Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to make a couple of statements about the future direction that we hope to take if the committee
• If the committee is prepared to allow us to move forward, we would be going to the Transportation Committee
• Good afternoon, committee members.
• So to me, what I'm hoping the author and the Insurance Commissioner and this committee will be able to
• I hope will be discussed between now and as your bill moves forward and as this committee continues.

Committee: Senate Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• House Joint Memorial 10 is referred to the Agricultural Affairs Committee.
• House Bill 518 is referred to the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee.
• House Bill 519 is referred to the Revenue and Taxation Committee.
• by the Health and Welfare Committee, an act relating to health care, I don't know.
• House Health and Welfare Committee will meet Tuesday, January 27. Cannon, Chairman.

Transcript Highlights:

• Dresser and I hope you join us in solidarity. Thank you.
• Dresser and I hope you join us in solidarity. Thank you.
• Dresser and I hope you join us in solidarity. Thank you.
• Dresser and I hope you join us in solidarity. Thank you.
• </c> know it won't sound as clear, and I hope know it won't sound as clear, and I hope to<00:27:17.760

Transcript Highlights:

• Our desk is clear. on the adoption of the one committee on the adoption of the one committee amendment
• Uh question is on the one committee<00:13:00.720><c> amendment</c> committee amendment committee amendment
• </c><00:13:31.680><c> Any</c> objections from the committee. Any objections from the committee.
• Do we have any committees?
• Let's see any other standing committees, select committees. >> Uh yes, uh Senator uh Anonda delegation

Summary: The Maryland Senate met on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with a quorum present. The session opened with an invocation by Chaplain David Stadler, followed by journalization of his remarks and several introductions recognizing guests in the chamber, including dentists, an intern, a former legislative staffer, and representatives from the University System of Maryland and other groups. Senators also noted upcoming committee meetings and a Legislative Black Caucus photo the next day. The main floor action centered on a resolution honoring Maryland Career and Technical Student Organizations for Career and Technical Student Organization Week. The sponsor described the role of CTSOs in serving more than 12,000 students statewide and in building leadership, professional, and career skills. The resolution was read in full and adopted unanimously, with the Senate expressing congratulations and appreciation for the organizations’ work with young people. The Senate then took up layover items and calendar bills. Senate Bill 56, concerning Maryland Longitudinal Data Center external data sharing for multi-state reporting, was special ordered for one day after members raised privacy-related questions. Senate Bill 99, the Open Meetings Act/Local Board of Education Transparency Act measure, was also special ordered for one day after discussion of its committee amendment. The chamber also received administrative corrections from the Governor and referred them to the Executive Nominations Committee, and the majority leader later moved adjournment until February 19 at 10:00 a.m., which was adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Vice Chair Bankson, Ranking Member Antone, and committee members.
• Thank you, Madam Chair, members of the committee.
• And I've seen you in two committees here today, and I have to applaud you.
• And to the members of this committee, this is not a private versus public.
• And I do hope we can pass this bill. Thank you so much.

Summary: The Student Academic Success Subcommittee met with a quorum and heard four bills, all of which were reported favorably by unanimous votes. The chair opened with remarks about student performance and assessment, then the committee took up House Bill 1111 by Rep. Valdes, which would eliminate the certificate of completion for students who do not meet standard high school graduation requirements. Supporters argued the certificate is a meaningless “participation trophy” that can mislead students and families, while the sponsor said students would instead be pushed toward additional support, concordance testing, or other pathways to a standard diploma. Members raised questions about effects on ESE students, timing, and alternative pathways; the bill passed 17-0. The committee next approved House Bill 921 by Rep. Overdorf, which adds cursive writing instruction for grades 2 through 5 and defines cursive proficiency. The sponsor and supporters said cursive has historical, cognitive, and fine-motor benefits and helps students read signatures and historical documents. The bill also passed 17-0. After a brief recognition of visiting students, the committee heard House Bill 423 by Rep. Bartleman, which requires private schools participating in the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program to give parents written notice about which services in an IEP, 504 plan, ELL plan, or similar plan will be honored. Supporters framed it as a transparency and consumer-protection measure for families, especially those with children with disabilities; the sponsor emphasized it does not require private schools to provide specific services, only to disclose them. The bill passed 17-0. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 251 by Rep. Tendrich, which would recognize January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida. The sponsor and public witnesses described rising antisemitism, the importance of remembrance, and the need for education about the Holocaust. Members from both parties shared personal reflections and support, and a survivor’s letter was read into the record. The bill passed 16-0. At the end of the meeting, the chair noted the committee had gone four-for-four on unanimous support and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning, and welcome to the Appropriations Committee.
• This bill was unanimously approved on June 1st by the Assembly Transportation Committee, with committee
• Madam Chair, the Assembly Committee substitute for A-2218 and the first reprint of the Senate Committee
• I'll vote to release, but I'm very concerned, and I would hope that this committee can investigate that
• I'll vote to release, but I'm very concerned, and I would hope that this committee can investigate that

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Madam Chair, members of the committee.
• I'll go to the committee. Are there any questions?
• So this is a huge one, and I hope you'll support it.
• And this committee, well, lots of committees point out that Virgin has not met their targets.
• Be able to host committee meetings regularly.

Committee: House House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I hope the committee will again advance this critical legislation on a bipartisan basis.
• This is an interesting committee.
• Now, there were four or five new members of the committee, but every member of the committee two years
• That's why I hope that this committee supports the Halt Fentanyl Act, an act to permanently classify
• We've agreed, I think, as a committee, and we've done some pretty good work together as a committee,

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Good afternoon, members of the committee.
• Perhaps a great idea will emerge. >> I'm hoping so.
• Chairman, members of the committee.
• So, we have the chairwoman and the chairman from our education committee, the joint committee.
• I hope you have seen that the members of this committee truly want to bring education funding forward

Committee: Joint Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration

Transcript Highlights:

• , and heard in the committees.
• </c> committee, and heard in the committees. committee, and heard in the committees.
• </c> didn't make it out of committee. didn't make it out of committee.
• </c><00:23:50.159><c> that</c> conversely, do you have any hope that conversely, do you have any hope
• </c> make that work from the committee make that work from the committee process<00:24:57.760><c> all

Summary: House Republican leaders outlined their agenda for the tied legislative session, saying their priorities are to stop fraud, make Minnesota more affordable, safer, and more competitive, and reduce mandates while raising education standards. They highlighted several planned bills, including an independent inspector general (HF 1), a “Fraud Isn’t Free” measure to impose consequences on agencies and commissioners that allow fraud, and statutory guidelines for high-fraud-risk programs. They also said they want to lower health care costs through a permanent reinsurance program and cost defrayal for new mandates, study property tax increases, conform state tax law to federal changes on tips, overtime, and scholarship tax credits, and avoid any tax increases. On public safety, Republicans said they will pursue tougher penalties for repeat offenders and repeat gun crimes, judicial accountability, and a school safety package that would support public and nonpublic schools, school safety personnel, and facility improvements. In education, they emphasized school choice tax credits, reading proficiency, and curriculum focused on basic academic fundamentals. They also said they want to protect and expand mining, reform permitting, end the nuclear moratorium, and make the state more attractive to businesses. On housing, one member said they are working on a more targeted affordable housing package rather than a broad sweeping bill. A substantial portion of the discussion focused on immigration and cooperation with federal authorities. Republicans said they want a statewide framework for local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, referencing House File 16 and saying they are open to changes and bipartisan work. They argued that local and state cooperation would improve safety and prevent situations where criminal suspects are released into the community. They also said Democrats have blocked similar efforts in committee and on the House floor. In response to questions, leaders said there is no current appetite for sports betting, bonding will be discussed but there are no promises, and they do not support the 2024 omnibus bill model. They said they are not interested in vaccine mandates, but will consider Medicaid funding impacts and other health-related proposals if bills are introduced. They also said election integrity measures such as voter ID, provisional ballots, and voter-roll cleanup will remain priorities. Throughout, leaders said they expect a bipartisan process in the tied House and expressed hope that both parties can work together on some issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:30:55.200><c> amendment</c> committee amendment committee amendment um<00:30:56.880><c> to</c><00
• I hope you will. Thank you.
• It's one I'd hope to an ongoing issue. It's one I'd hope to have<00:57:25.440><c> resolved.
• So, I'm really hopeful about this.
• So, I'm really hopeful about this.

Committee: Joint Health Services

Transcript Highlights:

• It's our 10:02 a.m. joint committee agenda.
• ><c> and</c><00:36:10.640><c> culture</c> committees on transportation and culture committees on transportation
• We could certainly provide them to the committee if the committee could just provide the name of the
• Uh Deputy members of the committee.
• </c> respective subject matter committees respective subject matter committees prior.<01:02:35.680><c

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Summary: At a joint Senate hearing on SCR 198 and SR 178, the committees considered resolutions urging Hawaii insurers and the Hawaii Property Insurance Association to seek subrogation claims against polluters linked to worsening climate impacts and higher insurance costs. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with 47 written testimonies in support and additional oral support from former Honolulu chief resilience officer Josh Tamro. The committees recommended passage with amendments, narrowing the language to refer specifically to polluters who knowingly engaged in misleading and deceptive practices about the connection between their products and climate change, along with technical non-substantive edits. Both committees adopted the amended resolutions by vote. At a separate joint hearing on STR 226 and SR 201, which urged changes to Medicaid 1915 home and community-based services waiver eligibility criteria, supporters argued the current rules and administrative guidance were inconsistent and left some people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with mental health dual diagnoses, without proper access. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and Hawaii Disability Rights Center supported the intent but noted factual issues and said a memo from the department addressed only part of the problem, not the mental health-related concerns. After discussion, the chair concluded the resolution was not the best vehicle and deferred it, suggesting a more comprehensive bill would be needed. The Commerce and Consumer Protection committee also took up HB 799 HD2 SD1 on healthcare and recommended passage with amendments, including striking a written transfer-agreement requirement, shortening the sunset to June 30, 2028, removing a related timeline, and making technical corrections. In another joint hearing, SCR 222 and SR 197, which would have urged towing companies to have on-site ATMs for vehicle owners, drew opposition from the Office of Consumer Protection, which said Act 60 already requires credit and debit card acceptance and that ATMs could let companies evade the law. Members noted ongoing complaints and weak enforcement, and the chair recommended turning the issue into a task force for further study, with decision-making deferred because of quorum issues. The committee also heard several other resolutions: STR 57 and SR 41, urging Congress to create a national reinsurance program, received only supportive testimony; STR 70 and SR 54, calling for a pharmacy reimbursement working group, also drew support; and STR 123, proposing an attorney general-led landlord-tenant working group, received comments from the Attorney General’s Office suggesting a more appropriate lead agency and noting the Legislative Reference Bureau may be better suited to assist. No final adverse action was taken on those measures during the hearing segment described.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, the committee.
• Thank you for having me, Chair and members of the committee.
• I really wanted to live in the hope of the future.
• </c><00:27:00.320><c> and</c> invaluable hope and invaluable hope and opportunity<00:27:02.120><c> the
• </c> just wanted to highlight for committee just wanted to highlight for committee members<00:45:39.440

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, members of the committee.
• I hope it works.
• So I hope that it does this.
• Seeing none, let's come back to our committee. Questions or comments from the committee?
• Committee? Yes, ma'am. Okay.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 296, which would double New Mexico’s working families tax credit. The sponsor said the bill would increase work incentives, reduce poverty, and could provide families up to about $1,900 more per year, with benefits concentrated among families with children and lower earners. Public testimony from advocacy groups and faith organizations supported the bill. Members asked about foster family eligibility, age eligibility, refundability, and how the credit compared with a prior vetoed proposal. After discussion, a member moved to table the bill, and HB 296 was tabled. The committee then took up the committee substitute for House Bill 77, a tax credit for rehabilitating vacant or blighted buildings into affordable multifamily housing, with at least half of the credit reserved for rural New Mexico. Supporters from housing, business, construction, local government, and advocacy groups said it would expand housing supply, revitalize downtowns and vacant properties, and help rural communities. Members questioned the certification and recertification process, affordability requirements, and the role of the Mortgage Finance Authority. The sponsor asked to roll the bill to Friday so an amendment could be considered, and the committee agreed to roll HB 77 rather than vote on it. House Bill 275, authorizing revenue bonds for Hila Regional Medical Center to replace an aging linear accelerator used for radiation cancer treatment, was heard next. The sponsor and supporters said the equipment is essential for cancer care in southwest New Mexico and that patients would otherwise have to travel long distances for treatment. An amendment extending the bond term from 20 to 30 years was adopted after the New Mexico Finance Authority explained declining tobacco-tax revenues and the need to protect against default risk. The committee then gave HB 275, as amended, a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 285, as amended, which clarifies and streamlines the disabled veteran property tax exemption. The sponsor said the bill limits the exemption to a primary residence, clarifies how it applies to multiple owners, and gives veterans more time and clearer procedures to claim or protest the exemption while they await VA certification. County assessors and realtor representatives supported the measure, saying it would reduce administrative confusion and ensure eligible veterans receive the benefit consistently. The committee adopted the bill on a do pass motion. The meeting then adjourned with notice that work would continue on Friday.

Transcript Highlights:

• He has been an esteemed member of the committee for nearly 12 years.
• To my fellow members of this committee, I hope that you'll hear from me.
• As part of my responsibility as a member of this committee, as well as all the other committees on which
• And it has been, in the past, a very productive committee.
• It's great to join you on the Small Business Committee.

Committee: Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and committee members.
• I hope that helps.
• Members of the committee.
• Chair and members of the committee.
• Chair, I hope I asked that. I hope that makes sense. I think I understood your question.

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee then called the roll.
• Seeing none, committee members, back to the committee. Questions, comments, a motion.
• I’d like to begin by accepting the committee amendments and thank the chair and the committee staff for
• So I want to thank the committee staff for their hard work and accept the committee amendments.
• the committee amendments.

Committee: House Local Government

Summary: The committee began with housekeeping and then took up SB 753 by Senator Cortese, a bill to update California’s shopping cart recovery law. The author and supporters from San Jose, the League of California Cities, counties, and water districts argued the bill would let local governments retrieve abandoned carts immediately, return them directly to retailers, and recover documented costs, rather than storing carts for 30 days. Retail groups and grocers opposed the measure, saying carts are stolen property, that the bill could create a new revenue stream for cities, and that retailers should retain a first right of retrieval without added fees. Members debated notice periods, cost caps, and local control, and the author agreed to continue working on amendments. The committee adopted the bill as amended and passed it 6-0. The committee then heard SB 445 by Senator Wiener, which would speed up third-party permits and approvals for high-speed rail projects. The author said the bill was narrowed from an earlier broader transit proposal and now focuses on requiring early engagement, clear rules, and binding arbitration to prevent utilities, cities, and other entities from delaying a state-approved project. Supporters said permitting delays add major costs and can hold projects hostage; opponents from utilities, cities, counties, telecoms, and special districts said they were concerned about impacts on safety, reliability, affordability, and local authority, though many said they were willing to keep working on amendments. The committee sent SB 445 to the Utilities and Energy Committee on an 8-1 vote. Finally, the committee heard SB 9 by Senator Wiener, a narrower housing bill dealing with accessory dwelling units. The bill would require local ADU ordinances to be submitted to HCD for review and would make state standards apply if a local agency fails to submit a compliant ordinance or respond to HCD findings within the required time. Supporters from housing and YIMBY groups said the measure would improve enforcement of state ADU law and prevent local barriers from slowing housing production. There was no opposition testimony, and the committee passed the bill 6-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• We've spoken for this committee before.
• Things that I would like to address, and I hope to highlight for this committee, is with regards to competency
• One of the things, Madam Chair, that I really think, I hope this committee will look at from a jail perspective
• Good afternoon, Chair Kolkhorst, Vice Chair Perry, members of the committee and the committee team.
• Thank you so much for Herman or Hope.

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for all the Select Committee on Native American Affairs and Joint Legislative Audit Committee
• Joint Legislative Audit Committee.
• Chair, and to both chairs for organizing this committee hearing today.
• of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, and tribal representatives.
• It's a heart thing, and I would hope they have a heart.

Summary: The joint hearing focused on the University of California’s compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and CalNAGPRA, based on the California State Auditor’s April 2025 report and updates from UC and tribal representatives. Committee members and tribal witnesses emphasized the moral urgency of returning ancestral remains and cultural items, criticized the lack of clear timelines and accountability, and noted that other institutions have repatriated collections more quickly. The State Auditor said UC still has major gaps in identifying collections, completing campus searches, setting measurable deadlines, securing items, and fully using repatriation funding; the auditor projected that some campuses could take until 2037, 2041, 2053, or even 2089 to finish at current rates, and said 12 of 19 audit recommendations remained open. The Native American Heritage Commission said progress has been too slow and that new CalNAGPRA enforcement regulations are being finalized. UC Office of the President and campus leaders responded that the university has made substantial changes since 2019, including a revised NAGPRA policy, expanded staffing, new committees with tribal representation, more consultation, and more financial support for tribes. UC said it has repatriated more than 9,000 ancestors, 280,000 associated funerary objects, and 59,000 other cultural items systemwide, and that it is continuing to implement audit recommendations and improve transparency through a repatriation dashboard and funding information. Berkeley, San Diego, Riverside, and Santa Barbara each described campus-specific progress, including more staff, more consultations, more site reviews, and updated timelines; Berkeley said it is on track to publish remaining ancestors by the federal deadline, San Diego said it has repatriated 73% of remains and about 53% of cultural items, Riverside said nearly all known ancestors and associated funerary objects have been noticed or repatriated, and Santa Barbara said it has restructured its program and added staffing and tracking systems. Members pressed UC on why timelines remain so long, why some campuses still lack clear completion dates, and whether the Legislature should use budget tools to increase accountability. The auditor suggested the Legislature could consider stronger funding conditions and clearer expectations, while some members noted constitutional limits on earmarking UC’s base budget. UC said repatriation must be tribally led, that consultation and reburial can take time, and that some delays stem from incomplete records, overlapping tribal claims, and the need to reunite items with ancestors. No formal vote or action was taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• the committee will vote favorably.
• We are again in strong support of this program and hope the committee will vote favorably.
• I hope the bill passes.
• I hope the bill passes.
• I hope you can answer this.

Committee: Senate Ways and Means