Video & Transcript : 'skill based amusement games' :
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OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Local and County Government Apr 21st, 2026
Local and County Government
Transcript Highlights:
- And through my work, I've developed strong skills in governance, strategic decision-making, community
Committee:
Senate Local and County Government
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Local and County Government met and first considered the nomination of Mary Westman to the Oklahoma Department of Libraries Board. Senator Standridge presented Westman, highlighting her background in nursing, health care, law, and business. Westman said she would focus on working within the board’s statutory authority, supporting local communities, and using resources efficiently. After a brief question-and-answer period, the committee voted 6-0 to advance her nomination to the full Senate.
The committee then considered the nomination of Samuel Alaback to the same board, presented by Senator Reinhardt. Reinhardt emphasized Alaback’s leadership experience at Oklahoma State University and his work as a middle school literature teacher. Alaback said he wanted to help address the state’s literacy challenges and support libraries as community spaces, while learning from other board members. Following questions about his priorities and plans, the committee voted 6-0 to advance his nomination to the Senate. The meeting then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Emergency Management Committee Apr 7th, 2025
Emergency Management
Transcript Highlights:
- including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2027 Super Bowl and the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games
- The positive attention we garner from these games will hopefully result in many years of return visits
- The Bay Area is very excited about the 26th World Cup and the opportunity to host six of the games that
Committee:
House Emergency Management
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House/Senate DFL Press Conference 3/18/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Too often these days working-class people feel like the game is rigged against them, like no one is listening
- Too often these days working-class people feel like the game is rigged against them, like no one is listening
- Too often these days working-class people feel like the game is rigged against them, like no one is listening
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Education Finance Mar 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- base increase aligned with inflation.
- The compact-based budget increases were intended to accomplish three things.
- And our recommendation is based on a few key factors.
- on your recommendations, on a base increase to the university and also an enrollment-based budget, per
- So, medical-based—entirely medically based. It's recruiting students who want to work with...
Summary:
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, chaired by Assemblymember Alvarez, held a hearing focused on University of California budget issues. The committee reviewed UC core operations funding, enrollment trends, federal funding threats, Title IX implementation, and basic needs support. Major themes included the end of the Governor’s multi-year UC compact, the state’s fiscal outlook, UC’s enrollment growth, and the potential impacts of federal policy changes on research, health care, and student aid.
On core funding, the Department of Finance described the Governor’s proposal to continue compact-related support, defer some payments, and authorize a cash-flow loan. The LAO recommended a smaller or no base increase, earmarking some funds for capital renewal, retiring deferrals when possible, avoiding new compact commitments, and funding UC annually rather than through compacts. UC argued that the compact has supported enrollment growth, student services, and operating costs, but said campuses face rising expenses, structural deficits, and limited reserves. Members questioned the effects of deferrals on students and discussed the need to prioritize less harmful reductions if cuts become necessary.
The enrollment panel focused on UC’s growth in California resident enrollment and the nonresident replacement plan at Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego. The LAO recommended maintaining the current enrollment target, funding enrollment separately from base increases, pausing the nonresident replacement plan, and holding enrollment flat in 2027-28. UC said it has already met compact enrollment goals, grown California undergraduate enrollment by about 18,800 students, and that further growth depends on ongoing state support. The committee also discussed the cost of enrollment growth, possible differential nonresident tuition, and a reporting request for UC to analyze the nonresident replacement approach; the motion to adopt supplemental reporting language passed.
The hearing also covered federal funding risks, with the LAO and UC warning that federal changes could affect research grants, medical center reimbursement, and student financial aid. UC said research cancellations and suspensions are disrupting labs and graduate student support, while federal health policy changes could increase uncompensated care at UC hospitals. In the Title IX update, UC described its systemwide civil rights structure, annual student training, and campus support offices, and members praised the work while asking about ongoing concerns and intersegmental collaboration. The final basic-needs item began with Finance stating the Governor’s budget does not change ongoing support, but the transcript cuts off before further discussion or action.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And yeah, that's a really good question as far as, you know, it's a guessing game of how many is going
- hawk and that you would dive right into that number, but we were looking at it earlier, and that was based
- Based on an average of 30,000 volunteer firefighters in Missouri, maybe 18,000?
