Transcript Highlights:

• The justices ruled, however, that the court upheld a lower court ruling striking down the citizenship
• That rule took effect on January 18, 2026.
• The current rule, unfortunately, does not do that.
• I'd like to refer that to the Rules Chair. Do you refer that to the Rules Chair?
• Thank you, Madam Rules Chair.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of recognitions for interns, staff, and guests. Members also honored a retiring Senate staffer and a wounded veteran, then moved into returning House messages and special order bills. Several measures were taken up and either concurred in or sent back to the House, with multiple unanimous or near-unanimous votes on noncontroversial bills. Among the bills addressed were SB 118 on recreational vehicle park assessments, SB 572 on ethics for public officers and employees, and HB 991 on election integrity. SB 118 and SB 572 were amended to reflect House changes and passed 38-0. HB 991 drew extensive debate over voter registration and identification requirements, with opponents arguing it would burden students, seniors, disabled voters, and others, while supporters said it would strengthen election security and streamline verification; it passed 27-12. The chamber also approved bills on historic cemeteries, chickee regulation, habitual traffic offender designation, military affairs, and a Department of Health package. The Department of Health bill (SB 902/HB 733) was the subject of detailed amendment work, including changes to medical marijuana rules, NICU educational materials, Early Steps, dental loan repayment, and pediatric trauma center designation. The Senate adopted an amendment to the amendment and then passed the bill 37-0. Other measures included a funeral services bill, which the Senate refused to concur in because the House strike-all would redefine cremation to include composting, and a veterans-related bill that was temporarily postponed. The Senate also recessed briefly, then returned to continue the calendar and additional recognitions.

Transcript Highlights:

• :57.919> to<00:20:58.240> those exceptions to the rule to those exceptions to the rule
• If you want rules, uh, if you want the rules, there has to be somebody who really understands it, has
• If you want rules, uh, if you want the rules, there has to be somebody who really understands it, has
• If you want rules, uh, if you want the rules, there has to be somebody who really understands it, has
• I want to help. legal training that can rule whether legal training that can rule whether something<00

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met without a quorum and discussed how to proceed with its family court review work. The chair said preliminary, unofficial reports could be circulated and voted on by email, and noted that next year the work might continue as a full committee rather than a subcommittee. Members also discussed carrying unresolved issues into next year, including the long-standing “one judge, one case” concept. Later, the committee received additional materials from a member who could not attend, including a packet on state-funded transcript requests and background information on how different states structure family court systems. A major presentation focused on improving New Hampshire family court pre-trial and mediation practices. The presenters said current rules give judges broad discretion, which can lead to inconsistent discovery, evidence, and timelines, especially for self-represented parties. They raised concerns about uneven mediator training and oversight, lack of uniform domestic violence screening, and unclear information for families about their rights and how to exit mediation. They recommended standardized pre-trial case management orders, clearer plain-language deadlines, mandatory domestic violence screening, stronger mediator certification and continuing education, a mentorship program, an independent oversight board, and a pilot program in a few counties before any statewide rollout. Members and presenters also discussed existing court forms and practices, including mediation agreements, mediator preparation forms, first appearances, and the use of Zoom for mediation. One participant argued that mediation can work better when parties are better prepared and when cases are not sent too early, and suggested that neutral case evaluation is another useful alternative dispute resolution tool. The discussion also touched on the need for better educational materials for pro se litigants, with one member describing efforts to create a more accessible guide for people going to court. No votes were taken, and the session ended with plans to continue reviewing materials and refine recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• This rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4 under a closed rule.
• A vote on this rule is right.
• I support this rule and I rise in support of the rule.
• > rule.
• <06:04:39.280> More racked up over 50 closed rules. More racked up over 50 closed rules.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They only want to rule on statute.
• I think people need to look up Dillon's Rule versus home rule, okay?
• I think people need to look up Dillon's Rule versus home rule, okay?
• I think there's a people need to look up Dillon's rule versus home rule.
• Okay, the difference being that Dillon's rule is the rule versus home rule, okay?

