Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules reports recommending the resolutions filed by Mr.
• Question comes on adoption of the resolution. All those in favor say aye. Opposed? No.
• The resolution is adopted. The House will be in brief recess. The House will be in order.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and brief recesses between proceedings. The main substantive item was a Rules Committee report recommending adoption of a resolution filed by Representative Walsh of Peabody congratulating Aiden Walsh on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in Scouting America. Representative Donato moved suspension of the rules, the motion prevailed, and the resolution was adopted. The Chair also welcomed guests seated at the rostrum on behalf of Representative Marjorie Decker of Cambridge. Representative Mariano of Quincy then offered an order setting the House’s next meeting for Thursday at 11 a.m., which was adopted. Finally, motions were made to adjourn, and the House agreed to adjourn. The chamber stood adjourned to meet Thursday next at 11 a.m. in an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Moore, has presented resolutions, which the clerk will read. By Mr.
• Moore, resolutions commending the town of Auburn and the Robert and Esther Goddard Centennial Committee
• The question now comes on adoption of the resolution. All those in favor say aye. Opposed, no.
• The ayes have it; the resolutions are adopted.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate began with ceremonial items, including the Pledge of Allegiance and a welcome to Tri-County High School’s championship football and boys’ cross-country teams. The chamber then adopted a resolution commending the town of Auburn and the Robert and Esther Goddard Centennial Committee for recognizing the 100th anniversary of the first liquid-fueled rocket launch. Several local bills were taken up and passed to be enacted, including measures authorizing payment by the City of Revere, adjusting the senior property tax deferral income threshold in Wellesley, amending the Hopedinton charter regarding library trustee appointment powers, and later engrossing bills affecting the Cotuit Fire District, the Salem licensing board, and validating Bourne’s May 20, 2025 annual election. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer House petitions to committees and, on committee recommendation, advanced two Cotuit Fire District bills to third reading and engrossment. A major portion of the session focused on two Senate orders seeking advisory opinions from the Supreme Judicial Court on pending initiative petitions. One order concerned a public records initiative that would extend public records law to the General Court and the Governor’s office; the other concerned a legislative stipends initiative that would alter internal legislative procedures and compensation rules. Senator Feeney spoke in support of both orders, saying they were meant to inform the committee’s work and were not votes on the merits of the ballot questions. Both orders were adopted without objection. The Senate also received a Ways and Means report on a bill banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and pet sharks, with a new draft and amendment pending, and adopted an order placing the bill on the Orders of the Day for second reading on March 19, 2026. The session concluded with an order to adjourn to Monday at 11 a.m., which was adopted, and the Senate adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The following bills and resolutions on first reading and referral to committee.
• The clerk will read the bills and resolutions.
• commandments in the house chamber referred to the committee on house administration The following resolution
• by wu hr 360 by martinez hr 362 by spiller hr 363 by curie Curry hr 367 by moody the following resolutions

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The following bills and resolutions on first reading are referred to committee.
• The Secretary will read the bills and resolutions.
• Senate Bill 1130 by Middleton, relating to an alternative dispute resolution procedure regarding certain
• exemptions to education K through. 16 Senate Bill 11:30 by Middleton relating to an alternative dispute resolution

Summary: The Senate met briefly and referred a large number of first-reading bills and resolutions to standing committees. The measures covered a wide range of topics, including hemp regulation, dementia research funding, parental rights and public education, municipal library funding, tax and local government issues, criminal justice, health care, education, transportation, natural resources, and election law. Several constitutional resolutions were also referred, including proposals related to the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and a severance tax revenue fund. Most of the transcript consists of the reading of bill captions and committee referrals, with no substantive debate or testimony recorded. The listed measures included proposals on school uniforms, charter schools, Medicaid fraud remedies, insurance practices, occupational licensing for people with criminal convictions, water and sewer utility cybersecurity, agricultural protections, public meeting broadcasting, and various local and state governance matters. No votes were taken on the bills in this segment. The only formal action reflected was referral of the bills and resolutions to the appropriate committees, followed by adjournment of the Senate until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• If we have resolution this week, we will have six weeks of GOP leadership and then nine weeks of shared
• are in week three of conflict if we we are in week three of conflict if we have<00:06:14.400> resolution
• 15.280> week<00:06:15.759> we<00:06:15.880> will<00:06:16.160> have have resolution
• this week we will have have resolution this week we will have six<00:06:16.840> weeks<00:06:17.360

