Video & Transcript Research : 'constitutional amendment'
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TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I would also point to the fact that the Constitution, excuse me, me.
- It was hey because the 10th Amendment says this, this is why we have the civil law.
- That is. not what the First Amendment says.
- This bill leaves public schools vulnerable to expensive First Amendment lawsuits.
- You had a key, key role in getting the First Amendment put onto the Constitution. you can google Baptist
Keywords:
human trafficking, trafficking victim, compelling prostitution, affirmative defense, criminal defense, coercion, force fraud or coercion, sexual exploitation, victim protection, Penal Code, Texas criminal law, prosecution, party liability, affirmative defense statute, survivor rights, 1185, senate, all
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- After that, we passed a constitutional amendment relative to data and privacy by the entire state in
- amendment.
- <01:06:56.480>
So <01:06:56.640>this <01:06:56.880>is constitutional amendment - So this is constitutional amendment.
- <01:30:39.679>
to the amendment, wait for the amendment to the amendment, wait for the amendment
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- This constitutional amendment creates the equivalent of existing homestead benefits: $50,000 in exemptions
- That is the bill, or that is the constitutional amendment, Mr. Chairman.
- And as you mentioned, senators, this bill is the implementation of the constitutional amendment.
- Additionally, we have significant constitutional concerns with regard to the First Amendment and the
- Additionally, we have significant constitutional concerns with regard to the First Amendment and the
Summary:
The committee took up several claims bills and tax-related measures. It reported favorably SB 20, providing $400,000 in relief to J.N., a minor injured on a Hillsborough County sidewalk, and SB 14, providing $1.7 million to the estate of Pineal Januier after a drowning at a Miami Beach youth center pool. It also approved SB 674, which would let property appraisers, like tax collectors, budget for hiring and retention bonuses with Department of Revenue approval. In each claims bill, the sponsor described the underlying incident, the settlement amount, and the remaining payment sought under sovereign immunity limits; there was no opposition on the claims bills. The bonus bill drew support from property appraisers who said it would help them compete for specialized staff without requiring new appropriations.
The committee then considered SJR 1510 and its implementing bill, which would create a new homestead-like property tax benefit for owners who lease a non-homestead property for more than six months as residential rental housing. Supporters said it was intended to encourage more affordable rental housing by extending a $50,000 exemption and Save Our Homes-style assessment cap to qualifying properties. County and city representatives, the Florida League of Cities, and the Florida Association of Counties opposed the proposal, warning of major revenue losses, reduced public safety funding, and tax shifts to other property owners and businesses. Several senators also raised concerns about density, parking, and whether landlords would actually pass savings on to renters. Despite the opposition, both the constitutional amendment and the implementing bill were reported favorably.
The committee also approved CS for CS SB 268, as amended to include congressional members, creating a public-records exemption related to certain residential information for elected officials. The First Amendment Foundation opposed it, arguing the bill lacked a sufficient public purpose and could hinder transparency, while senators supporting it cited real threats and harassment against themselves and their families. SB 100, which bans government display of flags representing political viewpoints and allows active or retired military members to use reasonable force to stop desecration of the U.S. flag, also passed after extensive debate. Opponents argued it was vague, unconstitutional, and aimed at pride and other identity-related flags; supporters said government buildings should not display political messages and that the bill protects neutrality. Finally, the committee approved CS/SB 1664, which would require voter reapproval every eight years for local discretionary taxes such as tourist development taxes and local option taxes, with exceptions for pledged bond revenues. Cities, counties, tourism groups, and the restaurant/lodging industry opposed it, saying it would create uncertainty, threaten tourism and infrastructure funding, and complicate long-term planning; Senator Sharief and others said the measure would disrupt existing surtax-backed projects and revenue streams.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- amendment?
- Senator Warner, the committee amendment as amended. Mr.
- as amended mr. president pro tem I move that the HSS committee amendment as amended be adopted members
- HB 2307 passes as amended. House Bill 2874 passes as amended. House Bill 2072 do pass as amended.
- My no vote is to express those constitutional and other remaining concerns with the bill, and the amendments
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and several ceremonial introductions and proclamations, including a Coolidge centennial proclamation, recognition of guests tied to Pre-born Day of Rights, a proclamation honoring Carmen Green Smith’s retirement, and a memorial resolution for Brad Brower. The chamber also heard a Game and Fish outdoor expo announcement and welcomed student visitors and other guests in the gallery.
