Video & Transcript : 'elderly support' :
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NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Jan 30th, 2026 at 08:34 am
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So we will go to Zoom in support.
- So I really encourage you guys to support this bill.
- Actually, I'm in support of the bill. Okay.
- I'm here to support SB 1.
- We urge your support. Thank you.
Committee:
House House Health & Human Services
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Okay, I would support yours.
- I um I would support yours. I was Okay. I um I would support yours.
- I will support re-refer. Okay. And good. I will support re-refer. Okay.
- </c> full support of this project? Any idea? full support of this project? Any idea?
- motion</c> Um I'll support I'll support the motion Um I'll support I'll support the motion for<00:43
Committee:
Senate Transportation
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Mar 11th, 2026
Housing and Community Development
Transcript Highlights:
- I do statewide advocacy, organizing support, and leadership coaching and training.
- So contracts, as you Napa provides all of the staff support behind the scenes.
- The UFW does support the state's effort to increase housing for farmworkers.
- And how does this mean, certainly a model I would support to expand for there.
- Their family support systems are in Mendota.
Committee:
House Housing and Community Development
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- I support that, but we must wait and see what comes before the Board.
- through scholarships for peer support specialists to provide mentorship, recovery support, and advocacy
- I mentioned the increase in peer support specialists.
- Waives in support. Victoria. Waving in support. Eric Dylanbeck, Eric Dylanbeck.
- Do you wave in support or in opposition? In opposition.
Committee:
Senate Ethics and Elections
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Consumer Protection & Business Jan 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We represent the state in strong support of this bill.
- We represent the state in strong support of this bill.
- He urged support for the proposal.
- We're here today in strong support of House Bill 2536.
- bill that will support the Washington wine industry.
Summary:
The Consumer Protection and Business Committee held public hearings on several alcohol-related bills. HB 2128 would expand the sports entertainment facility liquor license to cover publicly or privately owned facilities where patrons engage in sports, amusement, or recreational activities, such as the Leavenworth Adventure Park. The prime sponsor and supporters said it would modernize the license while keeping LCB safety controls in place; one member questioned whether it amounted to an expansion of alcohol access. A fiscal note had been requested but not yet received, and the public hearing was closed without action.
The committee then heard HB 2207, which would create a bonded beer warehouse license and make related changes to bonded wine warehouse law. The sponsor said it would help a Ridgefield logistics warehouse store beer the same way it can already store wine and spirits, while supporters from the Washington Brewers Guild said it would give breweries parity with wineries. Distributors and other opponents raised concerns about direct-to-consumer shipping, public access to warehouses, and federal tax-and-trade restrictions; the sponsor said amendments were being considered to address some of those issues. The hearing was closed without action.
HB 2536 would allow wineries to hold spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licenses, or beer and/or wine restaurant licenses, at additional winery locations. The sponsor and winery representatives said the bill would reduce administrative burden and let wineries operate tasting rooms and restaurant-style spaces more flexibly, while opponents argued it could broaden alcohol access and create tied-house concerns. HB 2476 would remove the 120-seat-per-screen limit for theaters seeking a spirits, beer, and wine theater license; the sponsor and theater operators said existing alcohol control plans and other safeguards would remain in place, and the change would help theaters compete and attract patrons. The committee also heard HB 1701, which would allow multiple liquor licensees to operate within a shared facility and was described as a way to support a mixed-use winery/brewery/restaurant project; the sponsor said he was willing to remove the Public Records Act exemption again, and distributors urged transparency and guardrails.
In executive action, the committee took up HB 2229, revising the Professional Engineers Registration Act. After adopting Amendment CLA 407 to restore current law on the board’s name, the committee voted to report the substitute bill out with a due pass recommendation. Several members supported the bill as a modernization of registration and continuing-education provisions, while some members voted no, citing concerns about changes to board membership requirements.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Labor & Workplace Standards Jan 14th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Labor & Workplace Standards
Transcript Highlights:
- So please support this bill. Thank you.
- So please support this bill. Thank you. Thank you. Ms. Grad, please proceed.
- We support transparency.
- Schmidt, for carrying the bill, and I urge your support. Thank you.
- , and I'm here in enthusiastic support of House Bill 2191.
