Transcript Highlights:

• Some of my greatest accomplishments, when they say, "What's your greatest accomplishment at the Capitol
• Generic and broad non-compete policy that's currently in place is a bad thing for Minnesota business.
• workforce, our worker protections, and it does not respond and does not include our thinking on the greatest

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an attorney with She and Finny, just part of the general public.
• That's how we generate the majority of our revenues in the state.
• So, what stable coins accomplish generally and why are states interested?
• what stable coins accomplish generally what stable coins accomplish generally and<01:04:54.480><
• So on the left you have generally an asset-holding company that is holding off-chain assets.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Stable Token Study Commission held its first regular meeting, welcomed all remaining appointed members, and completed brief introductions from legislators and agency designees. The chair outlined the commission’s plan to use the first part of the enabling legislation as a “level-setting” discussion, focusing this meeting on the basics of blockchain, the current landscape for stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets, and leaving blockchain-based trust for a later meeting. No votes were taken. The main presentation came from Deanna Bario Zales of the Global Blockchain Business Council, who described stablecoins as increasingly converging toward fiat-backed or asset-backed models, with algorithmic designs viewed more cautiously. She said stablecoins are being used for payments, remittances, DeFi activity, cross-border transfers, retail use in high-inflation markets, and treasury functions, while noting risks such as peg instability, reserve transparency, counterparty and network risk, and possible capital flight from weaker banking systems. She cited growth in supply, wallet activity, and transfer volume, and said U.S.-pegged stablecoins dominate the market, with USDT and USDC leading. Zales also discussed tokenized real-world assets, describing them as digital representations of physical assets that can enable fractional ownership, liquidity, and faster settlement. She said the market is growing quickly, with institutional participation from firms such as BlackRock and Franklin Templeton, and projected continued expansion. She closed with an overview of regulatory developments, emphasizing the new U.S. stablecoin framework under the Genius Act, the proposed Clarity Act, OCC guidance, and similar regimes in the EU, UK, UAE, Singapore, Japan, and elsewhere, all of which she said are shaping compliance requirements and market development.

Transcript Highlights:

• up in Becker County, and I'm a proud graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead and a first-generation
• I'm a first-generation college student.
• I'm a first-generation college student.
• Our people are truly our greatest asset, and the University could not operate without them.
• <01:53:27.360> of care training the next generation of care training the next generation of

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're not going to release any sensitive information to the general public, not anything that would
• So currently the provision in law under the threat assessment section outlines, to the greatest extent
• In short, the mental health of our next generation should be a priority for this legislature.
• So students who started the intervention in kindergarten versus second grade saw the greatest academic
• So, as I said at the beginning, you know, especially got it right the first time, this allows general

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education K-16 met with a quorum and announced a full agenda, including combined public testimony for two bills related to student personal communication devices. The committee first took up Senate Bill 1262 by Senator Nichols, a school safety cleanup bill following House Bill 3. The bill would allow TEA to commission peace officers for school safety purposes, require annual renewal of good-cause exceptions to armed guard requirements, create a new report based on intruder detection audits and vulnerability assessments, and require behavioral threat assessment teams to include someone with specific knowledge of a special education student’s disability. Committee members asked about the difference between TCOLE licensing and TEA commissioning, the scope of the officers’ authority, and how the good-cause exception would work. The committee substitute was adopted, and public testimony included support from school safety and drone-response advocates, Disability Rights Texas in favor of the special education provisions, and a student witness raising concerns about the mental health impact of repeated lockdowns and the need for immediate, reliable school safety responses. The bill was left pending after testimony, then the committee briefly recessed and later reopened testimony to hear the student witness. The committee then laid out Senate Bill 2252 by Senator Creighton, a major early literacy and numeracy bill for kindergarten through third grade. Creighton said the bill builds on prior literacy efforts by funding teacher stipends for literacy and math academies, providing free and clearly administered screeners and assessments, expanding screening options, clarifying how results are used, supporting high-quality pre-K, and increasing the early education allotment. He emphasized low reading performance and the need for early intervention. Members discussed how the bill differs from earlier academy models and whether the assessments are diagnostic or high-stakes; Creighton and witnesses said the tools are intended to identify students needing support, not to serve as punitive testing. The committee adopted the substitute. Witnesses for SB 2252 largely supported the bill. A Uplift Education representative described strong gains from small-group literacy tutoring and said students receiving targeted support can make more than a year of growth in a year. An education specialist explained that the bill aligns general education screening with existing dyslexia and special education practices and helps districts identify students who need intervention before a disability evaluation is required. A Commit Partnership witness cited statewide reading data, the importance of high-quality pre-K, and the need for transparent, consistent progress monitoring and parent engagement. Members asked about the meaning of the growth data, how dyslexia screening works, and how the bill would help identify struggling students earlier. Before finishing all questions, the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair after the floor session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm not the greatest at math but I can tell you three votes to start a union is not 50% +1.
• The Attorney General of Florida is suing camera companies relabeling Chinese technology because those
• for them and I'm also grateful for the work of the Governor and our Cabinet especially our Attorney General
• That's not necessarily the greatest way to do anything anymore, we all know that and filing, just the

