Video & Transcript : 'rules committee' :
Page 317 of 500
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Committee steps to. Senate Bill 2405.
- And so the committee will... officially keep the committee substitute to Senate Bill 2570 pending here
- in committee at this time.
- When there is a committee substitute, the chair sends up the committee substitute for Senate Bill 1667
- The committee substitute for SB 2180 authorizes the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement to develop rules
Bills:
SB552 , SB1099 , SB1124 , SB1208 , SB1372 , SB1506 , SB1667 , SB1804 , SB1806 , SB1870 , SB1936 , SB1937 , SB2180 , SB2405 , SB2569 , SB2570 , SB1646
Committee:
Senate Criminal Justice
Keywords:
community supervision, criminal justice, illegal alien, deferred adjudication, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, SB 1099, undocumented immigrant, unauthorized immigrant, immigration status, felony sentencing enhancement, criminal penalty increase, Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, affirmative finding, judgment finding, deportation, public safety, immigration enforcement, sentencing reform, felony offense
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Senate Session (Part I)Receipt of House messages; reading and referral of bills. Sep 2nd, 2025
Texas Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Sarah Hughes, uh, when you are suspending the rules to have the meeting, which bill are you suspending
- the rules to?
- To a motion to suspend the rules. You're recognized, Mr.
- President, members, I move to suspend the 24 hour posting rule in accordance with Senate Rules 11.10
- Uh, members, uh, the Committee on State Affairs will meet upon recess at my desk, desk 1, pursuant to
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Rules Committee May 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate Rules Committee will begin, and we will come to order.
- Our final item before we turn to Governor's Appointees is item 4, rule waiver requests by the Committee
- Our final item before we turn to Governor's Appointees is item four, rule waiver requests by the Committee
- Madam Chairperson, distinguished members of the Senate Rules Committee, it is an honor to appear before
- I want to, I was also on the Rules Committee in 2023 for Commissioner Weiss's confirmation.
Summary:
The Senate Rules Committee established quorum and first approved several governor’s appointments to the California Housing Finance Agency Board of Directors and the State Mining and Geology Board, with one mining board appointment passing 3-2 and the others passing 5-0. The committee also approved a rule waiver request from the Budget and Fiscal Review Committee to allow budget subcommittees to meet during the blackout period, and it referred ACA 7 (Jackson) to the committees listed on the agenda after rejecting a motion to add Labor, Public Employment and Retirement as an additional referral.
The committee then heard testimony from five appointees to the Board of Parole Hearings: William Munis, Michael Ruff, Rosalind Sergeant Burns, Mary Thornton, and Jack Weiss. In opening remarks, the appointees emphasized their corrections, legal, and public safety backgrounds and described parole work as evidence-based, collaborative, and focused on current risk rather than the original offense alone. Senators, especially Senator Jones, pressed them on recent high-profile parole grants involving child sex offenders, the extent of commissioner discretion, the use of coping mechanisms and risk assessments, transparency in en banc review votes, and whether the board’s decisions adequately protect public safety. The appointees said they must follow the law, rely on structured risk tools and expert assessments, and treat each case individually; several said they would defer to the Legislature on whether en banc votes should be made public.
Members also questioned the board about use of MAT/drug-treatment records, commutation review, institutional behavior and write-ups, victim participation, elderly parole, and the role of community support and rehabilitation. The commissioners said treatment records are considered only in context with other reliable evidence, that reconsideration hearings and recidivism data help evaluate whether tools are working, and that victim and family members are given respectful accommodations and opportunities to participate. Senator Jones said he was not satisfied with the answers on discretion and accountability and stated he would not support Jack Weiss’s reappointment, citing ongoing concerns about professionalism. Public testimony at the end was overwhelmingly supportive of the five commissioners, with several advocates, formerly incarcerated people, and anti-recidivism coalition members praising the board’s rigor and the role of rehabilitation.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Elections Committee Jul 16th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- The committee has five measures on its agenda, nothing on consent.
- Additional comments will be ruled out of order.
- Good morning, Madam Chair and committee members.