Bills: SB1246, SB1338, SB1428, SB1443, SB1501, SB1566, SB1571, SB1645, SB1646, SB1663, SB1688, SB1805, SB1808, SB1825, SCR1023, SCR1029, HB2079, HB2080, HB2130, HB2239, HB2324, HB2375, HB2610, HB2619, HB2620, HB2716, HB2745, HB2749, HB2837, HB2857, HB2968, HB4064, HB4066, HB4087, HB4130, HCR2048, HCR2058

Keywords: homeowners associations, foreclosure, common expense liens, condominiums, special assessments, unit owner, public benefits, eligibility, immigration status, documentation, Arizona law, county governance, supervisorial board, population-based representation, local government, elections, noise pollution, environmental nuisances, building permits, urban development

Transcript Highlights:

• no you go to Ways and Means then rules no you go to Ways and Means then rules right<00:19:34.840
• c> chair<00:19:37.280> the<00:19:37.400> rule<00:19:37.880> the right the rule
• uh Mr chair the rule the right the rule uh Mr chair the rule the the<00:19:38.120> rule<00:19
• representative Gomez a referral to rules representative Gomez a referral to rules after<00:21:34.360
• requirements of rule requirements of rule 4.15<00:21:38.799> thank 4.15, thank you for that

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House File 4, as amended, was heard in committee. The bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create a Minnesota tax relief account that would capture projected general fund revenues exceeding 105% of projected expenditures and return those funds to taxpayers, primarily through property tax relief or income tax relief. The committee adopted an amendment to put the bill in the author’s preferred shape, and later adopted a technical amendment from Representative Smith to insert the word “projected” before “expenditures” on line 2.2. Representative Johnson presented the bill as an affordability measure meant to return surplus money to the people rather than create new spending, arguing it would help homeowners and taxpayers if a surplus occurs. Ranna Lee of Americans for Prosperity supported the concept of returning surplus funds to taxpayers but also urged broader tax and budget reforms, including triggers for rate reductions and changes to budgeting practices. Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project and Eric Bernstein of We Make Minnesota opposed the proposal, warning that embedding budget and tax rules in the Constitution would reduce legislative flexibility, weaken public investment, shift costs to local governments, and make it harder to respond to recessions or emergencies. Members raised questions about how the formula would work, who would qualify for refunds, whether corporations with property tax liability could benefit, and how the proposal would handle forecast-based calculations and unexpected events such as pandemics or federal policy changes. House research and committee staff clarified that the bill would need to go to Ways and Means and then Rules to satisfy House requirements for constitutional amendments, and that a fiscal note had been requested and was in process. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion of the transcript provided, but the motion before it was to recommend passage and send House File 4 to Ways and Means.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, take care of had three rules.
• Speaker, last night the rules Mr.
• <02:22:09.840> hour<02:22:10.000> debate rule the rule provides one hour debate rule
• The rule provides one hour closed rule.
• <03:34:40.479> Remaining to clause nine of rule 20. Remaining to clause nine of rule 20.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This map is the best option to do in light of the Calais ruling.
• So this map definitely represents the ruling that they handed down, right?
• Senator Price, you are a master of the rules in this institution.
• It is your belief that we... ...of the rules in this institution.
• And under Joint Rule 21 of this body, we still did not follow those rules. Okay.

