Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1207, appropriation, study, transportation infrastructure, Appropriations, Transportation, Technology
• SB 127, appropriation, study, transportation infrastructure, Appropriations, Transportation, Technology
• SB 1128, study committee scrap metal theft. SB 1129, occupational disease proximate cause melanoma.
• SB 1154, appropriation, State Route 64 study. SB 1154, appropriation, State Route 64 study.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, approved the journal, and welcomed several guests, including the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Tammy Penhollow, as well as visitors from Republic Services, Copper Valley Energy, and a young guest shadowing Senator Bolick. The President also announced deadline extensions for opening Senate folders and bill introduction preparation, and the chamber received communications from the Governor without reading them aloud. The main floor business was the reading and reference of a large number of Senate bills and resolutions to committees, covering topics such as education, taxation, water and natural resources, health care, behavioral health, public safety, elections, family law, immigration, transportation, and appropriations. The Senate also completed second reading of another extensive set of bills on issues including concealed weapons, nicotine products, rental housing, mental health, behavioral health, radiation protection, school safety, family courts, elections, and various appropriations and regulatory measures. No bills were debated or voted on during this transcript. Standing committee reports were waived from reading, and committee announcements were made for upcoming meetings of Government, Health and Human Services, Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency, Education, Judiciary and Elections, and Public Safety. The Senate then adjourned until Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 1:15 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• contributes more than $7.5 billion to the national economy, according to the Center for North American Studies
• more than $4.5 billion in economic activity and eliminate over 30,000 jobs according to that same study
• Studies predict that without the agreement, tomato prices could surge by up to 50%, placing an undue
• According to a Texas A&M study conducted in 2023, more than 32,000 jobs are supported by Texas by this
• Um, and you've heard the studies from A&M, um, there's real impact to the Texas economy.

Transcript Highlights:

• professionals independent study professionals independent study favorable<00:10:09.120> amendments
• Amendment number one is technical; amendment number two amends the required study as described.
• fund and task force to study deed fraud. fund and task force to study deed fraud.
• Um, it looks like this is a task force to study revenue structures.
• to study to study um,<01:41:44.840> revenue<01:41:45.680> structures.

Keywords: House streaming session for Saturday, March 21, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 126 members present, heard the prayer, approved the previous day’s journal, and then took up a series of Senate messages and committee reports. Senate bills on consent calendars 21 and 22 were read the first time and referred to committees. The House then adopted favorable reports, often without amendment, on a wide range of bills including workers’ compensation evaluation procedures (HB 1325), a state shark designation (HB 97), several local alcoholic beverages measures, commemorative months for Muslim American Heritage and Jewish American Heritage (HB 661), and local license commissioner changes in Anne Arundel, Worcester, Harford, Baltimore City, and Prince George’s counties. Several bills were amended before being ordered printed for third reading. HB 121 (Baltimore County alcohol sales) was amended to change the sponsor to the Baltimore County delegation. HB 1335 on Department of Information Technology workforce recruitment and retention was amended to convert the measure into a study and recommendations report. HB 1037 on PSC oversight of broadband and VoIP was similarly amended from direct oversight to a study and report. HB 1164 on water and sewage rate consolidation and limited-income mechanisms was amended to remove rate-consolidation provisions, require a PSC study, and delay implementation. HB 1381 on stopping or parking in bike lanes added exceptions for emergency, transit, disability pickup/drop-off, disabled vehicles, loading/unloading, and construction or maintenance; HB 1504 prioritized sidewalk and bicycle pathway projects near highways with complete streets or Vision Zero policies; HB 912 adjusted community cat trap-neuter-return rules; and HB 969 clarified electric vehicle charging billing and service fees. The most extended debate centered on HB 639, the Transportation Aviation Passenger Health and Safety Act. After amendments turned it into a reporting measure for fixed-base operators and aviation service companies regarding flights carrying detained individuals, warrants, refueling, and emergency-response documentation, members questioned its practical operation, safety implications, and possible federal preemption issues. The floor leader explained the bill as amended was intended to gather information for Maryland safety and emergency planning. On motion of the committee chair, the House agreed to special order HB 639 until the end of the session for further clarification. The House also amended and advanced HB 1063 on hunting management, including deer damage permits and Sunday hunting rules, and heard a brief statement from an Eastern Shore delegate about the Rural Caucus’s approach to offering amendments rather than opposing bills outright. The session ended with HB 972, creating the Maryland Fair and Agricultural Education Promise Fund, amended to rename the bill in honor of the late Delegate Charles Otto and to replace lottery funding with an annual appropriation; the House adopted the amendments and the favorable report.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:56:37.880> committee forward with this uh study committee forward with this uh study committee
• It was mentioned earlier that education should be a part of this study.
• It was mentioned earlier that education should be a part of this study.
• It was mentioned earlier that education should be a part of this study.
• It was mentioned earlier that education should be a part of this study.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Safe Passage now has 10 years of data studying over 200 deaths from maltreatment.
• One in five child deaths studied died from fentanyl toxicity.
• <00:14:26.680> died One in five child deaths studied died One in five child deaths studied
• Many of the fatality cases studied Many of the fatality cases studied involved<00:20:23.400>
• Basically, we don't background study?