Transcript Highlights:

• which is the greatest wisdom of all. which is the greatest wisdom of all.
• I don't speaking to the general fund.
• All I'll say is I'm thankful for what previous generations did for my generation. is to look at some
• My generation.
• that's >> Generally, it's my understanding that's >> Generally, it's my understanding

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 7 January, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation from Reverend Chip Stevens of First Baptist Church in Jackson, and recited the pledge of allegiance. The body then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles, and received several guest introductions, including the president of Mississippi University for Women, the physician of the day, and the session’s pages. The main item of business was Senate Bill 2004, the Mississippi PERS Stability Act. Senator Sparks explained that the bill would provide a $500 million infusion to the PERS accumulated employers account on July 1, 2026, followed by $50 million annually for 10 years, with backup funding from unobligated general funds if needed. He said the measure was intended to help address the system’s roughly $26 billion liability and to support both state employees and local government employers, noting that the state had already taken other steps to strengthen PERS. The bill was advanced to engrossed status, read for the third time, and placed on the calendar for final passage. Senator Norwood asked whether the funding would help local governments, and Senator Sparks said it would, because the liability is shared by all employers in the system and affects local balance sheets and bond ratings. Senator Bryan then spoke at length in opposition to the broader direction of retirement policy, criticizing the committee process, the fragmentation of retirement legislation, and what he described as incentives for privatization and unfair treatment of new hires. He said he would still vote for the bill because it sends money into the system, but argued that the state should focus retirement benefits on older retirees and avoid further benefit expansions. Senator Sparks responded that the bill was a necessary cash infusion to honor commitments to employees, stabilize the system, and avoid insolvency, and said more PERS legislation would follow.

Transcript Highlights:

• uh I wanted to make sure that his presence was noted in the journal and also a description of his general
• <00:39:31.359> households<00:39:32.359> where multi-generational households where multi-generational
• My community also deals with a multi-generational household with usually one vehicle.
• The greatest thing that we have to sell is the people of Hawaii and the aloha spirit.
• Cost of housing is our greatest impediment to recruiting, to retaining employees, to simply keep