Summary: The Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee met on May 12, 2026, and focused primarily on Senate Bill 407, a congressional redistricting proposal, with Senate Bill 121 also scheduled for later. The chair explained the committee would first take up SB 407, consider amendments, then hear public testimony, and would not take up SB 116 or SB 130. Two amendment sets were adopted on SB 407: one technical set adjusting dates to align with the upcoming election cycle, and another updating the map in the bill. Committee members and the bill sponsor described the proposal as a 4-2 congressional map intended to comply with the Supreme Court’s CalA ruling, preserve traditional redistricting criteria, and avoid using race as the basis for district lines. Supporters of SB 407 argued the map was compact, contiguous, kept parishes and cities together, and created two opportunity districts without racial predominance. Several senators said the map better reflected Louisiana’s political and demographic realities and could withstand legal challenge under the Equal Protection Clause and First Amendment. Testimony in support also emphasized fairness, representation, and the idea that the state should not move to a 5-1 map. Some speakers, including former legislators and community advocates, said the state should maintain or preserve two districts where Black voters and Democratic voters could elect candidates of choice. Opponents of the broader redistricting effort criticized the process as rushed and confusing, especially because early voting had already begun and the Secretary of State was not present to answer questions. Some speakers said the legislature had not been properly involved in the election suspension process and raised concerns about whether votes already cast would count if maps changed. Others argued the proposed changes were an attempt to dilute political power and disenfranchise voters, particularly Black, poor, and queer communities. The committee heard extensive public testimony on both sides, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the second question is the COVID rules.
• Can you walk through what COVID rules are being added? Well, they weren't COVID rules.
• With those rules that were, in my opinion, onerous in the first place, you relax With those rules that
• Some of these rules weren't the dangerous guardrails we needed before.
• And so that's just going to be with a rule. Yes. And so that's just going to be with a rule.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Mental Health heard testimony on several measures. HCR 42, sponsored by Representative Perkins, urged Congress to support programs intended to reduce prescription drug costs for Medicaid and Medicare patients. The sponsor said it would help elderly and low-income residents, while Representative Dahl argued the referenced program could cost more than other options such as GoodRx or generic pharmacy pricing. No vote was taken, and the hearing was closed after no additional support or opposition testimony was offered. The committee then heard Senate Bill 878 from Senator Fitzwater, a pharmacist practice act bill negotiated with the Board of Healing Arts and pharmacy groups. The bill would codify pandemic-era pharmacy flexibilities, expand pharmacist authority to administer certain vaccines approved by the FDA and state boards, allow therapeutic plans and some medical device dispensing, and authorize over-the-counter access to ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine with FDA-approved warning labels and standardized procedures. Supporters, including pharmacy associations and large pharmacy chains, said it would improve access, especially in rural areas, reduce delays in treatment, and help pharmacies remain open. Some members and an opponent raised concerns about safety, self-treatment, vaccine authority, and whether the bill shifts too much power from elected officials to boards. The bill was heard only; no committee vote was reported. The committee also heard House Resolution 538, which would designate May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month and encourage support for research, funding, and affected families. Members largely supported the resolution, with comments about the severity of ALS and the importance of early communication and assistive technology. House Resolution 4661 followed, calling for increased awareness and screening for chronic kidney disease, especially among high-risk patients with diabetes and hypertension, and encouraging public-private education efforts around urine albumin-to-creatinine testing. The sponsor described it as an awareness measure rather than a mandate, and members asked about how education efforts might work and whether broader screening should be considered. No votes were taken on either resolution during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for joining us in Senate Rules.
• No, no, no, the Senate rules on SR 2. I've got to get to the paramedics shortly.
• To be here for the discussion of these changes to our rules.
• These are rules changes that the majority and the minority worked together on.
• They are primarily cleaning up language in our rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, you make the rule making clearer.
• and adopt the rules. and adopt the rules.
• With<00:17:32.559> those<00:17:32.799> rules, With those rules, With those rules, you'll
• just a total authority to set rules just a total authority to set rules however<00:20:35.600>
• > weren't know the rules because the rules weren't know the rules because the rules weren't codified

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, pursuant to Our rules.
• Rule 8 for pleadings, we have decades of.
• 26 in the Colorado Rules, and that's kind of like the federal rules.
• Our rules, Of evidence, UJI evidence.
• Under 13, 208, and then rules 401, 402, 403, and actually, I'm, Sorry, that's regardless, our rules of

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair calls on the Rules Attorney. Mr.
• Chair calls on the Rules Attorney. Mr.
• Chair, calls and the rules, Attorney. Mr.
• Chair calls on the Rules Attorney. Mr.
• Chair calls on the Rules Attorney. Mr.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• governing it are federal rules, and those federal rules would trump the state rules.
• governing it are federal rules, and those federal rules would trump the state rules.
• governing it are federal rules, and those federal rules would trump the state rules.
• governing it are federal rules, and those federal rules would trump the state rules.
• the rules governing it are federal rules the rules governing it are federal rules and<02:17:45.120