Bills: HF4277, HF3819, HF3489, HF4408, HF3901, HF4316

Keywords: child care, child care center, day care, licensed child care, video security cameras, surveillance, security cameras, maltreatment, child abuse, child safety, public and shared areas, camera mandate, child care assistance program, CCAP, Great Start Compensation Support, early learning scholarships, licensed provider, Minnesota Statutes 142B.68, Harvey's Law, privacy

Transcript Highlights:

• But the other methodology that we use is our debt affordability study.
• But the other methodology that we use is our debt affordability study.
• But the other methodology that we use is our debt affordability study.
• But the other methodology that we use is our debt affordability study.
• We use is our debt affordability study.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this first slide you'll see is a summary of a study that was done by the Economic Policy Institute
• I appreciated the study that was included, and I know we're still trying to figure that out.
• <00:53:02.200> the ways that you think we could study the ways that you think we could study
• problem I appreciated this the study problem I appreciated this the study that<00:53:04.880>
• <00:53:14.640> um about what can we do to better study um about what can we do to better study

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• state, has long required reporting within a square mile, and that's why most of the public health studies
• California, because you're really not able to conduct credible public health and epidemiological studies
• Public health and epidemiological studies without that level of geographic specificity.
• of Hawaii Pacific Cooperative studies of Hawaii Pacific Cooperative studies unit<01:39:12.639>
• at Hawaii Pacific Environmental Studies at Hawaii Pacific University<01:53:13.159> I've<01:53

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have presented to the MPCA these studies.
• We have presented to the MPCA these studies.
• We have presented to the MPCA these studies.
• We have presented to the MPCA these studies.
• We have presented to the MPCA these studies.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've been studying this long enough that we know once Calcium is laid down; it's laid down.
• And we know from studying people pre and post that the calcium doesn't go away, but the artery lumen
• Memorial 22: Study on CYFD funds and domestic violence. Thank you. Yes, please. I apologize.
• This study is a step towards equity and clarity. And more effective services.
• We're not This should be a continuous study.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do we study violence? And I think that's the wrong way to go here.
• Do we study violence and its causes?
• This feasibility study, which was suggested by FDLE after they and This feasibility study, which was
• The study would be due to the Senate President and the House Speaker by January 1 of 2026.
• The study would be due to the Senate President and House Speaker by January 1 of 2026.