Committee:
House Labor & Workplace Standards
Keywords:
employee monitoring, workplace privacy, performance evaluations, notification, transparency, language access, collective bargaining, providers, healthcare, interpreters, social services, construction, wage theft, misclassification, independent contractor, employee classification, fringe benefits, prevailing wages, subcontractor liability, joint and several liability
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Fiscal Committee (10/28/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- So, it's a bit of a two-way street, I think, for them, to support each other.
- So these support the Medicaid program.
- The contract is support the contract.
- >> So, the MET funds are restricted to support the Medicaid program.
- </c><00:29:34.240><c> um</c><00:29:34.399><c> we're</c> support the Medicaid program. um we're support
Summary:
The Fiscal Committee met with replacement members noted at the start and took up one emergency item from the Department of Health and Human Services: approval to accept and expend $2 million to support SNAP recipients during the federal shutdown. Commissioner Lori Weaver and CFO Nathan White explained that USDA/FNS had notified the state it would not receive November SNAP funds, affecting about 74,000 recipients. The department said it activated a contingency plan to contract with the New Hampshire Food Bank to expand mobile food pantries, targeting SNAP households and prioritizing locations based on need, with evening and daytime access and outreach through mail, text, email, social media, partner organizations, and a shutdown webpage.
Committee members asked about timing, locations, reimbursement, and whether the state would be repaid by the federal government. Department staff said the food bank would likely need about a week to mobilize once the contract was approved, and that the contract would be cost-reimbursement based, with faster turnaround than usual but not advance payment. White explained the money would come from excess Medicaid Enhancement Tax revenue from state fiscal year 2025, which can be used only for Medicaid purposes under state law and SB 249, allowing general funds to be shifted to the food bank contract. Members also asked about other affected programs; the department said WIC had funding through November 10, energy assistance was expected to continue through December, and school breakfast/free and reduced lunch were not impacted.
Members discussed broader public outreach, including a possible PSA and use of the New Hampshire Food Bank’s network of 417 partners, and one member suggested religious leaders or the governor might be better positioned to make donation appeals. The committee then voted unanimously to adopt the item (motion by Senator Gray, second by Senator Waters). The meeting ended with notice of the next meeting on November 21 at 11:00 and a motion to adjourn, which was approved.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Health and Human Services May 14th, 2025
Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm here in support of House Bill 2516.
- I must urge you to support this bill.
- We are in support of House Bill 2402.
- I am pleased to support this legislation.
- Members, I ask for your support.
Bills:
HB107 , HB742 , HB1639 , HB1700 , HB2071 , HB2187 , HB2402 , HB2516 , HB3211 , HB4529 , HB5342 , HB694 , HB923 , HB4655 , HB107
Committee:
Senate Health & Human Services
Keywords:
sickle cell disease, registry, health data, confidentiality, healthcare access, human trafficking, first responders, health care, training, reporting, protection, cancer, female firefighters, health study, state health services, fire protection, telemedicine, teledentistry, telehealth, health records
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- As Republicans, we don't support wealth redistribution.
- Uh, its desire to support the larger national defense strategy.
- My wife and I own the farm and operate the farm, and I am support, in support of House Bill 5339.
- I respectfully urge your support for House Bill 5339.
- the urgency of supporting this bill.
Committee:
House Higher Education
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- I stand in support of Senator Friendly's amendment. I could swear I just heard you say support.
- You were in support? I am in support. Very good.
- You were in support? I am in support. Very good. All right.
- All those in support please signify with an aye. I was opposed with an A.
- It isn't just supporting law enforcement. That's hardly it.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- And so that's why I'm in support of this.
- to support.
- Do you want me to support House Bill 530 or the RS? Mr.
- So I'll be supporting that. Representative Bruce.
- to support.
