Video & Transcript : 'filing refusal' :
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FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-13 (11:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We rejected the movement to defund the police, refused to cowtow to rioting and looting, and have the
- recent announcement of historic rate decreases for citizens' homeowners insurance and the consistent filings
- we're now seeing for rate reductions for... ...insurance and the consistent filings we're now seeing
- We refused to allow Florida to descend into a Faucian dystopia where our freedoms were curtailed and
- Now, there have also been many great ideas that have already been filed in the legislature as proposed
Summary:
The transcript captures a Florida legislative joint session convened to receive the Governor’s annual message. After the House and Senate formally received the Lieutenant Governor, Cabinet, and Supreme Court, a committee was appointed to notify the Governor, and the Governor was introduced and delivered a lengthy address. The Governor framed Florida as a model of conservative governance and highlighted accomplishments over the past seven years, including budget reserves and rainy day fund growth, debt reduction, tax cuts, economic growth and job creation, universal school choice, teacher pay increases, civics education, higher education reforms, Everglades restoration, hurricane response, public safety measures, immigration enforcement, and opposition to DEI and COVID-era mandates.
The Governor also outlined priorities for the coming session, urging lawmakers to send him bills on issues such as eliminating DEI in local governments, further discouraging illegal immigration, expanding Second Amendment rights, and blocking Sharia law. He additionally called for action on property tax relief, saying homeowners should not pay “perpetual rent” to government, and asked the legislature to place a tax-relief measure before voters. He emphasized emerging concerns about artificial intelligence and medical freedom, arguing for informed consent and ethical limits on new technologies.
After the Governor concluded, the joint session took up a motion to dissolve. The motion was approved, and the joint session adjourned.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-13 (11:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We rejected the movement to defund the police, refused to kowtow to rioting and looting, and have the
- recent announcement of historic rate decreases for citizens' homeowners insurance and the consistent filings
- we're now seeing for rate reductions for... ...insurance and the consistent filings we're now seeing
- We refused to allow Florida to descend into a Faucian dystopia where our freedoms were curtailed and
- Now, there have also been many great ideas that have already been filed in the legislature as proposed
Summary:
The House and Senate met in joint session to receive the Governor’s annual message. After the customary opening, prayer, pledge, and motions to notify the Governor, the Governor and First Lady were received and the Governor delivered a lengthy address reviewing his administration’s record and outlining priorities for the coming session.
The Governor highlighted what he described as major accomplishments over the past seven years, including stronger state reserves, debt reduction, tax relief, economic growth, school choice expansion, higher teacher pay, civics education, higher education reforms, Everglades restoration, hurricane response improvements, public safety measures, and immigration enforcement. He also discussed affordability concerns, especially rising local property taxes, and urged lawmakers to pursue a ballot measure for property tax relief. He called for legislation on informed consent in medical decisions, regulation of artificial intelligence, and bills already filed on issues such as eliminating DEI in local governments, further restricting illegal immigration, expanding Second Amendment rights, and blocking Sharia law.
No substantive votes were taken on legislation during the address. After the Governor concluded, the joint session approved a motion to dissolve, and the meeting adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- We rejected the movement to defund the police, refused to kowtow to rioting and looting, and have the
- recent announcement of historic rate decreases for citizens' homeowners insurance and the consistent filings
- we're now seeing for rate reductions for... ...insurance and the consistent filings we're now seeing
- We refused to allow Florida to descend into a Faucian dystopia where our freedoms were curtailed and
- Now, there have also been many great ideas that have already been filed in the legislature as proposed
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Continuing Care Retirement Communities Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- I can look back through our files and see if we went over that. I think we might have.
- I think I'm not supposed to endorse legislation that the governor hasn't filed.
- And just to remind, all the nonprofits, CEs, SEs, we file an annual 990 report.
- We file an annual PC report with the Public Charities Division.
- What do they file? I can't answer that on the form.
Summary:
The commission met to review its draft final report on continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), with most of the discussion focused on whether recommendations required unanimous consensus and how to handle disagreements in the report. Members agreed that consensus meant no stated opposition, and several participants argued that unresolved issues should still be described in the report rather than omitted. The chairs said the report would include agreed-upon recommendations, note areas without consensus, and preserve written comments or dissent letters submitted by members.
