Video & Transcript Research : 'third reading'
Page 85 of 500
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Rules, second reading of bills. Place on file, second reading bills.
- Third reading of bills. Senate Bill 1430. Senate Bill 1430, amending Section 4.5th.
- You've heard the third reading of Senate Bill 1430.
- Third reading of bills. Senate Bill 1430. Senate Bill 1430, emitting section 4.5th.
- You've heard the third reading of Senate Bill 1430.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and recognition of the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Laura Mercer. Members also introduced guests and honored National Women’s History Month visitors, Father Andres Arango and interfaith guests, Jeremiah Pate, and a proclamation declaring March 25, 2026, as Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. The House also noted the birth of the pro tem’s son and announced several committee substitutions and bill referrals on the Speaker’s desk.
In Committee of the Whole, the House considered SB 1092, SB 1097, and SB 1135, and each received a do-pass recommendation. SB 1092 was described as ending probation or early release for people convicted of dangerous crimes against children. SB 1097 was identified as the annual claimant bill, and SB 1135 also passed without discussion. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, and the three bills were referred to engrossing.
On third reading, SB 1430, the annual tax corrections bill relating to the Department of Revenue, passed 51-0. One member raised concern that a provision might affect tax exemptions, while another explained that the bill was intended as a technical cleanup and that any policy-changing language had been removed in committee. The House then announced committee meetings for Wednesday and Thursday and adjourned until 10 a.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Civil Service and Pensions - 03/10/2026
Civil Service And Pensions
Transcript Highlights:
- The third bill is Senate Bill S-7808A by Senator Stossel-Spant?
- The committee director will read the title.
- Give me a final read out of the bill. Signized, 080AWR.
- The committee director will read the title.
- This concludes the third reading of the 2026 third legislative session of the Standing Committee on Civil
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Civil Service and Pensions met on March 10, 2026, with a quorum present and 11 bills on the agenda. The committee chair noted that all measures were recommended to be referred to the Finance Committee. The bills largely concerned retirement and pension-related changes for public employees, including increased military service credit, retirement rules for 911 operators and dispatchers, salary base determinations for NYC police pension members, retired firefighters serving as fire science instructors, borrowing from accumulated contributions for certain NYC correction members, a cost-of-living-related benefit for Verrazzano Bridge toll employees, restoration of 20-year service credit for certain NYC correction officers and sanitation workers, death benefits for Orange County correction personnel, pension benefits for fire marshals with service beyond 25 years, prior service treatment for NYC Police Pension Fund members, and death benefits for certain retirement system beneficiaries.
Members moved each bill without substantive debate, and each received unanimous support in the recorded vote tally of seven ayes, zero nays, and zero AWRs. Several bills were sponsored by Senator Jackson, who also participated in the motions on those measures. Senator Cooney arrived during the meeting and joined the committee proceedings. No opposition or amendments were recorded.
At the conclusion of the agenda, all 11 bills were reported to the Finance Committee, and the chair adjourned the meeting after noting the completion of the committee’s third meeting of the 26th legislative session.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- third reading. third reading.
- is ordered to third reading. is ordered to third reading.
- The motion is adopted, and the bill is ordered to third reading.
- reading be by this resolution read a third time, all titles be the same as adopted, that they be passed
- <01:48:26.680>
resolution to a third reading be by this resolution to a third reading be by
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House and Governmental Affairs May 6th, 2026
House and Governmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Smith, go ahead and read in this.”
- Yes, and I'll ask the attorney to read in the amendment.
- Go ahead and read in this amendment.
- that we’ve read or heard or—” “A determination based on something that we’ve read or heard or—” “Pretty
- read two years.
Keywords:
human rights, individual liberties, Magna Carta, constitutionalism, free speech, Uniform Construction Code, building code, construction code, inspector licensing, building inspectors, plans examiners, public inspector, private inspector, private inspector company, building official, code enforcement, Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Commission, state fire marshal, International Building Code, International Residential Code
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 02/03/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- the identical Senate Bill 8792, Third Reading Calendar 79.
- Reading Calendar 150.
- Reading Calendar 15, the 2.