- And a lot of these rural departments are never going to be able to have the tax base to support career
Committee:
House Crime and Public Safety
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session and approved House Bill 2808 on a 9-4 vote with one present. The hearing then focused on House Bill 1808 and its companion House Bill 3435, both titled Grace’s Law, which would create a narrow social host liability cause of action for knowingly providing alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person age 21 or older when that conduct leads to injury, death, or property damage. Sponsors said the bill is intended to fill a gap in Missouri law, align the state with other states that recognize social host liability, and promote accountability without punishing responsible hosts. Members raised questions about how the visible-intoxication standard would apply in private settings, whether the bill could reach casual gatherings, and whether it should also address other substances; sponsors said the measure is intentionally limited and still being refined.
Supporters of Grace’s Law included the mother of Grace, the crash victim for whom the bill is named, a relative of another drunk-driving victim, and representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. They described the bill as a response to preventable tragedies and argued that liability would encourage hosts to stop serving intoxicated guests, take away keys, or arrange safe rides. Testimony emphasized that the bill is about reckless conduct rather than ordinary hospitality, and several members expressed sympathy and support for stronger accountability in drunk-driving cases. No opposition testimony was presented before the hearing on those bills concluded.
The committee then heard House Bills 3439 and 3480, which would extend the Public Safety Protection and Recruitment Act to volunteer firefighters by allowing them to qualify for tuition assistance and related benefits under the program. Sponsors said volunteer firefighters in rural areas perform essential and often dangerous work, but are currently excluded from the statute, and that the change would help recruit and retain volunteers. Committee members questioned the fiscal impact, whether volunteers should receive the same benefit as full-time personnel, and whether the program should be structured as a tuition waiver rather than a scholarship to reduce costs. Fire chiefs and other supporters testified that volunteer departments are critical in rural Missouri, that volunteers often receive extensive training and respond to fires, EMS calls, and disasters, and that the benefit would help departments recruit and keep members. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce also supported the bill, citing public safety and workforce benefits. No opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing was concluded after discussion.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- And yeah, that's a really good question as far as, you know, it's a guessing game of how many is going
- hawk and that you would dive right into that number, but we were looking at it earlier, and that was based
- Based on an average of 30,000 volunteer firefighters in Missouri, maybe 18,000.
- And a lot of these rural departments are never going to be able to have the tax base to support career
Committee:
House Crime and Public Safety
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 23rd, 2026
California Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and so many of the lessons that he brought forward in the establishment of Black History Month, are based
- Lauren Brazil is the founder and executive director of We Grow L.A., a Los Angeles-based nonprofit advancing
- A Los Angeles-based nonprofit advancing food access, sustainability, and community wellness.
- He had such tremendous charisma, and it was a game sometimes to see which direction he was going to go
Summary:
The Senate opened with a quorum, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of corrected journals, and a brief recognition of guests. The body then considered four gubernatorial appointments to the Seismic Safety Commission: Deborah Garns, David Rabbit, Cindy Silva, and Vincent Wells. Senators spoke in support of the appointees, especially highlighting Garns’ leadership during the Rio Dell earthquake response and the commission experience of the others. All four confirmations were approved unanimously, with 37 ayes and 0 noes each.
The Senate next adopted SR 69 designating February as Montessori Month. Senator Niello described Montessori education’s history, California ties, and current teacher shortages, while a group of Montessori educators and students from the California Montessori Project was recognized in the gallery. The Senate then took up SCR 122 honoring Black History Month and the 100th anniversary of Negro History Week. Senator Weber Pearson and many others from both parties spoke about Black history as American history, the legacy of Carter G. Woodson, ongoing civil rights and education issues, and the importance of recognizing Black contributions in public life, culture, and policy. The resolution was adopted unanimously, 37-0.
The remainder of the session focused on Black History Month observances, including the California Legislative Black Caucus’s “Unsung Heroes” honorees, who were introduced and recognized for community service, arts, public safety, health care, and youth support. The Senate also heard several adjournment-in-memory tributes for San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Sergeant Grant Ward, who died after a battle with cancer, and for civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, with members recalling his advocacy, charisma, and personal impact. The Senate adjourned after announcing its next meeting for February 26, 2026.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- that avoid that decision by making it clear that indirect purchasers are eligible to recover damages based
- Because this is not a fiduciary duty claim from what I can tell, or is it based on fiduciary duty in
- And all their acts and activities are based on that premise. Is that correct?
