Video & Transcript Research : 'Senate Joint Resolution 40'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jul 17th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 251 by Senator Caballero. Thank you.
- Senate Bill 255, Senate Bill 387, Senate Bill 428, Senate Bill 602, Senate Bill 648, and Senate Bill
- Senate Bill 648, aye 65, no zero. Senate Bill 652, aye 65, no zero.
- Senate Bill 693, aye 65, no zero. Senate Concurrent Resolution 48, aye 65, no zero.
- And Senate Concurrent Resolution 79, aye 65, no zero.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved procedural motions including suspension of rules for same-day action on certain bills and removal of several measures from the consent calendar. Members also introduced guests and interns from their districts and offices. The chamber then moved through a large number of second- and third-reading items, with many bills deemed read and amendments deemed adopted, and several items passed or retained on file without debate.
On the floor, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments to AB 104, a budget measure making technical and conforming changes to the 2025 Budget Act and extending loan repayment terms for two Imperial County hospitals, and to AB 138, which ratified additional collective bargaining agreements and related addenda. Members also concurred in Senate amendments to AB 1114 on private ambulance toll fee waivers, AB 642 on emergencies, AB 1051 on state highways, AB 1533 appropriating funds for state claims, SB 611 on housing and land-use litigation delays, SB 251 appropriating funds to pay claims against the state, and AB 1459 on hazardous materials regulatory programs. Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition; SB 611 and the claims bills were presented as urgency measures and passed unanimously or near-unanimously.
The consent calendar was adopted after ABs and SBs on the remaining list were approved, and the Assembly also re-referred SB 104 and SB 138 to the Budget Committee and moved SB 773 to the inactive file. The session concluded with adjournment-in-memory tributes for James Raymond Bell, a juvenile justice reform advocate, and Gail Yolanda McGowan, followed by notice of committee meetings and an announcement that the House would stand in summer recess and reconvene on August 18, 2025, at 1 p.m.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- >
103 <00:17:50.559>by Senate Joint Resolution number 103 by Senate Joint Resolution number - >
110 <00:18:00.400>by Senate Joint Resolution number 110 by Senate Joint Resolution number - Senate joint resolution number Alabama.
- >
114 <00:18:26.160>by Senate Joint Resolution number 114 by Senate Joint Resolution number - 18:43.679>
by <00:18:44.000>Senator joint resolution number 115 by Senator joint resolution
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, November 17, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Clerk: Senate 2392.
- Luttrell: Of S. 2392, I would like to thank Senators Moran and — and lead the Senate bill.
- Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass House Resolution 782. House Resolution 782.
- I have never done a resolution. I generally don't like to focus on resolutions.
- I appreciate this resolution.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 26 (2-12-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Also, the Senate Judiciary Committee reports Senate Joint Resolution 74 should pass.
- reports Senate Joint Resolution<00:07:43.919>
74 <00:07:45.120>should <00:07:45.520> - Senate Joint Resolution 97, designating Glenn Stikkes Memorial Highway in Pulaski County.
- Senate Joint<00:09:29.200>
Resolution <00:09:29.839>97, <00:09:31.040>Joint <00:09 - :31.440>
Resolution Joint Resolution 97, Joint Resolution Joint Resolution 97, Joint Resolution
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and a declared quorum. The chamber approved the journal, received committee reports, and heard the House message transmitting House Bills 44, 66, 305, 313, 432, and House Joint Resolution 25 for concurrence. New Senate measures were also introduced, including bills on virtual currency kiosks, chronic pain treatments, kindergarten readiness child care incentives, municipal financial reporting, and a highway designation.
The floor then took up several bills. Senate Bill 172, relating to utility fuel adjustment, was explained as giving the Public Service Commission authority to spread fuel adjustment surcharges over time to reduce spikes in electric bills; the committee substitute was adopted and the bill passed 38-0. Senate Bill 160, relating to child care centers and an emergency clause, was described as limiting license revocation or suspension to serious violations and adding oversight for new centers; a floor amendment adding the cabinet’s designee to weekly support contacts was adopted, and the bill passed 38-0. Senate Bill 158, concerning vehicle financial protection products, was presented as codifying consumer protections and regulatory standards for gap-type products; it passed 37-0.
