Transcript Highlights:

• Members, we're moving on to adjournments in memory. The quorum call remains in place.
• in memory.
• Assembly Member Wix, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory. Thank you, Mr.
• I respectfully ask that the Assembly join me in adjourning in her memory today.
• All requests to adjourn in memory will be deemed read and printed in the journal.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call, recess, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved into a highly procedural and contentious floor session centered on redistricting measures. Members debated a point of order raised by Assembly Member DeMaio challenging the constitutionality of SB 280, ACA 8, and AB 604; the Speaker ruled the point not well taken, and the Assembly sustained that ruling on appeal. The body also took up consent-calendar and procedural motions, including suspending rules to adopt late amendments on ACA 8 and to bring the measure up without reference to file. Several motions to re-refer or suspend rules on related measures failed, while the motion to adopt the late amendments on ACA 8 carried. The main substantive item was ACA 8, the Assembly Constitutional Amendment related to redistricting, presented by Assembly Member Berman as a response to mid-decade redistricting efforts in other states, especially Texas. Supporters argued the measure was a temporary, voter-driven response to protect democracy, counter partisan gerrymandering, and address broader threats tied to the Trump administration, including immigration enforcement and health care cuts. Opponents argued ACA 8 would undermine California’s independent citizens redistricting commission, violate the state Constitution, and amount to partisan gerrymandering or a power grab. Members on both sides framed the issue as a defense of democracy, but disagreed sharply over whether the Legislature should act or leave redistricting to voters and the existing commission. No final vote on ACA 8 is shown in the transcript excerpt, but the Assembly did vote on several procedural matters: the appeal of the Speaker’s ruling was sustained 58-18; the motion to adopt late amendments on ACA 8 passed 58-19; a motion to re-refer ACA 8 and SB 280 to Judiciary failed 19-58; and a motion to take up A.J.R. 21 without reference to file failed 19-58. The session remained focused on ACA 8 and related redistricting questions, with extensive floor speeches from both supporters and opponents.

Transcript Highlights:

• What we have in front of us here with House Joint Memorial 10, the federal school lunch rules currently
• interest in how those meals are sourced and prepared.
• This joint memorial does not address that.
• I'm a fourth-generation farmer in New Plymouth, Idaho.
• count actually goes up once in a while.

Committee: House Agricultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I now ask all members, guests, and staff to rise and join me in a moment of silence in memory of Ralph
• May he rest in peace. May his memory be a blessing. Senate will be in a brief recess.
• Senator Fattman moves that the Senate do now adjourn. All those in favor, say aye; opposed, no.
• The Senate stands adjourned to meet on Wednesday next at noon in a formal session without a calendar.
• And we are adjourning today in memory of Ralph Edward Pascarelli. Senate is adjourned.

Summary: The Senate took up several committee reports and bills, including a petition to repeal an archaic law criminalizing pregnancy, which was referred to the Judiciary Committee, and a bill designating October 15 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day, which was placed in the Orders of the Day. The chamber also passed several local and special bills on third reading, including changes to the Tewksbury town manager residency requirement, a Boston Police age waiver for one applicant, a gender-neutral charter change for Nantucket County, and a sick leave bank for a Department of Correction employee. A House petition concerning the tax treatment of certain foreign government pensions was referred to the Revenue Committee after suspension of Joint Rule 12. The Senate adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Ralph Edward Pascarelli, followed by a moment of silence. Members also adopted an emergency preamble for a Warren election validation bill. Later, the Senate gave final passage to three bills: one expanding powers of the Cotuit Fire District water commissioners, one authorizing the Cotuit Fire District to raise money for the Historical Society of Sandwich and Cotuit, Inc., and one regulating compensation for the Salem licensing board. The chamber then considered and passed to enactment, by the required two-thirds vote, a bill validating the results of the annual election held in Bourne on May 20, 2025. Finally, the Senate adopted an order to meet again the following Wednesday at noon in a formal session without a calendar, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardon, and it is in serving that we lead.
• R. are 190 by Jones of Dallas in memory of Antonio Cornelius Baker. Do you recognize Mr. Jones? Mr.
• Bush administration in 1989. and worked in the White House Presidential Personnel Office, becoming an
• As the Texas House of Representatives adjoins this day, I humbly ask that it does so in memory of Antonio
• Tuesday in memory of former house members John Hershey of which off falls in Dalton Smith of Houston

