Transcript Highlights:

• March 19, 2006, the Judiciary and Rules Committee reports that the Senate Journal, the proceedings of
• March 18, 2006, the Judiciary and Rules Committee reports that enrolled Senate Bills 1373, 1242, 1243
• House Bill 660 will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee.
• House Bill 660 will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee.
• House Bill 660 will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:13.160><c> rule</c> Senate rules rule Senate rules rule 56<00:13:15.040><c> um</c> 56 um 56
• "Members read these rules. Members follow these rules. This one doesn't.
• "Members read these rules. Members follow these rules. This one doesn't.
• "Members read these rules. Members follow these rules. This one doesn't.
• "Members read these rules. Members follow these rules. This one doesn't.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> committee of the whole. committee of the whole.
• Committee on Appropriations, after consideration, the merits committee Committee on Appropriations, after
• This the motion that I carried in that committee was to suspend this rule.
• rule continues.
• Rule 18.2.7 of the commission's rules directly conflicts.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, last night the Committee on Rules met and granted, by a recorded vote of 8 to 4, a rule providing
• </c><00:29:43.919><c> committee</c> distinguished rules committee distinguished rules committee chairwoman
• </c> Speaker, yesterday at the rules Speaker, yesterday at the rules committee,<00:29:55.039><c> I</c
• closed at the discretion of the Committee on Rules.
• </c> stewardship of the Committee on Rules. stewardship of the Committee on Rules.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 12 to the Committee on Revenue.
• The Committee on Rules, and the committees of the two branches acting concurrently, report recommending
• Joint Rule 12 is suspended.
• Rules are suspended.
• Rule 7A is suspended.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports and local bills. It concurred in a Senate referral of a petition on fair tax treatment for zero-emission vehicles and suspended Joint Rule 12 for additional petitions, including measures on construction supervisory licensing, the Athol-Royalston Regional School District Financial Stability Fund, and zero-emission vehicle taxes. The House also acted on a Judiciary Committee report recommending passage of House No. 4647, establishing a sick leave bank for Amy Tangway, and ordered it to a third reading. The chamber then considered a series of bills reported by Steering, Policy and Scheduling, including measures for tax abatement for permanently disabled veterans, line-of-duty death benefits for firefighters, Building Trades Recovery Week, and a civil service exam exemption for a Haverhill police officer candidate. These bills were advanced to third reading. The House also passed several engrossed bills to enactment, including a sick leave bank for Candy J. Pike, a special fund for the Festival of Hills in Conway, authorization for Watertown to lease property, a change to the Holden moderator term, and an update to Medford’s linkage exaction program. Later, the House concurred in Senate amendments related to sewer service authority in Sharon, and passed to engrossment bills authorizing parking fines in Marblehead and an additional liquor license in Somerset. It also engrossed sick leave bank bills for David A. Russell and Jean McCarran; the McCarran bill was amended to add an emergency preamble before passage. Finally, the House enacted the Candy J. Pike sick leave bank bill, adopted an order to meet the following Wednesday at 11 a.m., and adjourned in formal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, we, the Committee on Judiciary, Rules and Administration, report that we have read and approved
• Speaker, we, your Committee on Judiciary, Rules and Administration, report that we have printed House
• House Resolution 22, by the Education Committee, relating to rule approval by the House Education Committee
• House Resolution 22 by Education Committee relating to rule approval by House Education Committee.
• House Judiciary, Rules, and Administration Committee will meet Tuesday, February 17th at 1:30 p.m.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• committee? committee?
• And our hope is to have all of this in the shoot with the LBA rules committee so that we can make these
• And our hope is to have all of this in the shoot with the LBA rules committee so that we can make these
• Our hope is to have all of this in the shoot with the LBA rules committee so that we can make these changes
• Are they on this committee? something? Are they on this committee?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened by approving the September 5, 2025 minutes, with one member asking that future minutes use honorifics such as Mr. or Ms. The agenda was then adjusted so Police Standards and Training could present first. Director John Skipa reported on the 2019 performance audit, saying 12 of 16 findings were fully resolved and the remaining items were substantially or partially resolved. He highlighted work on a job task analysis to update curriculum and develop a more realistic physical aptitude test, including possible replacement of the long-used Cooper test and a shift away from mandatory baton training toward electronic weapons training. He said stakeholder work groups would meet in October and November, with a goal of completing the work by the first quarter of 2026. On the strategic planning and performance measurement finding, Skipa said the agency had relied on the 2019 audit and the LEAC report as guides while also implementing a digital records system. He acknowledged that a formal forward-looking strategic plan with the council had not yet been completed, but said he and the council chair wanted to do so, possibly through a retreat-style planning session. Members asked how many LEAC recommendations had been fully implemented; Skipa said he did not know the exact number but believed nearly all of the 22 items assigned to his agency were complete. On the administrative rules finding, he said a part-time former director had been brought back to help revise outdated rules, the council subcommittee had finished its work, and proposed changes would be sent to the full council, then to stakeholders and the public, with a public hearing expected and implementation targeted for 2026. For the Corrections Advisory Committee finding, Skipa said the committee had been reconvened in 2020 and 2021 but had limited usefulness because the statutorily named members were mostly high-level administrators rather than line supervisors or newer corrections staff. He said some positions later went unfilled because of budget and staffing issues, and the committee had not been called back, but he was open to either informal adjustments or possible legislative changes to make the committee more useful. Committee members suggested that the statute may need to be amended to allow more appropriate designees or supervisors to participate. After Police Standards and Training concluded, the committee moved on to the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, where the executive director said he would focus on the partially resolved items in the dental examiner audit and the National Path audit, noting that many changes were tied to recent statutory revisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• been on that committee since 2012.
• Chair, members of the committee.
• Rule.
• It's not a third party; it's not our rule, so they've proposed that to the WQCC. That rule...
• committee.