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 758, which would establish a study committee on airport operation hours and possible noise abatement measures, including whether New Hampshire should prohibit departures between midnight and 6 a.m. The sponsor said the committee would examine the pros and cons and consult stakeholders. The Bureau of Aeronautics testified neutrally, noting that New Hampshire has 25 public airports, 12 with federal funding and grant assurances that may require them to remain open during those hours, and that cargo operations, including at Manchester, commonly occur overnight. Members also discussed existing noise abatement programs and how mitigation is determined by noise contours and FAA funding decisions. No vote was taken; the chair closed the hearing after testimony. The committee then heard House Bill 489, allowing voluntary emergency workers to use rear-facing blue lights on private vehicles when responding to emergencies. The sponsor said the bill corrects an oversight in existing law, would not cost the state or towns money, and would improve visibility and safety, especially in rural areas. Supportive testimony from a volunteer responder emphasized that blue lights help cut through fog, snow, and nighttime conditions, and that the bill would only add a single rear-facing blue light to existing red, amber, and white emergency lighting. The New Hampshire State Police opposed the bill, arguing that expanding blue lights to private vehicles would confuse the public and desensitize drivers to blue lights, which are associated with law enforcement. The hearing closed without action. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 533, which the sponsor and State Police clarified is actually two separate changes: one authorizing civilian automotive equipment inspectors to assist with vehicle inspection work, and another expanding language in motor carrier enforcement to include new entrant safety audits and compliance reviews. The State Police explained that civilian inspectors are hired and trained through the department and that any findings of state-law violations would be referred to troopers; they also said the new motor carrier language was requested to satisfy federal audit concerns about right of entry. The New Hampshire Motor Transport Association said it had no position if the civilian inspectors were not doing commercial truck inspections, but would oppose the bill if they were. Members asked about the difference between audits and compliance reviews, and the State Police said audits are for newer carriers and are non-enforcement, while compliance reviews look for violations. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 533. After a brief reset, the committee opened House Bill 594, which would repeal an alternate definition of “way” for the driving-after-suspension statute. The sponsor said the change was requested by the Department of Justice. Representative Erica Leon opposed the repeal, explaining that the prior language was intended to avoid criminalizing people who mow lawns or perform similar work near property edges while suspended, but she worried the repeal could create a loophole allowing driving on places like highway medians. Members questioned whether the issue was limited to mowing or broader vehicle use on property edges, and Leon said she would work with agencies to clarify the language so it protects lawful mowing without allowing misuse. No vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair of Rules, the President, and her staff—thank you.
• Pursuant to the rules of the Senate, the Chair will announce the votes of several members.
• Senator Tarr moves that the rules be suspended to allow the matter to be considered forthwith.
• Hearing no objection, the rules are suspended.
• Without objection, the rules are suspended. The question now comes on adoption of the order.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a ceremonial welcome for the Duxbury Bay Maritime School crew team, which was congratulated for winning the 2025 Massachusetts Public School Rowing Association spring championship. The chamber also adopted several congratulatory resolutions honoring Eagle Scouts Henry Skolsky, Gregory de Rochman, Colin Bauker, and Gabriel Bennett. The Senate then took up and passed two sick leave bank bills for Massachusetts Department of Transportation employees: House No. 4104 for Daniel Yender and House No. 4161 for Mark Kratman. It also ordered a series of other calendar items to third reading without debate. The chamber later considered Senate No. 2550, the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, with Senator Preen explaining that the bill would align Massachusetts with other states, reduce forum shopping, and better protect left-behind parents; the bill was amended by Ways and Means, ordered to a third reading, and passed to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 39-0. The Senate next took up Senate No. 2551, the Debt Collection Fairness Act. Senator Eldridge described provisions to raise garnishment protections, lower post-judgment interest rates, prohibit imprisonment for consumer debt, and shorten the statute of limitations on debt collection, while noting support from consumer advocates and the Attorney General. After adopting a technical Ways and Means amendment, the Senate ordered the bill to a third reading and passed it to be engrossed by roll call vote. The chamber also adopted committee reports placing Senate Bills 137 and 1034 on the Orders of the Day and advanced a Ways and Means-recommended substitute draft for a bill on police interactions with people with autism spectrum disorder. The session adjourned in memory of Mark Sullivan.

