Transcript Highlights:

• The conference committee amendment to the House engrossed version of House Bill 2874 does the following
• : The conference committee amendment to the House engrossed version of House Bill 2874 does the following
• conference committee adopt the five-page amendment dated April 16, 2026, at 9:03 a.m. to the Senate engrossed
• April 16, 2026, at 9:03 a.m. to the Senate engrossed version of HB 2874 and authorize staff to make any
• April 16, 2026, at 9:03 a.m. to the Senate engrossed version of House Bill 2874 and authorize staff to

Summary: The House and Senate conference committees met on April 16, 2026, to consider House Bill 2874, which concerns campaign finance termination statements and penalties for late or missing reports. Staff explained that the House version would allow certain committees that received no contributions or made no expenditures to avoid penalties if they file a termination statement, while the Senate version had already added retroactive relief for committees that certify no activity during the reporting period and made the bill retroactive to December 31, 2021. Members discussed the conference amendment, which would require filing officers to publicly list committees that owe late-filing penalties, clarify that a termination statement is required to avoid fees and void penalties for inactive committees, extend the relief to some committees that had received contributions, cap penalties at $5,000 per late report beginning July 1, add a session-law provision voiding penalties under specified conditions, move the retroactivity date to July 5, 2016, and add an emergency clause. Members said the measure would help clear old campaign finance liabilities, improve transparency, and provide relief for small or inactive committees, including suspended accounts that fit the no-activity criteria. A motion was made and adopted to approve the five-page conference amendment dated April 16, 2026, at 9:03 a.m. to the Senate engrossed version of HB 2874 and to authorize technical and conforming changes recommended by the rules attorney. The motion passed by voice vote in both committees, and the conference committees then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please send to engrossing. Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 7.
• Please send to engrossing. Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 19.
• Please send to engrossing. Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 31.
• Please send to engrossing. Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 32.
• Please send to engrossing. Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 43.

Transcript Highlights:

• The question comes on passing the bill to be engrossed. Oh, forgive me.
• The ayes have it, and the bill is passed to be engrossed.
• The ayes have it, and the bill is passed to be engrossed. Report of a committee.
• The question now comes on passing the bill to be engrossed.
• The ayes have it, and the bill is passed to be engrossed.

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted a resolution congratulating Anna Karaz on her 100th birthday. It then took up and passed to be engrossed a home rule bill authorizing bilingual ballots in English and Haitian Creole for the Town of Randolph. The sponsoring senator spoke in support, saying the measure would improve access, inclusivity, and voter participation for Randolph’s growing Haitian Creole-speaking population, and noted the town’s low recent turnout and the importance of not waiting for a federal language-access review. The Senate also passed to be engrossed a bill authorizing the Town of Milford Select Board to appoint a highway surveyor. It later adopted a Ways and Means order advancing a House bill on teacher preparation and student literacy with a new draft, and suspended rules to refer several Senate petitions. Additional local bills were enacted, including measures concerning Provincetown’s charter, the appointed town clerk in Avon, and Westwood liquor license authority. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer a House petition on retirement benefits for a Massachusetts Maritime Academy associate professor. Later, the Senate amended and passed a bill validating and confirming certain acts and proceedings of elected and appointed officials in the Town of Plymouth. A senator also offered remarks congratulating Sweet Paws Rescue on its 15th anniversary and new facility, which were ordered printed in the Journal. The chamber then adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Gerard W. Moynihan of North Reading, followed by a moment of silence, and adjourned until the following Monday at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The question comes on passing the bill to be engrossed.
• The ayes have it, and the bill is passed to be engrossed.
• The ayes have it, and the bill is passed to be engrossed. Report of a committee.
• The question now comes on passing the bill to be engrossed.
• The ayes have it, and the bill is passed to be engrossed.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill is passed to be engrossed.
• The question now is on passing the bill to be engrossed. All those in favor say aye.
• The bill is passed to be engrossed.
• The question now is on passing the bill to be engrossed. All those in favor say aye.
• The bill is passed to be engrossed. House being in recess.

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several routine committee reports and local matters. It adopted resolutions honoring A Path in the Woods Foundation and the Latino Health Insurance Program, Inc., and suspended Joint Rule 12 to send two petitions to committee: one on creating a Great Brook State Park Trust Fund and another on designating a regional lockup as part of the Dukes County Jail and House of Correction. The House also advanced and approved several local bills. House Bill 5417, authorizing the town of Linfield to impose a local sales tax on restaurant meals, was ordered to a third reading. Senate Bills 2628 and 2895, concerning liquor licensing in Bolton and a conservation restriction amendment in Hanson, were passed to be enacted. Senate Bill 2577 on parking fines in Situate, House Bill 4585 on expanded senior property tax abatements in Auburn, and House Bill 5463 on a conservation restriction in Middleton were each passed to be engrossed. Later, the House concurred in a further amendment to Senate Bill 2903 honoring Blue Star Families and then passed that bill to be enacted. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for Fitchburg Deputy Chief Patrick James “P.J.” Roy. Before adjourning, the House adopted an order to meet again Wednesday at 11 a.m., with a Democratic caucus scheduled for noon and a formal session with roll calls at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The question comes on passing the bill to be engrossed.
• The ayes have it, and the bill is passed to be engrossed.
• The question comes on passing the bill to be engrossed.
• The ayes have it, and the bill is passed to be engrossed. Report of a committee.
• The question comes to passing the bill to be engrossed.

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted a resolution offered by Senator Comerford recognizing Russell Carrier’s 44 years of service to the Forbes Library. It then took up several local bills, including the Provincetown charter bill, which was passed to be engrossed, and the Greenfield charter bill, which was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 12 on a petition related to updating Massachusetts student transportation, referring the matter to the Committees on Public Safety and Homeland Security. The chamber then enacted two bills: one increasing the age limit for retired police officers serving as special police officers in Weston, and another dissolving a special fund in Athol. A House petition concerning access to applied behavior analysis services in schools was received under suspension of Joint Rule 12 and referred to the Committee on Education. The Senate also adopted an order to meet again the following Thursday at 1:00 p.m. in a formal session. Later, the Senate adopted an order extending the Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries’ reporting deadline on Senate Document 58, concerning oyster shell recycling, until January 23, 2026. The Senate then agreed to adjourn in memory of Manuel B. Barros, with a lengthy tribute describing his life, family, faith, and community service, observed a moment of silence, and adjourned until the next scheduled session.

Transcript Highlights:

• The following engrossed bill comes before the House, being rightly and truly prepared for final passage
• Question comes on passing the bill to be engrossed. All those in favor say aye; opposed, no.
• The ayes have it, and the bill is passed to be engrossed.
• The ayes have it, and the bill is passed to be engrossed.
• The ayes have it, and the bill is passed to be engrossed. Mr.

Summary: The House took up several committee reports and adopted a series of resolutions and procedural orders. It adopted resolutions honoring Yulanda Carrillo on her 102nd birthday and the Knights of Columbus Peabody Leo Council 508 on its 125th anniversary. The House also extended reporting deadlines for the Education Committee and the Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee, and concurred with a Senate referral of a sick leave bank petition for Emily Kulik. Joint Rule 12 was suspended for additional petitions, including a sick leave bank for Aden Daniels and a petition to rescind prior calls for a federal constitutional convention. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reported a number of local bills for House consideration, including measures on Norfolk reserved capacity billing, Dalton town manager residency requirements, Lancaster’s animal control commission, Cambridge parking enforcement notices, Fairhaven’s charter, Malden’s charter, Ipswich’s charter, and a sick leave bank for John C. Murphy. The House suspended Rule 7A, took the bills through second reading, and ordered them to a third reading. The House then considered and adopted the emergency preamble for House No. 4364, authorizing easements to the town of Bourne. It also passed to engrossment two Department of Correction sick leave bank bills: House No. 4426 for Paul Stavisky and House No. 4427 for Fenneda Janow Patel. Finally, the House adopted an order to meet again Thursday at 11 a.m., and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're going to start at the very top of our agenda with a public hearing on engrossed second, no, engrossed
• So turning to engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5928, the bill has two elements.
• So turning to engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5928, the bill has two elements.
• Here to testify in strong support of engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5928.
• We'll close the public hearing on engrossed Senate Bill 528.

