Video & Transcript Research : 'Michael Falkender'

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US
Transcript Highlights:
  • We will go into executive session to consider the nomination of Michael Falkender to be Deputy Secretary
  • Falkender off the floor at 115 as we go into our first vote on the floor.
  • All right, as I indicated today we are meeting to vote on the nomination of Michael Falkender to be Deputy
  • Falkender has years of public and private sector experience in addition to strong academic credentials
  • Falkender some credit. Despite his strong support for Donald Trump's billionaire tax cuts, cuts.
Summary: The committee convened to discuss critical issues surrounding the nomination of Michael Falkender for the position of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. This meeting included a series of remarks from committee members who expressed divergent views on Falkender's qualifications and the implications of his appointment. Senator Wyden voiced strong opposition, arguing that Falkender represents harmful policies expected to be perpetuated under the current administration, especially concerning taxpayer privacy and IRS tactics. Meanwhile, other members defended Falkender, noting his extensive experience, including a commitment to transparency in government operations if confirmed.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • Falkender, congratulations on your well-deserved nomination.
  • Falkender for his cooperation and responsiveness during this exercise.
  • Falkender has been at the Treasury Department since day one of this Trump term.
  • Falkender has been around for this chaos.
  • Falkender thank you again for appearing. for us today.
Summary: The meeting convened to consider the nomination of Mike Falkender for the position of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. During the session, multiple members voiced concerns regarding current economic policies under the Trump administration, particularly around inflation, tariffs, and the impact on small businesses. Discussions frequently centered on the administration's approach to tariffs and taxation, and how these factors contribute to the rising cost of living and potential job losses. Additionally, the importance of bolstering government-to-government relationships with tribal nations was emphasized, highlighting the need for specialized offices focused on tribal affairs within the Treasury Department.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

03/18/2026 - House Transportation & Infrastructure

Transportation & Infrastructure

Transcript Highlights:
  • Route 70 from the intersection of State Route 77 to U.S. milepost 300 in Vilas, Arizona, as the PFC Michael
  • So I just want to read this little piece here about PFC Michael Nolene.
Summary: The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee heard a series of transportation, traffic enforcement, and memorial bills. SB 1024, dealing with licensing and registration for roadable aircraft, drew a question about where vehicle license tax revenue would go, but with no sponsor present the committee still advanced it on a do pass recommendation by a 3-2 vote. SB 1205, which creates rules for private-property vehicle booting, was supported by industry and sponsor testimony as a consumer-protection framework modeled on towing laws; it passed 5-0 after discussion of time limits, recordkeeping, dispute resolution, and penalties. SB 1366, creating a temporary study committee on public-property towing and impound practices, was presented as a bipartisan, data-gathering measure and passed 5-0. SB 1232, a billboard/outdoor advertising zoning bill tied to military compatibility and ADOT permitting, was described as a technical cleanup measure negotiated with ADOT and local stakeholders; it passed unanimously 6-0. The committee spent the most time on SB 1624, which would cap photo-enforcement civil penalties at $75 and limit the effect of photo-radar violations on licensing and insurance. Supporters argued the bill would simplify enforcement and reduce reliance on cameras, while opponents from insurers and local governments warned it would mask risk, shift costs to other drivers, and reduce revenue for several state funds and local programs. An amendment was adopted to treat excessive speeding caught by photo enforcement as a class 3 misdemeanor and direct $15 of the penalty to the Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund. The amended bill then passed 4-2, with members citing concerns about school zones, revenue impacts, and the role of photo enforcement. The committee also advanced SCR 1004, a voter referral that would let Arizona voters decide whether cities may continue using photo enforcement; it passed 4-2 after testimony that it was a negotiated compromise preserving local control while requiring a future local vote in affected cities. The final items were memorials naming highways. SCM 1002 would rename a portion of State Route 77 the L.F. Quinn Memorial Highway, and SCM 1006 would rename a portion of U.S. Route 70 the PFC Michael A. Nolene Memorial Highway. Both were described as constituent-driven and appropriate under naming procedures, with members noting Quinn’s long-ago death and Nolene’s service as the first Native American to die in the Gulf War. Both memorials passed unanimously 6-0. Earlier in the meeting, SB 1010 and SB 1552 were announced as held, and the committee adjourned after completing the remaining agenda.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/03/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology

Appropriations, Transportation and Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • intersection of State Route 77 and US Route 70 milepost 300 in Bylas, Arizona, as the Private First Class Michael
  • I also served in Operation Desert Storm with the late PFC Michael Angelo Nolene.
  • On January 26, 1991, is when PFC Michael Nolene lost his life during this raid.
  • I grew up with Michael. Michael is also my cousin.
  • PFC Michael Nolene was a great guy, truly was. We had fun together.
Summary: The committee approved the January 27, 2026 minutes and held SB 1138 for further changes. It then heard SB 1035, which appropriates about $34 million from the General Fund for a 5% pay increase for Arizona Department of Corrections sworn officers and civilian employees, with an amendment extending the raise to private prison employees under contract. Supporters said DOC pay is not competitive and vacancies are high; opponents questioned paying private prison staff and raised concerns about private prison incentives. The committee adopted the amendment and gave SB 1035 a do pass recommendation on a 6-3 vote. The committee also approved two memorials to rename highways: SCM 1002 for L.F. Quinn Memorial Highway and SCM 1006 for PFC Michael Nolan Memorial Highway. Both measures drew emotional testimony about the honorees’ public service and military sacrifice, and both received do pass recommendations, with SCM 1002 passing 9-1 and SCM 1006 passing 9-1 after members discussed tribal jurisdiction and agreed to follow up with a letter to the tribe. SB 1065, which would appropriate $3.64 million for the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Military Veterans Fund, was supported by the sponsor and researchers who said the treatment can help veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, pain, and related conditions. Some members objected that the FDA has not approved HBOT for many of the claimed uses and questioned prior unspent funding, but the bill still received a do pass recommendation on a 6-4 vote. SB 1248, which clarifies funding and attendance-count rules for county jail and juvenile detention education programs, also passed unanimously. Later, the committee approved SB 1204, a $5.5 million General Fund appropriation to design and analyze improvements to the U.S. 60/Loop 303 interchange, after testimony from local officials and residents about severe congestion, crashes, and public safety delays; it passed 8-1. SB 1207, a $150,000 study on financing mechanisms for development-related infrastructure along the same corridor, also passed 7-1. Finally, SB 1001, which restores $1 million for the Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, passed 9-0 after testimony from blind seniors and advocates about long waitlists and the program’s role in preserving independence. The committee then began SB 1274, a police foundation specialty license plate bill, with sponsor and foundation testimony describing wellness, remembrance, and youth programs funded by plate revenues, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on that measure.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • Michael Kratios to lead the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Mark Meador to be a Commissioner
  • I move that P.N. 13-8, nomination of Michael Kratzios, to be directed— Director of the Office of Science
Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an important meeting where they discussed various bills aimed at addressing pressing issues like consumer protection, technology, and environmental management. Chairman Cruz opened the meeting by emphasizing the role of subpoenas in ensuring accountability and oversight, highlighting a recent compliance from several parties following such threats. The meeting progressed to consider several bills, including the Romance Scam Prevention Act championed by Senator Blackburn, which seeks to protect vulnerable populations from online dating scams that have resulted in enormous financial losses, particularly among seniors. The committee also nominated Michael Kratios for the Office of Science and Technology Policy and Mark Medder for the Federal Trade Commission, underscoring the significance of leadership in fostering innovation and consumer protection in technology sectors.
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Session (02/01/2024)

