Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:11:02.800> and<00:11:03.200> even<00:11:03.760> um<00:11:04.000> with
• <00:11:09.920> as<00:11:10.160> an<00:11:10.320> option<00:11:10.640> as<
• <00:11:11.839> I<00:11:12.079> think<00:11:12.160> with<00:11:12.399> the
• good<00:11:15.760> to<00:11:16.399> let<00:11:16.720> people<00:11:17.040>
• > like<00:11:18.000> you<00:11:18.240> said<00:11:18.640> a<00:11:18.880>

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:30 Personnel Cabinet 00:03:25 Department of Veterans Affairs 00:12:40 Auditor of Public Accounts 00:22:39 State Treasurer 00:42:24, 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard from Personnel Cabinet officials on House Bill 6, which required the Kentucky Employees Health Plan to offer a qualified high-deductible health plan by the 2026 plan year. Officials said the plan was already added for 2025, described it as the lowest-premium option with higher deductibles, and explained that federal rules prevent first-dollar coverage except for limited preventive services. They said 264 members had selected the plan out of about 142,000, and noted it also allows health savings accounts. Members asked about the plan’s benefits, what “catastrophic” meant, the deductible amounts, and whether employees were aware of the option; the cabinet said it would continue to highlight the plan in communications and that the deductible is above $8,000 for individuals and above $16,000 for families. The committee then received an update from the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs on the Bowling Green veterans center. Officials said the current target is to move into the building on October 28, with first admissions about two months later, pending final fixes and certification steps for Medicare, Medicaid, and the VA. They explained that about $7 million in FY25 appropriations lapsed because of construction delays, staffing ramp-up was postponed to avoid unnecessary spending, and the unspent funds should be considered in the next budget request. Members praised the project and asked about annual operating costs; officials said the current operating budget is about $15 million, though they do not expect to spend all of it this year. The commissioner also announced the fifth annual state commanders conference in Lexington, focused on veterans issues and featuring state, federal, and advocacy leaders. State Auditor Allison Ball then outlined her office’s budget priorities. She said the office is primarily a billing agency that charges audited entities for its work, and warned that some agencies are now signaling they may refuse to pay for audits related to kinship care and the medical cannabis application process. She said the office plans to continue requesting outlier credits for unusually burdensome county audit fees, funding for the ombudsman office’s transition and expanded in-office operations, and revenue replacement for local government audits and possibly state audits and special examinations. Ball also said the office conducts about 500 audits, reviews, and examinations a year and wants to restore performance audits with seed funding, as well as add investigators to the ombudsman office to focus more on child abuse and neglect cases. Members discussed the value of performance audits, the possibility of raising certain board thresholds to account for inflation, and the need for additional capacity to handle more audits.

Transcript Highlights:

• But perhaps<00:11:03.920> more<00:11:04.320> more<00:11:04.560> impaire<00:11:04.959
• For<00:11:08.920> decades,<00:11:09.920> they<00:11:10.240> have<00:11:10.399>
• , raising over<00:11:14.320> 3.8<00:11:15.200> bill<00:11:15.600> million<00:11:
• 11:29.360> states<00:11:29.920> that<00:11:30.440> recognizes<00:11:31.440> the
• ><01:11:12.400> a<01:11:12.560> lot<01:11:12.640> of<01:11:12.719> denovos,

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 25, which would allow New Hampshire state-chartered credit unions to choose, by member vote, to compensate their board members. Prime sponsor Senator Dan Innis said the bill is enabling only, does not require compensation, and is intended to align New Hampshire with other states that already permit this. He argued that credit union board service now requires more time and expertise, and that compensation could help attract stronger candidates and improve governance. Representatives from the Cooperative Credit Union Association and St. Mary’s Bank testified in support. They said the change would not create salaries, but could cover modest compensation or reimbursements such as daycare, education, cybersecurity, or accounting training. They emphasized that credit unions remain nonprofit and member-driven, that board members must be credit union members and elected by members, and that any compensation decision would be made by the membership at an annual meeting or through the credit union’s voting process. Witnesses also said the bill would help with recruitment and retention, especially as credit union operations have become more complex and digital, and noted that similar authority exists in 16 other states, including Rhode Island. Committee members asked about the historical reason credit unions were excluded, the amount and structure of compensation, whether there would be a cap, and how voting would work. Witnesses said the bill does not set a statutory maximum, but in practice the amount would be disclosed to members and set through the vote; they also described St. Mary’s Bank’s ballot process and said proxy or ballot procedures depend on each credit union’s bylaws. One witness noted that federally chartered credit unions are subject to different limits. After testimony and questions, the chair closed the public hearing on Senate Bill 25 and then moved on to Senate Bill 26.

Transcript Highlights:

• 04.360> there<01:11:05.320> any<01:11:06.320> uh<01:11:06.960> any<01:11:
• > lunches<01:11:21.560> served<01:11:22.040> per<01:11:22.280> day<01:11:
• :11:32.360> is<01:11:33.159> um<01:11:34.159> any<01:11:34.480> cost<01:11
• > you<01:11:46.000> know<01:11:46.360> your<01:11:46.520> basically<01:11
• <01:11:49.600> of<01:11:49.719> a<01:11:49.880> larger base<01:11:53.880>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• working<00:11:45.399> hard<00:11:45.600> to<00:11:45.760> get<00:11:45.959>
• :48.240> we<00:11:48.320> haven't<00:11:48.560> had<00:11:48.680> a<00:11
• <00:11:50.800> Governor<00:11:51.120> walls<00:11:51.480> has<00:11:51.600><
• :11:52.680> Minnesota<00:11:53.120> house<00:11:53.399> dfl<00:11:54.360> and
• > have<00:11:54.720> been<00:11:54.839> a<00:11:54.959> great<00:11:55.200><

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House DFL leaders held a press event outlining their priorities and criticizing Republicans for what they described as illegitimate or sham proceedings in the Minnesota House. Speakers said Democrats would focus on affordability, workers, families, and protecting prior DFL accomplishments, while opposing efforts they said would roll back paid family and medical leave, clean energy, Dreamer access to higher education, reproductive rights, consumer protections, and universal school meals. Individual members highlighted issue areas for the coming session: Children and Families Chair Kaohly Her emphasized child care, food security, and support for parents and caregivers; Health Finance and Policy Chair Robert Bierman said Democrats would expand access to dental, maternal, and mental health care, lower prescription drug costs, and address hospital service cuts; Commerce co-chair K.H. Her focused on consumer protections and maintaining out-of-pocket caps on drugs like insulin, inhalers, and EpiPens; Housing co-chair Mike Howard discussed the housing shortage, rising rents, and corporate ownership of homes; and Rep. Emma Greenman framed the agenda as a push to curb corporate power and monopolies. A substantial portion of the event and Q&A centered on the House power-sharing dispute and the effort to deny quorum after the controversy over Rep. Brad Tabke. Leaders said Republicans had rejected co-chairs, equal committee membership, and co-speaker arrangements, and they argued the GOP was trying to use its temporary advantage to control the chamber and potentially force special elections. They also discussed the legal status of the House after adjournment, the lack of a legal hopper for bill filing, and the possibility of court review of whether the House is duly organized. In response to questions, DFL leaders said they were still open to negotiation and expected eventual collaboration, but maintained that Republicans had broken the power-sharing agreement. They said the February budget forecast and the governor’s budget would shape the session’s formal work, and one speaker noted that the ERA remains a caucus priority and that the DFL would continue pursuing it when the opportunity arises.

Transcript Highlights:

• 03.120> are<00:11:03.279> not<00:11:03.480> taking<00:11:03.839> all<00:11
• :11:08.120> uh<00:11:08.279> section<00:11:08.519> three<00:11:08.760> articulates
• in<01:11:05.520> in<01:11:05.800> testifiers<01:11:06.719> who<01:11:07.320>
• something<01:11:08.960> we<01:11:09.080> don't<01:11:09.280> need<01:11:
• <01:11:12.239> like<01:11:12.520> our<01:11:12.760> bills<01:11:13.360> just<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:11:13.040> And<01:11:13.199> if<01:11:13.360> I<01:11:13.520> could
• And if I could ask<01:11:13.920> for<01:11:14.080> a<01:11:14.239> moment<01:11:
• <01:11:18.159> Uh<01:11:18.480> members,<01:11:19.360> um<01:11:19.840> as
• Patrick,<01:11:44.320> if<01:11:44.560> you<01:11:44.640> would<01:11:44.880>
• :11:26.960> can<03:11:27.120> actually<03:11:27.439> do<03:11:27.680> both.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><01:11:22.199> why<01:11:22.320> I<01:11:22.440> wanted<01:11:22.719> to
• <01:11:36.199> etc etc<01:11:40.520> okay<01:11:41.280> okay<01:11:42.280>
• > okay<01:11:42.679> one<01:11:42.960> last<01:11:43.199> slide<01:11:43.560
• 44.239> taxes<01:11:45.239> um<01:11:45.400> just<01:11:45.520> to<01:11:
• > I<01:11:49.560> just<01:11:49.920> wanted<01:11:50.199> to<01:11:50.480

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee received an overview from Chris of the Legislative Budget Assistance Office on how it will estimate unrestricted revenues for the General Fund, Education Trust Fund, Highway Fund, and Fish and Game Fund. He explained that the committee’s work is based on current law, not pending bills, and that the estimates will feed into a House resolution and an amendment to House Bill 1, the operating budget. He also described the broader budget process, including how House and Senate estimates are reconciled, how surplus statements account for revenue changes from enacted bills, and how a committee of conference could resolve differences later in the session. No votes were taken. Members then asked about why the Education Trust Fund was running below plan. Chris said the shortfall appeared to be driven largely by business taxes, including differences in the BET/BPT split and improved tax-processing systems that better track where business tax payments belong. Representative Orr also asked about tobacco tax collections and out-of-state sales; Chris said tobacco revenue was likely overestimated in 2023 based on COVID-era patterns, with more people smoking at home, and noted that e-cigarette tax revenue goes to the General Fund while cigarette taxes are split between the General Fund and Education Trust Fund. He said he did not have a specific estimate for cross-border sales. Commissioner Lindsay St. Pierre of the Department of Revenue then began a deeper dive into the department’s role and the taxes it administers. She reviewed the department’s mission, organizational structure, taxpayer services, and the tax policy and legislative analysis staff who prepare fiscal notes and testify on bills. She noted that the department administers about $2.9 billion in revenue across major taxes such as business taxes, meals and rooms, and utility property tax, and that the figures being discussed were preliminary because the annual report had not yet been issued. The discussion was informational only, with no formal action taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.079> their<00:11:00.320> safe<00:11:00.560> use<00:11:00.720> of<00:11
• <00:11:08.560> the<00:11:08.720> bill<00:11:09.519> um<00:11:09.600> just
• Um and we've begun<00:11:16.160> that<00:11:16.320> work<00:11:16.480> and<00:11
• <00:11:17.760> the<00:11:17.839> author<00:11:18.160> as<00:11:18.320> it
• We have another<00:11:23.360> uh<00:11:23.519> testifier<00:11:24.000> who<00:11

Bills: HF3919, HF3791, HF1781, HF3908, HF4233, HF3966, HF3430

Keywords: veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, security, protective services, state officials, Capitol complex, state patrol, public safety, legislative protection, threat assessment, transportation, electronic attestation, traffic signals, accident reporting, legislative routes, agricultural aircraft

Transcript Highlights:

• and Veterans have<01:11:01.760> access<01:11:02.040> to<01:11:02.159> the<01:11:
• ><01:11:07.560> you<01:11:08.560> next<01:11:08.800> we<01:11:08.960> have
• > years<01:11:23.560> 14<01:11:24.000> of<01:11:24.120> them<01:11:24.320
• <01:11:27.840> can<01:11:27.960> do<01:11:28.080> to<01:11:28.239> each
• c> uh<01:11:29.760> I<01:11:29.840> have<01:11:30.000> had<01:11:30.159>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to<01:11:05.120> move,<01:11:05.520> we<01:11:05.760> would<01:11:05.920>
• <01:11:09.280> Where<01:11:09.520> will<01:11:09.679> I<01:11:09.840> see
• And<01:11:11.920> how<01:11:12.080> do<01:11:12.239> I<01:11:12.400> access
• <01:11:22.960> that<01:11:23.199> shows<01:11:23.520> up<01:11:23.679> for
• <01:11:27.679> Head<01:11:27.920> Start,<01:11:28.560> see<01:11:28.800>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2592, which would clarify the powers of the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority regarding land use on Mauna Akea and related property transfers. The Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the rural property transfer but objected to language transferring conservation district use permits, saying CDUPs normally run with the land rather than being assigned to specific telescopes or observatories. The University of Hawaiʻi and the observatories generally supported the bill but urged clearer language, especially on the transfer of real property assets, related obligations and liabilities, and the inclusion of milestones for the transition. Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill’s overall intent but warned that some language could be overbroad and might improperly waive future beneficiary claims. Several testifiers opposed the measure, arguing it ignored DHHL lands and beneficiary rights, while others supported it as a way to clarify the authority’s role. Members questioned DLNR about the practical effects of transferring CDUP responsibility, and the committee emphasized that the bill was narrowly focused on specific land. The committee then took up House Bill 2593, which would authorize the Mauna Stewardship and Oversight Authority to extend existing leases and subleases for up to 10 years. The authority explained that the bill does not itself extend any lease, but instead gives the authority discretion to initiate a transparent public process if extensions are needed. The University of Hawaiʻi supported the concept but said the timing of any extension matters and noted possible legal requirements under state law. The observatories also supported the bill, describing it as a flexible tool during a broader transition process and noting that the authority has held many public planning workshops. Opponents, including Native Hawaiian and community testifiers, argued that the conservation lands should receive the highest protection, that the community had not consented, and that the observatories have had decades to plan ahead. One testifier urged the bill be deferred or killed for lack of clarity. In response to questions, the committee clarified that the bill only authorizes a process and does not itself extend leases, and that any extension would require public participation. The final measure discussed in the excerpt was House Bill 2047, relating to the AHAPU advisory committee. The discussion focused on the committee’s administrative relationship to the Department of Land and Natural Resources and whether DLNR should oversee basic legal compliance issues such as Sunshine Law and legislative reporting. DLNR explained that the committee is administratively attached to the department, which provides support on human resources, procurement, and legal questions, but that the committee itself generally handles its own operations. The department said it would route compliance questions to its attorneys and implement their advice. The hearing then moved on to House Bill 2231, which would transfer appointment authority for island burial council members from the governor and Senate to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees. OHA said it generally supported the change for geographic moku representatives, since it already nominates candidates for those seats, but expressed concern about taking on appointment authority for the large landowner seats because that role is less directly tied to its statutory duties.

Transcript Highlights:

• .<00:11:40.800> And<00:11:40.959> then<00:11:41.120> she<00:11:41.360> was
• There<00:11:46.640> is<00:11:46.800> a<00:11:47.040> sound<00:11:47.360> that
• <00:11:47.600> comes<00:11:47.839> out<00:11:47.920> of<00:11:48.079> a
• <00:11:54.480> It<00:11:54.720> is<00:11:54.800> so<00:11:55.040> guttural
• :11:47.840> in<01:11:48.000> the<01:11:48.159> sake<01:11:48.320> of<01:11

Bills: HF3433, HF3402, HF3412, HF3405, HF3404

Keywords: assault weapons, semi-automatic rifle, military-style firearm, gun ban, firearms regulation, gun control, public safety, BCA, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, background check, transferee permit, private gun sale, waiting period, felony possession, gross misdemeanor, AR-15, AK-47, Uzi, TEC-9, high-capacity magazine

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Uh<00:11:23.839> all<00:11:24.079> in<00:11:24.240> favor<00:11:24.480>
• > you<00:11:27.839> like<00:11:28.000> to<00:11:28.079> take<00:11:28.240
• :11:39.360> you<00:11:39.440> have<00:11:39.839> a<00:11:40.000> bill?
• And<00:11:51.040> so<00:11:51.839> I<00:11:52.000> can<00:11:52.240> talk
• <00:11:52.720> to<00:11:52.800> you<00:11:53.040> again<00:11:53.360> if<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.880> uh<00:11:01.079> up<00:11:01.200> in<00:11:01.320> the<00:11:01.440
• > it's<00:11:01.600> not<00:11:01.760> marked<00:11:02.040> in<00:11:02.160
• <00:11:04.680> because<00:11:04.920> you<00:11:05.040> know<00:11:05.399>
• > a<00:11:05.839> swimming<00:11:06.160> pool<00:11:07.160> and<00:11:07.279
• > if<00:11:07.399> I<00:11:07.560> may<00:11:08.040> uh<00:11:08.399>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs met on February 13 and heard testimony on three measures before taking up decision-making. On SB 1410, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands supported the bill as a practical way to require counties to timely respond when DHHL seeks transfer of infrastructure or facilities, and the chair later recommended passage without amendment. The committee adopted that recommendation, with Senator Ihara excused. The committee then heard extensive testimony on SB 1549, which would help fund the Kahili Homestead community’s planned multi-service center and park improvements. DHHL supported the measure, and community witnesses described a 16-year planning process, prior grant and developer funding, completed phase-one park work, and the need for state bonding to complete phase two. Members asked about community engagement, fundraising, and whether the design included features such as a lāʻau garden, Hōlua mound, imu hall, craft pavilion, and space for Native Hawaiian games and lua practice. The chair recommended passage of SB 1549 unamended, and the committee adopted the recommendation. The committee also considered SB 903, described as a housekeeping bill to create a vehicle for continued funding of OHA after the current working group sunsets. The chair recommended passage with amendments incorporating the contents of proposed Senate Draft 1 and recommittal to the Hawaiian Affairs committee, and that recommendation was adopted. The meeting then shifted to a joint hearing with Transportation and Culture and the Arts on SB 614, relating to Hawaiian Independence Day, and SB 1051, relating to Hawaiian History Month. Testimony on SB 614 was largely supportive, emphasizing cultural recognition and education, though one witness from Hawaii Sovereignty Studies opposed it; the Office of Collective Bargaining said it did not yet know the cost. SB 1051 also drew support, with testimony stressing the importance of teaching the history of the overthrow and Hawaiian sovereignty. Both bills were advanced with amendments, including technical changes and effective dates, and both committees adopted the chair’s recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• > network<00:11:06.640> also<00:11:06.880> known<00:11:07.040> as<00:11:07.680
• with national standards.<00:11:11.279> The<00:11:11.519> rationale<00:11:12.000> is<
• is the national<00:11:15.360> CASA<00:11:15.839> GAL<00:11:16.399> association<
• .<00:11:18.160> National<00:11:18.800> CASA<00:11:19.360> changed<00:11:19.680><
• Lastly,<00:11:30.079> it<00:11:30.240> updates<00:11:30.640> the<00:11:30.880>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky Senate convened with an invocation marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day, followed by the pledge, roll call, and a quorum declaration. The chamber approved the prior journal, received new bill and resolution introductions, and heard a House message that House Bill 312 had passed the House and was sent over for concurrence. The Senate also recessed briefly for committee meetings, then received committee reports referring several bills and resolutions to standing committees and placing Senate Joint Resolution 23 on the regular orders for January 28, 2026. The main floor action was on Senate Bill 17, relating to the Kentucky Court-appointed Special Advocate Network. The Senate adopted a committee substitute that updated CASA statutes, including reducing the minimum board size from 15 to 12, narrowing a volunteer/employment restriction to Department of Community Based Services employees, removing outdated references to the National CASA Association while retaining compliance with national standards through the Kentucky CASA Network, and updating the state association’s name. The bill passed 33-0, and a title amendment was adopted without objection. The Senate also considered Senate Bill 181, an emergency bill relating to schools and traceable communications. The chamber adopted a committee substitute and two floor amendments: one requiring parent notification after investigations involving alleged unauthorized electronic communication by a student, and another adding limited exemptions for communications involving school resource officers and directors of pupil personnel when certain school officials are included. Supporters said the changes were intended to refine implementation while preserving the bill’s original student-protection purpose. The bill then passed unanimously, 33-0. In addition, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 36 recognizing January 25-31, 2026 as Physician Anesthesiologist Week, with remarks highlighting the specialty’s contributions to anesthesia, airway management, patient safety, ICU care, pain management, and major surgeries. The Senate also heard announcements thanking road crews, first responders, and utility workers for winter storm response, and members made several co-sponsorship requests and announcements, including notice of Kentucky Audiologist Association advocacy day and a committee cancellation.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.720> know,<01:11:00.960> at<01:11:01.120> the<01:11:01.240> top<01:11
• And<01:11:12.040> last<01:11:12.240> question,<01:11:12.560> I<01:11:12.600>
• know,<01:11:12.760> cuz<01:11:12.920> I<01:11:12.960> have<01:11:13.080>
• <01:11:13.840> Do<01:11:13.960> you<01:11:14.080> know<01:11:14.320> any<
• <01:11:19.720> have<01:11:19.880> had<01:11:20.040> to<01:11:20.160> rectify<

Bills: SB2603, SB3007, SB3019, SB3022, SB2795, SB2256, SB3250, SB2147

Keywords: Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, state funding, public performances, educational programs, cultural arts funding, culture and arts, arts policy, cultural preservation, community development, economic revitalization, place-based planning, public spaces, historic preservation, adaptive reuse, mixed-use development, business improvement district, Honolulu Chinatown, DBEDT, Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, state foundation on culture and the arts

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2603 SD1, which would designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the state symphony orchestra, require annual reports to the legislature, and appropriate funds. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from the orchestra, the Hawaii Youth Symphony, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, business and arts groups, and many individuals. Supporters emphasized the orchestra’s cultural value, its role in inspiring youth and supporting arts education, and its broader community impact. No opposition or questions were raised, and the chair offered praise for the level of public engagement around the measure. The committee then took up SB 3007 SD2, relating to culture and the arts, which would create an Office of Community Culture and Innovation within the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, require annual reporting, appropriate funds, and establish a Community and Cultural Partnerships Program. The Attorney General’s office warned that section four, which separately funds preservation and relocation of artwork from Aloha Stadium, may be non-germane and should be moved to a separate bill; it also suggested the office would be more properly placed under DAGS rather than SFCA. SFCA Director Karen Ewald testified with concerns about added costs, staffing burdens, and the need for earlier communication, while also saying the agency could support the work if properly coordinated. Opposition testimony argued the bill was duplicative or unnecessary, while supporters, including Governor Abercrombie and Dean Sakamoto, said it would help communities, especially Chinatown, and could support planning and cultural revitalization. The chair noted roughly eight opposition testimonies and five in support, and questioned witnesses about coordination and the cost of relocating the Aloha Stadium artwork, which Ewald estimated could cost at least $1.2 million. The AG’s office said removing section four would substantially reduce legal risk. Finally, the committee heard SB 3019 SD2, a consumer protection measure that would cap ticket resale prices at no more than $3 above the original price for events in Hawaii and authorize DCCA to adopt enforcement rules and fines. The Office of Consumer Protection opposed the bill, arguing it would strain limited enforcement resources, push sales to less regulated channels, and likely eliminate the protections offered by established secondary platforms. Chamber of Progress also opposed the bill, saying price caps would encourage black-market sales, scams, and fraud, and that resale markets serve legitimate consumer needs. In support, the National Independent Venue Association backed the measure, though the remainder of its testimony was not fully captured in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.040> they<01:11:00.199> spent<01:11:00.440> a<01:11:00.520> lot<01:11
• them<01:11:06.920> as<01:11:07.040> it<01:11:07.159> is<01:11:07.360> to
• c><01:11:21.679> they<01:11:21.840> got<01:11:22.040> resources<01:11:22.880>
• > that<01:11:26.960> we<01:11:27.120> can<01:11:27.320> work<01:11:27.640
• /c><01:11:36.840> a<01:11:37.199> um<01:11:37.440> an<01:11:37.600> open

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:26.800> President,<00:11:27.120> and<00:11:27.360> thank<00:11:27.440
• President, and I<00:11:39.440> want<00:11:39.519> to<00:11:39.680> add<00:11:39.839
• > that<00:11:40.000> it<00:11:40.240> has<00:11:40.399> already<00:11:40.640
• :41.200> other<00:11:41.360> body<00:11:42.640> 125<00:11:43.200> to<00:11
• Senator Weber<00:11:44.720> and<00:11:44.800> I<00:11:44.959> both<00:11:45.200>

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened under call, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took the roll, establishing a quorum. The chamber received a House message announcing passage of Senate File 3720, a workers’ compensation bill adopting 2026 recommendations of the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council, and then moved through routine author changes and motions, including sending House File 3825 to the Finance Committee and advancing House File 3298, which was described as funding the removal and replacement of underground tanks to protect water supplies. A major floor item was Senate File 4282, the education forecast-adjustment bill. Senator Kunish explained that the conference committee updated appropriations to reflect forecast changes, added language on highly qualified paraprofessionals for Title I special education, provided tribal contract aid if a permanent school fund amendment passes, allowed districts to use operating capital for utility costs, extended grants for gender-neutral bathrooms, and made two school district fund transfers. The Senate adopted the conference report and passed the bill 34-33. The Senate then considered House File 3489, which would establish a felony offense of grooming, require reporting to licensing boards, update school and mandated reporter rules, and add funding for investigators. Supporters framed it as a child-protection measure based on a survivor’s testimony and a teacher-abuse case; one member also spoke in favor, while another offered a strongly partisan critique of public education. The Senate adopted the A11 amendment, gave the bill third reading, and passed it 66-0, then recessed briefly to honor guests in the gallery. After recess, the Senate took up House File 5074, the annual claims settlement bill. Senator Clark said it appropriates just over $5.1 million for claims including exoneration payments and a permanent injury claim, highlighting compensation for James Lamar Davis, Clayton Douglas Groves, and Marvin Haynes. The bill drew some debate over the Haynes payment and the calculation for an ankle injury claim, but it ultimately passed 64-2. The final item was House File 4074, the 2026 omnibus pension bill, described as improving public safety and other public employee retirement benefits, removing a COLA delay, creating work groups on duty disability, and addressing pension provisions for probation officers, 911 telecommunicators, St. Paul teachers, and other groups; the discussion was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

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• questions<00:11:42.399> from<00:11:43.160> constituents<00:11:44.160> she<00:11
• 49.440> her<00:11:50.040> to<00:11:50.240> talk<00:11:50.440> to<00:11:50.600
• /c><01:11:06.400> father<01:11:06.760> have<01:11:06.920> been<01:11:07.040>
• :11:11.320> if<01:11:11.480> the<01:11:11.640> father<01:11:11.960> called

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If not,<00:11:17.560> the<00:11:17.680> clerk<00:11:18.080> will<00:11:18.240>
• There<00:11:20.839> being<00:11:21.080> 125<00:11:22.120> votes<00:11:22.480>
• :11:24.200> in<00:11:24.360> the<00:11:24.440> negative,<00:11:25.280> House<
• number<00:11:26.080> 843<00:11:26.960> having<00:11:27.280> received<00:11:
• <00:11:31.160> will<00:11:31.280> be<00:11:31.400> so<00:11:31.640> kind<

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, March 27, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a prayer, quorum call, and recognition of two House resolutions honoring student achievements. One resolution congratulated the Henry E. Lackey High School boys basketball team for winning the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference title and the Maryland State Championship; the other recognized Charles County spelling bee champion Ethan Ntanga, who will represent Maryland at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The chamber also received Governor Moore’s Supplemental Budget Number Two for fiscal 2027, which was referred to Appropriations. On third reading, the House passed House Bill 843, relating to Washington County tax sale notice changes, by 125-0, and House Bill 888, relating to eligibility for a Washington County property tax credit for disabled veterans, by 124-1. The House then took up Senate Bill 5, as amended, concerning special elections to fill legislative vacancies and related constitutional questions. Members debated whether the bill’s amendments violated the single-subject rule and whether it advanced voter control or, conversely, represented a partisan power grab and a threat to minority representation. Several members explained green or red votes on those grounds. Senate Bill 5 passed the House 93-33. The House and Senate then exchanged messages on the fiscal 2027 budget bills, Senate Bill 282 and Senate Bill 284, after each chamber declined to recede from its amendments and agreed to conference committees. The House appointed conferees for both measures. The session concluded with committee and personal announcements, including upcoming committee meetings, a Jewish Caucus and Women’s Caucus lunch event, a disabilities art show reception, recognition of the doctor of the day, and a motion to recess until Monday, March 30 at 8:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

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• And they<00:11:45.360> happen<00:11:45.720> to<00:11:46.040> get<00:11:46.360>
• > a<00:11:46.440> call<00:11:46.880> on<00:11:47.040> their<00:11:47.280>
• phone that<00:11:50.280> has<00:11:50.480> to<00:11:50.600> do<00:11:50.839
• Um<00:11:55.120> the<00:11:55.560> off-<00:11:56.160> office<00:11:56.640> space

Keywords: 1183, house