Video & Transcript Research : 'regional development'

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CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • This is to support CSPS as it begins design, development, configuration, and implementation of the new
  • My name is Blake Kaiser-Lock from the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development.
  • I'm the head of public economic development with Lendistry.
  • , to maximize homelessness outcomes and preserve regional investments.
  • housing homelessness action plans, so extra effort has been taken there in the HAP regions.
Summary: The committee opened with the State Controller’s Office May Revision requests, including funding for Fiscal book-of-record stabilization, a Broadcom IDMS licensing adjustment, the California State Payroll System, ACFR reporting automation, and $3 million for unclaimed property outreach. Testimony emphasized progress on Fiscal becoming the state’s accounting book of record in July, faster ACFR publication, and the move to electronic unclaimed property claims. Members asked about the size of the unclaimed property fund and how quickly money is transferred to the General Fund; the Controller’s office said about $15 billion is held, with most excess transferred regularly, and the LAO noted the fund is the General Fund’s fourth-largest revenue source. No concerns were raised by Finance or the LAO, and the item was closed after no public comment. The committee then heard the administration’s proposal to tax prewritten digital software and software-as-a-service, with Finance saying it would modernize sales tax treatment and raise an estimated $450 million General Fund and $560 million local revenue in 2026-27. The LAO supported modernizing the tax but suggested broader digital goods coverage and a business-use exemption; industry and taxpayer groups opposed the proposal, warning of higher costs for consumers and businesses. Members also heard CDTFA’s administrative request tied to the proposal, plus a separate CDTFA budget reduction reflecting lower operational needs; that reduction was presented as a savings item and drew positive reactions. Next, the committee considered federal conformity for “Trump accounts,” which would align California tax treatment with federal rules for tax-deferred children’s accounts and avoid tracking burdens for families. The LAO recommended approval, and the item drew no opposition. The committee also heard a proposal to cut the first-year $800 annual business tax to $400 for LLCs, LPs, and LLPs; Finance argued it would lower startup costs and encourage new business formation, while the LAO said the benefit was not well targeted and could subsidize entities that would form anyway. Members discussed the policy tradeoff, and public commenters split between support for small business relief and concern about revenue loss. The final major revenue item was a permanent business tax credit limitation, capping credits at the greater of $5 million per corporation or 50% of pre-credit liability, while excluding the low-income housing tax credit and personal income tax credits. Finance said it would raise significant revenue from large profitable corporations, and the LAO said it was a reasonable option but noted it would mainly affect the R&D credit and could have future implications for programs like California Competes. Public testimony was sharply divided, with business groups opposing the cap and anti-poverty advocates supporting it as a way to recapture revenue. The committee also heard FTB’s CalFile realignment request, which would return most of the direct-file-related resources to the General Fund while retaining a smaller staff to improve CalFile, and the California Arts Council’s request to reauthorize the Keep Arts in Schools voluntary contribution fund, which members and advocates supported despite relatively modest annual donations. The hearing continued with GoBiz proposals on civic media funding, CA RISE reappropriation, and a semiconductor facility reversion, with the LAO supporting the latter two and members raising questions about the civic media program’s scope, outreach, and inclusion of broadcast and ethnic media.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Rules Committee Apr 15th, 2026

Rules

Transcript Highlights:
  • Visiting is another one of the areas that, as the Region 2 associate director that I'm over.
  • When you talk about leadership and instilling, doing succession development, professional development
  • So, looking at how do we develop our future leaders?
  • CDCR is continuing to assess staff needs in order to develop more targeted interventions.
  • CDCR is continuing to assist staff needs in order to develop more targeted interventions.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules first handled several routine items, including governor’s appointments not required to appear, references to bills, and floor acknowledgments. The committee approved the appointments of Heather Lynn Gonzalez and Allison Salton-Sall to the Court Reporters Board, and then moved on to appointments required to appear from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, both proposed associate directors in CDCR’s Division of Adult Institutions, testified about their backgrounds and emphasized staff safety, rehabilitation, trauma-informed practices, and the California model. Senators focused heavily on the rollout of the California model, the August 2024 use-of-force incident at Central California Women’s Facility, sexual abuse prevention, retaliation concerns, and prison visitation. Both nominees said the department had improved communication and training, had disciplined or removed staff in response to misconduct, and was working to strengthen PREA reporting, investigations, and family visiting consistency. Public testimony was strongly supportive, and the committee voted 4-0 to send both nominations to the Senate floor. The committee then heard from Jason Johnson, nominated as CDCR Undersecretary of Operations. Johnson framed his work around rehabilitation, public safety, and culture change, and addressed concerns raised in late opposition letters and a lawsuit alleging retaliation, hostile work environment, discrimination, and whistleblower issues. He said he could not discuss pending litigation in detail, but described his leadership as focused on accountability, professional standards, and improving relationships with staff and community partners. Senators questioned him about parole supervision, risk assessment, contraband interdiction, and the Prison Rape Elimination Act response; Johnson said adult parole uses risk-based supervision and GPS for registered sex offenders, operations is working with correctional safety and law enforcement on contraband and drone interdiction, and CDCR continues to expand reporting channels and training. The committee also discussed the importance of rehabilitation and reentry programs, with Johnson saying most people return to the community and that CDCR must prepare them for successful reintegration.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