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill does not grow government, it simply codifies general practice the agency has acknowledged and
• So they currently work for TEA, so they don't report to the board, um, which is functional generally,
• I would envision it to be a general form about, uh, you give your consent to do certain things.
• Or by the health clinic in general, OK.
• And Um, that would be the part that we have the greatest concern.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is important to focus on the greatest long-term threat to the United States, that being China.
• U.S. universities are run like businesses with a primary objective of generating revenue.
• That are specific to the opportunity presented this week, not just as a general proposition in terms
• We have a bilateral relationship that spans generations and is sturdy, like under Duterte—less sturdy
• And I don't mean generally; I mean this week. Sure. Basically, we've given Beijing a blink.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:38.599> reason shipping containers to greatest reason shipping containers to greatest
• establishes criminal offenses of General establishes criminal offenses of General fireworks<00:18
• If not, I guess, Attorney General, thank you.
• <00:26:46.760> thank general thank general thank you<00:26:49.120> uh<00:26:49.240>
• I'm going to start with Deputy Attorney General Nakatu.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on three fireworks-related bills. On SB 1226, which would create a shipping container inspection program and require Department of Law Enforcement reporting, the Department of Law Enforcement supported the measure, while the Attorney General recommended deleting references to explosives to avoid a single-subject constitutional issue and noted possible federal limits on military involvement. Harbor users raised concerns about logistics, delays, and cost, and HPD supported the bill; members also discussed how inspections would work and whether DLE would coordinate with county and federal partners. No vote was taken during the testimony portion. On SB 32, which would sharply restrict consumer fireworks by requiring permits for cultural use, repealing the general holiday exceptions, and imposing a $25 permit fee, the State Fire Council supported the bill as a public safety measure but said it was willing to work on problematic language. The Office of the Public Defender opposed it, arguing the bill’s use of “culture” could create constitutional and discrimination problems because permit decisions would effectively define culture. Fireworks retailers and other opponents said the bill would push consumers toward illegal fireworks and hurt lawful sales, while supporters said it would reduce injuries, fires, and respiratory harm. Members questioned whether the permit fee was new, whether the bill would affect commercial display companies, and whether permit caps should be added. On SB 1324, which expands fireworks offenses, increases penalties for injuries or death, creates new criminal offenses and an infraction adjudication system, and appropriates funds, the Attorney General strongly supported the bill and said it would give law enforcement and prosecutors better tools, while DLE said the current weight-based definitions make prosecutions difficult and labor-intensive. DLE also said disposal of seized fireworks is expensive and hazardous, and suggested violators should bear more of that cost. HPD and the Maui County prosecutor supported the bill, but some opponents argued it would overcriminalize conduct and create constitutional issues; a commercial pyrotechnics company asked for amendments to preserve lawful display work. Members asked about the appropriation, enforcement challenges, and whether existing exceptions would still allow commercial shows. The hearing ended with no final decision reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm glad to address the disparagement part of the bill because that's what I have the greatest concern
• My name is Hunter Le Vine, a 5th Generation Floridian, a father, and host of the Captains Collective
• My name is Hunter Le Vine, a 5th Generation Floridian, a father, and host of the Captains Collective
• These places connect generations, fathers of daughters, guys, the clients, neighbors to neighbors.
• These places connect generations, fathers of daughters, guys, the clients, neighbors to neighbors.

Transcript Highlights:

• Whereas, in March of 1776, the Continental Army, under the command of General George Washington, fortified
• Whereas this day also offers an opportunity to educate future generations about the rich history and
• privateer Nathaniel Tracy of Newburyport, Boston Massacre victim Patrick Carr, Colonel Henry Knox, and General
• Mark's greatest pleasure was spending time with his family and friends.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted a resolution commending the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health and its Massachusetts affiliates for LGBTQ Health Awareness Week. Members also received and adopted a gubernatorial proclamation recognizing Evacuation Day, with remarks noting its historical significance as the first victory of the American Revolution and its connection to St. Patrick’s Day observances in Massachusetts. The chamber then took up House No. 62, a bill extending certain COVID-19 measures adopted during the state of emergency. On a motion to suspend the rules and consider the bill forthwith, the Senate agreed, and the bill was ordered to a third reading. Later, Senator Kahn read Governor Healey’s proclamation declaring March 2025 Irish American Heritage Month, highlighting the contributions of Irish Americans in Massachusetts and the state’s Irish heritage trails; the Senate ordered both the Evacuation Day and Irish American Heritage Month remarks entered into the Journal. The Senate also adopted a motion that it adjourn in memory of Mark T. Feeney of South Boston, with a brief tribute to his family, community ties, and public service. Finally, the Senate adopted an order to meet again the following Thursday at 11 a.m. and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The forecast cited immigration, trade, and tariffs as the greatest source of uncertainty, and that all
• 30.880> the immigration, trade, and tariffs as the immigration, trade, and tariffs as the greatest
• 31.519> of<00:09:31.680> uncertainty<00:09:32.160> and<00:09:32.320> that greatest
• source of uncertainty and that greatest source of uncertainty and that all<00:09:32.640> comes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• challenges, Website showing that it is harmful to their mental health, one of our greatest challenges
• I think one of the greatest things about this body is that we all, at times, can be reasonable, prudent
• manager for W... ...SGA Chief Justice Ali Ramey; executive board member and general manager for WICD
• It matters for future generations, and book banning is something that I cannot be a part of.
• What will their generation look like?