Committee:
House Business
Summary:
The House Business Committee introduced several RS measures and advanced one bill. RS 33-267, from Rep. Cheatham, would exempt four-plex dwellings from mandatory sprinkler requirements to reduce housing costs and would add heat-detection devices in new construction to address garage fires involving lithium-ion batteries. Members discussed whether heat detection was already being added in the rules package, and some expressed concern about changing prior sprinkler policy, but the RS was introduced. RS 33-022, a travel insurance regulatory framework based on a national model act, was also introduced after testimony that it would standardize consumer protections, disclosures, licensing, and a free-look period. RS 33-208, on third-party litigation financing, was introduced with support for disclosure requirements and a prohibition on foreign adversary participation. RS 33-065, aimed at reducing barriers to manufactured housing by easing zoning treatment and covenant restrictions, was introduced despite questions about consultation with cities and counties. RS 33-274, creating a voluntary portable benefits plan for independent contractors, was introduced after questions about how it would interact with existing benefit plans and whether contributions would be limited to hiring parties.
The committee then heard House Bill 530 on oral chemotherapy parity. Rep. Bruce and Rep. Green described the bill as a response to cancer patients facing much higher out-of-pocket costs for oral anti-cancer drugs than for IV treatments, and several witnesses, including Susan G. Komen, a cancer patient, a St. Luke’s pharmacist, and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, testified in support. They said the bill would not create new coverage mandates but would require equal cost-sharing treatment for oral and IV anti-cancer medications, helping patients avoid delayed or abandoned treatment. Members debated whether the bill should include a $250 monthly cap on out-of-pocket costs; the sponsors said the substitute RS removed that cap while preserving parity, and some members preferred the cap for predictability. A motion to table the bill failed, and HB 530 was sent to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The substitute RS 33-222 was then introduced.
Finally, RS 33-262, from Rep. Skog, was introduced to cap interest and fees on loans from non-regulated lenders, targeting payday and title lending practices described by supporters as predatory and trapping borrowers in cycles of debt. Members raised concerns about whether the cap could reduce access to short-term credit, while supporters cited examples of 200% to 300% or even higher effective rates. The committee also noted existing Idaho usury law questions during discussion. The RS was introduced, and the meeting adjourned after announcements about upcoming floor and committee schedules.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Feb 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Those in support, if you are on Zoom in support and would like to speak, raise your hand in the room.
- I'm here in support of HB 278.
- I hope you all vote in support of this bill and continue to support the behavioral health reform efforts
- We stand in strong support of House Bill 287.
- Clearly I’m super supportive of this.
Summary:
The House Health and Human Services Committee first heard House Bill 256, which would require school cardiac emergency response plans to address sudden cardiac arrest at school athletic activities and ensure AEDs are clearly marked and accessible at those events. The sponsor and an American Heart Association representative said the bill builds on last year’s law and is meant to improve implementation, not add new equipment costs. Members asked about funding, were told the AEDs are already in place, and the bill received a due pass with no opposition.
The committee then took up House Bill 278 on Medicaid reimbursement for toxicology testing in substance use disorder treatment. The sponsor and Southwest Labs argued that current payer policies limit providers’ clinical judgment, that a new flat-rate code for unlimited analytes would improve care, keep Medicaid dollars in New Mexico, and support local laboratories. Several members raised concerns about whether the bill effectively rewrites bundled G-codes, whether it mainly benefits one company, how it affects MCO contracts, GRT/tax issues, and whether the fiscal estimates were realistic. After extensive questioning and conflicting views, a due-pass motion was made but the vote ended in a tie, so the bill did not advance.
Finally, the committee considered House Bill 287 to create a permanent, full-time Health and Human Services Committee with a director and expanded membership, similar to other permanent legislative committees. Supporters from advocacy and policy groups said health care is too large and complex to be handled by a part-time interim committee and that year-round staffing would improve oversight and policymaking. Members discussed committee composition, staffing, subpoena power, and the proposed appropriation, and the sponsor said the bill is a starting point that could be refined later. The committee approved HB 287 on a do-pass motion and then adjourned until Monday morning.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Taxation and Revenue Feb 4th, 2026 at 08:32 am
House Taxation & Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- CATF is very supportive of fusion and especially the supply chain.
- Anyone online in support of the committee substitute for House Bill 27?
- I'm here to support House Bill 27.
- I just want to say that I support this bill. I think it's a good idea.
- I support this, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Thank you, Representative.
Committee:
House House Taxation & Revenue
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Care & Wellness Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This is something we proudly support alongside Washington tribes.
- I support this bill because mental health is an important tool in our society.
