Video & Transcript : 'crossover voting' :
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 66 Jul 8th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Have all members voted who wish to do so? Time for voting has expired.
- Have all members voted who wish to do so? Time for voting has expired.
- Voting machines are now on.
- Have all members voted who wish to do so? Time for voting is expired.
- Ash of Longmeadow votes yes. On roll call number 226, Mr. Ash of Longmeadow votes yes.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I rise to move that when a vote is taken on the suspension of the rule, it be taken by a standing vote
- The vote will be taken by the rules, by the vote of the yeas and nays, those standing sufficient number
- Moore votes no. Mr. Nick and Norfolk. Patrick M. O'Connor votes yes.
- Jehlen votes no. Patricia D. Jehlen votes no. Have all amendments reported?
- Lydia Edwards votes yes.
Summary:
The Senate took up floor debate on H. 4206, An Act Modernizing the Commonwealth Cannabis Laws, with repeated amendment votes focused largely on cannabis regulation, transparency, youth access, and the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC). Early motions included suspending Senate Rule 38A to continue past 8 p.m., which passed by standing vote. Most amendments offered by Senator Tarr were rejected, including proposals on possession limits, CCC executive director appointment and removal, legislative control over medical marijuana licenses, a multi-agency task force on illegal cannabis, annual CCC hearings and reports, an ombudsman, a legislative liaison, a youth-cannabis study commission, supply-and-demand study, and increased penalties for distribution to minors. Amendment 33 by Senator Driscoll, directing the CCC and other agencies to study regulation of intoxicating hemp products, was adopted. Amendment 7 by Senator Brownsberger, allowing cannabis discount and loyalty advertising to existing customers and opt-in email lists, was also adopted. Amendment 29 by Senator O’Connor, allowing the CCC to temporarily suspend or revoke medical marijuana licenses during investigations of illegal sales, was adopted as well.
Several other amendments were debated and defeated, including Senator O’Connor’s billboard advertising restriction for cannabis and Senator Tarr’s proposal to increase penalties for selling marijuana to minors. The chamber then took up the bill’s corrective and Ways and Means amendment, adopted both, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed it to be engrossed by roll call vote. The final vote showed the bill advancing despite some opposition, including from several senators who voted no on engrossment.
After the cannabis bill, the Senate considered and passed two land-related bills by roll call: H. 4772, authorizing easements in Lowell, and H. 4362, authorizing release of agricultural preservation restrictions in Westford. The Senate also adopted a motion that when it adjourned, it would do so in memory of Stephen P. Foutou of Newton, followed by a moment of silence. The chamber then adopted an adjournment order and recessed until the next meeting.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
HSH-HLT Joint Public Hearing - Tue Apr 7, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Human Services & Homelessness
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> Um chair and vice chair vote aye. Um chair and vice chair vote aye.
- Chair votes aye. Vice Chair votes aye. Member Amato, aye. Member Hartsfield, aye.
- And our last measure, HCR 102 and HR 94. chair votes aye. Member Amato. Aye. chair votes aye.
- Voting of members present, any members voting no? Any reservations?
- </c> voting no? voting no? Any<00:15:22.880><c> reservations?</c> Any reservations?
Committee:
House Human Services & Homelessness
Keywords:
disability, communication access, healthcare, sign language interpreters, deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, auxiliary aids, effective communication, peer counselor, youth mental health, social disconnection, Hawaii schools, wellness program, student support, cultural responsiveness, trauma-informed care, disability rights, peer counseling, education
Summary:
The joint Committee on Human Services and Homelessness and Committee on Health heard two measures on April 7, 2026. HCR 67/HR 61 would request the Disability and Communication Access Board to study communication needs in health care settings for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind and develop guidelines. Written testimony supported the measure from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, DCAB, Local Independent Living Hawaii, and one individual. A DCAB representative noted the proposal could serve as a backup if related measures do not move forward. No one testified in opposition, and both committees voted to pass the measure unamended.
