Video & Transcript Research : 'declaratory statement'
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US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the Semiannual Monetary Policy Report to the Congress, including S.257, to improve the resilience of critical supply chains. Feb 11th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Instead, we've had a series of misleading and conflicting statements by Treasury Secretary Besson.
- The focus of this review is on the FOMC's statement on longer-run goals and monetary policy strategy,
- with CEOs of banks around the country, one of the things that was made clear to me was a specific statement
- Do you agree with that statement?
- Now, I have behind me a statement by the Fed's General Counsel, one of the staff that's sitting behind
Bills:
SB257
Keywords:
supply chain resilience, critical supply chains, critical goods, manufacturing, domestic manufacturing, reshoring, nearshoring, supply chain security, supply chain shock, supply chain disruption, critical infrastructure, emerging technologies, semiconductors, microelectronics, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, robotics, advanced manufacturing, blockchain, cybersecurity
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- The third is you're speaking for longer than most people make a statement.
- I see people making, asking questions when they really have statements.
- Um and I see this in my have statements.
- Section one is the purpose statement.
- Section one is the purpose statement. Section one is the purpose statement.
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.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
The July 2025 Flooding Events, General Investigating Apr 27th, 2026
The July 2025 Flooding Events, General Investigating
Transcript Highlights:
- I believe Chair Flores has an opening statement. Thank you, Chairman. Good morning. Thank you.
- That is a fair statement. Sheltering in place is the right thing to do under certain circumstances.
- So we used her statement in that.
- Would that be an accurate statement? Absolutely.
- Would that be an accurate statement? Absolutely.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We continue to have concerns about the portions that require economic statements of interest.
- We share those statements of interest.
- He continued that they have concerns about the portions that require economic statements of interest.
- <00:28:37.240>
of <00:28:37.320>economic to apply to file a statement of economic to - apply to file a statement of economic interest<00:28:38.120>
within <00:28:38.360>60 <00
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- So, um, those are just some of the updates, but there's a more thorough explanation, our statement of
- <00:42:46.960>
of thorough explanation, our statement of thorough explanation, our statement - And I think you'll see in our statement of consideration, or in the letter we sent to Representative
- <00:53:11.599>
of you'll see in our statement of you'll see in our statement of consideration - >> I would say that you would have to look at our statement of consideration as to the ones who weighed
Keywords:
00:00:20 - Call to Order/Roll Call
00:02:00 - Update on Rural Health Transformation Program
00:29:20 - Discussion of 26RS HB 134
00:36:35 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 134
00:37:41 - Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations
01:09:44 - Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The Health Services Committee met to receive an update from Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Steven Stack on Kentucky’s Rural Health Transformation Grant. He explained that all 50 states applied and were awarded funding, and Kentucky received about $212.9 million over five years, with the first year treated as a nine-month period. He emphasized that the award is a cooperative agreement with CMS, is not Medicaid funding, cannot be used to supplant existing funds, and is limited to the five areas approved in Kentucky’s application. He also said the state must submit a revised budget before major spending begins, and that CMS could claw back money if performance metrics are not met.
Secretary Stack outlined the five focus areas: maternal health, mental health, oral health, emergency medical services, and chronic disease prevention/management, especially obesity and diabetes. He described possible approaches such as expanding behavioral health crisis stabilization models like EMPath, using teledentistry and mobile services, strengthening EMS staffing and treat-in-place options, and building healthier nutrition and activity supports. He said the application was developed quickly with broad stakeholder input and that the state plans to work with universities, nonprofits, and other partners through procurement and other formal processes. He also noted the program will be overseen by the public health department, with Commissioner John Langfeld leading the effort.
Committee members asked about the grant timeline, the split between formula and competitive funding, the role of certificate of need, and whether new laws or regulations would be needed. Stack said the state believes it can implement the approved projects under current law, though some broader policy issues such as certificate of need were not included because they would be risky to change within the grant timeline. Members also asked how stakeholders can submit ideas; Stack pointed them to the public website and contact email, saying additional partner information will be posted soon. The committee did not take any formal vote or action during this discussion.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- That's our mission statement. But we're a local control state.
- We'll now go to public comment, and you'll get time for closing statements as well.
- We'll now go to public comment, and you'll get time for closing statements as well.
- So our first person, ...closing statements as well.
- What do you make of that statement? Mr. Chair, this is only about protecting girls.
Summary:
The committee first heard Superintendent Tom Horn’s State of Education address, which focused on school safety, academic outcomes, teacher pay, school choice, and opposition to DEI/CRT in schools. Horn argued that students cannot learn unless schools are safe, cited increased funding for school police officers and a recent Tucson charter school incident as evidence for more officers, and said the department’s academic efforts have centered on Project Momentum, tutoring, cell phone restrictions, career and technical education partnerships, and support for Native American districts. He also urged direct teacher pay increases through Proposition 123 and said the state board should revise teaching standards and school grading practices. Members questioned him about DEI compliance, cell phone enforcement, ESA accountability, teacher preparation programs, school safety funding, and literacy outcomes; Horn said the department’s role is largely advisory in a local-control state, that it tracks school practices on a website, and that it lacks academic outcome data for ESA students because private schools are not tested by the state.
The committee then took up House Bill 2008, which would prohibit public school libraries from using public funds to pay dues or memberships to professional library associations that advocate for libraries and information services. Representative Cooper, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to keep school libraries politically neutral and prevent taxpayer money from supporting ideological advocacy, while arguing that membership could still be paid privately and that free professional development options exist. Opponents, including former librarian Judy Schweber, Marana board member Hunter Holt, and the ACLU of Arizona, argued the bill would undermine professional development, local control, and constitutional rights of association and petition, and that there was little evidence public funds were actually being used this way. Supporters, including Adrienne Johnson, said some library materials and associations promote political viewpoints and should not be funded with public dollars.
After public comment and debate, the committee voted 7-5 to give HB 2008 a do pass recommendation. Members who explained no votes said the bill targeted a non-issue, lacked data showing a problem, and would divert attention from funding and literacy needs. Members supporting the bill said it was a reasonable restriction on public spending and a way to keep school libraries ideologically neutral. The committee then announced it would move on to House Bill 2249, the Parents’ Bill of Rights and Remedies.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Congressional Redistricting, Select Jul 28th, 2025
Congressional Redistricting, Select
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, I have a brief opening statement.
- The Chair recognizes Representative Turner for a brief opening statement. Mr.
- If I may, that's the end of my statement.
- Is that a fair statement, a summary?
- Previous statements on the record which I appreciate.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Science, Technology and Energy (06/10/2025)
Science, Technology and Energy
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Jones: I think you made a statement that people believe that she got a fair trial.
- Somebody made that statement, and I want to tell you that there's another side of that coin.
- This bill would require all statements made by...
- It was all based on Governor Perry's, one of his spokespersons, press people, made a statement to the
- So that's no question, I just wanted to make that public statement and put it to you. So, yes sir.
Bills:
HB200
Keywords:
HB 200, emergency communication, backup communications, satellite phone, portable satellite equipment, radio, floodplain, 100-year floodplain, FEMA, natural disaster, disaster preparedness, emergency preparedness, vulnerable populations, children, elderly, seniors, people with disabilities, care facilities, residential care, assisted living
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The bullying was to the degree where somebody made this statement about "Well this is more about the
- I just want to throw this one in because I want you to know that I support Hinojosa's statement that
- The Legislative Budget Board fiscal note and actuarial impact statement did not arrive in our offices
- And your statement earlier that they said in answer to Mrs.
- I look at the actuarial statement impact statement of the Legislative Budget Board which we received
Bills:
HB 3
Keywords:
emergency communication, public safety, interoperability, Texas Interoperability Council, grant program, emergency communications, public safety radio, first responders, radio system, dispatch, 911, emergency management, Texas Division of Emergency Management, public safety infrastructure, Project 25, P25, broadband emergency alerting, outdoor warning sirens, homeland security, disaster response
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- I if I can just make one final<01:24:04.560>
statement <01:24:05.520>is <01:24:06.239>- is I went around the final statement is I went around the world<01:24:07.280>
in <01:24:07.600- It seems pretty broad if I can write a notarized statement of the age of my child.
- from a parent or notorized statement from a parent or guardian. guardian. guardian.
- of the age write a notorized statement of the age of<02:02:10.639>
my <02:02:10.960>child. - is I went around the final statement is I went around the world<01:24:07.280>
Keywords:
Call to Order and Roll Call – 0:00:00
Workforce Pell Grant Update – 0:03:30
Extension Office Update – 0:33:25
Kentucky Academic Standards for Social Studies – 1:07:08
Early Literacy Outcomes – 1:32:20
Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations – 1:58:30
Adjournment 2:13:13, 958, all
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Children and Family Law (04/08/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh any Thank you for your statement. Uh any questions?
- Would you believe I'm curious as to and then make a statement.
- I'm curious as to—and then make a statement. Okay. Okay. Okay.
- Would you agree with this statement?
- Parents are in the in the statement?
Summary:
The committee opened with Senate Bill 22-FN, which would expand child care licensing background checks so the Department of Health and Human Services can receive fuller criminal history information, including pending charges and other non-conviction records, similar to the system already used for school staff. Grant Bossi, for Senator Pearl, and DHHS officials Melissa Clement and Christine Sheay testified in support, saying the bill closes a gap that can allow people with disqualifying charges to work with children. They explained that the FBI record is a snapshot in time, that juvenile records are not included, and that the bill would apply to child care programs including residential group homes. Questions focused on what “confidential criminal history” means and how often checks are repeated; DHHS said checks are done every five years or sooner if new charge information is received. The hearing on SB 22 was then closed.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 23-FN, which would expand the child endangerment statute and remove the word “purposely” from part of the language. Senator Pat Long said the bill is intended to strengthen protection for children and allow more serious conduct to be charged appropriately. Testimony from law enforcement, including Executive Counselor Dave Wheeler, Sergeant Ryan Rooney of Nashua Police, and Nicholas Georgulis of Manchester Police, supported the bill as a way to distinguish routine misdemeanor cases from the most egregious abuse and neglect cases, such as children living in squalor or being exposed to severe danger. Wheeler and some members raised concerns that the language could be vague or overbroad and cited a prior Manchester firearm-in-a-car arrest as an example of possible unintended consequences; supporters responded that the bill still requires knowingly violating a duty of care and that the serious bodily injury or death standard limits its reach. Rooney also described a fentanyl overdose case involving an 11-year-old and said the current misdemeanor charge did not fully reflect the seriousness of the conduct. The committee recessed SB 23 briefly to open and close SB 161, then returned to SB 23, which remained under hearing with no final vote taken in the excerpt.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- I made a statement. Thank you. I think you're on to something.
- of non-discrimination, they've lifted a word out of that statement, and the word is disability.
- <01:19:00.440>
they're disability from their statements they're disability from their statements - I remember this statement that I believe was made by Joanne Conroy, and it stayed with me.
- <02:24:57.560>
so Senator Ward one one quick statement so Senator Ward one one quick statement
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (03/14/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- That's what they would get paid, so that to me is somewhat of a surplus statement adjustment.
- That's what they would get paid, so that to me is somewhat of a surplus statement adjustment.
- for the house so the Surplus statement for the house finance<01:02:50.200>
committee's <01:02: - So will you be including a reference to that on the surplus statement so we can actually see that in?
- And the last page here is just the fishing game surplus statement, and this has no changes from what
Summary:
The Finance Division II work session focused on organizing the committee’s remaining budget work and reviewing a set of recommended changes to House Bills 1 and 2. Mr. Landrian explained the committee’s tracking sheets and draft amendment package, noted that the division was being asked to find roughly $200 million in reductions, and said the governor’s lottery proposal in House Bill 2 could help offset part of that target. Members also discussed how revenue estimates tied to fee changes would be handled, with the chair saying the committee could seek Ways and Means input but would ultimately decide the estimates itself.
The committee then considered four mostly technical amendments to House Bill 2. It voted unanimously to delete Section 81, which duplicated CCSNH dual and concurrent enrollment language already moving in House Bill 192; to delete Sections 143 and 144, which duplicated police standards and training extra-duty language already in House Bill 778; to adopt a correction to Section 151 that removed an inadvertently repeated sentence; and to delete Section 178 because the same Lottery Commission language already appears in House Bill 1. The committee also agreed to approve Section 4 of House Bill 1, the Lottery Commission boilerplate language, while deferring action on Section 2 of House Bill 1 until the university and community college budget is settled.
A substantial portion of the meeting was spent planning upcoming work sessions and discussing possible revenue measures. The committee planned to invite Fish and Game on Monday to review a large set of follow-up materials and to discuss a possible amendment requiring hunters and trappers to pay the license fee before taking free training classes, with a second chance to retake the class if needed. Members also discussed possible fee adjustments for Safety and Fish and Game, including using dedicated-fund fees to reduce reliance on general funds and help stabilize the Highway Fund and Fish and Game Fund. The chair emphasized that all actions were recommendations until the committee’s final deadline and encouraged members to review draft language carefully before voting.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Highways and Transportation - Room 216, 25 March, 2026; 11:45 AM
Highways and Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- You have your oath and your statement of economic interest with the Secretary of State's office in compliance
- You've done your oath<00:04:24.880>
and <00:04:25.000>your <00:04:25.160>statement - You've done your oath and your statement of economic interest with the Secretary of State.
Summary:
The committee considered several reappointments and appointments to transportation-related boards. Jerry Waldrop of Hattiesburg, associated with Pam Auto Group, appeared in person for a reappointment and was confirmed after staff noted his oath and statement of economic interest were in compliance. James Morris Richards of Ridgeland appeared by Zoom for reappointment to the Commercial Transportation Appeals Board; he described his long career with KLLM Transport, including serving as president and CEO and overseeing a large refrigerated trucking operation, and his reappointment was also approved.
The committee then heard from Curtis Leon Auber Jr. of Hattiesburg for a reappointment. He said he is originally from Pascagoula, attended the University of Southern Mississippi and MC Law, worked at Entergy, served with the Public Service Commission and as chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under President Bush, and is now a partner at Brunini. Members said his paperwork was in order and thanked him for his service.
For each nominee, the committee moved to advise and consent, took voice votes with no opposition noted, and approved the appointments. The meeting concluded with a motion to rise and report.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 076 Mar 31st, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The initial draft had a reference to a draft environmental impact statement and was really problematic
- The initial draft had a reference to a draft environmental impact statement and was really problematic
- A<01:38:43.640>
statement <01:38:44.160>from <01:38:44.320>the <01:38:44.440> - A statement from the court argued that because<01:38:46.280>
the <01:38:46.400>victim < - We make a statement by wearing denim We make a statement by wearing denim as<01:39:26.480>
a <01
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum, approved the journal, and recognized Girls Inc. of Metro Denver in a personal privilege presentation. Senators highlighted the organization’s history, its work serving youth through programs focused on healthy living, academic success, and leadership, and its STEM outreach. Senator Danielson also noted a free science box program available through Girls Inc. and praised the group’s work.
On third reading, the Senate laid over Senate Bill 66 and then passed House Bill 1339, which renames the March 31 voluntary holiday from Cesar Chavez Day to Farm Workers Day. Supporters said the change was prompted by reports of abuse by Cesar Chavez and emphasized continued respect for farm workers and the movement. Senator Benavidez later corrected earlier remarks about Colorado farm worker history, noting a unionized farm in Center, Colorado and describing the broader legacy of farm worker organizing in the state. The Senate also passed House Bill 1144, prohibiting the use of 3D printing to manufacture firearms, and Senate Bill 48, which removes the exception allowing minors 16 or older to marry with judicial approval; both bills were reconsidered and repassed after initial votes.
The chamber also passed House Bill 1200 on vehicle registration payments for military members serving outside the state, House Bill 1011 on the transfer of certain pet animals, and House Bill 1133 regarding an environmental education program under the Traveling Animal Protection Act. House Bill 1011 and House Bill 1133 drew more divided votes than the other measures. The Senate then granted leave for the Joint Budget Committee to meet while the Senate was in session.
In Committee of the Whole, members adopted the consent calendar and advanced House Bills 1257, 1095, 1089, 1277, and 1198 on second reading. The Senate also took up Senate Bill 40 on the Affordable Home Ownership Program; supporters described it as a response to Prop 123 workforce housing issues, especially AMI restrictions affecting teachers and first responders. An amendment removed the proposed loan program from the bill, and the amended bill was adopted. Finally, the Senate adopted House Bill 1134, which requires municipal court defendants to be subject to conditions similar to state court defendants, including sentencing rules, transparency, and access to counsel.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EEP-WAL Joint Public Hearing - Wed Feb 18, 2026 @ 8:45 AM HST
Energy & Environmental Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- So by making a statement that on.
- It's a false statement.
- It's a false<00:58:22.559>
statement. - The bill says moreover false statement.
- statement statement cuz<01:06:37.680>
it <01:06:37.920>you're <01:06:38.240>supposed
Bills:
HB2101
Keywords:
aquatic life, commercial aquarium purposes, Hawaii, environmental protection, sustainability, Native Hawaiian values, marine resources, 910, house, all
Summary:
The joint committees on Energy and Environmental Protection and Water and Land heard testimony on House Bill 21101, which would ban or otherwise end commercial aquarium collection. Chairs opened the hearing with a short time limit for testimony and noted they would move to decision-making before the next committee meeting. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said it appreciated the bill’s intent and stood on written testimony, while the Office of Hawaiian Affairs strongly supported the measure as part of its legislative package, citing community calls to ban the practice. Many other organizations and individuals also testified in support, including environmental, Native Hawaiian, and community groups, with arguments focused on reef protection, public trust, cultural concerns, and the view that the trade is extractive and not sustainable.
Supporters repeatedly cited declines in yellow tang and other reef fish, especially on West Hawaii and Oahu, and argued that reef recovery has not occurred where collection pressure existed. Several testified that legal aquarium collection has not occurred in West Hawaii since 2017 or on Oahu since 2021, and that the state should not reopen an industry that has been effectively shut down for years. Others said the program is fiscally inefficient because permits generate little revenue compared with the cost of administering and enforcing the program, and that aquaculture or other alternatives could provide jobs without removing wild fish. Native Hawaiian speakers and civic club representatives emphasized traditional and customary practices, community stewardship, and the need to protect resources for future generations.
Opposition testimony came from aquarium fishers and related advocates who argued the fishery has been shown sustainable, that the EIS process was completed, and that the bill would unfairly target one user group over another. They said the trade provides livelihoods for local families, that management is solid, and that the legislature should not ban a fishery after requiring compliance with environmental review. Some opponents also argued that fish populations have increased in recent years and that the issue reflects broader user conflict rather than science. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the chair continued taking testimony, including on Zoom, as time allowed.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee 1/21/26
Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, I just had a very brief statement I wanted to make before we get into the agenda.
- <00:03:19.560>
before sure that we made that statement before sure that we made that statement - >
your Reconciling bank statements to your Reconciling bank statements to your bookkeeping<00: - account in our financial statements. account in our financial statements.
- uh asset uh and income statement uh asset uh and income statement accounts<00:16:23.640>
used
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-30 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- to be a financial impact statement.
- Moving on to the financial impact statement, can you explain about the deadline?
- I think it's much like a, you know, a ballot statement. If you are A, you know, a ballot statement.
- That was a statement, but I hear the question.
- Any other statements by the sponsor?
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness, a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange, and a remembrance of former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron. The chamber then moved to special order bills. CS/HB 687 on transportation offenses involving death was substituted for SB 138, amended to add warnings and penalties for refusal of breath or urine tests, and passed 37-0. CS/SB 306 on Medicaid providers, requiring broader after-hours access and network availability for Medicaid enrollees, also passed 37-0.
The Senate then took up CS/CS/HB 913 on condominium associations, a major post-Surfside reform bill. Senator Bradley explained that the measure was intended to provide financial relief and flexibility while preserving safety and accountability. The bill was substituted for SB 1742, amended several times to limit milestone inspections and structural integrity reserve studies to buildings three habitable stories or more, and then passed 37-0 after extensive debate. Senators from both parties praised Bradley, Pizzo, Garcia, and staff for years of work on condo safety and affordability, with several members describing the bill as a balance between protecting residents and avoiding financial hardship.
The final major item was CS/HB 1205, the bill on amendments to the state constitution and citizen petition drives. Sponsors Gates and Grohl argued the bill was needed to combat fraud, identity theft, and misuse in the petition process, citing a lengthy Office of Election Crimes and Security report. The House bill was substituted for SB 7016, and the chamber considered a long series of amendments and substitute amendments addressing petition circulator registration, volunteer participation, submission deadlines, invalid-signature thresholds, voter notification, and fiscal impact statements. Several amendments were adopted, while others were debated over whether they would protect access to the citizen initiative process or strengthen election integrity. The transcript ends during debate on the main substitute amendment, before final disposition on the bill is shown.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam President, unanimous consent to make a brief statement.
- I seek unanimous consent to make a brief statement.
- Does the Senator ask unanimous consent to make a brief statement? Please, Senator Kennedy.
- I request unanimous consent to make a brief statement.
- Everybody's didn't quite requesting a statement.
Summary:
The Senate considered a series of amendments to a supplemental appropriations bill and related measures, with several adopted and several rejected or withdrawn. Early amendments on equitable approaches to public safety and a Holyoke local account clarification failed, while amendments providing $2.5 million for Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers technical assistance and expanding access to gender-affirming medications and mifepristone were adopted. The chamber also adopted a technical amendment on alternative protein grants, a clarification to ETF modernization, and an energy storage systems amendment. Other proposals on homeowner protections, La Casa funding, emergency contract reform, an energy dashboard, EV charging ratepayer impacts, hate crimes, distressed hospital payments, and task force membership were rejected or withdrawn.
A substantial portion of the debate focused on health care, food assistance, and public safety. Senators spoke in support of funding for community health centers, hospital relief, and EBT anti-skimming protections, including $15.5 million for chip-enabled EBT cards and related replacement-benefit support. One amendment to strengthen protections against impersonating federal officers was rejected, while another on professional protections was withdrawn after discussion of ballot address privacy and security concerns. The Senate also adopted amendments to continue prior appropriations for a North Shore food pantry and drought management efforts, and it later approved a sick leave bank for a Department of Mental Health employee.
The chamber then took up the fiscal year 2025 fair share supplemental budget conference report, which Ways and Means described as $1.39 billion in spending split between transportation and education, including MBTA improvements, Chapter 90 aid, regional transit authorities, special education circuit breaker reimbursements, higher education deferred maintenance, and career technical education capital grants. After a roll call, the bill passed, with one recorded negative vote. The Senate also adopted a separate Ways and Means amendment and ordered the bill to third reading before final passage. The session ended with adjournment motions and a moment of silence honoring Melissa and Mark Hortman and other victims of political violence, along with a memorial adjournment for firefighter Jeffrey DeSanchez.