- I'm also looking at interstate compacts to just sort of see... ...this definitely would have been a game
Committee:
House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Keywords:
healthcare liability, emergency medical care, standard of proof, negligence, legal reforms, Texas General Arbitration Act, arbitration, binding arbitration, statute of limitations, limitations period, tolling, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Section 16.073, alternative dispute resolution, ADR, civil procedure, lawsuit filing, court jurisdiction, Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence, procedural law
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Elect Committee Meeting - 2025-03-26
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- with small cities are the typical types of capital projects that we use and we see are truly need-based
- I assume, based on the spelling of your name and the spelling of my name, that you pronounce your last
- and shape how cities ensure the health, safety, and welfare of residents, both in emergency housing based
- I'm game if you are, Jericho. Just one second here.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Jan 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- That is part of our base budget review.
- The base budget excluded based, but it excludes your non-recurring funds appropriated for 24 25, which
- And then you do have some recurring base, local funding initiatives that are still in the base.
- And so that's available for districts as part of their base to base funds to give folks.
- Based on a child count formula.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 9/17/25
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- the system in bands of providers gaming the system in concert. concert. concert.
- We can no longer just solely rely on a trust-based system for Medicaid payment.
- We can no longer just solely rely on a trust-based system for Medicaid payment.
- We can no longer just solely rely on a trust-based system for Medicaid payment.
- </c> Care 11 and he began investigating based Care 11 and he began investigating based upon<00:51:43.200
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
CPC Public Hearing - Wed Mar 19, 2025 @ 2:00 PM HST
Consumer Protection & Commerce
Transcript Highlights:
- And so now that we've got the customer demand based on ESG, based on their sustainability goals that
- Hawaiʻi State Energy Office is looking at Maui County and Oʻahu based off of future leads that there
- Hawaiʻi State Energy Office is looking at Maui County and Oʻahu based off of future leads that there
- I mean, this seems like a silly kind of shell game you guys are playing.
- </c> my experience and Ways and Means based my experience and Ways and Means based on<01:26:34.600><c
Committee:
House Consumer Protection & Commerce
Summary:
The committee met on March 19, 2025, and first heard SB 137 SD2 HD1 relating to electric utilities. The Division of Consumer Advocacy and the Public Utilities Commission said they stood on their written comments, IBEW Local 1260 supported the bill, and Ulupono Initiative also supported it. Hawaiian Electric supported the intent but asked for an amendment, saying the bill’s definition of “acquiring entity” was too broad and could unintentionally cover purely local utility transactions. A later witness from Life of the Land supported the bill only if the merger/acquisition language were removed, arguing the PUC would not have a workable mechanism to let a cooperative intervene in a utility sale process. Committee members questioned whether the bill could still work without that section, and Ulupono said it was open to clarifying language but did not seek to remove the provision; the discussion ended without a vote in the excerpt provided.
The committee then took up SB 1220 SD2 relating to a renewable gas tariff. The Division of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC again stood on written comments. HGas strongly supported the measure, saying it would create a faster, more cost-effective path for a voluntary renewable gas tariff without requiring a full rate case, while preserving PUC oversight and consumer protections. The Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas also supported the bill, emphasizing that it would expand consumer choice and help Hawaii’s clean energy goals while keeping the program voluntary and shielding non-participating customers from costs.