The draft report’s findings and slides were reviewed charge by charge, including CCRC definitions, financial condition, entrance fee refunds, regulatory oversight, advertising practices, and closure/change-of-ownership procedures. Members suggested several factual and wording edits, including clarifying financial data sources, correcting a presenter’s name, refining language about entrance fee use and refund timing, and revising statements about Attorney General authority and CCRC advertising. There was also discussion about the need to distinguish nonprofit and for-profit CCRCs and to better explain how different care levels and licensing structures are described.
On recommendations, the commission kept the proposal to advance the disclosure bill (S. 478) and update the consumer guide, but removed a recommendation for annual open board meetings after objections that it was inadequate. The group spent considerable time debating whether to recommend resident representation on CCRC boards, timely refund requirements for entrance fees, and possible state registration or definition changes for CCRCs, but no consensus was reached on those items. The chairs said the final report would be completed by the statutory August 1 deadline, with final written comments due before then and the report and meeting materials posted on the legislature website.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The officer in charge refused to let anyone hold their clothes to cover themselves and would not begin
- This is the 2nd time, um, that I filed this piece of legislation.
- Adams' filings regarding actual innocence in Bear County.
- If the case is filed, both the state and the person are entitled to additional evaluations.
- The only way lawmakers currently see detailed data is often by, uh, filing specific requests.
TX
Texas 89th 1st C.S.
Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting Jul 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll give her a time limit, and if she refuses to respond or attend...
- then the... ...team filed a response to that, which I have referenced, and then the court issued an
- It amounts to intentional race-based discrimination, and I urge Texas to refuse to take such action.
- Every motion that was filed, every signature that was signed was an affirmation of just that.
- Every motion that was filed, every signature that was signed was an affirmation of just that.
Summary:
The Senate Special Committee on Congressional Redistricting held its first regional hearing, focused on South and Central Texas, including Bexar County, Travis County, and the Rio Grande Valley. After establishing a quorum, the committee adopted its rules on a 6-3 roll-call vote, with Senators Alvarado and Miles voting no. Chair Phil King explained the regional-hearing format, the use of 2020 census data, the online testimony process, and the availability of written comments and future hearings. Several members then gave opening remarks, with Republicans emphasizing public input and Democrats arguing the special session and mid-decade redistricting were unnecessary and aimed at minority districts.
A major procedural issue arose over whether the committee should invite or subpoena the DOJ attorney who authored the July 7 letter that prompted the redistricting discussion. Senator Miles moved to subpoena the attorney; the motion was seconded but then set aside after the chair said the committee could not take formal action on a non-procedural matter during a regional hearing under the adopted rules. The chair said he would consult legal counsel about issuing an invitation, and members discussed the August 7 deadline referenced in the DOJ letter. The committee then moved on to public testimony.
Witnesses, including Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, law professor Ellen Katz, and Texas NAACP president Gary Bledsoe, argued that the DOJ letter misread the law and that the targeted districts were lawful opportunity or coalition districts. They said the Fifth Circuit’s Pettway decision was limited to Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and did not declare coalition districts unconstitutional, and they cited Bartlett v. Strickland as warning against intentionally dismantling effective minority districts. Garcia and Bledsoe said the hearing was politically motivated and would harm Black and Latino representation; Katz said Texas would act illegally if it followed the DOJ letter’s instructions. Members asked questions about the legal status of coalition districts, the 2021 map-drawing process, and the difference between opportunity, coalition, and crossover districts. The hearing continued with additional public witnesses, including labor representative Emily Amps, who said workers and communities of color were being harmed by the proposed redistricting effort.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 54 Jun 10th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- from the South End, the gentleman from Belchertown, and the gentleman from North Attleborough, who filed
- This bill is targeted to those who refuse to go through a certification process and refuse to adhere
- This bill is targeted to those who refuse to go through a certification process and refi- bill is targeted
- to those who refuse to go through a certification process and refuse to adhere to safety requirements
Summary:
The House first handled a series of routine actions from the Committee on Rules, including adoption of several congratulatory resolutions and suspension of Joint Rule 12 to allow petitions to proceed, including a Hingham land transfer petition and a veteran rental assistance bridge program petition. The Ways and Means Committee then reported out several bills, including a fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill, a bill on hot work/fire safety regulation, a free expression/library bill, a bill on ownership and maintenance of certain culverts and dams, a Walsh-Kennedy Commission implementation bill, and a Billerica land transfer for the Yankee Doodle Bike Path. Each was advanced through second or third reading, with the House adopting committee amendments and ordering the bills to third reading or engrossment as appropriate.
