Video & Transcript : 'special rule' :

Page 62 of 500
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • surrounding your, your all special status as you all talked about.
  • Um, what are you all looking for in their proposed rules? Mr.
  • Do you have special ed students?
  • How many students are getting special ed services or things of that nature?
  • So this, there have been no changes between the proposal of this rule and the adoption of this rule,
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

House in Session Mar 11th, 2026

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Speaker, your Rules and Ethics Committee herewith submits the special order for Wednesday, March 11,
  • Members, the Florida House is a very special place, and it's special to me for three reasons.
  • Speaker, I move that the rules... Mr.
  • I move the rules be waived.
  • Moves of the rules be waived.
Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a quorum call, approval of the journal, and adoption of the special order calendar. The chamber then took up several Senate bills on special order, with members offering questions and debate before final votes. The first major measure, CS/SB 156, the Officer Jason Rayner Act, would reclassify certain offenses against law enforcement officers and add manslaughter of an officer to the life-sentence reclassification statute. Supporters said it honored Officer Rayner and clarified that resistance to officers with violence is unlawful; opponents argued it reduced judicial discretion and could sweep in unintended cases. The bill passed 100-8. The House next passed CS/SB 688 on naturopathic medicine, which creates a regulatory framework and licensure standards for naturopathic physicians, defines scope limits, and establishes a board under the Department of Health. Supporters framed it as a consumer protection and medical freedom bill, while opponents called it an expansion of scope and criticized the low penalty for unlicensed practice. It passed 85-22. The chamber also passed CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, creating a Florida Speech and Debate Hall of Fame, a Speech and Debate Week, and a statewide debate initiative, by a unanimous 112-0 vote. Members then approved CS/CS/SB 1220, a broad transportation bill covering FDOT authority, airports and seaports, drone and delivery devices, autonomous vehicle crimes, tolls, and other transportation issues; an amendment added provisions on Space Florida, golf carts, automated license plate recognition, and related matters while removing digital driver’s license repeal language. The bill passed 87-23. SB 962 on affordable housing, which clarifies that Live Local Act zoning preemption does not unintentionally capture working farms and farm operations, passed 109-2. Finally, CS/CS/SB 1580 on aiding illegal gaming was introduced and discussed; it would strengthen penalties for illegal slot machines and unregulated gaming arcades, clarify reporting and enforcement, and preempt local regulation, with questions focused on VFWs, sweepstakes, fantasy sports, and online betting. The transcript then shifted into lengthy farewell remarks and recognitions, including tributes from members leaving the House and acknowledgments of guests in the galleries.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Senate in Session Mar 4th, 2025