Henry Curtis of Life of the Land opposed the bill, arguing that HGas already had an active rate case and could have raised the issue there, and that the proposal did not increase renewable gas supply or speed up acquisition; he called it a gimmick. In response, HGas said the bill was mainly a mechanism to speed filing and that the details would be worked out in a PUC docket. Committee members pressed HGas on whether the measure would actually add renewable gas, what source would be used, and whether customers would simply be paying more for the same gas; HGas said it had two projects in development, including banagrass and hydrogen-related work, and that the tariff would be a voluntary opt-in rate for customers seeking renewable natural gas to meet sustainability goals. No vote was taken in the excerpt provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Higher Education Committee Apr 7th, 2026
Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- colleges have designed programs around stackable credentials, pathways that allow students to build skills
- prohibits any post-secondary educational institution from discriminating against a student or applicant based
- who are student-parents. educational institution from discriminating against a student or applicant based
- prioritization of high-margin specialty care and biomedical research does not encourage operating a community-based
Committee:
House Higher Education
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Pre-K - 12 Education Apr 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 1150 would enable our school districts to retain highly skilled and qualified school social
- that an epinephrine device must be approved by the FDA and have an appropriate pre-measured, weight-based
- I mean, at a base level, I think, yeah, that math makes sense because those rooms are empty.
- They might not, based on the Florida Channel ratings. But they've spiked.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Pre-K-12 Education met with a quorum present and took up several education bills. SB 1150, which would remove an unrelated exam barrier for school social workers to help districts retain them, was briefly explained and reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 1514 on anaphylaxis in public schools, which would require emergency action plans and training for school personnel; amendments narrowed and clarified the bill, including applicability to K-8 schools and FDA-approved epinephrine devices. Orange County Public Schools waived in support, and CS/CS/SB 1514 was reported favorably.
The committee spent the most time on SB 1708, which expands Schools of Hope and creates a co-location framework allowing high-performing charter operators to share space in underused public school facilities, with the sponsor explaining that agreements would address safety, supervision, grade levels, emergency protocols, and liability. Members raised concerns about who would be served, lottery access, accountability, and whether the bill would worsen inequities or strain public schools; many public speakers opposed the bill on similar grounds, arguing it would divert resources from already underfunded schools. The sponsor clarified that Schools of Hope recruitment is exempt from lottery, that the bill would not use classrooms already in use, and that districts would receive $600 per student plus associated funding for vacant space. Despite mixed debate, CS for SB 1708 was reported favorably.
Finally, the committee considered CS/SB 822, which updates charter school governance by limiting sponsor-imposed deadlines, preventing enrollment caps below facility capacity, improving data sharing, and allowing high-performing charter schools to assume existing charters. A charter school advocate supported the bill as a fairness and efficiency measure, while senators pressed him on claims of district “harassment” and the basis for the bill’s deadline changes. After brief debate, CS/SB 822 was reported favorably. The meeting ended with members recording votes on prior tabs and adjournment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee Jun 3rd, 2026
Energy, Utilities and Communications
Transcript Highlights:
- zero-emission vehicle and cleaner fuels transitions, there's potentially less demand for petroleum-based
- Based on the information today, we see about 10 refineries outside of...
- There's just not that base up there. I get it.
- And based on the policies of the state.
- And I have no doubt that refiners made a choice based on that.
Committee:
Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Number five is $40,000 to Clean Fuels Alliance America for education and marketing of soy-based biodiesel
- The decision was based on the proprietary nature of all of the algorithms that they developed for the
- So I'm way ahead of the game. It's always nice.
- So it's still your Arkansas-based provider still doing the services for those students that need it.
- It's an amended contract to provide comprehensive community-based treatment services.
Committee:
All JBC-PEER REVIEW
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, this Senate resolution is based on inaccuracies. The language of this resolution...
- body and the majority voting for it does not take that issue seriously because this resolution is based
- It calls for her resignation based on a twisting of her words. It is based on lies.
- We should not be voting on resolutions that are based on misquoting the Attorney General's words.
- If the ignorance was based upon statements made by a government employee charged with interpreting that
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, approval of the prior journal, and several guest introductions, including Arizona agricultural producers and suppliers and sixth graders from James W. Rice Elementary School. The chamber then moved through a lengthy calendar of first- and second-reading bill references and committee reports, with no substantive debate on those items recorded in the transcript.
The main floor action centered on Senate Resolution 1036, which was converted from a concurrent resolution to a Senate resolution and brought forward under a suspension of rules. The resolution condemned Attorney General Chris Mays for public comments about the use of force and law enforcement, and called on her to retract, clarify, and resign. Senators debated whether the resolution was a necessary public safety response or a politically motivated stunt, with supporters arguing Mays’ remarks endangered officers and opponents saying the resolution misquoted her and was being rushed without committee review or public input. A floor amendment was adopted, and after extended debate the Senate passed SR 1036 on a 17-13 vote.
