Transcript Highlights:

• If a youth is convicted as an adult of a felony and is subsequently alleged to have committed an act
• 07.440> unless felony if committed by an adult, unless felony if committed by an adult, unless
• to advance the civil rights of people<01:02:38.240> with<01:02:38.799> disabilities.
• This ongoing commitment to places.
• <01:25:17.520> or department before taking any civil or department before taking any civil

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, confirmed a quorum, and heard several ceremonial recognitions, including an invocation by seminarian Benjamin Oler and a resolution honoring Taiwan’s ambassador, Alexander Ui Tore, for strengthening Maryland’s partnership with Taiwan. Senators also welcomed the day’s doctor, Dr. Larry Green, AFCEA Central Maryland chapter members, Chesapeake Bay Foundation student leaders, and Salisbury University students visiting for committee work. On legislation, the chamber referred Senate Bill 995 on cannabis licensing, labor peace agreements, and collective bargaining rules to the Rules Committee, and a bond initiative for New Market Town Hall to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 241, which would automatically restore voter registration for individuals released from state correctional facilities; the committee amendments were adopted without objection, and the bill was ordered printed for third reading. The main floor debate centered on Senate Bill 323, the Juvenile Court Jurisdiction Youth Charging Reform Act. One amendment to keep first-degree assault in automatic adult charging was offered and debated at length, with supporters arguing the offense is extremely serious and should begin in adult court, and opponents saying the bill allows judges to make individualized decisions and aligns Maryland with other states and federal juvenile practice. The amendment failed by a 27-vote negative roll call. A second amendment from the minority whip sought to exclude firearm-in-drug-crime offenses and firearm use with felony drug convictions from automatic juvenile court treatment; the sponsor argued these offenses involve serious armed drug activity and should remain in adult court, while the bill’s supporters emphasized juvenile services and judicial discretion. The transcript cuts off before the vote on that second amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so those are for civil commitment processes, dangerous to self or others, not a criminal issue.
• And so those are for civil commitment processes, dangerous to self or others, not a criminal issue.
• And so those are for civil commitment processes, dangerous to self or others, not a criminal issue.
• commitment.
• just around $6 million uh for the civil just around $6 million uh for the civil commitment.<01:02

Bills: SF0032, SF0010, SF0001, HB0001

Keywords: 911 services, emergency response, grant funding, next generation technology, government accountability, public safety, mental health, detention, competency evaluation, treatment, contractual agreements, Wyoming, budget, funding, education, wildfire prevention, healthcare, community colleges, grants, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• Next, we'll go to the Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice.
• The proposed criminal and civil justice budget totaled $7.9 billion and reflects a balanced approach
• The proposed criminal and civil justice budget totaled $7.9 billion and reflects a balanced approach
• And so a lot of the decision this year has to do with them making sure they can meet all those commitments
• Further, if the pet dealer violates this law, it commits an unfair, deceptive trade practice.

Summary: The Senate took up the 2026-2027 budget and related implementing bills. Appropriations Chair Hooper presented a $115 billion General Appropriations Bill, saying it reduces overall spending from the prior year, preserves reserves, and includes a 3% raise for state employees and 5% raises for state law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, and park rangers. Committee chairs then outlined major budget areas, including K-12 education, higher education, health and human services, criminal and civil justice, transportation/tourism/economic development, and environmental/agricultural agencies. Highlights included increased funding for school safety, teacher and scholarship funding, workforce education, Medicaid and kid care, corrections operations, judgeships, affordable housing, hurricane recovery, Everglades and water quality projects, and arts and cultural grants. Members asked detailed questions about several items. Senators discussed the Emergency Management Trust Fund, cultural arts grant allocations, Florida Forever land acquisition versus conservation easements, teacher salary support, charter school capital outlay funding, Bright Futures and EASE funding, New College funding, DOC deficits and inmate health care/food service costs, the ADAP HIV drug program, Medicaid reductions for non-critical access hospitals, and the use of opioid settlement and COVID relief funds. Chairs explained that some apparent reductions reflected shifts below the line or reclassification, that the ADAP appropriation would only cover about six months, and that some vacant positions were being removed as part of a right-sizing effort. Questions also covered lottery staffing, concealed weapons permit processing, elections security funding, and arts grant selection and proviso language. The Senate then substituted House bills for the Senate budget and implementing measures, amended them into the Senate posture, and passed them. HB 5001 (the appropriations bill), HB 503 (implementing bill), HB 5201 (collective bargaining), and HB 5205 (retirement) all passed 36-0 and were sent to conference. Other budget-related bills also passed, including SB 2506 on fuel taxes, SB 2508 on the state agency law enforcement radio system surcharge, SB 2510 on court trust funds, SB 2512 creating 13 circuit and 12 county judgeships, SB 2514 on K-12 education, SB 2516 on higher education, and SB 2518 on health. Most of these passed unanimously, with the Senate requesting the House either pass the Senate versions or include them in budget conference.

Transcript Highlights:

• the All Safe Public Safety Coalition, a coalition of dozens of organizations and service providers committed
• And as you heard on the federal side, it also assists with victims or individuals committing crimes and
• Placement in CYFD or YD, YDCC, especially amid documented civil rights concerns, makes this risk not
• Due process and civil rights exposure under Article 2, Section 18. due process and civil rights exposure
• It's not a punishment system unless they go and commit a very bad crime.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , a law enforcement report, establishing probable cause that allows... election offense has been committed
• I think there is, Senator, and our office is committed to doing that.
• The authority responsible for procuring the election supplies from an election commits an offense if
• My name is Veronica Worms, representing the Texas Civil Rights Project against SB 507.
• I'm the Voting Rights Senior Advocacy Manager for Texas Civil Rights Project.

Bills: SB108, SB318, SB507, SB511, SB533, SB1026, SB1386, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596

Keywords: elections, Election Code, poll workers, election clerks, presiding judge, alternate presiding judge, polling place, central counting station, county chair, political party, gubernatorial election, vote counting, election administration, Texas elections, precinct officials, ballot counting, county election officials, election integrity, election fraud, Attorney General

Transcript Highlights:

• > commitment, bravery, and volunteer commitment, bravery, and volunteer spirit<00:44:42.240> are
• <00:47:45.760> to your service, and your commitment to your service, and your commitment to
• <02:52:41.279> investigations with criminal and civil investigations with criminal and civil
• in a civil way. in a civil way.
• immoral, and illegitimate acts committed immoral, and illegitimate acts committed by<08:25:33.280

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, entertain a civil action to recover those costs.
• ,<01:27:04.560> lawsuits are penalties, civil fines, lawsuits are penalties, civil fines,
• Section 19 is regarding civil penalties and criminal penalties. And I believe, Mr.
• Section 19 is regarding civil penalties and criminal penalties. And I believe, Mr.
• <01:54:33.199> penalties Section 19 is regarding civil penalties Section 19 is regarding civil

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is on immunity of civil liability.
• <01:56:52.360> offense<01:56:52.760> under establishing it as a civil offense under
• establishing it as a civil offense under Vermont<01:56:53.440> law.
• Chapter<01:59:22.040> 2495D<01:59:23.520> establishes<01:59:24.760> civil<01:59:
• 25.160> legal Chapter 2495D establishes civil legal Chapter 2495D establishes civil legal remedies

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have combined the last civil deed fraud work we need to do.
• bill also establishes establishes a restitution ladder and penalty enhancements if the crimes are committed
• Um, this bill will also, um, hopefully deter anyone that commits these crimes in the future, um.
• victim, they say, Well, I, I called the police, and they said, Well, this is paperwork, and this is a civil

Bills: SB15

Keywords: real property, fraud, theft, elderly, disabled, statute of limitations, criminal offense, property rights

Transcript Highlights:

• the Louisiana State Capitol and to commend Youth Legislature of Louisiana for its longstanding commitment
• House Bill 1259 by Representative Beham is an act in Title 14 relative to wearing masks while committing

Bills: SCR12, HB1259, HB221, HB509, HCR117, HCR58, SCR29, SCR33, SB295, SB312, SB326, SB348, SB485, SCR9, SCR58, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR32, HCR5, HCR95, HB75, HB198, HB244, HB302, HB325, HB623, HB719, HB749, HB755, HB761, HB797, HB823, HB1028, HB1049, HB1194, HB1199, HB1201, HB1222, HB17, HB27, HB36, HB41, HB73, HB140, HB166, HB181, HB211, HB223, HB226, HB271, HB308, HB337, HB399, HB410, HB487, HB690, HB712, HB730, HB750, HB759, HB762, HB775, HB906, HB966, HB968, HB1006, HB1009, HB1018, HB1036, HB1062, HB1081, HB1086, HB1098, HB1107, HB1112, HB1203, HB1215, HB1220, HB1242, HB1252, HB1256, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB283, SB300, SB341, SB382, SB387, SB389, SB401, SB408, SB449, SB469, HB74, HB119, HB134, HB368, HB414, HB552, HB732, HB776, HB848, HB870, HB953, HB956, HB1117, HB1236, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB149, SB441, HB210, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB784

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, HB1259, mask penalty, masked felony, face covering, conceal identity, evade identification, sentencing enhancement, enhanced penalty, felony sentencing, crime deterrence, public safety, Louisiana criminal law, R.S. 14:313.2, R.S. 14:313, R.S. 14:329.7

Transcript Highlights:

• the Louisiana State Capitol, and to commend Youth Legislature of Louisiana for its longstanding commitment
• House Bill 1259 by Representative Beham is an act in Title 14 relative to wearing masks while committing
• House Bill 1259 by Representative Beham is an act in Title 14 relative to wearing masks while committing

Bills: SCR12, HB1259, HB221, HB509, HCR117, HCR58, SCR29, SCR33, SB295, SB312, SB326, SB348, SB485, SCR9, SCR58, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR32, HCR5, HCR95, HB75, HB198, HB244, HB302, HB325, HB623, HB719, HB749, HB755, HB761, HB797, HB823, HB1028, HB1049, HB1194, HB1199, HB1201, HB1222, HB17, HB27, HB36, HB41, HB73, HB140, HB166, HB181, HB211, HB223, HB226, HB271, HB308, HB337, HB399, HB410, HB487, HB690, HB712, HB730, HB750, HB759, HB762, HB775, HB906, HB966, HB968, HB1006, HB1009, HB1018, HB1036, HB1062, HB1081, HB1086, HB1098, HB1107, HB1112, HB1203, HB1215, HB1220, HB1242, HB1252, HB1256, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB283, SB300, SB341, SB382, SB387, SB389, SB401, SB408, SB449, SB469, HB74, HB119, HB134, HB368, HB414, HB552, HB732, HB776, HB848, HB870, HB953, HB956, HB1117, HB1236, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB149, SB441, HB210, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB784

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, HB1259, mask penalty, masked felony, face covering, conceal identity, evade identification, sentencing enhancement, enhanced penalty, felony sentencing, crime deterrence, public safety, Louisiana criminal law, R.S. 14:313.2, R.S. 14:313, R.S. 14:329.7

Summary: The Senate convened with 26 members present, heard a prayer from Dr. Steve Horn, and recited the pledge. The chamber then handled messages from the House, including concurrence in SCR 83 and appointment of conference committee members on several disagreements. A number of Senate resolutions were introduced or adopted, mostly creating study task forces or commending individuals and organizations, including resolutions on energy infrastructure, breast pump access, insurance coverage for auto repairs, biomarker testing, higher education funding, public-private partnership contracting, and various commendations. Several resolutions were adopted without objection, while others were returned to the calendar or concurred in by recorded vote, including SCR 29 and SCR 33 with House amendments. The Senate also considered House and Senate bills and resolutions returned from the House, with many measures adopted or concurred in. Notable actions included concurrence in HCR 117 on homeowner insurance claims processes, adoption of HCR 5 on special red drum harvest permits, and passage of bills on TOPS Tech eligibility (HB 325), vapor product permitting (HB 623), ABLE/Tuition Trust administration (HB 749), design services contracting (HB 755), rare cancer advisory board composition (HB 761), non-emergency medical transportation reimbursement (HB 1028), public meeting notices (HB 1049), healthy food retail financing (HB 1194), genetic testing coverage for SCN2A disorders (HB 1199), grocery initiative grants (HB 1222, which failed), and a constitutional amendment on retirement debt repayment order (HB 27). The chamber also adopted HCR 95, creating a joint rule requiring a fiscal review of certain tax measures for sales and use tax uniformity. Several measures drew extended debate. HB 181, which would allow the legislative auditor access to Medicaid and SNAP-related tax information for eligibility verification and fraud review, prompted concerns about privacy and scope but ultimately passed 26-8. HB 1220 on the State Board of Medical Examiners generated amendment discussion about board composition and transparency, including live video broadcasting of meetings, but was returned to the calendar before final action. HB 1018, creating a temporary local moratorium on certain alcohol permits in one Shreveport district, passed after discussion about broader policy solutions. The Senate then recessed for lunch at 2 p.m. after completing the subject-to-call list for the morning session.

Bills: SB2969, SB3263, SB2602, SB3229, SB3199, SB2550, SB2877, SB3325, SB2024, SB2614, SB2613, SB3063, SB2319, SB2800, SB2892, SB2321, SB2407, SB2805, SB2153, SB2595, SB2781, SB3233, SB2360, SB1432, SB2543, SB2599, SB3053, SB2001, SB2041, SB3247, SB3253, SB2401, SB2673, SB3067, SB411, SB2934, SB3219, SB2919, SB2239, SB2532, SB2601, SB1032, SB2446, SB2152, SB2721, SB3076, SB3140, SB2671, SB2338, SB2268, SB99, SB2930, SB3069, SB3096, SB3097, SB3090, SB2060, SB3028, SB2544, SB2069, SB2552, SB3218, SB3022, SB148, SB2259, SB2578, SB2928, SB2816, SB2580

Keywords: SB2969, Maui wildfire, Maui wildfires, wildfire exposure, Maui Health Registry, University of Hawaii, public health, biomonitoring, medical screening, mental health services, trauma recovery, disaster recovery, first responders, kupuna, children's health, medically vulnerable, environmental exposure, toxic exposure, respiratory illness, community health

Transcript Highlights:

• The board is committed to working with the legislature, local government, and industry partners too.
• That is what we try to meet every day, the commitment to all our contractors.
• We are committed to delivering a comprehensive... legislative improvement plan for consideration in 27
• We do have civil engineers in the military as well. We have civil engineers.
• These organizations are committed to improving our policies.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There were kids committing suicide. They had a lot of mental breakdowns here.
• There were kids committing suicide. They had a lot of mental breakdowns here.
• There were kids committing suicide. They had a lot of mental breakdowns here.
• civil war etc. civil war etc.
• subject to civil or disciplinary action. subject to civil or disciplinary action. and<02:21:23.359

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These crimes are often committed by repeat offenders, and very few, 1 in 10, according to the American
• Nor does the agency have the statutory authority to assess civil penalties for violations of its safety
• these cases, suspects endangered the public by sabotaging rail safety equipment so that they could commit
• In trucking, freight fraud is so easy to commit, it doesn't even take a savvy or experienced professional
• the household Consumer Protection Act that I've introduced with Senator Duckworth. to impose those civil

Keywords: Committee, Transportation, aviation safety, confirmation, Lieutenant Commander, Deputy Secretary, Bradbury, Hafensteiner, aircraft incidents

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation convened to consider the promotion of Coast Guard Lieutenant Samuel Hafensteiner to Lieutenant Commander and the nomination of Stephen Bradbury as Deputy Secretary of Transportation. The meeting highlighted ongoing concerns regarding aviation safety, especially in light of recent aircraft incidents. Members discussed the critical need for knowledgeable leadership within the Department of Transportation to address these safety challenges effectively. Mr. Bradbury's background as a former General Counsel of the Department was presented as a strong asset for the role he seeks.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have committed forces by the direction of the governor to support state missions with our ongoing
• Last year, when we started this conversation in about October about reductions, my commitment was to
• Previously, I served as an IT as well as a civil affairs officer in the Army for a little over 10 years
• Previously, I served as an IT, as well as a civil affairs officer in the Army for a little over 10 years
• DCCA programs at odds, with both programs essentially telling projects the other program needs to commit

Summary: The Joint Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs met to hear updates from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the Washington Military Department, the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Commerce on federal and state impacts affecting veterans, military families, and military installations. JBLM’s garrison commander said the base remains focused on housing, child care, and spouse employment, but is facing workforce reductions tied to federal personnel actions, especially in air traffic control, 911 dispatch, and firefighting. He also said JBLM is preparing for increased mutual-aid needs during fire season, and that the Army Transformation Initiative could change unit composition at JBLM over time without a major overall population shift. He confirmed that the Lewis Army Museum is on a closure list, but said the building will remain in use for training and that the base is exploring partnerships to keep museum functions operating, possibly with volunteers or local partners. The Washington Military Department reported about 400 Guard members deployed on federal missions and described ongoing state missions in cybersecurity and firefighting. The department said the Army National Guard’s 81st Stryker Brigade will transition to a mobile combat team, with associated changes in equipment, manning, and end strength. It also warned that continuing resolutions are delaying funding, limiting new military construction starts, and increasing costs. The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs outlined a $3.2 million reduction from the governor’s budget and related cuts affecting internships, vacant positions, outreach travel, claims support contracts, counseling and wellness, veterans’ innovation assistance, and the military transition and readiness council staff position. WDVA said it is ending or scaling back several programs, including in-house nursing assistant training, the veteran farm at Ordean, Vet Corps due to AmeriCorps funding changes, and the tobacco cessation program, while noting that the legislature funded about $23.7 million in capital projects for veteran homes, cemeteries, and transitional housing. The Department of Commerce presented on the Defense Community Compatibility Account, which funds projects that reduce conflicts between military installations and nearby communities. The program currently has 10 projects across five legislative districts, including school and child care improvements, water wells, land acquisition, and a joint firefighting training center in Everett. The presenter said the main challenge is that DCCA projects often need non-state funding secured before they can compete, which can make it hard to leverage federal Defense Community Infrastructure Program dollars; he recommended more flexible state timing to help projects qualify for federal funding. In closing discussion, members raised possible future agenda items including child care near bases, veteran homelessness, suicide prevention, Navy Day, military family housing, and a possible Department of Licensing issue involving guard and reserve designations on driver’s licenses. No formal votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after members were invited to suggest topics for the October and December committee meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also moves the civil penalties that.
• disqualification header under the civil disqualification header under the civil penalties<00:14:
• We commit to maintaining compliance with all state regulations that we're required to adhere to.
• It's a commitment to continue to uphold our requirement to be...
• It's a commitment to continue >> It is not.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This particular amendment reinforces Florida's commitment to expand renewable solar energy generation
• I'm always fully committed to making this a really good product as it heads toward the floor.
• JAA has already committed $400 million. St.
• And as Adam mentioned, JEA has committed $400 million.
• We're on the hook for our 25 percent, so we're committed to $125 million for this project.

Bills: S0598, S0934, S1260, S1300, S1452, S1510, S1566, S1580, S1668, S7034

Keywords: funeral homes, cemetery law, cremation, embalmer, funeral director, preneed contract, preneed funeral, human remains, unclaimed cremated remains, disposition of remains, hospice, palliative care, end-of-life care, direct disposal, mortuary science, funeral service arts, licensure by endorsement, cemetery license, contiguous acres, consumer services

Summary: The committee first took up appointments, recommending confirmation of James Patrick Grambling and Brian J. Aungst on a single favorable vote. It then heard and approved several committee bills, including CS/CS/SB 1260 on building code inspections, which directs the Department of Management Services to contract with private providers for plan review and inspections; CS/SB 1668 on NICA, which updates benefits, oversight, funding, and immunity language; SB 1300 on a workforce/CDL training program for selected nonviolent inmates; CS/CS/SB 598 on funeral and cemetery services; CS/SB 1580 on illegal gaming enforcement; CS/SB 934 on Florida Keys affordable housing tax exemptions; and CS/CS/SB 1452, an agency bill updating DFS programs and licensing rules. Each of those bills was reported favorably after committee debate and, in several cases, amendments were adopted. The committee spent substantial time on CS/CS/SB 1510, the DEP package, which reorganizes environmental rulemaking and land acquisition authority, expands septic-to-sewer and nutrient-reduction requirements in sensitive areas, updates stormwater and resilience provisions, and revises related permitting and grant programs. Two amendments were adopted, including one adding solar-energy and stormwater-related provisions and another removing septic disclosure reporting language. Testimony included support from DEP and concerns from environmental advocates about septic timelines and implementation. The bill was ultimately reported favorably. The committee also considered CS/CS/SB 1566 on local government budget transparency, requiring counties and municipalities to post budgets and related materials online for extended periods in a standardized format. The League of Cities opposed the bill as an unfunded mandate, while the sponsor argued it would improve taxpayer access and accountability; the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 7034, a rule ratification for minimum flows and levels for the lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers and priority springs, with testimony focused on the proposed Water First restoration strategy, conservation measures, and concerns about water quality, funding, and local opposition. The transcript ends during closing remarks on that ratification bill, before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I would love for that to be the case, that we don't detect anybody trying to commit fraud on the
• They committed a crime. They're in this country illegally.
• And an insurance product is no longer valid when the purchaser commits a crime.
• And when they're not, that goes to civil court.
• So I don't think that it's not. ...that goes to civil court.

Bills: HB2947, HB2964, HB3143, HB3144, HB3342, HB3344, HB3519, HB3522, HB3530, HB3645, HB3647, HB3834, HB4300, HB4422, HB4423

Keywords: behavioral health, Medicaid expansion, clinical interns, mental health services, licensing requirements, medical records, patient rights, privacy, fees, healthcare access, legal claims, medical marijuana, license transfer, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, moratorium, business regulation, commercial grower licenses, licensing restrictions, agriculture, Medicaid

Transcript Highlights:

• and whereas by the late 1960s, a week had evolved into Black History Month, thanks in part to the Civil
• importance of sound policy, and the shared possibility of real progress, all united by a shared commitment
• But this moment demands new energy, new strategies, and renewed commitment.
• Thank you for being here, and thank you for the commitment to this work. Thank you, Ms. Anderson.
• Born to a Vietnam veteran father and a career civil servant mother who were natives of New Orleans, she

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Arizona House and Senate held a joint protocol session for African American Legislative Day, opening with prayer, presentation of the colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and performances of the national anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” A representative from the Buffalo Soldiers of America also used the occasion to correct the program name and ask lawmakers for help securing a vacant building for a museum to preserve and display its historical exhibits and community work. Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen welcomed attendees and said the event was an opportunity to hear directly from community leaders on priorities such as opportunity, public safety, education, affordability, and economic security. Representative Quante Cruz, chair of the African-American Legislative Conference, read a Black History Month proclamation and emphasized the importance of recognizing African American contributions and history. Ashley Anderson and Jerry McPherson of the Governor’s Office of African American Affairs highlighted the conference theme, “Made for This Moment,” and urged continued civic engagement, policy advocacy, and year-round collaboration with the office and community organizations. Senator Keiana Maria Sears delivered the main remarks, focusing on Black history, legacy, and the need to keep pushing for equality, economic parity, food security, and housing access. She spoke about the experiences of Black veterans, South Phoenix history, and the importance of teaching Black history and encouraging voting and civic participation. Representative Blackman also offered brief remarks about courage, faith, and the contributions of Black Americans to the country. The session ended with closing remarks and a benediction by Representative Cruz, who stressed building connections across districts and communities, followed by adjournment of the joint protocol session.