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • RULES CHAIR PASSIDOMO, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED.
  • SENATOR FROM THE 28TH, YET AGAIN, RULES CHAIR PASSIDOMO, YOU ARE RECOGNIZED.
  • WELCOME TO ALL OF OUR SPECIAL GUESTS. IT'S GREAT TO HAVE YOU HERE TODAY.
  • I WANT TO SAY A SPECIAL WELCOME TO OUR NEW GRANDDAUGHTER BELLA GRACE.
  • THIS GOAL SERVES FLORIDA IN A VERY SPECIAL WAY. CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Legislative Finance Nov 18th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • . and we follow those bylaws and rules.
  • They are the people that work on the 175 rule changes...
  • They also review the rules that go out.
  • I imagine that most of these would be specials.
  • We have a special GROW request.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-05-12 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Secretary will now read the proclamation calling the special session.
  • session. and any conference report resulting therefrom during the special session.
  • I recognize the Rules Chair for a motion. For a motion. Mr.
  • I move the rules be waived to establish the special order calendar for the remainder of the special session
  • “Madam Rules Chair, you’ll be recognized again.
Summary: The Senate convened in special session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and observed a moment of silence for Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Mateer. The Secretary then read the special session proclamation, which limited the session to budget-related matters including the General Appropriations Act, implementing bill, collective bargaining/state employee issues, retirement, law enforcement radio system funding, health, higher education, K-12 education, government administration, corrections, judges, documentary stamp tax distributions, petroleum cleanup, fuel taxes, and taxation. Chair Hooper outlined the process for handling Senate and House budget bills and conference posture. The Senate took up and passed several Senate bills, including SB 2506E on fuel taxes, SB 2508E on the state agency law enforcement radio system, SB 2512E on judges, and SB 2514E on K-12 education, each by 32-0. The chamber then received House bills and, for each, adopted delete-all amendments to place the Senate language onto the House vehicle or delete everything to prepare for conference. Bills addressed included HB 7031E (taxation), HB 5701E (petroleum cleanup programs), HB 5203E (government administration), HB 5207E (Department of Management Services), HB 5403E (correctional facilities financing and capital improvements), HB 5501E (documentary stamp tax distributions), HB 5001E (the General Appropriations Act), HB 5003E (implementing bill), HB 5201E (collective bargaining), HB 5205E (retirement), HB 5601E (higher education), and HB 5301E (health care). Most passed 32-0, with HB 5403E passing 31-0. During debate on HB 7031E, Leader Berman urged consideration of suspending the motor fuel tax to provide immediate relief at the pump, citing high gas prices. The Senate ultimately passed the House bill as amended and then acceded to the House request for conference on the taxation package and the other House bills. The Senate also substituted HB 5001E for SB 2500E and HB 5003E for SB 2502E, and similarly substituted House bills for the related Senate conforming bills before voting to send them to conference. At the close of business, the Senate observed a moment of silence for former Senator Bill Posey. The Rules Chair announced the Special Order Calendar Group would not meet that day or the next, and the Senate adopted a motion to establish the special order calendar for the remainder of the special session by website publication and Secretary announcement. The Senate then adjourned upon the call of the President for committee meetings and other business.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • The next change is in rule 3.6 on page 2. It's striking all of rule 3.6.
  • </c><00:10:47.600><c> 44</c><00:10:48.600><c> rule</c> stricken going down to rule 44 rule stricken going
  • Rule 44.2 moves something from Rule 51 into this rule and assigns it to the engrossing secretary, who
  • Rule 19.
  • </c> been removed to rule been removed to rule 44<00:12:42.959><c> rule</c> 44 rule 44 rule 51.4<00:12
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Apr 30th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Committee on Rules.
  • And pursuant to Senate Rule 29.10(c), the following bills are referred to the Committee on Rules: File
  • She was approved by the Rules Committee on April 15th and a five- Mr.
  • She was approved by the Rules Committee on a 5-0 vote on April 15th.
  • Our Senate rules require members of the Senate Committee on Rules to be elected by this body.
Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then proceeded through appointments, resolutions, and bills. Governor’s appointments for Dina Eltawasi as Caltrans Director, Allison Salt Install to the Court Reporters Board, Olivia May Assumption to the California Commission on Disability Access, and William Adams to the California Exposition and State Fair Board were presented and later confirmed after roll calls and lifting of calls. The chamber also took up several third-reading measures and resolutions, including SCR 143 honoring Hmong and Laotian special guerrilla unit veterans, SR 96 recognizing National County Government Month, SB 1347 clarifying stocking of albuterol in public schools, SB 977 requiring chain restaurants to offer at least one healthier children’s meal, SB 1234 requiring fentanyl testing when juvenile dependency drug testing is ordered, SCR 161 designating Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, SR 101 replacing Senator Jones on the Rules Committee with Senator Ochoa Bogh, SB 1111 addressing liability for unauthorized AI-generated digital replicas, and SCR 128 establishing High School Voter Education Weeks. Each of these measures was presented by the author, generally received supportive remarks, and passed by roll call, with calls later lifted and the votes confirmed. During debate, Senator Umberg emphasized the long-overdue recognition of Hmong and Laotian veterans who served in covert missions during the Vietnam era, and Senator Archuleta echoed that tribute on behalf of the Military and Veterans Committee. Senator Cortese and Senator McGuire spoke in support of SR 96, highlighting the role of counties in delivering public services and warning about the impact of federal cuts on health and human services. Senator Niello described SB 1347 as a cleanup measure extending existing albuterol stocking authority to all public schools, including preschool. Senator Weber Pearson argued SB 977 would improve children’s nutrition options at chain restaurants, while Senator Alvarado-Gil said SB 1234 would help keep fentanyl out of homes by ensuring court-ordered drug testing includes fentanyl. Senator Weber Pearson also presented SCR 161 on maternal mental health, citing high rates of pregnancy-related depression and anxiety and barriers to care. Senator Ashby presented SR 101 and SB 1111, the latter aimed at unauthorized AI-generated voice and likeness replicas, and Senator Pérez presented SCR 128 to encourage voter education for high school students. After the floor actions, the Senate adopted the consent calendar, with Senator Cervantes removing SB 1381 from consent. Committee announcements followed, including upcoming Budget Subcommittee meetings. The session concluded with Senator Wiener’s adjournment in memory of disability rights activist Alice Wong, whose advocacy and writing were remembered by the chamber. The Senate announced its next floor session for Monday, May 4, 2026, at 2 p.m., and then recessed until later that afternoon for adjournment proceedings.
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

