Video & Transcript Research : 'amendment'

Page 70 of 500
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House and Governmental Affairs May 6th, 2026

House and Governmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Amendment 1 is technical.
  • Is your question, Vice Chair Lyons, on the amendment? We've got a question on the amendment.
  • What this amendment says is... seconds while we pass these amendments out.
  • Any questions on the amendment? All right, I'll go ahead and offer up amendment set 4999.
  • Amendment 3 would take out... Amendments 1 and 2 are technical.
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

House Legislative Session Day 50 (3-19-26)

Kentucky House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Floor Amendment 2, and House Floor Amendment 5.
  • Floor Amendment 2, and House Floor Amendment 5.
  • Amendment 2, and House Floor Amendment Amendment 2, and House Floor Amendment 5. 5. 5.
  • Roll call is open for your vote. as amended by House Floor Amendment 1. as amended by House Floor Amendment
  • amended by Floor Amendment number three. amended by Floor Amendment number three.
Keywords: 958, all
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • We do the amendments first. Go straight to the amendments. There are two amendments.
  • The amendment is adopted. We are back on the bill as amended.
  • Amendments: Let's take up amendment barcode 911564 by Senator Graal.
  • Is there any debate on the amendment? Back on the bill as amended.
  • Is there any debate on the amendment? Back on the bill as amended.
Summary: The Committee on Children, Families, and Elder Affairs heard and advanced several bills and confirmations. SB 1016, on medical assistance eligibility for working persons with disabilities, was amended to remove automatic enrollment and to improve information sharing between AHCA and DCF; supporters said the bill codifies an existing program that helps developmentally disabled adults work without losing Medicaid coverage, and the committee reported the bill favorably. SB 1002, on temporary custody of minor children, was amended to focus on substance abuse as a pathway for court intervention when parental drug abuse creates ongoing risk to a child, and it was also reported favorably. SB 1594, on veteran benefit payments for minor clients in foster care, would ensure military benefits accessed for foster youth are preserved for post-secondary education or aftercare rather than used as reimbursement to agencies; it passed favorably without amendment. The committee also considered SB 1630 on aging and disability services, a broad modernization bill covering long-term care screening, emergency continuity of care, area agency oversight, Alzheimer’s services, home care, and guardianship reforms. Two amendments were adopted, including one on competitive procurement and another allowing area agencies on aging to directly provide core services during emergencies with department approval. Supporters emphasized caregiver navigation, dementia training, and service continuity, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1030 on substance abuse services/recovery residences was taken up with a substitute amendment that narrowed transfer definitions, required faster licensure action for existing providers adding levels of care, and limited credentialing entities’ access to resident medical records; stakeholders said further work was needed, but the committee still reported the bill favorably. The committee also heard the nomination of Robert Astellos to lead the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. He outlined priorities including reducing the pre-enrollment list, improving transparency and family involvement, strengthening customer service, and streamlining agency processes. Several disability and provider organizations appeared in support, and the committee voted to recommend his confirmation. The committee then recommended confirmation of the appointees on tabs 7 through 10 by a single favorable vote, and adjourned at the end of the meeting.
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 118 May 12th, 2026

Colorado House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • A few other short amendments. If you A few other short amendments.
  • Amendment 45 is adopted. Madam Majority Amendment 45 is adopted.
  • Um, amendment I move... Members, um, amendment—I move...
  • Madam Chair, I do have one amendment, and so I move amendment L12 and ask for it to be... ...move amendment
  • To the amendment. >> Oh, to the amendment. Sure. Sure. To the amendment. >> Yeah.
Keywords: 981, all
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session-Day 11, February 21, 2026-PM

Wyoming House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Amendment number 65. amendment? Amendment number 65.
  • . amendment. amendment.
  • . amendment. amendment.
  • I support this amendment. amendment. amendment.
  • So I'm an eye on the amendment. amendment. amendment.
Keywords: 916, all
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

