Video & Transcript Research : 'all'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- All parties in interest shall be heard.
- That's honestly all I have for you today.
- And all of this effort, all of this care for the work and for our clients, the decades of effort that
- led us up to this point now brings me to And all of this effort, all of this care for the work and for
- All in favor? All right. This meeting is closed. Thank you. Hearing adjourned.
Summary:
The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 2522 / H. 5909, which would amend state labor law to treat the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) as a public employer and allow its employees to seek collective bargaining rights. The chair explained the Article 48 initiative process, noted that no opponents or members of the public had signed up to testify, and said written testimony would be accepted through March 20. The hearing focused on whether CPCS staff should be brought within the public-sector bargaining framework and how that would interact with the agency’s statutory duties.
Expert testimony began with an NCSL analyst, who gave a national overview of public employee bargaining rights and examples of public defender unions in other states and localities, including Colorado, New York City, Indianapolis, Cook County, Maryland, and Illinois. Department of Labor Relations officials then reviewed prior failed organizing efforts at CPCS and its predecessor, explaining that earlier petitions were dismissed because the agency was not considered a public employer under existing law. They said passage of the initiative would not automatically unionize employees, but would allow a union to petition for an election or written majority authorization, with normal unit-appropriateness and supervisory/confidential employee issues still to be resolved.
CPCS Chief Counsel Anthony Benedetti testified that the agency supports providing information to the legislature but is not taking a position for or against unionization. He described CPCS’s statutory responsibilities, size, and current efforts to expand staffing after recent indigent-defense crises, and said any new bargaining framework would need to operate alongside the agency’s obligations to provide counsel. Proponents from SEIU Local 888 and allied labor groups argued that CPCS employees have long been denied the same collective bargaining rights as other public workers, and that a union would provide just-cause protections, a voice on staffing and working conditions, and better support for recruitment and retention. CPCS attorneys and staff testified in favor of the measure, citing heavy caseloads, rapid expansion, inadequate supervision and office support, and the need for representation in disciplinary and workplace disputes. Committee members asked about bargaining-unit composition, the role of the DLR, the effect of unionization on attorneys’ ethical duties, and the use and cost of paid signature gathering. The hearing ended with no votes taken and no opposition testimony presented.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- All right, great.
- All right.
- We all remember those days.
- And that's that many health care policymakers—not all, by all means, and I'm sure some of the ones that
- All right. Wonderful. Thank you. I think we are all set from our agenda.
Summary:
The Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities’ Long-Term Services and Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee met to hear a presentation from Colin Killick of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network on disability discrimination in crisis standards of care during COVID-19. He described how Massachusetts and other states initially used standards that prioritized longer life expectancy and, in some cases, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), which he argued devalued the lives of disabled people and older adults. He also discussed related issues such as denial of transplants, pressure on disabled patients to sign do-not-resuscitate orders, and inequities affecting communities of color. He said disability advocates, legal groups, and public officials pushed back through litigation, media, and organizing, leading to revisions of Massachusetts’ standards and the eventual inclusion of disability advocates in the drafting process.
Killick also discussed vaccine rollout, saying disabled people were initially under-prioritized but later gained broader access and more accessible vaccination options such as ASL interpretation and in-home vaccination. He closed by urging support for S. 869, an act relative to preventing discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of health care, which he said would ban disability-based discrimination in crisis standards, prohibit QALYs in health care decision-making, and add protections against coerced DNRs. He noted the bill had been favorably reported out of the Health Care Financing Committee but still needed support.
In questions, members asked why the bill had not advanced further; Killick said earlier opposition from QALY supporters had been resolved, and the main barrier now was lack of legislative prioritization. Members thanked him for the presentation and for the work on revising crisis standards. The subcommittee then completed roll call, approved the prior minutes, and adjourned, noting the next meeting would be August 31.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- So with the $450,000, just ponder this: it was more than all of our rents and leases across all locations
- across all our locations.
- Well said, all of you. So is it good afternoon? Well said, all of you.
- All right. Thank you.
- All right.
Summary:
The commission met for its second hearing to study the future of credit card payments and sales transactions and their impacts on small businesses. Members heard extensive testimony from credit unions, retailers, restaurants, and payment-industry representatives on interchange fees, processing fees, fraud, chargebacks, rewards programs, and the ability of businesses to pass fees on to customers. Several witnesses argued that swipe fees have risen sharply, are especially burdensome for restaurants and other small businesses, and are charged on taxes and tips that are merely pass-through amounts. They urged state action to prohibit fees on tax and tip portions, improve transparency, and allow surcharging or convenience fees, while opponents warned that state regulation could reduce fraud protections, increase compliance costs, and threaten consumer rewards programs.