EDU Public Hearing 03-18-2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • economic and a workforce development economic and a workforce development priority.<00:48:48.240
  • So we we need to menu development.
  • >> that was part of doing the regional >> that was part of doing the regional kitchen
  • So there can be a scale-up even without the regional kitchen, but the regional kitchen will allow us
  • So, um, there can be a scale-up even without the regional kitchen, but the regional kitchen will allow
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • We received over 4,000 survey respondents, including responses from every census region in the state,
  • But I would also say in terms of our program development, it's been really important for us to ensure
  • But I would also say in terms of our program development, it's been really important for us to ensure
  • And I will say that we have factored into that people who live in the rural regions to ensure that the
  • rural regions are compensated for, you know, Regions to ensure that the rural regions are compensated
Summary: The Select Committee on Older LGBTQ Californians held an inaugural hearing focused on the health care and support landscape for older LGBTQ Californians, including people aging with HIV and transgender, gender non-conforming, and intersex seniors. Opening remarks emphasized the long history of discrimination faced by older LGBTQ adults, the growth of the aging LGBTQ population, and the need to translate existing state commitments into concrete services. Senators highlighted concerns about nursing home vulnerability, the aging of people living with HIV, and the impact of federal actions and Medicaid cuts on California’s safety net. The first panel featured Justice in Aging, CalHHS, the Department of Aging, and the Aging and HIV Institute. Testimony described widespread inequities, including discrimination, social isolation, economic insecurity, and gaps in culturally competent care. State officials outlined the Master Plan for Aging, the first statewide survey of LGBTQIA older adults, gender-affirming care protections in Medi-Cal, and efforts to improve coordination across departments. Advocates argued the state has been too slow to respond to federal threats and that services are often hard to find or fragmented. Committee members pressed the departments on how survey findings are being turned into action, how rural and underserved communities are being reached, and whether more formal stakeholder coordination or “no wrong door” access systems are needed. The second panel focused on seniors living with HIV. A long-term survivor gave emotional testimony about the “survivorship penalty,” loss of benefits, housing insecurity, and the need for legal and navigation support, housing assistance, and protection from outdated disability standards. The Department of Aging reported on implementation of SB 258, which added HIV status to the definition of greatest social need for area agencies on aging; it said 20 of 33 area plans now identify HIV as a target population and many include specific strategies, such as LGBTQIA mental health connections programs. The Office of AIDS described Project Cornerstone, Ryan White, ADAP, HOPWA, the Medi-Cal waiver, and PrEP-AP, noting these programs serve thousands of older clients and rely on whole-person case management. Case management testimony underscored persistent needs for medication subsidies, transportation, food, and housing. Committee members questioned how ADAP rebate funds might be used, how SB 258 is enforced across local agencies, and how to reduce administrative barriers and auto-connect eligible people to benefits. The final panel began with the Department of Social Services outlining protections for TGI seniors in licensed care facilities, including SB 219’s nondiscrimination requirements and related provider notices and resident rights materials. The hearing remained focused on identifying service gaps, improving coordination across aging, health, and social service systems, and ensuring state programs better reflect the lived experience of older LGBTQ Californians.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, March 4, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • > love<02:19:10.479> for Steven Roberie developed a love for Steven Roberie developed a
  • avoiding a broader regional war. avoiding a broader regional war.
  • Iran was developing missiles that could place American bases in the region and our homeland at risk.
  • A sustained war with Iran will not stabilize the region. It's already ignited the region.
  • A sustained war with Iran will not stabilize the region. It's already ignited the region.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • Iran also continues its decades-long effort to develop surrogate networks inside the United States to
  • Iran has developed and maintains ballistic missiles.
  • UAVs, including systems capable of striking U.S. targets and allies in the region.
  • So this continues to be an issue not just for the region, but for Americans in particular.
  • To be able to rearm itself and all the others around the region.
Summary: The Senate Intelligence Committee convened for a significant meeting focused on the Annual Worldwide Threats Hearing. Prominent officials from various intelligence agencies presented their insights on emerging national security threats, including concerns over increasing cyber threats, particularly from China and non-state actors. A major discussion point included the balance between national security and civil liberties, as evidenced by conversations surrounding Section 702 of FISA and its implications for privacy protection. The challenges posed by cartels and transnational criminal organizations, especially related to narcotics trafficking, were emphasized as pressing issues necessitating coordinated responses from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. This meeting underscored the necessity of public-private partnerships to tackle these multifaceted threats effectively.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • We're a regional workforce and economic development public-private partnership.
  • We're a regional workforce and economic development, public-private partnership.
  • The workforce development boards know their communities.
  • Development Boards know their communities.
  • Being developed, utilizing public funds, to ensure workers are protected.
Summary: The committee heard several labor-related bills, with AB 1424, AB 1340, AB 288, and AB 746 all advancing on due-pass motions to Appropriations after testimony and roll calls. AB 1424 would require climate resiliency and extreme-heat protections in CDCR facilities; supporters described dangerous heat conditions for incarcerated workers and staff, while no opposition testified. AB 1340 would allow rideshare drivers to unionize and collectively bargain; drivers, labor groups, and researchers testified that app-based work is low-paid and unstable, while TechNet, Uber, Lyft, and other business groups argued the bill conflicts with Proposition 22 and could raise costs. AB 288 would let PERB step in when federal labor remedies are unavailable; supporters said it is needed because of NLRB dysfunction, while the Chamber of Commerce raised preemption and enforcement concerns. AB 746 would create an inmate cooperative program and a green reentry reserve; supporters framed it as a recidivism-reduction and reentry strategy, and there was no opposition testimony. The committee also heard AB 858, which would extend hotel and hospitality worker recall rights after declared emergencies and extend existing COVID-era protections. Hospitality workers and unions supported the bill as a way to protect jobs after pandemics, wildfires, and other disasters, while hotel, chamber, retail, restaurant, trucking, travel, and attractions groups opposed it, saying the current recall rules were meant to sunset and that the bill would create broad liabilities and hiring complications. The bill was moved to Appropriations but remained on call after the roll. AB 291, creating a credentialed educator apprenticeship program to address teacher shortages and improve diversity, drew support from education groups and stakeholders who said apprenticeships could lower preparation costs and provide better support; it was also moved to Appropriations and placed on call. Later, the committee took up AB 1104, a solar-energy bill intended to clarify that private solar customers are not “awarding bodies” and to ease certain business-to-business solar transactions while preserving prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements for contractors. Supporters said the current interpretation has chilled commercial solar adoption and harmed jobs, while opponents from electrical workers, PG&E, and others warned about expanded “over-the-fence” power sales and the need for clearer limits. Members questioned the lack of a definition of “small,” and the bill was held without a second. The committee also heard AB 338, which seeks $50 million for Los Angeles and Ventura wildfire workforce recovery; the author and county officials described major job loss and business destruction and said the funds would support displaced workers and rebuilding, with the testimony continuing beyond the excerpt provided.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Judiciary Jan 28th, 2026 at 03:17 pm