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several insurance and consumer protection bills. On engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5928, staff and the Office of the Insurance Commissioner described wildfire risk score and model disclosure requirements for homeowners, including notices when policies are nonrenewed, canceled, or premiums are adversely affected, plus insurer website disclosures about mitigation discounts and rate filing transparency. Supporters, including the OIC, AARP, the mayor of Medical Lake, and a fire chief, said the bill would improve transparency, help homeowners understand and reduce wildfire risk, and protect consumers facing cancellations and rising premiums. Industry witnesses said they supported the goal but warned the bill could add regulatory cost and complexity, and some urged narrower, simpler disclosure language and a delayed implementation date. On engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6031, which would expand the insurance fraud program and create a standalone Class B felony for insurance fraud, the OIC and AARP supported the bill as a tool against organized fraud and restitution for victims. A criminal defense representative raised concerns that the new felony language overlaps with existing misdemeanor insurance fraud law and could create conflicting statutes and harsher penalties for the same conduct. The committee also heard testimony that the bill had already incorporated amendments limiting criminal investigators’ role in regulatory investigations and focusing them on complex schemes. The committee then heard substitute Senate Bill 6248 on travel insurance, described as largely mirroring a House bill already passed by the committee. Testimony from the travel insurance industry said agreed-upon amendments had been incorporated, including changes addressing conflict-of-interest concerns, and urged the bill’s advancement. Finally, the committee heard substitute Senate Bill 6079, which would create the Strengthen Washington Homes grant program to fund wildfire home-hardening and prohibit insurers from using wildfire risk as a disqualifying factor for homes meeting IBHS wildfire-prepared standards. The OIC, fire commissioners, AARP, and the prime sponsor supported the bill as a way to reduce nonrenewals and improve insurability, while insurers opposed Section 7, arguing it could interfere with underwriting and should be removed if the bill is to remain a grant program. The committee also began hearing engrossed Senate Bill 5280 on virtual currency kiosks, with staff and the Department of Financial Institutions describing daily transaction caps, fee limits, disclosures, and receipts to curb fraud; consumer protection and law enforcement witnesses supported the bill, while industry witnesses raised concerns about burdens on compliant businesses and passive retail hosts.

Transcript Highlights:

• With committee amendments, it is ordered to re-engross and pass to a third reading.
• With committee amendments, it is ordered engrossed and passed to a third reading.
• With committee amendments, it is ordered engrossed and passed to a third reading.
• With committee amendments, it is ordered re-engrossed and passed to a third reading.
• With committee amendments, it is ordered re-engrossed and passed to a third reading.

Bills: SR110 , SR109 , SCR58 , SCR59 , SCR12 , HB198 , HB225 , HB508 , HB512 , HB599 , HB632 , HB763 , HB909 , HB971 , HB989 , HB1066 , HB1171 , HB1204 , HB1231 , HB1246 , HB1248 , HB1250 , HB221 , HCR41 , HCR63 , HCR76 , HCR77 , HCR86 , HCR92 , HCR93 , HCR58 , SB83 , SB135 , SB143 , SB155 , SB157 , SB202 , SB237 , SB261 , SB276 , SB295 , SB388 , SB450 , SB465 , HB17 , HB21 , HB42 , HB45 , HB51 , HB55 , HB74 , HB106 , HB108 , HB133 , HB140 , HB159 , HB168 , HB215 , HB226 , HB263 , HB296 , HB299 , HB322 , HB324 , HB364 , HB519 , HB535 , HB538 , HB568 , HB571 , HB622 , HB635 , HB676 , HB772 , HB784 , HB821 , HB823 , HB1006 , HB1018 , HB1033 , HB1034 , HB1043 , HB1070 , HB1134 , HB1237 , HB1239 , SB162 , SB382 , SR93 , SCR40 , SCR30 , SB35 , SB65 , SB215 , SB228 , SB246 , SB249 , SB268 , SB269 , SB282 , SB283 , SB296 , SB323 , SB338 , SB363 , SB369 , SB408 , SB431 , SB474 , SB484 , SB490 , SB492 , SB500 , SB501 , SB513 , HCR6 , HCR31 , HB297 , HB305 , HB336 , HB337 , HB351 , HB436 , HB594 , HB789 , HB956 , HB957 , HB995 , HB1040 , HB50 , HB117 , HB120 , HB122 , HB139 , HB148 , HB149 , HB185 , HB247 , HB271 , HB286 , HB301 , HB358 , HB359 , HB384 , HB413 , HB428 , HB450 , HB462 , HB547 , HB613 , HB631 , HB657 , HB669 , HB675 , HB680 , HB691 , HB712 , HB716 , HB720 , HB723 , HB727 , HB728 , HB735 , HB747 , HB759 , HB825 , HB842 , HB845 , HB846 , HB903 , HB904 , HB907 , HB923 , HB929 , HB941 , HB962 , HB965 , HB1036 , HB287 , HB370 , HB515 , HB521 , HB570 , HB1200 , HB29 , HB39 , HB58 , HB67 , HB73 , HB76 , HB77 , HB82 , HB112 , HB121 , HB125 , HB132 , HB134 , HB151 , HB154 , HB155 , HB161 , HB166 , HB187 , HB191 , HB207 , HB211 , HB224 , HB238 , HB241 , HB242 , HB250 , HB260 , HB265 , HB275 , HB300 , HB320 , HB338 , HB339 , HB349 , HB379 , HB399 , HB427 , HB463 , HB464 , HB468 , HB545 , HB550 , HB551 , HB565 , HB588 , HB639 , HB725 , HB782 , HB805 , HB808 , HB834 , HB847 , HB853 , HB858 , HB861 , HB883 , HB916 , HB937 , HB977 , HB1012 , HB1027 , HB1044 , HB1054 , HB1091 , HB1117 , HB90 , HB127 , HB138 , HB150 , HB201 , HB268 , HB273 , HB285 , HB315 , HB354 , HB355 , HB360 , HB376 , HB445 , HB506 , HB606 , HB649 , HB665 , HB681 , HB721 , HB746 , HB757 , HB781 , HB835 , HB844 , HB857 , HB872 , HB886 , HB889 , HB892 , HB972 , HB982 , HB987 , HB1037 , HB1068 , HB1072 , HB1078 , HB1085 , HB1132 , HB1137 , HB1167 , HB1174 , HB1232 , HB1238 , HB36 , HB119 , HB126 , HB129 , HB245 , HB280 , HB677 , HB726 , HB850 , HB966 , SB68 , SB149

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard a prayer from Dr. Michael Sprague, and recited the pledge. The body then suspended the rules to welcome House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who highlighted federal-state cooperation and credited Louisiana lawmakers with helping advance policies such as no tax on overtime, expanded energy development, and major business investment in the state. The chamber also recognized several visiting groups and observances, including Leadership Lafayette, the new Orleans Parish sheriff, Pro-Life Day at the Capitol, Recreation and Parks Day/Month, Main Street Day, LMA Day, and Links Day, with multiple resolutions adopted or concurred in for those recognitions. On legislation, the Senate handled a mix of committee reports, House messages, and floor action. It concurred in House Concurrent Resolution 92 and 93, adopted SCR 60, SR 11, SR 93, and SCR 40, and advanced or adopted numerous bills and resolutions. Notable measures included workers’ compensation bills SB 162, SB 382, and SB 408; SB 500 on medical review panels and certificates of merit; SB 268 and SB 228 on lead service line replacement and use of public funds; SB 338 on school bullying prevention; SB 431 on towing and storage access; HB 297 on lease termination for stalking and cyberstalking victims; HB 305 on child sexual abuse material evidence handling; HB 336 on post-conviction relief timelines; HB 436 allowing veterans to serve as park police/wardens; HB 594 designating SCN2A Day; HB 957 on prisoner transfer notifications; HB 995 on videotaped statements; HB 1040 on juvenile detention board membership; HB 117 reauthorizing the Department of State; HB 120, HB 122, HB 139, HB 247, and HB 286 creating or adjusting local districts; and HB 185 clarifying independent contractor coverage in workers’ compensation. Several bills were amended on the floor before passage, including SB 382, SB 500, SB 431, SB 338, and HB 185, while some measures were returned to the calendar or referred to committees. The Senate also received and referred a large number of House bills and concurrent resolutions on topics including health care reimbursement, criminal procedure, education, insurance, natural resources, transportation, and local governance. Votes recorded in the transcript were generally favorable, with many measures passing unanimously or by wide margins, though a few drew opposition, such as HB 185 and HB 957.

Transcript Highlights:

• Before you is an engrossed substitute and engrossed second substitute House Bill 2515, an act relating
• A fiscal note just came in right before the meeting started on the engrossed bill.
• This is a companion to Engrossed Senate Bill 5984.
• We have Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2225 before us.
• We have Engrossed House Bill 2575 before us.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2515, which addresses emerging large energy use facilities, especially data centers. Staff explained that the bill requires utilities to adopt tariffs or policies for data centers, adds reporting and sustainability requirements, sets renewable energy targets, and creates a sales tax exemption for certain eligible data center equipment in eastern Washington. The House sponsor said the bill is intended to protect ratepayers, grid reliability, water resources, and Washington’s climate goals as data center growth accelerates. Tribal representatives and several environmental and labor witnesses urged restoring provisions removed from the House version, especially authority to curtail data center load during energy emergencies and to refuse service if reliability or affordability would be harmed; they also asked for stronger water reporting and protections for salmon. Utility, business, and data center industry witnesses supported the bill’s general framework but raised concerns about implementation, costs, and some of the added requirements, while some opposed the tax exemption and the loss of earlier protections. No final action on 2515 was taken during the hearing portion shown. The committee then heard and acted on several bills in executive session. It passed Substitute House Bill 1302, which allows municipal utilities to waive connection charges for industrial symbiosis projects. It also passed House Bill 2338 on community-scaled weatherization projects after rejecting an amendment, and House Bill 2367 on eliminating preferential treatment for a coal-fired plant after rejecting an amendment. Substitute House Bill 2496 on tribal consultation by the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council was amended and then passed, while amendments to change public meeting and tribal summary provisions were rejected. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2225 on AI companion chatbots, House Bill 2426 on PCHB efficiency and appeals, House Bill 2606 on the Office of Privacy and Data Protection, Engrossed House Bill 2575 on reducing reporting obligations, and Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2215 on Climate Commitment Act compliance for fuels were also advanced, with some amendments adopted and others rejected. The committee then reopened public hearing on House Bill 2416, which would treat a Spokane waste-to-energy facility differently under the Climate Commitment Act by allocating no-cost allowances in the second compliance period and requiring a decarbonization and waste-reduction plan. Spokane city officials, labor, environmental groups, and Ecology generally supported the bill as a balanced approach that protects ratepayers while allowing the facility to decarbonize, though Avista raised a concern about language implying a utility compliance obligation. After that, the committee resumed testimony on House Bill 1170, which requires large AI providers to offer provenance tools and disclosures for AI-generated or altered images, video, and audio. Supporters said the bill would help workers and consumers identify synthetic media and prevent impersonation and misinformation, while industry and civil liberties witnesses argued the bill is technically difficult, uses new definitions, and may be unworkable or premature compared with California’s evolving approach.

Transcript Highlights:

• Engrossed House Bill 1160, now with Senate amendments, a bill for an act to create a new section to Chapter
• Madam Secretary, engrossed House Bill 1247, now with Senate amendments, a bill for an act to create a
• Engrossed House Bill 1487, now with Senate amendments, a bill for an act to authorize the Department
• Engrossed House Bill 1487, now with Senate amendments, a bill for an act to authorize the Department
• Engrossed House Bill 1469, now with Senate amendments, a bill for an act to amend and reenact sections

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then moved through a series of conference committee appointments and reconsideration motions. Senator Axtman successfully moved to reconsider House Bill 1160, which had previously failed, and the chamber later passed it. HB 1160 creates a statewide bell-to-bell policy restricting personal electronic devices during instructional time; supporters argued it would reduce distractions, improve mental health and academic outcomes, and help teachers, while opponents raised local control concerns. The bill passed 42-4. The Senate also passed several other measures, including HB 1247 on protecting student victims of sexual offenses, HB 1489 consolidating civil protection orders into one chapter, HB 1032 making municipal courts courts of record and updating related procedures, HB 1487 authorizing a Minot facility for the Highway Patrol and Bureau of Criminal Investigation with a line of credit and emergency clause, HB 1469 requiring annual online statements of interest for public officials, HB 1199 creating the Missing and Indigenous People Task Force and related MMIP initiatives, HB 1169 regulating paid veterans benefits claim assistance with consumer protections, HB 1209 directing a foreign adversary threat assessment, and HB 3018 as amended to study water, wetlands, and taxation of inundated lands. Most of these passed with strong bipartisan support, though HB 1169 drew substantial debate over veterans’ service options and HB 1209 passed on a narrower 40-7 vote. The chamber rejected or declined several other measures. HB 1455, which would have required the Indian Affairs Commission to review introduced legislation for tribal implications, failed 7-40 after concerns about an unfunded mandate and duplicative duties. HB 1259, which would have put North Dakota on year-round daylight saving time, was defeated 15-32 after debate over time zones, construction, recreation, and whether the issue should be left to future legislatures. HB 1555, dealing with statements of ownership for foreign organizations of concern, also failed 3-44. The Senate then moved to announcements and committee scheduling for later meetings and conference committees.

Transcript Highlights:

• originated and passed the following House bill and ordered same sent forth to the Senate without engrossment
• 49:17.520><c> the</c><00:49:17.599><c> Senate</c><00:49:17.920><c> without</c><00:49:18.240><c> engrossment
• </c> with to the Senate without engrossment. with to the Senate without engrossment.
• 51:26.079><c> the</c><00:51:26.160><c> Senate</c><00:51:26.480><c> without</c><00:51:26.720><c> engrossment
• </c> with to the Senate without engrossment. with to the Senate without engrossment.

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum. Early procedural motions were adopted without objection, including excusing absent senators, dispensing with the prior journal, and allowing bills and committee reports to be introduced throughout the day. The Senate then took up several confirmation reports from the Committee on Confirmations, unanimously confirming Ralph Foster, Andre Harrison, Katie Randall, Donna Jones, and Reetta McCannan to the State Textbook Committee for Social Studies. The chamber also received a favorable report on Senate Bill 174 from the Transportation and Energy Committee, and later adopted a special order calendar from the Rules Committee. On the floor, the Senate passed a series of measures, including SB 104, which requires training for members of certain boards, commissions, and councils under the sunset law but was amended to exclude county and municipal boards; HB 59, a cleanup bill concerning the Certified Public Accountants Board; SB 8, authorizing the Emergency Management Agency to spend public funds on public information; SB 66, changing University of Monavalo board terms and related requirements, with an amendment protecting certain trustees appointed before January 1, 2027; SB 168, codifying limits on a reading technique and emphasizing the science of reading; SB 149, creating a temporary teaching certificate pathway for qualified military veterans; SB 46, adding a special driver’s license designation for individuals with invisible disabilities; and SB 90, addressing seafood dealer licenses and support for domestic seafood producers. Local bills including SB 175 and HB 84, HB 200, HB 201, HB 184, HB 203, HB 204, HB 205, HB 133, HB 134, HB 193, and HB 112 also advanced or passed, with several county-specific measures receiving BR adoption, final passage, and in one case certification. Near the end of the meeting, leadership and members discussed severe weather and contingency plans for the coming week. Budget hearings scheduled for Monday were canceled and moved to Thursday, with the Senate planning to meet Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. if weather permits, or Wednesday if necessary. The Senate also received several House messages referring local bills to committee. The session adjourned after a motion to adjourn until Tuesday, January 27 at 3:00 p.m., with the journal left open to receive House messages.

Transcript Highlights:

• sent to the Senate with engrossed riders in lieu of a Full engrossment.
• The question occurs on passage to engrossment.
• There being 144 ayes, 0 nays, HB 102 is passed to engrossment.
• The question occurs, the passage of engrossment of House Bill 290.
• House Bill 290 is passed to engrossment.

Bills: HJR5 , HB39 , HB 102 , HB 126 , HB290 , HB300 , HB1330 , HB2110 , HB2143 , HCR64 , HCR101

Keywords: education funding, Texas State Technical College System, constitutional amendment, capital projects, workforce education, military education, early registration, ROTC, corps of cadets, higher education, military academy, student athletes, name image likeness, compensation, intercollegiate athletics, representation, tuition assistance, military, Texas State Guard, education

Transcript Highlights:

• I move passage to engrossment.
• Senate Bill 5096 to engrossment. Senator Hagan moves passage to engrossment. There is objection.
• The bill is passed to engrossment.
• Move passage to engrossment. Senator King moves passage to engrossment. Is there an objection?
• Passage to engrossment. Thank you, Mr. President. I move passage to engrossment. Any objection?

Bills: SJR27 , SJR39 , SB22 , SB33 , SB34 , SB37 , SB209 , SB310 , SB326 , SB505 , SB605 , SB618 , SB732 , SB762 , SB769 , SB783 , SB819 , SB825 , SB870 , SB964 , SB1030 , SB1080 , SB1085 , SB1099 , SB1124 , SB1208 , SB1233 , SB1314 , SB1320 , SB1333 , SB1398 , SB1405 , SB1541 , SB1567 , SB1596 , SB1598 , SB1625 , SB1646 , SB1662 , SB1750 , SB1758 , SB1791 , SB1804 , SB1810 , SB1818 , SB1838 , SB1855 , SB1869 , SB1951 , SB2024 , SB2077 , SB2078 , SB2252 , SB2253 , SB2368 , SB2411 , SB2420 , SB2425 , SB2569

Keywords: judicial conduct, state commission, judicial misconduct, commission membership, constitutional amendment, veto override, legislature power, governor, Texas Constitution, Texas, moving image industry, incentive program, film production, grant funding, job creation, economic development, wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Dozier moves that the rules be suspended and that engrossed substitute bill 6247 be advanced
• Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6247 on third reading and final passage.
• Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6246 on third reading and final passage. Remarks.
• Having received a constitutional majority, Engrossed Senate Bill 6246 is declared to pass.
• On engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5906, the Secretary will call the roll. Alvarado.

Summary: The Senate considered and passed several bills, many of them after moving substitutes and suspending the rules to advance them directly to final passage. Second Substitute Senate Bill 6035, dealing with access to voting services for military, overseas, Native American, and disabled voters, was described as a civic engagement measure that would require county auditors and the Secretary of State to work with federally recognized tribes and explore a secure voting portal. Supporters emphasized outreach, access, and helping overseas and disabled voters; opponents raised concerns about online voting security, paper ballot integrity, and emerging technologies. The bill passed 38-19. Substitute Senate Bill 6034, which statutorily establishes the Governor’s Office on Indian Affairs, passed unanimously 49-0 after supporters said it would formally anchor an office that has existed for decades and better reflect the state’s government-to-government relationship with tribes. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6247, on school district financial management and training, also passed 49-0 after an amendment was adopted to delay implementation and clarify funding for training. Supporters said the bill would help school boards, superintendents, and ESDs identify districts sliding toward financial distress and improve fiscal oversight. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 5922, giving school districts more flexibility to transfer unused school bus depreciation funds when declining enrollment means replacement buses may not be needed, and Senate Bill 6278, requiring ongoing review of teacher and principal preparation programs so training better matches classroom needs; both passed with broad support. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6246, concerning emissions-intensive, trade-exposed facilities under the Climate Commitment Act, drew the most extended debate and passed 27-22 after a striking amendment was adopted and a proposed reporting amendment was rejected. Supporters said it creates a framework for future emissions allowance reductions while protecting jobs and competitiveness; opponents warned it would drive mills and other industrial employers out of Washington. The Senate also passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5906, the SAFE Act limiting ICE access to non-public areas of schools, colleges, health care facilities, daycares, and similar sites without a warrant, after adopting amendments related to model policies and union notification; supporters framed it as a safety and due process measure, while opponents called it an attempt to obstruct federal law enforcement. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5905, addressing PERS membership for certain port workers in federal railroad retirement plans, passed 49-0 as a technical pension fix.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill considered engrossed, read the third time, and placed on final passage.
• </c><01:09:13.839><c> time,</c><01:09:14.560><c> and</c> engrossed, read the third time, and engrossed
• The bill considered engrossed, read a third time and placed on final passage.
• </c><04:54:05.520><c> time,</c><04:54:05.680><c> and</c> engrossed, read the third time, and engrossed
• ><c> read</c><06:17:49.200><c> a</c> The bill considered engrossed read a The bill considered engrossed

Transcript Highlights:

• The question comes on passing the bill to be engrossed.
• The ayes have it, and the bill is passed to be engrossed.
• The question comes on passing the bill to be engrossed.
• The ayes have it, and the bill is passed to be engrossed.
• revising the charter of the town of Millis, as amended, H. 3911, comes from the House passed to be engrossed

Summary: The Senate convened with the Pledge of Allegiance and first took up final passage of H. 4426, establishing a sick leave bank for Paul Starvasky of the Department of Correction. A standing vote was required for the emergency preamble, which was adopted, and the bill later passed to be enacted along with H. 4158, expanding the Select Board of the Town of Weston, and H. 4532, exempting certain affordable housing and branch library space in Dorchester from public procurement laws. All three bills were signed by the President and sent to the Governor. The chamber also adopted a Senate resolution commending Hope and Comfort Incorporated for observing Hygiene and Security Awareness Week. In addition, the Senate ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed S. 1859, a retirement bill for Walter L. Gertner, a former Attleboro firefighter, and H. 360, a bill further regulating certain on-premises alcoholic beverage licenses in Holyoke. The Senate also suspended rules to advance a petition concerning purchase of out-of-state service and referred it to the Committee on Public Service, and received a House bill revising the charter of the town of Millis, which was ordered to a third reading. The Senate referred a House petition on expanding access to the family self-sufficiency program to the Committee on Housing. Members then adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Stephen E. Strum, with a brief remembrance read into the record. Finally, the Senate adopted an order to meet again the following Thursday at 11 a.m. and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The question comes on passage of the bill being engrossed. All those in favor say, aye.
• The bill is passed to be engrossed. Senator, there will be a brief recess.
• The bill is passed to be engrossed. The Senate will be in a brief recess.
• Question now comes on passing the bill to be engrossed.
• Question now comes on passing a bill to be engross.

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a ceremonial welcome for the Duxbury Bay Maritime School crew team, which was congratulated for winning the 2025 Massachusetts Public School Rowing Association spring championship. The chamber also adopted several congratulatory resolutions honoring Eagle Scouts Henry Skolsky, Gregory de Rochman, Colin Bauker, and Gabriel Bennett. The Senate then took up and passed two sick leave bank bills for Massachusetts Department of Transportation employees: House No. 4104 for Daniel Yender and House No. 4161 for Mark Kratman. It also ordered a series of other calendar items to third reading without debate. The chamber later considered Senate No. 2550, the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, with Senator Preen explaining that the bill would align Massachusetts with other states, reduce forum shopping, and better protect left-behind parents; the bill was amended by Ways and Means, ordered to a third reading, and passed to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 39-0. The Senate next took up Senate No. 2551, the Debt Collection Fairness Act. Senator Eldridge described provisions to raise garnishment protections, lower post-judgment interest rates, prohibit imprisonment for consumer debt, and shorten the statute of limitations on debt collection, while noting support from consumer advocates and the Attorney General. After adopting a technical Ways and Means amendment, the Senate ordered the bill to a third reading and passed it to be engrossed by roll call vote. The chamber also adopted committee reports placing Senate Bills 137 and 1034 on the Orders of the Day and advanced a Ways and Means-recommended substitute draft for a bill on police interactions with people with autism spectrum disorder. The session adjourned in memory of Mark Sullivan.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then let's go to the last bill: Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5203.
• We go to our last bill for the day, and engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5203.
• Representative Hall is moved engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5203.
• Now before us is engrossed substitute Senate Bill 5203, as we just amended it.
• Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5203. Remarks, Representative Hall. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Summary: The Transportation Committee met on February 25 for executive action on three bills. House Bill 2306, a supplemental transportation appropriations bill for the 2025-27 biennium, was amended and advanced. The committee adopted a technical corrections amendment, a Fey amendment shifting King County Metro electrification funding from the South Annex Base project to the Central Campus Electrification Project, and rejected an Entenman amendment that would have moved $11 million for the 220 Corridor completion project from the 2027-29 biennium into the current biennium. Members discussed ferry vessel planning, maintenance and preservation, State Patrol staffing, and Climate Commitment Act investments before approving the bill 28-0 with one excused. House Bill 2711, dealing with transportation resources and tax changes, was also amended and passed. The committee adopted a technical amendment, rejected an Orcutt amendment that would have restored trade-in deductions for the luxury vehicle and recreational vessel taxes, adopted a Paul amendment temporarily exempting motorhomes from the luxury vehicle tax in late 2026, and adopted a Fey amendment directing interest earned on two transportation accounts to remain in those accounts. The bill’s substitute would repeal the luxury aircraft tax, change treatment of the luxury vehicle and vessel taxes, delay tow truck reimbursement provisions, and create a Preserve Washington Account. The committee approved the bill 27-1, with Representative Orcutt voting no without recommendation. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5203, which would direct WSDOT and Fish and Wildlife to develop an integrated wildlife habitat connectivity strategy and create wildlife corridor and crossings accounts, was amended and passed. The committee adopted Hall’s amendment requiring consultation with landowners, agricultural producers, and community members before construction of wildlife crossings. Supporters said the bill would improve road safety and conservation and help position the state for federal and private funding, while opponents argued it could create expectations for new crossings without identified resources. The bill advanced 16-12, with several members voting no or no without recommendation. The chair then outlined upcoming committee meetings, possible floor deadlines for the budget bills, and noted there would be no caucuses that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Dotson moves to amend Senate File 4171, the first engrossment. The amendment is coded A2.
• Hussain moves to amend Senate File 4171, the first engrossment. The amendment is coded A1.
• </c><00:01:35.200><c> The</c> 4171, the first engrossment. The 4171, the first engrossment.
• </c><00:04:17.640><c> The</c><00:04:17.720><c> amendment</c><00:04:18.040><c> is</c> the first engrossment
• The amendment is the first engrossment. The amendment is coded<00:04:18.680><c> A1.