Transcript Highlights:

• HR number 255 by Dutton, in memory of Robert Allen Bateau of Houston. Chair recognizes Mr.
• This is really tough for me because he was In 1961, he and I won the city championship in Houston in
• He was the SWAG champion in tennis, in singles, for a couple of years.
• Davis of Dallas in memory of Alma Jewell Pryor of Dallas.
• Tuesday February 18th in memory of Robert Allen Bateau. of Houston. Is there any objection?

Transcript Highlights:

• The hour to which the House adjourned having arrived, the House will be in order.
• in the memory of Margie Claussen Burgess, a dedicated lifelong member of our Plymouth community, who
• All those in favor say aye; opposed, no. The ayes have it. The special adjournment is adopted. Mr.
• Soder of Bellingham moves that the House do now adjourn. All those in favor say aye; opposed, no.
• Adjourned to meet Thursday next at 11 a.m. in an informal session. I don't know.

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then acted on a Rules Committee report recommending suspension of Joint Rule 12 for several petitions, including proposals on LGBTQIA+ parent advisory councils in public schools, school safety, and ivory and rhinoceros horn trafficking. The House voted to suspend the rules and Joint Rule 12, allowing those petitions to proceed to the named committees. Members also recognized the Weston High School Girls Swim and Dive Team, introduced as guests of Representative Peisch, for winning their third overall and second consecutive MIAA Division 2 state championship. The chamber then observed a moment of silent tribute for Margie Claussen Burgess of Plymouth, honoring her long record of community service, including 23 years on the Plymouth School Committee and work with several local civic organizations. The House adopted an order to adjourn on Thursday at 11 a.m. and approved a special adjournment in memory of Nicholas J. Costello, who served in both the House and Senate. The House then voted to adjourn and will next meet Thursday at 11 a.m. in an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Four in the affirmative. Four in the affirmative. Four in the affirmative, none in the negative.
• Tarr, moves that when the Senate adjourns today, it do so in memory of Captain Andrew John Parker.
• I move that the Senate adjourn in his memory. All those in favor say aye. Opposed, nay.
• The ayes have it, and the order is adopted, and I would now ask for a moment of silence in memory of
• The order is adopted, and I would now ask for a moment of silence in memory of Captain Andrew John Porter

Summary: The Senate considered and advanced Senate No. 2152, designating June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day. The bill was presented by the Senator from Middlesex, who explained it was inspired by a Lexington constituent, Owen Rosenthal, and aimed to raise awareness and reduce stigma around Tourette syndrome. The Minority Leader voiced support, and the Senate adopted an emergency preamble amendment before passing the bill to engrossment and later to enactment. The chamber also adopted an emergency preamble for a sick leave bank bill for Andrew Satera, a Trial Court employee, and later passed that bill to enactment as well. In addition, the Senate adopted several resolutions commending National Safety Month, honoring Daniel Grover Fitch, and celebrating the 300th anniversary of the first religious society of Newburyport. Other actions included suspending rules to refer a petition to dedicate “Bob Pizza” as the official pizza of the Commonwealth to committee, ordering a House sick leave bank bill for Dana Johnson to a third reading, and referring several House petitions to committees. The Senate also agreed to adjourn in memory of Captain Andrew John Parker of Rockport, and welcomed the Scrap Robotics team of Weymouth to the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, please join me in welcoming participants in Catholic Days at the Capitol, seated in both chambers
• Members, please join me in welcoming participants in Catholic Days at the Capitol, seated in both chambers
• Please join me in welcoming, in the East Gallery, Mrs.
• She's standing right there in the gallery in the pink.
• So all those in favor of adopting Senate Memorial 1186, signify by saying aye.

Summary: The Florida Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions recognizing visiting groups and guests, including college students and leaders, health and nonprofit organizations, Catholic Days at the Capitol participants, foreign dignitaries from Morocco, and others. Senators also observed a moment of silence for the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, with remarks honoring the Parkland community and the school safety law that followed. The chamber then took up a special order calendar of bills, beginning with several claims bills and local relief measures. SB 14 for Jose Correa against Miami-Dade County passed 37-1, and HB 6517 for A. Sanchez-Mayan against the City of St. Petersburg passed after substitution. HB 6515 for Lordes Latour and Edward Lator against Miami-Dade County also passed 38-1. The Senate then approved SB 52 on volunteer armed security at places of worship (39-0), SB 124 updating Florida Virtual School statutes (39-0), SB 504 on code inspector body cameras (39-0), and SB 506 on related public records (38-1). A lengthy debate centered on SB 7040, which recreates the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through December 31, 2027. Several senators argued for tighter oversight and supported an amendment by Senator Berman that would have limited fund use and required Legislative Budget Commission approval for continued spending; that amendment failed 12-27. The underlying bill then passed 29-10. Senators also adopted SB 594 on local housing assistance for mobile home owners (39-0), SB 656 strengthening Internet Crimes Against Children programs (39-0), SB 806 creating right-to-repair protections for wireless devices and agricultural equipment (39-0), SB 816 establishing the University of Florida Diabetes Institute (39-0), SM 1186 urging Congress to increase Florida National Guard force structure by voice vote, SB 308 creating the Florida Museum of Black History with a late-filed amendment clarifying ex officio nonvoting legislative members (39-0), and SB 572 updating ethics law to include foster children and foster parents, as amended (38-0). The Senate also withdrew SB 1360 from further consideration, certified passed bills to the House, and adjourned until February 19.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate will be in order.
• So, Fraud in the citizen initiative petition process the past election cycle and whereas both in-state
• For that reason, in a few minutes, I'll ask Rules Chair Pasadomo to make a motion to adjourn...
• In a few minutes, I'll ask Rules Chair Pasadomo to make a motion to adjourn sine die.
• President, I move that the Senate adjourn sine die.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with a prayer recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The Secretary then read Governor DeSantis’s proclamation calling the Legislature into special session from January 27 to January 31, 2025, limited to five subjects: combating illegal immigration, condominium regulation, agricultural relief after natural disasters, replenishing the My Safe Florida Home Program, and changes to the citizen initiative petition process. The chamber read the filed bills within the call, including several Senate bills on illegal immigration and petition process issues, all referred to Fiscal Policy. A motion was adopted to send any bills filed outside the call to the Rules Committee to determine whether introduction was warranted. The Senate President then discussed President Trump’s immigration executive orders and said Florida would align with federal efforts while preserving the Legislature’s constitutional role. He announced that Senator Gruters would sponsor legislation to implement Trump’s border and immigration plan, including funding to reimburse law enforcement costs and incentives to recruit more officers. He said the bill would be posted, referred to Appropriations later that day, and heard on the floor the next day. The session then adjourned sine die by motion without objection, with senators told the chamber would reconvene momentarily for the special session.

Transcript Highlights:

• She has been with me for years, four years in here.
• is the majority of Howell County in South Central Missouri.
• Are there any witnesses here to speak in favor of House Bill 2845?
• Is there anyone here to speak in opposition?
• We are adjourned. Business for the committee. We are adjourned.

Committee: House Special Committee on Tourism

Summary: The Special Committee on Tourism met in executive session and approved two bills. House Bill 1756, described as related to “June’s week,” passed unanimously 9-0 after brief discussion. House Bill 1828, which provides funds for memorials and museums dedicated to veterans, also passed unanimously, 12-0. The committee then opened a public hearing on House Bill 2845, sponsored by Representative Lisa Durnell, to designate a memorial bridge for Jared Bennett near Willow Springs. Durnell explained that Bennett died in a 2002 automobile accident, that his family maintained a memorial and stretch of roadway through MoDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program for years, and that the bridge naming would honor his memory with signage paid for by private funds and no fiscal note. Jared Bennett’s father, Craig Bennett, testified in support and shared personal stories about his son, including his love of fishing. Committee members offered condolences and supportive comments, and one member requested copies of written stories about Jared for the record. No one testified in opposition, and the hearing on House Bill 2845 was closed with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote of nine in favor, zero opposed, you have passed.
• If you would keep her in prayer.
• Jared's memory and ensure that he is not forgotten.
• Is there anyone here to speak in opposition?
• We are adjourned. Business for the committee. We are adjourned.

Committee: House Special Committee on Tourism

Transcript Highlights:

• The general format tracks with the resolution adopted by the LCC in 2017 appointing outside counsel in
• It allows us to defend ourselves in those legal matters.
• The meeting is adjourned.
• </c> of jog our memory of jog our memory um<00:02:11.920><c> if</c><00:02:12.040><c> I'm</c><00:02:12.160
• </c><00:03:38.920><c> thanks</c> um and the meeting is adjourned thanks um and the meeting is adjourned

Committee: House Rules and Legislative Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• Keenan, moves that when the Senate adjourns today, it do so in memory of Arthur H. Tobin.
• Keenan moves to when the Senate adjourns today, do so in memory of Arthur.
• Keenan moves to when the Senate adjourns today, do so in memory of Arthur H. Tobin.
• The clerk is ordered to dispense with the printing of a calendar, and we are adjourning today in memory
• May he rest in peace. May his memory be a blessing. The Senate is adjourned. May he rest in peace.

Summary: The Senate considered a supplemental appropriations bill and a series of amendments focused on education, health, transportation, and tax administration. Senator Kennedy spoke in support of increasing funding for DTA caseworkers to improve SNAP access and reduce errors, citing food insecurity and staffing shortages, but then withdrew the amendment by unanimous consent. Senator O’Connor’s amendment providing $500,000 for Free Period to supply menstrual products in public schools was adopted, as was Senator Miranda’s $1 million METCO transportation and student support amendment. Senator Collins withdrew an amendment to extend paid family and medical leave and unemployment insurance to graduate student workers. Other adopted amendments included funding for Bridgewater Middle School water filtration, Randolph High School restroom improvements, Uffum’s Corner Health Center, and NeighborHealth’s student pharmacy technician program. Several amendments were debated and rejected after standing votes. Senator Tarr proposed oversight and reporting requirements for the Group Insurance Commission and the MBTA deficiency fund, as well as a 90-day notice requirement for tax-code decoupling with major fiscal impacts; all were opposed and not adopted. Senator Rodrigues and Senator Crighton argued that the GIC and MBTA already have oversight mechanisms and need flexibility, while Tarr argued the measures would improve transparency and fiscal discipline. Senator DiDomenico withdrew a Chapter 70 education funding amendment after speaking about declining enrollment, school funding losses, and the need to protect gateway city districts; he also used the opportunity to reaffirm support for gender-affirming care funding. Senators Collins and others echoed concerns about school funding inequities and the need for future action. The Senate also adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Arthur H. Tobin, a former Quincy mayor, state representative, state senator, and longtime clerk magistrate of Quincy District Court, with a detailed tribute to his public service and military record. After all amendments were resolved, the Senate substituted the new draft, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed House No. 5280 to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 35-4. The chamber then agreed to adjourn until the following Monday at 11 a.m., with the clerk directed not to print a calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're either in your folder. I see that some of you have them in your hand already.
• But since this is only a memorial, I think the idea of the memorial is good.
• But since this is only a memorial, I think the idea of the memorial is good.
• I'll take that in debate in favor of the substitute motion. Yes, please.
• We'll stand adjourned.

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Brady Memorial Bridge. Bridge in Terrebonne Parish as the L. Ward T. Brady Memorial Bridge.
• A portion of Highway 1 in the town of Vivian is designated as the Officer Brock Memorial Highway.
• Following the shooting, the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office stated in a social media post, 'In loving memory
• Highway 171 in Sabine Parish as the Speaker Joe R. Salter Memorial Highway. Rep. family. U.S.
• Highway 171 in Sabine Parish as the Speaker Joe R. Salter Memorial Highway. Rep. Shamarhorn.

Bills: HR244 , HR245 , HR246 , HR247 , HR248 , HR249 , HR250 , HR251 , HCR101 , HCR102 , HR223 , HR224 , HR225 , HR226 , HR227 , HR229 , HR230 , HR231 , HR232 , HR234 , HR235 , HR236 , HR237 , HR238 , HR239 , HR240 , HR241 , HR242 , HR243 , HCR94 , HCR95 , HCR96 , HCR97 , HCR98 , HCR99 , HCR100 , SCR31 , SCR33 , SCR35 , SCR37 , SCR56 , SCR57 , SB171 , SB251 , SB252 , SB353 , SB367 , SB433 , SB461 , HR170 , HR191 , HR206 , HR207 , HR208 , HR217 , HCR11 , HCR53 , HCR60 , HCR66 , HCR68 , HB66 , HB153 , HB165 , HB326 , HB387 , HB454 , HB455 , HB484 , HB513 , HB603 , HB660 , HB719 , HB762 , HB766 , HB793 , HB802 , HB816 , HB833 , HB940 , HB947 , HB950 , HB975 , HB1028 , HB1039 , HB1051 , HB1053 , HB1080 , HB1201 , HB1215 , HB1228 , HB1251 , HB1252 , SCR2 , SB26 , SB28 , SB29 , SB30 , SB41 , SB44 , SB64 , SB84 , SB87 , SB93 , SB98 , SB107 , SB118 , SB142 , SB192 , SB195 , SB199 , SB219 , SB222 , SB234 , SB241 , SB255 , SB275 , SB277 , SB292 , SB294 , SB306 , SB314 , SB482 , SB233 , SB326 , HR171 , HCR49 , HCR65 , HCR72 , HR37 , HCR64 , SCR19 , SCR3 , SCR6 , SCR18 , SCR11 , SCR22 , HB64 , HB68 , HB92 , HB130 , HB258 , HB633 , HB801 , HB89 , HB341 , HB451 , HB456 , HB579 , HB595 , HB621 , HB818 , HB841 , HB1064 , HB1101 , HB1191 , SB47 , SB82 , SB106 , SB206 , SB210 , SB248 , SB305 , SB376 , SB397 , SB441 , SB2 , SB19 , SB24 , SB50 , SB70 , SB96 , SB101 , SB103 , SB104 , SB114 , SB122 , SB159 , SB160 , SB173 , SB180 , SB182 , SB260 , SB412 , SB418 , SB424 , SB442 , SB460 , SB476 , SB1 , SB23 , SB32 , SB42 , SB43 , SB46 , SB51 , SB110 , SB113 , SB150 , SB154 , SB161 , SB218 , SB220 , SB221 , SB253 , SB289 , SB310 , SB351 , SB399 , SB404 , SB502 , HCR32 , HB955 , HB284 , HB617 , HB730 , HB926 , HB1125 , HB1194 , HB1203 , HB798 , HB998 , HB1084 , HB1223 , HB646 , HB824 , HB901 , HB79 , HR20 , HR74 , HB59 , HB306 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB911 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1234 , HB1240 , SB89 , SB68 , SB149

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, heard a prayer from Pastor Neil Bernard of New Wine Christian Center, and recognized a number of visiting groups and observances, including AMI Kids, Mother’s Day, the Hungarian Settlement Cultural Association, Pro-Life Day at the Capitol, the American Cancer Society and Cancer Action Network, Municipal Day for the Louisiana Municipal Association, Recreation and Parks Association Day, St. John Day, Hoopla basketball activities, Main Street program participants, Leadership North Shore, the Lack of Seeing High School basketball team, Literacy Champion recognition, Orleans Parish Sheriff Michelle Woodford, and LACE Day for chamber executives. Majority Leader Steve Scalise also addressed the chamber, praising recent economic investment in Louisiana, coastal restoration funding, and the state’s improved national reputation. The House received Senate messages and Legislative Bureau reports on numerous Senate bills, many of which were referred to committee or laid over, and several House and Senate resolutions were introduced or adopted, largely commemorative or study-related measures. The chamber then took up several House bills in regular order. HB 89, concerning district attorney retiree health insurance coverage in the Third Judicial District, was amended and passed 87-5. HB 451, dealing with ATC notice procedures, passed 98-0 after technical amendments. HB 456, revising workers’ compensation petition requirements and allowing employers broader access to disputed claims, drew extended debate over whether it would burden injured workers; it passed 67-30. HB 579, expanding the Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights and related confidentiality and complaint provisions, passed 98-0. HB 595, requiring local authorities to respond timely to permit-related matters affecting natural resource development, passed 92-3. HB 621, requiring recycling of decommissioned renewable energy components and updating waste rules, passed 99-0. HB 818, requiring school systems to publish annual assessment schedules and related testing information, passed 98-0. Additional bills considered included HB 841, creating a code of conduct for landmen negotiating pipeline easements and authorizing penalties for bad-faith conduct, which passed 98-0; HB 1060, establishing a two-year domestic violence intervention court pilot program in the 19th Judicial District with coordinated services and data collection, which passed 86-13; and HB 1101, a workers’ compensation measure defining maximum medical improvement, adjusting benefit durations, and addressing misrepresentation and fraud, which was under debate at the end of the excerpt. Throughout the floor session, members repeatedly emphasized that the bills were intended to clarify procedures, improve transparency, or address public safety and economic development, while opponents of some measures raised concerns about added burdens on workers or injured claimants.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd ask now for a moment of silence in memory of Ms. Teresa Basil. Mrs. Teresa Basil. Ms.
• Fatman, offers an order, which the clerk will read: Order that when the Senate adjourns today, it adjourn
• The Senate stands adjourned in memory of Mrs.
• Order that when the senator adjourned today, adjourned to meet again on Wednesday next to 10 o'clock
• Almost in favor, say, I oppose, no, the ayes have it, and the Senate stands adjourned in memory of Mrs

Transcript Highlights:

• Drug Policy will meet 5 minutes after adjournment tomorrow in room 204.
• Join in memory? Yes, sir.
• And we certainly reflect on his service and we join you in the adjourning memory.
• Drug Policy will meet 5 minutes after adjournment tomorrow in 204.
• Journey in memory? Yes, sir.

Transcript Highlights:

• Order that when the Senate adjourns today, it adjourn to meet again on Thursday next at 11 o'clock a.m
• The chair moves that when the Senate adjourns today, it do so in memory of Mr. Edward F.
• Accordingly, a mark of respect in the memory of Mr. Edward F. Kenney was requested.
• Durant moves that the Senate now adjourn. All those in favor say aye. Opposed, no.
• The Senate now stands adjourned to meet again on Thursday next at 11 a.m., in memory of Edward F.