The second measure, HCR 102/HR 94, urged the Department of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Health and the Office of Wellness and Resilience, to establish a statewide peer counselor program to address youth loneliness and social disconnection in schools. Support came from the Department of Education, the Office of Wellness and Resilience, and individual testifiers Katie Smith and Ray Ward. Smith said peer support can reduce stigma, increase belonging, and improve school climate. Ward, speaking from lived experience, described the harms of loneliness and trauma and said a peer counselor program could provide culturally grounded support and safer pathways to help. No opposition was offered, and both committees voted to pass the measure unamended.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- The vote count shows 31 in favor with four against a majority having voted in the affirmative House bill
- And I think it's a great addition, so it'll be a voting aye. Senator Guthrie votes aye.
- The vote count shows 26 in favor with nine.
- The vote count shows 26 in favor, with nine in opposition, a majority having voted in the affirmative
- Senator Lennie, how did you vote? The vote count shows 35 in favor, with none against.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Seeing none, Vice Chair for the vote. Voting on HB 2044.
- Seeing none, vice chair for the<01:38:44.560><c> vote.</c> the vote. the vote.
- Voting on HP 2264. Chair's >> Okay. Voting on HP 2264.
- Voting on >> All right, for the vote. Okay.
- Seeing none, Vice Chair for the vote. >> Voting on HB 1518 HD1.
Committee:
House Public Safety
Keywords:
students with disabilities, individualized education programs, emergency plans, evacuation procedures, support services, Hawaii education law, HB2343, Maui State Veterans Home, veterans home, veterans, long-term care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, hospice, Alzheimer's care, respite care, assimilate, transfer deadline, Act 99, Session Laws of Hawaii 2024
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 1997, which would require IEPs for students with disabilities to include individualized emergency accommodations and evacuation supports. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended amendments to explicitly include students with Section 504 plans and to change references from “department schools” to “public schools” so charter school students are covered. Testimony in support came from disability advocates and several individuals, including Peter Fritz, who said emergency evacuation planning should be made explicit because it is not clearly required by federal law, and Ka Swan, who emphasized student safety during emergencies. No vote or final action was taken on the bill in the transcript.
The committee then took up House Bill 2343, relating to the Maui State Veterans Home. The measure would repeal a deadline for transferring the home to a state agency with a Maui affiliation and instead require the transfer to occur as soon as practicable. The Department of Defense, the Office of Veterans Services, HHSC Oahu Region, and several individuals testified in support. Committee members asked whether a more definite deadline should be used, but the department said the open-ended language was preferable because the Maui entity is not yet ready and Oahu is currently providing oversight. No vote or final action was recorded.
House Bill 2566, authorizing special license plates for Hawaii Civil Air Patrol members, was also heard. The City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services testified in opposition, while Johnny Perry testified in support. The committee did not take a vote in the transcript.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2493 on wrongful imprisonment compensation procedures. The Attorney General’s office opposed the bill, arguing it would create an automatic payment mechanism without a sufficient finding of actual innocence, could trigger payments within five days of dismissal, and raised concerns about insufficient time for prosecution review and about funding and appropriation issues. Supporters, including people who said they had been wrongfully convicted and later found actually innocent, argued the bill would reduce delays and help released individuals survive while awaiting compensation. Judiciary staff requested technical amendments and said operational details still needed review. Members questioned the AG about the meaning of “actual innocence,” burden shifting, and whether the bill would better define the standard, but no vote or final action was taken.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill has 6-0 votes, and we'll leave the roll open for votes. Thank you.
- And I respectfully ask for your aye vote. Good afternoon.
- So with that, I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Voting? Aaron's? Aaron's aye. Bonta. Castillo. Castillo not voting. Garcia. Lowenthal.
- The vote is 8-0; the bill is out. File item 5, SB 965.
Committee:
House Education
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Apr 14th, 2026
Water, Parks and Wildlife
Transcript Highlights:
- If this committee votes no today... If we vote no today, that ends this bill?
- No, we want a no vote. You want a no vote today, correct?
- And I respectfully ask for your aye vote. Okay. We'll go ahead and take a vote. Okay.