The main legislative action centered on House Bill 2072 and House Bill 2307 in Committee of the Whole. SB 1396 was the subject of an unsuccessful motion to suspend the rules and move it immediately to third reading; that motion failed 12-16. HB 2072, dealing with holidays and the César Chávez Day repeal, drew extensive debate over a Miranda floor amendment to rename the day as Farm Worker Day and preserve the farm worker movement’s recognition. The Miranda amendment failed 12-15, a subsequent committee amendment was adopted, and the bill was ultimately reported out as amended and later passed on third reading.
HB 2307, concerning dangerous and incompetent defendants and a state facility/restoration process, was amended with an Angus floor amendment addressing funding, bed capacity, a sunset, and a study committee. The bill passed the Committee of the Whole and then passed third reading 27-2, with several members explaining support as a public safety measure and others noting remaining concerns. HB 2874, relating to campaign committee termination statements and expenses, also received a technical floor amendment and passed as amended on third reading 18-11, without the emergency clause.
The Senate also adopted HCR 2053, a death resolution for Brad Brower, with a moment of silence and unanimous adoption. At the end of the meeting, the Committee of the Whole report was adopted, the bills were properly assigned, and the chamber recorded the final passage of HB 2307 and HB 2874 and the passage of HB 2072 as amended.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Ways and Means (02/12/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:05:45.560>
taxable in an EFA shall not constitute taxable in an EFA shall not constitute - Or maybe we should amend this and recommend it ought to pass as amended so it's not misleading, and at
- Or maybe we should amend this and recommend it ought to pass as amended so it's not misleading, and at
- <00:16:49.839>
states Amendment of the US Constitution states Amendment of the US Constitution - of the US again the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution<01:30:12.560>
states <01:30:12.880><
Summary:
The committee opened a public hearing on HB 402, a bill dealing with whether Education Freedom Account (EFA) payments should be described in state law as not constituting taxable income. The bill sponsor argued that the current statute is misleading because New Hampshire should not imply a federal tax result, and said the bill would remove that language and could also be amended to clarify that families should consult tax advisors. He emphasized that the measure was not intended to impose a state tax on EFAs, but to avoid giving inaccurate advice about possible federal tax liability.
Testimony was divided. A retired representative and a tax preparer both opposed the bill, saying EFA payments are already treated consistently with IRS rules and that the bill would create confusion, administrative burden, and possible tax consequences for low- and moderate-income families. They argued the bill is a solution in search of a problem and warned that requiring 1099s could add costs for the scholarship organization and recipients. A tax attorney supported the bill’s repeal of the state language, saying New Hampshire should not put tax advice into statute and that the current wording is inaccurate because federal law, not state law, controls taxability. He cited IRS Section 117 and Publication 970, explaining that only some scholarship-like payments are tax-free and that many EFA-eligible expenses may not qualify for federal exemption.
Members asked questions about what would be misleading, whether the bill was trying to tax EFAs, and the cost of issuing 1099s. The sponsor and witnesses repeatedly said the bill was not a state tax on voucher payments, but a clarification about federal tax treatment. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion provided.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Constitution is absolute.
- But there's one portion of the Constitution that I love above all, and that is the First Amendment.
- The First Amendment exists because we are creatures created in the image of God.
- Without objection, all amendments which have been distributed will not be read in full.
- House Bill 2908, constitutional federalism; military affairs and elections.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest recognitions, and a proclamation honoring Charlie Kirk on National Freedom Day, including remarks from Representatives Martinez, Gress, and Kolodin. The chamber also welcomed the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Nicholas Hawbaker, and several guest groups, including Carl Hayden High School students and agricultural representatives who highlighted Arizona agriculture, water, and hydropower issues.
The House then moved through Committee of the Whole on two calendars. On the first calendar, HB 291, HB 2104, and HB 2105 each received do-pass recommendations, while HB 2016 and HB 2022 were retained on the calendar. On the second calendar, members debated HB 2008, a bill concerning public funding and libraries; supporters said it would prevent public money from supporting politically biased or sectarian material, while opponents argued it was part of a broader effort to censor and defund libraries. HB 2008 passed Committee of the Whole on a 33-23 division. HB 2046, HB 2116, and HB 2132 also received do-pass recommendations, and HB 2142 was retained.
On third reading, HB 2148, relating to federal monies, passed the House by a vote of 33-25 with two not voting and was sent to the Senate. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole reports, referred several bills to engrossing, announced committee meetings and bill referrals, and then adjourned until 1:15 p.m. Monday, February 2, 2026.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
BCA Use of Force investigations of federal agents 3/3/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Any discussion to this amendment? >> Yeah, just so that members know what this amendment does.
- So, amendment is adopted.
- Are we on the main bill or the bill as amended? Oh, we are on the bill as amended. As amended.
- Are we on the main bill or the bill as amended? Oh, we are on the bill as amended. As amended.
- Are we on the main bill or the bill as amended? Oh, we are on the bill as amended. As amended.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We have an amendment, the following amendment: Floor Amendment No. 1 by Perry.
- Hearing none, the amendment is adopted. Following amendment: Amendment No. 2 by Perry.
- Following amendment, Secretary, read the amendment: Floor Amendment No. 1 by Zaffirini.
- Following amendment, Secretary read the amendment. For Amendment No. 1 by Menendez.
- Following amendment, Secretary, read the amendment. Floor Amendment No. 1 by Kolkhorst.
Summary:
The Senate opened with an invocation, messages from the House, and several recognitions, including county day delegations from Fayette, LaSalle, Jim Hogg, Austin, and others, as well as a recognition of Rob Keppel for his career with the Texas District and County Attorneys Association. The chamber also adopted several resolutions, including SR 429 designating October 2025 as RET Syndrome Awareness Month and SR 432 honoring Rob Keppel. A doctor-of-the-day introduction and a public announcement about free skin checks were also made.
The Senate then took up and passed several bills. SB 1152, creating the offense of continuous manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, passed after suspension of the rules. SB 1868, regulating kratom and related substances, was amended to prohibit smokeable kratom products and kratom pills and to clarify THC variants such as Delta-8 and Delta-10, then passed. SB 1349, creating offenses for transnational repression and unauthorized enforcement of foreign law, drew debate over a failed amendment that would have added election misinformation and foreign meddling; the bill ultimately passed unanimously. SB 2037, expediting review of LNG environmental permits, passed after amendments clarifying fees and deadlines, with opposition focused on its energy-policy implications. SB 1164, addressing emergency detention and court-ordered inpatient mental health treatment, passed after a drafting-error correction and discussion of the bill’s basis in recommendations from the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health.
The Senate also advanced SB 2743 on prosecution of certain election offenses, which would allow a court process to disqualify a local prosecutor who repeatedly refuses to prosecute election cases and appoint the Attorney General; it passed to engrossment amid questions about evidence and local discretion. SB 1299, protecting nonprofit members, supporters, volunteers, and donors from disclosure by public agencies, passed unanimously. SB 2349, exempting certain short-term leases and temporary tenancies from floodplain notice requirements, passed unanimously. SB 2788, adding PSAT and pre-ACT scores for Texas Success Initiative exemptions and clarifying dual-credit eligibility, passed unanimously after amendment. SB 843, creating a TEA database of school district bonds, taxes, and bond-related projects and adding charter schools, passed after amendments on funding and scope.
Finally, SB 1832, allowing parents to transfer a student who was victimized by a public school employee to another campus, passed to engrossment after extended debate over whether the bill should also cover private schools and how it would interact with school choice and ESA policy. SB 39, revising the admission rule in commercial motor vehicle collision cases, was laid out and debated over its effect on negligent entrustment and related evidence, with the author emphasizing that the bill preserves the bifurcated trial structure and does not alter other admissibility rules.
PA
Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Jun 29 2026)
Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The clerk will read the amendment. Thank you. The clerk will read the amendment.
- Amendment number A4061. On the amendment, the Chair recognizes Senator Brooks. Thank you, Mr.
- The clerk will read the amendment. Amendment number A3918.
- The clerk will read the amendment. Amendment number A3857.
- The clerk will read the amendment. Amendment number A4039.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, February 10, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- made it amendable.
- AN AMENDMENT IN THE The amendment in the nature of a substitute, consisting of the text of Rules Committee
- The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill as amended, and on any further amendment
- The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill as amended, and on any further amendment
- The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill as amended, and on any further amendment
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- >> so moved and then the amendment. >> so moved and then the amendment.
- <00:04:03.360>
and please begin with the A3 amendment and please begin with the A3 amendment - the Constitution the Constitution was<00:07:24.639>
from <00:07:25.120>her <00:07:25.599 - . constitution. constitution.
- Chair, I believe you have an A2 author's amendment. Would you like to move that amendment?
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- I would openly encourage you to file that amendment, and we'll see how it goes.
- We would probably find many disagreements on what is and what is not constitutional.
- And at the end of the day, neither one of us has a say in what is constitutional or not.
- on the floor I'd be more than happy to receive that amendment as a friendly amendment if you chose to
- So the Oklahoma constitution allows municipalities to effectively do their own home rule.
Keywords:
government reporting, information technology, child welfare, environmental policy, state agency compliance, gender transition, minors, health services, punitive damages, parental rights, health care providers, purchasing, compliance, state employees, longevity pay, contract management, marijuana tax, public service impact tax, county funding, voter approval
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, Senator Marty, you have an A2 author's amendment.
- Chair, I would like to offer the A2 amendment. Okay.
- <00:00:51.680>
Senator The amendment is a is adopted. - Senator The amendment is a is adopted.
- 10.720>
officers that our constitutional officers that our constitutional officers um<00:01:13.000
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- mr. chairman I move that Senate Bell 1684 be amended as amended be amended as amended be amended as
- amended as amended as amended as amended as amended as amended as amended as amended as amended as amended
- as amended as amended as amended as amended as amended as amended as amended as amended as amended as
- amended as amended as amended as amended as amendment as amended as amendment.
- Chair for the amendment.
Summary:
The committee began with brief announcements and thanks to staff and members as this was described as the last regular House Education Committee meeting of the 57th Legislature. Chad Heinrich of the University of Phoenix invited members to an upcoming lunch-and-learn on artificial intelligence and education. The chair and ranking member both offered closing remarks recognizing staff, pages, and public testimony over the session.
The committee then heard SB 1497, which requires school districts with at least 300 employees and a self-insurance program to seek quotes for health coverage and related services at least every four years, with some exceptions for certain self-insurance arrangements. The sponsor and supporters said the bill is intended to increase competition, transparency, and better benefits for school employees. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed 10-0 with a due pass recommendation.
Members next considered SB 1711, which directs the State Board of Education to compile age-appropriate resources on preventing and recognizing inappropriate contact, including sexual conduct, and requires schools to make those resources available to students and parents. Supporters said it would provide vetted, voluntary resources without mandating curriculum; opponents argued it was too limited and should include more robust, trauma-informed, age-appropriate sex education and accessibility requirements. The bill passed 7-3. SB 1798, creating a FAFSA awareness program and school designation for schools that promote FAFSA completion, also passed after testimony from a college student and the Arizona Board of Regents in support; the vote was 8-2.
The committee also heard SB 1143, which requires schools to submit federal civil rights data collection information to ADE and directs ADE to publish an annual school safety report. Supporters framed it as a transparency measure for parents and policymakers, while opponents said it was duplicative, could be misused, and should apply to private schools as well. It passed 7-3. Finally, SB 1684, as amended, creates a private right of action against public schools for serious physical injury caused by bullying after a prior report and a negligent failure to respond; an amendment narrowed the bill to on-campus or school-sponsored events and removed verbal reports from the definition of prior report. Trial lawyers and the ACLU opposed it, warning about litigation and zero-tolerance discipline, while supporters said it would hold schools accountable for serious bullying. The amended bill passed 6-3.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-06 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Are there amendments? On the desk, Mr. President. Please read the first amendment. Amendment.
- amendment.
- amendment.
- And we both introduced a proposal, a constitutional amendment.
- amendment in America, in a state constitution, raising the standard of ethics in public office.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognized several introductions and memorials, including a resolution designating August 9, 2026, as Bob Graham Day and a moment of silence for firefighter Roger Timmy Miley. The chamber then moved through a long special-order calendar, with several bills substituted with House companions and adopted by voice vote or recorded vote. Early measures included a tax conformity bill tied to federal Internal Revenue Code changes, which passed 34-0, and a Medicaid/public assistance bill that drew extensive debate over work requirements, fraud reduction, behavioral health services, and SNAP/EBT reforms. Amendments offered by Senators Berman and Osgood to condition or soften the work and photo-ID provisions were rejected, and the underlying bill was placed on the third-reading calendar after lengthy questioning about implementation, exemptions, and eligibility effects.