The Senate also passed Senate Bill 155 on animal health emergencies, which would allow the agriculture commissioner, in consultation with the state veterinarian, to respond more quickly to livestock and poultry emergencies and suspend certain requirements to expedite feed and medicine delivery. Senate Bill 153, addressing harmful and fraudulent practices, was amended and passed 38-0; it codifies fraud-investigation practices, creates a post-disaster contractor registry, and restricts door-to-door solicitations during declared emergencies. Senate Bill 145, updating Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control rules for caterer licenses, passed 35-1, and Senate Bill 118, relating to credit personal property insurance, passed without dissent after a technical committee substitute clarified that gap waivers are excluded and aligned filing rules with existing law. The transcript ends as the chamber moves on to Senate Bill 45 on agritourism, with explanation beginning but no final action shown in the excerpt.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- JRH9 is a joint resolution urging the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to reconsider its
- Please listen to the reading of the resolution by title only. >> [clears throat] JRH9, joint resolution
- JRH9 is<00:02:27.200>
a <00:02:27.280>joint <00:02:27.680>resolution <00:02:28.480 - >
urging <00:02:28.880>the is a joint resolution urging the is a joint resolution urging - Um so,<01:40:07.720>
I <01:40:07.960>assume <01:40:08.240>that <01:40:08.360>
Summary:
The House began with routine business, including referral of Senate Bill 211 on motor vehicle inspections to the Transportation Committee and Senate Bill 298 creating the Vermont Voting Rights Act to the Committee on Government Operations and Military Affairs. The chamber also referred House bills reported by Ways and Means to Appropriations, including H. 211 on data brokers and personal information and H. 931 on miscellaneous education law changes. JRH9, a joint resolution urging the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to reconsider its opposition to rapid prompting method communication instruction for students with apraxia of speech or autism, was read and referred to Human Services.
Several announcements followed, including a welcome to members of the Vermont chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association, a reminder about an education reform meeting, and a correction regarding a prior reference to S. 138 of 2023 and the working group on student protections from harassment and discrimination in schools. The House also recognized guests in the gallery, including Donnie Kanovsky, who was described as a proponent of JRH9. The Speaker announced that H. 606 on firearms procedures, H. 642 on youthful offender proceedings, and later H. 585 would be bumped to later in the calendar.
The House then took up H. 537, the right to grow vegetable gardens. The committee explained the bill would protect vegetable gardening in common interest communities and rental housing, while allowing reasonable restrictions and landlord or association oversight; witnesses included a South Burlington resident, HOA and landlord representatives, and legislative counsel. The committee reported an 8-0-0 vote, the House adopted the committee amendment, and ordered third reading. The chamber then passed H. 171 on Attorney General investigations into a law enforcement officer’s use of a firearm and H. 519 allowing Randolph police officers to enroll in Group C of the state retirement system.
The House also passed H. 536 on toxic heavy metals in baby food products after extended debate over whether infant formula should be included. Supporters said the bill would help parents make informed choices and noted the amendment was intended to align with federal action; opponents argued formula-specific federal work was still underway and urged waiting. The chamber then passed H. 550 on gender equity in correctional facilities, H. 733 on franchise agreements, H. 775 on housing production tools, H. 887 on crime victim status under the Fair Employment Practices Act, H. 917 on military affairs, and H. 921 on alcoholic beverages. Action on H. 930 addressing chronic absenteeism was postponed one legislative day, and H. 942 on miscellaneous agricultural subjects began second reading with the committee outlining sections on water quality training, non-sewage waste management, and unit pricing.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 030 Feb 13th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Correctly engrossed Senate Bill 112. Senate Joint Resolution 10. Correctly re-engrossed 52 and 64.
- Correctly enrolled Senate Joint Resolutions 8 and 9.
- Senate Joint Resolution 11 by Senators Marchman and Kirkmeyer and Representative Baisley, concerning
- I move Senate Joint Resolution 11 and ask to have it read at length. Mr.
- Senator Kirk Meyer Senate Bill 53 with Senator Kirk Meyer and<01:40:35.920>
Senator <01:40:36.159
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the February 11, 2026 journal, and received committee reports. Judiciary reported Senate Bills 84, 11, 15, and 37 favorably with amendments or referrals, while SB 73 was postponed indefinitely; Transportation and Energy reported Senate Resolution 001 for final action. The chamber also took up a personal privilege recognizing the PBLO leadership program and its 2026 class, and later honored former state senator John Kafalas.
