Transcript Highlights:

• Just an FYI, like in my district, my hospital, we have monumental debt that we don't even collect.
• As you know, currently in the state of Louisiana to become a master plumber, it is a 7,000-hour requirement
• less than five are African Americans, and we have, I think, six parishes in this state that have no master
• where it is today, and that is an agreement of the hours of 2,500 to be an apprentice, 3,500 to be a master
• It requires 1,500 journeyman hours, a 24-hour course, exam, background check, and fees for master plumber

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee met on May 6, 2026, with five members present and approved the prior meeting minutes. The committee first heard HB 750, a “click-to-cancel” consumer protection bill requiring subscription cancellations to be as easy as sign-up and to be available through the same method used to subscribe. An amendment was adopted, testimony included support from labor and consumer advocates and opposition from some business groups, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up SB 414, which was narrowed to cap interest on medical debt at 3%. After reconsidering and replacing prior amendments, the committee adopted the new amendment set and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 799, concerning inspection licensing for elevators, escalators, and boilers, was presented by the State Fire Marshal and reported favorably with little discussion. The longest discussion centered on HB 953, a major plumbing workforce and licensing reform bill. The bill was amended substantially: the original proposal to move plumbing oversight to the Contractors Board was removed, the plumbing board remained in place, apprenticeship and journeyman/master plumber hour requirements were revised, penalties and reporting requirements were added, and language was included to support workforce development and reentry training. The committee heard both support and opposition, including clarification from the State Plumbing Board that it already has an appeals process through the courts, and HB 953 was reported favorably as amended. Finally, HB 220, the “PROTECT Act,” was heard to require covered online platforms to maintain a clear and usable mechanism for reporting child sexual abuse material and exploitation. An amendment was adopted to account for platforms that require registration to access content, testimony was supportive, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 952 was deferred, and HB 827, a related plumbing workforce bill, was amended to align more closely with HB 953 but then failed a motion to defer by roll call vote, allowing it to remain pending. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:17.480> of and later received both a Master of and later received both a Master of
• On the bill, we're going to go to Senator from District 1 followed by Senator from District 28.
• District 28. We'll go back and forth. District 28. We'll go back and forth.
• Recognize Senator from District ordered. Recognize Senator from District 7. 7. 7.
• from District 6. from District 6. Oh,<00:37:37.200> perfect.<00:37:37.600> Okay.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, March 12, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation from Pastor Delman Coates, and received several guest introductions, including the doctor of the day, student visitors, homeschool advocates, community leaders, and the Braver Angels group. The chamber also journalized remarks welcoming Dr. Coates and recognized a prayer breakfast, with members offering brief thanks and acknowledgments before moving to legislative business. The Senate handled several messages and nominations, including withdrawal of an appointment, Johns Hopkins Police Accountability Board nominations, and Prince George’s County Board of License Commissioners nominations, all referred to Executive Nominations. The chamber also received House Bill 156 and an Executive Nominations Committee report recommending confirmation of a slate of appointments, which was special ordered for later consideration. A motion to return Senate Bill 463 to second reader and special order it for Tuesday was adopted without objection, and Senate Bill 473 was also special ordered for Tuesday. On third reading, the Senate passed a large number of bills, including measures on ignition interlock participation, school construction, port hearing notice, veteran status notation for educators, correctional officer scholarships, benefits exploitation, veterans trust fund applications, presidential electors, advance enrollment for children of active service members, retired law enforcement handgun permits, high-risk pregnancy discharge communication, charitable organization audit thresholds, child care criminal history checks, water pollution discharge permits, blockchain task force creation, franchise registration reform, licensing portability for foreign service members and spouses, Medicaid collaborative care cost-sharing, gift card fraud, school for the deaf board membership, vehicle dealer hearings, massage therapy advertising, protective body armor reporting, lithium-ion battery safety, pharmacy prescriber agreements for opioid use disorder treatment, human relevant research fund contributions, state and higher education email requirements, and auto insurance producer commissions. Most passed unanimously or by wide margins; Senate Bill 348 and Senate Bill 585 passed with 30 and 32 votes in favor, respectively. Senate Bill 140, concerning benefits exploitation, drew extended debate over constitutionality and pending litigation, with one senator citing an Attorney General opinion and another citing a Supreme Court case on neutral principles in church property disputes; the bill ultimately passed with 40 votes. Members later changed several votes on the floor, including on Senate Bills 172, 376, 428, and 48. The session ended while the clerk was beginning to read Senate Bill 629, with the remaining calendar not completed in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Federal regulators shouldn't stifle energy development.
• <00:23:54.679> in regulates offshore energy development in regulates offshore energy development
• Master Sergeant Santiago Rodriguez continues to inspire us.
• Master Sergeant Santiago Rodriguez continues to inspire us.
• Speaker my Pennsylvania district is home Speaker my Pennsylvania district is home to<02:27:39.000>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, March 6, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• OSP, in developing these rule changes, worked with CASO Consulting, who was hired by developing these
• Number 24, with the Economic Development Commission and Retail Strategies.
• This is a new vendor that will be providing the training for the master principal program.
• This is to develop the statewide strategic maternal health plan.
• This is for a clinical pharmacist for the Conway Human Development Center.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to invite And many towns in your district cannot.
• specifically for our rural districts.
• And I was appointed, so I had to run in my district.
• And so I say, every, I know that every district is different, and every district has different concerns
• But one of the things... ...and every district has different concerns.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• district.
• <00:15:45.279> district.
• district.
• So, there's 15 and development district.
• We are in the Purchase Area Development District, and we are the only certified domestic crisis program