Committee: House Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee, any further questions? Thank you. Committee, any further questions?
• Okay, committee.
• I would respectfully ask the committee to approve this pending rule final, and I stand for any questions
• Page 122, Rule 200...
• With that, I'd respectfully ask the committee to approve this pending rule as final, and I'll stand for

Summary: The committee first received a lengthy briefing from JFAC Chairman Grow and budget analyst Keith Bybee on the state’s fiscal outlook for fiscal years 2026-2028. They said revenues had been revised upward, but uncertainty remains around tax conformity, sales tax softness, and pending policy decisions that could affect the bottom line. Bybee explained structural balance, noted that ongoing revenues are projected to lag ongoing spending, and reviewed long-term growth in Medicaid, public schools, and other state programs, much of it driven by policy changes. Members asked about the Delaware model for research and development expensing, the use of one-time money versus budget cuts, the impact of tax cuts, reserve levels, bond ratings, and the effects of Medicaid expansion and prior recession-era cuts. Chairman Grow closed by emphasizing that the budget is not structurally balanced and that rainy-day funds are meant for temporary shocks, not recurring gaps. The committee then approved the January 27, 2026 minutes and advanced several gubernatorial appointments with recommendations for confirmation: Brett Thomas to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, Erica Malman to the Idaho Personnel Commission, and Dr. Karen Cabell to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board. Representative John Weber appeared for reappointment to the Idaho State Insurance Fund Board, and Robert Cuoio appeared virtually for reappointment to the Your Health Idaho board; both were thanked and told their appointments would likely be voted on at a later meeting. The remainder of the meeting was devoted to DOPL rule dockets. The committee approved fee-increase dockets for the Contractor Registration Board, the Board of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety, and the Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board. DOPL representatives said the increases were needed to bring boards into compliance with statutory cash-balance requirements after consolidation costs, new licensing software, and other one-time expenses, and noted that the rules included “not to exceed” language. Several senators questioned whether the fee increases reflected broader inefficiencies within DOPL and argued that some boards were being asked to raise fees because of agency-wide costs. Despite those concerns, each docket was approved, and the committee adjourned after completing the agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• The recommendation is to the Rules Committee.
• A fiscal note is available and the recommendation is to the Rules Committee.
• A fiscal note is available and the recommendation is to the Rules Committee.
• A fiscal note is available and the recommendation is to the Rules Committee.
• The bill as amended is sent to the Rules Committee. Is there any further discussion?