Business owners and trade groups described thin margins, rising costs, and the difficulty of understanding merchant statements or negotiating with processors. Restaurant witnesses said card-not-present and online transactions create the greatest fraud and chargeback risk, with money often removed immediately from merchants’ accounts and disputes rarely resolved in their favor. Retail witnesses gave examples of rising effective rates, higher fees on rewards cards, and the burden of processing fees on low-value transactions. A representative from the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and others said restaurants are effectively paying fees on meals tax and gratuities, which they argued should not be subject to interchange charges.
On the other side, the Cooperative Credit Union Association said interchange revenue helps credit unions fund fraud prevention, rapid card replacement, and member protections, and warned that state limits on interchange could weaken those safeguards and lead to higher consumer costs or reduced services. Airlines for America testified that airline credit card rewards are popular, support travel and jobs in Massachusetts, and could be harmed by interchange reform. The National Restaurant Association and a payments-policy attorney countered that interchange fees are set by card networks rather than competitive markets, that banks remain highly profitable even with rewards, and that states can act after recent court decisions. No votes were taken; the hearing consisted of testimony and questions from commissioners.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- All in favor. Go ahead and say, yeah. All in favor. Okay, I say it. Great.
- All right.
- Do you all agree or no? I mean, because it is a higher level.
- All right. I'll give you a call. Okay. All right. You want to do it like that or do it on Zoom?
- All right. On the phone, it's fine. Okay, sounds good. All right. Thanks, everyone. Bye, everybody.
Summary:
The Workforce Support Subcommittee met with ASL and CART interpretation, took roll call, and approved the prior meeting minutes by motion and second. The main discussion focused on a proposed apprenticeship-related presentation and outreach to the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD), including a draft letter and follow-up communication with Undersecretary Josh Cutler and Amara Ram. Members said the draft looked good and discussed keeping trade partners informed, as well as the need to coordinate with the broader commission before moving forward.
A substantial portion of the meeting centered on apprenticeship opportunities for people with disabilities and how to frame the topic. Members discussed a recent Apprenticeship Week event, noting employer interest, Governor Healey’s goal of expanding apprenticeships to 100,000, and concerns raised by employers about a $250 annual fee and the complexity of the registration process. Participants also discussed the need to include people with disabilities in apprenticeship conversations, challenge stereotypes about suitable jobs, and possibly involve the Commission for the Blind, higher education partners, and behavioral health apprenticeship models.
The subcommittee generally agreed to focus first on child care and home health as initial apprenticeship fields, with direct support, house managers, and program managers also identified as important workforce roles. Members discussed inviting trade representatives and state liaisons, but emphasized that scheduling should not become overly complicated. They leaned toward a Zoom-only format, likely around 90 minutes, and agreed to continue coordinating offline on dates, format, and outreach before the next step.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- All those in favor, say or signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye. Okay. Great. All right. So, and I'm Hi.
- All right.
- We also hold a community of practice, which is immersed in the approach of all learn, all teach.
- Yeah, first of all, thank you. This was a great presentation.
- All right. Thank you, everybody, for joining us.
Summary:
The Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities equity subcommittee met, approved the prior minutes, and heard a presentation from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Cater Center (Care Coordination Assistance, Training, Education, and Resources for Kids). Presenters Toria Haffey and Patty Loza explained that Cater provides training and technical assistance to MassHealth’s Cares for Kids providers serving children with medical complexity, with a focus on enhanced care coordination, family partnership, racial/cultural/linguistic equity, community resources, education systems, shared plans of care, and transition support. They described five e-learning modules, flexible one-on-one and group technical assistance, case review support, and informal virtual “cafes” for providers. They also noted the program has been operating for about two to three years and currently works with five hospital-based providers, including Boston Children’s, BMC, Tufts, NeighborHealth, and Baystate.
Committee members asked about the number of families served, the relationship to MassHealth, and whether the model could be expanded beyond Boston-area providers. The presenters said Cater does not track enrollment numbers because that is handled by providers and MassHealth, and they agreed there is room to broaden reach and improve data collection. Members suggested connecting Cater with regional disability and case management networks, the Health Equity Compact, ACOs, and DDS-related contacts. Questions also focused on funding stability amid federal Medicaid cuts and workforce shortages in family engagement roles; Cater said the work remains a priority for MassHealth, though funding is a concern, and acknowledged staffing gaps, especially for family partners with lived experience.