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from its July 30, 2025 meeting. Members then heard a presentation from Roger McCann of the Department for Community Based Services on Kentucky’s 2026-2027 Community Services Block Grant state plan. He explained that the federally funded grant, now about $12 million annually, is distributed through 23 local community action agencies that use flexible funds for locally identified needs such as housing, nutrition, transportation, Head Start, and domestic violence services. McCann said the plan is submitted every two years and that the agencies served about 264,000 Kentuckians and 130,000 families in 2024. Senator Meredith asked whether there was a central place to review local projects, and McCann said regular reports exist and could be shared with members. The committee then approved the CSBG state plan by roll call vote. After that, members received an update on Kentucky’s state-designated domestic violence shelter programs from Angela Yanelli of ZeroV, Mary Foley of Maryman House Domestic Crisis Center, and Elizabeth Martin of the Center for Women and Families. The presenters described ZeroV’s role as the statewide domestic violence coalition, its 15 member programs across all area development districts, and its contract with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to provide emergency shelter, supportive services, housing assistance, and batterers intervention programming. They emphasized that services are available 24/7 and are trauma-informed, with a strong focus on children and family support. The domestic violence providers reported high demand and rising costs. ZeroV said its network served more than 14,000 adults and children in fiscal year 2025, including nearly 900 children in shelter and more than 500 in outreach, while Maryman House reported operating at 90-92% capacity, with 53 households waiting for emergency shelter and 63 more waiting for intake. Maryman House also described an 8-unit transitional housing complex and plans for a 48-unit apartment complex if tax credit funding is approved. The Center for Women and Families highlighted school-readiness support for children, tutoring, counseling, and family services, including back-to-school supplies and rights information for homeless students. No additional votes or formal actions were taken during the domestic violence presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also enables a new district around the soccer stadium. three of that development.
• The developer puts up all the money. The developer takes all the risk.
• This bill creates a master scorecard at the statewide level, so all developers will know exactly what
• develop it themselves?
• To develop it themselves.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the District Attorney for the 106th Judicial District, which covers four rural counties between Lubbock
• I'm the District Attorney in Williamson County.
• I'm the elected district attorney for Chairman Flores. District.
• I'm the district attorney for the 33rd and 424th Judicial District, which includes Burnet, and I represent
• a third district of rural counties.