The most extensive debate centered on S. 2726, an act regarding free expression, which would address book challenges in public and school libraries, require reporting of challenges, protect age-appropriate materials, and establish review procedures. Supporters argued the bill protects intellectual freedom, librarians’ professional judgment, and access to books amid rising censorship efforts; opponents raised concerns about parental rights, local control, and exposure of minors to explicit material. Several amendments were offered and voted on, including one to strike a criminal-law protection, one to streamline the school review process, one clarifying that challenged material is considered in its entirety, and one narrowing who may initiate complaints to parents or guardians; some were rejected and others adopted. The bill ultimately passed to be engrossed by a 151-3 vote.
The House also took up H. 5491 implementing the Walsh-Kennedy Commission recommendations on hot work safety after the 2014 Beacon Street fire. Members emphasized firefighter safety, certification and training requirements, stronger penalties for violations, and public notification of violations; the bill passed to be engrossed unanimously. The supplemental fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill, H. 5493, covering snow and ice costs, no-cost calls, substance use services, homeless programs, and several outside sections, also passed after amendment votes. Finally, the House enacted two local bills on Holyoke City Council special meetings and the Reading town charter, and then adjourned to meet the next day in informal session.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 54 Jun 10th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- gentleman from the South End, the gentleman from Belchertown, and the gentleman from North Attleboro, who filed
- This bill is targeted to those who refuse to go through a certification process and refuse to adhere
- This bill is targeted to those who refuse to go through a certification process and refi- bill is targeted
- to those who refuse to go through a certification process and refuse to adhere to safety requirements
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Ladies and gentlemen of the House of Delegates, the Senate refused to concur in the House amendments
- </c> House of Delegates, the Senate refused House of Delegates, the Senate refused to<00:04:35.440><c
- The Attorney General and private parties are authorized to file lawsuits to enforce the bill.
- I don't remember seeing a House cross-filing anything like that.
- </c><01:08:59.680><c> So</c> cross-filing anything like that. So cross-filing anything like that.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- reached out to that ambulance service, who does not have a community paramedic program, and they refused
- The agency that refused to let us come in would not sign one in any capacity. Okay. Thank you.
- Well, I think the issue then becomes those individuals who refuse to enter into an MOU with the community
- Just like the business community, it's hard to get people to file for office.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- On utility services, Senator Martin, there is a late-file delete-everything amendment.
- Is there any objection to taking up the late-filed amendment? Seeing none, we will take that up.
- Solely on the basis that the owner refuses to annex into their municipality.
- The strike-all amendment did not change the underlying bill as filed; it just added provisions.
- So I'll start with what was in the originally filed bill.
Keywords:
temporary door locking device, emergency safety, building code, training programs, fire exit security, utility services, municipal agreements, public meetings, rates and fees, public service commission, municipal utility, water service, wastewater service, property owners, annexation, civil action, community associations, condominium, homeowners associations, structural integrity
Summary:
The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum and took up four bills. First, it considered SB 1724 on municipal utility services. Senator Martin offered a late-filed delete-everything amendment that would require annual customer meetings for extraterritorial utility customers, cap use of gross utility revenues for general government at 10%, eliminate a 25% surcharge on customers outside city limits, reduce the rate differential cap from 50% to 25%, remove municipal natural gas utilities from the bill, and preserve certain existing bond-related surcharges until debt is retired or refinanced. The League of Cities raised implementation concerns about the July 1, 2026 effective date and the need for rate studies and budget adjustments. The amendment was adopted and the committee reported CS/SB 1724 favorably.
The committee then heard SB 936 on temporary door locking devices from Senator McLean. The bill would define temporary door locking devices, allow them to be installed at any height, require the Florida Building Commission to add standards to the Florida Building Code, and require their use to be incorporated into safety plans, drills, and training. With no opposition or amendments, SB 936 was reported favorably.
Next, the committee considered SB 1014 by Senator Mayfield, which would prohibit municipalities from refusing water or wastewater service solely because a property owner will not annex, and would require service expansion when a property is near a municipal main line, not served by another utility, and the utility has capacity. A committee amendment narrowed the bill to properties near a main line and reduced the distance threshold from 2,000 meters to one-half mile. The Florida League of Cities opposed the bill as amended, citing concerns about property size, annexation conflicts, enclave creation, and possible revenue impacts, but the bill was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee heard SB 1498 on community associations from Chair Bradley. A strike-all amendment revised technical provisions on video conference recordings, turnover inspection reports, SIRS references, and electronic voting, and added two major policy changes: requiring associations to provide records to law enforcement and prosecutors and creating a second-degree misdemeanor for willful refusal, and prohibiting mandatory club or amenity fee schemes controlled by developers or third parties that generate profit beyond proportional expenses. Testimony in support described homeowner disputes involving concentrated board control, lack of transparency, and mandatory fees in communities such as Rosedale. The amendment was adopted and CS/SB 1498 was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, Senator Bracey Davis asked to be recorded voting in the affirmative on tabs 1, 2, and 3, and the committee adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 14 (1-27-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- File the same without objection. So ordered.
- </c><00:33:02.159><c> So</c> >> File the same without objection.
- So >> File the same without objection.
- File the appropriate paperwork. >> Senator from Jefferson 26, what purpose?
- File the appropriate >> Thank you, sir.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Of these of these fuel cases, but it's also one that only a limited number of investigators can file
- Last session, this bill was filed by HB 2962, uh, Representative Crona Timme, uh, Representative Little
- The man was asked to leave several times, but he refused.
- This basically tightens the belt for these individuals that refuse to follow the law.
- So we appreciate the representative for filing this, uh, important piece of legislation.
Bills:
HB316
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- You are testifying on H. 702, the bill you filed, right?
- Okay, I just point out you also filed S. 420.
- Representative Ash has filed it.
- Representative Shirley Arriaga has filed it. No one has signed up to testify.
- Representative Ash has filed. No one has signed up to testify.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education held a very full public hearing on the first Education Committee hearing of the session, with testimony taken on a large slate of bills, especially H. 650/S. 436 and related measures. The chairs explained the hearing rules, including two-minute testimony limits, live streaming, written testimony, and accommodations for interpreters and disabilities. The committee first heard extensive testimony on H. 460/S. 436 and later H. 650/S. 436, bills to affirm and maintain equal access to public education for all children, including immigrant students, English learners, and students with disabilities. Witnesses included parents, advocates, educators, attorneys, and state officials, many of whom described fears caused by federal policy changes and argued that Massachusetts should codify protections for school enrollment, special education, interpreter services, and due process in discipline cases. The Attorney General’s office, Mass Advocates for Children, Lawyers for Civil Rights, MIRA, the Children’s Law Center, the Disability Law/advocacy community, and others all urged favorable action, while committee members asked questions about Plyler v. Doe, manifestation determinations, interpreter qualifications, and how the bill would mirror or preserve existing federal protections at the state level.
The committee also heard testimony on H. 702/S. 460, establishing an elementary and secondary school robotics grant program, which was supported as a way to expand STEM opportunities and help schools fund robotics programs. Representative Sweeney also testified on H. 713, a bill to support student participation in 4-H programming by allowing excused absences similar to those for athletics and other sanctioned activities; members noted bipartisan support and the bill’s long history. The hearing then moved to H. 543/S. 417, a recess bill requiring at least 30 minutes of free-play recess for K-8 students. Supporters included the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the League of Women Voters, educators, and parents, who emphasized recess as important for physical health, social-emotional development, attention, and academic performance, and noted that unequal local policies create disparities across districts. Several witnesses also tied recess to broader concerns about student well-being and screen time. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee simply received testimony and closed testimony on the bills as it moved through the agenda.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, February 11, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and his so-called DOGE team access to sensitive personnel files and classified systems.
- so-called DOGE team access to sensitive personnel files and classified systems.
- </c><00:12:20.279><c> for</c> trailer out in Oklahoma she filed for trailer out in Oklahoma she filed
- She can't vote because this majority has refused to put in place a bipartisan tool to allow it.
- Federal stays filed by federal judges to stop Trump and Musk from these illegal activities.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development
Transcript Highlights:
- ” “The decision to go out on strike is a democratic one, and it’s not made lightly by our rank-and-file
- These bills will also help level the playing field between workers and their employers, who may refuse
- jointly in the House with Chairman Donahue and has been filed in the Senate by Senator Lewis.
- The very first bill filed in Massachusetts was to ban non-competes, and then there were similar bills
- Republic Services simply refused to negotiate in good faith and pay us the same wages and benefits as
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development held a hybrid hearing on legislation concerning unemployment insurance, non-compete agreements, prevailing wage, and minimum wage issues. Committee leaders outlined the hearing process, asked witnesses to keep oral testimony to three minutes, and invited written testimony through November 20. No votes were taken during the hearing; it ended with a motion to adjourn and notice of the next hearing on November 20.
Much of the testimony focused on bills to expand unemployment insurance for striking workers, including H. 2168 and S. 1319. Labor leaders, union members, and legal advocates argued that workers who are out on strike for more than 30 days should be able to receive UI benefits, saying the policy would help workers and families meet basic expenses, reduce employers’ ability to “wait out” strikes, and encourage good-faith bargaining. Speakers cited recent strikes, including the Republic Services strike, and said the proposal would not meaningfully increase strike activity or strain the UI trust fund.
Another major topic was minimum wage legislation, especially H. 2107/S. 1349 to raise the minimum wage to $20 by 2029 and index it to inflation, and H. 2191 to create a $25 enhanced care worker minimum wage. Supporters said current wages are not keeping pace with housing, food, and childcare costs, and that care workers, direct support staff, and human service employees face chronic vacancies, burnout, and turnover. Testimony also supported H. 2126 on prevailing wage by adding apprenticeship and training contributions to the wage calculation, and H. 2159 and S. 1363 on prevailing wage-related issues. One witness, Russell Beck, testified against S. 1336, which would ban non-competes, and against H. 2118, arguing Massachusetts’ current non-compete law is a balanced compromise that should not be disrupted.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- locked up in the hands of a few that may object to this, that power being delivered to the rank and file
- I know this has been filed for a few years, it seems like.
- It gives firefighters notice when something is added to our personal file, and it allows us the opportunity
- I don’t know that employee consent is an undue burden, but then what do you do if the employee refuses
- I represent the Melville Fire District, and that chief has refused to negotiate with us.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Local Government Feb 25th, 2026
Local Government, Elections and Pensions
Transcript Highlights:
- locked up in the hands of a few that may object to this, that power being delivered to the rank and file
- I know this has been filed for a few years, it seems like.
- I don't know that employee consent is an undue burden, but then what do you do if the employee refuses
- As far as the gentleman that testified second, Melville refuses to negotiate with us.
- I represent the Melville Fire District, and that chief has refused to negotiate with us.
Summary:
The Committee on Local Government first met in executive session and voted House Bill 2096 do pass by a roll call vote of 14 ayes and 0 noes. The committee then opened a public hearing on House Bill 1733, the Missouri Firefighter Bill of Rights, sponsored by Representative Wellencamp. The sponsor said the bill was intended to create statewide due-process protections for firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and dispatchers employed by public agencies, including rules for investigations, interrogations, locker searches, discipline, and political activity. He said the bill was meant to address inconsistent procedures across departments and to protect workers from unfair treatment, while not limiting legitimate management investigations.
Committee members questioned several parts of the bill, especially the scope of the immunity language, whether volunteer firefighters and fire districts were covered, and whether the bill would interfere with existing collective bargaining agreements or management’s ability to investigate misconduct. Supporters, including representatives from firefighter organizations, argued that the bill would provide needed statewide standards, clarify Garrity rights, protect political participation, and ensure fair disciplinary procedures. They said many departments lack consistent protections and that some firefighters have faced unfair investigations or terminations.