- Please support House Bill 2658. Thank you. Thanks. Any questions? Please support House Bill 2658.
- So, on behalf of our association, I urge your support of House Bill 2683.
- I was happy to support this bill.
Summary:
The House Health Care and Wellness Committee held public hearings on four bills and then took executive action on three measures. HB 2555 would require the Health Care Authority to apply for a Medicaid waiver to cover traditional health care practices provided through Indian Health Service, tribal, and urban Indian facilities. Supporters, including the prime sponsor, tribal health leaders, and the Health Care Authority, said the bill would recognize traditional medicine, expand access, and leverage federal funding, though HCA noted the July 1, 2026 waiver deadline and urban Indian reimbursement questions may be difficult to resolve. HB 2685 would codify tribal data sovereignty principles for state agencies, require reporting of notifiable conditions to tribal health jurisdictions, and exempt certain tribal data from public disclosure. Tribal representatives supported the bill as necessary for access, governance, and better public health planning, while the Washington Coalition for Open Government and HCA raised concerns about the breadth of the PRA exemption, undefined ownership interests, and implementation details.
HB 2658 would require health carriers to submit standardized public data on behavioral health and other coverage and access metrics, with the Insurance Commissioner posting the information on a public dashboard. Supporters said the bill would improve transparency about mental health parity and help families, employers, and policymakers compare plans; opponents argued it duplicates or complicates recent parity reforms and could be misinterpreted. HB 2683 would shorten carrier credentialing timelines from 90 days to 30 days and require carriers to post billing and coverage information online. Supporters said it would reduce delays for providers and patients, while opponents warned the shorter timeline could be hard to meet and that posting information without login protections could raise privacy concerns.
In executive session, the committee adopted two amendments to HB 2168, which concerns overdose mapping data, then reported the substitute bill out with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 16-1. It rejected an amendment to HB 2196 that would have extended PANDAS/PANS coverage to public and school employee plans, then advanced the substitute bill with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 15-2. Finally, the committee passed HB 2545, which would allow ambulatory surgical facilities to perform elective percutaneous coronary interventions, by a vote of 13-4, after members discussed safety, access, and cost savings.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
- We expect to support the delivery of more than $3 billion in grant funds in the 2025-27 biennium.
- This investment is critical to revitalizing the aging fleet and supporting reliable service.
- Revitalizing the aging fleet and supporting reliable service.
- Okay. support of the governor's proposed budget, which continues funding for Confluence Parkway.
- Very thankful to this committee for your support of the New Local Roads Program last year.
Bills:
HB2306
Committee:
House Transportation
Keywords:
transportation budget, capital budget, operating budget, appropriations, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, Washington State Patrol, Department of Licensing, ferry funding, state ferries, highway maintenance, road preservation, bridge replacement, tolling, express toll lanes, traffic safety, speed cameras, ignition interlock, transit grants, public transit
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Mar 26th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- Thank you, waving in support. We've got Michelle Avala Brown, waving in support.
- And therefore, she won't support this bill.
- Courtney Larkin, ABATE Florida, waving in support. Joy Ryan, waving in support.
- I support the bill today.
- And with that, I'd ask for your support today and continued support. Thank you. Thank you, Senator.
Summary:
The committee first reviewed the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget proposal for transportation, tourism, and economic development, which totals about $18 billion and includes major funding for the Department of Transportation work program, Visit Florida, affordable housing, library/cultural/historical initiatives, National Guard tuition assistance, and Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles needs. Members approved staff technical adjustments and then adopted the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Senate Appropriations Committee.
The committee then heard and approved CS/SB 666, which creates a specialty license plate for the Miami Northwestern Alumni Association, with proceeds supporting scholarships and school academic, athletic, and arts programs. CS/SB 1318, the hands-free driving bill, drew extensive testimony from the sponsor, law enforcement, advocates, and victims’ families. Supporters argued it would create a clearer, easier-to-enforce prohibition on holding a wireless device while driving and help reduce crashes and deaths; some senators raised concerns about enforcement, privacy, and impacts on drivers with older vehicles, but the bill was reported favorably.