Bills: HB75, HB108

Keywords: building standards, youth camps, floodplains, safety regulations, environmental policies, drainage utilities, flood management, land use regulation, county authority, drainage fees, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sarah Lee Davison, Legislative District 17, Representatives Keshel and Volk.
• I also want to shout out high schools from my district.
• You guys are in my district, welcome to the Capitol.
• You guys are in my district, welcome to the Capitol.
• Representative Quang Nguyen, Legislative District 1. Senator Wendy Rogers, thank you, Mr.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Sarah Lee Davison of Tucson. Members also introduced numerous guests and advocacy groups, including Aliento students for Education Day, gun violence prevention advocates, agricultural producers, military veterans, and representatives from the Kino Border Initiative and Nucor Steel. A proclamation honoring the life of Peter Andrew “Andy” Grosetta was read, recognizing his long service to Arizona ranching and the cattle industry. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole and considered two bills. HB 2074, dealing with reporting related to partial-birth abortion, received an adopted Judiciary Committee amendment that changed the penalty to a class six felony and then was recommended do pass as amended. The bill drew sharp debate: supporters said it strengthens reporting and accountability for an already illegal procedure, while opponents argued it would criminalize health care workers and reflect punitive views toward women seeking abortion care. HB 2148, described as a transparency bill, also received an Appropriations Committee amendment and was recommended do pass as amended without significant debate. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, and HB 2074 and HB 2148 were referred to engrossing. The House also announced several committee meetings for later that day and the next morning, including Appropriations, Federalism and Military Affairs, Science and Technology, Transportation and Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence and Innovation, and Rural Economic Development, before adjourning until Thursday, January 29, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• rights, and promote smart housing. development.
• When it comes to single-family development and multifamily development, it all triggers from the cost
• Utility Districts (MUDs).
• And a lot of people are wanting to move into our district. It's a pretty great district.
• Like your district where there isn't a lot of water, it's going to take the state or the development

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• purpose districts are an important tool to do that.
• the development stage. 1/3 is during the building stage, dividing that 25% up.
• Issues you have to deal with that actually hinder development?
• A lot of people are wanting to move into our district. It's a pretty great district.
• they're going to be working with school districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• that probably touch every one of our districts.
• And I realize that may be a... ...districts that probably touch every one of our districts.
• We went away from the school funding formula to punish these districts.
• There are dozens of unexplained arbitrary contributions to school districts.
• objectives. ...could undermine those same economic development objectives.

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, under this bill, it prohibits or restricts ADUs in the planned unit developments or master
• And I'm speaking from my district, particularly St.
• We can't get people out of their safely out of my district.
• These are issues that need to be addressed. safely out of my district.
• accountable as they go through the reviews of development orders and permits.

Summary: The committee first temporarily postponed HB 381, then heard and passed HB 1015 by Rep. Hunschofsky, which expands flood disclosure requirements to long-term rental tenants in addition to homebuyers and clarifies that renters’ insurance does not include flood coverage. An amendment changed rental disclosure language to “dwelling unit,” and the bill received support from the American Flood Coalition, Audubon Florida, and the Florida Association of Realtors. Rep. Robinson praised the bill’s added protections, and the measure passed favorably on a unanimous roll call. The committee then considered HB 247 by Rep. Connerly, an affordable housing bill requiring local governments to adopt ordinances allowing accessory dwelling units in single-family residential areas without added parking requirements, while limiting ADUs in planned unit developments and master-planned communities. Two amendments were adopted: one removed mezzanine financing language and another added certain newer manufactured homes to the ADU definition. Testimony was generally supportive, including from AARP, Florida Realtors, Americans for Prosperity, the Florida Chamber, and the Florida Manufactured Housing Association, but several members raised concerns about parking, infrastructure, historic neighborhoods, and short-term rentals. The bill passed favorably, though Ranking Member Cross voted no. Next, the committee took up HB 913 by Rep. Lopez, a broad condominium reform package addressing governance, financial transparency, reserves, insurance, voting, recalls, structural safety, and related issues. Three amendments were adopted: requiring seven years of posted meeting minutes online, allowing reserve contributions to be paused if a building is deemed uninhabitable, and clarifying that certain 2024 condo-law amendments do not apply retroactively to pending matters. Support came from AARP, the Florida Land Title Association, the Florida Bar’s Real Property section, Association Reserves, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, Marriott, and others, while speakers urged continued work on reserve-account clarity and caution on hotel-condo provisions. Members praised Rep. Lopez’s work, and the bill passed unanimously. Finally, the committee heard HB 579 by Rep. Overdorf on development permits and orders, which would require clearer application requirements, hold local governments to existing review timeframes, provide fee refunds when deadlines are missed, and prevent local governments from arbitrarily limiting quasi-judicial hearings. Members asked about incomplete applications, substantive changes that restart timelines, and whether the bill should address additional land-use changes; the sponsor said he was open to continued discussion but believed the bill’s definitions were broad enough. Public testimony supported the bill, and after debate from Rep. Hunschofsky and Rep. Cross noting some remaining concerns, the bill passed favorably. The chair then reminded members to engage sponsors early on future bills and moved to rise from committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent District 13.
• public partnership might be developed public partnership might be developed through<00:09:19.519
• existing tenant but be able to develop existing tenant but be able to develop um<00:09:32.399>
• <01:04:44.799> fund, that child care and development fund, that child care and development
• would be paid for by the developers. would be paid for by the developers.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:18:49.120> that advisory board is to uh develop that advisory board is to uh develop that
• So, to back out to Louisiana has a quote unquote master plan that they developed back in the '90s primarily
• Louisiana has a a quote unquote master Louisiana has a a quote unquote master plan<00:21:27.919>
• they developed um plan that they developed um back<00:21:32.080> in<00:21:32.240> the<
• Um Texas developed land loss issues.