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: Legislative leaders held a brief media availability focused on ongoing negotiations between House Republicans and House Democrats over a governing agreement. The speakers said they had met for several hours that morning, described the talks as making substantial progress, and said the number of unresolved issues had narrowed significantly. They declined to discuss specifics, but emphasized that both sides had moved from their initial positions and that nonpartisan staff were helping with the talks. The discussion also touched on a federal funding pause announced by the Trump administration. Democrats said the federal action underscored the need to return to the Capitol and hold hearings on impacts to public safety, veterans, schools, and health care, while noting the potential effect on Minnesota could be as much as $1.9 billion a month. They said the federal issue was separate from the House negotiations, though they hoped for a governing agreement so lawmakers could address it together. In response to questions about whether there had been real traction, the leaders said the talks had seen dark moments but that continued meetings and the narrowing of issues were meaningful signs. They expressed optimism that an agreement could be reached this week, with one leader framing each passing day as one less day of GOP-only governance potential. No votes or formal actions were taken during the availability.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> The Chair lays before the House the following joint resolutions.
• The Clerk: House Joint Resolution 105, joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, October 17, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Temporary Rules reports recommending that the resolution filed by Representative Arciero
• Question now on adoption of the resolution. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed, nay.
• The ayes have it; the resolution is adopted. The House will be in brief recess.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Boy Scouts from Troop 23 of North Attleboro, and the Chair recognized the troop and three newly minted Eagle Scouts: Jack Simmons, Zach Hoffer, and Ryan Motto. Members offered congratulations and thanked the scouts and scoutmaster for their service and volunteerism. The House then considered a resolution filed by Representative Arciero of Westford recognizing March 2025 as Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Awareness Month. On motion by Representative Scanlon, the rules were suspended, and the resolution was adopted by voice vote. After a brief recess, the House adopted an order setting the next meeting for Monday at 11 a.m. The chamber then adjourned to meet Monday next at 11 a.m. in an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, we have a House concurrent resolution to read and a special guest here today who is honored
• HCR 305 is a House concurrent resolution honoring former Representative Francis Matthew Topper McFaun
• of<00:03:32.480> this directed to send a copy of this directed to send a copy of this resolution
• <00:03:33.440> to<00:03:33.680> former<00:03:34.080> Representative resolution to
• former Representative resolution to former Representative Topper<00:03:35.360> McFall.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House began with a moment of silence and then read H.C.R. 305, a resolution honoring former Representative Francis Matthew “Topper” McFaun for his public and community service. The resolution recounted his background, military and teaching service, work in Vermont state government, local civic leadership, coaching career, and nearly 11 terms in the House. The chamber also recognized McFaun’s family and marked several members’ birthdays with brief congratulatory remarks. The House then took up H.B. 921, an alcoholic beverages bill, and concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment. The Senate changes limited certain fourth-class license locations to five, added recordkeeping and annual reporting requirements for malt direct distribution, deleted a prospective sunset on direct distribution, and added new caterer’s license provisions allowing service at the license holder’s own premises and limiting caterer-hosted functions to five per year. The committee reported hearing from legislative and industry stakeholders and recommended concurrence on a 9-0-2 straw poll. Next, the House considered H.B. 907 on legislative review of reporting requirements. Members explained that a Senate-related amendment was used to address a constitutional problem in the earlier bill by revising the sister-state program termination language so the governor retains sole authority to terminate an active partnership, while the committee may only propose termination by majority vote. The House concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment with the further House amendment, then suspended rules to message the action to the Senate forthwith. Finally, the House took up S. 230, a miscellaneous labor bill on fair employment practices, and concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment to the House amendment by roll call vote, 85-48. The main dispute concerned the Senate’s changes to House language restricting non-compete agreements for lower-income hourly employees and health care providers, and a separate provision directing the Department of Corrections and the Vermont State Employees Association to develop a proposal on solicitation in DOC parking lots. Supporters said the remaining language was acceptable and would facilitate discussion, while opponents objected to the DOC parking-lot provision. The House then recessed until 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, Senator Abraham’s going to do his resolution and Rep. Muscarella’s bill.
• Senator Abraham, you want to do your resolution first?
• No, on the resolution, I think I’m going to make it a Senate resolution instead of a concurrent resolution
• So we’ll defer our Senate Concurrent Resolution 53.” “And you do want to offer up House Bill 921?