Summary: The Labor and Commerce committee held its final executive session and took action on several House bills. On ESHB 1155, concerning noncompetition and nonsolicitation agreements, the committee adopted the Stanford striking amendment and then advanced the bill to Rules on a two-pass recommendation; the King amendments on goodwill/ownership interests and specified executives were withdrawn. The committee also advanced SHB 1570, giving non-academic student employees at Western Washington University collective bargaining rights, to Ways and Means, and ESHB 2303, banning employer requests or coercion for employee microchipping, to Rules. SHB 2405, creating a PTSD workers’ compensation treatment pilot program, was sent to Rules, and 2SHB 2479, creating a wage recovery program and account to help advance unpaid wages to low-wage workers, was sent to Ways and Means. The committee also adopted amendments and moved forward several liquor and cannabis-related bills. EHB 1941, dealing with cannabis producer agricultural cooperatives, was amended with the Saldana striking amendment and sent to Rules. HB 1526, allowing snack bar liquor license holders to sell wine by the glass, was amended with a Saldana striking amendment and sent to Rules. ESHB 2476, expanding the theater liquor license to larger theaters and requiring alcohol control plans when minors are allowed, was also sent to Rules. In each case, members noted the bills’ policy goals and, where relevant, the need for further fiscal review or referral to the appropriate committee. During the session, members briefly discussed the policy rationale for the bills, including worker protections, faster recovery of unpaid wages, PTSD treatment access, and support for business investments in theaters. The committee also took a moment at the end of the meeting to thank staff for their work and heard remarks from Senator Conway reflecting on his long service on the committee and the importance of bipartisan labor-management problem solving. All bills reported out were approved subject to signatures, with referrals either to Rules or Ways and Means as noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• This simply makes a couple of changes to committee numbers, and this carries it forward in our rules.
• Committee on Law and Justice.
• The President thanks the special committee for its report, and without objection, the committee is hereby
• Also, a reminder for those on the Rules Committee: there will be a very quick rules meeting at the rostrum
• Also, a reminder for those on the Rules Committee, there will be a very quick rules meeting at the Rostrum

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The Senate convened for the opening of the 2026 session with roll call, presentation of colors by the Washington State Patrol Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance, a signed national anthem by River Ridge High School students, and an invocation. The chamber welcomed new Senator Victoria Hunt and heard ceremonial remarks about the nation’s 250th anniversary and the challenges of governing during budget constraints. The Secretary of State certified the November 2025 election results, and newly elected Senators Emily Alvarado, Victoria Hunt, Deborah Krishnadasan, Tina Orwall, and Vandana Slatter were sworn in. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 8660 to notify the Governor that it was organized and ready to conduct business, confirmed the committee appointed for that purpose, adopted Senate Resolution 8663 making minor Senate rule changes, and confirmed the 2026 standing committee memberships. The Senate then handled first-reading referrals and supplemental introductions, including measures referred to committees and Senate Concurrent Resolution 8407 establishing cutoff dates for the 2026 session. Senator Riccelli supported the cutoff schedule as necessary to complete work within the 60-day session, while Senator McCune opposed it, arguing the Legislature should prioritize budgeting earlier and take a different approach to fiscal planning. After debate, the resolution was adopted. The Senate also received House messages transmitting House Concurrent Resolutions 4406 and 4407, and both were adopted by the Senate, with 4406 calling for a joint session and 4407 addressing the status of bills and measures. The chamber received additional messages from the Governor, Secretary of State, and Senate offices, including transmittals of several engrossed and substitute Senate bills and provisional certifications of initiatives. Senators Hunt and Torres reported back after escorting the Governor’s message, noting his readiness to work with the Legislature and a lighthearted Seahawks-49ers challenge. The session concluded with reminders about the upcoming joint session and a Rules Committee meeting, and the Senate adjourned until 11:40 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:06:47.280><c> to</c> Committee on Rules and Administration to Committee on Rules and Administration
• Senate Resolution 24-29 will be referred to the Committee on Rules.
• 24-29 will be referred to the committee on<00:09:40.880><c> rules.
• </c><00:11:08.480><c> uh</c> to all of us on the rules committee. uh to all of us on the rules committee
• </c> for that to proceed, uh, the rules for that to proceed, uh, the rules committee<00:12:00.240><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Rules Committee, the sergeants, and everyone else that puts these hearings together.
• Electrical Rule 30. We propose Electric Rule 30. It...
• Electrical Rule 30. We propose Electric World 30. It System-wide, Electric Rule 30.
• We propose Electric Rule 30.
• Questions from committee, Mr. Rogers? All right, questions from committee, Mr. Rogers.