Keywords: Ports and Marine Resources - Room 216, 30 January, 2026; 11:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 2263, which would require Department of Marine Resources law enforcement officers to have probable cause before boarding or stopping a vessel or conducting a search at a marina. The bill sponsor said current law does not require probable cause for DMR stops, and members discussed complaints from constituents about boats being stopped and searched without cause, including checks for life jackets, fish measurements, whistles, and flares. Questions also raised whether the bill should be consistent with wildlife officers and other law enforcement standards; the sponsor noted a separate bill addressing freshwater officers was in another committee. The committee ultimately moved the bill forward with a do pass recommendation. The committee then considered Senate Bill 2264, a coastal restoration and conservation planning bill. The sponsor explained that Mississippi receives multiple streams of restoration-related funding, including RESTORE Act, GOMESA, tidelands, and other federal funds, but lacks a coordinated science-based plan for how those dollars should be deployed. The bill would create a technical advisory board with representatives from state agencies, universities, and an NGO to develop a strategic plan and annual report on priorities such as water quality, habitat loss, and Mississippi Sound restoration. Members confirmed the bill would not change executive branch control over the funds and that GCRF economic damage funds were not included. The committee adopted the bill and reported it out. Next, Senate Bill 2370 was taken up to allow airport authorities to remove abandoned vehicles using the same procedures available to municipalities and private landowners. The sponsor said airports were dealing with vehicles left in parking areas for long periods and needed authority to begin the abandonment process. The bill was reported out. Senate Bill 2618, which would authorize airport authorities to enter public-private partnerships for property on airport-controlled land, was amended with a reverse repealer so it could be studied further; the committee then adopted the amendment, passed the bill as a committee substitute, and reported it out. Finally, Senate Bill 2634, which would let DMR create and pay reserve officers for special events and other staffing needs, was also approved and reported out.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's going to be time delays in the development of a new process.
• , California's largest community college district.
• That is what makes our district rich, diverse, and powerful.
• Ramon in the Los Angeles Community College District. Dr.
• I know embedded in our master plan with Vision 2030 is a focus on AI, and so we've developed a digital