New Hampshire House Floor Meeting

Keywords: NH House of Representatives Committee Streaming, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQHnyO93Vng, 2026-06-14T02:39:09+00:00, 2.2.23, Data collected via generic collector engine, http://gencourt.state.nh.us/house/calendars_journals/ 0:00 House Session – February 1, 2024 9:39 Call the House to Order 9:41 Adjourn from the Late Session 9:55 Prayer – Reverend Bob Stewart 12:51 Pledge of Allegiance 13:16 National Anthem by Tasha Lawson 15:01 Leaves of Absence 15:33 Introduction of Guests 16:20 Communication – Welcome Rep. Sean Durkin and Rep. Michael Murphy 17:17 Memorial Remarks for Hon. Suzanne Smith 23:25 Motion to place Memorial Remarks in Permanent Journal 23:38 Bill Removed from Consent Calendar: CACR 20, HR 20, HB 1447-FN 24:24 Adoption of Consent Calendar 25:26 Motion to Suspend House Rules 26:54 HB 1199-FN-A 27:11 Motion to Table (DIV) 30:46 HB 1588-FN 31:23 HB 1598-FN-A 32:57 HB 1237-FN 33:29 ITL (DIV) 42:21 FA 0345h 43:20 OTPA 44:06 Motion to Reconsider HB 396 (DIV) 49:26 HB 1372-FN (RC) 53:36 HB 1068 53:55 OTP (RC) 1:01:55 ITL 1:02:33 HB 1520-FN-A 1:02:48 OTP (DIV) 1:15:40 ITL 1:16:57 CACR 23 1:17:11 OTP (RC) 1:37:51 HB 1002 (RC) 2:15:09 Announcements 2:16:49 Lunch Recess until 1:30 pm 3:45:49 HB 1005-FN 3:47:08 HB 1248 -FN 3:47:26 Motion to Indefinitely Postpone (RC) 3:50:19 HB 1230 (DIV) 4:03:19 HB 1398 4:03:50 HB 1499 4:05:08 CACR 13 4:05:34 FA 0385h (RC) 4:18:50 OTP (RC) 4:21:06 Motion to place debate on CACR 13 in Permanent Journal 4:21:25 HB 1179-FN 4:22:27 HB 1338 (RC) 4:33:15 HR 21 (DIV) 4:41:46 HB 1391-FN (DIV) 5:02:35CACR 20 5:03:07 Motion to Indefinitely Postpone (DIV) 5:08:43 HR 20 (RC) 5:15:18 HB 1447-FN (DIV) 5:27:04 Third Reading 5:27:40 Announcements 5:30:36 Unanimous Consent – Rep. William Boyd 5:33:39 Motion to Print Remarks of Rep. Boyd in Permanent Journal 5:33:48 Recess to Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., 928, house, all, 2.2.40, 2.1.47
TX
Transcript Highlights:
  • HR number twenty-six by Hinojosa, Michael Rye. HR number twenty-seven by Hinojosa, Elena Cantu.
  • Michael Lee Russell. HR number fifty-nine by Lopez, Cameron.
  • H.R. number forty-four by Meyer, William Michael "Mike" Harbor.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

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

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Michael J. Rodrigues. No. Michael J. Rodrigues. Michael F. Rush. Karen E. Spilka. No. No.
  • Michael J. Rodrigues. No. Rebecca L. Rausch: No. Michael J. Rodrigues: No. Michael F. Rush: Yes.
  • Michael O. Moore: Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor: Yes. Michael J. Rodrigues: No. No. Yes. Michael J.
  • Michael L. O'Connor. No. Rebecca L. Rausch? No. Michael J. Rodrigues. Michael F. Rush. No. No.
  • Michael J. Barrett. Michael D. Brady. No. No. William and Browns, Michael D. Brady? No. William N.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Senate resumed debate on Senate No. 2696, An Act Regarding Free Expression, a bill addressing challenges to books and other library materials in school and public libraries. Senators supporting the bill argued it protects free expression and gives students, parents, guardians, and others a court path to challenge removals, while opponents raised concerns about parental rights, school control, and the scope and timing of the review process. Several speakers also emphasized the broader context of book bans and the impact on authors, librarians, and students. A number of amendments were considered. Amendment 4, offered by Senator Creem, was adopted and extended standing to authors and creators to challenge removals of their works, including in municipal libraries. Amendment 5, by Senator DiDomenico, was adopted and limited who may initiate challenges to those connected to the school community. Amendment 6, by Senator Comerford, was adopted to require that challenged materials be considered in their entirety. Amendment 8, by Senator Tarr, proposing parental notification of challenges, was rejected after a roll call. Subsequent Tarr amendments on parental opt-out, reporting, public process, and written policy were also rejected, while Amendment 19, requiring written reasons when librarians remove outdated or successor materials, was rejected as well. Amendment 7, a Ways and Means amendment, was adopted. The Senate then ordered the bill to a third reading and passed it to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 35 in favor and 3 against. The chamber also adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11:00 a.m., and then adjourned.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

