Monday, March 3, 2003.

Met according to adjournment, at eleven o’clock A.M., in an Informal Session, with Mr. Hall of Westford in the Chair (having been appointed by the Speaker, under authority conferred by Rule 5, to perform the duties of the Chair).

Prayer was offered by the Reverend Robert F. Quinn, C.S.P., Chaplain of the House, as follows:

God, Our Creator, this moment of prayer offers us an opportunity to thank You for the spiritual and material blessings which You give us daily. We are grateful, too, for Your personal concern and guidance on our journey through life. In Your goodness, inspire us to select those options and choices which enable us to enjoy a successful life and to reach our final destiny with You. Without Your assistance, we are not equal to our tasks. In carrying out our responsibilities, teach us to be just and fair in exercising our legislative power, respectful in recognizing the human and civil rights of all, compassionate in dealing with people in need and ethical in resolving moral issues. At all times, may we be faithful to You, our ideals and principles.

Grant Your blessings to the Speaker, the members and employees of this House and their families. Amen.

At the request of the Chair (Mr. Hall), the members, guests and employees joined with him in reciting the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

Mr. Evangelidis of Holden then took the Chair and introduced the Wachusett High School cross country team, accompanied by their coach.

Mr. Hall of Westford having returned to the Chair,—

Resolutions (filed with the Clerk by Mr. George of Yarmouth) recognizing Donald “Don” B. Davidson of South Yarmouth, were referred, under Rule 85, to the committee on Rules.

Mrs. Harkins of Needham, for the committee on Rules, then reported that the resolutions ought to be adopted. Under suspension of the rules, on motion of Mr. Donato of Medford, the resolutions (reported by the committee on Bills in the Third Reading to be correctly drawn) were considered forthwith; and they were adopted.

Mr. Fennell of Lynn presented a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Robert F. Fennell, Thomas M. McGee and Steven Myles Walsh that the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance be authorized to transfer a certain easement under the control of the Department of Environmental Management in the city of Lynn to said city; and the same was referred, under Rule 24, to the committee on Rules.

By Mr. DiMasi of Boston, for the committee of conference on the disagreeing votes of the two branches, with reference to the Senate amendment (striking out all the text contained therein and inserting in place thereof the text contained in Senate document numbered 1927) of the House Order relative to the adoption of permanent Joint Rules 10, 11B, 12, 12A and 26A for the 2003-2004 General Court (House, No. 2005), reports recommending that the House recede from its non-concurrence in the Senate amendment and concur therein with a further amendment striking out the text contained therein and inserting in place thereof the text contained in House document numbered 2015; and that the Senate concur therein.

Placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting, the question being on acceptance.

On motion of Mr. Finneran of Boston,—

Ordered, That when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet on Wednesday next at one o’clock P.M.

At ten minutes after eleven o’clock A.M., on motion of Mr. Ruane of Salem (Mr. Hall of Westford being in the Chair) the House adjourned, to meet on Wednesday next at one o’clock P.M.