Transcript Highlights:

• Were you licensed? Were you not licensed? Demonstrate you were licensed.
• Were you licensed? Were you information. Were you licensed? Were you not<00:39:26.320> licensed?
• In terms of withdrawing their license. Yeah, that's a license.
• terms of withdrawing their license. terms of withdrawing their license.
• license.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee discussed House Bill 185, which would amend RSA 3109 to add timelines for OPLC’s complaint review and investigation process. Members reviewed the existing five-year limitation period for misconduct complaints and noted that the bill would add a 30-day deadline for the office to make a recommendation to the board and a 90-day deadline to complete investigations. Some members raised concerns that the new deadlines could conflict with the existing statute of limitations, create pressure to dismiss cases too quickly, and potentially undermine the separation between OPLC’s investigative role and the boards’ adjudicatory role established by House Bill 655. Nicholas Fry, OPLC general counsel, testified that the agency’s fiscal note originally assumed it would need roughly double its staff to meet the proposed deadlines, though a later amendment reduced that estimate somewhat. He said OPLC would still need additional personnel, including investigatory paralegals and a physician investigator for the Board of Medicine, to meet the timeframes. He also explained OPLC’s current complaint and hearing procedures, including new consumer-friendly correspondence, website guidance, and efforts by the enforcement division to improve transparency and communication with complainants and licensees. Bob Quinn of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors testified in support of the bill’s basic goal of speeding up intake and investigation, saying the 30-day intake/review period was reasonable and that the bill would not change OPLC’s role in that first step. He argued, however, that the investigation step is where delays occur, especially for lower-priority complaints, and that some cases have remained unresolved for years. Committee members also questioned how the added staffing costs would be paid, with discussion of whether they would come from license fees or the general fund. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We ask you to open and guide us here as we deal with these situations here.
• Guide us and direct us and guide us for all that they are and what a great service they have given to

Bills: SB216, SB229, SB216, SB229

Keywords: retired law enforcement, retirement benefits, employment, firemedics, salary cap, released time, religious instruction, elective credit, public schools, K-12 education, school board policy, church-state separation, parochial education, Bible class, faith-based instruction, student release, attendance credit, State Board of Education, local school board, parental consent

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's, you know, now the rules, some of the new rules kind of guide us towards that.
• Some of the new rules kind of guide us towards that, with some exceptions, but I just wanted you to know
• So, for example, the six fundamental rights in statute that apply to all DMH-run and licensed hospitals

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to open meeting law, municipal meetings, town meetings, and remote participation. Senator Rausch supported S. 2205 and S. 2206, and House companion H. 3382, saying they would make remote participation in public bodies permanent and streamline open meeting law and public records complaint processes to reduce burdens on local officials. Committee members and the senator discussed concerns about complaints being weaponized, the role of the Attorney General, and whether public testimony should be presumed allowed unless a chair limits it with justification. The senator said the bills do not change public records fees and are meant to improve process and transparency. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 3342 and S. 2197, which would modernize municipal meetings, town meetings, and local elections by allowing permanent remote or hybrid participation. Supporters included Wayland officials, the Massachusetts Municipal Association, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, MAPC, MACC, and others, who argued that hybrid and remote options increase participation, help parents, caregivers, people with disabilities, and residents with travel or work constraints, and have worked well during the pandemic-era extensions. Municipal officials emphasized that a mandate would be costly and difficult for smaller communities because of staffing, technology, room design, cybersecurity, and uneven internet access, especially in western Massachusetts. Committee members asked about equal access, funding, and whether local discretion should remain; the chair said the committee wants a permanent solution beyond emergency rules but must balance access with local capacity. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3328, which would allow remote participation to count toward quorum for statewide appointed bodies such as commissions on women and LGBTQ issues. Supporters argued this would improve regional equity and make it easier for people outside Greater Boston to serve, while committee members noted it is a separate issue from municipal meetings and may be easier to address than broader local-government changes. Another bill, H. 4351, was supported by Rep. Brandy Fluker Reed, who described it as creating an Office of Freedmen Affairs to address longstanding racial wealth disparities affecting descendants of enslaved Americans. The hearing also included testimony on H. 3299 from Common Cause and MASSPIRG in favor of guaranteed hybrid access for public meetings with public participation components, with advocates saying it would improve transparency, accessibility, and civic engagement.

