amendment to House Bill 320. Gentleman from Jefferson.
- The motion is for the adoption of House Committee Amendment 1, the title amendment.
- House Committee Amendment 1, the title amendment, is adopted. Gentleman from Jefferson.
- , House Bill 437 to Elections, House Bill 437 to Elections, Constitutional<00:36:48.240>
Amendments
Keywords:
Convene 00:00
Senate Message 05:11
Report of Committees 06:05
Orders of the Day/HB 320 07:52
HB 366 14:55
HB 389 17:22
HB 56 22:10
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 25:47
Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 29:20
Petition of Impeachment Filed 31:24
Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 32:03
ConC/Rules Report 36:31
Floor Amendments 37:29
Adjournment 37:47, 958, all
Summary:
The House convened with prayer and the pledge, recorded 96 members present, excused absences, and approved the journal from January 27, 2026. The Senate clerk announced passage of Senate Bills 17 and 181 and requested concurrence. Committee reports advanced a number of bills on health insurance, judiciary, local government, and transportation topics, including measures on pharmacist reimbursements, hearing aid coverage, feeding and eating disorders, grooming a minor, local government liability, water fluoridation, cigar bars, chickens on residential property, highway pavement markings, motor vehicle titles, and pedestrian issues; all favorable reports were treated as first readings and placed on the calendar.
The House then took up and passed House Bill 320 on human trafficking, with the sponsor explaining it would equalize penalties for promoting human trafficking with those for trafficking itself and increase the penalty when the victim is under 18. A member asked whether the bill included additional funding for cyber enforcement; the sponsor replied it was not an appropriation and would not require new funding, though prior budgets had increased support for anti-trafficking efforts. The House adopted a title amendment changing the bill’s title to combating human trafficking. The chamber also passed House Bill 366, which clarifies that materials portraying a sexual performance by a minor include computer-generated images and requires 85% service of the sentence before probation or parole; the sponsor said it was supported by law enforcement and prosecutors.
House Bill 389 on reading and writing in schools also passed as amended by House Committee Substitute 1. The sponsor said it would require annual updates to the state dyslexia toolkit, expand professional development and coaching, require local school boards to develop processes for universal screening and diagnostic tools, and add dyslexia instruction to teacher preparation programs; the substitute added conformity with IDEA and revised the instructional language. Members spoke in support of early dyslexia detection and one member noted the bill updated prior legislation associated with former Rep. Bam Carney. House Bill 56, an omnibus Department of Agriculture bill, then passed; it addressed amusement ride inspections, grain warehousing penalties, egg handler licensing renewal timing, exemptions for small producers, and repealed obsolete tobacco and egg marketing board provisions. All three bills passed by roll call with 95 or 94 votes in favor and none opposed, and clinchers were applied.
During announcements, members noted upcoming committee meetings and events, including a suits-and-sneakers day and cancer-related breakfast, caucus meetings, and committee meetings. New bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on local occupational license fees, early learning and child care, tuition waivers, an adult workforce diploma pilot, motor vehicle usage tax, contract procurement, Fish and Wildlife Resources, adoption, veterans’ benefits, Cabinet for Health and Family Services operations, organ donation safety, hate crimes, prescription drugs, and resolutions on the Kentucky-Japan partnership and veterans’ benefits accreditation. The clerk also reported a petition of impeachment filed against Judge Julie Goodman. The House then referred a group of bills to committees, reported floor amendments for House Bills 321 and 416, and adjourned until 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 29, 2026.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 28 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Clerk will read the amendment. This is Amendment number six. Mr.
- The amendment is not adopted. The amendment is not adopted. Mr.
- The clerk will read the amendment. This is Amendment Number 13. Amendment Number 13 has changed.
- Amendment.
- The clerk will read the amendment. This is Amendment Number 5. Amendment Number 5 has changed. Mr.
Summary:
The House first handled several routine matters, including adoption of a birthday resolution honoring Caroline San Martino Moran and suspension of Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition involving the City of Waltham and the Veterans Memorial Rink. It also advanced two local bills: one authorizing DCAMM to release a sewer line easement in West Roxbury, and another relative to the town administrator of Carlisle. Both bills were amended by Ways and Means and ordered to third reading or engrossed as amended. The chamber also passed a memorial-marker bill for fallen law enforcement officers in Milton and Canton.
The main floor debate centered on House Bill 5305, the “Protect Act,” which was presented as a measure to limit state and local involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement, restrict ICE access in courthouses and other sensitive locations, strengthen notice and language-access protections for detainees and workers, and expedite U and T visa certifications. Supporters, including members of the Black and Latino Caucus and other legislators, argued the bill would protect due process, encourage victims and witnesses to come forward, preserve public trust, and keep local police focused on criminal matters. They cited courthouse arrests, fear in immigrant communities, and the need for clearer boundaries between state and federal authority.
Several amendments were offered and voted on during consideration of H.5305. An amendment to strike Section 4 was rejected, as were amendments seeking to alter the courthouse enforcement provisions and to recognize immigration judge warrants. Other amendments were adopted, including one clarifying sheriff-related provisions, one expanding language around release dates, one adding protections related to school settings, and one expediting U visa certification for family members aging out. A roll call was taken on the bill and on multiple amendments, with the House ultimately adopting the amendments described and continuing consideration of the bill as amended.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 5, 2026 - 12:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Many like that amendment. Chair Salzman: Any questions on the amendment?
- We're back on the amendment. Do we have any debate on the amendment? No debate on the amendment.
- We accept that amendment. We're back on the bill as amended.
- The amendment.
- Are there any amendments? No amendments. Any questions of the sponsor?
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, July 15, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- fraud in the 2020 elections.
- I yield back the balance of my time. 2020 elections. And then he said, "Thugs 2020 elections.
- amended and on any further amendment amended and on any further amendment there<02:30:44.160>
- And crypto got a good return on our elections. Because of this ruling, our elections.
- Speaker, for the record, supporters of cryptocurrency exercised their First Amendment right last election
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue (2-25-26) - Upon Adjournment of the House
Appropriations & Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- Committee amendment. Well, >> All opposed. Committee amendment.
- , as amended by committee amendment one?
- House Bill 500, as amended by PHS1, as amended by committee amendment one, having received one day vote
- committee amendment into PHS1. committee amendment into PHS1.
- We do amend language, and just to make sure we have, as in the executive branch, for elected and non-elected
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Roll Call 00:00:40
HB 500 Discussion 00:01:50
HB 500 Vote 00:38:40
HB 504 Discussion 00:41:45
HB 504 Vote 00:47:00, 958, all
Summary:
The House Standing Committee on Appropriations and Revenue met to consider House Bill 500, the executive branch budget bill, and House Bill 504, the judicial branch budget bill. The chair explained that the committee substitute for HB 500 was a starting point in the budget process and that a committee amendment was needed to correct a numbers discrepancy. The amendment to PHS1 was adopted, and the committee then adopted HB 500 as amended, with one no vote and several passes; the bill was reported favorably. The committee also voted to roll the committee amendment into PHS1 so it would be considered as a single unified version.
The chair gave a broad overview of HB 500, describing funding for statewide costs, a 2% salary increase in each fiscal year for executive branch employees and elected officials, and broad percentage cuts of 4% in FY27 and 3% in FY28 with many exemptions. He highlighted funding changes for education, Medicaid, health insurance for state and school employees, public safety, corrections, health and family services, postsecondary education, fire programs, tourism and parks, and several capital projects. He also noted language changes or removals that were intended to clean up the bill rather than eliminate programs, and said some items were held steady or fully funded based on current estimates.
Members asked about SEEK transportation funding, the budget reserve trust fund, and why Medicaid benefits were funded below the governor’s request. The chair said the reserve included general fund and Department of Insurance restricted funds as a safeguard, with some of that money available if Medicaid costs exceed expectations. He said Medicaid benefits were held flat at FY26 levels because eligibility and utilization have declined, but the committee added reporting requirements and oversight to monitor trends. A member expressed appreciation for the SEEK increase and KEPH stability, while another voted no on HB 500 because they were still reviewing the document and believed some items were missing. The chair then said the committee would move on to HB 504, but no action on that bill is included in the excerpt.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Does anybody have a question on the amendment?
- I mean, it seemed like there was an amendment.
- So going and maybe making an amendment on the floor to look at where a gap might be between this election
- year date, the general election to the next.
- Because there could be an election in December too.
Bills:
HB1245, HB2588, HB3024, HB3172, HB3279, HB3919, HB3306, HB3383, HB3431, HB3435, HB4352, HB3883, HB3942, HB4193, HB4203, HB4303, HB4311, HB4484
Keywords:
retirement, pension, public employees, Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, benefits, survivorship, contribution rates, disability retirement, owners associations, membership requirements, property ownership, board governance, residency requirements, salary increase, state employees, public finance, bonus limits, job performance, Fair Banking Act, financial institutions
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a set of amendments, which is amendment set 3835, which I'll offer up for consideration.