After the resolution vote, the Senate briefly returned to personal privileges, including an introduction of visitors connected to civics education, and then recessed and adjourned until Monday, February 2, 2026. The transcript does not show any other bill final actions beyond the SR 1036 vote and the routine referral and reporting of other measures.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Governmental Oversight and Accountability Feb 2nd, 2026
Governmental Oversight and Accountability
Transcript Highlights:
- , or biology-based beliefs.
- , or biology-based beliefs.
- So what's the difference if it's based on your gender, based on your religion, based on your race, based
- So what's the difference if it's based on your gender, based on your religion, based on your race, based
- Based on your religion, based on your race, based on your color, based on your religion, did I say religion
Summary:
The committee took up several bills and one set of confirmations. SB 330, relating to disability provisions for firefighters, law enforcement, and correctional officers, was explained as clarifying the heart disease presumption and allowing transferred law enforcement officers to rely on a prior physical if the new agency fails to provide one; it was reported favorably. SB 526, a broad commercial construction bill, was amended with a title amendment and a delete-all amendment before being reported favorably. SB 1192 created a pilot program for callback queues at certain executive agencies to reduce hold times, and it was also reported favorably. SB 1078 established gubernatorial transition procedures, including liaisons, briefing materials, office space, and access to records; an amendment narrowed and reassigned some duties and increased penalties for improper disclosure, and the bill passed favorably. SB 7022 extended and updated a public records exemption for classroom examinations and assessment instruments through 2031, and it was reported favorably. SB 1250 removed the Florida Commission on Human Relations’ requirement to use registered mail for certain notices, allowing less expensive notice methods, and it passed favorably. SB 1698 allowed certain employer notices and posters to be posted electronically instead of physically, and it was reported favorably. The committee also recommended confirmation of 10 appointees to the Florida Commission on Human Relations and the State Retirement Commission.
SB 1072 created an anti-Semitism task force within the Attorney General’s Office of Civil Rights to review anti-Semitism in Florida, improve community relations, advise on law enforcement training, assess digital media literacy efforts, review hate crime statutes, and issue annual reports. The bill drew extensive public testimony, with many speakers opposing it on First Amendment, academic freedom, and equal-protection grounds and arguing it could chill criticism of Israel or be used selectively; supporters said it was needed to address rising anti-Semitism and that the state’s definition of anti-Semitism had already been adopted in statute. After debate, the bill was reported favorably.
SB 862, as amended, set a $60,000 salary goal by 2030 for state correctional officers, probation officers, and institutional security specialists, with annual raises subject to appropriations; members questioned a separate provision allowing deployment of correctional officers during emergencies, including whether that could intersect with immigration enforcement, but the sponsor said he would follow up and that the bill was aimed at recruitment, retention, and workforce stability. The bill received support from law enforcement and corrections groups and was reported favorably. SB 1642, the Freedom in the Workplace Act, generated the most contentious discussion: it would bar certain pronoun-related requirements, prohibit mandatory training or activities related to sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression as a condition of employment, require sex on employment forms to reflect biological sex, and extend similar protections to public employees and contractors. Supporters framed it as protecting free speech, conscience, and against compelled speech; opponents argued it would authorize discrimination against transgender and nonbinary people, invite litigation, and harm workplace safety and inclusion. An amendment moved the bill into the chapter governing public employers and employees, and the bill was then reported favorably.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- increases temporarily boost<00:28:58.320><c> Revenue</c><00:28:58.960><c> these</c><00:28:59.120><c> games
- </c><00:28:59.360><c> were</c><00:28:59.480><c> not</c> boost Revenue these games were not boost Revenue
- these games were not sustained<00:29:00.200><c> in</c><00:29:00.320><c> 2023</c><00:29:01.039><c> Hawaii
- </c><01:00:23.119><c> on</c> sort of program Administration based on sort of program Administration based
- But based on what it's asking for, it's requiring any person providing doula services for compensation
Committee:
House Health
Summary:
The House Health Committee held its first hearing of 2025, with Chair Greg Takayama and Vice Chair Representative Leoy opening the meeting and outlining housekeeping rules, including a two-minute limit for testifiers and Zoom etiquette. The committee first heard HB 303 on health care preceptors. The Department of Health, Department of Taxation, University of Hawaiʻi, Hawaii State Center for Nursing, and several health care organizations supported the bill, saying the existing preceptor tax credit program has been successful and that expanding eligibility to additional professions and students would help address workforce shortages. In response to questions, the Department of Health said the annual tax credit cap is $1.5 million, about 650 to 670 credits are currently used each year, and the bill applies only to unpaid preceptors. The committee then moved on to HB 441, which would raise cigarette taxes. The Attorney General, Department of Health, University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, Hawaii Public Health Institute, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and others supported the measure as a way to reduce smoking, especially among youth, and to support tobacco control and cancer-related programs. Opponents, including the Taxpayers Protection Alliance and the Cigar Association of Hawaii, argued the tax is regressive and unreliable as a revenue source. The Department of Health noted the last cigarette tax increase was in 2011, and one witness urged a larger increase than proposed. No vote was taken on either bill in the portion of the hearing provided.