- Reading Calendar 153.
- Please read that resolution's title and recognize Senator Hinchey. Secretary will read.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior Journal, and then handled several introductions and resolutions. Senator Bailey introduced Jayson Fefami, described as the Bronx-based creator of the “quarter zip” trend, and the chamber welcomed him with applause. Senator Cooney presented a privileged resolution memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim July 1, 2026, as Canada Day in New York, emphasizing the state’s economic, cultural, and border ties with Canada; the resolution was adopted. Senator Hinchey also spoke on a previously adopted resolution designating February 21-28, 2026, as National FFA Organization Week, with Senator Helming and visiting FFA students and advisers offering remarks in support of agricultural education and youth leadership.
The Senate then took up the calendar and passed a series of bills, including measures related to a fiscal task force, environmental conservation, urban development, education, workers’ compensation, elder law, real property, general business, state finance, insurance, tenant protection, and public health. Several bills passed unanimously, while others drew limited opposition; for example, the Environmental Conservation and Education measures had a handful of negative votes, and the real property bill drew more substantial opposition. Senator Webb explained her vote on a bill addressing college student food insecurity by exempting certain meal-share donations from sales tax, saying students should not have to choose between class and hunger. Senator Palumbo also explained his vote on the kratom labeling bill, supporting the measure while urging future action on the synthetic opioid 7-OH.
The chamber also discharged several identical Assembly bills from Rules and substituted Senate versions earlier in the day, and later passed those measures on the floor. At the end of the session, the Senate completed the calendar, reported no further business, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 1st, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I move to order Senate Concurrent Resolution 1, McGuire, to the third reading file.
- Assembly third reading.
- We're going to pass temporarily on file items 2 through 36 and move to the Senate third reading.
- Last item we will be taking up today on third reading: file item number 33, ACR No. 6 by Assembly Member
- Last item we will be taking up today on third reading.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then took up a series of procedural motions and a large third-reading file focused heavily on housing, wildfire recovery, insurance, and related regulatory changes. Early actions included a successful motion to place Senate Concurrent Resolution 1 on the third-reading file, followed by a unanimous vote on SB 26, a cleanup measure related to lemon-law civil discovery procedures and automaker opt-outs from the AB 1755 framework.
The chamber then moved through a package of urgency bills tied to the January 2025 Los Angeles-area wildfires and broader housing affordability concerns. Measures approved included AB 311 allowing displaced tenants to temporarily house wildfire victims and pets, AB 299 extending hotel/motel/short-term rental stays beyond 30 days for disaster-displaced families, AB 226 giving the California Fair Plan access to bond financing in catastrophic-loss scenarios, AB 253 allowing third-party plan checks when local review exceeds 30 days, AB 301 aligning state permitting timelines with local deadlines, AB 306 imposing a six-year pause on new residential building-code updates, AB 462 exempting certain ADUs in Los Angeles County coastal zones from coastal development permits, AB 493 requiring interest to be paid to homeowners on insurance proceeds held by lenders, and AB 597 tightening rules on public adjuster solicitation, fees, and contract transparency. Each of these urgency bills passed, generally with strong bipartisan support and mostly unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
The Assembly also approved several non-urgency measures, including AB 293 on groundwater transparency and board disclosure, AB 251 on elder abuse litigation standards when evidence is intentionally destroyed, AB 59 removing a sunset on Reclamation District 108’s hydropower authority, AB 417 streamlining EIFD and CRIA financing tools, and AB 312 updating procedures for agricultural theft proceeds. In addition, ACR 6 was adopted by voice vote, recognizing Black April Memorial Month and the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, with extensive remarks from Assembly Member Ta and support from other members. The consent calendar was adopted, and the body later heard adjournment-in-memory tributes for David Myers and Olivia Guerrero before adjourning to April 3, 2025. Several vote changes were announced after adjournment, including changes on AB 251 and AB 417.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 12th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senator Coleman, you are oh sorry, we are now on third reading.
- Senate Bill 1696 is before you on third reading and final passage. Will there be debate?
- Member, Senate Bill 1670 is before you on third reading and final passage. Will there be debate?