- Seeing no objection, amendment set 3824 is adopted. Amendment set 3824 is adopted.
- Do we have further amendments? Okay, we have no further amendments.
- Seeing no question on the amendments, I'll offer up the amendments for adoption.
- So this is amendment set 3830? Does anybody have any questions on the amendments?
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 46 (3-13-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Floor Amendment 1 is adopted. Senate Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 333.
- Senate Bill 333 is amended, is passed. Senate Bill 333 is amended, is passed.
- Action on a title amendment. Taylor. Action on a title amendment. >> Mr.
- amendments there too. amendments there too.
- Committee Amendment One. Committee Amendment One. >> Correct,<01:53:34.960>
Mr.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Investments and Pensions Oversight Jul 18th, 2025
Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Ten of those members are elected by different constituent groups.
- do not elect to have coverage under Social Security.
- We ensure that they either elect or do not elect to have coverage under Social Security.
- or not elect to join Social Security.
- There were some federal amendments.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2024-11-19 (11:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , that the members elect be seated in the House chamber Evidence of the election to the House, that the
- members elect be seated in the House chamber, and that the roll of such members elect be called.
- to the House, the members elect be seated in the House chamber, and that the roll of such members elect
- The members elect will be seated.
- and re-elected House members.
Summary:
The House convened for its organization session, opened with prayer, the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem. The Secretary of State’s certification of the 2024 election was accepted as prima facie evidence, the members-elect were seated, a quorum was established, and the newly elected and returning members were sworn in by Florida Supreme Court justices. The chamber also recognized the Governor, Cabinet members, former speakers, former members, and other guests in attendance.
The main business of the session was the election of House leadership and adoption of the chamber’s rules. Representative Fentrice Driskell was nominated by the Democratic caucus and delivered remarks emphasizing constituent service, opposition oversight, and priorities such as hurricane recovery, insurance affordability, reproductive rights, gun violence, education, and poverty. Representative Daniel Perez was nominated by the Republican caucus, seconded, and then elected Speaker by unanimous vote after a motion to close nominations and dispense with a roll call. Perez was sworn in and said his priority would be serving Floridians through practical action, fiscal discipline, and reforms that reduce bureaucracy and special-interest influence.
The House then adopted House Resolution 10, establishing House rules for the 2024-2026 term, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 20, establishing joint legislative rules. Representative Gottlieb spoke in opposition to the rules, arguing that recent changes restricted debate and reduced deliberation. The House also appointed a committee to notify the Senate that the House was organized, elected Representative Wyman Duggan as Speaker Pro Tempore by unanimous vote, and announced caucus leadership selections, including Duggan as Speaker Pro Tempore and Driskell as Democratic minority leader.
The session concluded with administrative motions authorizing technical corrections to the rules, spreading the organization-session remarks upon the journal, and adjourning sine die.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- The question remains on the floor amendment. Any discussion of the floor amendment?
- Any objections to the floor amendment? Without objection, the amendment is adopted.
- objection, the amendment is adopted. objection, the amendment is adopted.
- Question now is on the amended report. Question now is on the amended report.
- amendments to the bill or its title? amendments to the bill or its title?
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation from Rabbi Deborah Wexler of Pikesville, and journalized the prayer without objection. The chamber also recognized several visitor groups, including Maryland Realtors Day, Maryland March for Change participants advocating for infant and maternal health, and students, faculty, and staff from Avalon School. Senators briefly highlighted upcoming committee meetings and caucus events, including a Legislative Black Caucus press conference, Aviation Day, and a reminder about protocol dues.
On legislation, the chamber read Senate Bill 955 on real property, condominiums, and homeowners association election rules and referred it to the Rules Committee. Two Senate bond initiatives were also read and sent to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. Senate Bill 888 was announced as reassigned to the Rules Committee. The main floor action centered on Senate Bill 46 concerning state veteran cemeteries, where Senator Simon offered a floor amendment. Senator from District 7 explained the bill was prompted by concerns about how caskets are moved at veteran cemeteries, describing a practice he found disturbing and saying the issue should be addressed separately from the bill. The amendment and the amended report were both adopted without objection, and the bill was ordered printed for third reading.
The Senate then handled a brief procedural exchange when a senator asked about speaking on the reassigned bill, and the presiding officer ruled the matter out of order because it had already been reassigned. After additional committee announcements, the Senate remained in session with 40 members present and then moved to recess until noon in the House chamber.