Summary: The committee heard and voted on a long agenda of criminal justice, public safety, and civil justice bills. Among the measures reported favorably were SB 984, which adds aggravating factors for capital sentencing when a murder occurs during religious, school, or public government gatherings; SB 1140, creating a Hillsborough County pilot program to address substance abuse among offenders on probation; SB 1180, expanding child pornography laws to cover lewd altered or filtered images and solicitation; SB 10, providing compensation to Sidney Holmes for a wrongful conviction; SB 500, creating a Spectrum Alert system and training for missing children with autism; SB 1054, increasing penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring devices; SB 1072, establishing an expedited DNA testing grant program; and SB 240, the Haven Act, which aligns domestic and dating violence protections and creates a feasibility study for a discreet emergency contact system for victims. Several bills were amended before passage, including funding for the Spectrum Alert program and technical changes to the DNA, juvenile justice, and other proposals. Members also advanced SB 494, creating a statewide FDLE animal abuse database and increasing sentencing consequences for aggravated animal cruelty, with strong support from animal welfare groups and county officials. SB 1422 was reported favorably to strengthen penalties for unmanned aircraft over critical infrastructure and for weaponized drones, though members raised concerns about the bill’s “reasonable force” language. SB 1268 updated FDLE statutes and increased reimbursement for retired police dogs. SB 1252 was amended into a feasibility study for a statewide pawn data database, and SB 1386 increased penalties for assaults and batteries on utility workers, drawing support from utility and industry groups. The committee also approved SB 1084 on sexual cyber harassment, which criminalizes dissemination of intimate images and digitally forged intimate images, and SB 1654, which revises sexual offender and predator registration rules, including online reporting for certain in-state travel residences. SB 1650 expanded the vexatious litigant law, and SB 1652 created a public records exemption for stricken non-criminal court filings. Finally, SB 1284, expanding Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow civil claims for the death of an unborn child, drew extensive testimony both for and against; supporters called it a life-affirming measure, while opponents warned it could increase litigation, affect abortion-related care, and discourage physicians from practicing in Florida. The bill was heard with multiple public comments, but the transcript excerpt does not show a final vote on SB 1284.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then it was turned into a study.
• I mean, correction, it was a legislative management study. That's what I thought.
• When it came to us, it was a legislative management study. That's what I thought.
• But they, but the UND had said they have already studied this beyond studying and they did not want another
• study because it was not necessary.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2271, which would formally place adult residential facilities in code and rebase their Medicaid reimbursement rates. Sponsor Chairman Ruby and HHS staff explained that these facilities, often serving people with dementia or acquired brain injury, are reimbursed at a much lower rate than skilled nursing care and help reduce bottlenecks in higher-level facilities. Members questioned how the program differs from basic care and nursing facility memory care, and the bill was referred to the HR section for deeper review before possible action on Monday. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2396, as amended, which would authorize an independent third-party performance audit of the Department of Commerce and the North Dakota Development Fund, with findings shared with the state auditor. Sponsors said the proposal was prompted by concerns raised in testimony and that a private audit could begin faster than a state audit. The committee adopted an amendment adding an emergency clause and directing the report to the Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee, then passed the bill 20-0 with 3 absent. Next, Representative Clemine presented Senate Bills 2226, 2036, and 2037. SB 2226 would presume an incarcerated person indigent at initial appearance so counsel can be provided at that critical stage; the commission said the appropriation would fund contract attorney hours, and the bill was sent to HR for further review. SB 2036 would create procedures for determining juvenile fitness to proceed in delinquency cases, with a $500,000 appropriation for mental health evaluations, and SB 2037 would begin a juvenile criminal code framework and include a $300,000 appropriation for fitness-to-proceed evaluations; both were also referred to HR, with some concern raised about staffing and overlapping functions. After a short break, the committee heard education-related appropriations bills. SB 2234 would replace expired ESSER funding for Choice Ready grants, but members noted the program was not included in the K-12 budget and sent it to E&E for comparison with existing appropriations. SB 2286, a University of North Dakota request for a new nursing school facility, drew extensive discussion about the age and condition of the current building and the size and scope of the project; the committee ultimately adopted a do-not-pass motion 22-0. SB 2213, the “science of mathematics” bill modeled on the science of reading initiative, would fund math professional development and implementation; it was also referred to E&E for further review. The committee then briefly passed the Racing Commission budget, SB 2023, and began discussion of the Trust Lands budget, SB 2013, including a proposed retention increase for investment-related positions.

Transcript Highlights:

• AG 4473 by Canal ling, the study of the Texas Department of Transportation, the construction, maintenance
• of transnational representation of repression and unauthorized enforcement of foreign law and the study
• for the subcommittee on Family and fiduciary Relationships HB 4622 by Harris Davila relating to a study
• HB 4740 by Garin relating to the study of school district property values conducted by the Comptroller
• AG 4843 by Reynolds relating the study conducted by the Texas Division of Environment Emergency.

Transcript Highlights:

• Where have we done any studies on that population? And can you literally trap them?
• Have we done any studies on that?
• I would like to conduct a study so that we can establish a baseline.
• But that said, we don't need a study, but I would...
• If there is such a study, please bring me the study for CWD. And study those river otters.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to study what works and what spaces have better outcomes in person.
• And I think, you know, should we study it? Yeah, let's go. Let's start.
• Slide 16, move into the interim obligations and studies.
• A 2024 study, also from the Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies, focuses specifically on the turnover
• I've seen some studies that go as high as 25 percent or even more.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> meant by water supply studies, are meant by water supply studies, are costly<00:06:33.320> and
• , relative to those water supply studies, relative to those water supply studies, but<00:06:48.000
• the water study requirement. the water study requirement. Senator<00:10:07.440> Watters.
• And locally to require a water study.
• I mean, I traffic study for example.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:30:11.520> study establishing a committee to study study establishing a committee to study
• have in front of you for a study have in front of you for a study committee.<01:31:41.600> Um
• We think it's worth a study.
• committee or a we either form a study committee or a study<02:15:45.679> commission.
• a study committee. a study committee.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not something that I study. Um, I have seen it.
• It's not something that I study.
• I studied at Brandeis University, where I earned an undergraduate degree in environmental studies.
• It has all the case studies, so I kind of just did the basics of how 79-E works on this page.
• So, I kind of just did the case studies.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on HB 1065, a housing bill that would clarify when multifamily and mixed-use housing may be allowed on commercially zoned land, define infrastructure standards, and preserve municipal discretion over where such development can occur. Prime sponsor Representative David Priest said the bill is intended to help address the housing shortage by using already developed commercial areas without overriding local planning. The New Hampshire Municipal Association, through Brody Dees, said it supports the bill and views it as a priority, but noted it is still discussing related language with stakeholders and wants clearer definitions for multifamily development, infrastructure, and adaptive reuse while preserving local control over commercial land use. Testimony was mixed. Ivy Van, a certified planner, opposed the bill because she said the infrastructure language is too restrictive and could exclude properties served by private utilities or septic systems. Chris Freeman, a housing provider, was generally supportive but recommended technical changes, arguing the infrastructure definition may be too broad and that the adaptive reuse language could unintentionally block useful building modifications. He said the bill should be clarified so it does not discourage reuse projects. The committee then moved to discussion of an accessory dwelling unit bill, with Representative Turkot describing changes that would shift some ADU approvals from a matter of right to conditional use or special exception, allow municipalities more control over attached versus detached units, set parking standards tied to single-family dwellings, and adjust size limits. He argued the bill would restore local discretion and prevent ADUs from becoming primarily rental units. Representative Reed pushed back, saying detached ADUs can help meet housing needs and provide opportunities for small landlords, while other members questioned how the bill would affect existing detached structures and breezeways. No votes were taken in the excerpt, and the chair also noted a recess and time limits for later testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:16:30.239> of um did a uh a very nice study of um did a uh a very nice study of optometrists
• I'm happy to send a link of the study.
• I'm happy to send a link of the study.
• a challenge to a study that set out to a challenge to a study that set out to prove<01:19:13.760>
• So the question every study everywhere.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up House Bill 525, which would have transferred administration of the program for the deaf and hard of hearing and the related board to OPLC. The chair said the sponsor was no longer interested in moving forward, and Representative Schmidt moved ITL. The motion passed 14-0 with two members absent, and the bill was placed on the consent calendar. The committee then considered Senate Bill 182 on the maternal mortality review committee. The chair described a narrower amendment that would keep the name change, clarify operations so recommendations are returned to the appropriate entities, and expand contact with family members and close contacts, while dropping a proposed addition of a Department of Corrections member. The amendment was adopted unanimously, and the bill was then moved ITL and placed on the consent calendar. Senate Bill 185, dealing with OPLC investigations and backlog reduction, received an update from OPLC General Counsel Nicholas Fry. He described efforts to improve public communication, clear the complaint backlog, standardize intake and expert review, add automated responses and website updates, use weekly legal-viability reviews, create preliminary investigation protocols, and establish a process for law-enforcement referrals. Members asked about board involvement and criminal-conviction cases; Fry said boards are kept informed and that such matters can proceed either through complaints or application/background-check processes. Representative Groa requested a follow-up update in January, and the committee agreed to an oral report then if needed. The bill was then voted ITL unanimously and placed on the consent calendar. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 349 on optometrists performing ophthalmologic laser procedures. Dr. Angelique Sawyer testified in support, saying the amendment adds more specific proctoring and qualification requirements, based on language requested after earlier hearings, and that similar systems exist in other states. Representative Sers confirmed that the new sections were the key additions, while Representative Schmidt said he remained open to the concept but wanted a thorough review and asked about a subcommittee. The discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended, with no vote recorded on HB 349.