The Senate adopted Senate Joint Resolution 11, designating a portion of US Highway 34 as the Sergeant John Jack Thurman Memorial Highway. The resolution, read at length, detailed Thurman’s World War II service at Iwo Jima and his later civic contributions. The resolution passed 34-0 with one excused, and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors.
On third reading, Senate Bill 19, concerning local early childhood infrastructure and expanding the role of early childhood councils, passed 31-3 with one excused. On second reading, Senate Bill 74, addressing the penalty for excessive claims in public construction performance bond disputes, was explained as aligning public and private project treatment and passed the Committee of the Whole, then the Senate, and was ordered engrossed for third reading. Senate Bill 16, prohibiting discharge of pre-production plastic materials, drew debate over environmental harms, existing law, enforcement, penalties, and impacts on industry; several amendments were adopted, including clarifying definitions and a legislative declaration, and the bill ultimately passed second reading 23-11 with one excused. Senate Bill 34, expanding participation by members of the Auraria Board of Directors advisory committees, also passed second reading after an amendment correcting the committee report; supporters cited broader representation for faculty and students, while opponents warned of politicizing the board.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Seventy One - Friday, May 15 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Committee Substitute, Senate Substitute, Senate Joint Resolution 87.
- Charles for a motion on Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution
- I move that Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 95 be third
- Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 95.
- I move the title of Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 95
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EDN Public Hearing - Thu Apr 16, 2026 @ 2:05 PM HST
Transcript Highlights:
- We have several measures, I think over maybe a dozen or so Senate resolutions on the agenda, and we also
- The<00:40:32.600>
Department <00:40:33.040>is <00:40:33.200>already <00:40:33.480 - The University of Hawaiʻi stands on its written testimony offering comments for Senate Resolution 112
- <01:19:49.920>
Myself for Senate Resolution 112 SD1. - Myself for Senate Resolution 112 SD1.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on SCR 78, which urges the Department of Education to strengthen natural health education and adopt a comprehensive menstrual cycle curriculum. The Department of Education said it supported the intent and had offered technical amendments to scaffold the curriculum by grade level. The Commission on the Status of Women and several advocates, including students and Ma'i Movement Hawaiʻi, testified in support, describing gaps in menstrual health education, stigma, and the need for more inclusive, age-appropriate instruction. No opposition was heard, and the chair moved on after no questions from members.
The committee then took up SCR 194, urging the Department of Education to meet the criteria to recognize cheerleading as a Title IX sport. The Department supported the measure, noting recent expansion of girls flag football and surfing as recognized sports and saying cheerleading would create additional opportunities for students. The Commission on the Status of Women also supported the resolution, saying it could improve participation, resource allocation, and representation for female students. No opposition or further action was recorded in the excerpt.
Finally, the committee discussed SCR 195, requesting the Board of Education and Department of Education to revise graduation requirements to include a standalone financial literacy course. The Board of Education and Department of Education both supported the intent but cautioned against a one-size-fits-all mandate, emphasizing school-level flexibility, existing stand-alone and online options, and the requirement that the class of 2030 must complete financial literacy before graduation. Hawaii Kids Can supported the resolution while raising questions about equity, access, quality, and how different delivery models compare; it also asked for more information on community survey data. Committee members questioned the department and board about asynchronous versus in-person instruction, standards, and how the requirement would be tracked in the personal transition plan. No vote or final action was taken in the provided portion of the meeting.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 19th, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Messages from the Senate, there are none. We're moving on to motions and resolutions.
- Because this is a joint resolution, we cannot have a voice vote.
- As a joint resolution, there cannot be a voice vote.
- Assembly Joint Resolution 11 by Assemblymember Ransom relative to disaster funding.
- We're corrected, this is a joint resolution, we cannot have a voice vote.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Jan 27th, 2026 at 11:14 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Joint Resolution 3.
- Senate Joint Resolution 3, a joint resolution proposing an amendment to Article 12, Section 6 of the
- Senate Joint Resolution 3, sponsored by Senator, introduced by Senator Soules, a joint resolution proposing
- Senate Joint Resolution 3, a joint resolution proposing an amendment to Article 12, Section 6 of the
- Senate Joint Resolution 3, having been read twice by title, is ordered printed and referred to the Senate
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Legislative Session - Session 2 - 38th Legislative Day Jun 18th, 2026
Delaware House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Joint Resolution 18, 1 favorable, 8 on its merits.