The Senate also passed bills on computer science education and AI instruction, a Parkinson’s disease registry public-records exemption and registry update, designation of the SS American Victory as Florida’s official state flagship, electronic payments for local governments, repeal of the legal-tender sunset for gold and silver, public-records protections for gold/silver custodians and stablecoin-related entities, a Florida stablecoin pilot program, and local government budget transparency/spending measures. Most of these measures were adopted after minor amendments or technical substitutions, with votes generally ranging from 31-3 to 34-0. The chamber also recognized the Florida Channel’s 30 years of legislative coverage.
Later, the Senate approved a digital voyeurism bill expanding the reasonable-expectation-of-privacy definition to include private fenced yards, and an insurance customer representative licensing bill allowing high school students to complete insurance/personal finance coursework and later qualify for licensure. The final major item was a medical freedom bill that would expand parental vaccine information requirements, add a conscience-based exemption to immunization mandates, allow behind-the-counter ivermectin for adults, and repeal the sunset on the mRNA mandate prohibition; two amendments clarifying anti-kickback rules and requiring vaccine information to include risks, benefits, safety, and efficacy were adopted, while questions from Senators Smith and Massullo focused on public-health impacts and the content of the required materials. The transcript ends during discussion of that bill, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Ways and Means (02/12/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:05:45.560>
taxable in an EFA shall not constitute taxable in an EFA shall not constitute - Or maybe we should amend this and recommend it ought to pass as amended so it's not misleading and at
- Or maybe we should amend this and recommend it ought to pass as amended so it's not misleading and at
- <00:16:49.839>
states Amendment of the US Constitution states Amendment of the US Constitution - of the US again the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution<01:30:12.560>
states <01:30:12.880><
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on HB 402, a bill to repeal a provision in RSA 194-F:2 stating that Education Freedom Account (EFA) funds “shall not constitute taxable income” to the parent or student. The bill sponsor argued the current language is misleading because the state cannot determine federal tax liability, and said the bill would simply remove inaccurate tax advice from state law. He cited IRS guidance and prior federal legislation, including a Ted Cruz proposal, to suggest some EFA uses may be taxable under federal law, while others may not, and said the bill could be amended if needed to avoid confusion.
Testimony was sharply divided. Py Campbell opposed the bill, arguing it would unfairly single out EFA students and could amount to a tax on education funds, including for self-employed families, and recommended it be voted inexpedient to legislate. Stephen Matthew French, a tax preparer, also opposed the bill, saying IRS Publication 970 already makes clear that scholarship-type payments used for tuition and related expenses are not taxable, and that the bill addresses a problem that does not exist. He warned that adding tax reporting requirements could create administrative costs for families and the program administrator.
Bill Ardinger, a tax attorney, supported the repeal of the statutory language, saying the state should not place potentially incorrect tax advice into law. He explained that under federal tax law, only certain scholarship-like uses are exempt, while many EFA-eligible expenses may not be, especially for families using the program for homeschooling or other nontraditional expenses. He said the current statute could mislead families into thinking all EFA payments are tax-free and could expose the state to future legal problems. The hearing ended after questions from committee members; no vote or final action was taken in the transcript.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, members, uh, I have here for you a constitutional amendment.
- When this passes through law, it will be the 122nd constitutional amendment. >> Let me adopt it.
- very hard on this constitutional very hard on this constitutional amendment.<01:49:04.560>
And - And that's why we're not putting a percentage in the actual constitutional amendment.
- <01:56:34.400>
amendment to have another constitutional amendment to have another constitutional
Summary:
The Senate opened with a call of the Senate, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum and moved to messages from the House. The chamber received several House-passed Senate files, including SF 2814 (real estate appraisers), SF 3637 (transportation), and SF 4244 (technical corrections), and took up SF 1714 on payment transparency and public contracts. The Senate concurred in the House amendments to SF 1714, advanced it to third reading, and then passed the bill 65-0. The Senate also received House amendments to SF 3432 on public safety, but instead of concurring, it voted to send the bill to a five-member conference committee. The Senate likewise agreed to a conference committee request on HF 4188, a commerce bill dealing with consumer protections for insurance and financial products.