February 3, 2026 - 02:30 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • That's the amendment. Members, are there any questions on the amendment?
  • That's the amendment. Members, are there any questions on the amendment?
  • That's the amendment. Members, are there any questions on the amendment?
  • That's the amendment. Members, are there any questions on the amendment?
  • And that is the amendment. Members, are there any questions on the amendment?
Summary: The Insurance and Banking Subcommittee met with a quorum present and heard four bills. HB 1231, relating to final disposition, funeral, and cemetery services, was presented as a consumer protection and workforce modernization measure. After questions about hospice/funeral provider exclusivity, direct disposal licensing, causes of action, and funeral director/embalmer licensure, the bill was amended by strike-all to remove some provisions and add authorization and regulation of natural organic reduction. Support came from funeral industry representatives, and the bill was reported favorably with the committee substitute. HB 943 would require Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to create a commercial lines clearinghouse by January 1, 2027, to move certain commercial residential and other commercial risks into the private market while maintaining current eligibility rules. The sponsor and members discussed Citizens’ remaining commercial exposure, surplus lines participation, and carrier financial-strength guardrails. A strike-all amendment conforming to the Senate version and making technical corrections was adopted, and the bill passed favorably with the committee substitute after supportive debate from members. HB 1221, a Department of Financial Services bill, was described as streamlining DFS processes, improving licensing, updating the My Safe Florida Home Program, strengthening public adjuster protections, and modernizing unclaimed property rules. Three amendments were adopted: notice before a My Safe Florida Home application is deemed abandoned, removal of a misdemeanor disclosure requirement for certain licensure applicants, and a provision allowing public officials to appoint or promote relatives to firefighter positions through a competitive process in a collective bargaining agreement. Testimony was generally supportive, including from firefighters and unclaimed-property claimants’ representatives, and the bill was reported favorably with a committee substitute. HB 99, concerning reinsurance intermediary managers, would exempt certain underwriting managers handling limited facultative reinsurance business from the intermediary manager statute and instead require an agency license. With no public testimony or debate, the bill was reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

06/10/2026 - House Floor Session

Arizona House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • , and SB 1511 do pass as amended.
  • SB 1496 to pass and amended SB 1511 who passes amend.
  • I move that the floor amendment to the red committee amendment in my name be adopted.
  • amendment to Senate Bill 1016.
  • The Chair recognized Representative Martinez to move the committee amendment as amended. Mr.
Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and several introductions of guests, including two young mayors visiting the chamber. Members then adopted House Resolution 2008 unanimously, honoring Daniel Cade Blackman, with extended remarks from his family and colleagues about his service, faith, and legacy. The House also took up a motion to reconsider SB 1456 from a prior date and proceeded into Committee of the Whole on multiple Senate bills. In Committee of the Whole, members considered and amended SB 1170, SB 1496, SB 1511, SB 1016, SB 1335, and SB 1683, with each ultimately receiving a do pass recommendation. The discussion included a correction to SB 1170 to remove an unintended section, a municipal improvement district process change in SB 1016, an ag-to-urban water permitting fix in SB 1335, and a land-sale restriction involving China in SB 1683. The committee reports were adopted, and the bills were ordered for third reading as appropriate. On third and final reading, the House passed SB 1188, SB 1560, and SB 1723, with recorded votes of 38-0-10, 48-2-10, and 51-0-9 respectively. The House also concurred in Senate amendments to HB 2265, HB 2404, HB 2950, and HB 2986, then passed those bills on final reading; members speaking in support highlighted court-fee policy, mental health crisis response, tourism improvement areas, and water infrastructure savings. The chamber then announced a Republican caucus meeting and adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Apr 1st, 2025

Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • And that's the amendment, Madam Chair. Are there any questions on the amendment to the amendment?
  • Is there any debate on the amendment to the amendment?
  • All in favor of the amendment to the amendment say yay. Ready?
  • On the amendment to the amendment, we have closed, Madam Chair.
  • The amendment is adopted. Now we're back on the bill as amended.
Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills related to children, families, elder affairs, mental health, disability services, and child care. SB 1050 on the Agency for Persons with Disabilities was amended and reported favorably after discussion of expanding the voluntary IDD managed care pilot statewide, improving transparency on the APD wait list, creating a statewide family care council, addressing transition services for youth leaving foster care, and seeking federal approval for an adult pathways waiver. Testimony from providers and a parent emphasized workforce capacity, county-level identification of clients, Medicaid delays, and the importance of keeping the pilot voluntary; the bill passed with support and some discussion about possible future clarifications on services and Medicaid eligibility. The committee also passed SB 1310, which directs OPPAGA to evaluate student mental health outcomes tied to school mental health assistance funding, and members discussed the need for better data, coordination with managing entities, and avoiding duplication of services. SB 976 on court-appointed social investigators was amended and approved, with the sponsor describing due process protections and fee-shifting provisions for parents challenging court-appointed psychologists. SB 886, creating a crisis care coordination team pilot in Volusia and Polk counties to reduce Baker Act recidivism and improve follow-up care, was reported favorably after the sponsor described its law enforcement and community provider partnerships and an independent evaluation requirement. Later, SB 614 on child care facility and program background screening requirements was amended and passed; the bill requires a public educational webpage explaining Level 2 screening, the clearinghouse, disqualifying offenses, exemptions, and related job listings and timelines. Finally, SB 276 on sheltering or aiding unmarried minors was approved; it increases the offense from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony, creates a presumption regarding knowledge of the minor’s age, and adds a defense when the conduct was necessary to protect the minor from danger. All bills considered were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned at the end of the meeting.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Senator Collins's office amendment, which the clerk will read. Amendment number 575 by Mr.
  • To withdraw Amendment number 861 without objection. Amendment number 861 is withdrawn.
  • Senator Durant offers an amendment, which the clerk will read: Amendment 796 by Mr.
  • Senator Durant offers an amendment, which the clerk will read: Amendment 877 by Mr.
  • Amendment 1035 by Mr.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Senate met on the FY27 budget and began with several ceremonial introductions and brief amendment withdrawals. Senator Collins withdrew amendments related to restoring DCF social worker funding and educator pay. The chamber then ruled a package of tax-related amendments offered by Senator Tarr out of order on constitutional grounds, finding they would create money-bill provisions that must originate in the House; the Senate upheld that ruling by a vote of 35-4. Senator Tarr later offered amendments on a gas tax suspension and related tax relief themes, but those were not adopted. The Senate considered and rejected several other amendments, including proposals on commemorating Commonwealth history, naming a bridge, repeat offenders, and no-cost calls. One amendment by Senator Fattman to extend domestic violence leave protections to contract employees was adopted unanimously, with 39 votes in favor and none opposed. The chamber also adopted an amendment creating a special commission to study the adequacy, reliability, and distribution of unrestricted general government aid (UGA), after extended debate about inequities in municipal aid and local budget pressures. Members from across the chamber supported the commission, while some emphasized that adequacy of funding, not just redistribution, remains a concern. The Senate then took up Chapter 90, passing the municipal roads and bridges bill to be engrossed. It also adopted a community programming amendment and a Senate Ways and Means amendment, then adopted the Ways and Means budget amendment as amended and ordered the underlying FY27 appropriations bill to a third reading. After lengthy closing remarks from the Ways and Means chair, minority leader, and the Senate President praising the budget process and highlighting investments in local aid, education, public safety, and other priorities, the Senate voted 40-0 to pass the FY27 budget bill to be engrossed. The chamber then adopted an order to reconvene the following Tuesday at 11 a.m. and adjourned in memory of Trooper Kevin Thomas Traynor.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Banking and Insurance Mar 31st, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • There are going to be a bunch of amendments and amendments, the amendments.
  • I see that you have an amendment to the amendment.
  • You actually have 2 amendments, the amendments you are recognized to introduce Amendment bar Code amendment
  • The other one is an amendment to the Main Amendment.
  • We're back on the amendment as amended any questions on the amendment as amended showing none senators
Keywords: 999, senate, all
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

April 1, 2025 - 09:00 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • Members, we are now on the bill as amended. Members, we are now on the bill as amended.
  • Seeing no questions on the amendment, there is no public testimony on the amendment.
  • That is the amendment. Thank you, Mr. Chair. This amendment does two things.
  • That is the amendment.
  • I see no questions on the amendment. Members, are there questions on the amendment?
Summary: The Health Care Budget Subcommittee met and took up four bills. First, CS/HB 633 by Rep. Koster on managing entity reporting and transparency for behavioral health services was amended to clarify reporting requirements and timing, and to address the bill’s fiscal implementation through conferencing. Members and one public speaker supported the measure, emphasizing accountability and better use of state funds. The bill was reported favorably. Next, CS/HB 531 by Rep. Hunschofsky on background screenings was amended with a strike-all that would require ACCA to create a public webpage with screening education, level-two screening standards, and a searchable catalog of positions requiring screening. Because the amendment changed the bill’s relating-to clause, the chair noted it would be temporarily postponed under House Rule 7.11D and returned to the committee later. The committee then heard HB 1089 by Rep. Booth, which adds Duchenne muscular dystrophy to the recommended newborn screening panel, subject to appropriation. A parent testified in strong support, describing the benefits of earlier diagnosis and treatment, and several members spoke in favor. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, CS/HB 907 by Rep. Anderson created the Sunshine Genetics Program, an opt-in newborn whole-genome sequencing program, and established the Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU and a Sunshine Genetics Consortium. An amendment made funding contingent on appropriations and added Nicholas Children’s Hospital and Florida International University to the consortium board. After supportive testimony and debate, the bill was also reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Jun 1st, 2026

Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:
  • That is the amendment. I have no appearance forms for this amendment.
  • So the amendment does not guarantee the amendment, not my amendment, but... Right?
  • So the amendment does not guarantee, the amendment link, not my amendment, but the constitutional amendment
  • However, do you think that, as now amended back on the bill as amended, don't you think your amendment
  • Show the amendment is not adopted. The amendment is not adopted.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Fiscal Policy Feb 24th, 2026

Fiscal Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • all amendment for amendment bar code 873924.
  • The amendment is adopted. Are there any questions on the bill as amended?
  • The amendment is adopted and we are back on the bill as amended.
  • Barcode 840284 is the substitute amendment for amendment barcode 589480.
  • The amendment is adopted. Are there any questions on the bill as amended?
Keywords: 999, senate, all
WV
Transcript Highlights:
  • House Bill 5438, as amended, will be reported.
  • Amendments. Chair, recognize the vice chairman. Mr. Chairman, I move adoption. Amendments.
  • Amendments. Chair, recognize the vice chairman. Discussion. Amendments.
  • This one has two amendments to it.
  • There is a strike-and-insert amendment that amends two rules, adding consumer protection to a lottery
Keywords: 994, senate, all
Summary: The Senate Finance Committee met with a quorum present, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then considered a series of House bills and committee substitutes. House Bill 5438, dealing with changes to Step 7 of the school aid formula and allowable uses of certain education allocations, was amended to adopt the Education Committee’s changes and then reported to the full Senate. House Bill 4087 creating the West Virginia-Ireland Education Alliance was also reported, as was House Bill 4191, which expands child care tax credit eligibility for employer-sponsored facilities and changes subsidy payments from attendance-based to enrollment-based reimbursement; senators emphasized its workforce and economic development benefits. House Bill 5074, which reallocates medical cannabis fund balances and future revenues, was amended to increase the Child Protective Commission pilot funding from $3 million to $5 million and remove proposed ibogaine research funding for Marshall and WVU before being reported. House Bill 5353, regulating virtual currency kiosks and money transmission licensure, and House Bill 5527, creating licensure and oversight for wellness reimbursement program administrators, both received strike-and-insert amendments and were reported. House Bill 5687, which phases down the metallurgical coal severance tax and adds a temporary oil and gas tax reduction with county/municipal revenue adjustments, was amended and reported. House Bill 4418, creating an electronic system for municipal business and occupation tax filing and collection with a 1% administrative fee and a participation threshold, was also reported. The committee then took up House Bill 4245, the Revenue Rules Bundle, which bundles 26 legislative rules from the Department of Revenue and related agencies. The bundle included alcohol, banking, insurance, racing, and tax rules, with several sunset extensions and repeals of outdated rules; the committee adopted a strike-and-insert amendment affecting a lottery consumer protection rule and a pre-need cemetery company rule, then reported the bill. House Bill 5168, providing a $12 million lottery-funded stream for emergency medical services, was amended to clarify the uses of the funds, rename one fund, require a 30% county match for mental health treatment spending, and create two additional county-based EMS funds; senators described it as a needed permanent funding source for EMS, and it was reported. Throughout the meeting, members generally supported the measures, with some discussion on technical details, funding allocations, and the impact of the bills on local services and workforce needs. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced that Senate House Bills 4004, 4006, and 4009 would not be taken up that day, and the committee adjourned.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Commerce and Tourism Mar 3rd, 2025

