Transcript Highlights:

• relative to providing the next of kin of a police officer or firefighter killed in the line of duty with flags
• police officer or firefighter is killed in the line of duty, the families are normally provided with flags
• There have actually been cases where families have had to pay the funeral home for the flags that were
• The Massachusetts Coalition of Police believes the Commonwealth should be providing these flags.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing on May 7, chaired by Senators Mike Brady and Dan Ryan, and heard testimony on a wide range of retirement and benefits bills for public employees and their families. Several bills focused on line-of-duty death or disability benefits for police and firefighters, including Senate Bill 1831 for Joanne Sanji, widow of Rutland Detective John Sanji, whose COVID-19 death was described by family, counsel, and the police chief as a line-of-duty death already recognized by local, state, and federal memorials. Similar support was offered for bills involving the surviving spouse of a State Police officer injured in the line of duty, a Springfield officer injured by a hammer attack during a mental health call, and a bill for a former police officer seeking an increased disability retirement due to PTSD after a traumatic incident. Testimony repeatedly emphasized that these cases had been recognized locally or had already moved through prior sessions, but legislative action was still needed to secure benefits. The committee also heard multiple firefighter-related retirement bills. Representatives and union advocates supported a bill for retired Attleboro Fire Captain Walter Gerton, arguing that an audit and recalculation improperly reduced his pension after retirement and that the correction was requested by the local retirement board. Another bill sought disability retirement for former Westfield firefighter Greg Heath, who testified that Parkinson’s disease has made daily life and family care increasingly difficult; supporters cited studies linking firefighting exposures to Parkinson’s and said the city, retirement board, and local officials backed the measure. The committee also heard testimony for retired Quincy Fire Deputy Chief Kevin Bithrow, who described a Parkinson’s diagnosis following years of exposure at major toxic fires, including the Home Depot and MWRA incidents, and for a related Quincy bill that would treat his retirement as line-of-duty for survivor protection. Additional bills included a proposal to provide flags to next of kin of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty, a bill to resolve employer contribution obligations for the Neshoba Associated Boards of Health in the state retirement system, and several individual retirement or service-credit measures. These included a bill for former State Police gang unit officer David Patterson, a school nurse seeking additional credible service credit for a temporary staffing emergency, and a former Suffolk County sheriff’s deputy seeking an increased disability retirement after a violent inmate assault left him with lasting injuries. Testimony generally came from the affected individuals, family members, municipal officials, retirement boards, and public safety unions, with most speakers urging favorable action and noting that many of the bills had already passed one chamber or had been filed in prior sessions. At the end of the hearing, the committee took no recorded votes on the bills and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
• <00:05:03.919> allegiance<00:05:04.800> to<00:05:04.880> the<00:05:04.960> flag
• <00:05:05.080> of<00:05:05.160> the I pledge allegiance to the flag of the I pledge
• allegiance to the flag of the United<00:05:05.360> States United States United States of<00:05

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's where you're seeing two different flags that are flying in cities not that far from each other
• That's where you're seeing two<00:14:04.840> different<00:14:05.200> flags<00:14:05.560
• that<00:14:05.640> are<00:14:05.760> flying<00:14:06.400> in two different flags
• that are flying in two different flags that are flying in cities<00:14:07.200> not<00:14:07.400

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Republican legislative leaders reacted critically to Governor Walz’s speech, saying it was divisive and focused too heavily on Democratic priorities rather than unity or bipartisan work. Speaker Daudt and Majority Leader Liska argued the governor ignored the state’s affordability problems, including high property taxes, rising business costs, and what they described as mandates imposed under full Democratic control. They also said the speech downplayed poor educational outcomes and failed to offer a unifying vision for the final weeks of session. A major theme was fraud and accountability. Leaders said the governor waited too long to address the state’s large fraud scandal and then deflected blame to other states. They said Minnesotans want accountability and affordability, and they pointed to the House Fraud Committee and the Senate’s OIG bill as examples of anti-fraud work Republicans say Democrats have blocked. They also criticized the governor’s tax proposals as a “bait and switch,” arguing that promised tax cuts would be offset by new taxes on services and banking fees. The discussion also touched on school safety, gun policy, child care credits, and the HCMC bailout. Republicans said they were willing to work on bipartisan school safety measures, including mental health supports and funding for public, private, and charter schools, but believed gun-control proposals lacked the votes. On the child care credit, leaders said they would keep evaluating it but were concerned about future deficits and the need for a pay-for. In response to questions, they said they were not surprised HCMC was not mentioned and said conversations were continuing. One leader also objected to the governor’s comments about voting access for people of color, calling them disrespectful.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
• I pledge of allegiance<00:07:03.759> to<00:07:04.000> the<00:07:04.240> flag<00:
• 07:05.199> of<00:07:05.360> the<00:07:05.520> United allegiance to the flag of the
• United allegiance to the flag of the United States<00:07:06.240> of<00:07:06.479> America<