Transcript Highlights:

• um there licensed uh humane society and um there is<00:49:36.880> no<00:49:37.040> licensing
• Uh and licensed uh pest applicators.
• restricting this to uh uh to licensed restricting this to uh uh to licensed applicators applicators
• only under the purview of licensed only under the purview of licensed applicators<01:49:38.880><
• Um, we're a state licensed goat dairy.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee held an open work session on HB 1766-FN, a bill addressing cruelty to livestock, and focused on proposed language changes from the Department of Agriculture. Assistant State Veterinarian Nathan Harvey, speaking for the commissioner, explained concerns about the term “imminent danger,” arguing that the bill should allow seizure based on probable cause when an animal is starving or has a life-threatening condition, rather than tying action too closely to whether the owner is arrested. The department also proposed language on “extreme suffering” that would require euthanasia if the cost of treatment would exceed the allowable reimbursement amount under AGR rules, though members immediately raised concerns about using a dollar limit to require euthanasia. The department further suggested clarifying who may participate in investigations by allowing the state veterinarian or a designate, and noted that the current draft could be read too narrowly. Members discussed the $5,000 emergency care cap in the rules, with Josh Marshall confirming it is an aggregate emergency veterinary care limit. Several legislators said they were uncomfortable changing the bill from “may” to “shall” euthanize, arguing that treatment costs vary widely by species and condition and that a fixed monetary threshold could be too rigid. Representative Bixby also raised a separate concern that the bill’s language may be broader than intended and could apply to all animals rather than livestock only. The department agreed the bill should be limited to livestock and suggested using existing statutory definitions or adding a new section to make that clear. The discussion also turned to humane societies and other organizations that might investigate complaints or board seized animals. A representative from a humane organization said the groups with expertise in care often also have expertise useful to investigations, and that removing them entirely could be impractical because only a few facilities in the state can provide boarding. Members and witnesses explored alternative language that would allow for-profit and nonprofit organizations to participate in either the investigation or the care of livestock, but not both, to avoid conflicts of interest while preserving needed expertise. No votes were taken; the work session ended with agreement to consult the Office of Legislative Services and the department to refine the bill before the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• She founded and guided nonprofit organizations focused on cultural preservation and community engagement
• .<00:39:40.640> She<00:39:40.880> founded<00:39:41.200> and<00:39:41.440> guided
• She founded and guided nonprofit change.
• She founded and guided nonprofit organizations<00:39:43.280> focused<00:39:43.680> on<00

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the corrected journal from February 17, 2026, and then moved into third reading. Members passed several bills on final passage: HB 1013, concerning landlord use of ratio utility billing systems; HB 1064, modifying the youthful offender system; HB 1076, making transportation-related statutory changes; HB 1067, allowing use of the diseased livestock indemnity fund to address livestock health threats; HB 1042, concerning dry needling by occupational therapists; and HB 1025, exempting auctioneers from certain requirements of the Colorado Charitable Solicitations Act. Vote totals were recorded for each, with HB 1042 and HB 1025 passing unanimously and the others passing by varying margins, including HB 1067 at 58-1 and HB 1076 at 40-19. Co-sponsors were then invited to add their names to the adopted bills. During announcements, members highlighted upcoming committee hearings and events. Judiciary, Education, Health and Human Services, Transportation/Housing/Local Government, Finance, Statutory Revision, and Capital Development committees all announced meetings and bill agendas. The chamber also recognized visiting student groups, including Adams 12 Stargate, Emily Griffith Technical College, and Slavens Elementary fourth graders, as well as a Chaparral High School AP government class. There were also announcements about the Aerospace and Defense Caucus, Aerospace Day at the Capitol, and a Colorado Housing Coalition reception. Several members made brief remarks honoring people and observances, including a detailed tribute to Barbara Shannon Banister for her civil rights and community leadership in Aurora, and a statement marking the first day of Ramadan and encouraging members to visit local mosques and participate in iftar events. At the end of the session, the majority leader moved to lay over the balance of the calendar until February 19, 2026, and the House agreed without objection. The House then stood in recess until later that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Father, we ask that you would guide and lead us in the right direction.
• /c><00:08:03.920> that<00:08:04.120> you<00:08:04.200> would<00:08:04.320> guide
• <00:08:05.000> and Father, we ask that you would guide and Father, we ask that you would guide

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 27 January, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened, a quorum was established, and Elder Haywood Hannah of Mount Salem United Methodist Church in Terry delivered the invocation, with Senator Norwood leading the pledge. The chamber then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles, and there were no messages or petitions. The Senate also welcomed Hannah’s wife, Miss Flora Haywood Hannah, and recognized several junior pages and the Mississippi Board of Nursing and Dr. Sandra Colepepper in the gallery. The calendar was largely handled by motions to pass and retain items 1 through 10. No substantive bill debate occurred on the floor. Members then made a series of announcements about committee meetings and scheduling, including the State of the State address being moved to February 4 at 5:00 p.m. in the rotunda, Rules meeting the next morning, Elections, Technology, Judiciary Division B, Appropriations Subcommittee No. 11, Public Health and Welfare, and other committee meetings over the next two days. Several members requested adjournment in memory of community and family members, including John Carlin White, father of Speaker Jason White; Irene Martin of Harperville; Fox Hayes of West Point; and Arlene Swoope. Senator Harkins also announced the doctor of the day, Dr. Justin Turner. The Senate then adopted a motion to stand in recess until the last committee report was filed or 5:00 p.m., with the journal to reflect adjournment until 10:00 a.m. Wednesday if no further business occurred.

Transcript Highlights:

• We honor the rich tapestry of beliefs and traditions that guide the people of our state.
• tapestry of beliefs and<00:01:27.280> traditions<00:01:27.680> that<00:01:28.000> guide
• ><00:01:28.240> the<00:01:28.479> people<00:01:28.720> of and traditions that guide
• the people of and traditions that guide the people of our<00:01:29.320> state.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also a licensed clinical psychologist. I'm board certified in addiction psychology.
• So Connecticut recently licensed the first mobile retail pharmacy.
• But we were turned down by the Board of Pharmacy, who said that we couldn't license any mobile pharmacies
• But we were turned down by the Board of Pharmacy who said that we couldn't license any mobile pharmacies
• side of the fence, where we see so much bad in the universe, that we can get a little off of that guiding

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• attending a conference in Atlantic City, I was assaulted by police officers after being removed from a licensed
• Then, in 2010, I saw a lawsuit filed against the same licensed establishment and corruption within the
• For most, it’s part-time meaningful income, but they’re required to have a license and pay fees to sell
• We need friends like you to help guide the public policy ship of the state around the boulders in this
• Additionally, the N-5 parking tickets and E-ZPass bill jeopardize my license and car registration because

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy public hearing on a wide range of civil actions, labor, consumer protection, and animal welfare bills. Chair Lydia Edwards and Representative Michael Day opened with strict testimony rules and time limits, then heard from legislators and advocates on measures including animal-abuser pet ownership bans (S. 1207/H. 1914), a name-change privacy bill (S. 1045/H. 1973), tort claims reform (H. 1724), law enforcement council coverage under the Tort Claims Act (S. 1199), civil rights and qualified immunity-related proposals (H. 1641), employee free speech/captive audience restrictions (S. 1078/H. 1653), consumer protection and civil rights jurisdiction expansion (S. 1041), private right of action for wage theft (H. 1916), gun-owner liability insurance (H. 1836), pseudoephedrine sales tracking (S. 1243/H. 1581), prepaid legal services plans (H. 1612), structured settlement protections (H. 1863), third-party litigation financing disclosure (H. 1861), antitrust reform for small businesses and workers (S. 1038/H. 1982), legal notices in online-only newspapers (S. 1279/H. 1632), and several animal cruelty and protection bills including H. 1938, H. 1949, S. 1277/H. 1934, and H. 1764. Testimony was largely supportive from bill sponsors and advocacy groups, with repeated themes of protecting vulnerable people and animals, improving access to justice, and updating outdated laws. Supporters of the animal bills argued for stronger possession bans, broader cruelty citations, and civil removal tools to prevent repeat abuse; opponents or conditional supporters raised due process and enforcement concerns, especially around warrantless seizures and requiring retail or shelter staff to check registries. On the labor and consumer side, supporters said the antitrust bill would curb monopoly power and help small businesses and workers, while opponents warned it could destabilize competition and burden successful firms. The employee free speech bill was backed as a response to captive audience meetings, and the wage-theft bill was presented as a way to let workers or organizations pursue claims when individual employees are afraid to come forward. Several public officials and association representatives testified on the law enforcement and civil rights bills. Chiefs of police supported adding law enforcement councils to the Tort Claims Act, saying it would close a liability gap for regional mutual-aid collaborations. But police representatives opposed changes to the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act and qualified immunity-related provisions, arguing the federal system already provides a workable forum and that expanding liability could increase costs, reduce morale, and worsen recruitment and retention. On the consumer/civil rights bill, Senator Collins and a veteran described an out-of-state assault case that they said showed the need for Massachusetts to let residents seek redress at home when rights are violated elsewhere. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing itself; the committee mainly received testimony and questions. Several witnesses indicated they had submitted written testimony or proposed amendments, and some bills drew requests for favorable reports while others were explicitly opposed unless amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• was over 26 lawsuits and medical malpractice before the medical board finally stripped him of his license
• they said, “We have this many beds,” and got this nice small surcharge when, in fact, they were licensed
• and allow doctors to practice independently and to use their license and their judgment to give care
• much more robust medical board and vetting process to make sure that unsafe doctors aren't being licensed
• My name is Logan Howard, licensed master social worker and director of public policy for Families and

Bills: SB41, SB153, SB165, SB261, SB264

Keywords: sexual crimes, statute of limitations, criminal justice, victim rights, child abuse, procurement, contracting, small business, local government, disaster recovery, emergency procurement, certification, public spending, juvenile justice, delinquency, rehabilitation, community corrections, risk assessment, public safety, health regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• balance by voting to end the governor's emergency powers so we could work together across party lines to guide
• balance by voting to end the governor's emergency powers so we could work together across party lines to guide
• could work together across party<01:20:52.239> lines<01:20:52.920> to<01:20:53.159> guide
• <01:20:53.400> our<01:20:53.560> state's party lines to guide our state's party lines
• to guide our state's pandemic pandemic pandemic response<01:20:56.800> unfortunately<01:20:57.800

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• process for humane societies. licensed uh humane society and um there licensed uh humane society and
• :37.839> for<00:49:38.079> humane is no licensing process for humane is no licensing process
• Uh and licensed uh pest applicators.
• restricting this to uh uh to licensed restricting this to uh uh to licensed applicators applicators
• only under the purview of licensed only under the purview of licensed applicators<01:49:38.880><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Guide them. Strengthen them. Bless them Guide them. Strengthen them.
• A servant leader whose work was rooted in faith and guided by a deep belief in the dignity of every human
• A servant leader whose work was rooted in faith and guided by a deep belief in the dignity of every human
• c><01:01:50.440> and whose work was rooted in faith and whose work was rooted in faith and guided
• by a deep belief in the dignity guided by a deep belief in the dignity of<01:01:53.880> every

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, approved the prior journal, and received committee and House messages. The Families and Children’s Committee reported Senate Bill 191 favorably, and the House transmitted several passed bills requesting concurrence. New filings included Senate Bill 203 on community health workers and several resolutions honoring individuals and observances, including Marie Childers, Military Kids Day, and Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. The chamber then considered and passed Senate Bill 141 on legal advertisements. The sponsor said the bill updates longstanding legal notice requirements to better balance public transparency with lower costs for cities and counties, reflecting an agreement among the Kentucky Press Association, Kentucky League of Cities, and Kentucky Association of Counties. The bill passed 36-1. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 69, creating an autism spectrum disorder trust fund to support services, research, and grants through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, with an emergency clause; it passed 37-0. Senate Bill 9, as amended by Senate Committee Substitute 1, was also passed 35-2. The bill creates two local housing tools: a residential infrastructure development district to finance infrastructure for larger developments, and a housing development district to encourage new housing through negotiated incentive payments and expedited review. The sponsor said the measure is intended to address Kentucky’s housing shortage. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 102 honoring Marie Childers for decades of service on the Pike County Board of Elections, with remarks praising her bipartisan election work and influence in Pike County politics. Later, the Rules Committee recommitted Senate Bill 125 to Appropriations and Revenue, and the Committee on Committees referred several bills and resolutions to standing committees or to the floor. Announcements were made about upcoming committee meetings, and the Senate took up Senate Resolution 104 honoring Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., with remarks describing his national and international civil rights legacy.

Transcript Highlights:

• to collaborating across the aisle, and this year is an election year, and we have a valuable voting guide
• to collaborating across the aisle, and this year is an election year, and we have a valuable voting guide
• can<00:04:48.080> use<00:04:48.280> it<00:04:48.440> to<00:04:48.520> guide
• <00:04:48.800> your<00:04:49.000> voting how you can use it to guide your voting how
• you can use it to guide your voting decisions. decisions. decisions.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: This episode of Senate Spotlight focused on several nonpartisan Senate offices and programs that help lawmakers and the public understand the legislative process. It highlighted the Civility Caucus, where Republican Sen. Zach Duckworth and DFL Sen. Grant Hauschild work to build relationships across party lines, especially important in a closely divided Senate and during a bonding year that requires a two-thirds vote for infrastructure spending. Speakers emphasized that the caucus is about civility, empathy, and laying groundwork for future bipartisan work rather than guaranteeing agreement on specific bills. The program also explained how Minnesotans can track legislative activity through the Senate Journal and the fiscal review. Staff described the Journal as a public record of votes, amendments, roll calls, and other actions, useful for checking how senators voted on bills that passed or failed. The fiscal review was presented as a nonpartisan, award-winning summary of the enacted budget, with examples of how readers can find spending details by page and a discussion of plans to make the document more interactive and web-based. Viewers were also directed to the Senate website to look up senators’ contact information and to the Legislature’s bill-tracking system. Another segment covered Senate File 901, a bipartisan bill by Sen. Eric Pratt that funded an equine-assisted therapy program for first responders dealing with trauma. Testimony described how the program has helped police, firefighters, dispatchers, and correctional officers stay on the job and recover mentally, with lawmakers noting its strong support and practical benefits. The episode also featured Senate pages and interns, who described their behind-the-scenes work supporting committee meetings and learning the legislative process, and concluded with a segment on Capitol art and a new public gallery meant to inspire good government and showcase Minnesota artists.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of the guiding principles that we followed, we were connecting with the National Association of
• And the advisory committee adopted their five guiding principles.
• The chaos and the bottom line is we want to save lives using evidence to guide our spending, investing
• So those were the guiding principles.
• A lot of that work was done and provided to us as a tool, and we've used that to help guide our work.

Transcript Highlights:

• Maybe they should be a licensed MSW that then learns the corrections piece.
• Maybe they should be a licensed MSW that then learns the corrections piece.
• But how could you get a driver's license?
• license, a plumber's license, whatever it might be, and they actually teach, which not only builds empathy
• licenses throughout the county?

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission opened an informal discussion focused on developing recommendations for its September report on correctional consolidation and cooperation. Chairs Dan Hunt and Senator Brownsberger emphasized that the group is still in an information-gathering phase, but should begin putting ideas on the table, including possible written recommendations, further hearings, and additional facility tours. Members discussed whether the commission should seek more input from frontline stakeholders such as sheriffs, probation, parole, reentry centers, unions, and the judiciary, and whether recommendations should be organized around specific issue areas like medical costs, programming, reentry, and facility operations. A major theme was the need for a more integrated and consistent correctional system. Participants raised concerns about fragmentation across DOC, county sheriffs, probation, and parole, and suggested exploring step-down pathways, minimum security, pre-release, day reporting, and regional reentry hubs to improve outcomes and reduce recidivism. Several speakers stressed the importance of uniform standards, evidence-based programming, better data on outcomes and spending, and clearer alignment between custody conditions and rehabilitation goals. There was also discussion of looking to other states and international models, as well as revisiting older reports and plans, including the 2009 commission report and the 2010 corrections master plan. Facility-specific issues were also raised, including the need to examine women’s facilities such as Framingham, Bridgewater, and restrictive housing practices in light of suicide concerns and mental health needs. Members discussed the relationship between correctional custody and behavioral health, the role of the judiciary in sentencing and reentry planning, and whether judges should be better informed about available programming and step-down options. There was broad agreement that collaboration, transparency, and accountability should be strengthened, with some members urging that recommendations be based on firsthand facts and data rather than opinion alone. The meeting also included presentation of a written set of eight high-level recommendations compiled by advocacy and legal organizations, which focused on clearer and more consistent programming, equitable application of rules, and reducing punitive conditions that function like solitary confinement. The chairs said the document would be shared with members and posted online. No formal votes were taken during the discussion, and the meeting ended with plans to continue the conversation at a future session, including possible follow-up on reentry centers, restrictive housing, and other systemwide reforms.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let these legacies guide our Senators in their work today and into our future together. Amen.
• Let these legacies guide our Senators in their work today and into our future together. Amen.
• Let<00:06:43.080> these<00:06:43.320> legacies<00:06:43.919> guide<00:06:44.280>
• our<00:06:44.440> Senators<00:06:45.040> in Let these legacies guide our Senators
• in Let these legacies guide our Senators in their<00:06:45.360> work<00:06:45.600> today

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I did ask staff to help guide me through this first meeting, just because I've only been on the job about
• quarterly agency meetings to improve our communications across the board and improve the Adequacy Planning Guide
• Chair, members, the next item on the list is the Adequacy Planning Guide. Statewide Roundtables.
• As a reminder, we use this Adequacy Planning Guide to assist New Mexico school districts, ensuring that
• We don't currently have a Military Institute infrastructure in our adequacy planning guide to support

Transcript Highlights:

• sent safety data sheets for several agents that could have been used, and that information helped guide
• :34.320> that<00:04:34.639> information<00:04:35.040> helped<00:04:35.360> guide
• used and that information helped guide used and that information helped guide the<00:04:35.759><

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 3782, Chair Mueller’s bill, and first adopted an oral amendment changing the term “distraction” to “diversionary” in four places. The DE2 author’s amendment, as amended, was then adopted. The bill was described as a response to concerns raised after the summer’s events and is intended to address safety and cleanup issues when law enforcement deploys chemical irritants inside buildings. Colin Hortman testified virtually about the cleanup of his parents’ home after tear gas was used there. He described extensive residue, health effects when re-entering the house, months of delay before it could be safely occupied, difficulty determining what chemicals and quantities had been used, and confusion over who was responsible for remediation costs. He said clearer documentation, immediate disclosure of the agents used, and faster communication would make the process safer and less traumatic for future victims. Chair Mueller explained that the bill would require law enforcement that uses chemical irritants inside a building to leave a standardized notice for occupants or owners, including information on what was used and how much, and to direct them to the agency for more details. Members asked about the logistics of the notice requirement, including how it would work in multi-agency operations; Mueller said the agency in command of the scene would leave the notice. Representatives expressed support for the bill and its purpose. The committee then renewed and approved the motion to re-refer House File 3782, as amended, to the Judiciary, Finance, and Civil Law Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• May their leadership be guided by the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability
• May their leadership be<00:01:46.000> guided<00:01:46.320> by<00:01:46.479> the<
• 00:01:46.720> highest<00:01:47.119> ethical be guided by the highest ethical be guided

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, January 15, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened on January 15 with a prayer offered by Reverend Sheridan Almond of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Kensington, introduced as a guest of the senator from the 18th district. Her remarks were journalized without objection. The chamber also welcomed several guests, including Carter Pry, a recent Crofton High School graduate interested in cybersecurity and AI, interns Isabelle War and Daniel Mora, and the Catonsville Middle School Student Council and adviser Katie Tucci. Members also recognized the day’s pages and thanked them for their service. The only bill read at the desk was Senate Bill 232, by Senator Salling, concerning state procurement preferences for historically underutilized business zone businesses; it was referred to the appropriate standing committee. Committee announcements followed, with Finance, Education, Energy, and the Environment, Judicial Proceedings, and Ethics all scheduling organizational meetings and related briefings later that day. Additional announcements noted Baltimore City and Baltimore County delegation meetings, a Fire EMS Coalition meeting, and Cecil Day events in Annapolis. A senator from Montgomery County highlighted an art exhibit, Art in Full Spectrum, on the fourth floor of the House office building, featuring artists with disabilities from many districts and a future reception. The Senate then confirmed a quorum of 45 members and, on motion of the majority leader, adjourned pro forma until Friday, January 16 at 11:00 a.m.