Transcript Highlights:

• Scientific studies support this connection.
• A 2021 study surveyed over 200 firefighters in Massachusetts and found a significantly elevated rate
• Scientific studies support this connection.
• A 2021 study surveyed over 200 firefighters in Massachusetts and found a significantly elevated rate
• Scientific studies support this connection.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held a hearing on May 7, chaired by Senators Mike Brady and Dan Ryan, and heard testimony on a wide range of retirement and benefits bills for public employees and their families. Several bills focused on line-of-duty death or disability benefits for police and firefighters, including Senate Bill 1831 for Joanne Sanji, widow of Rutland Detective John Sanji, whose COVID-19 death was described by family, counsel, and the police chief as a line-of-duty death already recognized by local, state, and federal memorials. Similar support was offered for bills involving the surviving spouse of a State Police officer injured in the line of duty, a Springfield officer injured by a hammer attack during a mental health call, and a bill for a former police officer seeking an increased disability retirement due to PTSD after a traumatic incident. Testimony repeatedly emphasized that these cases had been recognized locally or had already moved through prior sessions, but legislative action was still needed to secure benefits. The committee also heard multiple firefighter-related retirement bills. Representatives and union advocates supported a bill for retired Attleboro Fire Captain Walter Gerton, arguing that an audit and recalculation improperly reduced his pension after retirement and that the correction was requested by the local retirement board. Another bill sought disability retirement for former Westfield firefighter Greg Heath, who testified that Parkinson’s disease has made daily life and family care increasingly difficult; supporters cited studies linking firefighting exposures to Parkinson’s and said the city, retirement board, and local officials backed the measure. The committee also heard testimony for retired Quincy Fire Deputy Chief Kevin Bithrow, who described a Parkinson’s diagnosis following years of exposure at major toxic fires, including the Home Depot and MWRA incidents, and for a related Quincy bill that would treat his retirement as line-of-duty for survivor protection. Additional bills included a proposal to provide flags to next of kin of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty, a bill to resolve employer contribution obligations for the Neshoba Associated Boards of Health in the state retirement system, and several individual retirement or service-credit measures. These included a bill for former State Police gang unit officer David Patterson, a school nurse seeking additional credible service credit for a temporary staffing emergency, and a former Suffolk County sheriff’s deputy seeking an increased disability retirement after a violent inmate assault left him with lasting injuries. Testimony generally came from the affected individuals, family members, municipal officials, retirement boards, and public safety unions, with most speakers urging favorable action and noting that many of the bills had already passed one chamber or had been filed in prior sessions. At the end of the hearing, the committee took no recorded votes on the bills and then adjourned.