House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • We would look at in-demand occupations by region and within the county, or if there are other regions
  • One of the strengths of our workforce system is that we have boards by region that can work at a regional
  • One of the strengths of our workforce system is that we have boards by region that can work at a regional
  • One of the strengths of our workforce system is that we have boards by region that can work at a regional
  • A lot of these things. that we have boards by region that can work at a regional basis.
Bills: SB100
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 4/2/25

Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • The workgroup has taken a regional approach to this issue and is ultimately developing a framework for
  • will serve as a demonstration a regional will serve as a demonstration a regional approach<00:07
  • support of house file 2040 this Regional support of house file 2040 this Regional approach<00:09
  • <00:21:29.559> treatment in inoa uh Medical Regional treatment in inoa uh Medical Regional
  • In the Arrowhead region, we funded the Northland Foundation to develop a returnship toolkit.
Keywords: 1183, house
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Floor Session Apr 21st, 2025

California House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Pending re-referral from the Housing and Community Development Committee and.
  • Housing and Community Development Committee to notice the following bills for their hearing on Wednesday
  • Artsakh is an independent region of Azerbaijan. The Azeri government gave this city a choice.
  • Air quality is a regional concern and that is why we need to make sure that we balance perspective of
  • all of our regions in San Diego County.
Keywords: 988, house, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 27th, 2025

Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank you. summary of budget recommendations for the Texas Water Development Board.
  • Allows communities to rightsize their projects and optimize the development of regional projects.
  • Texas Water Development Board, Brian. Yes, sir.
  • When we would go purchase land, when we would use those funds for development.
  • Water Development Board, we have one more underwater development work. water development board sorry
Keywords: 1184, house, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm the Chief Operating Officer with Housing and Community Development.
  • Again, Matt Schuller, Chief Operating Officer with Housing and Community Development.
  • Again, Matt Schuller, Chief Operating Officer with Housing and Community Development.
  • Again, Matt Schuller, Chief Operating Officer with Housing and Community Development.
  • VoteCal was developed in response to a... VoteCal was developed in response to a federal mandate.
Keywords: 988, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 04/21/25

Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:21:11.760> fetus phalates on the developing fetus phalates on the developing fetus affecting
  • <00:21:20.080> and causing abnormal fetal development and causing abnormal fetal development
  • This movement significantly regions.
  • I don't in the state and in this region.
  • <01:14:46.080> economic and the potential for regional economic and the potential for regional
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • I'm Jason Wimbley, Director of the Department of Community Services and Development, or CSD.
  • Increasing statewide communications and leading advocacy and policy development.
  • Department of Health and Human Services, CSBG Region 9.
  • California Community Action doesn't just lead in the region.
  • We offer job placement, job readiness training, and resume development support.
Summary: The Senate and Assembly Human Services Committees held a special oversight hearing on California’s 2026-27 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) state plan, a federal anti-poverty funding stream. Committee members opened by citing statewide poverty and homelessness data and said the hearing was meant to review how CSBG dollars are used, how local agencies respond to community needs, and how the state is preparing for possible federal funding cuts. Jason Wimbley of the Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) explained that California’s CSBG network works through 60 organizations in 58 counties, serving about 1.5 million low-income Californians in 2023, and that the state received $68.4 million in federal CSBG funds in fiscal year 2025. He described the program as flexible funding used for housing, employment, education, food, health, transportation, and emergency response, and noted that the federal administration had proposed eliminating CSBG, though the Senate Appropriations Committee had voted to fully fund it for the coming year. Representatives from the California Community Action Partnership Association and several CSBG-funded agencies described how the program supports local anti-poverty work and leverages other funding. CalCAPA emphasized local flexibility, workforce development, partnerships, and data systems such as ROMA, while also warning that agencies are preparing for possible reductions by tightening budgets, planning staffing contingencies, and seeking private foundation support. Agency witnesses from Contra Costa County, Northern California Indian Development Council, Proteus, and Sacred Heart Community Service described services including housing assistance, food distribution, utility help, employment training, youth programs, and culturally specific services for Native communities and migrant farmworkers. They repeatedly said CSBG is essential because it funds staffing and infrastructure that allow them to braid other grants and serve people who do not qualify for standard safety-net programs. Members also asked about the impact of federal staffing changes and the Los Angeles fires. Wimbley said federal layoffs had affected some CSD programs but not CSBG administration, and that the department coordinated disaster response with state agencies and used CSBG-funded supply distribution, food, water, clothing, and documentation support during the fires. Witnesses said they were preparing for possible future cuts by diversifying funding, reducing expenses, and considering service changes, while county officials warned that state and federal reductions could not be backfilled locally. During public comment, one speaker urged stronger oversight of community action agencies and raised concerns about transparency and compliance with state law. The chair then thanked the witnesses, emphasized the importance of CSBG for low-income seniors, youth, and people with disabilities, and adjourned the hearing without any votes or formal action taken.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
  • We have eight regions, and we educate. In the community throughout the state.
  • We're also trying to develop, right now at the O'Connor Institute, online professional development for
  • So that's another thing that we're doing on the professional development front.
  • They were Spaniards, some from the Malaga region of Spain.
  • We are the forgotten region. Well, LPB has not forgotten y'all.
Keywords: 974, senate, all