The committee also approved SB 1408, designating memorial highways for Tampa Police Officer Jesse Madsen and Charlotte County Sergeant Elio Diaz, and SB 1516, which would create the International Aerospace Innovation Fund administered by Space Florida to support partnerships between Florida and international aerospace companies. Both bills had supportive testimony and no opposition noted. The meeting ended with adjournment after the final votes.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 13, 2025 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Wave in support. OK, thank you. Thank you. Mr. Harding waves in support. Mr.
- Jeff Sharkey now waves in support. Thank you. And Albert Bolito waves in support. Thank you.
- We support many small businesses.
- I don't necessarily support what you're doing, but I'm going to support you to make this better in the
- I support it.
Summary:
The Ways and Means Committee met on March 13, 2025, for its first meeting of the session, with member and staff introductions followed by consideration of several tax-related bills. The committee first heard HJR 163 and its implementing bill HB 165, which would extend the homestead property tax exemption for quadriplegics to surviving spouses, similar to the treatment for surviving spouses of certain disabled veterans. Sponsor Rep. Tant and constituent J.R. Harding described the financial and caregiving burdens faced by spouses of quadriplegics. The committee heard supportive testimony from the Florida Association of Property Appraisers and members voted both measures favorably without opposition.
The committee then considered HB 785 on heated tobacco products. Rep. Tramont said the bill would create a new tax/regulatory category for the product, and an amendment clarifying the definition was adopted. The James Madison Institute offered a resource on the issue, the Florida Retail Federation waived in support, and Ranking Member Eskamani said she had concerns about the excise tax treatment and would vote no. The bill passed 16-1. Next, HB 321, a property tax exemption clarification for homes for the aged, was presented by Rep. Smith as a technical “glitch bill” to align state law with IRS tax code and ease development of low-income senior housing. It drew supportive testimony and passed unanimously.
The final bill, HB 503 by Rep. Botana, would cap local government revenue from local business taxes and require refunds if collections exceed the cap, with carve-outs for fiscally constrained areas. Local government and economic development groups, including the Florida League of Cities, the City of Winter Haven, the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, and the Florida Association of Counties, opposed the bill, arguing it would limit funding for public safety, inspections, economic development, and other services and create administrative refund problems. Several members supported the bill as a tax-cutting measure, while others warned of impacts on local services and revenue flexibility. The committee reported HB 503 favorably on a 14-5 vote, and then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Regular Session Aug 20th, 2026 at 03:47 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a support bill.
- I ask for your support. Thank you.
- Senator Hurtado, you are recognized on this support bill.
- Senator Hurtado, you are recognized on this support bill.
- No opposition, support. Respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you.
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through motions and daily file items. Senator Ashby moved AB 2352 to the inactive file and AB 775 off the consent calendar. The body then considered a long series of concurrence and third-reading measures, with most receiving broad support and passing on largely party-line or unanimous votes.
Among the major bills discussed were SB 1192 on domestic violence-related relief, SB 1263 on professions and vocations, SB 872 on water infrastructure and levee/subsidence issues, SB 934 on protecting LGBTQ people from conversion therapy, SB 1159 on artificial intelligence and public comment rules, AB 1573 on housing for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, AB 52 on farmer equity, AB 1758 on travel seller restitution fees, AB 1544 on court transparency, AB 1738 on virtual inspections for simple home work, AB 1820 on EV charger permit fees, AB 2150 on naloxone training for CPR-certified employees, AB 2274 on limiting secrecy in non-prosecution agreements for traffickers and child molesters, AB 2674 on public access to landfill monitoring data, AB 2010 on high-volume spay/neuter procedures, AB 1793 on cash rounding after the penny’s discontinuation, AB 1818 on CSU bargaining procedures, AB 1655 on CalWORKs support when children are detained by ICE, AB 1743 on firearm trace data sharing, and AB 2011 on preserving mental health parity enforcement. Members speaking in support emphasized consumer protection, transparency, public health, housing, labor rights, and equity; opposition was limited and appeared on a few measures such as AB 1743 and AB 1818.
