Transcript Highlights:

• Members, by a vote of 11 ayes and 16 no, so...
• 47, Section 5, repealing Section 8-8-11, 8,000, Section 5, Chapter 1227, Section 5, relating to the
• Section 5, repealing Section 8, 8, 11, 8,000, Section 5, Chapter 1227, Section 5, relating to the Department
• Secretary, record the vote: 18 ayes, 11 nays. The system is closed.
• Secretary, record the vote: 18 ayes, 11 nays, 1 not voting.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:02.480> Chair,<00:11:02.640> I<00:11:02.800> have<00:11:02.880> a<
• chair<00:11:24.399> for<00:11:24.560> the<00:11:24.720> Minnesota<00:11:25.200><
• <00:11:27.360> As<00:11:27.519> a<00:11:27.680> nurse<00:11:27.920> and
• <00:11:32.640> A<00:11:32.959> core<00:11:33.200> principle<00:11:33.600>
• :11:54.560> to<01:11:54.880> help<01:11:55.520> fix<01:11:56.400> uh<01:11

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:11:01.360> um<01:11:01.520> they're<01:11:01.840> taking<01:11:02.080>
• > and<01:11:05.520> I<01:11:05.840> think<01:11:05.920> that's<01:11:06.239
• :11:13.840> that<01:11:13.920> have<01:11:14.000> come<01:11:14.159> forward.
• > uh<01:11:25.120> either<01:11:25.520> led<01:11:25.840> by<01:11:26.080
• :26.800> of<01:11:26.960> revenue<01:11:28.000> or<01:11:28.960> um<01:11

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• consideration by the House: House Bill 2940, relative to police officers and firefighters relative to Chapter
• An act relative to police officers and firefighters relative to Chapter 41, Section 111F.
• An act relative to police officers and firefighters relative to Chapter 41, Section 111F.
• The clerk will read the order: that when the House adjourns today, it adjourns to Monday next at 11 o'clock
• The ayes have it, and the House stands adjourned to meet Monday next at 11 a.m. in an informal session

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House opened with routine business, including adoption of an order extending until December 3, 2025, the reporting deadline for the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. Members also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow a petition on legislation expanding access to the Family Self-Sufficiency Program to be sent to the Committee on Housing. In addition, the House accepted a Steering, Policy and Scheduling report placing House Bills 2940 and 4380 on the calendar and ordered both to a third reading. House Bill 2940 concerns police officers and firefighters under Chapter 41, Section 111F, and House Bill 4380 amends the Agawam charter to remove a reference to the Board of Appeals. The House then took up several bills released from the Committee on Bills in Third Reading and passed them to be engrossed: House Bill 2313, relative to the regional commissions on the status of women; House Bill 3911, amending the charter of the town of Millis; House Bill 4276, reauthorizing Swansea to issue additional on-premises alcohol licenses; and House Bill 4287, authorizing West Springfield to grant four additional off-premises alcohol licenses. A bill authorizing the town of Avon to appoint a town clerk was amended by substitution at the request of Representative Walsh and then passed to be engrossed as amended. The House also observed a moment of silent tribute requested by Representative Beal in memory of John Jack Lennahan, a South Boston native and Korean War veteran who worked for Boston Public Schools for nearly 40 years. Finally, the House adopted an order to adjourn to Monday at 11:00 a.m. and then adjourned in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, can I speak<00:11:05.200> just<00:11:05.360> briefly<00:11:05.760> on<00:11:
• <00:11:07.920> This<00:11:08.079> is<00:11:08.240> such<00:11:08.399> an<
• > that<00:11:16.320> may<00:11:16.560> interact<00:11:17.040> with<00:11:
• <00:11:20.560> or<00:11:20.720> four<00:11:20.959> different<00:11:22.240>
• <00:11:36.720> So,<00:11:37.200> um,<00:11:37.519> I<00:11:37.760> think<

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Calendar/2nd Readings 04:07 Orders of the Day 05:07 HB 144 05:15 HB 3 08:27 HB 290 12:34 HB 84 14:53 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 40:12 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 45:19 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 46:20 ConC/Rules Report 48:12 Floor Amendments 49:42 Adjournment 50:05, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with 93 members present, approved the previous day’s journal, and reported several bills on second reading, including measures on elections, retired police officers, the Kentucky Communications Network Authority, local government, mental health facilities, prescription drugs, Alzheimer’s services, and electric generating unit decommissioning costs. The chamber then moved to floor action on several bills. House Bill 144, relating to motor vehicle titles, was taken up first. A House Committee Substitute was adopted, and members discussed that the bill would let insurance companies avoid forfeiting titles for cosmetic damage such as hail damage while still requiring payment for the damage. The bill passed 94-0, and the clincher was applied. House Bill 3, relating to Medicaid reimbursement for pharmacist services, was then explained as allowing Medicaid to reimburse pharmacists for services they already provide, such as strep testing, immunizations, and medication management, without expanding Medicaid or scope of practice. Supporters said it would improve access, especially in rural areas, and the bill passed 93-0, followed by the clincher. House Bill 290, concerning county law libraries, was explained as allowing local bar associations to use their funds for electronic legal research tools, including online subscriptions, computers, and internet access, rather than only books. It passed 94-0 and the clincher was applied. House Bill 84, on local government liability for failure to protect property during riots, generated the most debate. Supporters said it would make the law uniform across jurisdictions and hold governments accountable when they have notice and the means to act but do not; opponents raised concerns about outdated language, possible vigilante implications, and fiscal impact. A floor amendment adding an emergency clause was adopted 81-8, and the bill then passed as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:02.399> chapters<00:11:02.800> look members of the Alabama chapters look members
• of the Alabama chapters look forward<00:11:03.200> to<00:11:03.360> a<00:11:03.600>
• > laws<00:11:09.360> are<00:11:09.600> passed<00:11:09.920> that<00:11:10.160
• ><00:11:16.959> be<00:11:17.120> it<00:11:17.279> resolved<00:11:17.600> by
• <01:11:02.000> I<01:11:02.159> I<01:11:02.400> got<01:11:02.560> it.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The definition within Chapter 32 of who qualifies for that bonus is really stuck in the dark ages.
• a chance to look at what the federal definition is compared to what our current statute is under Chapter
• which made it very, very, very... ...which very many of our National Guardsmen were doing during 9/11
• And what it does is it provides in the new section of Chapter 32 that any condition or impairment of
• On the other hand, they also have not gone along with Chapter 32.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a range of public retirement and municipal health insurance bills. Mass Retirees and the American Federation of Teachers supported House 2890/Senate 1848 on transparency in municipal health insurance, arguing that broker and consultant roles should be clearly defined, commissions disclosed, and dual roles prohibited to reduce conflicts of interest and costs. They also supported House 2799/Senate 1848 on protecting municipal retirees from future premium contribution increases, House 2854 on voting rights for surviving spouses in retirement board elections, and Senate 1917 on updating the definition of veteran for retirement purposes. Committee members discussed whether the veteran definition should simply conform to the federal definition going forward. Educators testified in support of House 2769/Senate 1921, which would allow teachers with at least 20 years of service to buy back creditable service for periods when they worked part-time while raising children. Multiple teachers described the financial and retirement penalties they experienced after stepping down to part-time work for child care, calling the current system inequitable and a “mom tax.” Sponsors and supporters said the bill is intended to correct that disparity and help retain teachers, while one committee member noted it appeared neutral on an actuarial basis. The committee also heard strong support for Senate 1908, which would raise the cap on outside income for public pension recipients, from retired State Police troopers who said the current limit is outdated and unfair to those forced into disability retirement after line-of-duty injuries. Another State Police representative supported House 2910 on state police pensions, citing recruitment and retention problems under current pension rules. In contrast, Hampden County Regional Retirement System officials and the Massachusetts Association of Contributory Retirement Systems opposed House 2745, a bill to restructure the Hampden County system’s governance, arguing it would weaken PERAC oversight and create an unworkable local system. They instead supported House 2813, which would extend the time to fill a vacant fifth member seat on retirement boards. At the end of the hearing, the committee voted to adjourn the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent the Florida chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
• I was the author of the original Chapter 492 back in 1986. It was passed in '87.
• I'm licensed in 11 other states. I understand this process very well.
• I represent the American Society of Landscape Architects, Florida Chapter.
• I represent the American Society of Landscape Architects, Florida Chapter.

Summary: The committee first took up a local beverage-license bill for the World Equestrian Center in Marion County. The sponsor described the facility’s size, economic impact, and rapid expansion, and explained that the bill would direct DBPR to issue a special license for qualifying equestrian sports facilities. After questions about whether the carve-out would set a precedent for other businesses, the sponsor said the unique facts of the facility justified the bill. An amendment narrowed the off-premises alcohol authority so the license would allow beer and wine only for off-premises sales, while still allowing on-premises sales of all alcoholic beverages and a standalone bar on the premises. The amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 16-1, with Representative Rayner voting no. The committee then heard PCS for HB 1461, a broad regulatory-reform bill that would repeal continuing education requirements for certain licensed professionals, eliminate several boards/councils/commissions at DBPR and DACS, remove some secondary licenses, and expand licensure pathways. The sponsors argued that most complaints are already handled administratively, that the boards create bureaucracy and cost, and that the bill would improve efficiency without changing initial licensure standards. Members raised concerns about whether DBPR has the subject-matter expertise to replace professional boards, especially for engineering, harbor pilots, electrical work, home inspection, architecture, interior design, and related fields, and about whether removing continuing education could weaken public safety and code compliance. Public testimony on the PCS was mixed but leaned strongly against the bill from affected professions. Opponents from architecture, electrical contracting, home inspection, geology, interior design, real estate, and related groups argued that the boards provide technical expertise, discipline, and updated knowledge tied to changing building codes and safety standards, and that continuing education is important for public protection. Some supporters, including representatives of CPAs and landscape architects, said they appreciated efforts to streamline licensing and reduce anti-competitive barriers but still had concerns about specific provisions. The committee adopted two amendments: one requiring 30 days’ notice for an address change for a prescription sales business, and a second technical amendment. No final vote on the PCS was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is um<00:11:12.720> their<00:11:13.120> update<00:11:13.440> to<00:11:13.680
• plain language<00:11:14.720> and<00:11:15.760> um<00:11:16.240> reference<00:11
• 11:27.840> Legacy<01:11:28.239> Cannabis<01:11:28.880> and<01:11:29.199> I
• <01:11:29.920> operate<01:11:30.159> the<01:11:30.320> Legacy<01:11:30.719><
• ><01:11:32.880> to<01:11:33.120> start<01:11:33.280> by<01:11:33.440> thanking

Bills: HF1545, HF2426, HF1615, HF2403

Keywords: medical cannabis, cultivation, cannabinoid products, plant canopy, Minnesota statutes, cannabis, hemp, lower-potency, edibles, regulations, licensing, local control, consumer safety, age restrictions, commerce policy, financial institutions, insurance regulation, limited long-term care insurance, Medicare supplement, health insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 3892 is a bill that addresses vagueness and closes loopholes that exist in chapters 232 and
• chapter 233 of the Texas Local Government Code.
• Um, as Chairman Bell pointed out, Chapter 232 is clear that counties cannot regulate density.
• Clarifying that Chapter 43 Development Agreement, landowners are entitled to exercise their rights to
• Oh there's 11 more. As a matter of pending business, chair lays out House Bill 2015.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here representing American Cancer Society as the medical officer for the Hawaii chapter.
• I'm here representing American Cancer Society as the medical officer for the Hawaii chapter.
• <00:21:11.960> thank officer for the Hawaii uh chapter thank officer for the Hawaii uh chapter
• :54.880> U<02:11:55.000> should<02:11:55.239> be<02:11:55.520> specifically
• <02:11:57.800> there<02:11:58.199> are<02:11:59.199> um<02:11:59.760> cost

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 553 on biomarker testing coverage, HB 556 on colorectal cancer screening access, and later HB 712 on 340B drug pricing. For HB 553, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, patient advocates Natalie Heyman and Susan Hirano, a surgical oncologist, and the American Lung Association strongly supported the bill, arguing that biomarker testing should be covered when ordered by a doctor and guided by current evidence. DHS and several insurers offered comments and requested amendments, with DHS saying it appreciated the intent but wanted changes. The committees then voted to pass HB 553 with amendments, including a House draft and a defective date of July 1, 3000; both the House Health and Human Services and Homelessness committees adopted the recommendation unanimously. For HB 556, testimony focused on closing gaps in colorectal cancer screening, especially for uninsured and underinsured patients who can get stool-based screening but then cannot access follow-up colonoscopies. Community Clinic of Maui, ACS CAN, and the American Cancer Society supported the bill, with ACS CAN urging a program similar to the breast and cervical cancer control program and offering amendments. DHS requested that the program and appropriation not conflict with executive budget priorities, and the committees noted technical amendments, a defective date, a blank appropriation amount, and corrections changing Medicare references to Medicaid. HB 556 was also passed with amendments by both committees. The hearing then moved to HB 712 on 340B drug pricing and contract pharmacies. The Department of Health and the Attorney General’s office expressed concern that the bill would require the state to regulate private commercial activity and said the department lacked the expertise and resources to implement it as written, suggesting it might belong in a different statutory section. In contrast, PhRMA opposed the bill, while Hawaii Pacific Health and Hawaii Island Community Health Center supported it, saying 340B savings are important for hospital services and patient access to low-cost medications, especially where manufacturers have restricted shipments to contract pharmacies. No vote on HB 712 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><01:11:23.719> members<01:11:24.000> of<01:11:24.120> the<01:11:24.239> committee
• name<01:11:26.120> is<01:11:26.280> Christina<01:11:26.760> Jacobson<01:11:27.400
• and I'm the<01:11:27.800> director<01:11:28.120> of<01:11:28.320> equity<01:11:
• Simpson<01:11:32.800> Housing<01:11:33.280> Services<01:11:33.800> where<01:11:
• > Simpson<01:11:57.480> it<01:11:57.600> takes<01:11:57.920> over<01:11:58.560

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Every second, our brain is receiving over 11 million bits of information.
• This bill revises chapters 59, 49, and 50 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
• Chapter 49 of the Code of Criminal Procedure relates to death inquests and Chapter 50 of the Code of
• It's got large blocks of text without headings, inconsistencies within chapters.
• So we've taken these smaller bites of chapters.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.640> I<00:11:00.880> serve<00:11:01.200> as<00:11:01.360> a<00:11:01.600
• <01:11:01.840> We<01:11:02.159> have<01:11:02.239> an<01:11:02.480> extended
• We also utilize<01:11:08.080> cover<01:11:08.400> crops<01:11:08.800> on<01:11:08.960
• 01:11:11.360> to<01:11:11.520> farming,<01:11:12.000> I<01:11:12.159> serve
• <01:11:20.159> I'm<01:11:20.480> here<01:11:20.640> to<01:11:20.800> speak

Bills: HF3965, HF3704, HF3260, HF3718

Keywords: pesticide, agriculture, environmental protection, health risks, chemical safety, local agriculture, insecticides, pollinators, seeds, environmental health, neonicotinoids, systemic insecticides, civil penalties, pest management, land trends, report, appropriation, farmers, veterinary medicine, veterinary technology

Transcript Highlights:

• The only chapter that I've read carefully is the education chapter.
• I have some quibbles with some of it, but I wrote none of the words that are in that chapter.
• Again, I agree with most of what's in that chapter.
• The chapter that I was asked to write is, what can trustees do?
• Applegarth, Tab 11, Mr. Boyle, Tab 12, Mr. Dmitri, Tab 5, Mr. Massey, Tab 4, Mr.

Summary: The committee first took up a confirmation for UCF trustee reappointment candidate Mr. Christie, who described his long service on the board, his UCF business-school background, and his focus on strengthening UCF’s financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology programs. Members praised his service and asked about UCF’s future direction, including its role in Florida’s space and engineering sectors. He was allowed to leave early for a meeting with the governor. The committee then heard the Higher Education Appropriations budget presentation for fiscal year 2025-26. The chair outlined a proposed $11.5 billion higher education budget emphasizing workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education, the GATE program, nursing education through the Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS agriculture technology, tutoring, autism and neurodevelopment services, student financial aid, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and the chair said a conforming bill would address details. The committee adopted a motion allowing technical corrections and then adopted the budget proposal as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee. The remainder of the meeting focused on confirmations for university boards, especially the University of West Florida, where several nominees were questioned about Title IX compliance, free speech, workforce readiness, military/veteran ties, and prior statements about privatization and higher education. Rebecca Matthews, Rachel Moyah, Ashley Ross, and Adam Kessel each described their backgrounds and goals for UWF; Kessel faced extensive questioning about his past writings on privatization, the GI Bill, and speech suppression, and said he would not recommend privatizing Florida universities and supported veterans’ education benefits. Public testimony on UWF was largely opposed, with speakers arguing the nominees lacked local ties and warning the slate would harm the university and community. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment nominee Judge Belvin Perry, who emphasized student success, workforce quality, and FAMU’s continued rise, and from UCF nominee Mark Philburn and FSU nominee Peter Jones, both of whom highlighted their professional experience and commitment to student success and prudent stewardship. The meeting extended its time to 6:30 p.m. to continue hearing nominees and public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.480> however<01:11:00.880> we<01:11:01.080> have<01:11:01.280> some<01
• and<01:11:02.199> are<01:11:02.360> offering<01:11:02.679> some<01:11:02.840>
• some amendments because we're<01:11:03.880> concerned<01:11:04.440> that<01:11:04.600>
• it<01:11:04.840> doesn't<01:11:05.159> include We're concerned that it doesn't
• ><01:11:59.639> else<01:11:59.800> online<01:12:00.120> or<01:12:00.199> in

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 1484 on transit-oriented development and HB 157 on transportation. For HB 1484, testimony included a request from the Hoi Community Development Authority to be removed from the measure while offering to assist if the transit-oriented development law is implemented, along with testimony in opposition and support from several individuals. The committees later recommended HB 1484 be passed with amendments, including an HD1, a defective date, deletion of a reference to section 225 on page 11, adoption of H-CDA’s proposed amendment, and related committee report changes. The vote was adopted in both committees, with Representatives Cochran and Lee excused and Representative Mora voting with reservations. HB 157 concerned the transfer and acceptance of roads in the Villages of Kapolei. HHFDC supported the bill’s intent and explained that the roads were originally self-permitted, the city had not accepted dedication, and HHFDC has been maintaining and upgrading the roads under an MOA that requires improvements to city standards before transfer. Testimony from the Villages of Kapolei Association and others described ongoing problems with non-emergency police services, illegal parking, abandoned vehicles, and the need for city enforcement on roads that are open to the public. Committee members asked about the current holdup, the possibility of transferring roads in segments, and whether a cash settlement could resolve the issue; HHFDC said it was working in segments and that the city had mentioned a $60 million figure. The committees then recommended HB 157 pass with amendments, noting they were awaiting an Attorney General opinion on authority to compel the transfer and that the matter would continue to the Committee on Water and Land. The Transportation Committee also heard several additional bills. HB 1083, concerning vessels in state commercial harbors, drew support from the Department of Transportation and some industry groups and opposition from charter operators; HB 1159, which would require compliance with harbor master evacuation orders and increase penalties, drew DOT support and opposition from multiple vessel operators, who argued the bill was too broad and should define emergencies more clearly and use tiered penalties. HB 58, limiting civil liability for firefighting at commercial harbors, received DOT and Maritime Group support. HB 1165, on county disposal of ocean-bordering property and state highway acquisition, received DOT support. HB 938, a broad motor vehicle franchise and EV-related bill, drew support from the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association and the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, but strong opposition from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Tesla, Rivian, Scout Motors, and others; opponents argued it would restrict direct-to-consumer EV sales and innovation, while dealers said the bill was too broad and needed further stakeholder work. No final votes were taken on the Transportation Committee’s remaining measures in the portion provided, and the joint hearing was adjourned after decision-making on HB 1484 and HB 157.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes. 11-08. Thank you. By your vote, CS for Senate Bill 1138 will be reported favorably.
• The House version has 11. That's not moving at all.
• dissolution of marriage, and Chapter 742, paternity proceedings.
• Yom Kippur, I believe, Senator, is in Chapter 683.
• Yes. 11 yeas, zero nays. Thank you. By your vote, Senate Bill 460 will be reported favorably.

Summary: The committee first considered CS/SB 1434 on infill redevelopment. A late-filed strike-all amendment narrowed eligibility to certain contaminated or brownfield properties in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, added adjacency and density/intensity limits, and excluded agricultural land, park land, land outside the urban growth boundary, and land near military installations. The amendment was adopted without opposition, and the bill was reported favorably on an 8-0 vote, with limited support and opposition noted in waived appearance forms. Members then took up CS/CS/SB 212 on sexual offenders and sexual predators. The strike-all added public swimming pools and related child-centered locations to residency and presence restrictions. Testimony was sharply divided: proponents argued the bill would help protect children and law enforcement, while opponents, including treatment experts and homelessness advocates, said there was no empirical evidence the restrictions reduce abuse and warned of retroactive punishment and increased homelessness. The amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 8-1. The committee also approved CS/CS/SB 686 on agricultural enclaves after an amendment allowing certain enclaves adjacent to interstates to be developed for commercial, industrial, or single-family residential uses and clarifying exclusions for protected areas. Opponents argued it would weaken zoning and comprehensive plans, while supporters framed it as a property-rights measure; the bill was reported favorably 10-0. SB 554 on nonprofit corporations, a technical update to nonprofit law modeled on prior for-profit corporate revisions, also passed unanimously after supportive waived testimony. Later, the committee approved SB 1338 on charitable giving, which creates a donor remedy for endowment restrictions and limits state reporting burdens on certain regulated or exempt organizations; members discussed cy pres and the sponsor said further changes would be worked out later. CS/SB 532 on court fees was amended to let clerks retain all collections above revenue projections rather than half, with supporters saying clerks have been underfunded for years; it passed 10-0. The committee also favorably reported SB 218 on land use regulations, which restores normal land-use authority to counties not affected by recent hurricanes, and CS/SB 692 on cybersecurity standards and liability, which creates a presumption against liability for entities that comply with cybersecurity frameworks and reporting requirements; the cybersecurity bill drew concerns about retroactivity and the adequacy of compliance incentives but passed 9-2.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move for the adoption of<00:11:50.959> the<00:11:51.200> favorable<00:11:51.839> committee
• >> Florida<00:11:53.279> moves<00:11:53.519> the<00:11:53.680> adoption<00
• <00:11:56.160> Any<00:11:56.399> objections?<00:11:57.120> Without discussion?
• Without objection,<00:11:57.760> the<00:11:58.000> favorable<00:11:58.399> committee
• <00:11:59.360> Are<00:11:59.519> there<00:11:59.680> any report is adopted.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, February 27, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate met on Friday, February 27, with an invocation by Reverend Howard Travers and several guest introductions, including family members, defense organization leaders, a South Asian Herald editor, Eagleton Institute fellows, and physicians from Johns Hopkins. The chamber journalized the prayer, confirmed a quorum, and then moved into bill introductions, House messages, and committee reports. Several measures were advanced without objection, including Senate Bill 338 to extend a work group report deadline on transfer of retirement system member services, Senate Bill 448 authorizing Carroll County public facilities bonds up to $27 million, Senate Bill 453 clarifying that the Arabian horse race associated with Preakness can be run at Laurel Park, Senate Bill 614 allowing Dorchester County detention officers to join the correctional officers retirement system if the county opts in, and Senate Bill 724 making a technical emergency adjustment to cost-of-living calculations for retirees because October CPI data was unavailable during a government shutdown. Each of those bills received favorable committee reports and was ordered printed for third reading after no objections or amendments were offered. Two bills were postponed for later consideration: Senate Bill 538 on Baltimore City raffles tied to organizations affiliated with professional baseball and football teams was special ordered to Wednesday of the following week, and Senate Bill 108 on water resources and wetlands enforcement was special ordered to March 3 while members worked on possible amendments. Senate Bill 56 on the Maryland Longitudinal Data System Center and third-party data sharing was also special ordered to the following Wednesday because committee discussion was ongoing. House Bill 6 and House Bill 372 were received and referred to the appropriate standing committees. The Senate also took up Executive Nominations Committee Report No. 3 and, after no nominations were separated out, confirmed the executive nominations by a vote of 41 in the affirmative. Later, the chamber heard a personal privilege statement from a Montgomery County senator about Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald schools in Maryland, highlighting preservation efforts and an upcoming Scrabble tournament fundraiser at a Rosenwald school. The Senate then confirmed a quorum, and the Majority Leader moved that the Senate stand in recess until Monday, March 2 at 8:00 p.m., which was adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chapter 250 of the Acts of 2024 violates the Massachusetts Constitution.
• The amendment to Chapter 11, Section 12, enacted by the people, does not grant the state auditor any
• I think Chapter 3, Sections 63 and 64, also indicate what...
• I'm undoubtedly you know, a Chapter 3, Section 55A recodification council.
• , sorry, Chapter 11, Section 12, in order to reduce the auditor's powers.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The subcommittee hearing focused on whether the Office of the State Auditor may constitutionally audit the Massachusetts Legislature under Chapter 250 of the Acts of 2024 and what such an audit could include under generally accepted government auditing standards. Chair Cindy Friedman opened by explaining the background: voters approved Ballot Question 1 in November 2024, the law took effect in January 2025, and the Auditor then initiated audits of both chambers. The chair said the subcommittee was seeking expert testimony because the proposed audit scope, constitutionality, and possible bias concerns remained unresolved. Public testimony was invited, but no members of the public pre-registered; written testimony remained open for a short period after the hearing. The hearing then proceeded with invited experts on constitutional law/state government and auditing-related issues. Professor Lawrence Friedman testified that the ballot initiative’s approval by the Attorney General and by voters did not resolve constitutional questions, and he argued Chapter 250 violates the Massachusetts Constitution. He said the Legislature has constitutional authority to set its own rules and manage its proceedings, and that an executive-branch audit would intrude on legislative deliberation, speech and debate protections, and separation of powers. He also warned that even audits of supposedly administrative matters could become a vehicle for repeated document demands and litigation that would indirectly burden legislative functioning. In questioning, senators pressed him on the line between administrative and deliberative functions, the role of the Attorney General versus the courts, the possibility of retroactive audit scope, and whether prior legislative consent to audits mattered; he said prior consent would not bind future legislatures and that constitutionality is ultimately for the courts. Professor Ray La Raja also opposed the audit, framing it as a threat to institutional independence and representative democracy. He argued that allowing an executive-branch official to audit the Legislature without consent would upset separation of powers, chill internal debate, and create a precedent for broader executive intrusion. He said voters often support “transparency” reforms without fully appreciating institutional consequences, and that legislatures should defend their autonomy, especially amid what he described as broader executive overreach nationally. Senators asked about chilling effects, the practical distinction between administrative and core legislative functions, and whether the courts or the Legislature should resolve the issue; he said the courts would ultimately adjudicate disputes, but the Legislature should not waive its constitutional authority lightly. Jean Kempthorne took the opposite view, arguing the audit is permissible and should proceed. She said the state auditor is a constitutional officer accountable directly to the people, that the audit power can be expanded by statute, and that separation of powers does not require watertight compartments. She contended the audit would not displace core legislative powers because the auditor can only evaluate operations, report findings, and make recommendations. She also argued the Legislature itself already conducts audits of other branches, so it is inconsistent to claim an audit of the Legislature is unconstitutional. In response to senators’ questions, she said there are guardrails against truly intrusive requests, but that the administrative-versus-legislative distinction is not a workable bright line; she suggested disputes should be handled case by case, with objections, negotiation, or litigation if specific requests go too far. No votes or formal actions were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will finish this presentation, and it'll be around 11:30 or 11:45, and we're going to recess.
• Our agency was established by Article 11.
• Our agency was established by Article 11, Section 7 of the Hawaii State Constitution.
• It's past 10 minutes, but we'll end in 11:50.
• For instance, one very active group is the Hawaii chapter of the AIA.

Keywords: 910, house, all