Summary: The joint informational hearing of the Assembly Committees on Utilities and Energy and Privacy and Consumer Protection focused on the energy impacts of AI and the rapid growth of data centers in California. Chairs and members emphasized that the state wants to support innovation and data center development, but only under terms that protect ratepayers, preserve reliability, and avoid stranded grid costs. Testimony from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the California Energy Commission, the CPUC, CAISO, PG&E, Silicon Valley Power, and the Data Center Coalition described the scale of projected load growth, the uncertainty in forecasting, and the need for coordinated planning across agencies. Dr. Nate Gleason of Lawrence Livermore said data centers are a major and fast-growing share of electricity demand, with planning challenges driven by short construction timelines for data centers versus long lead times for transmission and generation. He urged stochastic planning, co-optimization of generation, storage, and transmission, and greater use of flexible load and demand response. CEC Director Alicia Gutierrez described the CEC’s bottom-up forecasting approach, based on utility energization requests and load profiles, and said California has over 23,000 megawatts of data center capacity requests in the CAISO footprint. CPUC Deputy Executive Director Luan Tesfai outlined recent actions on energization timelines, flexible service connections, PG&E’s Rule 30 tariff, and the commission’s resource planning and transmission permitting work. CAISO’s Neil Miller stressed that large loads affect transmission planning, interconnection, and reliability standards, and said the agency is preparing additional stakeholder work on technical issues. Utility and industry witnesses said California is already seeing substantial data center interest and is building out infrastructure accordingly. PG&E’s Mike Medeiros said the utility has more than 10 gigawatts of data center interest in its territory, has shifted to cluster studies, and is using flexible interconnection tools such as FlexConnect to speed service while protecting reliability. Silicon Valley Power’s Nico Prokos said data centers account for about 55% of its power use and that the city is investing heavily in transmission and local system upgrades to support projected load growth. He also warned that AI loads may be more variable than traditional cloud loads and that backup generation and air quality constraints complicate curtailment strategies. The Data Center Coalition’s Karabonder argued that data centers are also driving efficiency gains and support critical digital services, while urging better forecasting methods, more transparency, and regular backcasting. Members asked about statutory authority, data availability, flexible load, and whether current forecasts are sufficient for long-lead infrastructure planning. Witnesses said California already has authority to pursue flexible service and rate design, and that the CEC and CPUC have access to utility data, though out-year demand remains highly uncertain. CPUC representatives noted an advanced rate design rulemaking and said the commission is opening additional work on ratepayer impacts. No votes were taken during the informational hearing, and the discussion ended with continued questions about how California should structure planning, pricing, and reliability rules as AI-related load grows.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Cooney moves to discharge from the Committee on Rule Assembly Bill 10698B and substitute the
• SENATOR COONEY MOVES TO DISCHARGE FROM THE COMMITTEE ON RULE, ASSEMBLY BILL 10698B AND SUBSTITUTE THE
• Senator Ramos moves to discharge from the Committee on Rules, Assembly Bill 10510, and substitute the
• &gt;&gt; AN IMMEDIATE MEETING OF THE RULES COMMITTEE IN 332. SECRETARY WILL READ.
• Madam President, there is a report from the Rules Committee at the desk.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

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.

Transcript Highlights:

• , the Judiciary and Rules Committee reports that the Senate Journal of the proceedings of February 17
• House Bill 521 will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee.
• House Bill 521 will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee.
• House Bill 521 will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee.
• House Bill 516 will be referred to the Judiciary and Rules Committee.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If the commissioner doesn't write the rules, then who writes the rules?
• I don't think there are any rules. I mean, I can answer the rule-writing question if you like.
• , then who writes the write the rules, then who writes the rules?
• rules? rules?
• </c><00:16:56.800><c> I</c> I don't think there are any rules. I I don't think there are any rules.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll call our Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee to order.
• Chairman and members of the committee.
• Chairman and committee.
• Rules, or the Idaho Juvenile Rules.
• Upon any finding of conflict between court rules and Idaho Code, or of rules bridging, enlarging, or

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee first approved a motion to print several RSs, then took up Senate Bill 1260, which was presented by Sen. Lakey as a clarification and strengthening of Idaho’s 2023 immigration-enforcement law. He said the bill, drafted with the Attorney General’s office, broadens and clarifies references to federal immigration law and adds an affirmative defense for people lawfully authorized to be present in the United States. Senators asked about DACA, asylum, and federal preemption; Lakey said the bill was intended to align with federal law and address litigation concerns. The committee then voted to send SB 1260 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, with Senators Wintrow and Rukti recorded as opposed. The committee next heard House Bill 520, which standardizes the contents of hearing notices under the Idaho Administrative Procedures Act for most state administrative agencies. Sen. Ruttey explained that the bill is meant to create consistent minimum notice requirements because agencies have not been uniform in what they provide. Chief Administrative Law Judge Brian Nichols said the bill does not address timing, only the required contents of notices. With no testimony in opposition, the committee passed HB 520 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 541, presented by Sen. Nichols, would expand the definition of “child” for electronic enticement of a minor cases to include 16- and 17-year-olds when the offender is at least five years older. She said the change was prompted by anti-trafficking concerns and supported by Idaho Children Are Primary and the Fraternal Order of Police. A Boise resident and former LAPD officer testified in support. The committee unanimously sent HB 541 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee also considered House Bill 581, which would require the Legislature, by House or Senate resolution, to formally notify the Idaho Supreme Court when it finds a court rule conflicts with statute or alters substantive rights. Sen. Nichols said the courts had no objection, but several senators raised separation-of-powers concerns and said they were uncomfortable with the Legislature commenting on court rules. Despite those concerns, the committee voted to send HB 581 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, with at least one senator requesting to be recorded as opposed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Allison Ryan, staff to the committee.
• Rule? Representative Rule votes aye. Schmick? No, without recommendation.
• Rule? Representative Rule votes aye. Schmick? No, without recommendation.
• Representative Rule: Thank you.
• Rule? Representative Rule votes aye. Schmick? No, do not pass.