Transcript Highlights:

• What is this rule, this unwritten rule that we're abiding by?
• I don't know how you articulate that rule and put it into our legislative rules, but that's what's going
• What is this unwritten rule that we're abiding by?
• I don't know how you articulate that rule and put it into our legislative rules, but that's what's going
• What is What is this rule, this What is What is this rule, this unwritten<00:28:42.640> rule<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Under the rules, which would continue anyhow, is that I currently and where are my rules?
• that every section of every set of rules that every section of<00:28:41.160> rules of rules of
• prone to the veterinary practice rules. prone to the veterinary practice rules.
• that's down in the agricultural rule. that's down in the agricultural rule.
• <01:46:23.960> in own rules, and it has been the rule in own rules, and it has been the rule in

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is preliminary ruling, but that ruling is preliminary ruling, but that ruling is not<00:42:34.560
• Federal government, it follows its rules, not in deference to state rules.
• the permit, and followed the rules. the permit, and followed the rules.
• wetlands rules. wetlands rules.
• They followed the rules. They children. They followed the rules.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House returned from recess and took up S. 208, a bill on standards for law enforcement identification. The House Judiciary Committee explained that it had rewritten the bill into a model-policy approach focused on Vermont state and local agencies, rather than imposing direct requirements on all law enforcement, because of constitutional and preemption concerns raised by a recent Ninth Circuit decision. The amended bill would direct the Law Enforcement Advisory Board to develop a statewide policy on officer identification and facial coverings by July 2027, require agencies to adopt a consistent policy by October 1, 2027, and deem agencies to have adopted the model policy if they do not act. The committee reported the bill favorably on a 6-5 vote. Members then debated an amendment offered by Representatives Berbeco and McGill to restore federal officers to the bill. Supporters argued that public authority should not be anonymous, that visible identification is necessary for transparency, accountability, and public trust, and that the bill should apply to federal agents as well as state and local officers. They said the amendment included exemptions for undercover work, tactical teams, protective equipment, and safety concerns, and argued Vermont should not wait for courts to resolve every constitutional question before acting. Opponents on the Judiciary Committee said the language remained likely unconstitutional and could jeopardize the bill’s passage; the committee had found the amendment unfavorable on an 8-1 vote. The floor debate continued with several members speaking in favor of the amendment, including arguments that other states have adopted similar requirements and that Vermont should lead on the issue. One member raised a point of order that was not sustained, and the Speaker ruled federal authority relevant to the question. The transcript ends while debate on the amendment was still underway, after a request for a roll-call vote was granted, with no final floor vote on the amendment shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are also rules in that set of rules about certification of worker organizations to do training
• in that set of Um there is also um rules in that set of rules<00:11:23.920> about<00:11:24.480
• they can implement the rules. they can implement the rules. Senator<00:24:41.279> Uki.
• The full rule is in your packet.
• The full rule is in your packet.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Already do this by rule.
• Uh, can you tell me what chapter of your rules to find these rules in?
• rules is, again, through the rules.
• <00:44:02.559> in<00:44:03.160> so rules to find this these rules in so rules to find
• the way we have done this is by rule the way we have done this is by rule we're<00:44:22.839>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rules are suspended. All those in favor say aye, opposed, no. The ayes have it.
• Rules are suspended. Question comes on adoption of the resolutions.
• Rules are suspended. Question comes on adoption of the order.
• Rules are suspended. Question comes on adoption of the order.
• Rule 7A is suspended.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House took up several committee reports and adopted a series of congratulatory resolutions, including recognition of the Monson Lions Club’s 70th anniversary, the town of Groveland’s 175th anniversary, and James McLaughlin’s retirement from the Franklin Fire Department. The chamber also considered two emergency preambles for sick leave bank bills and adopted both, for James Caruso of the Department of Transportation and Carlos Borges of the Department of Correction. A separate bill dissolving the Wellesley Housing Development Corporation was passed to be enacted. The Rules Committee reported and the House adopted orders extending reporting deadlines for the Housing Committee and the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. The Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee then listed a number of bills for House consideration, including measures on the Gloucester Fisheries Commission, a special mayoral election in Methuen, assault and battery on a transit worker, retirement benefits for Levera Gilbert and Leo McCaskill, Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day, recall elections in Berlin, special police officer age limits in Weston, moderator terms in Holden, legal notices in Hingham, and support orders for adult children in need of support. The House suspended Rule 7A, ordered these bills to a third reading, and later passed several of them to be engrossed. On third reading, the House passed to be engrossed bills increasing the income limit for Ipswich’s senior tax deferral program, adjusting Springfield’s local property tax assessment rules, and amending the Seacon town charter. The Seacon bill was amended by substitution before passage. The two sick leave bank bills for Caruso and Borges were then passed to be enacted. The House also adopted an order to adjourn to meet the following Tuesday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned.