Transcript Highlights:

• Silence all electronic devices.
• Charges have been filed if the owner can be identified and administrative hearings are allowed to take
• to continue to drag things out and then it would have been if they weren't and they had to pay for filing

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• File item 29 has been dispensed with, file item 30, AB 310 by Assemblymember Alanis.
• File item 43, ACR 55 by Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez.
• File item 45, HR 28 by Coloza. The clerk will read.
• The last day to file your FPPC form 700 is this.
• On Tuesday, April 1st, the form must be filed with the FPPC electronically through the FPPC's website

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Board of Education, Student Electronic Board of Education, Student Electronic Communication<00:40
• House Bill 64 is a matching cross-file to Senate Bill 28.
• a matching cross file to Senate Bill<00:58:54.960> 28.
• >> It does say cross file Senate Bill 38. I >> It does say cross file Senate Bill 38.
• me just a moment. files, so Give me just a moment.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, and handled several ceremonial and introductory matters before moving into committee reports. The chamber welcomed the doctor of the day, recognized an intern and a guest in the gallery, extended birthday wishes to Senator Chris West, and received remarks from the Romanian Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Andre Moraru, who emphasized Romania’s strategic partnership with the United States, NATO cooperation, investment ties, energy projects, and support for Ukraine. Senators also briefly noted Maryland’s military and diplomatic ties to Romania. The ambassador’s remarks were journalized, and members were given time to meet with him off the floor. The Senate then took up a series of second-reading bills, mostly from the Finance Committee, adopting committee amendments and favorable reports without objection. Among the measures advanced were Senate Bill 39 on behavioral health reimbursement rate methodology and a work group for certified community behavioral health clinics and outpatient mental health centers; Senate Bill 605 directing the Public Service Commission to study broadband and VoIP oversight; Senate Bill 721, Ralph’s Act, providing expedited DDA/Medicaid eligibility for certain recently relocated individuals; and Senate Bill 891 on perinatal mental health screening, coverage, training, and reporting. Each was amended in committee and ordered printed for third reading. The Senate also advanced several House bills, including House Bill 427 extending the task force on responsible use of natural psychedelic substances and adding an HBCU representative; House Bill 480 requiring transportation network companies to maintain written deactivation policies; House Bill 532 requiring overtime pay for firefighters employed by governmental units after 168 hours in a 28-day period; House Bill 816 reducing the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund assessment cap from 3% to 1% and authorizing an affordability program; House Bill 829 requiring human trafficking awareness training for certain for-hire and rideshare drivers; House Bill 862 requiring a two-person crew for certain freight rail operations in shared corridors, contingent on similar action in neighboring states; and House Bill 999 revising Class 9 limited distillery license rules and production limits. Most of these bills were reported favorably, with no objections, and were ordered to third reading or passed for third reading as applicable.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 3630 and recognize Representative Ashby to explain the differences between the bill as filed
• prevent any governmental entity in the state as compared to political subdivisions in the original filed
• House Bill 1835 and recognizes Representative again to explain the differences between the bill as filed
• House Bill 2561 and recognizes Representative Pearson, explain the differences between the bill as filed
• So, uh, they're very, uh, diverse, um, as filed, the HB 2561 applies only to mud, and it requires it

Transcript Highlights:

• I know it's pretty straightforward, but in this process, the county may file a motion with the board
• /c><00:36:12.000> the<00:36:12.160> county<00:36:12.480> may<00:36:12.640> file
• <00:36:13.480> a in this process, the county may file a in this process, the county may file
• It also authorizes DPO to send correspondences to licensees electronically and changes the existing fee
• electronically electronically and<01:19:19.640> changes<01:19:20.160> the<01:19:20.360

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal, and spent much of the opening period on recognitions and announcements. Members welcomed students and staff from the San Luis Valley BOCES Transition Program, recognized Purple Up Day and military children at the Capitol, noted committee meetings later in the day, and observed a moment honoring former Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell. Several members also shared personal remarks about being military children and invited colleagues to a Bible study. The chamber then took up Senate Joint Resolution 16, concerning retirement readiness and financial well-being. The sponsor said the resolution affirms Colorado’s commitment to strengthening retirement security through tools such as financial education, automatic enrollment, employer matches, and lifetime income options. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 59 ayes, 1 no, and 5 excused, with Representatives Rutnel and Lindsay listed as co-sponsors. The House next moved into special orders and considered House Bill 1233 on property tax procedures for non-residential properties. An amendment clarifying petty offense liability and appeal timelines was adopted, while another amendment on notice to property owners was defeated. Supporters said the bill adds penalties for false information, allows counties to request district court review, and improves fairness and accountability in non-residential property tax appeals; opponents argued it would impose costly new burdens on businesses. The committee report, as amended, and the bill were both adopted. The chamber also adopted Senate Bill 128, which exempts certain destination management company fees from sales and use tax. Supporters said the bill codifies current practice, clarifies the definition of destination management company, and avoids taxing services twice; the Finance Committee report was adopted first, then the bill passed. Consideration then began on House Bill 1195, which restricts the use of artificial intelligence in psychotherapy services. Sponsors described a multi-page amendment adding definitions, allowing certain FDA-approved AI uses, moving some provisions to the Consumer Protection Act, and clarifying liability and consent; members broadly supported the need for guardrails and patient protections, and discussion continued on additional consent language.

Transcript Highlights:

• a frivolous lawsuit, but if there's no foundation, no factual support for your claim, and you just file
• claim<00:40:54.400> and<00:40:54.480> you<00:40:54.599> just<00:40:54.800> file
• a complaint and claim and you just file a complaint and it's<00:40:57.680> not<00:40:57.880><
• It's also, you know, written notice can even be done electronically as well.
• <01:05:51.640> as can even be done electronically as can even be done electronically as well

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• COALITION'S TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND LINES PUBLIC SCHOOL VPK PROGRAMS TO VERIFY ATTENDANCE USING EXISTING ELECTRONIC
• MY INTENT THROUGH THIS BILL AND THE MANY THAT I WILL FILE AFTER THIS BILL IS TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ALIGNING

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• PLEASE SILENCE ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES.
• BY MARCH 1 A TAXPAYER WILL RECEIVE, THE TAX PAYER FILE APPLICATION WITH THE PROPERTY APPRAISER.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I will move House File 3557 before us.
• File 3557. File 3557.
• <00:31:26.960> 3557 Um, and I will move House File 3557 Um, and I will move House File 3557
• establish<00:31:48.280> a House File 3557 would establish a House File 3557 would establish
• House File 3585? House File 3585?

Bills: HF3776, HF3557, HF3585

Keywords: screen time, preschool, kindergarten, early childhood education, digital media, tablets, smartphones, educational technology, EdTech, classroom devices, publicly funded preschool, school policy, child development, special education, IEP, 504 plan, IFSP, Minnesota education law, climate literacy, education

Summary: The committee first approved the previous day’s minutes, then took up House File 3776, as amended by the A2 amendment, which clarified how the bill would apply to students with IEPs and 504 plans. The bill’s author argued that Minnesota should address screen time for preschool and kindergarten students, saying current law is too broad, that young children are especially vulnerable to developmental and attention harms from screens, and that parents and teachers should have more control over device use. The bill was laid over after discussion. Testimony on HF 3776 was split. Amanda Faye of Minnetonka Public Schools opposed the bill as drafted, saying it would conflict with existing academic standards, READ Act screening requirements, accessibility tools, and local control, and would force districts back to paper-based screening. Katherine Myers of Live More Screen Less supported the bill, citing concerns about early childhood screen exposure and arguing that screen-free time supports child development. Members raised concerns about local control, parental rights, and how to protect students who need devices for accommodations; the author and nonpartisan staff noted that schools can already adopt cell phone policies, but exceptions may be needed for certain students and uses. After laying over HF 3776, the committee began House File 3557. Representative Craft introduced the bill as a voluntary program to promote practical science education and workforce development tied to climate literacy, including a proposed Minnesota Seal of Climate Literacy for high school students. The bill was only introduced before the transcript ended, with no vote or final action recorded on HF 3557.

Transcript Highlights:

• and you can get a very electronically and you can get a very fast<01:37:53.520> so<01:37:53.760
• so we we have one in electronically so we we have one in Dover<01:38:15.880> in<01:38:16.000>
• That processing time is minutes for each of those files, if you will, or fingerprint submissions, but
• That processing time is minutes for each of those files, if you will, or fingerprint submissions, but
• that, like anything else that comes before the board, if somebody violates something and somebody files

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held public hearings on House Bill 144 and House Bill 145, both related to professional licensing for dietitians and dental hygienists. HB 144 was described as a technical fix to align statute with existing Board of Dental Examiners rules allowing dental hygienists to administer nitrous oxide and local anesthesia, with supporters saying the bill would add needed training and examination requirements to statute. A dentist and dental society representative testified that the practice is already being done safely within scope, and committee members discussed whether nitrous oxide is still used and whether the bill was mainly to keep the paperwork and law consistent. The committee moved HB 144 forward on a 12-0 vote and placed it on consent. HB 145 would join New Hampshire to a dietitian licensure compact and add a criminal history check for initial licensure to match compact language. The sponsor and board witnesses said the compact would improve portability, support telehealth, help military families and spouses, and maintain public safety by ensuring qualified practitioners and information-sharing among member states. Committee members asked about withdrawal from the compact, the difference between single-state and compact licensure, and why a background check was included; the witness said the compact is not yet active, with four states enacted and seven needed, and that the background check is required by the compact language. Additional testimony from a private-practice dietitian supported the bill, citing continuity of care, rural access, and workforce mobility, while some members raised concerns about telehealth across state lines and the practical effect of the background check.

Transcript Highlights:

• Otherwise, if it's submitted electronically, it's 14 days. >> We did just post recently because of SB
• Two days anyways, because you're doing everything electronic now. It's like prescriptions.
• electronically it's 14 days. Okay. electronically it's 14 days. Okay.
• Because you're<00:29:46.680> doing<00:29:46.840> everything<00:29:47.120> electronic
• you're doing everything electronic now. you're doing everything electronic now.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , >> Senate Bill 154, Senator Watson, Commercial Law, Uniform Commercial Code, Controllable Electronic
• Senator Bidle, tobacco product licenses, additional license for electronic smoking devices.
• business license or an OTP, which is other than tobacco products license, to also obtain an ESD, electronic
• So, if you've noticed, there's these tobacco stores cropping up everywhere and they all sell electronic
• So, it is what it is. >> We're in an era of electronic filing. That's right.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, quorum call, and several introductions recognizing guests, including Reverend Jennifer Carsner and her daughter, President Kirk Schmoke, representatives from Maryland independent colleges and universities, students from Stevenson University, Howard and Anne Arundel counties, Washington College, a constituent, and the Greater Washington, D.C.-Maryland chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The chamber also adopted a resolution honoring Damatha Catholic High School for winning the 2025 WCAC football championship and another recognizing the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce on its 100th anniversary. Both resolutions were adopted unanimously after brief remarks and roll calls. The Senate then took up executive nominations, separating nominee 16 from the main report. The chamber voted 42 in favor on the remaining nominations and then 42 in favor on nominee 16, giving all nominees the Senate’s advice and consent. On third reading, the Senate passed several bills, including SB 46, SB 25, SB 58, SB 163, SB 170, SB 188, SB 247, SB 356, and SB 379, with recorded affirmative votes ranging from 36 to 42. These measures covered topics such as veterans cemeteries, tax credits and tax modifications, education funding, transportation revenue bonds, biotechnology incentives, a stillborn child tax credit, and recovery residence grant funding. The chamber also advanced numerous second-reading bills, generally adopting committee reports and amendments without objection. Among the measures discussed were collective bargaining for Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission police officers; adoption of the 2022 Uniform Commercial Code amendments for controllable electronic records; cemetery sale and transfer oversight; an additional license for electronic smoking devices; collective bargaining for Baltimore County Public Library supervisory employees; payroll processor exemptions under the Money Transmission Act; scalp cooling coverage for chemotherapy patients; orthoses and prostheses coverage under health and Medicaid plans; an online database of elevator inspection certificates; service animal program disqualification standards; extension of the State Board of Environmental Health Specialists; disclosure of lapsed professional liability insurance for nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and nurse midwives; and revisions to massage therapy licensure rules. Most reports were favorable, with several technical or substantive amendments adopted and bills ordered printed for third reading. A notable policy discussion occurred on SB 56, which would allow the Maryland Longitudinal Data System Center to share individual-level student and workforce data with a third-party data center for multi-state reporting. The sponsor explained the bill as a way to compare Maryland outcomes with other states while using data-sharing agreements and oversight to protect privacy; a minority whip raised concerns about the type of third-party data center and whether the practice was new. The sponsor said the bill was intended to formalize and safeguard data sharing, and noted a technical amendment would be offered to correct the amendment language.

Transcript Highlights:

• Silence all electronic devices.
• It allows these petitions to be filed without a fee.
• It's down after the petition has already filed.
• It's basically providing notice that the petition was filed.
• You don't have to have an attorney to file these cases. There is no filing fee.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• No, we're all electronic today. Wow. You can pass them around anyway.
• No, we're all electronic today. Wow. You can pass them around anyway. Okay, good morning.
• So we have a file transfer system with the parole board, and we download all of the documents that are
• When a horse changes hands, proof of the ownership transfer must be filed with the commission before
• I can't control any of the people that present and haven't given us electronic stuff.

Summary: The committee opened with a moment of silence for a deceased member, then approved the April minutes and heard a presentation from HHS on the Diversion Task Force and related youth services grants. Chelsea Florey described the $750,000 one-time appropriation from HB 1012, the five awarded grants, and how programs in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot are using the funds for youth diversion, including school-based groups, physical activity, and services for problematic sexual behavior. Members raised concerns about staffing shortages, family engagement, service silos, and whether diversion eligibility rules are too rigid; Florey said the task force is focused on better coordination, broader education about available services, and possible changes to diversion criteria, with the Children’s Cabinet likely to drive broader recommendations. The committee then received a North Dakota Lottery biennium report from Director Thomas Lawler, who reviewed the lottery’s history, games, retailer commissions, player programs, and revenue distribution. He reported about $67 million in ticket sales for the 2023-2025 biennium, about $16.2 million transferred overall, including roughly $13.6 million to the general fund, plus transfers to drug task force and compulsive gambling funds. Members asked about the compulsive gambling allocation and whether it is set by statute. Next, the Department of Corrections presented on criminal justice data sharing and reentry. Adam Anderson explained that jails, courts, DOCR, HHS, and other entities use separate systems with limited interoperability, making real-time communication largely manual. He outlined possible hub or point-to-point IT solutions, but noted cost, vendor, identifier, and data-definition challenges. Robin Schmolenberger followed with an update on a Medicaid data exchange project between DOCR and HHS to suspend and reactivate inmate Medicaid coverage automatically and improve care coordination, with full bi-directional exchange expected in fall 2026. The committee also heard from county representatives on 24-7 sobriety program fees and an AG opinion allowing local sheriffs to use cheaper testing options when courts waive fees. Finally, the North Dakota Racing Commission reviewed a troubling audit. Bruce Johnson acknowledged serious findings involving overspending from the promotion fund, missing grant documentation, a reversed decision on breeders fund eligibility, and repeated procurement violations. He said the commission has begun corrective actions, including monthly tracking of the promotion fund cap, stricter grant documentation, written procurement procedures, and clearer eligibility rules in condition books. Members pressed him on how the overspending occurred, whether the commission board would impose consequences, and whether statutory clarification is needed on the promotion fund limit and related spending rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• The SHIP Council annual report was sent electronically earlier this week to you all, and I don't have
• earlier this week to you electronically earlier this week to you all<00:52:28.359> and<00:52:
• We have the electronic annual report. That's fine.
• Um, you mentioned you sent it electronically.
• The period for filing for an appeal is 30 days from whatever administrative action.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first handled organizational business, electing Representative Mark Pearson as chair for the coming term, appointing Representative Lucy Weber as clerk, and approving the November 22 minutes with abstentions from members who were absent. Members also noted excused absences for Senator Avard and Representative Jessica Lontine. After the vote, the committee moved to the DHHS commissioners’ update. DHHS associate commissioners Patricia Tilly and Chris Santinello described a process-improvement effort to improve transitions for youth moving from DCF care into adult developmental services and Medicaid. They said the old process was fragmented, dependent on personal relationships, and not sustainable, so staff from DCF, the Bureau of Family Assistance, Developmental Services, and public health used a Kaizen/Lean event to map the workflow, identify bottlenecks, clarify roles, and create a more consistent playbook. Members asked about IT support and whether the process would create new bureaucracy; DHHS said current systems are antiquated, especially DCF’s CWIS, but the goal is to streamline coordination, not add bureaucracy, and future systems like Granite Families may help with reminders and age-based ticklers. Several members praised the work, including a CASA volunteer who said the added attention has improved services for vulnerable youth. The committee then received the annual healthcare-associated infections update from Ctin Hansen of the Division of Public Health Services. Hansen reported that New Hampshire’s HAI program, created by statute, tracks infections in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, dialysis centers, and long-term care facilities. For 2023, hospitals reported fewer infections than predicted nationally, with 135 infections statewide and 174 C. diff infections also below national rates; hospital influenza vaccination was 89.9%. Ambulatory surgery centers reported low infection counts and an 80.1% staff flu vaccination rate; dialysis centers reported fewer infections overall than the prior year but higher local access-site infections, with staff vaccination at 52.6%; and long-term care facilities reported a 50.1% flu vaccination rate, up from 37.8%. Hansen also said the program conducted over 100 investigations, handled 84 antibiotic-resistant organism reports, completed 20 infection-prevention assessments, and operated on a budget of about $348,000 plus grant funding, including an Epidemiology Laboratory Capacity Grant that was later reduced.

Transcript Highlights:

• And while you're getting settled, I will move House File 3776 before us.
• So it is with our mission in mind that I come before you to support House File 3776 and to encourage
• So it is with our mission in mind that come before you to support house file. 37 76.
• My kids went to K through 8 at a Christian day school, so they didn't really have any kind of electronics

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Please remember to silence all electronic devices, and anyone wishing to speak before the committee should
• spent this summer trying to explain to each of the agencies, especially small districts that only filed
• The review of a rule is completed upon the agency filing a certified copy of the reviewed rule, with
• , or the agency for a reviewed rule subject to substantive change or the repeal of a rule, timely filing

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability met for its first meeting of the session, took roll, and heard a presentation from Ken Plant of the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee on SB 108, the 2025 law overhauling Florida rulemaking. The presentation focused on new deadlines for agencies to begin and publish rules, limits on automatic sunset provisions, changes to emergency rule procedures, expanded public input on statements of estimated regulatory costs, a five-year review cycle for existing rules, and new licensing-reporting requirements. Members asked about the review timeline and emphasized the need to keep agencies accountable for meeting the new requirements. The committee then reviewed the Department of Management Services’ response to Auditor General Report 2025-1096 on fleet management. DMS said the audit found 10 issues, most of which it believes it has addressed, and described the statewide fleet system as tracking about 27,000 assets with limited staff. DMS highlighted two major improvement ideas that would require funding: an enterprise telematics system to automate vehicle data and improve tracking, and centralized fleet procurement to reduce duplication and save money. Members questioned the status of FleetWave implementation, missing vehicle records, integration with other state systems, and access controls for separated employees. DMS explained that FleetWave is fully implemented but still relies on manual data entry, that discrepancies with the state accounting system largely reflect mismatched or inconsistent entries, and that policies and procedures were updated after the audit. The department said it now works more closely with People First to deactivate access when employees leave. After discussion, no further business was raised, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and also if you wish to testify, please ensure that you've completed the electronic witness affirmation
• We are extremely grateful to Representative Tepper for filing this bill on our behalf and the other counties
• This bill, and thank you, Representative Tepper for filing it.
• So be very grateful for y'all support of the bill and very grateful for you having filed it to, uh, help

Bills: HB318, HB198

Keywords: ERCOT, interconnection, electric utilities, power grid, transmission, election administration, school board elections, trustee terms, general election, Education Code

Transcript Highlights:

• Witnesses, please be sure to register using the electronic witness registration system accessible on
• The regulatory asset will be recovered in a natural gas utility annual filing.
• I'm testifying against the bill as it was filed.
• I'm testifying against the bill as it was filed.
• Things could always be improved, but I file every year.

Bills: HB1237, HB2663, HB3071, HB4384

Keywords: occupational licenses, renewal, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, registration, license expiration, HB 2663, inactive well, plugging extension, Railroad Commission of Texas, RRC, oil and gas, orphan wells, well cleanup, well plugging, abandoned wells, surface equipment removal, electric service termination, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, Section 89.029

Summary: The Senate Committee on Natural Resources heard several House bills dealing with environmental regulation, oil and gas safety, landfill permits, and utility cost recovery. HB 1237, by Rep. Geren and sponsored by Sen. Zaffirini, would extend TCEQ occupational license renewal deadlines from 30 days to 90 days, allow renewal up to one year with higher fees, and require a new application after longer expiration; the committee substitute clarified that applicants may continue working only until renewal is approved or denied and set a 180-day cutoff for renewal. HB 3071, sponsored by Sen. Hancock, would require TCEQ to cancel certain long-dormant municipal solid waste permits; members discussed concerns about precedent, ownership changes, and whether the bill should be narrowed, and the bill was left pending with a committee substitute expected. The committee also heard HB 2663, sponsored by Sen. Birdwell, which would require operators of inactive oil and gas wells to remove or de-energize electrical equipment after 10 years and authorize Railroad Commission penalties for false compliance. Testimony from landowners, cattle raisers, and the Sierra Club supported the bill as a wildfire-prevention measure, and the bill was left pending. HB 4384, also by Rep. Darby and sponsored by Sen. Birdwell, would let natural gas utilities defer certain infrastructure costs for later recovery through the GRIP process; utility representatives supported it as credit-positive and consistent with existing accounting, while consumer advocates opposed it as increasing rates without enough oversight. The committee discussed possible amendments to add more cost controls, and the bill was left pending. Later, the committee voted HB 2563, the companion to SB 2510, favorably to the full Senate by a 5-0 vote and ordered it certified for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then took up HB 143, which would codify interagency procedures for addressing electrical power line safety at well sites and related facilities after wildfire concerns; members said a committee substitute had been negotiated with agencies and stakeholders to clarify responsibilities, timelines, and inspection authority while reducing fiscal impact. No final vote was taken on HB 143, and the committee recessed with several bills still pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• , lobbying reporting, corporate filings, lobbying reporting, corporate filings, compliance<00:48:
• will send it to you electronically. will send it to you electronically.
• paper or electronic files and then the paper or electronic files and then the live<02:14:56.560>
• I filed a right-to-know request. It dragged on for six months.
• I filed a right answers to my questions.

Keywords: 1189, house, all