- Good morning, members of the committee. My name is Ruth Sosa-Martinez.
- I applaud the author, the organizations, and committee staff.
Summary:
The Assembly Elections Committee met on July 16, 2025, and heard five measures focused on election administration, voter participation, judicial retention elections, charitable solicitation by officials, and local transportation tax initiatives. The chair noted the committee’s rules for limited witness testimony and accepted written testimony through the legislative portal. Several authors presented their bills in person or through a committee member due to scheduling conflicts.
SB 3 by Senator Cervantes would tighten and clarify the ballot signature-cure process, including requiring standardized forms from election officials and adding a reminder on vote-by-mail envelopes about signature matching. Supporters said the bill would reduce rejected ballots and make the process more reliable; there was no opposition. The committee voted do pass as amended and re-refer to Appropriations. SB 316 by Senator Reyes, presented by Assembly Member Pellerin, would expand high school voter registration and pre-registration outreach to students, with testimony from students, education groups, disability advocates, and civic organizations in support. One member opposed on the grounds that it could be an unfunded mandate for schools. The bill passed 4-1.
ACA 8 by Assembly Member Pellerin would change appellate and Supreme Court judicial retention elections so justices would appear on the ballot only if voters file a petition requesting it. Supporters, including the Secretary of State, the League of Women Voters, and the California Judges Association, said it would reduce ballot length, voter fatigue, and costs while preserving accountability. One member raised concern about the future petition threshold and the possibility it could be set too high, and voted no. The measure passed 4-2. SB 760 by Senator Allen would narrow behested payment reporting requirements for public appeals to charities, especially in disaster response, while preserving disclosure where officials, family members, or staff have conflicts of interest. Good-government groups supported the bill as a balance between transparency and encouraging charitable appeals; it passed unanimously on the recorded vote.
SB 512 by Senator Perez would clarify that voters in transportation districts may use citizen initiatives to propose transportation sales taxes where the district already has taxing authority. Supporters argued it aligns Elections Code with Proposition 218 and recent case law, while opponents from business and real estate groups objected to the measure’s implications for tax approval rules. The committee approved the bill 5-2. After calling absent members, the committee cleared the calendar and adjourned.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
PUBLIC HEALTH WELFARE AND LABOR COMMITTEE-SENATE AND HOUSE Apr 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- cute kids, so I'm violating my number one rule now.
- Good afternoon, committee. My name is Brad and I.
- If I understand correctly, the state can have a more stringent rule, just not a more broad rule.
- Are there any questions, members of the committee? All right, seeing none, this rule is reviewed.
- Seeing no questions from the committee, without objection, this rule will be reviewed.
Summary:
The committee heard extensive public testimony from youth advocates and public health speakers urging action on vaping. Witnesses said flavored products and social media are driving youth use in Arkansas, described nicotine addiction and health harms, and asked lawmakers to prohibit vaping in public indoor spaces, align vape rules with smoke-free laws, and expand prevention efforts. Committee members thanked the speakers and encouraged them to continue building support for future legislation.
The main presentation was an overview of Arkansas’s Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year federal initiative funded through CMS. State officials said Arkansas received about $209 million for the first year and may receive roughly $1 billion over five years if performance is strong. They emphasized that the program is intended for targeted, locally driven transformation rather than general operating support, debt relief, or new construction, and outlined four initiatives: Heart, PACT, Rise, and Thrive, focused on prevention, access and coordination, workforce development, and technology. Officials said applications would open in the spring, with a reimbursement-based process and a goal of launching all four initiatives by June.
Members asked detailed questions about eligibility, rural definitions, school gardens, faith-based and nonprofit partnerships, mobile clinics, EMS, behavioral health, residency slots, and whether urban providers serving rural patients could apply. Officials said the program would favor regional collaboration, could support targeted renovations and expansion of existing programs, and would allow residency growth and some equipment or infrastructure purchases, but not food purchases or permanent new construction. They also said a committee of state health and finance officials would review applications, with heavy technical assistance and an expectation of quick turnaround.
The committee also reviewed two DHS/Health Department rules. One implemented Medicaid and CHIP coverage and care coordination for eligible incarcerated youth before and after release, including targeted case management and screening services, with no public comments received. The other updated audiology licensing rules to reflect recent acts expanding scope of practice and changing the renewal deadline. Both rules were reviewed without objection, and the committee adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 23rd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Reports of committees will be deemed read and amendments deemed adopted.
- There is a rules committee resolution at the desk to suspend joint rule 6161, I ask that we go to that
- Resolve the joint rule 6161A be suspended to permit the committee on appropriations to meet, consider
- Ayes 56, noes 0, joint rule 61 is suspended.
- to the Appropriations Committee.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Feb 16th, 2026 at 08:30 am
State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Rule 69 requires that your testimony before this committee be under oath or affirmation, so would
- Senate Rule 69 requires that your testimony before this committee... Okay, welcome.
- Senate Rule 69 requires that your testimony before this committee be under oath or affirmation.
- I move that the bill receive a do pass recommendation to be sent to the Rules Committee.
- Receive a do pass recommendation to be sent to the Rules Committee. Any discussion?
Keywords:
state employment, classified service, civil service, job qualifications, degree requirements, postgraduate degree, master's degree, doctorate, higher education, Office of Financial Management, OFM, classification plan, salary survey, market rate pay, compensation, workforce diversity, hiring reform, employment eligibility, work authorization, DACA
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Reports of Standing Committees.
- : SB 116, pass from the Committee of the Whole to the desk.
- Rules. SB 1130, army list. HB 1135, underground facilities excavation notification. Rules.
- Senate bills 1002 and 1036 are withdrawn from the Committee on Rules and further referred to the Committee
- referred to the Committee on Federalism as CM 103.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, approved the prior journal, and made temporary committee appointments. It then resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider SB 1106, a tax conformity bill tied to federal tax changes. Senators debated the measure at length, with supporters arguing it would provide tax relief, certainty for taxpayers and businesses, and conformity with federal filing rules, while opponents said it would reduce state revenue, favor wealthier taxpayers and corporations, and should be handled in budget negotiations or a special session. The bill advanced from Committee of the Whole and, on third reading, passed the Senate 17-12 with one not voting, then was transmitted to the House and later to the governor.
During the floor debate, senators focused on the bill’s effects on child care deductions, senior deductions, overtime and tip income, business expensing, and a provision related to federal school voucher tax credits. Democrats argued the bill would worsen budget pressures, undermine funding for education, roads, public safety, and human services, and do little for families on child care waitlists or seniors still working. Republicans countered that the bill would keep more money in taxpayers’ pockets, support working families and small businesses, and align Arizona’s tax code with federal changes to avoid confusion for filers.
After the tax vote, Senator Bolick read a proclamation honoring Arizona and U.S. law enforcement, citing fallen officers, officer assaults, and the need for training, equipment, mental health support, and tougher penalties for attacks on officers. The Senate then received and referred a large number of new bills to committees, announced upcoming committee meetings, and adjourned until Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Rules is moved to. Meeting immediately upon adjournment of the floor.
- The Committee on Rules is moved to immediately adjournment on the floor. Have you all registered?
- Committee on Rules is moved to immediately adjournment on the floor. Have you all registered?
- Speaker Pro Tem, the Rules Committee will meet immediately after floor, hearing room four.
- Rules Committee immediately after floor in hearing room four. Thank you.
Summary:
The House met in regular session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and recognized several guests and personal privileges, including introductions of students and family members. The chamber also took up a motion to request the Senate return SB 1160 for reconsideration, and then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider measures on the calendar.
In Committee of the Whole, members considered SB 1118, SB 1178, and SB 1419. SB 1118 received an appropriations committee amendment and a floor amendment related to balancing housing affordability with historic preservation, and was recommended do pass as amended. SB 1178, dealing with naturopathic medicine accreditation and scope issues, drew debate: supporters said it would protect patient access and provider supply by updating accreditation-related definitions, while opponents argued it expanded scope too far and sidestepped federal accreditation concerns; the bill was ultimately recommended do pass as amended. SB 1419, concerning solar energy devices and disclosure protections for residential, multifamily, commercial, and industrial units, was also amended and recommended do pass as amended. SB 1497 was retained on the calendar.
