Video & Transcript Research : 'emergency declaration'
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MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Conference Committee on HF2563 5/18/25
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm disappointed that we lost funding for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as
- I'm disappointed that we lost funding for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as
- I'm disappointed that we lost funding for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as
- I'm disappointed that we lost funding for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence as
- the 250th anniversary of the Declaration the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of<00:32:07.919
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- use authorization declaration.
- Kennedy Jr. made a determination and a declaration of a potential public health emergency due to New
- This is emergency funding.
- But if it's emergency funding and I need to make a budget cut, where'd I go? Emergency funding.
- But if it's emergency funding and I need to make a budget cut, where'd I go? Emergency funding.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation Apr 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Some of this contract does address the ability for us to continue with emerging technology and aviation
- What we did prior to this, when this was an emergency action and we took this in 2024, we essentially
- There are also longstanding federal grant programs that, when a major disaster declaration is declared
- There are also longstanding federal grant programs that when a major disaster declaration is declared
- Their resources across the state, their emergency response resources, will continue.
Summary:
The subcommittee began by announcing a change in the agenda order, moving item 6 ahead of item 1 and then item 7, and noting there would be no votes taken on any items that day. Item 6 covered a proposed operational efficiencies control section for the Natural Resources Agency that would let multiple departments jointly fund landscape-scale or multi-jurisdictional projects and allow Finance to transfer climate bond funds to a lead state entity. The LAO said the proposal was reasonable but suggested the Legislature consider requiring summary notification on how it is used; Finance said it would consider that request.
Item 7 focused on the 2026-27 biodiversity and nature-based solutions spending plan. Finance and the Wildlife Conservation Board described the climate bond funding for habitat restoration, wildlife crossings, public access, tribal nature-based solutions, and related work, including $111 million proposed for WCB and $30 million for Salton Sea habitat and public access projects. The LAO supported the overall approach but flagged the San Andreas Corridor Program as an area where the Legislature may want to specify geographic priorities. Members discussed the pace of Salton Sea work and whether the proposed projects would count toward disadvantaged community goals.
Item 8 addressed Cal Fire’s aviation contract and staffing needs for wildfire response. Cal Fire said year-round fire activity, a larger and more complex aircraft fleet, and labor market pressures justified the proposed contract increase, including more mechanics, pilots, and maintenance support. The LAO recommended approval, saying the proposal addressed health and safety concerns. Members asked about contractor staffing, competition in the bidding process, and future technology for early fire detection and suppression.
The committee then took up item 1 on golden mussel containment. Fish and Wildlife described the invasive species’ spread in the Delta, the task force and response framework, and a request for eight new positions funded by Prop. 4 to support control plans, outreach, monitoring, research, and coordination with partners and law enforcement. Members pressed the department on whether the state should fund more direct decontamination infrastructure and grants to local water managers, and on the realistic goal of containing the mussel. The chair and several members emphasized the urgency of the threat and requested an itemized breakdown of the $20 million request. The hearing then moved to a broader LAO overview of wildfire prevention and response funding, where the LAO summarized the state’s funding mix and warned that ongoing wildfire resilience funding will likely decline as one-time bond and GGRF funds are exhausted, prompting discussion of long-term funding options and the balance between prevention, suppression, and community hardening.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Our property is used when there's an emergency in the area.
- Second, an undeveloped lot adjacent to an undersized lot with common ownership should only be declared
- Second, an undeveloped lot adjacent to an undersized lot with common ownership should only be declared
- Second, an undeveloped lot adjacent to an undersized lot with common ownership should only be declared
- A population based on nation of origin, of course, at that point there was a declared war.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a hybrid hearing on bills related to land use, zoning, permitting, municipal governance, and homelessness. Early testimony focused on a home rule petition for Ipswich to remove a residency requirement for a town manager, with supporters saying it would broaden the applicant pool and help fill a vacant permanent manager position. Another panel backed legislation to change the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission’s governance so ratepayers in surrounding communities would have representation, arguing the current board structure leaves many users without a voice in rate-setting and capital decisions.
Several housing and zoning bills drew testimony. Senator Keenan and the Home Builders and Remodelers Association supported a bill to toll the one-year period for acting on a variance while an appeal is pending, saying appeals should not consume the time needed to implement approved projects. Representative Murray and the Real Estate Bar Association also testified on broader zoning reforms, including changes to undersized lots, merger rules, hearing deadlines, appeals, and variance standards; they argued the proposals would reduce delay and uncertainty and help housing production. Committee members questioned whether shifting zoning appeals from de novo to closed-record review would limit new evidence, and the witnesses said the change would speed cases while preserving limited opportunities to supplement the record.
The committee also heard testimony on bills to end the criminalization of homelessness. Representatives, advocates, and shelter organizations said local camping bans and fines are counterproductive, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Grants Pass decision, and urged a statewide response centered on housing and public health rather than punishment. Other municipal bills included remote participation in open town meetings for Wayland and a statewide local option, Fairhaven and Mattapoisett charter changes, and Cambridge’s request to use automated parking enforcement and mail parking tickets. The hearing also included testimony supporting fairground zoning flexibility, a Shrewsbury solar siting bill, and an Inspector General bill clarifying county land disposition procedures by requiring written notice to DCAM and a defined response period. No votes were taken during the hearing.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Chronic Wasting Disease TF Jan 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So the result from that triggered our CWD response plan, which includes the formulation of a declaration
- of emergency.
- That declaration of emergency... The declaration of emergency is being finalized now.
- So while there'll be an effective date on that declaration of emergency, typically that effective date
- USDA declared an emergency. There was a national interagency task force created.
Summary:
The meeting began with roll call, adoption of the agenda, and approval of the prior minutes. The main presentation was from Julie Grenwald of Louisiana Hunters for the Hungry, who described the nonprofit’s protein donation programs, including freezer clean-out days, deer and fish processing partnerships, and a paused feral hog donation program that had collected about 3,500 hogs and 137,000 pounds of pork before funding ran short. She said the group has donated roughly 300,000 pounds of protein over two years, works with food banks and local agencies, and is protected under Louisiana’s Good Samaritan Law. Members asked about processor locations, exotic species, signage, sponsorships, and whether the program could expand to other invasive species or mobile drop-off options; Grenwald said expansion is possible if processors and funding are available.
The task force then received a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries update from Jonathan Bordelon on chronic wasting disease testing. He reported more than 2,800 samples collected and over 2,300 results returned, with nine positives total: eight in Tensas Parish and one confirmed in Concordia Parish on Richard K. Yancey WMA, which triggered preparation of an emergency declaration and future rulemaking to adjust the control area. He said harvest and sampling remain near record levels, most samples are voluntary, and the agency continues to monitor symptomatic deer reports and public submissions.
The final major presentation was from William McKinley of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, who gave a detailed overview of Mississippi’s CWD response. He said Mississippi has 529 detections across 18 counties, with prevalence rising from about one in 500 samples to about one in 80 statewide, and much higher in some counties. He described Mississippi’s surveillance system, targeted tags within three miles of positives, environmental sampling, feeder bans in CWD zones, and research showing contamination at feeders and in scrapes. He also discussed possible multiple strains, including one linked to the Wisconsin whitetail strain and another around Vicksburg/Issaquena, and said the disease appears to be expanding about 3.5 miles per year. Members asked about high-fence enclosures, live deer movement restrictions, baiting and feeding rules, hunter participation, and whether Louisiana should develop similar environmental testing capacity; no votes were taken on these issues, but members discussed possible future legislative or budget action.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 5, 2025 - 10:15 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- There are some agencies, some cities and counties, that even for emergent work, we do have to follow
- There are some agencies, some cities and counties, that even for emergent work, we do have to follow
- But also, I believe in some cases it depends on how that easement is declared, whether or not we actually
- there's a federal CFR that allows it, or there's other... ...it depends on how that easement is declared
- At the 10% or phase one stage, depending on the agency and how they declare it, we as a utility will
Summary:
The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee met with a quorum present and first heard HB 11 from Representative Robinson. The bill would address an unintended consequence in Florida’s municipal utility surcharge law by requiring the same water/utility rate for residents when a utility facility is physically located within one municipality but owned by another, rather than allowing the owning municipality to impose a 25% surcharge. The sponsor and several members described it as a fairness issue affecting residents who do not receive local tax support for the facility but still bear the surcharge. Public testimony included support from AARP and Miami-Dade County and opposition from North Miami Beach. The bill was reported favorably on an 18-0 vote.
The committee then held a panel discussion on utility use of public rights-of-way and utility relocation. Panelists from FDOT, county government, gas, water, electric, and communications sectors described the permitting process, noting that FDOT uses a detailed utility accommodation manual and that local governments may use permits, franchise agreements, or ordinances depending on the utility type. They emphasized that utilities often must coordinate early with agencies using long-range work programs and project plans, and that the process differs by utility and jurisdiction. Communications witnesses discussed Chapter 337 and the 60-day local permitting shot clock, while others noted the role of Sunshine State One Call in locating facilities before excavation.
A major focus was who pays for relocations when road or infrastructure projects require utilities to move. FDOT and several panelists said utilities generally bear the cost when they are in public right-of-way, with exceptions such as certain interstate/interchange projects and easement impacts. Utility representatives said relocations are often effectively new builds, can be costly, and are ultimately reflected in rates or customer costs. Members also asked about easements versus right-of-way, damage and disputes during construction, broadband workforce needs, and whether legislation could improve coordination. Panelists largely said the existing process works best when agencies, contractors, and utilities communicate early and continuously, and that more legislation may not be necessary compared with better planning, staffing, and use of technology.
NY
Transcript Highlights:
- problem with the machines, or as incidents like the sponsor points out in the memo, the governor can declare
- a state emergency in New York, pause elections, essentially, and add time to voting.
- Or, as incidents like the sponsor points out in a memo, the governor can declare a state emergency in
Summary:
The Elections Committee held its final meeting of the session, with Chair Senator Gonzalez thanking members and staff for their work. The committee considered several election-related bills, including a voter ID proposal, protections against voter challenges and purging, a measure to address election disruptions, sample ballot posting, absentee ballot deadline notices for students, military and overseas voting changes, and notice requirements for expired address confidentiality protections.
Senate Bill 2574, requiring government-issued photo ID to vote, drew opposition from Senators Walczyk and Myrie, who argued it would create barriers to voting and that there was no evidence of widespread voter fraud; the bill was reported from committee with opposition. Senate Bill 3233A, dealing with illegal voter purging and challenges, prompted extended discussion about citizenship verification, privacy of citizenship data, and whether information should be shared publicly; it was reported to the floor with Senators Borrello and Walczyk voting no. Senate Bill 4602A, on remedies for election disruptions, was discussed in terms of county and state board roles and bipartisan decision-making, and it was reported to the Finance Committee with a no vote from one member.
The remaining bills were advanced with little or no substantive debate: Senate Bill 6253A on posting sample ballots, Senate Bill 6259 on notifying students of absentee ballot deadlines, Senate Bill 6995 on voting by mail, Senate Bill 7689B on overseas military and special federal voters, and Senate Bill 9857 on notice when address confidentiality protections expire. Most were reported either to the floor or to the Finance Committee, and the meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Transportation Apr 1st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This would deem that the legislature finds this amendment would be and declares that this act fulfills
- This would deem that the legislature finds this amendment would be and declares that this act fulfills
- This is SB 1644 for our most frequent flyer, Senator Rodriguez, and this is on emergency vehicles.
- with—we're having blockage in our streets and worried about, like, public safety, firefighters, emergency
- Streets and worried about, like, public safety, firefighters, emergency vehicles coming through, et cetera
Summary:
The Transportation Committee took up several bills and amendments related to traffic safety, utilities, schools, and motor vehicle administration. Senator Pizzo’s SB 1782, as amended, expanded reckless driving per se to include certain high-speed behaviors; the late amendment removed impound language but kept mandatory court appearance, and the bill was reported favorably. Senator McLean’s SB 818 on utility relocation was amended to include an important state interest finding; after testimony from county groups opposing the cost shift to local governments and Charter Communications supporting the bill, it was also reported favorably.
The committee also approved SB 1644 on emergency vehicles, after a delete-all amendment broadened warning-signal use for volunteer firefighters, medical staff, and related vehicles. Senator Trumbull’s SB 1348 on DHSMV services was amended to streamline local delivery of motor vehicle services and remove certain fines, waiting periods, and CDL retesting provisions; it passed favorably with support from Florida Tax Collectors. Senator McLean’s SB 1188 on local governing authorities and charter schools drew the most debate, with supporters arguing local governments were using traffic and site-plan rules to block charter schools and opponents warning the bill would tie the hands of local governments and create a blanket preemption; it was reported favorably.
The committee then passed SB 636, which limits use of the far-left lane on high-speed roads except for passing, exiting, move-over compliance, or traffic conditions, and requires FDOT signage. Senator Arrington’s SB 1152 increased the Florida Wildflower specialty plate fee from $15 to $25 to raise more money for wildflower research and habitat programs; it was reported favorably. Finally, the committee unanimously recommended confirmation of multiple appointments to the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Central Florida Expressway Authority, Jacksonville Port Authority, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, and Florida Transportation Commission, and then adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs (01/23/2026)
State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Estonia emerged from economic reform.
- Um, so no one is declaring this isn't, no one's suggesting that we declare war on the United States or
- Um, so no one is declaring this that.
- <05:06:08.320>
independence own population to declare independence own population to declare - unconstitutional as was our declaration unconstitutional as was our declaration of<05:06:33.600>
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- They can also do an emergency assessment without a vote to cover the cost that came out of that emergency
- Now, if a tree fell on that pool and it cracked it, that's an emergency; they can still assess an emergency
- Now, if a tree fell on that pool and it cracked it, that's an emergency; they can still assess an emergency
- has been declared.
- has been declared.
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard several bills focused on health care planning, mental health court participation, homeowners association governance, groundwater enforcement, pet-policy disclosure in rentals, and post-disaster property speculation. SB 1088 would update California’s POLST and DNR laws by renaming POLST to Portable Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, allowing electronic signatures, clarifying who may sign on a patient’s behalf, and making clear that these forms are voluntary; it drew support from the Coalition for Compassionate Care and no opposition. SB 1242 would let original family petitioners participate in CARE Court for care coordination and information-sharing, while preserving judicial discretion to exclude them if harmful; supporters said it would improve treatment coordination, while Disability Rights California opposed it as coercive and a removal of patient consent. The committee advanced SB 1242 on a 7-0 vote, with the bill placed on call.
The committee also considered SB 1007, which would require more HOA budget transparency, disclosure of evidence for violations, and a lower cap on regular assessment increases without a homeowner vote. Supporters argued it would improve accountability and protect homeowners from steep fee hikes, while HOA industry groups warned it could undermine funding for insurance, maintenance, and other operating costs. Members raised concerns about the cap and the need for flexibility for large expenses; the bill passed 6-1 and was placed on call. SB 1364, as amended, would prevent a person convicted of sexual assault from obtaining custody or visitation of a child conceived from that assault, while preserving the possibility of voluntary co-parenting and aiming to qualify California for federal grant funding; it passed 8-0 and was placed on call.
Later, SB 997 would give the North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency lien authority to enforce fees and its groundwater sustainability plan, addressing an enforcement gap for a GSA created by special legislation rather than a joint powers agreement. It drew support from agricultural and county groups and passed 9-0, placed on call. SB 1296 would require landlords to disclose pet policies up front on applications, websites, and ads, and allow refund of an application fee if disclosure was not provided before payment; supporters said it would reduce wasted application costs and pet relinquishment, while rental housing groups said the ad disclosure requirements were impractical. The bill passed 8-0 and was placed on call. The final bill, SB 1090, was introduced to prohibit large property owners from making unsolicited purchase offers for five years in wildfire-disaster areas, responding to investor activity after the Eaton and Palisades fires; the author and a SAGE witness described it as a protection against disaster capitalism and predatory low offers to displaced residents.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- They can also do an emergency assessment.
- Now, if a tree fell on that pool and it cracked it, that's an emergency; they can still assess an emergency
- Now, if a tree fell on that pool and it cracked it, that's an emergency; they can still assess an emergency
- has been declared.
- has been declared.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Bill 38 is declared passed. Clerk will Bill 38 is declared passed.
- Bill 246 is declared passed. Clerk will Bill 246 is declared passed.
- House Bill 264 is declared passed. Clerk House Bill 264 is declared passed.
- constitutional majority is declared constitutional majority is declared passed,<01:35:13.360>
- We have a are declared passed.
Summary:
The Senate convened on the final day of session, heard an invocation, recognized guests and pages, and outlined a tentative plan for multiple sessions and breaks through the day. The chamber then took up several messages between the Senate and House, including a refusal to concur in House amendments to Senate Bill 311 on the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and the appointment of conferees, as well as a House message on House Bill 9007 establishing a conference committee on third-degree assault.
The Senate also considered a series of second-reader bills. House Bill 6, requiring MHEC to collect data on pregnant and parenting students, was amended to exempt Maryland Global Campus and limit certain provisions to public senior higher education institutions and community colleges before being ordered to third reading. House Bill 182, concerning replacement of faithless electors, was amended to conform with Senate Bill 237 and then passed. House Bill 575, creating excused absences for student civic engagement, drew the most discussion; senators asked about the definition of civic engagement, county discretion, and whether students could use the bill for repeated protests. The floor leader explained that county boards would retain discretion and that the bill would not require weekly absences. The bill’s two amendments were adopted and it was sent to third reading.
Additional measures passed with little or no opposition. House Bill 640 revised boards, commissions, and reporting requirements; House Bill 1335 required an independent study of IT and cybersecurity staffing and pay; House Bill 587 created a work group to review transportation procurement procedures; House Bill 854 established a nonpublic special education school renovation program; and House Bill 898 adjusted economic development provisions, including VLT proceeds and film tax credit language, after questions about the general fund impact. The Senate also advanced House Bill 1247 on Prince George’s County tax increment financing for an immersive entertainment venue, with amendments making it an emergency bill and addressing zoning and outdoor advertising issues.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Agriculture Committee Jul 2nd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Do we have declarations for municipalities? Do we have tribal support?
- Do we have declarations for municipalities? Do we have tribal support?
- so, critical infrastructure serving as backbones of that emergency network.
- Mine are all used for emergencies.
- We do emergency management. We do community events. We do all of these things.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Agriculture heard three bills. SB 18 by Senator Rubio would create a Food Desert Elimination Grant Program at CDFA to help open or improve grocery stores in food desert communities. Supporters said it would improve access to healthy food, create jobs, and help underserved neighborhoods; opponents argued it could favor large chains, lacked community input and accountability, and should better prioritize tribal, BIPOC-owned, and community-led retail. Committee members raised concerns about population thresholds, community engagement, and long-term commitments, and the author said the bill could be strengthened with guardrails. SB 18 passed 7-0 and was sent to Appropriations.
SB 312 by Senator Umberg would require out-of-state shippers of dogs to electronically submit health certificates to CDFA and make them available to buyers and enforcement agencies, aiming to improve consumer protection and traceability in the puppy import pipeline. Supporters from animal welfare and humane organizations said the bill would help stop sick or misrepresented puppies from entering California and give investigators a central record. Members asked about privacy and enforcement, and the author indicated amendments could address consumer privacy concerns. The bill passed unanimously and was sent to Appropriations.
SB 493 by Senator Becker would change how compensation is set for secretary managers of district agricultural associations and fairgrounds, shifting salary-setting authority to CDFA and requiring periodic salary surveys. Supporters said fairgrounds are critical emergency-response and community facilities and that the bill would help recruit and retain qualified leaders with fairer pay. Some members expressed concern about local control and appointment delays, but clarified the bill only addressed salary, not appointments. SB 493 also passed unanimously and was sent to Appropriations.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, May 20, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- “Look, Congress has the sole authority to declare war.
- “Look, Congress has the sole authority to declare war.
- “Look, Congress has the sole authority to declare war.
- “Look, Congress has the sole authority to declare war.
- I don't understand why my declare war.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Economic and Rural Development Jul 7th, 2025
Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- What happens with emergencies?
- None of them have an emergency response capability.
- This is about as close as we can get to emergency response within our Bureau.
- Here's the caveat: for a presidentially declared disaster.
- emergency authorization to do under our program.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The emergency response grant rejection rate is at about 71%.
- <00:16:19.120>
response funding requested for emergency response funding requested for emergency - We look forward to working on some Declaration of 250.
- We look forward to working on some Declaration of 250.
- And then for the emergency grant, line.
Bills:
HF4148
Keywords:
Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, Outdoor Heritage Fund, executive director, natural resources, conservation, wetlands, prairies, forests, wildlife habitat, fish and game, bipartisan hiring, interview panel, legislative branch, Minnesota Statutes 97A.056, administrative expenses, nonpartisan staff, council governance, environment and natural resources
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Feb 12th, 2025
Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Transcript Highlights:
- The increased weights during the COVID-19 declaration of local and national states of emergency that
- When those declarations... When those declarations expire, the additional weights stop.
Keywords:
weight limits, trucking regulations, transportation, enforcement authority, portable scales, SB64, Alabama, state waters, public waters, aquatic plants, aquatic vegetation, lake management, waterway maintenance, environmental regulation, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, DCNR, commercial contractors, vegetation removal, mowing aquatic plants, uprooting plants
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, April 29, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:19:00.080>
food promising publicly that emergency food promising publicly that emergency - I yield back. emergency food aid." We do not have the emergency food aid."
- 57.200>
will <08:04:57.440>be Medicaid, emergency rooms will be Medicaid, emergency rooms - , Babin just quoted Psalm 33:12 declares, Babin just quoted Psalm 33:12 declares, "Blessed<09:14:
- <09:30:01.200>
of signer of the Declaration of signer of the Declaration of Independence,<
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, February 11, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Water takings like happening in my district in Northern California, where an emergency drought declaration
- Water takings like happening in my district in Northern California, where an emergency drought declaration
- Water takings like happening in my district in Northern California, where an emergency drought declaration
- So, I mean, that you say you need this emergency authority—you have the authority.
- We had bipartisan emergency workers. We had people from the Bush administration.
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Clerk, read majority declared passed.
- constitutional majority, is declared constitutional majority, is declared passed.<02:36:06.000><
- constitutional majority declared passed. constitutional majority declared passed.
- Clerk will majorities declared passed.
- Clerk, read majority declared passed.
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation by Rabbi Ari Goldstein, whose remarks were journalized at the request of the senator from District 33. The chamber then recognized the doctor of the day, Dr. Maryann Lamont, for her 50 years in medicine and her work in neurology and stroke care, and also thanked a legislative aide, Samantha Briggs, who is leaving for law school. The presiding officer noted a quorum was present and moved into the day’s floor work.
The Senate handled several messages and committee reports, including a conference committee appointment on Senate Bill 18, which concerns provisional social work licensure. In Finance, the chamber advanced Senate Bill 246 on Health Services Cost Review Commission member terms, Senate Bill 370 on acupuncture board revisions, Senate Bill 564 creating a Division of Data Protection in the Attorney General’s office and a related work group, Senate Bill 782 on telecommunications infrastructure protections, Senate Bill 808 on health insurance provider panel requirements, Senate Bill 849 on agricultural equipment warranties, Senate Bill 867 on the Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission, and Senate Bill 982 on mutual insurance holding companies converting back to mutual insurers. Most of these bills were reported favorably with technical or conforming amendments, which were adopted without objection, and each was ordered printed for third reading.
The committee also considered several House bills with Senate cross-files or identical measures. These included House Bill 118 on money transmitter licensing, House Bills 339 and 512 on Anne Arundel County Board of License Commissioners compensation, House Bill 1100 on telecommunications infrastructure protections, House Bill 1395 on agricultural equipment warranties, House Bill 1473 creating Maryland’s Future Board, House Bill 226 on Department of Disabilities housing programs, House Bill 278 codifying the Longevity Ready Maryland plan, and House Bill 746 on collaborative care model coverage and cost-sharing limits. In each case, the committee reports were adopted, amendments were approved where offered, and the bills were advanced to third reading or passed for third reading, with no recorded opposition on the floor.