Votes were recorded on each item, with many measures passing unanimously or by wide margins. Notable roll calls included concurrence on SB 1192 (30-0), SB 1263 (36-0), SB 872 (37-0), SB 934 (27-9), SB 1159 (37-0), and AB 2010 and AB 2150 by unanimous roll call. Several Assembly bills also passed with recorded opposition, including AB 52, AB 1758, AB 1820, AB 1793, AB 1818, AB 1655, AB 1743, and AB 2011. The session ended by returning to motions and consent calendars, where SCR 193 and a large slate of consent items were taken up, with SCR 193 granted reconsideration and the desk noting additional requests from members.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- In support of Senate Bill 1802, filed by Senator Nick Collins.
- Many, if not most of us, have deployed multiple times to support our nation and the Commonwealth.
- We stand in support of everything that our brothers in blue said today.
- So I support these bills. I support you. We thank you.
- Thank you to Senator Keenan for your support.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Public Service
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a range of retirement-related bills, with several witnesses and advocates focusing on pension equity, veteran benefits, and recognition for public safety workers. Representative Dennis Gallagher and Mass Retirees supported legislation to increase the long-standing veterans’ bonus from $15 to $50 per year of service, up to $1,000 annually, and described it as a modest, overdue adjustment with minimal fiscal impact. Mass Retirees also backed bills to raise the minimum survivor allowance for public retirees and to address inequities in Option B and Option C survivor benefits for retirees whose pensions were calculated under older mortality tables.
The committee also heard a personal bill from Representative Jim Arceiro and Nathan McKinnon seeking creditable service for McKinnon’s years in the Nevada higher education system, which he said should count toward his Massachusetts retirement. Another individual bill was presented by Roberta Wollins, supported by Senator Keenan, to remedy what she described as misleading retirement advice from UMass Boston that affected her ability to buy back prior service and made her retirement planning inaccurate. Senator Keenan and others framed both cases as unique fairness issues rather than broad policy changes.
A large panel from police, fire, corrections, EMS, and related organizations testified in favor of a COVID-19 retirement credit proposal and a study bill, arguing that essential workers who reported in person throughout the pandemic should receive recognition and a time-based retirement credit. Witnesses described exposure risks, illness, deaths, staffing strain, and long-term effects from COVID-19, and several committee members voiced support and appreciation for their service. The hearing concluded with no votes taken on the bills and a motion to adjourn, which was approved.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 25 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Those in support will rise.
- Our eyes in support of HB 5264, specifically in support of the provisions which respond to the tax code
- So I would urge every member of this body to support Amendment 43 when a vote is taken.
- I rise today in support of Amendment 43.
- The clerk will display the tally. 25 supporting the amendment, 128 in the negative.
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and received a resignation letter from Rep. Fana Howard of Lowell, effective March 17, 2026, as she transitioned to the Senate. The chamber then took up several procedural orders, including multiple unanimous or voice-vote suspensions of rules and concurrence with Senate petitions, such as referrals on housing and student transportation matters, and a suspension of Joint Rule 12 for a petition involving children served by DCF.
The main substantive item was House No. 5264, a fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill totaling about $1.8 billion. Members discussed its use of Fair Share surtax surplus funds for transportation and education, including major support for the MBTA, special education circuit breaker costs, early education and child care, snow and ice costs, regional transit authorities, and other deficiencies such as GIC and sheriff costs. Members also explained the bill’s tax conformity provisions responding to recent federal tax changes, with debate over whether to delay conformity to limit state revenue exposure. The House adopted a consolidated amendment to the bill and then passed it to be engrossed by roll call vote, 150-3.
The House also adopted a resolution commending the Admetek Foundation on Prostate Cancer Awareness Day. Several local bills were advanced, including a sick leave bank for a Department of Corrections employee, a bill waiving the minimum age requirement for a Boston police officer, a Nantucket charter bill, a Stoneham public safety bill, and a Malden special police officers bill, the last of which was amended before being engrossed. The chamber also considered Amendment 43 to redistribute $100 million of Fair Share revenue more evenly to municipalities for roads and education; supporters argued the current distribution favored statewide priorities over local aid, while opponents said the formula would not adequately address rural road needs. That amendment was rejected 128-25. The House then recessed several times, observed moments of silence for local public servants, welcomed visiting youth sports teams, and finally ordered adjournment to meet the next day at 11 a.m. in informal session.