Commerce and Tourism

Transcript Highlights:
  • Is there debate on the amendment? Seeing no debate on the amendment.
  • The amendment is adopted. We're back on the bill as amended.
  • Are there any questions on the bill as amended? The amendment is adopted.
  • Without objection, the amendment is adopted. Back on the bill as amended.
  • Back on the bill is amended. Are there questions of the bill as amended?
Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism met with a quorum present and considered several bills. It first took up SB 232 on debt collection, where the sponsor explained a strike-all amendment and the committee adopted a Gruters amendment clarifying that email communications may be sent at any hour while other off-hours communications remain restricted. Testimony was sharply divided on a proposed change from “any person” to “debt collector,” with consumer advocates, legal aid, and the Florida Justice Association warning it would narrow Florida’s consumer protections, while supporters said the bill and amendment would address ambiguity affecting businesses. After debate, the committee rejected the broader amendment, adopted the email-only clarification, and reported CS for SB 232 favorably by roll call vote. The committee then heard and unanimously reported favorably CS for SB 126, which would allow prescription hearing aids to be sold and distributed by mail after a Florida-licensed audiologist or hearing aid specialist conducts the required examination, including remotely through telehealth. Supporters said the bill would improve access and reduce barriers for seniors and others with hearing loss, and no opposition was heard. The committee also heard SB 600 and SB 602 on manufacturing, which would create and fund a statewide Office of Manufacturing, a promotional campaign, workforce grants, and related fees; multiple industry and economic development groups appeared in support, and both bills were reported favorably. Next, the committee considered CS for SB 92 on hit-and-run accountability in vehicle repair shops. The sponsor described the bill as a response to rising hit-and-run incidents and explained that repair shops would have to complete a transaction form or retain a crash report for certain repairs, with a clarifying amendment adopted without objection. Prosecutors and law enforcement supporters said the bill would help identify offenders, while auto dealer representatives argued it could impose burdens and penalties on repair shops. The committee nevertheless reported CS for SB 92 favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 412, the Motorized Wheelchair Right to Repair Act, which would require manufacturers to provide repair manuals, diagnostic tools, and parts to owners and independent repair providers under fair and reasonable terms. Disability advocates and wheelchair users testified that repair delays can leave users stranded for weeks or months, and the committee reported the bill favorably by roll call vote before adjourning.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Committee on Housing (05/06/2025)

Housing

Transcript Highlights:
  • I have an amendment. It is amendment 2025-1948H.
  • So, the vote is ought to pass as amended, amended by Amendment 1948H.
  • The amendment<00:28:31.840> on<00:28:32.000> the amendment on the amendment on the amendment
  • We're waiting on amendment amendments.
  • amended motion um with amendment amended motion um with amendment 20251951H.<01:41:59.119> Is
Keywords: 1189, house, all
WV
Transcript Highlights:
  • So it wasn't an amendment to this? It was not an amendment to this.
  • I declare the motion for the amendment to the amendment adopted. Are there any further amendments?
  • amended.
  • Further amendments?
  • insert amendment.
Keywords: 994, senate, all
Summary: The Committee on Government Organization met with a quorum present, approved the minutes, and then considered a series of House bills, most of them related to licensing, local government administration, and agency operations. House Bill 5063 would let county commissions appoint a county commissioner as a voting member of a convention and visitors bureau board, including for multi-county CVBs; it was reported to the full Senate. House Bill 5087 would join the interstate cosmetology licensure compact, allowing licensed cosmetologists to obtain multi-state practice privileges in compact states, and it was also reported. The committee then took up a strike-and-insert amendment for House Bill 4793, which combined provisions affecting barbering/cosmetology apprenticeships and lowered certain age and education requirements; after adopting a Jefferson amendment clarifying the salon training language, the bill was reported as amended. Members next approved a strike-and-insert for House Bill 5638, which clarifies the State Chief Information Security Officer’s duties, changes cyber risk review procedures, and updates references to the Office of Technology head as the chief information officer; it was reported as amended. House Bill 4483, dealing with the Board of Funeral Examiners, was amended to change the effective date for licensee-in-charge requirements and make technical corrections, then reported as amended. House Bill 5653, requested by the Department of Revenue, would expand confidentiality protections to cover audit manuals, guidelines, procedures, algorithms, and related materials to prevent taxpayers from gaming audit selection, and it was reported. House Bill 4452 repeals acreage limits on church property ownership, and House Bill 4801 expands permissible uses of hotel occupancy tax funds to include demolition of unsafe structures and planning or improvement of public property; both were reported. The committee also advanced House Bill 5622, which creates an expedited process for municipalities to conform local election terms and procedures to the state requirement that municipal elections be held with statewide primaries or general elections, and recognizes the Secretary of State as keeper of municipal charter rolls. House Bill 4546 would allow business entities to file reports biennially instead of annually, with higher biennial fees and updated enforcement provisions; its strike-and-insert amendment was adopted and the bill was reported as amended. House Bill 5613 would define and regulate telematics for state fleet vehicles, require reporting on unsafe driving and corrective actions, and include cost-benefit information in annual reports; it was reported. House Bill 5323 would let the Division of Natural Resources adjust license and stamp fees for inflation by removing a prior CPI-based restriction, and House Bill 4819 would revise criminal-record standards for certain non-Chapter 30 occupational licenses, shifting to a direct-relationship standard while preserving existing exclusions for violent sexual offenses; both were reported. The committee then adjourned after closing remarks from the chair and vice chair.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Energy and Natural Resources (02/20/2025)

