Transcript Highlights:

• Many industries, including firearms, have started out in garages, basements, and backyards of America
• c><00:44:57.280> also<00:44:57.599> many<00:44:57.839> Firearms backyards of America
• also many Firearms backyards of America also many Firearms collectors<00:44:59.520> have<00:44
• These weapons have been used in almost all of the deadliest mass shootings in America, which is why nine
• These weapons have been used in almost all of the deadliest mass shootings in America, which is why nine

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee hearing covered House Bill 279 and House Bill 392, both relating to firearms. HB 279 would restrict carrying or possessing firearm parts except at or between certain locations and in an enclosed container, define firearm parts and prohibited persons, and increase penalties for violations. The Department of Law Enforcement strongly supported the bill, saying it would close a loophole involving disassembled or “ghost gun” parts and help law enforcement charge people who carry weapons in pieces. Most public testimony opposed the measure, with speakers arguing it was unconstitutional, vague, hard to enforce, and would burden lawful gun owners, gunsmiths, and firearm dealers; several also said existing laws already cover the conduct. One supporter, Dennis Dunn, said additional firearm security could reduce theft and suicides. The chair noted the committee had received 270 testimonies on HB 279, with 39 in support, 234 in opposition, and one comment. The committee then heard HB 392, which would prohibit the possession, transfer, and sale of ghost guns and establish mandatory minimum sentencing for using a ghost gun in a felony. The Department of Law Enforcement and the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s office supported the bill, saying unserialized firearms are difficult to trace and that prosecutors need clear laws to address them. Supporters argued the measure would help prevent untraceable weapons from circulating and align penalties with other firearm offenses. Opponents, including several gun owners and association representatives, said the bill was unnecessary because existing state and federal laws already prohibit unserialized firearms, and warned it could create confusion, criminalize lawful owners of antique or self-built firearms, and be difficult to administer. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate convened with the Pledge of Allegiance and began the session with a moment of silence requested by Sen. Fattman for victims of the New Orleans attack, with remarks expressing sympathy for the families and those injured. The chamber then adopted organizational orders, including notifying the House of the Senate’s organization, informing the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the Governor’s Councilors of their election, and receiving the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s certified election returns for executive councilors. The Senate also adopted an order to appoint a joint committee to count the votes for executive councilors, and the Senate members named were Sen. Eldridge, Sen. Driscoll, and Sen. Durant. Sen. Brady then offered a memorial tribute for Brockton firefighter Jeffrey W. Albanese, who died after suffering a cardiac arrest while responding to an incident. The memorial highlighted his 24 years with the Brockton Fire Department, his family, and his service to the community. The Senate approved a moment of silence in his honor. Finally, the Senate adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11:00 a.m. Sen. Driscoll moved to adjourn, and the Senate adjourned in memory of Jeffrey W. Albanese.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate convened, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took up reports from the Temporary Committee on Rules. The chamber adopted orders placing Senate No. 14, proposing permanent Senate rules for the 2025-2026 session, and Senate No. 15, proposing permanent joint rules for the Senate and House, on the Orders of the Day for February 12, 2025, with amendments due electronically by February 10. In both cases, the rules were suspended to allow immediate consideration, and the orders were adopted without objection. The Senate also adopted an order to adjourn and reconvene on Monday at 11:00 a.m. Senator Keenan then offered a motion, joined by all members, that the Senate adjourn in memory of Francis Xavier Bellotti. The Senate heard a tribute recounting Bellotti’s military service, public career as lieutenant governor and attorney general, and his contributions to civil rights, environmental protection, and civic life. The motion to adjourn in Bellotti’s memory was adopted, and the Senate adjourned with a moment of silence in his honor. The chamber is set to meet again on Monday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Peabody, congratulating Owen Michael Addessa on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout of Scouting America

