Video & Transcript Research : 'representative duties'

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FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

March 13, 2025 - 10:00 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • I represent the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops.
  • I represent the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops.
  • And thank you, Representative, for this good bill.
  • And let Representative Jockson... Congratulations.
  • Chair, and thank you, Representative, for those comments.
Summary: The Judiciary Committee met and considered nine bills, with members hearing brief presentations, limited debate, and mostly unanimous support. Early measures included CS/HB 421, which expands peer support access for first responders to include support personnel, and HB 205, which creates a new offense for abandoning a restrained dog during a natural disaster (“Troopers’ Law”). Both bills drew support from law enforcement and animal welfare-related witnesses, and both were reported favorably; HB 205 was adopted with a technical amendment. The committee also approved CS/HB 157 on service of process, which clarifies that a prior statutory change applies to all causes of action, creates a safe harbor for compliance, tightens substituted service requirements, and allows individual registered agents to be served anywhere in the state. HB 693, which adds an aggravating factor for capital felonies committed where people are gathered for school, religious, or public government activities, drew both support and opposition; the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops opposed expanding the death penalty, while supporters argued juries should have more tools in capital cases. The bill was reported favorably after debate. Members then approved CS/HB 113, increasing penalties for fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, after discussion about marked versus unmarked vehicles and an amendment that restored current penalties for two related offenses. Rep. Bracey Davis voted no, citing concerns about unmarked cars and public safety perceptions. The committee also passed HB 91 on misdemeanor probation, PCS/CS/HB 383 allowing certain officers and service members to purchase firearms without the three-day waiting period, and CS/HB 195 to let correctional education count toward professional licensure requirements for incarcerated people. Finally, CS/HB 479 was approved to allow judges to order restitution in hit-and-run property-damage cases. All bills were reported favorably, most by unanimous or near-unanimous votes.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session-Day 12, February 23, 2026-PM

Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Representative McCann. Representative McCann.
  • Sponsored by Representative images.
  • I 60 sponsored by Representative Tarver.
  • Eyes sponsored by Representative Clston.
  • And they give the marching represent.
Keywords: 916, all
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Education Finance Committee 4/28/25

Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • I would like to thank Representative Clardy and Representative Mueller for... last session.
  • put in by Representative Pérez-Vega and Representative Virnig.
  • Representative Pérez-Vega. The Youth Council was Representative Sencer-Mura.
  • Representative Dippel's math core from Rat Ray Wower Map Stars. Representative Clardy.
  • Thank you, Representative Lee.” Representative Lee said, “Yeah, thank you, Chair.
Bills: HF1388
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Education Policy - 02/24/25

Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • They are represented by their senior-most leader or that person's designee, as we really focus at a high
  • but we really talk about the P20 Partnership as a multisector, independent coalition of leaders representing
  • by their senior most leader represented by their senior most leader or<00:03:37.200> that<00:
  • Early Childhood K12 higher representing Early Childhood K12 higher education<00:04:04.000> nonprofits
  • <00:55:27.440> and think this bill just represents and think this bill just represents and
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
CO

Colorado 2026 Regular Session

Colorado House 2026 Legislative Day 119 May 13th, 2026

Colorado House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Representative Woodro. Representative Woodrow. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
  • Thank you, Representative Leader. Representative Johnson.
  • access. >> Representative Joseph. >> Representative Joseph.
  • Representative Sucla, Representative Sucla, how do you vote?
  • Representative Sucla, Representative Sucla, how do you vote?
Keywords: 981, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Session Apr 23rd, 2025

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Are there messages from the House of Representatives? None on the desk, Mr. President.
  • Are there messages from the House of Representatives? None on the desk, Mr. President.
  • I know many of you in this chamber know Sheriff Gualtieri, and I think he represents...
  • I know many of you in this chamber know Sheriff Gualtieri, and I think he represents sheriffs, and by
  • I just want to publicly thank Brooke Curry, a constituent of Representative Duggan, who brought this
Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing guests, students, advocates, and a resolution honoring the late USF men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim. Senators also observed moments of silence for victims of recent campus violence and for former FSU President John Thrasher. The chamber then moved to special order bills, with several members explaining measures and, in some cases, substituting House companions before final passage. Among the bills passed were measures updating child care and early learning provider regulation; strengthening penalties and cost recovery for false reporting and swatting; extending protections against extraordinary medical debt collection; expanding hazardous walking condition criteria for schoolchildren; creating young adult housing support for foster and homeless students; and requiring private schools participating in the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program to disclose which accommodations they will provide. The Senate also passed a bill adjusting interest rules for trust accounts funding legal aid, after extended debate over the impact on legal aid funding and banking practices, and a transportation package that was heavily amended to address issues such as school bus camera hearings, beach vehicle use for equipment removal, flooded-street wake restrictions, expectant mother parking permits, micromobility regulation, and traffic signal modernization. The chamber also approved public-records exemptions for Agency for Health Care Administration investigators, Judicial Qualifications Commission employees, and appellate court clerks; a municipal water and sewer rate bill affecting Miami-Dade residents near a plant; motor vehicle offenses involving impersonating law enforcement and obscured license plates; trespass penalties at law-enforcement-controlled locations and large ticketed venues; refund requirements for patient overpayments; stem cell therapy authorization with source and consent limits; and insulin administration authority for direct support professionals and relatives in group homes. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including cardiac emergencies, chemicals and consumer products, and motor vehicle manufacturer/franchise dealer legislation. Most measures passed with strong bipartisan support, though the trust fund interest bill drew notable opposition and passed 28-10, and the Family Empowerment Scholarship bill passed 37-1.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Rules Committee May 6th, 2026

Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • And there's one that's been represented in my district where the CZU fire was.
  • And there's one that's been represented in my district where the CZU fire was.
  • And I represent an area that has regular natural disasters, particularly wildfires.
  • Madam Chair, members, Theo Pehos representing Calpine in strong support.
  • Madam Chair, members, Theo Pehos representing Calpine in strong support.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session May 29th, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Personally, as a representative of UC Merced, I want to say thank you.
  • So on behalf of the families that I represent, the future physicians of the Central Valley, I want to
  • for so many millions of... ...could have been a time when what the university has represented for so
  • Retirees and over 18 million living veterans, as well as their families, together representing more than
  • My region, San Diego County, has an estimated 370,000 active duty personnel and veterans who are assets
Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through a long daily file with numerous guest introductions and recognitions, including tributes to outgoing University of California President Michael Drake, student and community advocates, and visitors connected to foster care, military appreciation, and college savings. The chamber also took up several procedural items, including concurrence in Senate amendments to ACR 75 on California Farm Week, which passed 59-0. Members then adopted AJR 7 on protecting federal special education funding and services for students with disabilities, with broad bipartisan support and a 65-0 vote after 63 co-authors were added. The Assembly also adopted ACR 82 recognizing Foster Care Month and ACR 85 recognizing 529 College Savings Day by voice vote after adding co-authors, and ACR 89 recognizing Military Appreciation Month, also adopted by voice vote after co-authors were added. These resolutions featured testimony and remarks emphasizing support for vulnerable children, foster youth, military families, and access to higher education. On policy bills, the Assembly passed AB 929 on groundwater and managed wetlands (41-14), AB 1026 on utility connection timelines for housing projects (52-0), AB 1332 on direct shipment of medicinal cannabis under specified conditions (55-0), AB 1356 on follow-up reporting in DHCS death investigations at treatment facilities (54-0), and AB 671 on streamlining restaurant openings through self-certification of certain plans (62-0). The chamber also approved AB 715 on anti-Semitism and school climate after extensive debate and cross-caucus support, 64-0, and AB 33 on autonomous vehicle deliveries requiring a human safety operator, 52-6. Later, AB 5 on election ballot-counting timelines passed 66-0, AB 27 and AB 28 addressing the Chiquita Canyon landfill disaster passed 61-0 and 44-6 respectively, and the Assembly began consideration of AB 43 to extend state authority over wild and scenic rivers.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Mar 18th, 2025

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • First, the bill clarifies a duty judge requirement enacted in 1935 to reflect...
  • First, the bill clarifies a duty judge requirement enacted in 1935 to reflect that each judicial circuit
  • currently has more than one circuit judge and designates a duty judge to hear emergency matters.
  • The bill also removes a limitation on the location of duty hearings.
Summary: The Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum present and first received an implementation update on CS for SB 606, the Boating Safety Act of 2022, from FWC Lieutenant Colonel Robert Roe. He described the livery permit system, safety and insurance requirements, required pre-rental and pre-ride instruction, recordkeeping, overdue-vessel reporting, accident reporting, and penalties for violations. He also reported enforcement results since the permit requirement took effect in January 2023, including 1,428 permits issued, 1,093 liveries operating, three 90-day suspensions, one revocation, and two pending revocations. Members asked whether liveries may require boating safety education even for people exempt under current law; Roe said they may do so as a business decision, but current law does not require it unless the statute is changed. A member noted concern that many accidents involve boaters in the older exempt age group and said the issue may be revisited this session. The committee then considered SB 878 by Senator Martin, which extends probation for misdemeanor offenders who were using controlled substances when they committed the offense, allowing supervision for up to one year and aligning those cases more closely with existing alcohol-related misdemeanor probation rules. With no appearance forms or debate, the bill was voted favorably. Next, the committee took up CS for SB 538 by Senator Bradley, the state court system package. The bill updates statutes to reflect current court operations, including duty judge procedures, removal of a location limit for duty hearings, repeal of a cap on arbitrator compensation in court-ordered non-binding arbitration, and an alternative method for judicial authentication when a court seal is unavailable. An amendment shifting certain clerk reimbursement requests through the Justice Administrative Commission was adopted, and the bill was then reported favorably with support waivers from several court-related entities. Finally, the committee heard SB 472 by Senator Truenow, which provides that inmates who complete classes meeting required curriculum standards may receive credit toward licensure requirements for those classes. Several organizations waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary C May 19th, 2026

Judiciary C

Transcript Highlights:
  • Okay, Representative Knox, you're back on duty here.
  • Okay, Representative Knox, you're back on duty here. Thank you. Thank you.
  • We have Representative Egan on his way, and Representative Chenevere should be... President.
  • Representative Egan, you were next. I think Representative Landry will come after that.”
  • Representative Bacalas bill.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Judiciary C met on May 19, 2026, with a quorum present and first deferred House Bill 276 at the sponsor’s request. The committee then heard and advanced several bills, largely focused on criminal justice, domestic violence, victims’ rights, probation/parole, and critical infrastructure protections. HB 160, by Rep. Knox, would increase the penalty for domestic abuse battery and battery of a dating partner involving strangulation from three to six years, with at least one year without probation or suspension; it drew strong support from prosecutors and domestic violence advocates and was reported favorably. HB 769, by Rep. Boyd, would create a 24- to 72-hour cooling-off hold in domestic violence cases, with an amendment to make the hold concurrent with other detention periods and to avoid stacking with existing law; it was reported with amendments. The committee also reported favorably HB 1234, which creates mandatory jail time for fleeing the scene after striking a person and failing to render aid, and HB 158, which restores custodial inpatient treatment as an option for probationers and increases the allowable treatment period from 90 to 180 days. HB 169, allowing courts or the parole board to assess extradition costs against absconders based on ability to pay, was also reported favorably. HB 251, requiring notice to a victim or designated family member before resentencing or final conviction hearings, drew support from the Attorney General’s office and opposition from the ACLU, which argued that victim involvement at that stage could be inconsistent with post-conviction standards; it was nevertheless reported favorably. Additional measures advanced included HB 289, which removes a redundant 24-hour delay between denial of a new trial motion and sentencing; HB 394, extending the conditional parole period from nine months to 24 months to allow completion of required programming; and HB 330, increasing penalties and restitution for vandalizing churches and graves, which was supported by the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops. HB 429, expanding critical infrastructure protections to oil and natural gas facilities and related operations and increasing penalties for unauthorized entry, drone activity, and cyber interference, was reported with amendments after discussion about harmonizing the definition with another bill and ensuring coverage of water-related facilities. The committee also approved the minutes from the prior meeting before adjourning.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • . >> Representative Bantto present. >> Representative Bojanowski here. >> Representative Riley here.
  • Representative Banta, yes. >> Representative Bojanowski, yes. >> Representative Riley, yes. >> Co-chair
  • >> Representative<00:41:47.200> Troop, >> Representative Troop, >> Representative
  • >> Motion made by Representative Truett, seconded by Representative Riley. >> All in favor say aye. >
  • second or representative Riley. second or representative Riley.
Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting with roll call and procedural business, including elections of co-chairs. The House elected Representative Truett as House co-chair, and the Senate elected Senator Denine as Senate co-chair. After the organizational votes, the committee heard the Office of Educational Accountability’s annual report, beginning with Brian Jones and Deborah Nelson describing OEA’s investigations and research divisions and recent staffing turnover. On the investigations side, OEA said it handled complaints only when submitted in writing and generally opened cases only when it had enough facts to evaluate. Jones reported complaint volume declined from 805 in 2023 to 738 in 2024, with 325 in the first half of the current year. He outlined the kinds of matters OEA investigates, including school-based council issues, open meetings, board eligibility, nepotism, conflicts of interest, certification, activity funds, and surplus property, while noting that routine personnel matters, bullying, child interviews, and cases tied to litigation are generally handled locally or referred elsewhere. He also said OEA refers special education, assessment/testing, discrimination, and serious misconduct matters to the appropriate agencies, and that he did not see a need for statutory changes to improve OEA’s work, though he said cases should move more quickly. The research division presentation focused on OEA’s district data profiles and annual research agenda. Nelson explained that OEA reviews KDE-reported data and underlying datasets to verify accuracy, analyze trends, and produce reports for the General Assembly. She highlighted 2024 publications on district governance models and student achievement, and said this year’s agenda includes district data profiles, student discipline analysis, and a review of early childhood regional training centers. She also noted OEA received an NCSL notable document award for its 2023 staffing shortages report, its 10th such award. Sabrina Smith then walked through the district data profiles, which compile demographic, staffing, finance, and performance data for all 171 districts, plus statewide and comparative data. She noted changes in the report format, the continued availability of an online interactive version, and several trends: adjusted average daily attendance declined statewide from 2015 to 2024; the counselor-to-student ratio has improved but has not yet reached the statutory goal of one counselor per 250 students; the share of teachers moving from rank three to rank two has declined; special education identification has risen from 13% to 16%; and starting teacher salaries vary widely by district, with Kentucky’s average starting salary around $40,000 ranking near the bottom compared with surrounding states and the nation. Members asked about the history of the research division and whether the paper copies of the district profiles would continue, and staff said the printed versions would continue unless legislators asked otherwise.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives May 20th, 2026

Louisiana House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Representative Turner. I'm sorry, I was looking at Representative Baham. Representative Turner?
  • Representative Bacala: Yes. Representative Zeringue: Yes. Representative Newell: Yes.
  • Representative Bagley: This is Representative Bagley's sticker bill.
  • Representative Mack. Representative Mack: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
  • Representative LaFleur. Representative LaFleur. Thank you, Mr.
Summary: The House convened with prayer, pledge, and a quorum, then spent much of the day on recognitions and commemorative resolutions. Members honored coach Jeffrey Craig Whittington, tourism and the Louisiana Oil Makers Association, Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the Tangipahoa Parish Fair, Washington Parish festivals, ACOG’s 75th anniversary, Louisiana Tech women’s basketball, and Memorial Day. A major Memorial Day presentation commended Lane Frenchy Boudreau for helping recover the body of Army Sgt. First Class James H. Moore in Vietnam; the House observed a moment of silence and presented a flag to Moore’s family. The chamber also received Senate messages, enrolled bills, and committee reports, and introduced several new resolutions on topics including Pope Leo XIV, orphan wells, scenic rivers, Teche water quality, and the LaMelle family’s pilgrimage to Rome. The House then took up numerous resolutions and bills, often adopting them without objection. Among the measures adopted or advanced were studies on neighborhood crime prevention districts, parish solid waste and disaster resiliency in Washington Parish, the Louisiana Climate Action Plan, the Louisiana Maneuvers museum/trail, cash-rounding practices after penny production ends, residential construction costs and inspection practices, roundabout education, Taiwan relations, TSA worker loan assistance in Shreveport, human growth and development standards, and the state income tax credit for water utility customers. The chamber also adopted or concurred in several Senate amendments on bills dealing with financial disclosure, video voyeurism, personal information protections, online child safety, STEM advisory council changes, dual enrollment tuition, fleet vehicle registration, menhaden fishing rules, recording fees, amusement ride insurance, drone footage authentication, garbage and trash contracts, insurance prescription periods, retirement system changes, juror qualifications, fireworks, inspection stickers, employment discrimination, and inactive boards and commissions. Several measures drew discussion or division. H.B. 1199, requiring coverage for genetic testing and treatment for SCN2A-associated disorders, passed 94-0 after being discharged from Appropriations. H.B. 302, which would prohibit vape sales within 300 feet of schools, passed 86-4. H.B. 84, encouraging an interest-free loan program for TSA workers at Shreveport Regional Airport, passed 64-27. H.B. 1054 on self-authentication of law enforcement drone footage passed 78-12, and H.B. 1137 limiting employment discrimination protections to state employees passed 71-23. The House rejected Senate amendments on H.B. 468 (residential real property wholesaling), H.B. 1117 (insurance contractual payments and prescriptive periods), H.B. 956 (fireworks dates), and H.B. 74 (Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism), while concurring in or adopting amendments on many other bills. The session ended amid continued consideration of Senate Bill 56 on the West Bank/Lafitte levee governance structure, including an adopted amendment to ensure Lafitte-area representation on the board, with extended remarks about the history and accomplishments of the existing levee authority.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session: 2025 First Special Session - part 1 Jun 9th, 2025

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Representative Niska.
  • Representative Backer. Right now, thank you, Representative Finke.
  • Representative Sen. Mira.
  • We have a duty to hold the line; we have a duty to hold our votes.
  • Representative O'Driscoll will yield to a question. Representative Liebling.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Public Education Jun 1st, 2026

Public Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you, **Representative Lee**. **Representative Lee**: Thank you.
  • Representative Bryant.
  • Representative Bryant.
  • I have performed the duties of my position and many other duties as assigned.
  • Representative Bryant. Mr.
Keywords: 1184, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Senate Floor Session - 02/27/25

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • This bill will clarify the duties and responsibilities for different parties in directed trusts, which
  • <00:18:23.400> will<00:18:23.600> clarify<00:18:24.120> the<00:18:24.240> duties
  • <00:18:24.640> and bill will clarify the duties and bill will clarify the duties and responsibilities
  • It is the case that the Senate celebrates Marty Gro far superiorly to the House of Representatives.
  • The motion prevails. the House of Representatives I look the House of Representatives I look forward<
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Education Committee Mar 26th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • I know you represent such a diverse district.
  • Jeff Valkar, representing the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools.
  • Jeff Baca representing the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, in opposition.
  • I know you are not the representative.
  • So it's imminent soon, is what the representatives noted in the article. Okay.
Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard several education bills, with AB 887 by Assemblymember Berman proposing that every school district and charter school adopt a plan so all high schools offer at least one computer science course by 2029-30. Supporters, including a teacher and student, argued California is falling behind other states and that computer science is essential for student opportunity and workforce readiness. ACSA opposed the bill, citing the shortage of qualified computer science teachers and administrative burden. The bill passed the committee on a 6-0 vote and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1390 by Assemblymember Solache, which would allow local and county school boards to raise trustee compensation above long-standing statutory minimums that have not changed in decades. Supporters said the current stipends are too low to make board service accessible to working families and younger community members. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed with five votes, with the roll left open for additional members. AB 865 by Assemblymember Gonzalez would create a $5 million, three-year grant program for dual-language immersion instructional materials, split between high-demand languages and other languages. Supporters said districts often lack standards-aligned materials in languages beyond Spanish, forcing teachers to create their own. The bill passed 7-0 to Appropriations. AB 857 by Assemblymember Gibson, requiring annual cultural competency training for K-12 staff, also passed 5-1 after supporters linked it to the state reparations task force report and argued it would improve trust and student outcomes. The committee additionally approved AB 677 by Assemblymember Bryan, which would make it easier for unhoused students to access school-based vision and dental screenings by allowing directory information to be used for that purpose with an opt-out process; it passed 8-0. AB 903 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, directing the Department of Education to develop best practices on education technology and digital equity, passed after amendments and with some opponents indicating they would remove opposition once the amendments were in print. Finally, AB 917 by Assemblymember Avila Farias, extending permanent-status protections to certain educators in small districts and county programs, drew significant opposition from small districts and regional occupational programs over flexibility and funding concerns; the bill still passed 5-2 with the roll held open for additional votes.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention - 03/13/25