Summary: The House convened with prayer, moments of silence for former member Terry Fields and the Parkland victims, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of guests and visitors. The chamber then adopted the Rules and Ethics Committee’s special order report setting the day’s calendar and debate times. The main measure taken up was HB 1119, relating to materials harmful to minors in public schools and charter schools, which the sponsor described as a clarification of existing law to keep pornographic or sexually explicit material away from minors and to give districts clearer standards for review and objection processes. The bill drew extensive debate over constitutional concerns, local control, litigation risk, and the scope of the definition of “harmful to minors.” Members supporting the bill argued it was needed to close loopholes and protect children, while opponents warned it could lead to overbroad book removals, conflict with federal court rulings, and costly lawsuits. A series of amendments sought to narrow or redirect the bill: proposals by Gant, Aristide, Bartleman, Eskamani, Nixon, Rainer, Woodson, and Harris would have preserved literary value review, protected educational and abuse-prevention materials, exempted LGBTQ-inclusive books, limited objections, preserved funding for districts, or delayed enforcement during ongoing litigation. Supporters of the amendments framed them as protecting parental choice, academic value, student safety, and district finances; opponents said they would weaken the bill’s child-protection purpose. All of the amendments failed. After the amendment process, the House waived rules, read HB 1119 a third time by title, and entered structured debate on final passage. Debate continued along the same lines, with opponents emphasizing book removals, First Amendment concerns, and the impact on students and schools, and supporters reiterating that the bill was intended to prevent minors from accessing obscene material. The transcript provided ends during structured debate and does not include the final vote on HB 1119.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know if you have just one general quick comment about that.
• To discontinue funding now would undermine that momentum that we've generally Stride.
• So that'd be my first just comment generally.
• The Governor's budget includes $100 million one-time Proposition 98 General Funds.
• Generally not on par with what we're offering, but definitely we all see the value. Okay.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance heard an extended discussion on state efforts to recruit, prepare, and retain teachers, with a focus on whether current programs are sustainable and well targeted. Testimony from the Learning Policy Institute, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the Department of Education, and the Legislative Analyst’s Office described persistent shortages, especially in special education, math, science, bilingual education, and high-need schools. Speakers emphasized that residency programs, Golden State Teacher Grants, National Board incentives, classified employee pathways, and undergraduate teacher pipelines have helped increase preparation and retention, but many of these efforts rely on one-time funding and lack long-term certainty. Committee members repeatedly raised concerns about the “leaky pipeline,” working conditions, the burden of student debt, and whether the state should simplify and institutionalize support for aspiring teachers rather than rely on a patchwork of grants. The agencies presented data showing continuing shortages and uneven distribution of fully credentialed teachers. CTC reported projected hiring needs of roughly 20,000 to 25,000 teachers annually, with the highest needs in self-contained classrooms, special education, and certain regions of the state. It also noted that emergency permits, waivers, and intern credentials remain high, and that teachers entering through those routes have higher turnover. LPI cited research showing residency-prepared teachers are more effective and more likely to stay, and argued that Golden State Teacher Grants attract candidates who might not otherwise enter teaching and help them complete preparation. CDE stressed that most new demand comes from attrition and urged support for multiple entry points, tuition assistance, and campus-based coursework. Several members also discussed the role of community college pathways, dual credentialing, and support for school leaders as part of retention. The LAO recommended rejecting the educator pipeline proposals under discussion, citing limited evidence of effectiveness and suggesting that any new spending should be more narrowly targeted to the highest-need schools and long-standing shortage subjects. The LAO also said that if the Legislature funds new programs this year, Proposition 98 would be preferable given the state’s fiscal condition. Committee members pushed back on the idea that declining enrollment or layoffs would solve shortages, noting that shortages and layoffs can coexist in different subject areas and regions. The discussion ended with agreement that staff would continue working with agencies on how to make teacher pipeline investments more consistent, coherent, and easier for candidates to navigate. The committee then turned to the Golden State Teacher Grant Program. Finance proposed $50 million in one-time General Fund support to extend the program for one additional year, while the LAO recommended rejecting the proposal because the first CSAC evaluation is not due until later in the year and because the funding would be non-Proposition 98. CSAC supported the extension, saying demand has been strong, over 20,000 aspiring educators have been served since 2021, and the agency had to pause applications after receiving more than 9,200 this year; it also said more than 2,500 candidates had already expressed interest for next year. Members asked how many students the new funding would serve, and CSAC estimated just under 5,000 awards at $10,000 each. The discussion also covered whether the grant could be moved into Proposition 98 and how the one-time nature of the funding affects confidence among prospective teachers.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm general counsel for the A&M system. Appreciate the opportunity.
• Understanding that we live in the greatest country on the on the planet. Why?
• The section 51.315 is the section on the General Education Review Committee.
• General Educational Review Committee.
• Faculty also use these grants to educate the next generation of innovators.

Bills: SB37, SB1489, SB452, SB724, SB1067, SB1741, SB1273

Keywords: higher education, curriculum review, governing board, faculty council, ombudsman, faculty governance, decision-making, transparency, public meetings, department head, employment approval, public institutions, institutional oversight, education, funding, accountability, state budget, school performance, employment, Texas legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• organizations including the General organizations including the General Assembly.
• General and Housing? General and Housing?
• We are about to experience a period of one of the greatest transfers of wealth from one generation to
• by the Attorney General. by the Attorney General.
• consultation The Attorney General, in consultation The Attorney General, in consultation with

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by former member Jason Lorber, who spoke humorously about the difference between asking questions and making statements, urging members to be direct and add value in deliberation. The chamber then took up several resolutions: JRH 11, urging Congress to enact the National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2025, was read and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development; JRS 51, setting weekend adjournment for May 1, 2026, was adopted in concurrence; and H.C.R. 261 was read, recognizing May 2026 as Older Americans Month and designating May 6, 2026 as Age Strong Vermont Day. Members also used announcements to welcome guests and highlight events, including the Age Strong Vermont initiative, a former member’s return, visitors connected to psychedelic medicine advocacy, an art social, fisheries and trout-in-the-classroom guests, a legislative intern, and a reminder about the May 16 NAMI walk. The House then took up Senate Bill 230, an omnibus labor measure relating to fair employment practices. The committee explanation described technical clarifications to parental and family leave for full-time teachers, expansion of protections for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, removal of outdated statutory language on mandatory retirement for tenured faculty, and clarification that elected and appointed municipal officers are not employees for minimum wage and overtime purposes. The main new policy in section 3B would prohibit non-compete agreements for non-exempt employees, with an exception for collective bargaining agreements, and would restrict certain non-compete and related clauses in health care provider contracts while preserving continuity of care and excluding non-clinical business support services. The committee reported extensive testimony and voted 11-0-0 to recommend the bill favorably with amendment; the House agreed to propose the amendment to the Senate and ordered third reading. The House also began consideration of Senate Bill 179, updating Vermont’s Uniform Disclaimer of Property Interests Act. The committee presentation explained that the bill would eliminate the current 9-month deadline for disclaimers, reflecting changes in federal tax law and the much larger modern estate and gift tax exclusion, and would modernize the statute in several ways. Proposed changes include clearer rules for jointly held property, allowing pre-death disclaimers, authorizing trustees and parents in limited circumstances to disclaim on behalf of trusts or minor children, permitting disclaimers by proxy for infirm persons, clarifying partial disclaimers and entity disclaimers, improving delivery rules for non-real-estate property, and specifying that a disclaimer is not a transfer for transfer-tax purposes. The bill was described as a response to outdated law in light of an impending large intergenerational wealth transfer, and the House proceeded with second reading discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• An act to amend the General Municipal Law in relation to disabilities of deputy sheriffs in certain cities
• with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help improve the lives of the residents of the greatest

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and considered five bills on its agenda. Senate Bill 949, by Senator Jackson, would amend the New York City Charter regarding service of certain notices of violation returnable to the Environmental Control Board; it was approved and reported to the floor. Senate Bill 9358, by Senator Comrade, would amend the Administrative Code to allow commuter vans to accept street-side sales from prospective passengers; it was approved and reported to the Transportation Committee. Senate Bill 9882, by Senator Jackson, would amend the General Municipal Law concerning disabilities of deputy sheriffs in certain cities; it was approved and referred to the Finance Committee. Senate Bill 9025, by Senator Sutton, was listed as authorizing the City of New York to transfer certain state land, but no action on it was described in the transcript. Senate Bill 9683, by Senator Gonzalez, concerning the sale of certain lands formerly under the waters of Whale Creek/White Off Creek, was laid aside at the sponsor’s request and not considered further at the meeting. The committee took voice votes on the bills considered, with no opposition recorded in the transcript. The chair noted this was likely the final City’s One Committee meeting of the year, thanked members and staff, and adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:06.560> times To serve people in their greatest times of need.
• That's integrity in general for all of us.
• That's integrity in general for all of us.
• for all of us. in general for all of us.
• that term um in general with respect to<00:29:41.440> this?