After the presentation, the committee discussed a NIH strategic plan for disability health research that had been circulated for future review. Because members had not yet read it, they agreed to place it on the agenda for the next meeting. The meeting then adjourned with no further business.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All members, guests, and staff will rise and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
- to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all
- All those in favor of this motion say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the motion prevails.
- All those in favor say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it.
Summary:
The Senate convened briefly with the Pledge of Allegiance, then recessed to recognize guests in the chamber. Senator O’Connor welcomed two young people connected to his office: Luke Donlin, a Situate High School junior who had been shadowing and previously served as a State House tour guide, and Oliver Hobson, a Cohasset intern who had been accepted to law school. The chair also noted the work of the 250th Special Commission, upcoming USS Hudner participation in Evacuation Day ceremonies, and the Commonwealth’s observance of Women’s History Month and Irish American Heritage Month.
The Senate adopted an order to adjourn and reconvene on Monday at 11:00 a.m. Senator Tarr then moved that the Senate adjourn in memory of former Gloucester Chief of Police James Amar Sr. The motion was adopted after a brief tribute highlighting his long service to the Gloucester Police Department, his tenure as chief from 1989 to 2003, and his community involvement and honors.
A moment of silence was observed for Chief Amar, and the Senate then adjourned in his memory.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 16 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All those in favor say aye. Opposed? No. The ayes have it. The rules are suspended.
- All those in favor say aye. Opposed? No. The ayes have it. The order is adopted.
- All those in favor say aye. Opposed? No. The ayes have it.
- All those in favor say aye, oppose. No, the ayes have it. The order is adopted.
- All those in favor say aye. Opposed? No. The ayes have it.
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up reports from the Temporary Committee on Rules. The committee recommended adoption of three resolutions: honoring Roberta Dupre’s retirement and service, congratulating Chief Michael A. Noble on his retirement as police chief of Maynard, and recognizing the legacy of Representative Patricia A. Haddad. The House suspended the rules and adopted all three resolutions by voice vote.
The House also adopted an order setting the next meeting for Thursday at 11 a.m. Speaker Mariano then moved that the House adjourn in respect to the memory of former Representative Carol A. Doherty of Taunton, who served from 2020 to 2024; that motion was adopted. Finally, on motion of Mr. Wong, the House adjourned, with the next session scheduled for Thursday at 11 a.m. in an informal session.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All members, guests, and staff will please rise to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
- to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all
- All those in favor say aye; opposed, no. The ayes have it.
- All those in favor say aye; opposed, no. The ayes have it.
Summary:
The transcript records a brief Senate session opening with the Pledge of Allegiance. The only business taken up was an order from the Senator from Essex and Middlesex that, upon adjournment, the Senate meet again on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. The order was adopted by voice vote.
Afterward, the presiding officer asked whether anyone wished to object to adjournment or raise any reason the Senate should not adjourn. No objections were offered. A motion to adjourn was then put to a voice vote and carried.
The Senate adjourned to meet again on Thursday next at 11:00 a.m.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 20 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All those in favor say aye; all those opposed, nay. The ayes have it; rules are suspended.
- All those in favor say aye; all those opposed, nay.
- All those in favor say aye; all those opposed, nay.
- All those in favor say aye; all those opposed, nay.
- Have all members voted who wish to do so. Have all members voted who wished to do so?
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up two resolutions reported by the Committee on Rules: one commemorating the 100th birthday of Leona Dugas Barrett of Webster, and another commending the New England Hemophilia Association for recognizing March 2025 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. The House suspended the rules and adopted both resolutions by voice vote.
The chamber then considered House Bill 58, an amended fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill. The House first voted on and adopted the emergency preamble after a roll call, then reconsidered and adopted it again by a larger roll call vote. After that, a call of the yeas and nays was ordered on final passage.
On final passage, House Bill 58 was passed to be enacted by a vote of 127 in favor and 23 opposed. The House also adopted an order to adjourn and reconvene the next day at 11 a.m.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You made us all very proud.
- I do want to take a moment to recognize all of you by name.
- All those in favor say aye. All opposed say nay. The ayes have it.
- All those in favor say aye; opposed, no.
- All those in favor say aye, oppose no. The ayes have it.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several ceremonial resolutions. Members adopted resolutions commending Anticoagulation Forum Incorporated for recognizing May 2025 as Hypertension Awareness Month, the New England Chapter of the National Kidney Foundation for recognizing March 2025 as Kidney Disease Awareness Month, and C.R. Lyons and Sons Funeral Direction on its 100th anniversary. The chamber also adopted a resolution commending the South Boston Citizens Association for its observance of the 249th anniversary of Evacuation Day.
Senator Collins spoke at length about the historical importance of Evacuation Day, Boston’s role in the American Revolution, and the South Boston Citizens Association’s long-running efforts to preserve and promote that history. Tom McGrath, president of the association, thanked the Senate and said the holiday should be restored as a state holiday. The Senate also welcomed Irish Cabinet Minister for Tourism and Employment Peter Burke, who discussed Irish-American ties, Irish companies operating in Massachusetts and the U.S., and the importance of maintaining cultural and economic links.
The Senate further recognized guests including Lieutenant Jeffrey Diyadh, newly appointed legislative liaison to the State Police, the Hamilton-Wenham girls’ cross-country team, 2024 MIAA Division III state champions, and visitors from the North Attleboro Council on Aging. No substantive legislation was debated; the session consisted of recognitions, guest introductions, and ceremonial actions. The Senate adopted an order to meet again on Monday at 11:00 a.m. and then adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- We need them in all of our communities.
- And for all of those reasons, I urge favorable passage of this.
- Just a quick comment first of all, thank you all, and I certainly support this.
- We've all heard the news from the testimony today.
- All the favor say hi. Aye. Committee hearing is adjourned.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service held its 21st hearing and took up late-filed bills, with testimony focused mainly on firefighter and police personnel matters. The committee heard strong support for H.5429/H.6138, Governor Healey’s bill to provide injured-on-duty compensation and full pay and benefits to Chelmsford firefighter Nicholas Spinelli after he was seriously injured while instructing at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. Testimony from Rep. Simon Cataldo, Rep. Rodney Elliott, PFFM leaders, Chelmsford Fire Chief Gary Ryan, and others emphasized that Spinelli was performing public service training work, that the incident exposed gaps in coverage for firefighters serving in academy roles, and that the bill should be a prompt, statewide fix. Several speakers also urged future legislation to address broader policy gaps for DFS support-branch and part-time personnel.
The committee also heard testimony on a Topsfield home rule petition, H.54435, to allow Police Chief Neil Hovey to continue serving until age 68 or retirement. Rep. Kristen Kasner and local officials praised Hovey’s leadership, training, regional coordination, and management of public safety at the Topsfield Fair, and asked for favorable passage. In addition, Sen. Ryan Fattman and Rep. Joe McKenna testified for S.3051, a bill to provide certain retirement benefits to the surviving spouse of fallen Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen LaPorta, describing his death while assisting a stranded motorist in a snowstorm and the town’s support for honoring his family.
PFFM and other police/fire union representatives generally supported the firefighter and LaPorta bills, while PFFM also stated opposition to H.5389, a separate bill authorizing continued employment of the Upton police chief. After testimony concluded, the committee adjourned without taking a recorded vote during the hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Status of Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Let me get my screen shared and pop this presentation on the screen for you all. All right.
- So bringing all of the resources, all of the events to the table for the business owners.
- All right.
- Thank you all. And second. Second. Thank you. So all in favor? Hi. Terrific. Enjoy.
- Thank you all.
Summary:
The Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities met virtually and in person for its June meeting. Members approved the March meeting minutes and heard a chair’s report on recent “Meeting the Moment” community conversations, including the successful Lowell event and plans for a July 14 Northampton event and an October National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebration at the State House. The October event will include a panel with MassAbility on artificial intelligence and its impacts on people with disabilities, with discussion of both accessibility benefits and risks such as bias and discrimination.
A major presentation came from the Supplier Diversity Office on its Empowering Abilities in Contracting and Employment (EAC) program. Staff described the program’s evolution from a pilot launched after 2016 legislation to a statewide policy now included in new state contracts. The program aims to increase certification of disability-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, expand workforce participation by people with disabilities, and use vendor reporting to track progress toward a 3% workforce goal. The office reported about 292 active certified businesses, roughly 40 vendors currently on EAC contracts, and expectations that the number of participating vendors will grow to about 130 by November. Commissioners praised the program and asked about its reach, data, and potential replication in other states or institutions.
The advisory council update highlighted broad engagement across topics including accessibility, employment, youth transition, housing, health equity, transportation, technology, AI, and supported decision-making. Members were asked to share fact sheets and resources for posting on the commission website, and two council members will help plan the October employment event. Subcommittee reports followed: the employment subcommittee reviewed transition-to-employment barriers, the disability employment tax credit, veteran services, and a SEED policy brief; the workforce supports subcommittee discussed apprenticeships and a May webinar on addressing workforce barriers through apprenticeships; and the long-term services and supports/health equity subcommittee heard about care coordination training resources and a presentation on post-COVID health care inequities for people with disabilities. The executive director also reported on ongoing work with state agencies, MassHealth-related conversations, caregiver and aging issues, and AI planning. The meeting ended with commissioner announcements on the Paul Spooner Generational Leadership Summit and a Medicaid summit, followed by adjournment by vote.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you all for the second.
- And with that, all in... ...all in favor, it might be easier if you can either say it in the chat or
- All right. Thank you all. We will get that drafted and out to the conference committee.
- All right. All right.
- All in favor, say aye. All right, all of those. All right. All right, y'all.
Summary:
The commission met to review the state budget process and discuss maternal and perinatal health funding. Members heard that the House did not adopt several maternal health amendments, including funding for community-based perinatal mental health grants, implementation of maternal health law items, private insurance coverage for midwifery care, a midwifery workforce development fund, birthing center grants, and the Tufts Center for Maternal Health Advancement. On the Senate side, several items were adopted, including funding for the Mass NOW menstrual equity program, $1 million for the Neighborhood Birth Center, and an out-of-state resident reproductive health training pilot; however, proposed funding for a midwifery workforce development fund, a health education trust fund, and the Tufts center was not adopted.
Commission members discussed whether to send a letter to the conference committee. Several members emphasized that while the Senate wins were positive, the commission’s core mission is perinatal and postpartum mental health, and that the letter should note the lack of explicit support for perinatal mental health and PMAD-related needs, as well as the importance of infant mental health and the parent-infant relationship. The commission voted unanimously to send a letter to the conference committee highlighting the broader maternal health wins while urging continued investment in perinatal and postpartum supports.
The meeting also covered commission vacancies and future planning. Staff reviewed open seats, including a House minority seat, several governor-appointed seats, an optional commissioner seat, and appointments for the Senate and House co-chairs. Members suggested possible representation from the Children’s Trust, families impacted by addiction, and midwifery. The commission also noted that April and June meeting minutes would be circulated for later approval, and that the legislative session is nearing its end with several pending bills related to perinatal mood disorders and postpartum issues. The meeting adjourned after no further new business.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All members, guests, and staff will please rise to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
- to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all
- All those in favor say aye; opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the resolution is adopted.
- All those in favor say aye; opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the order is adopted.
- All those in favor say aye; opposed, no.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and briefly recessed until enough members were present. Upon reconvening, Senator Rodrigues offered a resolution recognizing the legacy of Representative Patricia A. Haddad. The Senate adopted the resolution by voice vote.
The clerk then read a report from the executive office of the trial court, submitted under section 15C of chapter 239 of the General Laws, containing summary statistics on evictions, filings, actions, and dispositions from January 2024 through January 2025. The report was ordered noted in the journal and placed on file.
Senator Tarr offered an order to adjourn the Senate until Monday at 11:00 a.m., and the order was adopted by voice vote. Senator Feeney then moved that the Senate adjourn, and the Senate adjourned to meet again on Monday at 11:00 a.m.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All members, guests, and staff will please rise to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
- to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all
- All those in favor of this motion say aye. Aye. All those in favor of this motion say aye. Opposed?
- All those in favor say aye. Opposed? The ayes have it. The order is adopted.
- All those in favor say aye. Opposed? The ayes have it.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then considered a motion by Senator Collins to adjourn in memory of Ms. Adrian M. Morrissey of South Boston. The chamber heard a detailed remembrance of Morrissey’s family, her devotion to her grandchildren, her Irish heritage, her involvement in the South Boston Irish American Society, and her appreciation for military service and veterans’ traditions. The motion was approved, and the Senate observed a moment of silence in her memory.
Senator O’Connor then offered an order for the Senate to adjourn and reconvene on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. The order was adopted by voice vote. Senator O’Connor subsequently moved that the Senate adjourn, and that motion also passed by voice vote, ending the session.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 25 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all
- All those in favor say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. Rules are suspended.
- season, the Generals went on to win the Division 3B Championship and ultimately won the Division III All-State
- All those in favor say aye; oppose, no. The ayes have it. The order is adopted.
- All those in favor say aye; oppose, no.
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up a report from the Committee on Rules recommending adoption of several congratulatory and commemorative resolutions. These included resolutions honoring the South Boston Citizens Association for recognizing Evacuation Day, recognizing Ronan Barkie on her retirement after 22 years with Transition House, and congratulating Fire Chief Timothy M. Harhan on his retirement from the East Bridgewater Fire Department.
Representative Decker moved suspension of the rules, the motion prevailed, and the House adopted the resolutions. The chamber also welcomed several guests, including Minister Peter Burke of Ireland, the Hamilton-Wenham girls cross country team for its championship season, and senior citizens visiting from North Attleboro.
The House then adopted an order to adjourn to meet again Monday at 11 a.m. Representative Vieira moved that the House adjourn in respect to the memory of Thomas S. Cahir, a former House member from Bourne, and that motion was adopted. The House adjourned accordingly to meet Monday next at 11 a.m. in an informal session.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 27 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All those in favor say aye, opposed, no. The ayes have it. Rules are suspended.
- All those in favor say aye, opposed, no. The ayes have it. Rules are suspended.
- All those in favor say aye, opposed, no. The ayes have it. The House concurs.
- All those in favor say aye, opposed no. The ayes have it. The order is adopted.
- All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
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.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 28 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all
- All those in favor say aye; opposed, no. The ayes have it. Rules are suspended.
- All those in favor say aye; opposed, no. The ayes have it. Joint Rule 12 is suspended.
- All those in favor say aye; opposed, no. The ayes have it. The order is adopted.
- All those in favor say aye; opposed, no.
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then acted on a Rules Committee report recommending suspension of Joint Rule 12 for several petitions, including proposals on LGBTQIA+ parent advisory councils in public schools, school safety, and ivory and rhinoceros horn trafficking. The House voted to suspend the rules and Joint Rule 12, allowing those petitions to proceed to the named committees.
Members also recognized the Weston High School Girls Swim and Dive Team, introduced as guests of Representative Peisch, for winning their third overall and second consecutive MIAA Division 2 state championship. The chamber then observed a moment of silent tribute for Margie Claussen Burgess of Plymouth, honoring her long record of community service, including 23 years on the Plymouth School Committee and work with several local civic organizations.
The House adopted an order to adjourn on Thursday at 11 a.m. and approved a special adjournment in memory of Nicholas J. Costello, who served in both the House and Senate. The House then voted to adjourn and will next meet Thursday at 11 a.m. in an informal session.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All members, guests, and staff will rise and say the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States
- All those in favor say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The resolutions are adopted. Thank you.
- Patrick's Day to all of our colleagues, the staff, and residents of the Commonwealth.
- He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
- All those in favor say aye. Opposed, no.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted a resolution commending the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health and its Massachusetts affiliates for LGBTQ Health Awareness Week. Members also received and adopted a gubernatorial proclamation recognizing Evacuation Day, with remarks noting its historical significance as the first victory of the American Revolution and its connection to St. Patrick’s Day observances in Massachusetts.
The chamber then took up House No. 62, a bill extending certain COVID-19 measures adopted during the state of emergency. On a motion to suspend the rules and consider the bill forthwith, the Senate agreed, and the bill was ordered to a third reading. Later, Senator Kahn read Governor Healey’s proclamation declaring March 2025 Irish American Heritage Month, highlighting the contributions of Irish Americans in Massachusetts and the state’s Irish heritage trails; the Senate ordered both the Evacuation Day and Irish American Heritage Month remarks entered into the Journal.
The Senate also adopted a motion that it adjourn in memory of Mark T. Feeney of South Boston, with a brief tribute to his family, community ties, and public service. Finally, the Senate adopted an order to meet again the following Thursday at 11 a.m. and then adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 26 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- All those in favor say aye; all those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. Rules are suspended.
- All those in favor say aye; all those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted.
- All those in favor say aye. All those opposed, nay. The ayes have it.
- All those in favor say aye; all those opposed, nay. The ayes have it.
- All those in favor say aye; all those opposed, nay. The ayes have it.
Summary:
The House first took up a resolution reported by the Committee on Rules congratulating the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health on LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week, March 17–21, 2025. The House suspended the rules and adopted the resolution by voice vote.
The House then considered House No. 62, "An Act Relative to Extending Certain COVID-19 Measures Adopted During the State of Emergency." The Committee on Ways and Means reported the bill ought to pass, and the House suspended the rules, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed it to be engrossed by voice vote.
Finally, the House adopted an order to adjourn when it finished for the day and to meet again Thursday at 11 a.m. The chamber then adjourned to that time in an informal session.