Housing and Homelessness Prevention

Transcript Highlights:
  • My name is Mark Foster, and I represent the HOA Leadership Network.
  • We represent board leaders from nearly 1,000 HOAs in the metro area.
  • <01:36:10.679> are things that are being represented are things that are being represented
  • It's, I believe, your duty. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Senator Abeler.
  • It's, I believe, your duty. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Senator Abeler.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House Mar 5th, 2026

Alabama House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:41:25.480> Representative Representative Gidley.
  • Representative Representative Gidley.
  • Representative Pringle. Representative Pringle.
  • Uh Representative Representative Representative >> And<01:03:24.440> they<01:03:24.640><
  • Representative Jones. Representative Jones.
Keywords: 1136, house, all
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Consumer and Public Affairs Jan 22nd, 2026 at 01:59 pm

House Consumer & Public Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Representative Block. Representative Lord. Representative Romero. Representative Thompson, here.
  • Representatives?
  • Representative Block? Yes, to table. Representative Lord? Yes, to table. Representative Romero? No.
  • Representative Block? No, with an explanation. Representative Block?
  • Representative Lord? No. Representative Romero? Yes. Representative Thompson? Yes.
Keywords: 996, all
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session, 2/12/2026 #1

Maryland Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Gold represents wealth and royalty. Black represents spiritual strength and maturity.
  • represents a a reconnection to Africa. represents a a reconnection to Africa.
  • Gold represents colors are symbolic.
  • Black represents wealth and royalty.
  • <00:19:55.600> His do our duty as we understand it. His do our duty as we understand it.
Summary: The Senate convened with 39 members present, heard the invocation from Reverend Meredith West, and journalized her remarks. The chamber then recognized several guest groups and observances, including Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s Second District Corridor 1 for “100 Q’s in Annapolis Day,” the Kent Island High School boys lacrosse team for winning the Maryland 2A state championship, Arts Day participants, Rural Maryland Council members, Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition advocates, and visitors from the Maryland Judiciary. Senators also spoke about the meaning of Kente cloth during Black History Month, and the chamber recognized a birthday and thanked protocol staff for Valentine’s Day decorations. The Senate’s featured presentation was the annual Lincoln Day speech by the Senator from the 37th District. The senator reflected on Abraham Lincoln’s life, political career, and moral leadership, emphasizing his self-education, opposition to the expansion of slavery, the Emancipation Proclamation, Gettysburg, and the idea that the nation’s founding principles of liberty and equality guided Lincoln through the Civil War. The minority leader praised the address, and the Senate agreed without objection to journalize the remarks. After the ceremonial portion, the Senate moved to business. Bond initiatives on the calendar were read and referred to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. The Executive Nominations Committee reported favorably on a list of recess appointees, including gubernatorial secretaries, district court judges, and a state board appointee, and the report was special ordered to Monday, February 16, 2026. The chamber then began second-reader consideration of Budget and Taxation bills: Senate Bill 25, altering the cyber security technology and service tax credit, was amended and ordered printed for third reading; Senate Bill 58, creating a property tax credit for retail service station conversions, was discussed with questions about who would receive the credit and why the incentive was needed, and consideration was ongoing when the transcript ended.