The Senate then handled additional House messages and routine business, including first reading of several House files and adoption of committee reports. A committee report on SF 453, relating to thermal energy networks as public improvements and water works, recommended amendment and passage under Senate Concurrent Resolution 6, and the report was adopted except for the referenced resolution item. The chamber also completed second readings of several Senate bills and one House bill, and approved a motion to withdraw SF 4464 from the Committee on State and Local Government and return it to the author.
The main floor debate centered on HF 1141, the housing finance and policy omnibus. Senator Port described the bill as focused on affordability, including $50 million in housing infrastructure bonds, greater Minnesota infrastructure grants, manufactured housing protections, limits on large institutional investors buying single-family homes, and increased oversight of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. The Senate adopted several amendments, including a technical A12 amendment, A7 to dedicate $5 million of bonding to manufactured home park improvements, and A4 on manufactured housing protections such as rent receipts and longer move-out time after eviction. Senator Abler then offered A14, which would limit rent increases in certain non-market-rate, tax-credit housing for seniors to CPI-based increases; supporters framed it as a humanitarian measure for elderly residents facing steep rent hikes, while opponents raised concerns about rent control, the scope of the amendment, and the need for more detail. The transcript ends during continued debate on A14, with no final vote shown on that amendment.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, March 31, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Speaker, this is the Constitution annotated, weighing eight pounds 14 ounces.
- CONSTITUTION CREATED A GOVERNMENT BILL, OF, AND FOR WE THE PEOPLE.
- It's illegal under our Constitution and it is an effort at voter suppression.
- Before the 14th Amendment, I was considered three-fifths of a man.
- BEFORE THE 14TH AMENDMENT I WAS CONSIDERED THREE-FIFTHS OF A MAN.
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:
- The clerk shall read the amendment. Amendment Number 2 by Ms.
- The clerk shall read the amendment. Amendment Number 3 by Mrs.
- The amendment is adopted.
- Question comes on adoption of the amendment. Amendment number 19 by Mr.
- Amendment number 17 by Mr. Roberts: Senate Ways and Means Amendment.
Summary:
The Senate first debated and advanced Senate Bill 2561, an act to promote student learning and mental health, centered on a statewide bell-to-bell restriction on student cell phone use in schools. Supporters argued the bill would reduce distraction, improve academic performance and mental health, and encourage social interaction, while preserving flexibility for districts and exceptions for emergencies, special education, health needs, and instructional uses. Several senators emphasized local control and the need for public input, and a number of amendments were considered: some were withdrawn, some were rejected, and others were adopted, including an amendment requiring consistent and necessary exceptions and another requiring public hearings and local public input. The bill was then ordered to a third reading and passed to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 38-2.
The Senate also took up a conference committee report on a $259 million FY2025 supplemental appropriations bill. The report funded EMS costs, home care, the Healthy Incentives Program, DTA chip card technology, veterans benefits, the state police crime lab, the SSI state supplement, the Fair Housing Fund, and the National Guard, and included major indigent defense provisions: $40 million for 320 new CPCS staff attorneys, rate increases for private bar advocates, guardrails to reduce future work stoppages, and an independent review of the indigent defense system. Senators questioned the timing of the report, the inclusion of items not previously voted on by either branch, and the funding sources, including use of the transitional escrow fund and excess revenues. The report was accepted, the emergency preamble was adopted, and the supplemental budget was enacted.
In addition, the Senate passed other measures, including a bill authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to supply water to the Linfield Center Water District and a municipal roads and bridges financing bill, both by roll call vote. The chamber also enacted a health care protections bill, and it concurred in referrals on a governor’s municipal empowerment legislation. The session included a brief memorial tribute and adjournment in memory of Harry C. Christensen.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Constitution under the president. If I'm activated... To the U.S. Constitution under the president.
- On the amendment or? We're on the amendment, right?
- We're on the amendment, right? There's a motion pending on adoption of the amendment.
- Chair, I can either amend this amendment or we can adopt the amendment and then I can do a second amendment
- This amendment or we can adopt the amendment and then I can do a second amendment inserting the word
Bills:
SB100