The House then entered an additional Committee of the Whole for SB 1242 and SB 1270. SB 1242, which allows audio and audio-visual technology for mental health evaluations or treatment hearings, was amended to modify the definition of a mental health treatment agency and recommended do pass as amended. SB 1270 also received a floor amendment and was recommended do pass as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole and additional Committee of the Whole reports, properly engrossing SB 1118, SB 1178, SB 1419, SB 1242, and SB 1270, while retaining SB 1497.
On third reading, the House passed SB 1162, SB 1274, SB 1426, SB 1552, and SB 1814. SB 1814, which establishes a substance use disorder treatment standards and oversight study committee, drew remarks in support of a study committee to address fraud, waste, abuse, and treatment reform. The House also announced upcoming committee and caucus meetings and adjourned until 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Mar 16th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Committee, thanks for everybody being here today.
- Any other questions, committee? Not seeing any.
- Chairman and committee members.
- And so this would repeal that section of rule.
- I move that we hold House Bill 863 in committee.
Summary:
The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved the February 18, 2026 minutes and then heard House Bill 863 from Senator Julie Van Orden. The bill would reduce Medicaid residential habilitation rates by pulling back funding tied to a 2022 KW lawsuit-related service array while keeping the separate provider rate increase in place, and it would add audit/cost-survey language. Department of Health and Welfare officials said the 2022 funds were originally federal ARPA dollars, that the state share was later expected to be addressed, and that the bill would require third-party audits and broader cost surveys for home and community-based services. Van Orden and the department argued the bill would not eliminate services but would strengthen oversight and provide better data for future rate decisions.
Testimony was sharply divided. Providers and advocates said the proposed reduction would destabilize residential habilitation agencies, force wage cuts, reduce services, and risk closures, while supporting the audit and transparency provisions. Several witnesses emphasized that the services help vulnerable adults remain in the community and warned of downstream costs if supports are reduced. A litigation attorney testified that the bill’s findings were inaccurate, saying the KW case remains active, the department is still under court orders, and reductions could trigger further litigation or enforcement issues. Department officials responded that the bill would repeal certain rate-setting rules tied to current cost-survey methods and that the new audits would be phased in.
After testimony, Senator Van Orden closed by reiterating that the bill was intended to reduce, not remove, the service funding and to require a third-party audit. The committee then considered motions to hold the bill in committee. A substitute motion to hold House Bill 863 in committee subject to the call of the chair passed on a 7-4-2 vote, and the bill was held in committee.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Jul 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- But I would hope that you'll work with the Assembly Health Committee and the Public Safety Committee
- Public Safety Committee.
- As you move on, if this does pass on to Health Committee, I think that that committee in particular is
- On the Health Committee, I think that that committee in particular is going to be able to dive a little
- Hello, members of the committee.
Summary:
The committee met as a subcommittee without quorum at first, then later established quorum and continued hearing several bills. SB 27, the annual CARE Court cleanup bill, would require courts to consider CARE referral for certain misdemeanor defendants found incompetent to stand trial, combine some hearings, allow limited data sharing among licensed medical professionals, and expand eligibility to include mood disorders with psychotic features. Supporters said it would clarify the meaning of “clinically stabilized,” streamline the process, and help more severely ill people receive treatment; opponents argued it would expand CARE Court too broadly, strain county resources, and divert attention from housing and voluntary services. The bill passed to the Health Committee on a roll call vote and was placed on call.
SB 82, dealing with so-called “infinite arbitration clauses,” would limit consumer contract arbitration provisions to disputes arising from the product or service actually purchased. The author and supporters said the bill would stop companies from forcing arbitration in unrelated claims and would not ban arbitration itself. Opponents from business and banking groups argued the language was too restrictive, could create litigation over related transactions, and should be clarified as prospective only. The committee approved the bill and placed it on call after a roll call vote.
The committee then heard two reparations-related bills. SB 437 would direct CSU to develop a genealogical methodology and framework for verifying descendants of enslaved people, with oversight, reporting, and guardrails tied to recently allocated state funding. Supporters said the bill would create a fair, evidence-based process; opponents, including professional genealogists and reparations advocates, argued the work is already well understood, the bill is unnecessary, and it could delay action. SB 518 would create a Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery within state government, with divisions for genealogy, property reclamation, outreach, and legal affairs. Supporters framed it as needed infrastructure to implement reparations recommendations; opponents objected to locating it in the Department of Justice, warned about data privacy and law enforcement control, and criticized the inclusion of broader communities. Both bills were moved to Appropriations and placed on call. The committee also heard SB 52, the End AI Rent Hikes Act, which would prohibit the use of algorithms to collude on and artificially inflate rental prices; the author and supporters described it as a response to AI-assisted rent fixing in California’s housing market.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Long-Term Care Feb 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Members of the committee, Jacob Ewing, staff to the committee.
- I move that the bill receive a due pass recommendation and be sent to the Rules Committee.
- I move that the bill receive a due pass recommendation and be sent to the Rules Committee.
- I move that the bill receive a due pass recommendation and be sent to the Rules Committee.
- I move that the bill receive a due pass recommendation be sent to the Rules Committee.
Summary:
The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held a Friday morning hearing with several House bills and then took executive action on three measures. In executive session, the committee voted do pass on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2242, Substitute House Bill 2152, and Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2168, sending the first two to Rules and the overdose-mapping bill to Ways and Means. The committee also waived the five-day notice rule for several bills on the agenda.
Public hearings focused on hospital inspections, continuing care retirement communities, radiologic technologist supervision, music therapy licensure, nursing regulation, ambulance billing after motor vehicle accidents, and EMT recertification. Representative Macri presented HB 2577 to require hospital inspections at least every 18 months, allow limited pauses during emergencies, and clarify when CMS or accrediting-body surveys may substitute for state inspections; DOH supported the bill, citing JLARC recommendations, while many people signed in opposed. Macri also presented Second Substitute HB 2384, which would require actuarial analysis review for certain CCRCs; OIC supported the transparency goal, while CCRC representatives opposed the added cost, though residents and association witnesses argued the oversight would protect seniors and their life savings.
Representative Engel’s HB 2113 drew strong support from radiology, hospital, and provider groups for allowing virtual direct supervision for IV contrast procedures and aligning state law with CMS practice. Representative Ryu’s HB 1187 would bar ambulance services from sending motor-vehicle-accident medical debt to collections for 120 days; she described a personal experience with an ambulance collection issue, and the hearing was closed after no testifiers appeared. Representative Reed’s HB 2363 would let music therapy applicants practice under supervision for up to six months while exam results are processed; music therapy witnesses said it would prevent workforce gaps. Representative Simmons’ HB 2339 would update nursing title and transcript requirements and allow the board to issue interim permits directly, with the Board of Nursing and ARNP groups calling it a technical cleanup. HB 2540 would extend EMT recertification intervals to six years for long-tenured EMTs, and firefighters supported it as an administrative simplification without changing training requirements.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education (2-3-26)
Postsecondary Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, just a few committee rules.
- Uh, the first bill that committee rooms.
- Good to be in front of this committee before, so it's nice to see you all.
- </c><00:07:20.319><c> Um</c> subject to open meetings rules. Um subject to open meetings rules.
- </c> open meetings rules. open meetings rules.
Committee:
House Postsecondary Education
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 39 (3-4-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:06:55.840><c> committee</c> in the possession of the rules committee in the possession of the
- Next order of business is meeting of rules committee and committee on committee.
- President, I move that the Senate recess for a meeting of the rules committee and the committee on committees
- Next order of business is meeting of rules committee and committee on committee.
- President, I move that the Senate recess for a meeting of the rules committee and the committee on committees
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Feb 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, members of the committee. My name is Norm Samanko.
- any previous rules, said, 'We know what the law is.
- Chairman and members of the committee.
- Chairman and members of the committee, my name is Jeff Abrams.
- Next, we do have some rules. Let me, for a moment here, I would like to poll the committee.
Summary:
The House Resources and Conservation Committee approved the February 13 minutes and rearranged the agenda to hear HJM 13, HB 737, HJM 14, and HB 676. HJM 13, a memorial urging implementation of the Sackett Supreme Court ruling on federal wetlands regulation, drew extensive testimony from Mike and Chantelle Sackett, who described their 20-year fight with EPA and the Army Corps over a home site they said was wrongly treated as wetlands. Supporters, including attorneys and water-user representatives, said the ruling is not being followed consistently and that clearer enforcement is needed. The committee voted to send HJM 13 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
HB 737 would merge the Office of Species Conservation and the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources. Representative Boyle said the offices have similar permitting-related missions and could work more efficiently together. An Idaho Conservation League witness opposed the bill, arguing the offices have distinct roles and that merging them could create conflicts of interest and weaken species conservation funding. Several committee members spoke in support, saying the merger could improve coordination and help landowners and industry navigate federal permitting. The committee passed HB 737 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
HJM 14, sponsored by Representative Fuhriman, urges federal cooperation on research, planning, and feasibility for expanding reservoir storage in East Idaho. It drew little opposition and was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. HB 676, sponsored by Representative Petzke, would allow certain municipal geothermal heating systems to use the reasonably anticipated future needs process if the system is non-consumptive and reinjects water. Supporters from the City of Boise, water-user groups, geothermal experts, and conservation advocates said the bill would streamline expansion of geothermal heating and support renewable energy development. One water attorney urged tabling the bill for further discussion among aquifer users, but the committee ultimately voted to send HB 676 to the floor with a due pass recommendation before adjourning.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, members of the committee. My name is Norm Samanko.
- any previous rules, said, "We know what the law is.
- Chairman and members of the committee.
- Thank you, Chairman and members of the committee. My name is Jeff Abrams.
- Next, we do have some rules. Let me, for a moment here, I would like to poll the committee.
Committee:
House Resources and Conservation
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- As a reminder to the committee and our visitors and witnesses today under House Rule 4 Section 30 13,
- House committees are subject to the same rules of decorum that govern House proceedings.
- Under those rules, the chair is responsible for preserving order and decorum during committee meetings
- by the committee.
- The committee stands in recess.
Committee:
House Natural Resources
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 24 Mar 16th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reports recommending the following matters be scheduled
- Nominal suspension of Rule 7A. All those in favor say aye; all those opposed, nay.
- Rule 7A is suspended.
- An act relative to the Town of Reading Home Rule Charter. House No. 5102.
- An act relative to the Town of Reading Home Rule Charter. House No. 5102.
Summary:
The House met in formal session, began with the Pledge of Allegiance, and adopted the Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling report setting a series of bills for consideration. The calendar included local bills on Brockton residency requirements, Salem election administration, Longmeadow preliminary elections, Charlemont recall elections, Conway election rules, Concord remote town meeting participation, North Attleborough’s senior property tax exemption, Holyoke City Council meetings, Southbridge and Raynham liquor licenses, and Reading’s home rule charter, along with statewide measures on the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, non-competition agreements, fresh fruits and vegetables in schools, and consumer rights of renters. The House suspended Rule 7A, then ordered the listed bills to a third reading.
The chamber then took up several engrossed bills for final passage. House No. 4763, validating the results of Bourne’s May 20, 2025 annual election, was passed to be enacted after a required separate constitutional vote on the emergency preamble, which was adopted. The House also passed to be enacted bills enhancing powers of the Cataumet Fire District water commissioners, authorizing the Otis Fire District to fund the Historical Society of East Falmouth and Cataumet, and further regulating the Salem licensing board.