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several routine matters from the Committee on Rules. Members adopted resolutions reaffirming Massachusetts’ friendship with Taiwan and supporting stronger U.S.-Taiwan trade and Taiwan’s international participation, as well as a congratulatory resolution for Owen Michael Addessa on earning Eagle Scout. The House also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow two petitions to proceed: one establishing a sick leave bank for a Middlesex Sheriff’s Office employee and another concerning taxes in the City of Boston. The chamber recognized visiting guests, including a Burlington Girl Scouts Brownie troop and the 2024 Lawn Meadow girls tennis team, which was honored for winning the Division II state championship with a 23-0 record. The House then considered House Bill 62, which extends certain COVID-19 measures adopted during the state of emergency. The House concurred with a Senate amendment, adopted the emergency preamble by a 3-0 vote, and passed the bill to be enacted. Members also observed a moment of silent tribute for former Marlborough City Councilor Donald Landers, Sr., and later adopted a special adjournment in memory of former Representative John H. Stasick of Framingham. The House adopted an order to reconvene Monday at 11 a.m., then adjourned to meet again in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several routine matters. It adopted an emergency preamble for H. 4182, a sick leave bank bill for Jato Charlotton of the Department of Transportation, and later passed that bill to be enacted and sent it to the Governor. The Senate also adopted resolutions honoring the 14th Dalai Lama and congratulating two Eagle Scouts, Jack Geyser and Windsor Sheppler. The chamber then considered H. 4103, establishing a sick leave bank for Stephen Forget of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office. The bill was taken up out of the orders of the day, ordered to a third reading, and passed to be engrossed. A House bill, H. 4230, establishing a sick leave bank for James Caruso of the Department of Transportation, was also advanced when the Senate suspended the rules and ordered it to a third reading. The Committee on Rules reported a petition and bill from Pavel Payano to expand access to the family self-sufficiency program in Massachusetts. The Senate suspended its rules and Joint Rule 12 so the matter could be referred to the committees on housing. At the close of session, the Senate adopted an order to reconvene on Monday at 11:00 a.m. and to dispense with printing a calendar, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• are asked to remain standing and join with me in the Pledge of Allegiance. ...the United States of America