Keywords: MS House Floor - 3 March, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then dispensed with the reading of the journal and introductions. The session included many gallery introductions recognizing Jackson State University Day and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Day, along with visiting university officials, alumni, students, community leaders, and other guests. Members also offered remarks honoring JSU achievements and several individuals, including a doctor of the day, a mayor, military personnel, and a legislative intern. One member asked for adjournment in memory of two West Bolivar students who died in a house fire, and the chamber observed that request. On the calendar, the House took up several House resolutions in blocks. Items 1, 3, 5, 6, and 7 were adopted without objection, and House Resolution 72 and House Resolution 75 were each adopted by voice vote. The chamber then considered Senate Concurrent Resolution 526, described as congratulating the Ole Miss Rebels; it was adopted by a recorded vote of 121 yeas and 0 nays. A request was made for immediate release on that resolution, and there was no objection. Members also discussed adding the full House membership as co-authors on House Resolution 78, which was noted as honoring an outstanding Jackson State baseball player. Several announcements were made about committee meetings and events, including Medicaid, Judiciary, State Affairs, and Accountability, Efficiency, and Transparency meetings, though State Affairs was later announced not to meet that afternoon. Members also announced a legislative reception hosted by the Mississippi Tourism Association and Game and Hospitality Association, and a 100-year anniversary event for the Mississippi Forester Commission. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn until 10:00 a.m. the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
• c><00:01:39.200> algiance<00:01:39.920> to<00:01:40.240> the<00:01:40.400> flag
• <00:01:41.280> of<00:01:41.439> the I pledge algiance to the flag of the I pledge algiance
• to the flag of the United<00:01:42.079> States<00:01:42.400> of<00:01:42.640> America

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call establishing a quorum, and approval of the previous day’s journal. The House clerk then informed the Senate that the House had passed House Bills 49 and 470 and requested concurrence. The clerk also read the second-reading calendar, which included Senate Bills 45, 98, 118, 145, 153, 155, 158, and 160, all of which were sent to the Rules Committee. Committee reports placed several bills on the calendar, including SB 69, 56, 72, 57, 172, 9, 141, and 110, with various committee substitutes and title amendments noted. The Rules Committee later posted those bills for the next day’s regular orders, and the Committee on Committees made several referrals, including SB 41 to Appropriations and Revenue; SBs 124 and 152 to Education; SBs 125, 138, 162, and 170 to Judiciary; SJR 90 to Transportation; SBs 47, 104, and 159 to Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection; and Senate Resolutions 85 through 89 to the floor. During floor business, members filed amendments and co-sponsorship requests, including amendments to SB 39 and SB 110 and co-sponsorships for bills such as SB 98, SB 172, SB 63, SB 135, SB 179, and SB 169. Senators also made several announcements and remarks, including notice of upcoming committee meetings, a reception for working families, the National Farm Machinery Show, and concerns about coal, energy affordability, and a constituent’s high utility bill. One senator called up Senate Resolution 82 for the next day, and the chamber adopted Senate Resolution 84, honoring Harriet Thompson of Winchester for her service to the Clark County Republican Women’s Club and the Republican Party. New legislation was introduced, including SB 180 on property valuation, SB 184 on education reporting, SBs 185-187 on branch budget recommendations and branch budget bills, SB 188 on railroad safety, and SCR 96 to reestablish the disaster prevention and resiliency task force. No floor votes were taken on the bills themselves during this meeting beyond the adoption of SR 84. The Senate then recessed for committee meetings, returned, and adjourned until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands
• c><00:01:38.079> algiance<00:01:39.040> to<00:01:39.200> the<00:01:39.439> flag
• <00:01:40.159> of<00:01:40.400> the I pledge algiance to the flag of the I pledge algiance
• to the flag of the United<00:01:40.960> States<00:01:41.280> of<00:01:41.520> America