Additional third-reading actions included House No. 4321, allowing the Dalton Fire District to continue employing interim fire chief Christopher Francis Chahot, which was ordered to a third reading, and House Nos. 4267 and 4582, waiving maximum age requirements for a Boston police officer and a Boston firefighter, both of which were passed to be engrossed. After a recess, House No. 4763 was again taken up and passed to be enacted. The House then adopted an order to meet the following Wednesday at 11 a.m. and adjourned to that time, with notice of a Democratic caucus at noon.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Mar 5th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Its title having been changed by the committee on bills in the third reading.
- Its title having been changed by the committee on bills in the third reading.
- The Chair hears none, and the rules are suspended.
- The Chair hears none, and the rules are suspended.
- And the rules are suspended. The question now comes on ordering the bill to a third reading.
Summary:
The Senate convened with the Pledge of Allegiance, welcomed an intern in the presiding member’s office, Michael Morrison, and recognized former Senator Richard Moore. The chamber then adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Helen Riley Curtin, with a brief tribute describing her life as a longtime Peabody teacher, community volunteer, and devoted family member, followed by a moment of silence.
The Senate then took up several local bills for final action. It passed to be enacted House No. 3898, amending the charter of the Town of Natick, and House No. 4502, amending the town manager act for the Town of Arlington. It also passed to be engrossed House No. 2275, authorizing the City of Revere to pay a sum of money to Denise Matera Condelli, widow of former school committee member Anthony Matera; House No. 4292, amending the Hopkinton charter regarding appointment powers of the Board of Library Trustees; and House No. 4143, allowing Wellesley to amend the income threshold for senior real property tax deferments.
The Senate also suspended rules to take up House No. 4962, establishing a sick leave bank for Sally DeRogier of the Department of Correction, and House No. 4763, validating the results of a Bourne annual election, ordering both to third reading. Finally, the Senate adopted an order to reconvene the following Monday at 11:00 a.m. and adjourned in memory of Helen Riley Curtin.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (2-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- I will remind the committee that, due to our own rule of not making any committee substitutes within
- </c><00:02:54.080><c> that</c> changes I will remind the committee that changes I will remind the committee
- of not making any um due to our own rule of not making any um committee<00:02:59.879><c> Subs</c><00
- I want to make sure we respect our rules, our committee, and I'm following the lead of our chair.
- </c> hearing and you can get those committee hearing and you can get those committee Subs<00:16:15.360
Summary:
The committee met to hear a bill aimed at regulating paid veterans’ claims consultants and protecting veterans from bad actors. Chair Denine opened by emphasizing transparency, the need to hear concerns, and that the meeting was a hearing only, with no immediate vote expected. Senator David Yates, the sponsor, said the bill is intended to protect veterans by requiring clear written disclosure when a veteran uses a for-profit consultant, including that the consultant is not accredited or affiliated with VA or veterans’ service organizations. He said the proposal was based on best practices from other states, would include guardrails rather than a total ban, and was being slowed to allow further review and possible amendments.
Testimony reflected both support for the bill’s intent and disagreement over its scope. A committee member and later witnesses stressed that veterans should be able to make informed choices and that some private consultants and law firms have helped veterans, but they also acknowledged bad actors and the need for rules, accreditation, and fee limits. James Toby of the VFW opposed the bill as written, arguing it conflicts with federal rules by allowing fees on initial claims and urging the committee to reject it in favor of legislation that mirrors federal law and imposes real penalties. Mark Christensen of Veterans Guardian said veterans need more options because Kentucky has too few VSO representatives, supported guardrails and accreditation reform, and suggested the bill could be improved with a dollar-based fee cap, no late fees or interest, and clearer ethical rules. Daryl Casey of JVO said his organization supports the bill’s goal of leveling the playing field, noting that veterans service organizations do not charge fees and that any limits should apply consistently across providers.
The chair did not take a final vote during this hearing and instead encouraged the sponsor to circulate committee substitute language and continue discussions with veterans’ organizations and committee members before the next meeting. The sponsor said he was not pushing the bill forward that day and wanted more time to address concerns, especially around accreditation and disclosure.