Bills: SCR53, HB259, HB267, HB478, HB548, HB555, HB617, HB670, HB672, HB797, HB848, HB917, HB921, HB1096, HB1103, HB1166, HB1195, HB1230

Keywords: payable-on-death accounts, transfer-on-death accounts, estate planning, beneficiary designations, Louisiana law, task force, inheritance, nonprobate transfers, excavation, demolition, infrastructure repair, BEAD Program, utility damage, construction coordination, contact point, home inspectors, board membership, licensing, term limits, Louisiana State Board

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving on to motions and resolutions, the absences for the day for illness are Assembly Members McKinnor
• We're discussing the merits of this bill, of this resolution—excuse me, these amendments.
• Assembly Concurrent Resolution 16. Assembly Bill 1514. Aye, 74-0.
• Assembly Concurrent Resolution 16. Aye, 74-0. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 21. Aye, 74-0.
• Assembly Concurrent Resolution 37. Aye, 74-0.

Summary: The Assembly met with a quorum after a roll call and prayer, then moved through routine business and a lengthy floor debate centered on AB 379, a bill dealing with protections for minors and human trafficking victims. Assembly Member DeMaio first sought to bring the bill up without Public Safety Committee amendments, arguing the committee had gutted the bill and removed felony language for purchasing 16- and 17-year-olds for sex. The body instead adopted a substitute motion to take up Assembly Member Schultz’s floor amendments to AB 379, and the bill became the focus of intense debate over whether the amended language would still adequately protect minors or instead weaken penalties and create a lower standard for 16- and 17-year-olds. Supporters of the amendments, including Schultz, Petri-Norris, Mark Gonzalez, Krell, Wynn, and others, said the changes were intended to strengthen and clarify the law, protect trafficking survivors, and preserve prosecutorial effectiveness while avoiding misinformation about existing law. Opponents, including DeMaio, Gallagher, Dixon, Macedo, Castillo, and others, argued the amendments watered down the bill, failed to restore the original felony treatment for buyers of 16- and 17-year-olds, and amounted to political maneuvering rather than real protection. The chamber also briefly considered a motion to table the amendments, which failed, and an appeal of a ruling on decorum, which was rejected. After debate, the Assembly adopted Schultz’s amendments to AB 379 by a 55-21 vote and then rereferred the bill to the Appropriations Committee. The chamber also handled several procedural items, including re-referrals of other bills, consent calendar actions, and a series of unanimous consent votes on numerous bills and resolutions. The session ended with announcements of committee meetings and the next floor session, followed by adjournment until Monday, May 5 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been to a lot of county commissions asking them to pass resolutions urging the state legislature
• Counties that have passed this resolution include Alachua, Broward, Collier, Holmes, Indian River, Leon
• Cities that have passed that resolution include Boca Raton, Fellsmere, Fort Myers, Gainesville, where
• And I've been to a lot of county commissions asking them to pass resolutions urging the state's, the
• Counties that have passed this resolution include Alachua-Broward-Callyer Homes, Indian River, include

Summary: The committee first reviewed the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget proposal for transportation, tourism, and economic development, which totals about $18 billion and includes major funding for the Department of Transportation work program, Visit Florida, affordable housing, library/cultural/historical initiatives, National Guard tuition assistance, and Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles needs. Members approved staff technical adjustments and then adopted the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee. The committee then heard and approved CS/SB 666, which creates a specialty license plate for the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association, with proceeds supporting scholarships and school academic, athletic, and arts programs. CS/SB 1318, the hands-free driving bill, drew extensive testimony from the sponsor, law enforcement, advocates, and victims’ families. Supporters argued it would create a clearer, easier-to-enforce prohibition on holding a wireless device while driving and help reduce crashes and deaths; some senators raised concerns about enforcement, privacy, and impacts on drivers with older vehicles, but the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1408, designating memorial highways for Tampa Police Officer Jesse Madsen and Charlotte County Sergeant Elio Diaz, and SB 1516, which would create the International Aerospace Innovation Fund administered by Space Florida to support partnerships between Florida and international aerospace companies. Both bills had supportive testimony and no opposition noted. The meeting ended with adjournment after the final votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• will proceed out of order for the consideration of resolutions. >> Mr.
• Sheila, please read the title of Senate Joint Resolution 10.
• <00:37:16.400> uh move uh Senate Joint Resolution uh move uh Senate Joint Resolution uh 26uh10
• Resolution 26010. Resolution 26010.
• With 60 aye votes, five excused, zero no votes, the resolution is adopted.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As noted in the preamble of the resolution, most drug-free zone laws were established decades ago, but
• Importantly, the resolution observes that states that have studied drug-free zones have been unable to
• , preamble of the resolution, preamble of the resolution, most<00:12:27.360> drug-free<00:
• Importantly, the resolution defendants.
• because there's no other resolution because there's no other resolution sometimes<00:18:04.480><

Bills: HB1546

Keywords: Medicaid, health insurance, healthcare access, insurance subsidies, pilot program, affordable care, preventive services, low-income, community engagement, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2083, which would add homeless shelters to Hawaii’s drug-free/safe-zone protections. The City and County prosecutor’s office strongly supported the bill, saying service providers asked for the change because drug activity near shelters can undermine recovery efforts. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, focusing on a possible notice problem because many shelters are not readily identifiable and the bill’s 750-foot distance requirement could be difficult to apply. The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii also opposed the bill, arguing it would expand criminalization of poverty and drug use and that drug-free zone laws are ineffective and disproportionately harmful. The prosecutor’s office said it would do more research on the notice concern. The committee then moved on without taking a vote in the transcript provided. The committee next discussed HB 2087, which would change the treatment of abuse of family or household member cases by ending the deferred-acceptance pilot and returning to the prior statute. The prosecutor’s office supported the bill, saying the pilot had not reduced backlog as intended and that domestic violence cases should remain petty misdemeanors without deferral. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Public Defender’s Office both opposed HB 2087, instead urging extension of the pilot for another five years so the legislature can better evaluate how deferred acceptance is working. They said deferrals can be a useful incentive for behavior change and that more data is needed before ending the program. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about why Hawaii should differ from other counties and whether repeat offenders could keep receiving deferrals; the prosecutor said the deferral is available only once and reiterated support for returning to the old statute. The committee then heard HB 2096 on aggravated circumstances in child protective proceedings. The family court and Attorney General’s Office supported the bill, saying current law limits aggravated-circumstances findings to the early return hearing, which can prevent findings in the most serious abuse cases when key evidence is not yet available. They said the bill would allow such findings later in the case and, with proposed amendments, would let the court consolidate aggravated-circumstances and termination-of-parental-rights hearings to reduce delay and appeals. The Libertarian Party of Hawaii opposed the measure, arguing it would expand state power in family matters and could worsen outcomes for parents and children. Committee questions focused on the amended language, including what “another court of competent jurisdiction” means and whether a charge alone would be enough; the judiciary responded that criminal courts are included, but a hearing and opportunity to defend would still be required. Finally, the committee took up HB 1959, another domestic violence measure. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Public Defender’s Office, the Crime Victim Compensation Commission, the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and county prosecuting offices testified in support. Supporters said the bill would extend the pilot program while keeping deferred acceptance of guilty pleas in place, giving more time to evaluate whether the program is working and whether a more formal diversion model should be developed. The coalition also suggested technical fixes to ensure judiciary data reporting continues and that the deferred-acceptance statute is not inadvertently repealed. No vote or final action was taken in the transcript before the committee moved on to the next bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, Assembly Concurrent Resolution 151 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 135 approve the fiscal
• Madam Chair, there are no amendments to the concurrent resolutions, and we only have one slip with no
• Roll call, please, on the motion to report Assembly Concurrent Resolution 151 and Senate Concurrent Resolution
• The concurrent resolutions are reported. Thank you. The concurrent resolutions are reported.
• The only thing that comes to mind, though, is you offer a problem, and the resolution that you suggest

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the other part of alternative dispute resolution in the family court is something that we haven't
• It's a far more precise form of alternative dispute resolution.
• :33.760> in<00:25:34.000> the alternative dispute resolution in the alternative dispute
• <00:25:56.400> Uh alternative dis dispute resolution.
• Uh alternative dis dispute resolution.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met without a quorum and discussed how to proceed with its family court review work. The chair said preliminary, unofficial reports could be circulated and voted on by email, and noted that next year the work might continue as a full committee rather than a subcommittee. Members also discussed carrying unresolved issues into next year, including the long-standing “one judge, one case” concept. Later, the committee received additional materials from a member who could not attend, including a packet on state-funded transcript requests and background information on how different states structure family court systems. A major presentation focused on improving New Hampshire family court pre-trial and mediation practices. The presenters said current rules give judges broad discretion, which can lead to inconsistent discovery, evidence, and timelines, especially for self-represented parties. They raised concerns about uneven mediator training and oversight, lack of uniform domestic violence screening, and unclear information for families about their rights and how to exit mediation. They recommended standardized pre-trial case management orders, clearer plain-language deadlines, mandatory domestic violence screening, stronger mediator certification and continuing education, a mentorship program, an independent oversight board, and a pilot program in a few counties before any statewide rollout. Members and presenters also discussed existing court forms and practices, including mediation agreements, mediator preparation forms, first appearances, and the use of Zoom for mediation. One participant argued that mediation can work better when parties are better prepared and when cases are not sent too early, and suggested that neutral case evaluation is another useful alternative dispute resolution tool. The discussion also touched on the need for better educational materials for pro se litigants, with one member describing efforts to create a more accessible guide for people going to court. No votes were taken, and the session ended with plans to continue reviewing materials and refine recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• O'Connor, resolutions congratulating Jake Graziano on his elevation to the rank of Eagle Scout.
• The question comes on adoption of the resolution. All those in favor say aye; opposed, no.
• The resolution is adopted. Papers from the House.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, then took up reports from the Committee on Rules concerning several Senate petitions. On motion to suspend Rule 36 and Joint Rule 12, both suspensions were approved, allowing the matters to be referred to their respective committees. The chamber also welcomed a guest from the Hawaii Senate Clerk’s Office before briefly recessing while awaiting additional documents. After the recess, the Senate adopted a congratulatory resolution for Jake Graziano on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. The House then returned Senate No. 2540, the fiscal year 2025 appropriations bill, with a House amendment striking everything after the enacting clause and substituting House Document No. 4265. Senator Roderick moved that the Senate non-concur in the House amendment and request a committee of conference, and the Chair appointed Senators Roderick, Comerford, and O'Connor to that committee. The Senate also adopted an order, offered by Senator Tarr, setting the next meeting for Thursday at 12:00 noon in a full formal session with a calendar. The chamber then adjourned to that time.

Transcript Highlights:

• Item number six, introduction of resolutions. Mr. Clerk, are there any resolutions for action?
• Madam Speaker: There are no resolutions for action. May all others be referred to print.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• no resolution thereon. no resolution thereon.
• The pursuant to House Resolution 951.
• > 951,<02:44:10.000> the Pursuant to House Resolution 951, the Pursuant to House Resolution
• The previous House Resolution 951.
• I call up Bill HR498 Resolution 953.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, December 18, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Madam Speaker: I hereby announce the adoption by the Senate of the following House Concurrent Resolution
• House Concurrent Resolution number.
• Number Two, a House Concurrent Resolution relating to adjournment of the House and Senate until 2026.
• Motions and resolutions. There are copies of the non-copy.
• Controversial motions and resolutions on your line online and on your desk.

Transcript Highlights:

• Watson expressed support for the dedication, and the Austin City Council will vote on a formal resolution
• Is because we want to create fairness in the charging options and the disposition or resolution of cases
• Our collective support of this bill echoes our City Council's unanimous passage of Resolution 2212 on
• The bill would do that, and of course, we have the appropriate resolutions from local government and
• And the county asked us, formally and informally, for our resolution to help honor him with the designation

Bills: HB767, HB1708, HB2143, HB2198, HB2415, HB2457, HB2763, SB876, SB1230, SB2515, SB2688, SB2790, SB2799, HB3012, HB1672, HB2523, HB3135

Keywords: highway designation, memorial, Montgomery County, Paul P. Mendes, transportation, memorial highway, Kevin Ramirez Vasquez, Ector County, state designation, memorial designation, highway, military honors, veteran commemoration, Officer Jacob Candanoza, Transportation Code, state highway, Kaufman County, law enforcement, Travis County, Senior Police Officer