The committee also heard HB 557 on telehealth. The Department of Health supported the bill so long as it did not displace executive budget priorities, and the Hawaii State Health Planning and Development Agency and Hawaii Primary Care Association supported it. HPCA said the bill would conform state insurance law to recent Medicare changes expanding audio-only telehealth coverage beyond mental health services, and it emphasized access for rural residents, kupuna, and people with disabilities. HMSA opposed the bill as written, saying it strayed from the intent of Act 107 and that audio-only telehealth should remain limited because of quality-of-care concerns, though it supported continued access and asked for a different amendment approach. A telehealth provider also testified that payment disparities limit provider expansion and that audio-only access remains important for patients with serious illness. The hearing ended in the excerpt before any committee action or vote on HB 557.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- How are we using our skills?
- Under his guidance, the youth in our communities are not only strengthening their athletic skills, but
Summary:
The Senate took up several committee reports, resolutions, and House messages, then moved through a series of bills on the calendar. Early action included adopting a Ways and Means order on Senate Bill 2549, which promotes student learning and mental health, by substituting a new draft and setting amendment deadlines and a second reading date. The chamber also adopted congratulatory resolutions for the Sport Fish Restoration Program’s 75th anniversary and the Hawthorn Hotel’s 100th anniversary, and suspended rules on a sick leave bank petition for a trial court employee and on a House bill validating a special election in Hardwick, which was ordered to a third reading. The Senate also adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Peter Hayden Lapin of Springfield, a veteran and former public servant.
The Senate then considered Senate Bill 137, renaming and updating references in the General Laws to replace outdated and offensive terms regarding people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Senators spoke at length in support of the bill, emphasizing respect, disability rights, and the work of advocates such as Melissa Riley and the Arc of Massachusetts. An amendment by Senator Creem replaced “hearing impaired” with “deaf or hard of hearing,” and a corrective amendment by Senator Lovely was also adopted. The bill was then passed to be engrossed by a unanimous 40-0 roll call.
Next, the Senate considered Senate Bill 1034, which repeals archaic laws including sodomy-related provisions, the common nightwalker law, and the blasphemy statute, and creates a commission to review archaic laws going forward. Senators described the measure as a civil liberties and dignity issue, with particular attention to the misuse of the common nightwalker law against women and trans people and the historical injustice of blasphemy laws. Amendments were adopted to add the Supreme Court as a recipient of commission reports and to remove the crime of petite treason. The bill was then passed to be engrossed unanimously, 40-0.
Finally, the Senate considered Senate Bill 2558, the “blue envelope” bill to improve interactions between police officers and people with autism spectrum disorder. Supporters said the voluntary program would help drivers and passengers with ASD during traffic stops and would be made permanent through the Registry of Motor Vehicles, with the State Police and advocacy groups involved. An amendment requiring in-service training by the Massachusetts Police Training Council was adopted, while a proposed yellow-dot amendment for older drivers with chronic illness was rejected 5-34. A Ways and Means amendment was then adopted, and the bill passed to be engrossed unanimously, 39-0. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned.