Transcript Highlights:

• HB113 pending at this time.
• Time after time, he engages in violent behavior.
• He was 14 at the time.
• That's way behind the time you need them.
• Why shouldn't you have timely access?

Bills: HB 1239, HB1990, HB1748, HB1749, HB2578, HB2986, HB1970, HB3163, HB2733, HB1922, HB 113, HB 1088, HB1938, HB3004, HB2637, HB2960, HB113

Keywords: public health, access to healthcare, insurance reforms, medical expenses, healthcare providers, mental health, protective custody, preliminary examination, detention period, emergency circumstances, emergency detention, legal framework, detention, healthcare, liability, landowners, nonagricultural land, trespassing, public safety, interpreters

Transcript Highlights:

• want us to hear I appreciate your time want us to hear I appreciate your time and<00:10:33.360><
• successful it was a one-time successful it was a one-time appropriation<00:16:23.480> of<
• rise received 2.4 million in one-time rise received 2.4 million in one-time funds<00:35:19.440><
• <00:45:56.640> yeah time yeah time yeah yeah<00:45:59.599> switch<00:45:59.880> with
• I was able to employ over 60 people at that time, three years ahead of time.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hearing none, the Chair has been informed that Senate 2625 has been released by the Committee on Bills
• Senate 2625 has been released by the Committee on Bills on third reading.
• The Chair has been informed that House 4504 has been released by the Committee on Bills on third reading
• The Chair has been informed that House 4505 has been released by the Committee on Bills on third reading

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House convened, led the Pledge of Allegiance, and welcomed the Bellingham High School girls volleyball team, which had just won the 2025 Division III State Championship, the first state title in the school’s history. The House then suspended Joint Rule 12 on a joint petition from John Bartlett III regarding school choice, allowing the petition to go to the Committee on Education. The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling reported several bills for House consideration, including measures on expanding ballot access for regional school district votes, authorizing Billerica to set an age limit for original appointment of police officers, improving business improvement districts, a Bridgewater charter amendment for gender-neutral language, and a Westwood alcohol licensing measure. The House suspended Rule 7A, took the bills up on second reading, and ordered them to a third reading. The chamber then passed several local bills: House 4173, regulating appointments to the Acton Memorial Library, was passed to be enacted, and House 3912, increasing the Melrose Board of Health from three to five members, was passed to be reenacted. On third reading, the House engrossed Senate 2625, authorizing Quincy revenue bonds for telecommunications facilities, and House 4504 and House 4505, both Nantucket-related measures involving gender-neutral charter language and conveyance of school streets. The House also adopted an order to adjourn to meet Thursday at 11 a.m., and then adjourned to that time in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Sunrise, your time is up. >> Sunrise, your time is up.
• Thank you. >> Time is up. Thank you.
• We also strongly release hunting.
• <01:11:10.400> and under control at all times and under control at all times and physically
• So it's when you release your hunting dog, you're releasing into various terrain, steep, very wooded,

Bills: SB2606, SB3253, SB237, SB3252, SB1178, SB2322, SB2019, SB3043, SB3014, SB2972, SB1190, SB2488

Keywords: wildlife sanctuary, environmental conservation, Hawaii, nonprofit corporation, freshwater preservation, community stewardship, biodiversity, ecological heritage, conservation, endangered species, wildlife preservation, native birds, sanctuary, nonprofit, DLNR, agricultural district, land use, chapter 195D, chapter 205, chapter 42F

Summary: The committees heard testimony on several measures related to wildlife, conservation, shoreline adaptation, and climate governance. On SB 2606, which would establish the Freshwater State Recreational Area Wildlife Sanctuary Corporation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said it had concerns about employee eligibility and was not yet prepared to comment further on the bill’s ramifications. After testimony ended, a senator asked DLNR to follow up with more detail, and the department said it would relay the questions to leadership and respond later. No vote was taken on the measure during the excerpt. On SB 3253, which would create the Hawaii Conservation Sanctuary as a nonprofit entity to work with DLNR, the department said it supported the bill. In discussion, DLNR said Hawaii has not done anything like this before, described a similar model in New Zealand, and estimated that developing such a sanctuary could cost millions of dollars. Members also discussed whether the concept would fit with existing efforts such as Hakalau, and DLNR said the bill could apply to private or state lands depending on the site. No action was taken. The most extensive discussion was on SB 237, which would expand state and county authority to develop adaptation pathways for relocating infrastructure away from sea level rise and coastal flooding areas. DLNR supported the bill, saying it prioritizes public trust resources over economic development or private property. The Kahana Bay Steering Committee and the Shoreline Preservation Coalition opposed the measure, arguing it was too focused on managed retreat and should include a broader range of shoreline responses, such as erosion mitigation, groins, sand nourishment, and other interim protections. The Office of Planning and Sustainable Development said it appreciated the bill’s intent but wanted broader language that would allow more tools in the toolbox. Members debated whether retreat is inevitable, whether different shorelines require different approaches, and whether the bill should be more flexible. No vote was taken. The final measure discussed was SB 3252, which would amend the powers and duties of the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, create a coordinator position, and appropriate funds. The commission’s coordinator testified in support, while OPSD opposed the bill, saying it would remove the two cabinet-level co-chair positions, raise accountability concerns, and duplicate some of OPSD’s functions. In questioning, members debated whether the current commission structure has been effective, who would appoint or confirm the coordinator, and whether the bill would improve transparency and implementation. OPSD said it supported more statewide interdepartmental funding for climate planning and staffing, but had concerns about the proposed governance changes. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Regardless, you have raised these leaders to face this moment in time.
• In the end, Lord, our hope is to honor the time you have given us.
• seconded that House Bill 320 be taken from its place in the orders of the day, read for the third time
• <00:16:11.360> This<00:16:11.519> is released on probation or parole.
• This is released on probation or parole.

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 05:11 Report of Committees 06:05 Orders of the Day/HB 320 07:52 HB 366 14:55 HB 389 17:22 HB 56 22:10 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 25:47 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 29:20 Petition of Impeachment Filed 31:24 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 32:03 ConC/Rules Report 36:31 Floor Amendments 37:29 Adjournment 37:47, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the pledge, recorded 96 members present, excused absences, and approved the journal from January 27, 2026. The Senate clerk announced passage of Senate Bills 17 and 181 and requested concurrence. Committee reports advanced a number of bills on health insurance, judiciary, local government, and transportation topics, including measures on pharmacist reimbursements, hearing aid coverage, feeding and eating disorders, grooming a minor, local government liability, water fluoridation, cigar bars, chickens on residential property, highway pavement markings, motor vehicle titles, and pedestrian issues; all favorable reports were treated as first readings and placed on the calendar. The House then took up and passed House Bill 320 on human trafficking, with the sponsor explaining it would equalize penalties for promoting human trafficking with those for trafficking itself and increase the penalty when the victim is under 18. A member asked whether the bill included additional funding for cyber enforcement; the sponsor replied it was not an appropriation and would not require new funding, though prior budgets had increased support for anti-trafficking efforts. The House adopted a title amendment changing the bill’s title to combating human trafficking. The chamber also passed House Bill 366, which clarifies that materials portraying a sexual performance by a minor include computer-generated images and requires 85% service of the sentence before probation or parole; the sponsor said it was supported by law enforcement and prosecutors. House Bill 389 on reading and writing in schools also passed as amended by House Committee Substitute 1. The sponsor said it would require annual updates to the state dyslexia toolkit, expand professional development and coaching, require local school boards to develop processes for universal screening and diagnostic tools, and add dyslexia instruction to teacher preparation programs; the substitute added conformity with IDEA and revised the instructional language. Members spoke in support of early dyslexia detection and one member noted the bill updated prior legislation associated with former Rep. Bam Carney. House Bill 56, an omnibus Department of Agriculture bill, then passed; it addressed amusement ride inspections, grain warehousing penalties, egg handler licensing renewal timing, exemptions for small producers, and repealed obsolete tobacco and egg marketing board provisions. All three bills passed by roll call with 95 or 94 votes in favor and none opposed, and clinchers were applied. During announcements, members noted upcoming committee meetings and events, including a suits-and-sneakers day and cancer-related breakfast, caucus meetings, and committee meetings. New bills and resolutions were introduced, including measures on local occupational license fees, early learning and child care, tuition waivers, an adult workforce diploma pilot, motor vehicle usage tax, contract procurement, Fish and Wildlife Resources, adoption, veterans’ benefits, Cabinet for Health and Family Services operations, organ donation safety, hate crimes, prescription drugs, and resolutions on the Kentucky-Japan partnership and veterans’ benefits accreditation. The clerk also reported a petition of impeachment filed against Judge Julie Goodman. The House then referred a group of bills to committees, reported floor amendments for House Bills 321 and 416, and adjourned until 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And many part-time faculty will never land a tenure position.
• Thank you very much for the time. Amazing presentation.
• amount of time.
• So everyone's got time to take a career quiz.
• We're tracking slightly ahead of last year at this time.

Summary: The committee held a work session on the state of Washington’s community and technical college system with State Board executive director Nate Humphrey and Tacoma Community College president Ivan Harrell. They described the system’s open-access mission, 34 colleges serving more than 307,000 students, relatively low tuition, enrollment growth over 12 consecutive quarters, and strong outcomes such as more than 46,000 credentials awarded last year. They also highlighted system initiatives including guided pathways, I-BEST, dual enrollment, tribal partnerships, a new program search tool, and six colleges named Aspen Prize finalists. At the same time, they emphasized major challenges: high rates of student food, housing, and homelessness insecurity; sharply rising emergency aid requests; and federal funding disruptions affecting TANF, BFET, adult basic education, Carl Perkins, NOAA-related tribal work, and several federal grants. Members asked about SNAP impacts, declining high school graduates, and how BFET and TANF interact with other aid programs. The presenters also discussed system priorities such as AI, Workforce Pell, capital planning, nursing accreditation alignment, and the Washington College Grant. The committee then heard testimony from AFT Washington and the Washington Association of Higher Education on faculty and staff conditions in the community and technical college system. Jackie Kane and Suzanne Sutherland argued that classified staff, professional staff, and contingent faculty are essential to student success but face low pay, instability, and weak retention, and they urged lawmakers to protect existing funding and avoid further cuts. They said working conditions for faculty and staff are student learning conditions, and that underfunding leads to reduced services, shortened advising, and program instability. Marina Parr of the Workforce Board presented on federal H.R. 1’s new Workforce Pell provisions and the updated Career Bridge website. She explained that Workforce Pell would allow federal aid for short-term training programs of 8 to 15 weeks, with high completion, employment, and earnings thresholds and a requirement that credentials be stackable and portable. She said Washington is well positioned to implement the program because of its existing eligible training provider evaluation system and Career Bridge, which now has a redesigned public portal, digital portfolios, multilingual access, and performance data on programs. Members asked about rulemaking, possible gaps in state services, and how the wage and completion standards would be applied. The Washington Student Achievement Council then briefed the committee on the new Washington Completes FAFSA campaign created by executive order. Staff described an advisory board with statewide representation, a pilot that used microgrants and other supports at 25 priority schools, and a new goal of 46,000 FAFSA or WASFA completions this year. They reported that completion rates were tracking slightly ahead of last year, with 24% of high school seniors having completed a FAFSA by the end of November, and they showcased a public dashboard with subgroup data and a WIAA-based leaderboard. Members asked about outreach to rural and homeschool students, legislative communications, Pierce County representation, and barriers to FAFSA completion, and staff said they would provide toolkits and continue expanding outreach. The committee then began hearing from student presenters about affordability, access, equity, and student experience.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you kind of give a time frame on it?
• Appreciate your time. Thank you. Thank you.
• So everyone who took the survey... that time.
• Appreciate your time.
• Thank you for your time. Take care.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business held an informational hearing focused on the conditions facing small and micro businesses in Massachusetts and the state programs intended to support them. Chairs Andy Vargas and Adam Gomez opened by emphasizing equitable economic development, the importance of CDFIs, and the need to help underserved entrepreneurs, especially women, minorities, veterans, immigrants, and other groups facing barriers. Committee members noted the hearing would not take up bills, and testimony was limited to 10 minutes per organization. State and quasi-public agency witnesses described current programs and funding. Dico Gibral of the Executive Office of Economic Development highlighted the Business Front Door, multilingual access, small business office hours in Gateway Cities, and funding in the Mass Leads Act, including support for CDFIs, small business technology, and capital grants. Tom Hooper of Commonwealth Corporation described workforce training programs such as the Workforce Training Fund, Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, and Career Technical Initiative, saying they help small businesses train workers, fill labor shortages, and support returning citizens and people with disabilities. Committee members asked about federal funding uncertainty, workforce migration, training schedules, and program uptake. Business and advocacy groups focused on cost pressures and regulatory burdens. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association urged continuation of outdoor dining and takeout alcohol sales, and pressed for relief from high credit card swipe fees, support for surcharging, and streamlining municipal licensing. The Retailers Association of Massachusetts cited survey results showing inflation, utility costs, payroll taxes, health insurance, and interchange fees as major concerns, and said many members might sell or close within five years; it also backed ending the state prohibition on surcharging and creating an Office of Main Streets Massachusetts. MACDC, BECKMA, and the Coalition for an Equitable Economy emphasized the need for more technical assistance, CDFI and small business funding, and protections against rising costs, tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and immigration enforcement impacts on immigrant-heavy business districts. No votes were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of times we've got parents.
• It's what happens in real time.
• We were able to release, Of students in truancy court, we were able to release, or—what's the best word
• every time as well.
• time as well.

Summary: The committee met to discuss student attendance and chronic absenteeism in Florida K-12 schools, with Chair Simon outlining the state’s attendance requirements and intervention process, including school contact after unexcused absences, child study team review, district superintendent referral, DJJ family services referral, truancy petitions, and possible parental prosecution and driver’s license consequences. Dr. Chris Curran of the University of Florida presented statewide data showing chronic absenteeism has risen sharply since the pandemic, with Florida at about 31.4% in 2023–24, and noted that absenteeism varies by district, school level, demographics, and urbanicity. He emphasized that causes are multifaceted—ranging from transportation, mental health, housing instability, safety concerns, and family circumstances—and said effective responses include early warning systems, text or phone outreach, multi-tiered interventions, mentoring programs like Check & Connect, and community partnerships. He also cautioned that punitive responses alone are often less effective than addressing root causes and keeping students engaged academically even when they miss school. Collier County Superintendent Leslie Ricciardelli described her district’s attendance efforts as a priority supported by attendance specialists, social workers, mental health staff, home visits, attendance contracts, and extensive parent communication. She said Collier’s chronic absenteeism rate was about 9% in 2023–24 and attributed success to consistent monitoring, family outreach, and community support, while stressing that students must be physically present to learn. She also argued that many absences are tied to barriers such as clothing, transportation, childcare, or family mental health, and that districts need resources to address those issues. Dr. Rachel Dawes added that Collier uses multilingual brochures, attendance awareness campaigns, vacation-planning guidance, door tags, automated calls and letters, and a truancy flow chart, with truancy court used as a last resort. Volusia County Executive Director Mike McAuliffe described a districtwide overhaul that included an attendance matters campaign, automated notices sent early and often, same-day and period-by-period notifications, a data dashboard, and tiered supports through MTSS. He said Volusia reduced chronic absenteeism from 34% in 2023–24 to a projected 29% and reported a first-quarter rate of about 20% in the current year. He highlighted community partnerships, including AdventHealth support for washers and dryers, bikes for students with transportation barriers, and monetary recognition for schools that reduce absenteeism. In response to questions, both district leaders emphasized that funding, staffing, and consistent follow-through are essential, and that attendance work is most effective when paired with family engagement, data monitoring, and practical supports rather than punishment alone.

Transcript Highlights:

• was at the time of the accident.
• That period of time would have expired in 2013 for this particular parcel, and at that time it would
• That period of time would have expired in 2013 for this particular parcel, and at that time it would
• No, I'm representing myself at this time.
• But at that time, Mr. Simpson, claims back to the state court. But at that time, Mr.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 7X under any scenario at this time. 7X under any scenario at this time.
• they have pushed back in numerous times. they have pushed back in numerous times.
• I would think that one liaison might not a lot of time but significant time not a lot of time but significant
• over that period of time. over that period of time.
• Um, and it took some time to go ahead and get the $10 million released.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• “This is not your first time on the housing and homelessness prevention committee.
• Since that time, we really have seen the need for more units.
• Senator, thank you so much for your time.
• <00:24:39.520> thank you so much for your time thank you so much for your time thank you<00
• That's all the time we have today.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just conforming changes in the domestic assault harassment statute and then pre-trial release for
• It's just conforming changes in the domestic assault harassment statute and then pre-trial release for
• 00:07:41.560> and<00:07:41.720> then<00:07:42.360> pre-trial<00:07:43.160> release
• <00:07:43.720> for statute and then pre-trial release for statute and then pre-trial release

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The meeting focused on House File 4075, a collaborative bill from Rep. Dibble and Chair Moller addressing firearm surrender and related procedures in domestic violence cases. Members were told the committee would not vote on the bill that day; instead, House Research provided a nonpartisan overview of the DE2 amendment. The bill is intended to consolidate scattered domestic violence firearm-surrender provisions into one section of statute and improve follow-up on court orders, which sponsors said had been enforced in fewer than 2% of cases under the 2015 law. Jeff Dibble explained that the bill would apply to CHIPS and order-for-protection cases by requiring petitioners to identify known firearm locations, and by requiring respondents ordered to surrender firearms to also surrender carry and purchase permits. He described provisions allowing surrender to a federal firearms license holder, law enforcement, or a qualified third party, with third-party transfers conducted at a law enforcement agency and supervised or video recorded. The bill also includes proof-of-transfer paperwork, third-party affidavits, and a declaration for people who do not possess firearms. A new compliance-hearing requirement would have courts hold a hearing within 10 business days after a surrender order to confirm compliance, with protections against self-incrimination. Dibble also noted clarifying language making clear that when a court bars possession of a specific firearm, the person is barred from possessing any firearm, plus conforming changes in domestic assault harassment and pretrial release provisions. The meeting ended after the presentation, with no vote taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you choose to waive your speaking time, your position will be included in the committee meeting records
• Thank you for your time. Thank you, Laura.
• We see it all the time.
• We look at this all the time when we look at nonprofits to see how efficiently we're using money.
• At the end of that 60-day period, the officer's name may be released as a public record.

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met with a quorum present and first postponed SB 1650. The committee then heard and favorably reported SB 308, which implements the Florida Museum of Black History task force recommendations by designating St. Johns County as the museum site and creating a board to work with a supporting nonprofit. It also favorably reported SB 7020, which reenacts a public records exemption for certain Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services aquaculture and shellfish production records. Members then considered SB 692 on cybersecurity standards and liability. The bill creates a presumption against liability for private businesses that follow updated cybersecurity frameworks and reporting requirements, and a similar protection for local governments that comply with state standards. An amendment was adopted to prevent local governments from imposing separate cybersecurity standards on vendors and to clarify vendor definitions and effective dates. The Florida Justice Association opposed the bill, raising concerns about local government immunity, the practical effect of the presumption for private entities, and retroactivity, while business and industry groups supported it. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee also favorably reported SB 572, which updates ethics law to include legally recognized foster parents and foster children in the definition of relative; SB 1442, which revises the long-range program plan to require more specific performance metrics and agency-specific measures; SB 1106, which replaces references to the West Bank with Judea and Samaria in state agency and educational materials; SB 474, which revises military leave and related benefits for public employees and officials, with three amendments adopted; and SB 350, which revises public records protections for crime victims and law enforcement officers who are victims, including a 72-hour confidentiality period for officers in certain cases. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7032 as a committee bill to shift more fleet management responsibility from DMS to state agencies while preserving reporting to DMS. The meeting ended after members recorded additional votes and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, our IHBG funding has come in on time.
• I appreciate the time.
• So it's another thing that we're monitoring at this time.
• first point of contact no matter what time of day it is—24/7.
• And must we do probably at this time now more than ever?

Transcript Highlights:

• Their time is experiencing homelessness based on this data flaw.
• I did read at a slower pace to give them time to get here. Take your time. Your witnesses?
• or the number of times that you have been homeless.
• Obviously, I've lived in Sacramento for a long time.
• Did they say you want to call in one more time, or?

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of housing-related bills, beginning with AB 249, which would require youth-specific coordinated entry assessments for homeless services. The author and supporters from Larkin Street Youth Services and the California Coalition for Youth argued that current vulnerability tools are adult-focused and can disadvantage young people; the bill was described as a developmentally appropriate fix to better connect youth to housing and prevention services. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 7-0 to Human Services. Members then heard AB 239 and AB 1206. AB 239 would create a state-led disaster housing task force, a state disaster housing coordinator, and regular legislative reporting to speed recovery after disasters; it passed 7-0 to Emergency Management. AB 1206 would let local agencies pre-approve plans for single-family and small multifamily homes of up to 10 units to reduce permitting delays and costs; the League of California Cities opposed it unless amended, citing local variation and staffing concerns, but the author and supporters said it would preserve local control and help speed housing production. The bill passed 9-0 to Local Government. The committee also took up AB 57, which would reserve at least 10% of California’s home purchase assistance funds for descendants of formerly enslaved people. Supporters framed it as reparative justice and a way to address longstanding racial disparities in homeownership, while Pacific Legal Foundation argued it likely violated constitutional limits on race-based government action and urged a race-neutral approach. After discussion about reparations criteria and the bill’s intent, it passed 6-0 to Judiciary. The consent calendar, including AB 480, AB 726, and AB 1154, was approved 8-0. Later, AB 282 was heard to allow housing providers to prefer applicants who participate in rental assistance programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers, despite existing source-of-income discrimination law. Supporters said it would help voucher holders find units and improve affordable housing operations; no opposition testified, and the bill passed 6-1 to Judiciary. AB 1229 followed, restructuring the adult reentry grant program to focus on permanent housing for people leaving prison by moving administration to HCD and using regional administrators; supporters emphasized the link between housing stability and reduced recidivism, and the bill passed 7-0 to Public Safety. The committee then approved AB 670, which would let local governments count preservation of naturally occurring affordable housing toward housing element goals and require better demolition reporting, and AB 750, which would strengthen oversight and reporting for homeless shelters after a prior reporting law saw very low compliance. AB 670 passed 8-0 to Local Government, and AB 750 was presented with testimony from a shelter resident describing abuse and lack of accountability in shelters.

Transcript Highlights:

• Middlesex Superior Court, a 38-year-old Guatemalan national, who was in the country illegally, was released
• arrest and hold an individual solely on the basis of a federal civil immigration detainer beyond the time
• that the individual would otherwise be entitled to be released from state custody.
• The order that, notwithstanding Senate Rule 12 or any other rule to the contrary, until such time as
• Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter. Bruce Tarr, State Senator.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate met briefly, beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by remarks from a senator from Worcester and Hampshire criticizing state immigration and court policies. He argued that Massachusetts has not done enough to prevent dangerous individuals from being released or entering the Commonwealth, cited several criminal cases involving immigrants, and urged changes to state law and court practices regarding federal immigration detainers and information-sharing. The chamber then took up an order from the senator from Middlesex and Norfolk establishing a temporary Senate Committee on Rules until a permanent committee is appointed. The order created a nine-member committee, with two minority appointments, and a subcommittee to handle matters referred to it, including issues related to Chapter 250 of the Acts of 2024. The Senate suspended the rules, adopted the order, and printed related communications from the Senate President and minority leader announcing committee appointments. Finally, the senator from Norfolk, Bristol and Plymouth offered an adjournment order setting the Senate’s next meeting for Thursday at 11:00 a.m. The order was adopted, and the Senate adjourned accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• That kind of takes up a lot of time.
• Time.
• That's been in place since 2007, so it's been a long time.
• During this time, only two individuals have been referred to us that have been released to the community
• Yes, at the time of evaluation, that's accurate.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because the bill was not ready in time. This is a big deal.
• And my staff and I have met at least six times with the opposition.
• The education bureaucrats that have failed our children time and time and time again.
• You all have heard me talk about equity many times on this floor.
• At times, $5 to $10 a day for grueling, back-breaking labor.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like immediate release. Is there objection to immediate release on these items?
• 14:13.600> would<00:14:13.720> like<00:14:13.880> immediate<00:14:14.240> release
• <00:14:15.040> Is<00:14:15.079> there I would like immediate release.
• Is there I would like immediate release.
• Is there objection<00:14:15.720> to<00:14:15.839> immediate<00:14:16.280> release

Keywords: MS House Floor - 18 February, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirmed a quorum, dispensed with reading of the journal, and moved through routine introductions and gallery recognitions. Guests included court reporter Kim Almer, representatives of the Mississippi Faculty and Staff Association of Community Colleges, YMCA visitors, the Madison County Youth Council, members of the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association and the University of Mississippi veterinary school, Holmes Community College guests celebrating the college’s 100th anniversary, Enterprise Consolidated High School students and educators, George Stewart, and Petal High School Ambassadors. Members also made several announcements about upcoming meetings and events, including committee meetings after adjournment, an electric co-op day at the Capitol, a discussion on the recent ice storm catastrophe, a battlefield preservation lunch, and a Mississippi Health Care Collaborative reception. On the Rules Calendar, the House took up House Concurrent Resolutions in blocks. Items 1 through 3 were adopted by a vote of 121 yeas and 0 nays, and items 4 through 12 were also adopted. The House then gave immediate release to those resolutions. Later, the House considered concurrence on House Bill 580. The bill was explained as extending the qualifying deadline by seven days and removing the reverse repealer, with the sponsor stating affected parties were agreeable to the changes. The House concurred in HB 580 by a vote of 119 yeas and 0 nays. The chamber concluded its calendar work and announced that it would reconvene the next day at 10:00 a.m. to take up appropriations bills. The House then adjourned until 10:00 a.m. the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Take your time. You're good. I'm not.
• This is the first time.
• legislation at this particular time.
• Thank you so much for your time today.
• Other times they're places of suffering.

Bills: HB259

Keywords: redistricting, Independent Citizen Redistricting Commission, Texas Legislature, elections, district boundaries, voter representation