- Senate Joint Resolution 19 with Senate Amendment 1, 9 on its merits, and Senate Bill 249 with Senate
- Joint Resolution 14 with Senate Amendment 1.
- Senate Bill 231, Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 284, Senate Concurrent Resolution 222, Senate Joint
- Resolution No. 16, Senate Joint Resolution No. 17, Senate Joint Resolution No. 21, and request the concurrence
Summary:
The House received a series of Senate communications and committee reports, then took up a long consent calendar and several individual measures. Early actions included passing consent calendar items, recognizing Freedom of Speech Week and Juneteenth, and hearing numerous introductions and tributes, including remarks honoring House fellows, Father’s Day, and Representative Mara Gorman. The chamber also adopted several procedural motions and recesses, with roll calls recorded throughout.
Among the bills considered, the House passed House Bill 134 on animal cruelty, increasing penalties for repeat offenses; House Bill 131 with Senate Amendment 1 on pet stores and animal welfare; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 320 on technical corrections to the Delaware Constitution; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 407 on technical updates to the Hazardous Substance Control Act; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 425 on salary supplements for certain school employees; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 450, the Road Delaware Act, on land use and permitting reform; House Bill 459 on restricting energy drink sales in schools; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 439 on electric moped and motorcycle disclosures; and House Bill 444, the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, after amendment delaying its effective date to July 1, 2027. House Amendment 1 to House Bill 459 was adopted, and House Amendment 1 to House Bill 444 was adopted before final passage.
The House also rejected House Amendment 1 to House Substitute 1 for House Bill 425 after debate over salary supplement policy for school-related certifications, then passed the substitute bill itself. House Bill 407 prompted questions about the increase in civil penalties, which DENREC said was intended to update outdated fines and align the penalty structure with other laws. House Bill 444 drew floor speeches emphasizing voting rights protections and concerns about voter suppression and dilution. The session ended with the House moving to recess after continuing consideration of House Bill 355, the Speaker Truth Act, which had just adopted an amendment changing damages language to attorney’s fees and costs.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Introduction of Senate Resolution.
- Senate Resolution No. 124 by Senator Foyle is a resolution to express the sincere condolences of the
- Senate resolutions on second reading. Senate Resolution No. 116 by Senator Kleinpeter.
- Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 68 by Senator Fesi.
- The House has finally passed the following Senate bills and joint resolutions: Senate Bill 379 with amendments
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Seventy One - Friday, May 15 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Substitute Senate Substitute Senate Joint Resolution 87.
- Charles for a motion on Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution
- I move that Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 95 be third
- Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 95.
- I move the title of Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 95
Summary:
The House met on the final day of session with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal by a 126-0 vote. Most of the early floor time was devoted to points of personal privilege, with members and the Speaker offering extended tributes to departing colleagues, House staff, law enforcement, military service, and the work of the chamber. Several members also used the occasion to reflect on their careers, thank constituents and families, and discuss issues such as property tax reform, police service, mental health, and bipartisan cooperation.
The House then took up Senate messages and committee reports, followed by several bills and resolutions. Senate Substitute for House Bill 2636, dealing with mortgage modification and related consumer protections, was adopted 142-1 and finally passed 144-1. Senate Substitute for House Bill 2397, concerning water district dissolution and related safeguards, was adopted 129-16 and finally passed 127-17. Senate Substitute No. 2 for House Bill 2576, a naming and commemorative bill adding observances and memorial highways/bridges, was adopted 136-4 and finally passed 134-6. The chamber also received Senate action on Senate Bill 1408 and Senate Joint Resolution 87, and committee reports recommended passage on several deferred measures.
The House also debated Senate Joint Resolution 95, which proposed creating a constitutional Show Me Prosperity Fund as a sovereign wealth fund intended to eventually eliminate state-imposed taxes through long-term investment returns. Supporters argued it would promote fiscal sustainability and long-term prosperity, while opponents warned that it would lock away money during a period of projected budget shortfalls and could leave the state unable to access funds when needed. The resolution was discussed at length with questions about funding mechanics, investment authority, and emergency access, but the transcript provided does not include a final vote on the resolution.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Joint House Higher Education Finance and Policy and Senate Higher Education Committee 3/18/25
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Duckworth here. Senator Clark here. Senator Farnsworth here. Senator Koek here.
- Watson with House Research and Senate Council walk us through the joint procedures.
- thank you pursuant pursuant to Senate thank you pursuant pursuant to our<00:28:53.279>
joint < - and Yang are recommended to the Joint Convention as a slate. nine eyes in the Senate the motion nine
- :10.160>
Senator Senator Clark Mohammad Senator Senator Clark Mohammad Senator Farnsworth<00:55
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The chair lays out Senate Joint Resolution 40, SJR 40, and recognizes its author, Senator Birdwell, to
- Senate Joint Resolution 40 remains before us.
- Senate Bill 871 codifies the call for session as specified in Joint Resolution 40.
- Very well, we'll open public testimony on Senate Bill 871 and on Senate Joint Resolution 40, both of
- Anyone else wishing to testify for or against Senate Joint Resolution 40?
Bills:
SB31, SB33, SB510, SB871, SB1868, SB2024, SB2166, SB2309, SB2880, SJR27, SJR39, SJR40, SB 31, SB 33
Keywords:
SB 31, Life of the Mother Act, Texas abortion law, medical emergency, reasonable medical judgment, pregnancy complications, maternal health, life-threatening condition, ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, unborn child, abortion exception, abortion ban, physician liability, health care liability claim, aiding and abetting, Texas Medical Board, State Bar of Texas, continuing medical education
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session 3/17/25 - Part 2
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- transmitted: Senate Concurrent Resolution 2, a Senate concurrent resolution relating to the adoption
- , herewith transmitted: Senate Concurrent Resolution 3, a Senate concurrent resolution relating to the
- /c> transmitted Senate concurrent resolution transmitted Senate concurrent resolution number<00:01:54.119
- the Senate temporary joint rules the Senate concurrent<00:02:01.119>
resolution <00:02:01.640> - /c><00:02:21.480>
resolution transmitted Senate concurrent resolution transmitted Senate concurrent
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session, Day 1 (1-6-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Joint Resolution 11, a joint resolution designating the Gene Richie Memorial Highway in Perry
- Senate Joint Resolution 11, a joint resolution designating the Gene Richie Memorial Highway in Perry
- Senate Joint Resolution the incident.
- Senate Joint Resolution 11,<00:16:39.120>
a <00:16:39.279>joint <00:16:39.600>resolution - <00:27:35.279>
Joint Senate Joint Resolution 17. Joint Senate Joint Resolution 17.
Summary:
The Kentucky Senate convened for the opening of the 2026 regular session with an invocation and pledge, then administered the oath of office to Senator-elect Gary Clemens of Jefferson 37. The chamber adopted Senate Resolution 1, establishing the 2026 Senate membership, and declared a quorum present with 36 members. The absent senators were excused, and the journal from March 28, 2025 was approved.
The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 2, which set the rules of procedure for the 2026 session. The rule changes included moving certain resolutions and announcements, removing the 12-member limit on standing committees, shifting administrative regulation jurisdiction, eliminating hard-copy posting and bill-printing requirements in favor of electronic versions, allowing same-day action on conference reports, striking COVID-era remote voting language, tightening floor privilege and lobbying access rules for the temporary chambers, and repealing vote-pairing language. Democratic leadership also reported a change in majority whip, naming the senator from Jefferson 19 after the former whip resigned.
The clerk reported a large number of newly filed measures, including memorial resolutions, policy resolutions, and bills on topics such as safe room rebates, trauma center coverage, planning commission membership, paid maternity leave for state employees, veterans benefits, wages, CASA, podiatry, mushrooms, motor vehicle operation, schools, city government, music therapy, dual credit scholarships, geoengineering, educational discrimination, cremation, solid waste, motor vehicle commission, economic infrastructure, recovery residences, property transfer at death, oaths, and an Article V convention term-limits resolution. Senate Resolution 3, inviting Frankfurt-area pastors to open sessions with prayer, was adopted. Members also announced an ethics training for the next day and a reception for Senator Clemens. The Senate then adjourned until the next scheduled meeting date announced by the chair.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, March 17, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Debate on motions that the House suspend the rules under clause 1 of Rule 15 relating to the joint resolution
- House Joint Resolution 139 proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring
- House Joint Resolution 139 proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring
- <02:18:44.559>
resolution <02:18:45.120>House <02:18:45.359>Joint the joint - resolution House Joint the joint resolution House Joint Resolution<02:18:46.639>
139 <02:18:47.679
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- , introduced by Senator Lyons and Senator Clarkson.