- Now, 1687 is before you on third reading and final passage. Will there be debate?
- Senate Bill 1975 is before you on third reading and final passage. Will there be debate?
Keywords:
SB1696, Oklahoma Talent Attraction and Relocation Program, Oklahoma Talent Attraction and Relocation Revolving Fund, Department of Commerce, economic development, workforce development, community development, relocation incentives, talent recruitment, in-migration, population growth, household relocation, grant program, revolving fund, local government grants, municipalities, counties, nonprofit organizations, economic incentives, residency
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Education
Transcript Highlights:
- By third grade, reading and writing and math felt impossible.
- In third grade, Brody was reading and writing at a kindergarten level.
- By third grade.
- By third grade.
- I work in Reading. Oh, you're in Reading. Okay. I represent Reading. Yes.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Education held a hearing focused primarily on special education-related bills, with testimony centered on two major themes: transition planning for students aging out of school-based services at age 22, and the fiscal strain special education costs place on districts. Committee members explained hearing procedures, noted the House was in formal session, and periodically stepped out for votes while staff recorded testimony. A separate bill on special education due process was also taken up briefly, along with a bill on special education finance and another on equitable access/data reporting.
On House Bill 752 and Senate Bill 313, witnesses from the Arc of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, the Developmental Disabilities Council, families, self-advocates, and Senator Comerford described the “Turning 22” transition as a crisis point that often leaves families without adult placements, services, or clear communication. Testimony emphasized earlier planning, more accountability, better data collection, and a commission to improve coordination and residential placement. Several parents and advocates shared personal accounts of traumatic transitions, delayed placements, and the need for plans to begin at least a year before age 22. The committee later closed testimony on these bills after hearing from all signed-up speakers.
House Bill 4217, on special education due process, drew support from Representative Sullivan-Almeida, parents, and advocates who argued that the burden of proof should shift from families to school districts. Testimony described costly legal battles, delays, and parents having to become experts in reading instruction or hire advocates and attorneys to secure services. Brody Dwyer, a 10-year-old student with dyslexia, and his mother described how evidence-based instruction helped him after years of struggle. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 546/Senate Bill 317, which would require DESE to publish cross-tabulated data on race, disability, gender, income, and other factors; advocates said this would better expose disparities and help address the school-to-prison pipeline. Finally, on House Bill 691/Senate Bill 430, school leaders, educators, and union representatives testified that special education costs are outpacing district budgets and that increasing circuit breaker reimbursement and creating a commission to study long-term sustainability would help prevent staffing cuts and service reductions. No votes were taken during the hearing; the committee repeatedly closed testimony on individual bills as speakers finished and moved through the agenda.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- House Communication No. 482 returns Senate Bill 2256, which passed third reading in the House unamended
- House Communication Nos. 483 to 493 return various Senate bills that passed third reading in the House
- Senate Bill 2256 that passed third Senate Bill 2256 that passed third reading<00:02:33.120>
in - <00:02:43.400>
in <00:02:43.520>an <00:02:43.640>amended third reading in the - House in an amended third reading in the House in an amended form<00:02:44.840>
for <00:02:45.000
Bills:
SB1432, SB2024, SB2043, SB2060, SB2069, SB2153, SB2259, SB2319, SB2321, SB2338, SB2360, SB2396, SB2405, SB2407, SB2544, SB2550, SB2552, SB2578, SB2580, SB2607, SB2614, SB2671, SB2800, SB2805, SB2816, SB2835, SB2877, SB2892, SB2928, SB2934, SB3063, SB3199, SB3233, SB3325, HCR8, HCR10, HCR11, HCR13, HCR14, HCR18, HCR19, HCR22, HCR24, HCR31, HCR32, HCR33, HCR35, HCR54, HCR62, HCR63, HCR66, HCR67, HCR82, HCR83, HCR85, HCR91, HCR93, HCR94, HCR96, HCR98, HCR102, HCR104, HCR105, HCR106, HCR110, HCR111, HCR116, HCR117, HCR118, HCR121, HCR122, HCR123, HCR124, HCR125, HCR127, HCR128, HCR137, HCR139, HCR140, HCR141, HCR144, HCR146, HCR162, HCR165, HCR166, HCR173, HCR178, HCR179, HCR180, HCR181, HCR182, HCR185, HCR189, HCR191, HCR192, HCR193, HCR194, HCR200, HCR202, HCR6, HCR36, HCR42, HCR43, HCR44, HCR53, HCR57, HCR61, HCR64, HCR69, HCR84, HCR101, HCR103, HCR107, HCR112, HCR126, HCR136, HCR154, HCR161, HCR175, HCR186, HCR187, HCR188, HCR197, HCR203, HCR204, HCR206, HB1870, HB1588, HB2429, HB2386, HB2583, HB2361, HB2270, HB2137, HB1643, HB1682, HB1692, HB2078, HB1553, HB1667, HB1700, HB1728, HB2293, HB2096, HB1959, HB1511, HB1961, HB1858, HB1897, HB2088, HB2093, HB2279, HB2314, HB2505, HB2433, HB963, HB1705, HB1550, HB469, HB1334, HB1710, HB1737, HB1753, HB1881, HB2309, HB1713, HB1741, HB2062, HB463, HB1839, HB1664, HB2455, HB2417, HB1898, HB1573, HB1768, HB1962, HB2101, HB1782, HB2033, HB1518, HB1642, HB1752, HB2097, HB2282, HB1696, HB1823, HB1886, HB2152, HB2413, HB2503, HB1875, HB1519, HB1509, HB1628, HB1810, HB1990, HB2023, HB2540, HB1679, HB1888, HB2576, HB2592
Keywords:
Kalaupapa, Kalawao, Molokai, Maui County, county consolidation, Hansen's disease, leprosy, Department of Health, DOH, patient residents, former patients, public health, transition planning, jurisdiction transfer, county governance, historical preservation, cultural preservation, environmental remediation, community input, Kalaupapa Settlement
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 04/07/26
Health and Human Services
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session May 30th, 2025 at 02:00 pm
Nevada Senate Floor Meeting
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session - Part 3 - 05/16/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill has been given its third reading. does make a difference.
- The secretary will give the bill its third reading.
- The secretary will give the bill its third reading.
- bill its third reading. bill its third reading.
- higher education, modifying student aid reporting requirements, etc. >> Third reading.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 May 1st, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The clerk will give the bill its third reading. Third reading: House Bill Number 2130 as amended.
- Reading. Third reading. House File Number 1290. Third reading. Discussion on the bill.
- The clerk will give the bill as amended its third reading. Third reading.
- The chief clerk will give the bill its third reading. Third reading, House Bill number 1837.
- Third reading House Bill number 2098 as amended. Third reading.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Sixty Eight - Tuesday, May 12
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The next order of business is Senate Bills for third reading, informal.
- The gentleman from Pike County has moved for the third reading of Senate Bills 97 and 1011.
- For Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1470 to be third read and passed.
- The gentleman is again recognized for the third read motion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- I move that the House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 953 be third read and pass.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 13, February 24, 2026-PM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And the bills passed third reading amended. Mr.
- Message number 189, third reading passed.
- >
reading Message number 189, third reading Message number 189, third reading passed.<00:02:03.759 - <00:12:15.680>
reading reconsideration of the third reading reconsideration of the third reading - >> Third reading. Roll call.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/07/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 1740A and substitute the identical Senate Bill 3866B, Third Reading Calendar 846. >> So ordered.
- The bill directed to third reading. >> Move to accept the Rules Committee. >> All in favor, please signify
- Reading Calendar.
- The President: The amendments are received, and the bill will retain its place on the Third Reading Calendar
- >> THE AMENDMENTS ARE RECEIVED AND THE BILL WILL RETAIN ITS PLACE ON THE THIRD READING CALENDAR
Summary:
The Senate met on May 6, 2026, approved the prior journal, and accepted a Rules Committee report advancing the government appropriations bill to third reading. The chamber then took up the tenth budget extender, which sponsor Senator Serrano said would keep state government operating through Monday, May 11 and contained $482 million in new spending, bringing the total across extenders to $20.3 billion. In questioning, Senator O’Mara and Senator Helming pressed Serrano for details on the reported $268 billion budget deal, policy outcomes, revenue raisers, and whether local governments, schools, and rural health programs would receive certainty; Serrano said final budget bills were not yet in print and declined to speculate on unresolved issues. The extender passed 60-1, with Senator Weik voting no.