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House began with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up a series of committee reports and routine legislative actions. The Committee on Rules recommended adoption of several congratulatory and honorary resolutions, including recognition of Grupo Nosa Senora Das Candiaas, Karen Dejean, and Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick; the House suspended the rules and adopted them. The House also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer two petitions, one on school library standards to the Committee on Education and one on damages for employees aggrieved by Massachusetts Wage Act violations to the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development. The House then considered several bills and special matters. It approved a sick leave bank bill for J.O. Charlatan of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, ordering it to a third reading, and later passed to enactment a Senate bill establishing a sick leave bank for Andrew Satera of the Trial Court after adopting the required emergency preamble. The House also advanced and enacted Senate 2152, as amended, designating June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day, again first adopting the emergency preamble and then passing the bill to be enacted. In addition, the Committee on Steering, Policy, and Scheduling reported the Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day bill for House consideration, and the House suspended the rules to take it up. The Speaker welcomed guests from Weymouth High School’s Scrap Robotics Team. At the end of the session, the House adopted an order to meet the following Monday at 11:00 a.m. and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up several local and personnel measures, including multiple sick leave bank bills and local charter or municipal legislation. It first advanced Senate 2651, establishing a sick leave bank for Jeffrey Jacinth of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, by suspending the rules and ordering it to a third reading. The chamber also passed House 1590, creating a sick leave bank for Eric J. Awaniak of the Trial Court, and House 4149, revising the charter of the City of Lynn, after adopting a substitute amendment offered by Senator Crichton. The Senate then suspended Joint Rule 12 for several House petitions so they could be referred to their respective committees. It also adopted the emergency preamble for House 4514, establishing a sick leave bank for Candy J. Pike of the Department of Developmental Services, by standing vote. Later, the Senate enacted four bills: House 2251, creating a special fund for Festival of the Hills receipts for the town of Conway; a bill authorizing the city of Watertown to lease property at 124 Watertown Street; House 4205, changing the term of the elected office of moderator in Holden; and House 4252, updating the linkage exaction program in Medford. House 4514 was then passed to be enacted as well. The Senate adopted an order to reconvene on Thursday at noon in a formal session and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. The Senate will be in brief recess.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, then adopted a congratulatory resolution offered by Senator Rush honoring Trevor Joseph O’Brien for attaining Eagle Scout. The chamber then took up several local and personnel matters, including a Taunton bill to continue the employment of Police Chief Edward J. Walsh until age 70. Senator Dooner offered and the Senate adopted a substitute draft authorizing the city to continue Walsh’s employment, then ordered the bill to a third reading and passed it to be engrossed. The Senate also passed to be engrossed a bill establishing a sick leave bank for Anna C. Contreras, a Trial Court employee, and a bill reauthorizing Swansea to issue additional on-premises alcohol licenses. Another House bill exempting the Assistant Fire Chief position in Natick from civil service was taken up after the rules were suspended and was ordered to a third reading. The Senate adopted an order to meet again on Thursday in formal session with a calendar. Before adjourning, members paid tribute to Joseph W. Casper, a South Boston funeral director, broadcaster, writer, and public figure, with remarks highlighting his community service and family legacy. The Senate observed a moment of silence and adjourned in his memory.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up two local bills for final passage: House No. 2320, establishing an appointed treasurer-collector in Berkeley, and House No. 4136, further regulating stabilization funds in Leicester. Both bills were approved to be enacted and sent to the Governor after being signed by the President. The Senate also adopted a resolution offered by Senator Gomez commending the Taino people in recognition of October 13, 2025, as Indigenous Peoples Day. In addition, the chamber suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer a House petition by Paul McMurtry concerning off-premises retail alcohol licenses near other such licenses to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. Several Senate orders from Senator Rodrigues were then adopted, advancing bills related to disposable menstrual products, menstrual product ingredient disclosure, the move over law, and use restrictions for the Foxborough State Hospital. Each order required suspension of Senate rules and placed the measures on the Orders of the Day for later consideration with Ways and Means new drafts pending where applicable. Before adjournment, the Senate adopted an order setting the next meeting for Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. and dispensing with the printing of a calendar. The Senate then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Pledge of Allegiance: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted a resolution congratulating John Leonard on his retirement from the Town of Milton Board of Appeals. The chamber then took up several local and individual bills, including an emergency preamble for a sick leave bank for Amy Tangway of the Trial Court, which was adopted by standing vote. The Senate passed to be engrossed a bill waiving the maximum age requirement for Boston police officer Cheryl Mullace, a bill allowing Hingham to use municipal property for a center for active living, and a bill authorizing Milford to convert a wine and malt beverage license to an all-alcohol license for off-premises consumption. On the Milford bill, Senator Rausch offered and the Senate adopted a substitute amendment before passing the bill. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 12 on a House petition concerning school choice and referred it to the Committee on Education. Later, the Senate enacted S. 2625 on revenue bonds for Quincy telecommunications facilities, H. 4210 removing the residency requirement for Dalton’s town manager, and H. 4647 establishing the sick leave bank for Amy Tangway, sending them to the Governor. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a recognition by Senator Driscoll of a Milton team that won its first Division II state championship, finishing 25-1-1 and defeating King Philip 2-1 at TD Garden. He thanked the players, captains Sabrina Stone and Marin Hart, and the coaching staff for the achievement. The chamber then took up several local bills on final passage, including firefighter and police age exemptions for individuals in Haverhill, a memorial overpass designation in Sandwich, a name change for the Williamsburg Board of Selectmen to Select Board, and a gender-neutral charter change for Chicopee. The Senate passed these bills to be enacted, and they were sent to the Governor. The Senate also adopted a resolution celebrating the 150th anniversary of St. Paul’s Church of Palmer. In committee and procedural business, the Public Health Committee reported a bill related to protecting Massachusetts public health from PFAS substances and referred it to Ways and Means. The Ways and Means Committee reported a fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill with a substitute text, and the Senate adopted an order placing it on the Orders of the Day for second reading on April 9, 2026, with amendment rules specified. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer a House petition naming the American lobster the official crustacean of the Commonwealth to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. The Senate adopted an order to reconvene on Monday at 11:00 a.m., dispensed with printing a calendar, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• members, guests, and staff will rise and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted two resolutions offered by Senator Brownsberger honoring the Armenian American community, the Armenian Heritage Foundation, Friends of the Armenian Heritage Park, and former State Representative Rachel Caprillion and Peter Kutuzian on the occasion of the Armenian Genocide commemoration. The chamber then acted on committee reports and petitions, including a bill to extend MBTA service of the ride to Foxborough, which was referred to the Committee on Transportation after suspension of the relevant rules, and a House petition to establish a sick leave bank for Dana Johnson of the Department of Children and Families, which was referred to the Committee on Public Service. The Senate also adopted an order setting the January meeting for the following Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. and directing that the Senate adjourn that day in memory of Philip W. Johnston. Members then offered remarks honoring Johnston’s life and public service, including his work in the House of Representatives, the Dukakis administration, the Clinton administration, and as chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, as well as his advocacy for health care, social justice, and vulnerable residents. After a moment of silence, the Senate adjourned in his memory.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are the largest recycler of any type of material in North America.

Keywords: 1204, all

Summary: The House reconvened to continue work on items from an adjourned resolution. Members moved to place House Bill 1004 back on second reading for amendment; the motion was adopted without objection, and the bill was sent to be engrossed after one amendment was filed by Representative Unger and referred to the Joint Budget Committee. The chamber then considered House Resolution 1019, sponsored by Representative Carr, which would recognize and celebrate New Core Day at the State Capitol on April 15, 2026. Carr highlighted New Core’s steel production, recycling and sustainability record, Arkansas operations, employment levels, profit-sharing, scholarship program, and community involvement. The resolution was read by title only. House Resolution 1017, sponsored by Representative Painter, was also read by title only. It would recognize May 26 as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis awareness month in Arkansas. Painter spoke about ALS, its severity, the lack of a cure, and the need to raise awareness, mentioning a constituent affected by the disease. No votes were recorded on the resolutions, and the House announced it would reconvene at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, February 13, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands

Summary: The House convened in special session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and the clerk announced a quorum with 108 members voting. The proclamation calling the Legislature into special session for February 11-14, 2025, was read, and the journal was approved. No introductions, communications, Senate messages, committee reports, reconsiderations, third-reading bills, special order items, or resolutions were on the desk. The Speaker addressed the chamber about the special session’s purpose, saying the House and Senate had worked through the governor’s call and were now bringing the session to a close with legislation focused on illegal immigration. He said the House would take up two bills and a memorial filed the previous night, with the measures referred to the Budget Committee and floor action planned for Thursday. He also thanked the Senate, the governor, and House members for their work during the process. Representative Garrison moved that the House adjourn after receiving reports and reconvene Thursday, February 13, at 12 p.m., or on call of the chair. The motion was approved by voice vote, and the House adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands

Summary: The House convened in special session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and the clerk announced a quorum of 108 members present. The proclamation calling the Legislature into special session for February 11-14, 2025, was read into the record, and the journal was approved. No introductions, communications, Senate messages, committee reports, reconsiderations, third-reading bills, special-order items, or resolutions were on the desk. The Speaker then outlined the purpose of the special session: to address illegal immigration through two bills and a memorial, described as largely familiar from prior House legislation with some additions and modifications. He said the House would not repeat the earlier select committee process, instead referring the bill to the Budget Committee, which was noticed to meet Wednesday morning, with floor action planned for Thursday at noon. He also thanked the Senate, the Governor, and House members for their work during the process. Representative Garrison moved that the House adjourn after receiving reports to allow committee and subcommittee meetings and other House business, with reconvening set for Thursday, February 13, at 12 p.m. or on call of the chair. The motion passed, and the House adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Allegiance, please remain standing and recite the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House convened with a prayer by Chaplain Keith Beckwith of the Minnesota National Guard, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call. An initial quorum was not present with 65 members, so a call of the House was ordered and the Sergeant at Arms was instructed to bring in absent members. After members were secured, a quorum was established with 67 members present. The House then approved the Journal of the preceding day without objection and proceeded to the introduction of bills. House Files 1 through 10 were introduced and given first reading. No substantive debate on the bills is included in the transcript excerpt. During announcements, Majority Leader Nisa moved that when the House adjourned it would reconvene at noon on Monday, January 20, 2025, and that motion prevailed. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn, and the chamber stood adjourned until Monday, January 20, 2025, at noon.

Transcript Highlights:

• Council of the LOMAC Schools of North America. Council of the LOMAC Schools of North America.
• A 2025 Hunger-Free America study found that 78% of New Jersey families earning under $100,000 saw their

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a state policy manager with Rewiring America, and I'm here to testify in strong support of the tactical
• On behalf of Rewiring America, we urge a favorable report and stand ready to support the committee as
• We appreciate the work of Rewiring America. Are there questions for our witness?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on several climate and utility-related bills, especially H. 3449/S. 2292 to expand the municipal fossil fuel-free building demonstration program from 10 to 20 communities and related home rule petitions for Somerville and other municipalities. Witnesses from Somerville, Salem, Worcester, Cambridge, Newton, Arlington, Wellesley, Watertown, and the Massachusetts Municipal Association argued that local governments should be allowed to opt into fossil fuel-free or net-zero building standards, citing climate goals, environmental justice concerns, housing production, and data showing all-electric construction can cost about the same as or less than mixed-fuel construction. Committee members repeatedly pressed witnesses for cost data and asked for written follow-up, while also discussing whether strong environmental standards affect housing supply; witnesses responded that the main housing constraints are financing and that they would provide more data from local projects and state studies. A second major topic was H. 3564, which would require gas companies to provide municipalities with detailed multi-year pipe replacement plans, allow local review and objections, and limit reimbursement for projects not previously disclosed except in emergencies. Municipal leaders and advocates said the bill would improve coordination of street work, reduce disruption and costs, and help cities plan for electrification, network geothermal, and non-pipeline alternatives. Testimony from Wellesley, Cambridge, Arlington, Newton, and others emphasized repeated problems with last-minute gas main work, the need for advance notice, and the value of municipal participation in planning gas system retirement and alternatives. The committee also heard testimony on the “tactical transition” bills, S. 2249/H. 3539, aimed at managing the gas-to-clean-energy transition. Supporters from Gas Transition Allies, Rewiring America, and 350 Mass said the bills would require joint gas-electric planning, create an advisory council, eliminate subsidies for new gas hookups, shift investment toward repairs and clean alternatives, protect workers through retraining, and make utility plans more transparent. They argued these changes would reduce ratepayer costs, avoid stranded gas assets, and support orderly decarbonization. In addition, HEET testified on H. 3541, which would update greenhouse gas accounting to better reflect methane’s short-term climate impact, and H. 3543, which would establish a framework for managing shared thermal resources and thermal energy networks; committee members asked several questions about the meaning, ownership, and consumer-cost implications of the proposed “thermal commons.” No votes were taken during the hearing.