Opponents, including representatives of fire protection districts, ambulance associations, and municipal risk-management groups, argued the bill was too broad, redundant, and likely to create litigation. They said many of the protections already exist through contracts, policies, or other laws, and raised concerns about the criminal immunity language, locker-search restrictions, and possible interference with EMS “hot wash” reviews and patient-care improvements. Several opponents also objected that the bill would impose a one-size-fits-all statewide mandate and could affect local control. The hearing closed without further action on House Bill 1733, and the committee adjourned.
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:
- Several amendments have been filed, which will be considered at this time.
- One of the things that I would also like to speak on is I filed Amendment Number Five.
- and refusal of the agent to let us in.
- Amendment number two filed by the Senator from Essex, and the clerk will read.
- Amendment number five, filed by the Senator from Lawrence. The clerk will read.
Summary:
The Senate opened with recognitions of several young climate advocates visiting the State House and then adopted an adjournment in memory of Nancy Driscoll, with remarks honoring her long public service and family legacy. The chamber then took up Senate No. 2947, An Act Regarding Fair Housing Practices in the Commonwealth, after a Ways and Means redraft. Senators supporting the bill described housing discrimination against voucher holders and Black applicants, emphasized the need for stronger enforcement, transparency, and fair housing education, and noted the bill’s goal of increasing penalties and public reporting for discriminatory brokers.
Several amendments were debated. Senator Tarr offered an amendment to require annual HUD-related compliance certifications from municipalities and public agencies, notification to the Attorney General of federal findings, corrective action plans, and possible enforcement consequences; it was defeated on a roll call, 6-30. Senator Kennedy’s gender-neutral language amendment changing “salesmen” to “salespersons” was adopted. Senator Payano’s amendment to require publication of license suspensions as well as revocations for discriminatory conduct was also adopted. Senator Edwards withdrew an amendment that would have expanded housing protections for returning citizens. Senator Keenan’s amendment to anonymize complaint summaries while preserving publication of revoked licensees’ names was adopted.
After the Ways and Means amendment, as amended, was adopted, the bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed by a unanimous roll-call vote of 37-0, later clarified as 38-0. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Tuesday at 11 a.m. and adjourned in memory of John Arizian and Nancy Driscoll.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Feb 12th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Several amendments have been filed, which will be considered at this time.
- I rise today in support of S. 2947, filed by my colleague, the gentleman from Springfield.
- I’ve seen outright refusal to show a house, you know, not bringing a client to see a house and refusal
- Amendment number two filed by the Senator from Essex, and the clerk will read.
- Amendment number five, filed by the Senator from Lawrence, the clerk will read.
Summary:
The Senate began with recognitions, welcoming four young women from Quincy and Lawrence who were at the State House advocating on climate issues. The chamber then adopted an adjournment in memory of Nancy Driscoll of Attleboro, with remarks honoring her long public service at the State House and her family’s legacy of service.
The main business was Senate No. 2947, an act regarding fair housing practices in the Commonwealth. Senators Gomez and Payano spoke in strong support, describing housing discrimination against voucher holders and people of color, and explaining that the bill would expand enforcement authority, increase penalties for repeat violations, require annual complaint summaries, and mandate fair housing training for real estate licensees. Senator Lovely also supported the bill, citing her experience in real estate and the need for stronger fair housing education and enforcement.
Several amendments were considered. Senator Tarr’s amendment to add HUD-related certification, notice, and corrective-action requirements for municipalities and public agencies was debated but defeated on a roll call vote, 6-30. Senator Kennedy’s gender-neutral wording amendment was adopted, as was Senator Payano’s amendment requiring publication of suspended as well as revoked licenses. Senator Keenan’s amendment to anonymize complaint summaries was also adopted. Senator Edwards withdrew an amendment on housing access for returning citizens, and other amendments were withdrawn. The Ways and Means amendment, as amended, was adopted, and the bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed by a unanimous roll call vote of 38-0. The Senate then adjourned to meet again the following Tuesday, also noting John Arizian and Nancy Driscoll in memory.