February 26, 2026 - 12:15 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, recall to order the Rules and Ethics Committee meeting for Thursday, February 26.
  • all bills on special order.
  • Show the special order letter adopted.
  • bills on special order for that day.
  • Show the special order letter Chair: adopted.
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House Special Session 2026 May 4th, 2026

Alabama House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • extraordinary occasion exists in the state of Alabama which requires the legislature to convene in special
  • Alabama, do hereby proclaim and direct that the legislature of the state of Alabama shall convene in special
  • </c><00:10:48.600><c> Signed,</c><00:10:49.000><c> her</c> during the special session.
  • Signed, her during the special session.
  • Speaker, I move the rules be Mr.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Senate in Special Session A Jan 27th, 2025

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Albritton: Secretary will read the proclamation calling special session.
  • Constitution limits the duration of a special session to 20 consecutive days.
  • Section 2: The Legislature of the State of Florida is convened in special session for the sole and...
  • Senator Albritton: Madam Rules Chair from the 28th, you are recognized for a motion.
  • Rules Chair Passidomo, you are recognized for a motion. Senator Passidomo: Mr.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Formal House Session 54 Jun 10th, 2026

Massachusetts House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The ayes have it. ...Rule 7A is suspended.
  • Rule 47 is suspended.
  • Rule 47 is suspended.
  • Rules are suspended.
  • The rules are suspended.
Summary: The House first handled a series of routine actions from the Committee on Rules, including adoption of several congratulatory resolutions and suspension of Joint Rule 12 to allow petitions to proceed, including a Hingham land transfer petition and a veteran rental assistance bridge program petition. The Ways and Means Committee then reported out several bills, including a fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill, a bill on hot work/fire safety regulation, a free expression/library bill, a bill on ownership and maintenance of certain culverts and dams, a Walsh-Kennedy Commission implementation bill, and a Billerica land transfer for the Yankee Doodle Bike Path. Each was advanced through second or third reading, with the House adopting committee amendments and ordering the bills to third reading or engrossment as appropriate. The most extensive debate centered on S. 2726, an act regarding free expression, which would address book challenges in public and school libraries, require reporting of challenges, protect age-appropriate materials, and establish review procedures. Supporters argued the bill protects intellectual freedom, librarians’ professional judgment, and access to books amid rising censorship efforts; opponents raised concerns about parental rights, local control, and exposure of minors to explicit material. Several amendments were offered and voted on, including one to strike a criminal-law protection, one to streamline the school review process, one clarifying that challenged material is considered in its entirety, and one narrowing who may initiate complaints to parents or guardians; some were rejected and others adopted. The bill ultimately passed to be engrossed by a 151-3 vote. The House also took up H. 5491 implementing the Walsh-Kennedy Commission recommendations on hot work safety after the 2014 Beacon Street fire. Members emphasized firefighter safety, certification and training requirements, stronger penalties for violations, and public notification of violations; the bill passed to be engrossed unanimously. The supplemental fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill, H. 5493, covering snow and ice costs, no-cost calls, substance use services, homeless programs, and several outside sections, also passed after amendment votes. Finally, the House enacted two local bills on Holyoke City Council special meetings and the Reading town charter, and then adjourned to meet the next day in informal session.
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