Bills: HB2545 , HB2613 , HB1496 , HB2155 , HB2283 , HB2340 , HB2425 , HB2437 , HB2577

Committee: House Health Care & Wellness

Keywords: healthcare, patients, cardiovascular procedures, outpatient services, surgical facilities, HB2613, compounded medications, compounded drugs, pharmacy compounding, bulk drug substances, active pharmaceutical ingredients, API, drug safety, patient safety, pharmacy license, Washington pharmacy law, RCW 18.64, Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, FDA, pharmaceutical compounding

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules reports recommending that the following resolutions ought to be adopted: resolutions
• The Committee on Rules reports recommending that the order filed by Representatives Domb of Amherst and
• The Committee on Rules to whom is referred the order filed by Representatives Maduro of Boston and Phillips
• The Committee on Rules reports recommending that the following bills be scheduled for consideration by
• The Committee on Rules reports recommending that the order filed by Representatives Maduro of Boston

Summary: The House took up several committee reports and routine procedural matters. The Committee on Rules and the Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling recommended adoption of resolutions commending the New England Hemophilia Association for Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month and congratulating Gavin William Roberts on earning Eagle Scout, and the House suspended the rules and adopted both resolutions. The House also adopted orders extending reporting deadlines for the Committees on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery and on Revenue. The House then scheduled and advanced a package of bills, including a Senate bill designating January 30 as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution, several local civil service and public safety bills for Haverhill, Arlington, Conway, Boston, and Malden, a bill establishing August 10 as Agent Orange Awareness Day, and a bill on housing court jurisdiction. After suspending Rule 7A, the House gave these bills second reading and ordered them to a third reading. On final action, the House adopted an emergency preamble for a bill authorizing the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to convey land in Stoneham, passed a Bourne election-validation bill to be engrossed, and approved an amended bill establishing a sick leave bank for a Department of Correction employee. The House then enacted the Stoneham land conveyance bill and a Natick charter amendment bill. Before adjourning, the House adopted an order to meet again Thursday at 11 a.m. in informal session and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Rules, to whom was referred House Bill 3388, designating Veterans Suicide Awareness
• Lovely for the committee. Joan B. Lovely for the committee.
• Hearing none, under the rules, the matter will be referred to the Committee on Election Laws.
• Hearing none, under the rules, the matter will be referred to the Committee on Election Laws.
• The Committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently, to whom was referred several Senate

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate first adopted an emergency preamble for H. 4521, establishing a sick leave bank for Kathleen Roder of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, by standing vote, with 8 in favor and none opposed. The chamber also suspended rules to refer several petitions to committee, including a resolution to rescind prior Article 5 constitutional convention applications and a petition on officer training related to stage suicides. Committee reports moved several bills forward, including legislation clarifying the duties of the Adjutant General and enhancing access and support for military-connected families, both with new drafts, and a bill designating Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day, which was ordered to a third reading. A major portion of the session focused on the House’s nonconcurrence in the Senate’s amendment to the fiscal year 2025 supplemental budget and the appointment of a conference committee. Senators from both parties debated how to respond to the federal government shutdown and the threatened lapse in SNAP benefits, with repeated calls for the Commonwealth to use available state resources to prevent hunger, protect vulnerable residents, and seek federal reimbursement. Several members criticized the governor’s use of taxpayer-funded communications on the issue, while others defended the administration’s limited initial response and emphasized fiscal constraints. The Senate ultimately insisted on its amendment and appointed a conference committee consisting of Senators Rodrigues, Comerford, and O’Connor. The chamber also passed several local and special bills, including measures exempting Natick’s assistant fire chief from civil service, authorizing sewer service in Sharon, changing the term of the elected moderator in Holden, updating Medford’s linkage exaction program, and establishing sick leave banks for Candy J. Pike and Kathleen Roder. The Senate later adopted amended resolutions calling on the President of the United States to release contingency funds for SNAP during the shutdown, adopted an order to adjourn to the following Monday, and then adjourned.