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 04:27 Report of Committees 05:14 Orders of the Day 06:02 HB 184 06:16 HB 265 09:38 HJR 24 13:00 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 19:39 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 26:58 Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 28:48 ConC and Rules Report 37:47 Impeachment Committee Announcement 40:50 Adjournment 41:13, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call showing 95 members present. Members approved the prior journal, suspended rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications, and received committee reports advancing House Bill 96 on the Postsecondary Education Working Group and House Bills 34 and 214 on veterans-related benefits. The chamber then considered and passed House Bill 184, which concerns health savings account qualified insurance plans and would delay certain state cost-sharing limits until the federal IRS minimum deductible is met. The bill passed 94-0, and the motion to reconsider was tabled. The House also passed House Bill 265, dealing with regulatory authorizations by the Commissioner of Insurance. The sponsor explained that the bill creates a statutory dissolution process for self-insured workers’ compensation pools and removes the Department of Insurance’s approval role for new pools in response to past insolvency problems. That bill passed 95-0, and the clincher was applied. The chamber then adopted House Joint Resolution 24, as amended by House Committee Substitute 1 and a title amendment, by an 87-1 vote. The resolution directs the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to withdraw a Medicaid 1115A waiver application related to mandatory community engagement requirements, with supporters saying the request is no longer needed under current federal law. Later, the House honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through House Resolution 5, which recounted his civil rights legacy and Kentucky’s civil rights history; the resolution was adopted without objection. Members also announced upcoming committee meetings, withdrew House Bill 292, and received a long list of new bill introductions covering topics including nicotine products, elections, opioid antagonists, local purchasing, vital records, inheritance tax, state parks, unemployment benefits, civic education, psychologists, the Court of Justice, citizenship requirements for elected officials, attorney privacy in criminal cases, sex crimes, and audiology. The Committee on Committees then referred and reassigned numerous bills to standing committees, named new ranking minority members, and appointed an impeachment committee. The House recessed briefly for committee meetings and then adjourned until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a big red flag.
• So that was one of the big red flags to me.
• That's a big red flag.
• So that was one of the big red flags to me.

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee met to hear a lengthy presentation from Secretary of State Cord Byrd on Florida election administration, with a focus on how elections are handled during natural disasters, election security, and preparations for the 2026 cycle. Byrd described Florida’s response to hurricanes in 2022 and 2024, saying the state works directly with county supervisors of elections to tailor executive orders to local conditions, add or relocate polling sites, extend deadlines, and help displaced voters and emergency workers cast ballots. Members from affected areas echoed that local supervisors had managed storm disruptions well and that turnout remained strong despite major damage. A large portion of the meeting covered election integrity and security. Byrd emphasized Florida’s use of paper ballots, pre-election logic and accuracy testing, post-election audits, public canvassing, standardized voter-intent rules, and strict vote-by-mail request and signature-match requirements. He said the Department of State’s Office of Election Crimes and Security investigates complaints and refers matters to law enforcement, and that Florida has expanded access to the federal SAVE database to verify citizenship. Members asked about threats to election workers, staffing vacancies, cybersecurity, ballot design, vote-by-mail address changes, and how the state coordinates with county supervisors, emergency management, and other agencies. Several members raised questions about voter eligibility and returning citizens, and Byrd said the department provides free information to help people determine whether their rights have been restored, while noting that court and clerk reporting practices still create challenges. He also said the department is considering additional legislative proposals, including more safeguards tied to driver’s license and citizenship verification and a possible statewide 100% audit of races before certification. The meeting ended with the chair encouraging members to visit supervisors of elections offices and submit specific ideas for future elections legislation; no votes were taken and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's our guests and visitors to remain standing to join us in the flag salute.
• Members, please join me in saluting our nation's flag.
• I pledge allegiance to the flag. of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
• To the illicit market, we're waving a white flag.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands
• Now for the Texas flag. Honor the Texas flag.
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the State of Texas, one state, under God, one and indivisible.

Bills: HB149, HB2017, HB705, HB223, HB 1056, HB2854, HB4623, HB3000, HB46, HB 117, HB3619, HB4464, HB5646, HCR84, HB500, HB2963, HB5509, HB1973, HB3909, HB718, HB252, HB5666, HB 119, HB346, HB5624, HB5658, HB5677, HB1545, HB3073, HB4081, HB 121, HB4236, HB3848, HB4144, HB40, HB5682, HB3697, HB3333, HB3642, HB20, HB549, HB2731, HB4233, HB4690, HB 127, HB2525, SB1637, SB1, SB1198, SB509, SB13, SB15, SB30, SB268, SB331, SB441, SB447, SB457, SB568, SB650, SB763, SB1540, SB1610, SB1660, SB2018, SB2024, SB2217, SB2337, SB2753, SB2900, SB2972, SB3059, HB14

Keywords: artificial intelligence, regulation, biometric data, ethical AI, consumer protection, AI governance, intoxication manslaughter, criminal penalties, community supervision, mandatory supervision, parole eligibility, Grayson's Law, cosmetology, licensure, interstate compact, state regulations, public safety, workforce mobility, municipality, procurement

Transcript Highlights:

• So this may incentivize LCIPs to flag more claims without the accountability safeguards designed to protect
• have utilization committees and so what the way it's generally done is computers are used to help flag
• That can be flagged by a computer, you know, that could be a claims edit that there's no issue with that
• collaboration with TDI, we work with them to receive some clarifying languages just to eliminate any flags

Transcript Highlights:

• Candy Noble of Collin County to lead us to the Pledges of Allegiance to the United States and Texas Flags
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands
• , one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. flag of the United States of
• Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas. One state under God, one and indivisible.

Bills: HB 118, HB388, HB 114, HB205, HB2789, HB2791, HB499, HB2960, HB3163, HB3135, HB2427, HB1618, HB1672, HB1722, HB1338, HB787, HB2618, HB879, HB 1126, HB4134, HB3513, HB718, HB1536, HB1445, HB1640, HB1893, HB1734, HB3229, HB3306, HB 1276, HB3272, HB3276, HB3516, HB4145, HB1585, HB4810, HB2989, HB2558, HB3014, HB2742, HB1695, HB29, HB 125, HB145, HB171, HB255, HB50, HB363, HB 116, HB491, HB1495, HB368, HB 1285, HB1905, HB2002, HB917, HB2723, HB2067, HB 1238, HB745, HB 1188, HB1606, HB2003, HB2147, HB2355, HB2546, HB2495, HB2818, HB2249, HB3228, HB3240, HB1507, HB658, HB1748, HB1851, HB1922, HB2798, HB 107, HB1587, HB3684, HB 118, HB388, HB 114, HB205, HB2789, HB2791, HB499, HB2960, HB3163, HB3135, HB2427, HB1618, HB1672, HB1722, HB1338, HB787, HB2618, HB879, HB 1126, HB4134, HB3513, HB718, HB1536, HB1445, HB1640, HB1893, HB1734, HB3229, HB3306, HB 1276, HB3272, HB3276, HB3516, HB4145, HB1585, HB4810, HB2989, HB2558, HB3014, HB2742, HB1695, HB609, HB630, HB420, HB767, HB1708, HB1404, HB2457, HB140, HB227, HB913, HB2198, HB2763, HB 1261, HB 1135, HB1318, HB2358, HB2765, HB2735, HB3307, HB 1242, HB2842, HB333, HB201, HB694, HB2415, HB155, HB272, HB405, HB519, HB 1136, HB 1275, HB1437, HB1532, HB1675, HB1868, HB1888, HB1990, HB2286, HB2523, HB3129, HB3251, HB3354, HB3479, HB3803, HB3804, HB3805, HB3806, HB3887, HB4163, HB4238, HB 1240, HB1842, HB2029, HB2622, HB3255, HB654, HB4643, HB4945, HB3611, HB3724, HB3623, HB3810, HB4127, HCR78, HCR12, SB767

Keywords: HB 388, HB388, coordination of benefits, COB questionnaire, health benefit plan, health insurance, insurance commissioner, Texas Department of Insurance, uniform form, primary payer, secondary payer, multiple coverage, dual coverage, Medicaid, CHIP, managed care, HMO, small employer health plan, school district health coverage, self-funded plan

Transcript Highlights:

• MEMBERS AND VISITORS, WILL YOU RISE FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG?
• I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS
• So we can stand up here and hope the flag. That's not okay.
• We didn't have red flag laws at the time, so the people who keep saying BSO keep going to his house,

Keywords: sales tax reduction, budget cuts, boating safety, water treatment, municipal utilities, school safety, medical malpractice, firearm purchase age, cursive writing instruction, first responder support, veto overrides, veterans funding, infrastructure projects

Summary: The Florida House convened for regular business, with Speaker Perez announcing historic budget plans including the largest state tax cut in Florida history - a permanent 0.75% sales tax reduction from 6% to 5.25%, saving Floridians nearly $5 billion annually. The House will propose a budget lower than both the Governor's proposal and last year's budget. Several bills passed including Lucy's Law (boating safety), water access facilities funding, municipal utility rate corrections, hazardous walking conditions for schools, and medical malpractice 'Free Kill Law' repeal. The controversial firearm purchase age bill (HB 759) passed 78-34, lowering the minimum age from 21 to 18, despite emotional opposition citing the Parkland shooting. Other bills addressed cursive writing instruction, peer support for first responders, and government sunset reviews. Multiple veto override motions were approved unanimously, reinstating funding for veterans programs and infrastructure projects.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's because it was flagged to me by some of my friends that are doctors.
• So I just want to flag that as a concern for doctors, current doctors.
• And that's because it was flagged to me by some of my friends that are doctors.
• So I just want to, you know, flag that as a concern for doctors, current doctors. that as a concern for

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee heard a long agenda of bills covering education, public safety, local government, labor relations, and foreign policy. Early measures included HB 1055, which would support Florida State University’s Election Law Center; CS/HB 4073, a Leon County local bill updating career service rules for sheriff’s office employees; CS/HB 253, creating penalties for license plate obscuring devices and misuse of emergency-style lights; and HB 293, codifying the Office of Faith and Community in the Governor’s Office and creating a liaison and advisory council. Members raised questions on academic freedom in HB 1055 and on church-state concerns and oversight in HB 293, but both bills advanced after supportive testimony from university, faith-based, and law enforcement representatives. The committee also approved HB 4029, a local bill for the Greater Naples Fire Rescue District, and HB 889, requiring classroom driver education for minors before licensure, with supporters emphasizing roadway safety and teen crash reduction. The committee then took up PCS/HB 731, which would require standardized testing for admission to health-related degree programs at state universities. The sponsor argued the bill would ensure qualified applicants and objective admissions standards, while several members and public witnesses raised concerns that it would duplicate existing requirements like the MCAT and create unnecessary barriers; the bill still passed, though with several no votes. HB 1519, expanding Florida’s anti-BDS law to cover academic boycotts, nonprofits, local governments, and certain grants, drew strong support from Jewish organizations and strong opposition from speakers who argued it chilled free speech and punished criticism of Israel. After an amendment narrowing and clarifying parts of the bill, it passed favorably as a committee substitute. The most contentious debate came on HB 1387, a major overhaul of Public Employees Relations Commission procedures and public-sector union rules. Supporters said the bill would streamline PERC processes, improve fairness, and address cases where unions were certified with very low participation; opponents, including teachers and labor advocates, said it weakened collective bargaining and public employee rights. After a strike-all amendment and extensive testimony, the bill passed as a committee substitute. The committee also approved HB 351, which adds extreme speeding to reckless driving and increases penalties, after removing impoundment language in an amendment, and PCB GOS 25-07, preserving a public records exemption for minors seeking judicial waiver of parental notice/consent for abortion. The meeting adjourned after all measures were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• you know, this is a waste and would, you know, not help the mission, then they ought to be able to flag
• 00:02:49.200> to mission then they ought to be able to mission then they ought to be able to flag
• 50.239> like<00:02:50.760> when<00:02:50.879> you<00:02:51.080> Empower flag
• it's just like when you Empower flag it's just like when you Empower them<00:02:52.560> and<00

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 289, authored by Representative Quam, and adopted a technical A1 amendment before moving the bill forward. Quam explained that the bill is intended to create a mechanism for frontline state employees, faculty, and management to identify waste, inefficiency, and possible savings in agency budgets, with a portion of any savings going back to the state budget and the remainder placed in a special fund for mission-related spending decided by a joint committee. He said the idea grew out of earlier faculty union discussions and that the bill had previously passed with bipartisan support, though it was underused when first enacted. Members generally praised the goal of empowering employees and improving efficiency, but several raised concerns about the bill’s practical operation and low historical use. Representative Jones asked why uptake had been limited and whether current conditions would improve participation; Quam responded that larger budgets and more employee engagement could make the program more useful now. Representative Freiberg and Representative Bonner both supported the concept but questioned whether employees would understand budget constraints and whether the structure might discourage managers from saving money intentionally. Quam argued that employee input would improve decisions, morale, and credibility, and could help justify needed investments. Representative Koznick asked how the bill interacted with the Odyssey Fund, and staff clarified that the two are separate accounts and do not directly affect each other. Representative Koznick also objected to comments he viewed as attacking the administration, and the chair reminded members not to impute motives. Representative Kosnik/Quam indicated openness to future improvements, but Representative Bonner said she was not ready to support the bill in its current form because of concerns about the approval process through MMB and the Legislative Audit Commission. Despite those reservations, the committee ultimately voted to send House File 289, as amended, to the General Register.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> There is just one technical issue I really would like to flag, and that's the effective date of
• And again, as I flagged in my testimony, um, putting this prescribed language will create confusion,
• And again, as I flagged in my testimony, um, putting this prescribed language will create confusion,
• 53.120> 40.114-B flag existing law RSA 40.114-B flag existing law RSA 40.114-B already<01:23:55.440
• I think it's a really key point to flag I think it's a really key point to flag that<01:26:35.760

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All members and staff will please rise to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted several congratulatory resolutions, including one honoring Thomas Dayhill on his 100th birthday. The chamber also took up a petition and bill to promote safety of dogs in kennels; after suspending the applicable rules, the matter was referred to the Municipalities and Regional Government Committee. In addition, the Senate advanced a House bill establishing a sick leave bank for a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office employee, ordering it to a third reading after suspending the rules. The Senate later welcomed the Hingham girls crew team, recognizing them as the 2025 Massachusetts Public School Rowing Association Spring State Champions. The introduction highlighted the team’s season, including early-morning practices, weather-related cancellations, and their championship performance in difficult conditions, and members were invited to congratulate the athletes. The Committee on Ways and Means reported a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill, Senate No. 2529, with direct appropriations of $532,508. The Senate adopted an order setting the bill for second reading on June 18, 2025, with amendments due electronically by June 16, and providing for immediate third reading after amendment. The Senate also adopted a resolution designating August 9 and 10, 2025 as a sales tax holiday, and referred a petition concerning accidental death benefits for the surviving spouse of former Boston firefighter Matthew M. Troy to the Committee on Public Service after suspending Joint Rule 12. The chamber then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members and guests are asked to remain standing and join with me in pledging allegiance to the flag of
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House began with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several Committee on Rules recommendations. It adopted two commemorative resolutions: one honoring the Norton Public Library during 2026 National Library Week and another commemorating Middleton’s new Municipal Complex. The House also adopted an order extending until May 22, 2026, the reporting deadline for the Committee on Education on House Order C 5367, and concurred in a Senate petition concerning the Franklin Regional Council of Governments. In addition, Joint Rule 12 was suspended for a petition on assisted living residences, referred to the Committee on Aging and Independence. The Committee on Steering and Policy recommended several bills for House consideration, including a Tewksbury charter change on the town manager residency requirement, a bill reducing tax liability for grandparents raising grandchildren, a bill on fraternal organizations conducting bazaars, a Boston land/easements bill, and a Bourne alcohol license bill. The House suspended Rule 7A, gave these bills second readings, and ordered them to a third reading. It then passed House Bill 4621, changing the Boylston Board of Selectmen to Select Board, to be enacted. Under orders of the day, the House passed to be engrossed House Bills 4702 (exempting certain Leominster police positions from civil service), 5053 (establishing a charter for Orange), and 5097 (allowing Salem to convert seasonal alcohol licenses to annual licenses). House Bill 4201, changing Chicopee’s mayoral term from two years to four years, was amended to specify that the change would be held in 2027, and then passed to be engrossed as amended. The House also adopted an order to meet again the following Wednesday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members and guests, please remain standing and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House took up several local bills after suspending procedural rules and Joint Rule 12 for a petition from Mark J. Cusack concerning military creditable service for judges, referring it to the Committee on Public Service. The House also considered four local measures: a Harwich affordable housing trust bill, a Charlemont commercial recreation tax bill, a Millis senior property tax exemption bill, and a Falmouth sewer-related funding bill. All were advanced through second reading and ordered to a third reading. The chamber then passed to engrossment a series of additional local bills, including a Hopkinton bridge designation bill, a Nantucket charter amendment, a Swampscott disability property tax exemption bill, an Arlington senior tax exemption amendment, and a Reading home rule charter bill. Each was approved without recorded opposition. The House later recessed and returned to consider a supplemental fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill, House Bill 5348, reported out of Ways and Means with a total appropriation of $300 million. House Bill 5348 was taken up by suspension of the rules, read a third time, passed to be engrossed, and then passed to be enacted after the constitutionally required separate vote, with no votes in opposition recorded. The House adopted an order to meet again Wednesday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted two ceremonial resolutions: one commemorating the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and another honoring the Veterans Brotherhood VMC, Massachusetts chapter for its service to veterans. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling then reported several local bills for consideration, including measures on recall elections in Rutland, oversight of the Boston Finance Commission, manufactured housing payments in Attleboro, validation of Stow proceedings, public meeting notices in Uxbridge, firefighter appointment age limits in Westfield, and special police appointments in Norwood. These bills were read a second time and ordered to a third reading without objection. The House then took up several local bills on third reading and passed them to be engrossed, including bills concerning wastewater treatment in Sandwich, preliminary elections in Longmeadow, additional liquor licenses in Southbridge, and an additional liquor license in Salem. The chamber also welcomed guests of Representative Sylvia of Fall River, including election officials from Fall River and Freetown, and briefly recessed subject to the call of the Chair. The major statewide item was House No. 5350, an act modernizing the Commonwealth’s cannabis laws. Because it required a separate constitutional vote on the emergency preamble, members voted by division and the preamble was adopted by a 3-0 tally. The bill then passed to be enacted. The House adopted the order to meet again Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• House to join having arrived, the House will remain standing and join me in pledging allegiance to the flag
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several procedural and legislative matters. Members adopted an order extending the reporting deadline for the Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee on House Document 4654, and later suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow a petition by Frank A. Moran for a commission studying topical steroid addiction and topical steroid syndrome to go to the Public Health Committee. The House also approved scheduling and advancing a local bill designating the tennis courts in Wether Park, Roslindale, as the Kim O’Connell Tennis Courts. The chamber considered a Senate amendment to House No. 4615, the fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill, but voted not to concur and instead appointed a conference committee. The House also moved several bills through second and third reading, including measures on child safety, loading light vehicles from car carriers on public ways, increasing penalties for passing stopped school buses, the retirement of Walter L. Gurn of Attleboro, and the Marlborough Ward 7 counselor office. Senate No. 2563, relating to individuals with disabilities, was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. On final action, the House adopted the emergency preamble and passed House No. 4009, authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to provide sewer service to a parcel in Sharon, and passed House No. 3901, exempting the assistant fire chief position in Natick from civil service. It also engrossed House No. 3897, authorizing Quincy to extend a lease with Quarry Hills Associates, and House No. 4381, regulating the term of the Norwood town moderator. The House then adopted an order to adjourn until Wednesday at 11 a.m. and stood adjourned.