HOUSE RULES Apr 15th, 2026

HOUSE RULES

Transcript Highlights:
  • Like, there are rules in place, right?
  • But we're talking about property rights rules.
  • We're not saying you can have the rules, whatever, except, again, We're not saying you can have the rules
  • Their rules and regulations.
  • This is a Rules Committee.
Committee: All HOUSE RULES
Summary: The committee first considered House Resolution 1016, presented by Rep. Marcus Richmond, which sought permission to file a bill aimed at consumer protection in certain housing arrangements where buyers purchase an interest in an entity rather than the property itself. Richmond said the measure was intended to improve transparency, prevent deceptive real estate practices, and ensure disputes would be handled in Arkansas or federal courts rather than private tribunals. Members raised concerns about overlap with existing law, possible effects on homeowners associations, arbitration clauses, hunting clubs, religious organizations, and the bill’s 25-acre exemption. After discussion, the committee voted down the resolution. House Resolution 1006, by Rep. Bart Schultz, proposed increasing the homestead tax credit by $75, from $600 to $675, using a fund created for property tax relief. Schultz argued the increase was supported by the annual report on the fund and was timely because of higher costs for gas and groceries. Members asked about using special language instead, whether the increase could be made retroactive later, and whether the governor had included it on the call. The committee approved the resolution. The committee then heard House Resolution 1007, presented by Sen. Brian King and Rep. James Eaton, which would have changed how turnback sales tax revenue is distributed to counties, with the first $150 million of sales tax revenue going into a fund for county infrastructure and each county receiving an equal share. Supporters said it would help counties with roads, jails, water, sewer, and other critical needs, while opponents questioned whether taking revenue off the top would harm other state services and whether the issue was urgent enough for a fiscal session. The resolution failed. House Resolution 1008, by Rep. Jim Wooten and Sen. King, sought changes to the LEARNS Act and school choice funding, including performance-based eligibility and reporting requirements. Wooten argued the program was financially unsustainable and that accountability was needed; members questioned whether the proposal would create a larger emergency and whether it should instead be handled through budget language. The resolution failed after a point of order interrupted the closing remarks. Finally, House Resolution 1009, presented by Rep. Ron McNair and Sen. King, aimed to restore local control over crypto mines and data centers, citing concerns about water use, electricity demand, Chinese ownership, and litigation tied to prior legislation. Members questioned whether the issue was truly emergent and whether the resolution was the right vehicle. The resolution failed. House Resolution 1015, by Rep. Howard Beatty, proposed amending the prior IDA bill to address concerns raised by constituents, including board accountability and removing eminent domain authority. Supporters said it would improve the bill before next session, but the resolution also failed. The committee then adjourned.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Environment and Natural Resources Jan 20th, 2026