- Bennett not voting. Bennett not voting. Burner not voting. Ms. Bell? AB 1722. Not voting.
- Burner not voting. Gallagher? Aye. Merseuchi? Rogers? Not voting. Rogers not voting.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee (9-9-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> vote aye, all those opposed vote no. vote aye, all those opposed vote no.
- vote I, all those opposed vote in favor vote I, all those opposed vote no.<00:02:45.080><c> Clerk,</
- All those opposed vote favor vote aye.
- </c> explain my vote. explain my vote.
- All those opposed vote favor vote aye.
Summary:
The committee first approved the August 12 minutes and then handled a large agenda of 355 contracts totaling about $278.7 million. It agreed to defer three Office of Energy Policy items to the October 2025 meeting and reviewed a deferred Kentucky Educational Television contract without objection. The main substantive discussion centered on two University of Louisville legal services PSC amendments and a Seven Counties Services MOA item.
For the University of Louisville items, members questioned a large increase in hourly rates and the scope of the legal services, especially complex litigation work and a Colorado estate matter. University officials said the contracts followed an RFP, involved specialized litigation, included local counsel where required, and were expected to be offset by savings in other PSCs and by a potential financial recovery in the Colorado matter. The committee also discussed whether the $125 hourly rate was a statutory requirement or committee policy; the chair later said staff would verify whether it was an executive-branch regulation or statutory rate. Both University of Louisville items were ultimately approved, though Senator Meredith voted no on one and Senator Douglas explained his support while urging future adjustments and more information sharing.
The Seven Counties Services contract drew questions about how the $18.7 million would be used and whether federal changes could affect future funding. Cabinet officials described 988 crisis response, outpatient mental health and substance use treatment, prevention, recovery, and harm-reduction services, and said they were monitoring federal developments daily. Representative Petrie and Senator Thomas pressed the cabinet on the long-running Seven Counties bankruptcy and the need to push for resolution; officials said the matter was pending on a motion for reconsideration and that they would try to help move it along. The contract was approved.
At the end of the meeting, the committee approved the remaining agenda items as reviewed without objection, but Senator Meredith voted no on the blanket approval motion because of numerous retroactive contract requests and what she said were insufficient explanations such as administrative error or staff being on conference. She said retroactive approvals should be rare and supported stronger internal controls.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- The vice chair votes aye. Senator Hashimoto votes aye. Senator K. I. Senator Dord votes aye.
- Any member voting no? Any member voting with reservations?
- Any member voting no? Any member voting with reservations?
- Any member voting no? Any member voting with reservations? Hearing none, five members voting aye.
- </c> voting no anyone voting with voting no anyone voting with reservations<01:30:19.600><c> hearing<
Committee:
Senate Education
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Jun 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It has received zero no votes and zero formal opposition. So I respectfully ask for an I vote.
- Or a no vote on this bill.
- Oh, vote change. Yeah. On that bill? On this one? Yeah. Not voting to no.
- Dixon, not voting to no? No. Dixon, not voting to no. All right, that bill is out.
- Macedo is not voting no. Mascito is not voting no. Masito is not voting no. All right. Thank you.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on several bills, beginning with SB 16, which would require county behavioral health directors to create clear pathways for clinicians to be authorized to initiate 5150 involuntary holds. The author and supporters argued the bill would reduce reliance on law enforcement and create more consistent crisis response standards statewide, while county behavioral health directors opposed it as an unfunded mandate that could increase law enforcement involvement and create implementation burdens. Members raised questions about county costs and funding, but the author emphasized the bill’s role in building a more clinical response system.
SB 561 would require public guardians to acknowledge conservatorship referrals, make determinations within a reasonable time, and provide status updates on request. Supporters said the bill would reduce delays that leave vulnerable adults in limbo, while the opposition from public guardian representatives was removed after amendments. SB 381 drew extensive public testimony in support; it would allow California-born adoptees, and descendants of deceased adoptees, access to original birth certificates, with a nonbinding contact preference form for birth parents. Supporters framed the bill as a matter of dignity, identity, and health, and there was no formal opposition on the record.
The committee also discussed SB 880, which would give tenants and prospective owner-occupants notice and a first opportunity to make an offer when institutional investors sell certain homes. Supporters said it would expand homeownership opportunities and preserve neighborhood stability, while opponents warned about conflicts with federal law, bundled-sale restrictions, and impacts on build-to-rent and affordable housing projects. Members and the author discussed possible amendments to address those concerns. SB 1238 would impose a duty of care and additional transparency requirements on HOA managers and boards; supporters said it would protect homeowners from mismanagement, while the main opposition argued the duty should remain contractual and could increase litigation. Finally, SB 423 would require disclosure of emergency-service records related to private detention facilities, and SB 28 would make changes to the CARE Court process, including a statewide ombudsperson and expanded oversight; both drew support and opposition, with concerns focused on transparency, privacy, implementation, and the balance between treatment and coercion. SB 574, discussed at the end, would require disclosure and human oversight for AI use in courts and legal practice and create a complaint process for ADR providers, with the State Bar noting requested amendments related to complaint handling and confidentiality.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 33 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It looks like he's going to vote. Have all members voted who wish to do so?
- Have all members voted who wish to do so? Time for voting has expired.
- Winn of Andover votes no.
- All members voted. All members voted.
- Have all members voted who wish to do so? Time for voting is expired.
Summary:
The House first recognized several student athletes and teams, including East Bridgewater cheerleaders, Medway athletes and teams, and the Housatonic Valley basketball team, and adopted a resolution congratulating the William Diamond Jr. Fife and Drum Corps on its 25th anniversary. Members also suspended Joint Rule 12 to advance a petition concerning an extension of a lease authorization for conservation land.
The chamber then took up Senate 2581, as amended, a major education and youth technology bill. The bill was rewritten to promote safe technology use and distraction-free education, including restrictions on personal electronic devices in public schools and limits on social media access for children. Members debated whether the policy should be bell-to-bell or allow more local flexibility, and several amendments were offered. An amendment from Attleboro to preserve district-specific policies was rejected, while a consolidated amendment tightening social media restrictions and related protections was adopted.
The House also considered and passed several other bills, including measures amending the Sandwich charter, authorizing Springfield to help certain residents with local tax obligations, authorizing charity alcohol auctions, and directing the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for a specific police applicant. In addition, the House rejected concurrence on a Senate version of a higher education infrastructure bill and instead appointed a committee of conference. Later, the House accepted a conference report on modernizing cannabis laws after debate focused on regulatory streamlining, equity, ownership caps, and hemp regulation. The report was adopted by roll call, and the House then passed the amended education bill to be engrossed before adjourning to the next day.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 14th, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Respectfully, I ask for an aye vote.
- I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- I respectfully ask for an aye vote. I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Senator Laird.
- Respectfully ask for an aye vote.
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on floor privileges and recognitions. Members welcomed a delegation from Catalonia on the 40th anniversary of the California-Catalonia sister-state relationship, Solano Community College’s speech and debate team, and several small business honorees, including Royal Clothiers and Old California Botanicals. The chamber also recognized Tennessee Rep. Justin Jones for his advocacy on democracy and voting rights, with multiple senators speaking in support of his visit.
On business, the Senate confirmed Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Laura Ederton Speed as Executive Director of the State Bar, both by unanimous 35-0 votes. The body adopted SCR 163 designating May as California Tourism Month, highlighting tourism’s economic impact, and SCR 170 declaring Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Week, with extensive testimony from senators about the trauma firefighters and first responders face and the need to reduce stigma and expand support. The Senate also adopted SCR 174 marking the 60th anniversary of California’s pilot regional centers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, emphasizing the system’s role in community-based care.
The Senate adopted SR 111 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia after extended debate focused on LGBTQ rights, hate violence, and the need for allies to speak out; the resolution passed 26-0. The chamber then approved a second-day consent calendar of multiple bills by 34-0, moved SCR 116 to the inactive file, granted reconsideration on SR 111 for a later session, and heard motions to adjourn in memory of Carl Anthony and Lupe Estrella. The Senate announced committee hearings and then adjourned to reconvene Monday, May 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session procedural debate on a safe schools revenue program bill 3/26/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 066 Mar 21st, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Postsecondary Education & Workforce Jan 20th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Postsecondary Education & Workforce
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Reed votes aye. Representative Rude votes nay, do not pass.
- Representative Thomas votes aye. Representative Timmons votes aye.
- Representative Rude votes nay, do not pass. Representative Salahuddin votes aye.
- Representative Schmidt votes nay, do not pass. Representative Thomas votes aye.
- Representative Timmons votes aye. Representative Timmins votes aye.
Committee:
House Postsecondary Education & Workforce
Keywords:
training requirements, caregiving, family member, individual providers, home care, workforce education, investment accountability, administrative changes, oversight, education policy, nutritional health, dietetic professionals, licensure compact, interstate practice, healthcare regulation, education, pay it forward program, tuition, student loans, financial aid
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Jul 7th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- respectfully ask for an I vote when the time comes. Thank you.
- I simply ask for an aye vote when the time comes.
- The votes, five to two, it passes. The vote is five to two. That bill gets out.
- So appreciate it, and I vote. Thank you very much.
- I respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you very much.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation heard a series of tax-related bills, with several measures referred to suspense and a few advancing. SB 284 would clarify Proposition 19 rules for inherited family homes in probate, including when the one-year residency clock starts and whether title consolidation among siblings triggers reassessment; supporters included the California Association of Realtors, while county assessors opposed the sibling-transfer language as creating ambiguity. The bill was sent to suspense. SB 863 was taken up on the consent calendar and passed 6-0 to the Assembly floor.
SB 333 would let San Luis Obispo County voters consider raising a local tax rate limit to fund transportation projects; supporters said it would help the county become self-help for major road needs, while opponents argued it would make it easier to raise regressive sales taxes. The committee approved the bill 5-2, as amended with a five-year sunset. SB 376, which clarifies that charitable remainder trusts are not treated as incomplete gift non-grantor trusts for California income tax purposes, drew support from the California Lawyers Association and no opposition, and passed 5-2 to Appropriations as amended.
The committee also heard SB 591, which would replace steep penalties for failing to use electronic funds transfer with fixed penalties of $100 for a first violation and $500 thereafter; supporters said current penalties can be excessive and out of proportion, and the bill was sent to suspense. SB 419 would partially exempt hydrogen fuel from the state sales and use tax while leaving the existing road fee in place; supporters said it would help hydrogen adoption and parity with other clean fuels, while one environmental group opposed unless amended, and the bill went to suspense. SB 587 proposed a state tax credit for local sales tax paid on manufacturing equipment to encourage investment and jobs; it had broad business support and no opposition, but was also sent to suspense. SB 710 would extend and update the property tax exclusion for solar installations, with broad support from clean energy and local government groups and some opposition from large energy consumers; it too was referred to suspense. Finally, SB 663 would extend deadlines and exemptions for wildfire victims and certain nonprofit and disabled veteran properties; it received support from assessors and committee members but was also sent to suspense for further work.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) May 21st, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Brady votes yes. Michael D. Brady votes yes. Patricia D. Jehlen votes yes. Michael O.
- Rausch votes yes. Joanne M. Comerford votes yes. Jacob R. Oliveira votes yes. Senator Fattman.
- Fattman votes no. Joan B. Lovely votes yes. Cynthia Stone Creem votes yes.
- Moore votes yes. Thank you. Michael O. Moore votes yes. Senator Comerford. Joanne M.
- Comerford votes yes.
Summary:
The Senate continued debate on the FY27 state budget, with several distinguished introductions and a series of amendment actions. Early amendments from Senator Collins on restoring DCF social worker funding and educator pay were withdrawn without objection. The Chair then sustained a point of order that a group of tax-related amendments, including proposals on teacher tax relief, tips, overtime, estate tax, and income tax rates, were out of order because they would create money bills that must originate in the House; the Senate voted 35-4 to uphold that ruling. Senator Tarr’s gas tax suspension amendment and several other amendments were defeated, while Senator Fattman’s amendment extending domestic violence leave protections to contract employees was adopted unanimously, 39-0. The Senate also adopted Senator Fernandes’ amendment creating a commission to study the adequacy, reliability, and distribution of unrestricted general government aid (UGA), after debate focused on inequities in local aid distribution and the need for a modern formula.