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House took up a motion to suspend the rules and recall House File 3412 from the Committee on Public Safety, Finance, and Policy so it could receive second and third readings and be placed on final passage. The bill, authored by Representative Finnegan, would prohibit law enforcement officers in Minnesota, including local, state, and federal agents, from wearing masks while on duty, with limited exceptions. Supporters argued the measure would increase transparency, accountability, and public trust, and said masked officers create fear and resemble “secret police,” especially in the context of recent immigration enforcement actions. They also said the state has authority to regulate this area and that the bill would not interfere with essential law enforcement duties. Opponents said the bill was poorly written, unnecessary, and politically motivated, and argued that current and pending laws already address officer identification and badge numbers. Representative Nathe said the bill would allow protesters or rioters to wear masks while restricting law enforcement, and urged a no vote. Representative Roach said the term “secret police” was a made-up political phrase and defended masked ICE agents as necessary for officer safety because they deal with dangerous criminals and could be doxed or targeted. Several members spoke in favor of the motion, including Representatives Curran, Sencer-Mura, and Pinto, who emphasized the importance of public trust and shared personal stories about children, family experiences, and encounters with masked federal agents. They described immigration enforcement incidents involving children and families as frightening and said officers should be identifiable when interacting with the public. The debate included a brief exchange between Representatives Pinto and Roach about whether masked law enforcement should be considered “secret police.” The transcript ends during that discussion and does not include the final vote or disposition of the motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• anniversary, a day long to be remembered by us in future generations.
• I rise in support of this Budget General Appropriation Act.
• general budget negotiations, which are about to conclude today.
• Chair, thanks, generally. Chair recognizes Senator Muth. Thank you, Mr. President.
• FPRs are the byproducts and wastewater generated by commercial manufacturing.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, communications, committee reports, and leaves of absence. The journal was approved 50-0. The chamber then took up House Bill 1505, which drew extended debate over school funding and adequacy/tax equity. Senators Coleman and Keefer argued the bill continued to pour money into districts like Allentown without accountability or improved results, while Senators Costa, Miller, Haywood, and Anthony Williams defended the funding as a response to historic underfunding and the Commonwealth Court decision. A motion allowing Senator Coleman a third speaking turn was adopted 27-23, and the bill ultimately passed 45-5. The Senate then considered House Bill 2400, the General Appropriation Act. Supporters, including Senators Martin, Dush, Phillips-Hill, Costa, Ward, Street, Hughes, and Pittman, emphasized that the budget was balanced without using the rainy day fund or raising taxes, reduced the governor’s proposal, increased education and child care funding, supported nursing homes, rape crisis centers, infrastructure, and workforce programs, and shifted money from lapsed or unused accounts to current priorities. Opponents, including Senators Saval and Muth, said the budget failed to address structural deficits and omitted new revenue options, emergency services funding, and other major issues. The bill passed 44-6 with amendments and was returned to the House for concurrence. The Senate also passed a series of other bills, including House Bills 2412, 2413, 96, 858, 1042, 1286, 1646, 1851, 1862, 2017, 2024, 2401, and 2559, with varying margins, and sent them to the House, some with amendments. House Bill 1042 drew a negative recommendation from Senator Costa over a late amendment involving second-degree murder/felony language, but after reconsideration and vote changes it passed 30-20 with amendments. House Bill 1862, creating an Ignition Interlock Driver’s License, passed 45-5 after support from Senator Judy Ward. House Bill 1248 passed 43-7 and designates Pennsylvania rye whiskey as the official state spirit, with Senators Bartolotta and Robinson speaking in support. The chamber also adopted Senate Resolution 216, after defeating Senator Haywood’s amendment to narrow the scope of a proposed Legislative Budget and Finance Committee study of managed care organizations; the resolution passed 31-19. Several other bills were held over in their order, and the Senate later moved toward a condolence resolution.