A Republican senator again prevented debate Friday on the Senate’s omnibus police reform bill, pushing consideration of the bill and its more than 100 amendments to a rare Saturday session. During an emotional exchange on the chamber floor, Sen. Sonia Chang- Diaz said that every day of delay means “we are choking the breath out of this bill.” Only three weeks remain before the scheduled end of formal legislative sessions. Also Friday, the Senate passed a bill to allow restaurants to offer to-go cocktails as a business boost in the coronavirus era. A $16.9 billion transportation bond bill was teed up for debate next Thursday with amendments due on Monday afternoon. The Senate gavels in again at 10 a.m. Saturday. – Sam Doran