- Members, we received requests to read two House Concurrent Resolutions that the House and Senate adopted
- <00:40:44.600>
bring <00:40:44.840>him <00:40:45.040>joy <00:40:45.520>every - And<00:40:47.120>
I <00:40:47.200>know <00:40:47.480>he <00:40:47.600>is < - them<00:40:49.520>
more <00:40:49.800>as <00:40:50.000>they <00:40:50.160>
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional reading by poet April Osmon, who read two poems focused on bridging political divides and shared humanity. Members then recognized the final day of service for the legislative pages, thanking them for their work during the 2026 session and presenting each page with a pin and a photo opportunity.
The chamber then handled bill referrals: Senate Bill 193, creating a forensic facility for certain criminal justice-involved persons, was referred to Judiciary; Senate Bill 198, regulating tobacco products and tobacco substitutes, went to Commerce and Economic Development; Senate Bill 214, concerning pre-kindergarten education in geographically isolated school districts, went to Education; and Senate Bill 218, reducing chloride contamination in state waters and carrying an appropriation, was referred to Appropriations. The House also read and adopted two concurrent resolutions: HCR 237 congratulating Vermont-associated 2026 Winter Olympic medal winners, and HCR 238 honoring the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired on its 100th anniversary.
Much of the remainder of the session consisted of tributes and guest recognitions tied to those resolutions. Members highlighted Vermont’s Olympic skiers and coaches, including Ben Ogden, Paula Moltzan, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, Jessie Diggins, Mikaela Shiffrin, Barbara Ann Cochran, Bill Koch, and others, and read a note from Diggins thanking Vermont for its support and emphasizing teamwork and community. Speakers also praised VABVI’s century of service and its role in helping blind and visually impaired Vermonters, and several members offered personal remarks honoring retiring Representative Francis “Topper” McFaun for his long service, mentorship, and family legacy.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Procedure and Arrangements Jan 8th, 2026 at 02:30 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- Right now, in your rule books under joint rule, it does require that the rules of the Senate and House
- It does require that the rules of the Senate and House and joint in your current rule books also contain
- So now you have either Senate members having to come over the House and testify on a resolution, you
- One is titled Proposed Senate and Joint Rules. The second is titled Proposed House and Joint Rules.
- The Joint Appropriations Committee has 39 members, 23 from the House and 16 from the Senate.
Summary:
The committee first discussed security and member contact procedures, with several members emphasizing the need for formal security training at the start of each session and clearer procedures for knowing where legislators are staying during session for welfare checks and emergency contact. Members also raised concerns about the disclosure of home addresses in other public records and forms, and Legislative Council was asked to prepare a background memo on possible training, best practices, and related legislative or rule changes.
The committee then took up a bill draft to reduce the number of paper copies of state publications sent to the State Library from eight to two. Legislative Council explained the cost savings and the move toward digital distribution, but the State Librarian testified that the library still needs paper copies for circulation, archives, and depository libraries, and requested a minimum of three copies. After discussion, the committee amended the draft to require three copies instead of two and passed the motion. The committee also approved a related House and Senate Rules amendment reducing the number of bound journals distributed, and a separate rule change removing the requirement that legislators’ home addresses be printed in the rule book and allowing a lower print run based on request and need.
The committee next reviewed data on bill pre-filing and legislative workload. After hearing testimony that agency bills tend to arrive in a late-year rush and that staff workload is especially heavy around organizational session and the holidays, the committee voted to move the agency pre-filing deadline to the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. It also amended the deadline for constitutional amendments and study resolutions, moving them earlier so they would occur before crossover, and adjusted the reporting deadline accordingly. Members discussed whether these changes should be handled in special session or organizational session, and staff explained that the agency deadline change could be made effective for the next regular session through a permanent rules change.
Finally, the committee reviewed proposed special session rules. Staff explained that the special session would use joint appropriations and joint policy committees, with expedited bill processing, limited bill introduction routes, and remote participation allowed for members and public testimony with approval. The committee also resolved a House appropriations membership issue by keeping the House side at 23 members and giving the House majority leader authority to appoint a replacement for the vacant seat, while increasing the Senate dollar threshold to match the House. Members then discussed the upcoming rural health special session process, including how the interim rural health group would differ from the actual special session committees, the timing of committee work and the governor’s address, and whether remote participation would be permitted in the special session.