The Senate also adopted several previously adopted resolutions honoring the North Tonawanda High School girls varsity basketball team, the Tappan Zee High School girls basketball team, and SUNY student Chriss-Ann Pryce. Members praised the teams’ state championships and Pryce’s academic and leadership achievements through the Educational Opportunity Program. The chamber then returned to legislation and passed a bill designating May 9 as Overdose Awareness Day in New York; Senator Fernandez said it recognized the harm of overdose and the need to continue funding harm reduction and recovery services.
Additional bills passed included a statewide domestic violence lethality assessment measure, with Senators Murray, Rolison, Webb, and Ramos describing it as a tool to identify dangerous situations and prevent fatalities; a mental health insurance bill limiting step therapy/prior authorization for serious mental health medications, supported by Senator Fahy; and measures on education, real property tax, election law, general business law, kitchen incubator economic impacts, public buildings, state finance, and mental hygiene. Several bills drew recorded opposition, including the real property tax bill and the election law and general business law measures. The Senate concluded by adjourning until Monday, May 11 at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days designated legislative.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 60 (4-15-26) - Part 1
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Motion made to take up Senate Bill 133 from its place in the orders of the day, read for a third time
- Motion made to take up Senate Bill 133 for third reading and passage. Mr. Clerk, please report. Mr.
- I move you, sir, that Senate Bill 312 be taken from its place in the orders of the day, read for a third
- Senate Bill 129 be taken from its place in the orders of the day, read for a third time by title and
- Senate Bill 66 be taken from its place in the orders of the day, read for the third time by title and
Bills:
SB141, SB124, SB56, SJR116, SB94, SB37, SB127, SB197, SB66, SB70, SB133, SB160, SB214, SB312, SB52, SJR62, SJR75
Keywords:
legal advertisements, tax rates, public hearings, transparency, local government, sick leave, education, teacher retirement, benefits, employee compensation, Medicaid, nonopioid analgesics, pain management, health care regulation, utilization controls, physician shortage, health care access, medically underserved areas, medical education, workforce development
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications - 02/24/2026
Energy And Telecommunications
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill will move to third reading.
- This bill will advance to third reading.
- This bill will advance to third reading. Next, that's Bill Number 8491, is about the same history.
- This bill will advance to third reading. That concludes our agenda for today, and I'm...
- This bill will advance to third reading.
Summary:
The Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, chaired by Senator Kevin Parker, considered a lengthy agenda of energy- and utility-related bills. The committee discussed measures on utility outage penalties for combination utilities, a NYSERDA-backed electric landscaping rebate program, stronger utility storm response compliance, a study on utility reporting of late payments to credit agencies, a used zero-emission vehicle rebate program, alternative fuels along the New York State Thruway, a property tax exemption for energy-related utility real property, a NYSERDA pilot microgrid at Glenwood Houses, a prohibition on PSC approval of certain utility rate increases, a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit, a usage monitoring program, and a bill on denial of increased utility rates and charges.
Several bills prompted questions about who would pay for the programs or penalties, with sponsors and staff repeatedly stating that fines would be paid by utilities and that many programs would be funded through NYSERDA or existing appropriations, though members raised concerns about whether ratepayer funds or system benefits charges could be used. The electric landscaping rebate bill drew extended debate over whether its equipment definitions could allow companies to use battery equipment charged by generators, while the microgrid pilot and used EV rebate bills were defended as investments to improve reliability, lower peak costs, and build a secondary EV market. Senator May spoke in support of the Glenwood Houses microgrid and the related investment rationale.
Most bills were advanced after motions and votes, often with some no votes or without-recommendation votes. The committee reported several measures to third reading, including the utility outage penalties bill, the utility storm response bill, the utility rate increase restriction bill, the usage monitoring program, and the denial of increased utility rates and charges bill. Other bills were advanced to the Finance Committee, Budget and Revenue Committee, or Local Government Committee, including the electric landscaping rebate program, the used EV rebate program, the alternative fuels bill, the tax exemption bill, the Glenwood Houses microgrid pilot, and the sustainable aviation fuel tax credit.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Hearing none, the bill is ordered printed for third reading.
- Hearing none, the bill is ordered printed for third reading.
- Hearing none, the bill is ordered printed for third reading. The clerk will read the next bill.
- Hearing none, the bill is ordered printed for third reading. The clerk will read the next bill.
- Hearing none, the bill is ordered printed for third reading.
Summary:
The House convened with 132 members present, offered prayer, approved the previous day’s journal, and adopted a House resolution honoring United Communities Against Poverty for 60 years of service in Prince George’s County fighting poverty. The organization’s board members were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then handled introductory business, including first-reading referral of House Bills 1587-1596, two introductory House bond initiatives referred to Appropriations, and Senate Bill 25 and other Senate bills received in the House and referred to committees.
The House also took up committee reports and special orders. The Economic Matters Committee reported favorably on several bills, including House Bills 236, 241, 242, 259, and 308, all of which were adopted and ordered printed for third reading. On House Bill 146 regarding on-site wastewater systems, a friendly amendment was adopted to allow repair or replacement of failed drain field components needed to meet the bill’s requirements. On House Bill 220 concerning individual water meters/submetering, a substitute amendment was adopted to strike a provision related to eviction proceedings and keep the bill aligned with existing law; the bill was then ordered printed for third reading.
Members also made several announcements recognizing visiting groups and observances, including the ALS Association, Career and Technology Education Month, Economic Development Day, Developmental Disabilities Day, Alzheimer’s Advocacy Day, the start of Ramadan, and Easter season. The House heard a Black History Month-style recognition of Ethel Beh Hill and welcomed multiple delegations and student groups. Committee and subcommittee meeting announcements followed, and with 134 members present, the House remained in session before the majority leader moved adjournment until Thursday, February 19 at 10:00 a.m.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- The question is, shall the bill be read a third time?
- The ayes have it, and third reading is ordered.
- Please listen to the third reading of the bill.
- Please listen to the third reading of the bill.
- Aye. third reading of the bill. third reading of the bill.
Summary:
The House began with several announcements and recognitions, including a lengthy tribute to Representative Carolyn Brangan of Georgia on her retirement and years of service, followed by remarks from Brangan explaining that she is leaving to care for her husband during cancer treatment. Additional members offered brief reflections, including one on the end of the session and another welcoming students from Founders Memorial School to the gallery, and a member from Brattleboro highlighted a collaborative mural in the card room titled “These Green Hills, Vermont State Symbols and Personal Reflections.”
The body then took up its calendar. It adopted Joint House Resolution 12, authorizing limited remote voting in joint committees through the remainder of the calendar year, with an ADA-related accommodation for members physically present but unable to access a meeting room. The House also suspended rules to take up and concur in the Senate amendment to House Bill 935 on emergency management. The committee report described grant programs for emergency response and technical rescue, new definitions and shelter-planning language centered on “whole community,” a wildland fire response task force, and an emergency rulemaking provision requested by the Agency of Natural Resources; the committee approved the Senate proposal on an 8-3 straw poll, and the House concurred.
The House next adopted the conference committee report on House Bill 952, the capital construction and state bonding budget adjustment bill. The report explained changes made in conference, including shifting funds to cover a higher-than-expected bid for the St. Johnsbury facility, restoring some funding for maintenance at the women’s correctional facility in Chittenden County, and setting aside $750,000 toward planning for Wi-Fi installation in correctional facilities. It also noted a lease-related language change for a Vermont Huts project at Little River State Park, with notification to the institutions committee chairs. The House then took up Senate Bill 64 on optometrists’ scope of practice; the committee presentation supported allowing specially credentialed optometrists to perform certain minor surgical, laser, and injection procedures, citing improved access, safety, cost, and workforce development, and the bill was read for second reading with committee recommendations for concurrence.