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

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Michael J. Rodrigues. No. Michael F. Rusch? No. Michael F. Michael J. Rodrigues? No. Michael F.
  • Michael F. Rush votes no. Michael F. Rush votes no. Michael F. Rush votes no. Julian Cyr votes no.
  • Michael J. Barrett. No. Michael D. Brady. No. No. Michael D. Brady? No. No. Brendan P. Crighton?
  • Michael F. Rush votes no. Michael J. Barrett. No. No. Michael D. Brady. No. Michael D. Michael J.
  • Michael J. Barrett. No. Michael D. Brady. No. Michael D. Brady. Michael J. Barrett? No. No.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Senate considered a comprehensive immigration-related bill, the Protect Act (House No. 5316), with extensive debate focused on limiting civil immigration enforcement in sensitive locations and protecting immigrants, victims, workers, and public institutions. Supporters argued the bill would reduce fear in schools, hospitals, courts, child care settings, and other community spaces, while preserving criminal law enforcement and public safety cooperation. Several senators also emphasized the economic and community contributions of immigrants, and some spoke from personal or district experience about fear, school enrollment declines, and impacts on health care and daily life. A number of amendments were debated. Amendment 6, offered by Senator Kennedy, was adopted to extend protections to DDS facilities and disability-related care settings, with supporters stressing the importance of protecting immigrant caregivers and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Other adopted amendments included Amendment 7 on effective dates, Amendment 34 adding residential schools/programs as safe spaces, Amendment 10 on courthouse curtilage, Amendment 13 protecting health care workers from retaliation, Amendment 20 establishing an immigration commission with minority-party representation, and Amendment 69 as a corrective/technical amendment. Many other amendments, largely offered by Senator Tarr and others, were rejected, including proposals concerning 287G agreements, detainers, civil arrests, court authority, and legal defense funding; several amendments were also withdrawn. The chamber took multiple roll-call votes on contested amendments. Amendment 59 on 287G funds was defeated 5-34, Amendment 63 on status information tied to criminal offenses was defeated 7-32, Amendment 67 on felony detainers was defeated 10-29, and Amendment 75 on state-funded legal defense programs was defeated 5-34. After amendments were completed, the Senate adopted the Ways and Means recommendation, ordered the bill to a third reading, and then passed it to be engrossed by a 37-3 vote. The Senate later rejected a House amendment, appointed a conference committee, and adjourned to meet again the following Monday at 11:00 a.m.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session (Full Formal without Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Michael J. Barrett. Erin E. Spilke. Yes. Michael J. Barrett. Michael D. Brady. Yes. William N.
  • Michael J. Rodrigues. Michael F. Rush. Bruce E. Tarr. John C. Velis. Senator Creem.
  • Michael J. Rodrigues. Michael F. Rush. Bruce Tarr. Yes. Yes. John C. Velis. Yes. Michael J.
  • Michael J. Rodrigues. Michael J. Rodrigues. Michael F. Rush. Bruce Tarr. Yes. Yes. John C. Velis.
  • Michael O. Moore. Yes. Michael J. Rodrigues. Yes. Michael J. Rodrigues. Yes. All set? Mm-hmm.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, adopted two resolutions recognizing the town of Sturbridge on the nation’s 250th anniversary and congratulating Zachary Erich on becoming an Eagle Scout, and then took up several committee reports and extension orders. The chamber suspended rules multiple times to act immediately on committee extensions for Financial Services and State Administration and Regulatory Oversight, and it referred a House petition on cleft lip and cleft palate treatment to Financial Services. Members also adopted an order extending the Financial Services committee’s reporting deadline on credit union and mortgage financing matters. The Senate then considered and passed House No. 4361, a bill on teacher retirement benefits, after extensive debate in support of a one-time window for certain teachers who were excluded from Retirement Plus due to administrative errors. Senators described the measure as a long-overdue fix for more than 8,500 educators, noting that eligible teachers would have to pay the difference in contributions. The bill was ordered to a third reading, passed to be engrossed by a 39-0 roll call, and sent on for further action. The chamber also passed Senate No. 3106 on toxic-free medical devices and Senate No. 3107 on commercial interior design licensure, both after supportive remarks about patient safety and professional regulation. A major item was the conference committee report on H. 5280, the FY26 fair share supplemental budget. Supporters highlighted funding for municipal winter relief, MBTA operations and capital needs, education initiatives, housing incentives, home heating assistance, and collective bargaining agreements, while opponents raised concerns about MBTA subsidies, legal defense funding, and tax policy implications. After roll call, the report was approved by a 37-3 vote. The Senate also adopted the emergency preamble and passed H. 5470, the FY26 supplemental appropriations bill, and later enacted local bills including Berkeley recall authority, a Milton school deadline extension, a Lexington parkland exchange, and long-term municipal roads and bridges financing. Near the end of the session, the Senate recognized guests from the Caribbean diplomatic corps and the Authentic Caribbean Foundation, who spoke about Caribbean American Heritage Month and partnership agreements with Massachusetts. The chamber then concurred in a House amendment to Senate No. 2563, a bill updating disability-related terminology in the general laws, with senators emphasizing the importance of person-first language and dignity for people with disabilities. The Senate adopted the emergency preamble and enacted the bill. The session concluded with an adjournment order to meet again the following Monday and with adjournment in memory of Richard Louis Volpe of Sturbridge.
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