Summary: The Senate met briefly, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took up several routine matters. It considered final passage of H. 4364, an act authorizing the Commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to grant certain easements to the town of Bourne, requiring a standing vote for adoption of an emergency preamble. The chamber also adopted a resolution honoring Knights of Columbus Leo Council 508 on its 125th anniversary. The Senate then advanced two Marblehead local bills to third reading: one authorizing the town to amend its parking violations law under Chapter 37 of the Acts of 2004, and another increasing the membership of the town’s board of health from three to five members. The committee on rules reported several Senate petitions and recommended suspension of Joint Rule 12; the Senate also suspended Senate Rule 36 to allow matters to be considered forthwith, and Joint Rule 12 was suspended. The Senate adopted an order to adjourn and reconvene on Thursday at 11 a.m., with the calendar printing dispensed with. Before adjournment, the chamber voted to adjourn in memory of Edward F. Kenney of South Boston, a World War II Navy veteran and retired Boston firefighter, and observed a moment of silence in his honor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Fattman, moves that when the Senate adjourns today, it do so in memory of Mary O'Connor Blancher, who
• passed away on Saturday, September 14. ...in memory of Mary O'Connor Blancher, who passed away on Saturday
• I ask that there be a moment of silence in memory of Mary Blanchard.
• The same senator moves that the Senate now adjourn. All those in favor say aye.
• The ayes have it, and the Senate stands adjourned in memory of Ms. Blancher.

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted an order declaring the First Middlesex District seat vacant following the death of Edward J. Kennedy, with a precept issued for a special election on March 3, 2026. The chamber also adopted a resolution congratulating the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection on its 50th anniversary and observed a moment of silence in memory of Mary O'Connor Blancher, with remarks honoring her service as an educator and longtime Sturbridge public servant. The Senate then advanced several local and special legislation items, generally by unanimous consent and voice vote. These included bills on residency limits for Wells police and fire personnel, a Boston police age waiver for Antonio Perez, additional liquor licenses for Palmer, cemetery-related and treasurer-payment matters in Norton, increasing the Lanesborough select board, bond-related legislation, and a Quincy telecommunications revenue bonds bill that was amended with a new draft before being engrossed. The chamber also considered Massachusetts Water Resources Authority service bills for parcels in Sharon, adopting emergency preambles and passing them to engrossment, and a bill removing Hull from regional commissions on the status of women. The Rules Committee reported several matters for immediate consideration, including suspensions of rules and Joint Rule 12 for certain Senate petitions. The Senate also adopted a special order governing future consideration of House No. 4615, the fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill, setting deadlines and procedures for amendments and requiring immediate third reading and engrossment after amendment. The session closed with remarks recognizing Diwali and wishing the clerk a happy birthday, followed by adjournment to meet again on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. in formal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll be meeting upon adjournment in Room 2100 in the swing space.
• We will now proceed to motions to adjourn in memory.
• Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, please help me in adjourning in the memory of Lupe Estrella, the
• In the memory of Lupe Estrella, the longtime city clerk for the city of La Verne.
• Once again, ladies and gentlemen, please join me in adjourning in her memory of Lupe Estrella.

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on floor privileges and recognitions. Members welcomed a delegation from Catalonia on the 40th anniversary of the California-Catalonia sister-state relationship, Solano Community College’s speech and debate team, and several small business honorees, including Royal Clothiers and Old California Botanicals. The chamber also recognized Tennessee Rep. Justin Jones for his advocacy on democracy and voting rights, with multiple senators speaking in support of his visit. On business, the Senate confirmed Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Laura Ederton Speed as Executive Director of the State Bar, both by unanimous 35-0 votes. The body adopted SCR 163 designating May as California Tourism Month, highlighting tourism’s economic impact, and SCR 170 declaring Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Week, with extensive testimony from senators about the trauma firefighters and first responders face and the need to reduce stigma and expand support. The Senate also adopted SCR 174 marking the 60th anniversary of California’s pilot regional centers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, emphasizing the system’s role in community-based care. The Senate adopted SR 111 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia after extended debate focused on LGBTQ rights, hate violence, and the need for allies to speak out; the resolution passed 26-0. The chamber then approved a second-day consent calendar of multiple bills by 34-0, moved SCR 116 to the inactive file, granted reconsideration on SR 111 for a later session, and heard motions to adjourn in memory of Carl Anthony and Lupe Estrella. The Senate announced committee hearings and then adjourned to reconvene Monday, May 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.