The chamber then took up House No. 5375, the Chapter 90 municipal roads and bridges bill, and passed it to be engrossed. Additional amendments were considered on the budget, including a community programming amendment and a Senate Ways and Means amendment, both adopted, after which the Ways and Means amendment as amended was adopted and the underlying budget was ordered to a third reading. The Senate also handled several procedural matters, including concurrence in a House referral for a bill on poverty-related legislation and ordering a sick leave bank bill for Carla Johnson to a third reading.
After extensive closing remarks from the Ways and Means chair, minority leader, and others praising the collaborative budget process and highlighting investments in local aid, education, public safety, and other priorities, the Senate voted on final passage of House No. 5501, the FY27 appropriations bill. The roll call showed 40-0 in favor, and the bill was passed to be engrossed. The Senate then adopted an order to reconvene the following Tuesday at 11 a.m. and adjourned in memory of Trooper Kevin Thomas Traynor.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) May 21st, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Brady votes yes. Michael D. Brady votes yes. Jehlen. Senator Jehlen. Patricia D. Jehlen votes yes.
- Fattman votes no. Joan B. Lovely votes yes. Senator Creem. Thank you, Mr. President.
- Michael Barrett votes yes. Senator Collins. Nick Collins votes yes. Senator Moore.
- Michael Moore votes yes. Thank you. Michael Moore votes yes. Senator Comerford.
- Have all members voted?
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Taylor votes nay. Okay. So I'll be a no. Senator Taylor votes nay. Taves? Van Orden, aye.
- We do not vote on or oversee on a yearly basis.
- So I'll be a no on this vote. or another $3 billion to that.
- So I'll be a no on this vote. Is there further debate?
- The senator votes aye. Senator Wintrow votes aye. The senator votes aye. Senator Wintrow votes aye.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 02/26/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> Senator Fernandez to explain her vote. >> Thank you, Madam President.
- I vote no. >> Are there any other senators wishing to be heard?
- I vote aye. >> Senator Harckham to be recorded in the affirmative.
- I vote aye. >> Senator Harckham to be recorded in the affirmative.
- I vote aye. >> Senator Harckham to be recorded in the affirmative.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior day’s journal, and then recognized several guest groups, including the Shenendehowa High School girls varsity cross country team and tennis champion Jolie Chichak, as well as the Downsville Central School Student Council. Senator Tedisco introduced the Shenendehowa athletes, highlighting their state and federation championships and strong academic records, and Senator Oberacker introduced the Downsville students. The chamber extended courtesies to the guests.
The Senate then moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills and resolutions. Among the measures approved were a bill designating Overdose Awareness Day, a real property tax bill, a public authorities bill, several education-related bills, a private housing finance bill, a workers’ compensation bill, and a labor law bill. Some items were laid aside before later being taken up, including the cannabis bill and the environmental conservation bill. Votes were largely unanimous or near-unanimous, with a few recorded negatives on certain bills.
The most extensive debate centered on Calendar 261, Senator May’s environmental conservation bill concerning renewable energy installations and transmission on state reforestation lands. Senator Walczyk and others questioned whether the bill would allow solar, wind, battery storage, tree cutting, herbicide use, and reduced environmental review, while supporters argued the bill was mainly about transmission corridors, climate goals, and preserving flexibility for DEC oversight and mitigation. After debate, the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed 42-13.
The Senate also passed Calendar 353, Senator Ramos’s labor law bill addressing class action wage recovery and statutory damages. Supporters said it would clarify the law so workers can recover full wages in class actions, while opponents warned it could encourage litigation against small businesses over technical payroll errors. The bill passed 47-8. The Senate then completed the calendar and adjourned until March 4, 2026, with intervening days as legislative days.