Energy and Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:21:14.000> as move it off to fast as amended as move it off to fast as amended as amended
  • Anybody like to speak to the amendment? Do I have the amendment?
  • All in favor of the bill as amended? Do you want me to move pass as amended?
  • So it'll be a committee amendment. All in favor of the committee amendment?
  • There is an amendment.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Commerce (05/13/2025)

Commerce

Transcript Highlights:
  • <01:45:08.480> amendment the committee amendment to amendment the committee amendment to amendment
  • amendment to the amendment? amendment to the amendment?
  • As amended. As amended. Yes. amended. As amended. As amended. Yes. Yes.<01:57:27.199> Yes.
  • Jones, we have another amendment. amendment. amendment.
  • 20 amendment 2050s. 20 amendment 2050s.
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I hope the amendment is adopted. The noes have it. The amendment is not adopted.
  • Amendment number 226, the same senator has an amendment; the clerk will read.
  • The question now comes on adoption of the Ways and Means amendment as amended.
  • The ayes have it, and the Ways and Means amendment is adopted as amended.
  • amendment is adopted as amended and our question now comes on adoption of ways it means amendment is
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Senate took up Senate House No. 4010, a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill funded largely by surplus Fair Share revenues. The Ways and Means chair described the bill as a $1.28 billion package, with major investments in education and transportation, including special education circuit breaker aid, higher education deferred maintenance, career technical education capital grants, school construction relief, high-dosage tutoring, English language learning grants, MBTA reserve replenishment and safety training, commuter rail maintenance, Chapter 90 local road aid, regional transit authority support, ferry and micro-transit funding, and a small World Cup transportation appropriation. Members from both parties generally praised the bill’s one-time, regionally balanced approach while emphasizing fiscal discipline and the limited, surplus-based funding source. The minority leader and others questioned the fund balances and the use of the education and transportation innovation and capital fund, the Student Opportunity Act trust fund, and the transitional escrow account; the chair said the bill would zero out the innovation and capital fund, leave about $430 million in the SOA trust, and about $200 million in the escrow account. Several members highlighted specific priorities. Senator Cronin and Senator Feeney strongly supported the $100 million career technical education investment, arguing it would expand vocational opportunities in comprehensive high schools and help meet workforce needs. Senator Feeney also emphasized MBTA funding, special education, local road repairs, English language learning tied to workforce needs, and World Cup preparations in Foxborough. Senator Comerford praised the bill’s regional equity, higher education maintenance funding, special education support, and transportation investments, while also noting the need for broader future work on Chapter 70 and school finance. Senator Tarr supported the bill but repeatedly stressed that the spending was a unique one-time opportunity and that the Commonwealth should preserve fiscal reserves and continue to address school funding inequities and MBTA finances more broadly. The chamber then considered numerous amendments. Amendment 1 on tariff pricing transparency was withdrawn after brief remarks, and Amendment 14, proposing a DESE study on educational outcomes for young men and boys, was rejected. Amendment 182, funding Worcester Regional Transit Authority capital expenses, was adopted. Amendment 228, adding $500,000 for Free Period to expand access to menstrual products in schools, was adopted. Amendment 257, funding Springfield Public Schools communication and safety systems, was also adopted. Other amendments, including Tarr amendments on supplemental district aid, MBTA reporting, and the Foundation Budget Review Commission, were rejected. Amendment 308 concerning MBTA Communities and Milton was withdrawn, after which Senator Driscoll began a presentation arguing Milton was being misclassified under the MBTA Communities Act and should be treated fairly under the law.