Environment and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • They've developed the rule.
  • They've developed the rule.
  • Rules.
  • , not the old rule.
  • Such rules are adopted.
Bills: S0698 , S0958 , S1066 , S1230 , S1288
Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources heard and advanced several bills. SB 958, by Senator Bradley, would require local straw and stirrer ordinances to allow renewable, certified compostable, marine-biodegradable products; supporters said it would reduce reliance on paper straws that may contain PFAS and create more uniform standards. The bill was reported favorably after brief supportive testimony and no opposition. The committee also approved SB 1066, by Senator Broder, a major Ocklawaha/Rodman Dam restoration proposal. The bill would direct DEP to implement a phased restoration plan, create an advisory council with local and military representation, fund recreation and economic development projects, and address safety concerns tied to the dam’s age and high-hazard status. Supporters from conservation groups, river advocates, and some local residents praised the restoration and planning framework, while several Putnam County officials opposed the bill, arguing the reservoir supports recreation, water supply, and local interests. The committee adopted a late-filed amendment adding a Naval Air Station Jacksonville representative to the advisory council, then reported the committee substitute favorably. SB 698, by Senator Martin, was also reported favorably. It would let builders proceed with local building permits while septic permits are pending, rather than waiting for sequential approval, and includes a 120-day glide path related to new DEP rules; builders supported the bill as a way to reduce delays, while some senators questioned whether the transition period was too long. The committee then approved CS/SB 1230, by Senator Harrell, which phases out PFAS-containing firefighting foam, restricts non-emergency training use, requires inventory and disposal reporting, creates DEP rulemaking and a grant program, and exempts certain federal, military, and emergency uses. Finally, the committee favorably reported CS/SB 1288, also by Senator Harrell, to designate a water body in the Jupiter Narrows area in honor of Andrew Red Harris, with a technical amendment clarifying the shoal designation. Several members later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on selected bills.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, March 31, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Sir, pursuant to the permission granted in clause 2(h) of Rule 2 of the Rules of the U.S.
  • Sir, pursuant to permission granted in clause 2(h) of Rule 2 of the Rules of the U.S.
  • Sir, pursuant to the permission granted in clause 2(h) of Rule 2 of the Rules of the U.S.
  • 6 of Rule 20.
  • This is called the mailbox rule.
Bills: HR997 , HR517 , HR1152 , HB1491 , HR1155 , HR998 , HR1234
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • Change the phrase special rule order to special rule on page four for clarity.
  • Change the phrase special would control.
  • Change the phrase special rule<00:02:24.400><c> order</c><00:02:24.640><c> to</c><00:02:24.880><c> special
  • </c> rule order to special rule on page four rule order to special rule on page four for<00:02:26.480
  • ><c> and</c><00:15:07.560><c> tactics</c> Assigned to special weapons and tactics Assigned to special
Summary: The Judiciary Committee took up a large decision-making agenda and adopted most measures, often with technical or clarifying amendments. Bills addressed wildlife habitat conservation plans, civil identification cards for 16- and 17-year-olds, electronic and mail voting for associations, remedies for unauthorized disclosure of intimate images, traffic safety around stationary vehicles and pickup truck passengers, expedited permitting for housing for people with disabilities, rainwater catchment systems, EMS advisory committee membership, social media account deletion, limits on immigration-enforcement cooperation, prompt payment rules for professional solicitors, fetal death vital statistics, protections for gender-affirming care, passenger ropeways, law-enforcement facial coverings and immigration-related detention, domestic violence, health care facility access, guardianship record sealing, child protective proceedings, remote driver’s license hearings, disposable vaping products, dog attacks, insurance premium increase explanations, the DOE harm-to-student registry, Hawaiian Homes lease succession, EMS law modernization, hoisting machine regulation, release on recognizance, language interpretation rules, civil asset forfeiture for fireworks offenses, and assisted community treatment. Several bills were deferred, including HB 1897, HB 1957, HB 2121, and HB 2324, while HB 1957 was deferred indefinitely. Most measures were adopted without recorded opposition, though HB 1875 and HB 1961 drew no votes from Vice Chair Gabbard, and HB 2413 was adopted with reservations. A number of bills received substantive amendment instructions. HB 1682 was amended with committee report language noting concerns about departing from the model act. HB 1768 and HB 1886 were revised to narrow or clarify immigration-enforcement restrictions and law-enforcement identification and facial-covering provisions, including plainclothes and undercover exceptions, a narrower civil immigration arrest/detention offense, and savings clauses. HB 2540 received extensive amendments to convert policy language into mandatory terms, refine facial-covering and identification rules, align criminal and policy exemptions, narrow immigration-related offenses, and clarify the definition of law enforcement agency. HB 2413 was amended to define violent offenses, change written findings to oral findings on the record, limit reconsideration of bail, and restrict who may request sanctions or financial conditions. Other amendments included technical fixes, bad-date corrections, severability clauses, and chapter-consistency changes. The committee also heard a joint Education/Judiciary item, SCR 105 and SR 99, urging the Department of Education to provide students information on pre-registering to vote before reaching voting age. Testimony was reported in support from the Department of Education, Office of Elections, Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and the League of Women Voters. With no opposition or further discussion, the committee voted to pass both resolutions with technical, non-substantive amendments (SD1).
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session - Part 2 - 05/19/25

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • And for those who the 48 hour rule.
  • </c> pursuant to rule 40.7. Thank you, Mr. pursuant to rule 40.7. Thank you, Mr.
  • </c> was in a special reserve fund from 2023. was in a special reserve fund from 2023.
  • </c> pursuant to rule 40.7. pursuant to rule 40.7.
  • So I in a special session and pass them.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/05/2026 - Senate Floor Session

Arizona Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Rules. SB 1618, Military Affairs Commission. Maps. SB 1659, homeowners' producers licensure. Rules.
  • Rules. SB 1674, homeowners association rules enforcement. Government.
  • SB 1692, ESA tutor safety rules.
  • Rules. SB 1748, victims' rights opt-in process. Elections. SB 1749, raffles real property. Rules.
  • Rules and ATT. Finance. SB 1765, rent, gambling, fraud. Rules and ATT. SB 1766, inmate labor wages.
Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and several guest introductions recognizing Arizona Dental Hygienists Association visitors, deaf and hard of hearing advocacy groups, Arizona Society of Anesthesiologists members, the Doctor of the Day, tribal voting advocates, and other guests. Members also observed a moment of silence for two DPS officers killed earlier that morning. The chamber then received a long list of bills and resolutions for first reading and committee referral, covering elections, education, public safety, health, tribal affairs, housing, agriculture, and other topics. The main floor action was in Committee of the Whole on SB 1425, an elections bill dealing with the July primary and related election procedures. The bill was amended in committee, then further amended on the floor, and the Committee of the Whole recommended it do pass as amended. During third reading, members spoke in support of the measure as a bipartisan election fix that would move the primary up two weeks, improve ballot timing, and require observers in every county. Senator Hatathlie highlighted persistent tribal voting barriers such as mail ballot issues, dual-addressing problems, ID access, funding shortages, misinformation, and polling-place disruptions, while Senator Gonzalez voted no because of the emergency clause. The bill passed 27-1 with two not voting and was transmitted to the House. The Senate also adopted two proclamations: one naming September 4, 2026, as Taekwondo Day in Arizona and another declaring February 2026 as American Heart Month, encouraging CPR and AED awareness. After a recess, the Senate returned briefly to introduce additional bills, refer SB 1315 to Public Safety and SB 1090 to Finance, announce upcoming committee meetings, and then adjourn until Monday, February 9, 2026.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Education Finance (05/01/2025)

Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:30:23.520><c> numbers,</c> um federal minimums, rule numbers, um federal minimums, rule numbers
  • and the nature of than listing the rules and the nature of the<00:33:12.880><c> rule</c><00:33:13.519
  • </c> Anything else on special education? Anything else on special education?
  • </c> sending special education money over? sending special education money over?
  • </c><00:40:50.560><c> education</c> is for working with special education is for working with special
MA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Meeting minutes pursuant to Joint Rule 1B are joint pursuant to House Rule 17.
  • Under Rule 5 of our committee rules, the witness...
  • And I think somebody had referenced, we want to change the law because rules are rules.
  • We've got corollary rules with the Senate. The Senate chooses their president and their rules.
  • And the rule we always have to follow, which is why we do rules, which you voted on repeatedly, is we
Summary: The hearing opened with committee chairs explaining the Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions’ role under Article 48 and outlining the process for initiative petition 25-14, H5-004, an act to improve access to public records. The first panel consisted of subject-matter experts. William Clark of the National Conference of State Legislatures gave an overview of public records laws across states, noting that all states have some form of open-records law but that exemptions for legislatures vary widely. He discussed common legislative exemptions, legislative privilege, and court cases showing that outcomes often turn on specific constitutional and statutory language. Rebecca Murray, General Counsel for the Secretary of the Commonwealth, described Massachusetts public records trends, saying state agency requests and appeals have risen sharply since the 2017 law update, with 2025 setting a record for appeals. She said the initiative would extend the public records law to the General Court and the Governor’s Office and add exemptions specific to those offices, while also noting resource concerns from the growing volume of requests and appeals.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Mar 6th, 2026 at 01:25 pm

Washington Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Wilson moves that the rules be suspended.
  • I move pursuant to Rule 18 that Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2034 be made a special order of
  • That, in accordance with Rule 18, Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2034 be made a special order
  • I move that the rules be suspended.
  • court rules.