February 5, 2026 - 04:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • . >> Vice Chair Michael: HERE. >> Ranking Member Campbell: HERE. >> Rep. Barnaby: HERE. >> Rep.
  • >> Chair Michaels: ALL RIGHT.
  • THANK YOU. >> Chair Michaels: I WILL ALLOW THE QUESTION.
  • THANK YOU. >> Chair Michaels: THANK YOU.
  • THE VOTE. >> Chair Michaels: YES. >> Ranking Member Campbell: YES. >> Rep.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:04 am

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Michael J. Barrett. Michael D. Brady, no. William M. Brownsburger, no. Nick Collins. Joanne M.
  • Michael O. Moore votes now.
  • Michael D. Brady votes no.
  • Michael J. Barrett. Michael D. Brady. No. Nick Collins. Joanne M. Comerford. No.
  • Michael J. Barrett. Michael D. Brady? No. Nick Collins. Joanne M. Comerford? No.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Senate continued debate on a package of amendments to its rules, with many proposals focused on floor procedure, transparency, attendance, remote participation, and budget timing. Several amendments were debated at length, including changes to the dilatory timeline for laying matters on the table, reporting Senate procurements, electing Senate counsel, requiring best efforts for in-person attendance, identifying whether members vote remotely, and adjusting deadlines for budget documents and amendments. Most of the procedural and transparency amendments were rejected, while a few were adopted, including an amendment allowing another minority caucus member to call a caucus if the minority leader is absent, a change to the filing deadline for amendments on Thursday-dated bills, and a corrective amendment from Senator Lovely. An amendment to create a Senate Committee on Reproductive Rights and Freedom was also offered and supported in debate but was not adopted. The Senate also adopted amendments extending the time for members to receive the Senate Ways and Means General Appropriations Act from five to seven days and increasing the minimum filing time for budget amendments from 48 to 72 hours. Another amendment requiring a two-thirds roll call vote to continue past 10 p.m. was rejected, as were proposals related to remote-vote designation and shortening the late-session tabled-bill rule from 14 days to seven days. The chamber briefly recessed several times during the amendment process, and votes were taken both by roll call and by voice vote, with many amendments failing on recorded votes. The Senate paused to honor Brockton Fire Captain Stephen A. Montero, who died after a battle with occupational cancer. Senator Brady offered a motion that the Senate adjourn in his memory, and members observed a moment of silence. The Senate then completed its formal business, adopted an order to reconvene the following Tuesday at 11:00 a.m., and adjourned in memory of Captain Montero.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

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

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Michael J. Rodrigues. No. Michael F. Rush. Bruce Tarr. Thank you. Michael J. Rodrigues. No.
  • Michael J. Rodrigues, yes. Michael F. Rush, yes. Yes. Yes. Michael F. Rush. Karen Spilka, yes. Yes.
  • Michael D. Brady votes yes. Yes. Michael D. Brady votes yes.
  • Michael J. Barrett. Michael D. Brady. Michael J. Barrett. Michael D. Brady. William M.
  • Michael O. Moore. Yes. Michael Montigny. Yes. Michael O. Moore. Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor. Yes.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Senate considered a series of amendments to a primary care health care bill and also took up a separate literacy bill. Several amendments were withdrawn, including one on artificial intelligence in health care and others related to cost controls, direct primary care, and provider studies. The Senate adopted amendments on preserving access to treatment for serious mental illness, modernizing the definition of primary care, clarifying payment rates for community health centers, excluding pharmaceutical spending from primary care expenditure calculations, and strengthening health equity reporting. Other amendments on rate bands, alternative payment systems, private equity reporting, scope of practice, and ownership disclosure were rejected. The Senate then approved the Ways and Means amendment and ordered the primary care bill to a third reading. The chamber also took up final passage of An Act Relative to Teachers Preparation and Student Literacy, with senators describing it as a long-awaited compromise focused on improving early reading outcomes. Supporters said the bill requires evidence-based K-3 literacy curricula, regular student screening and family notification, dyslexia screening protocols, professional development for teachers, and a free state-developed curriculum option. Senators emphasized the need to address declining third-grade reading proficiency and equity gaps. The bill passed to be enacted by a unanimous roll call and was sent to the Governor. After the literacy bill, the Senate returned to the primary care bill, where senators again debated cost containment, innovation, and access. The final version included the adopted amendments and was passed to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 35-4. The Senate then adopted an adjournment order and recessed, adjourning in memory of Henry Thomas III, former Representative Ben Swan, and Mr. Dennis Frane.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Criminal Jurisprudence Apr 22nd, 2025

Criminal Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • Michael Morton.
  • But 30 actually does change Michael Morton. It changes things that are required in Michael Morton.
  • Which is the Michael Morton Act.
  • Unlike Michael Morton...
  • I practiced law before the Michael Morton Act and after the Michael Morton Act.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Michael O. Moore. Thank you. No. Mark C. Montigny. Michael O. Moore. Patrick M. O'Connor.
  • Michael J. Rodrigues. Michael F. Rush. Bruce T. Tarr: Yes. V. List. V. List.
  • Michael J. Rodrigues. Yes. Michael F. Rush. Bruce Tarr. No. No. John C. Velis.
  • Michael J. Rodrigues. Yes. Michael F. Rush. Michael F. Rush. Bruce Tarr. Yes. John C. Velis.
  • Michael F. Rush. Yes.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Senate considered a campaign finance and ballot question transparency bill, taking up a series of amendments. Several amendments offered by Senator Tarr were rejected, including proposals on safety-based redactions, standardized valuation/liability reporting, higher contribution limits, municipal ballot question reporting, tax-exempt entities in ballot campaigns, and post-election audits for all statewide elections. Amendments by Senators Rausch and DiDomenico were adopted, including late contribution reporting and retroactive reporting with an emergency preamble. Senator Feingold’s amendment to prohibit pay-per-signature arrangements for petition gathering was also adopted after a roll call vote. The bill, Senate No. 2898, An Act improving campaign finance reporting by state ballot question committees, was then passed to be engrossed by a 38-0 vote. The Senate next took up Senate No. 2903, An Act honoring Blue Star families, which would provide specialty license plates at no charge to the parent, child, or spouse of a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty. Senators spoke in support, emphasizing the sacrifice of officers and their families, including the recent funeral of Officer Stephen LaPorteur. The bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed by a 38-0 vote. The chamber also approved several committee extension orders. These extended deadlines for the Committees on Aging and Independence, Education, Public Service, and Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, with members noting the limited number of bills and the need for additional time to complete review, cost analysis, or respond to commission reports. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Tuesday at 11 a.m., dispensed with printing a calendar, and adjourned in memory of Stuart H. Altman.
VT

Vermont 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session - 2026-02-03 - 10:30AM

Vermont Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • > Dresser's To be clear, Michael Dresser's To be clear, Michael Dresser's qualifications<00:30
  • Our US attorney's office under Michael Our US attorney's office under Michael Dasher<00:41:01.119
  • nominated Christina Nolan and Michael nominated Christina Nolan and Michael Dresser.
  • opposite that failing to confirm Michael opposite that failing to confirm Michael Dresser<00:55:
  • > written<00:57:48.000> order Michael Dresser said a written order Michael Dresser said a
Keywords: 927, senate, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Michael J. Barrett. Michael D. Brady. Yes. William M. Brownsberger. Yes. Nick Collins. Joanne M.
  • Michael O. Moore. Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor. Yes. Jacob... call the roll. Michael J. Barrett.
  • Michael J. Barrett. Michael D. Brady? Yes. William N. Brownsberger? Yes. Nick Collins? Yes.
  • Michael J. Rodrigues: Yes. Michael F. Rush: Yes. Bruce Tarr: Yes. John C. Velis: Yes.
  • Michael J. Rodrigues: Yes. Michael F. Rush: Yes. Michael F. Rush: Yes. Michael J. Rodrigues: Yes.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Senate took up several committee reports, resolutions, and House messages, then moved through a series of bills on the calendar. Early action included adopting a Ways and Means order on Senate Bill 2549, which promotes student learning and mental health, by substituting a new draft and setting amendment deadlines and a second reading date. The chamber also adopted congratulatory resolutions for the Sport Fish Restoration Program’s 75th anniversary and the Hawthorn Hotel’s 100th anniversary, and suspended rules on a sick leave bank petition for a trial court employee and on a House bill validating a special election in Hardwick, which was ordered to a third reading. The Senate also adopted a motion to adjourn in memory of Peter Hayden Lapin of Springfield, a veteran and former public servant. The Senate then considered Senate Bill 137, renaming and updating references in the General Laws to replace outdated and offensive terms regarding people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Senators spoke at length in support of the bill, emphasizing respect, disability rights, and the work of advocates such as Melissa Riley and the Arc of Massachusetts. An amendment by Senator Creem replaced “hearing impaired” with “deaf or hard of hearing,” and a corrective amendment by Senator Lovely was also adopted. The bill was then passed to be engrossed by a unanimous 40-0 roll call. Next, the Senate considered Senate Bill 1034, which repeals archaic laws including sodomy-related provisions, the common nightwalker law, and the blasphemy statute, and creates a commission to review archaic laws going forward. Senators described the measure as a civil liberties and dignity issue, with particular attention to the misuse of the common nightwalker law against women and trans people and the historical injustice of blasphemy laws. Amendments were adopted to add the Supreme Court as a recipient of commission reports and to remove the crime of petite treason. The bill was then passed to be engrossed unanimously, 40-0. Finally, the Senate considered Senate Bill 2558, the “blue envelope” bill to improve interactions between police officers and people with autism spectrum disorder. Supporters said the voluntary program would help drivers and passengers with ASD during traffic stops and would be made permanent through the Registry of Motor Vehicles, with the State Police and advocacy groups involved. An amendment requiring in-service training by the Massachusetts Police Training Council was adopted, while a proposed yellow-dot amendment for older drivers with chronic illness was rejected 5-34. A Ways and Means amendment was then adopted, and the bill passed to be engrossed unanimously, 39-0. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm

Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Michael J. Barrett. Michael D. Brady. William M. Brownsberger. Yes. Nick Collins. Joanne M.
  • Michael J. Rodericks. Yes. Michael F. Rush. Mark. Liz Miranda. Yes. Mark C. Montigny. Yes. Yes.
  • Michael J. Roderick. Yes. Michael F. Rush. Yes. Michael J. Roderick. Yes. Michael F. Rush. Yes.
  • Michael J. Barrett. Yes. Yes.
  • Michael J. Barrett. Michael D. Brady. William M. Brownsberger. Yes. Nick Collins. Joanne M.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Senate began with routine formalities, then took up several final-passage and engrossment matters. It adopted emergency preambles for House Bill 1590, establishing a sick leave bank for Eric J. Iwanek, and House Bill 1024, authorizing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to provide sewer service to a parcel in Sharon. The Senate also passed to be enacted Senate Bill 2528, allowing Marblehead to establish fines related to parking violations, and adopted a pair of congratulatory resolutions. Later, it ordered several House bills to third reading, including measures for an additional off-premises alcohol license in Somerset and sick leave banks for David A. Russell and Jean McCarran, and concurred in a gubernatorial amendment to a vital statistics bill. The chamber then considered major committee reports and amendments on military and veterans issues. It advanced a Ways and Means substitute for a bill on free expression and a substitute for a bill on assault and battery upon a transit worker, placing both on the Orders of the Day. The Senate also debated and amended Senate Bill 2503, the EASE Act for military-connected families, with remarks emphasizing school stability for military children, special education continuity, juvenile justice transfers, and use of military protective orders in domestic violence cases. Several proposed amendments were withdrawn or rejected, including tax relief proposals for 100% disabled veterans, while an amendment requiring tracking of veteran suicides was adopted. The bill was then ordered to third reading and passed to be engrossed by roll call, 39-0. Another major item was Senate Bill 2501, clarifying the duties of the adjutant general. The Senate adopted a Ways and Means substitute and considered multiple amendments, including one withdrawn proposal on entry by non-federalized armed forces from other jurisdictions and another adopted amendment requiring recruit training on lawful orders; other amendments were withdrawn. The bill was then ordered to third reading and passed to be engrossed. The Senate also passed House Bill 3388, designating September 22 as Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day. Throughout the session, members also offered and adopted several adjournment motions honoring the lives and service of Judge Leslie E. Harris, former Newton Mayor Seyi Warren, and Anthony P. Dwingnan, and the Senate adjourned to meet again the following Monday at 11:00 a.m.