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee held an oversight hearing on how federal actions are affecting California higher education, with opening remarks from the chair and members emphasizing the importance of state-federal shared governance and the need to protect access, affordability, and campus diversity. The first panel included leaders from the CSU, University of the Pacific, California Community Colleges, and UC, who described broad impacts from federal grant terminations, changes to student aid, loan limits, visa and immigration policy, and proposed reductions to research support. Testimony focused on the elimination of Grad PLUS loans, caps on Parent PLUS and Pell-related changes, the loss or suspension of hundreds of grants, and the resulting harm to student support services, research, workforce pipelines, food assistance, and health care training. UC and CSU representatives warned of major losses in research funding, indirect cost reimbursement, and student opportunities, while community college leaders highlighted uncertainty around federal grants and the need to maintain services for low-income, first-generation, undocumented, and other vulnerable students. Committee members asked how the state could respond, including through intersegmental partnerships, dual enrollment, transfer pathways, and support for basic needs and nutrition programs. Witnesses said California could help by sustaining financial aid, protecting minority-serving institution programs, and investing in research, housing, and workforce development. Several speakers stressed that federal changes were creating instability for students and campuses, and that the effects would likely be long-lasting, especially in health care, teaching, STEM, and social work pipelines. A second panel then focused on equitable access. The California Student Aid Commission described state efforts such as the $3.9 billion investment in aid programs, the Cal Grant system, the Dream Act, and possible reforms to better serve adult learners, foster youth, undocumented students, and students with dependents. The Los Angeles Community College District reported that federal cuts and policy shifts are discouraging students from applying for aid, threatening TRIO and MSI/HSI-funded services, and reducing support for basic needs, counseling, and workforce programs. The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities and the CSU Academic Senate echoed concerns about FAFSA confusion, international student restrictions, grant losses, and the erosion of equity-focused programs. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and discussed possible state responses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Selina Bliss, Legislative District 1. Representative Bliss. Thank you, Mr.
• Representative Peña will temporarily replace Representative Biasiucci on the Committee on Rural Economic Development
• days were anything but idle, as she poured her heart and soul into her beloved Phoenix Historic District
• She was a master researcher and negotiator who tackled the thornyest issue and strived for win-win solutions
• Using her skills developed in the business world, combined with her passion, she helped resolve community

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Arizona House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the March 18, 2026 journal, and recognition of Doctor of the Day Dr. Bradley Butler, an Arizona emergency physician and Navy Reserve captain. Members also introduced visiting carpenters, local officials from Show Low, World Down Syndrome Day advocates, and Giffords Courage Fellows. The House read and adopted a proclamation designating March 19, 2026 as ALS Awareness Day, with remarks from Representative Selina Bliss and testimony from ALS patients and advocates about the disease’s impact and the need for research, care, and support. The House then adopted House Resolution 2007 honoring Sheila “Ginger” Mattox, with family and friends present and members speaking about her community service and problem-solving work in Phoenix’s FQ Story neighborhood. The resolution was adopted unanimously, followed by a moment of silence. The chamber also announced committee assignments and received Senate messages listing several bills on first and second reading. The House resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider HB 2680, which received a Commerce Committee amendment and a floor amendment before being recommended do pass as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole report and referred HB 2680 to engrossing. Later, HB 1004 was withdrawn from the Education Committee and additionally referred to Judiciary. The House recessed, made several announcements, and then adjourned until 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the things that we have done is have a team of master caseworkers, and they assist in the transition
• with San Antonio and Houston rolling in, so we have... beefed up the number of what we call those master
• Once we have those years of experience, it will allow us to develop a more capitated model.
• Work and then developing a very strong partnership with local CPS so that we can ease that transition
• We worked to support the development of the rule CBC pilot bill, which became law this week.

Bills: SB596, SB961, SB1398, SB1183, SB1952

Keywords: DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child protective services, foster care, child welfare, Family Code, conservatorship, managing conservator, parental child safety placement, authorization agreement, temporary authorization order, child abuse, child neglect, placement reporting, court-ordered removal, investigation, family preservation, transparency, public reporting, data reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:23:07.760> tobac originally funded by the master tobac originally funded by the master
• 01:23:09.920> know,<01:23:10.320> 20 master tobacco settlement, you know, 20 master tobacco
• :25:00.880> to<01:25:01.040> their district administrators go talk to their district administrators
• We will do uh death master information.
• Um but we have developed uh,000 people.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In my own district, we saw two ICE raids just last year, and the fear they created did not stay local
• In my own district, we saw two eyes raised just last year, and the fear of the fear of the fear of the
• Olivia Herrera, intern at Stone Advocacy, on behalf of the California District Attorney's Association
• Okay, all right. master plan communities. We urge your aye vote. Thank you. Thank you very much.
• I'm a District 6... I'm Artana Lobby, a District 16 constituent, and I oppose this bill.

Keywords: 987, senate, all