Summary: The Louisiana Commission on Civic Education met with quorum, approved the minutes from its previous meeting, and took several action items related to the Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LIAC). The commission unanimously approved the 2026-27 LIAC membership slate after reviewing recommendations from the selection committee, and it also approved the council’s budget and mileage reimbursement guidelines, noting the only change was an updated IRS mileage rate. Members thanked the legislature for continuing to fund LIAC after earlier years when it relied on outside donations. The meeting featured presentations on civic education resources and America 250 programming. Brandon Burris, representing the Lieutenant Governor’s office, highlighted Louisiana state parks, the Checkout Louisiana library backpack programs for parks and museums, Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s anti-litter campaign, and Homework Louisiana. Liam Julian of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute discussed national civics education trends, teacher discomfort with controversial topics, and the institute’s teacher training, student camps, debate programs, and civics app. Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s Katie Stark and Nancy Torren presented America 250-related materials, including a PBS Kids feature on a Louisiana child and LPB’s “Louisiana’s Hidden History” videos and teacher resources on Bernardo de Galvez and Spanish Louisiana. LIAC members then reported on their work, including school safety efforts, digital service-hour tracking, AP self-study access, minor work permits, AI-generated harassment concerns, and local civic engagement projects. Peggy Cotonia of the Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education reported 87 Law Day presentations and 287 total Law Day and Constitution Day presentations reaching about 9,400 students, along with updates on awards and a shortened but still free summer institute for teachers. Barry Irwin reported that legislation to clean up outdated commission membership and quorum language had passed the House and been heard in Senate Education, moving toward final passage. The commission adjourned after no further business.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • We can and must act locally, regionally, nationally, and globally.
  • We are in a housing crisis, as we are in the region.
  • We are in a housing crisis as we are in the region.
  • We formed that regional group six years...
  • And what the developers are telling me is that maybe the first time they do a specialized code development
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The hearing focused on several climate and utility-related bills, especially H. 3449/S. 2292 to expand the municipal fossil fuel-free building demonstration program from 10 to 20 communities and related home rule petitions for Somerville and other municipalities. Witnesses from Somerville, Salem, Worcester, Cambridge, Newton, Arlington, Wellesley, Watertown, and the Massachusetts Municipal Association argued that local governments should be allowed to opt into fossil fuel-free or net-zero building standards, citing climate goals, environmental justice concerns, housing production, and data showing all-electric construction can cost about the same as or less than mixed-fuel construction. Committee members repeatedly pressed witnesses for cost data and asked for written follow-up, while also discussing whether strong environmental standards affect housing supply; witnesses responded that the main housing constraints are financing and that they would provide more data from local projects and state studies. A second major topic was H. 3564, which would require gas companies to provide municipalities with detailed multi-year pipe replacement plans, allow local review and objections, and limit reimbursement for projects not previously disclosed except in emergencies. Municipal leaders and advocates said the bill would improve coordination of street work, reduce disruption and costs, and help cities plan for electrification, network geothermal, and non-pipeline alternatives. Testimony from Wellesley, Cambridge, Arlington, Newton, and others emphasized repeated problems with last-minute gas main work, the need for advance notice, and the value of municipal participation in planning gas system retirement and alternatives. The committee also heard testimony on the “tactical transition” bills, S. 2249/H. 3539, aimed at managing the gas-to-clean-energy transition. Supporters from Gas Transition Allies, Rewiring America, and 350 Mass said the bills would require joint gas-electric planning, create an advisory council, eliminate subsidies for new gas hookups, shift investment toward repairs and clean alternatives, protect workers through retraining, and make utility plans more transparent. They argued these changes would reduce ratepayer costs, avoid stranded gas assets, and support orderly decarbonization. In addition, HEET testified on H. 3541, which would update greenhouse gas accounting to better reflect methane’s short-term climate impact, and H. 3543, which would establish a framework for managing shared thermal resources and thermal energy networks; committee members asked several questions about the meaning, ownership, and consumer-cost implications of the proposed “thermal commons.” No votes were taken during the hearing.
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Feb 14th, 2026 at 12:23 pm

New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is really just removing the distinction, again, between the term regionally and non-regionally accredited
  • It's just removing that regional and non-regional distinction, and they are paying the annual fee of
  • I think we can do economic development right. I think these developers can do this right.
  • It's a lot of moving parts in a development project.
  • We all agree we want economic development.
Keywords: 996, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Capital Investment Committee 2/25/25

Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:58:37.280> funds 1.53 million uh in in Regional funds 1.53 million uh in in Regional funds
  • Representative Allen said he had a question about the regional parks and trails bonding program.
  • um the the establishment of the regional um the the establishment of the regional parks<01:03:01.039
  • as the state park system for the region as the state park system for the region especially<01:03
  • building out and continuing to develop building out and continuing to develop the<01:05:28.559><
Keywords: 1183, house
NH

New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session

House Science, Technology and Energy (02/09/2026)

Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • <01:22:28.960> electricity Energy to look at regional electricity Energy to look at regional
  • regionally? What do we need regionally? regionally? What do we need regionally?
  • Efficiency and Resource Development Efficiency and Resource Development Authority.
  • We need to be business development.
  • users on the regional uh on the users on the regional uh on the transmission<05:49:34.240> system<
Keywords: 1189, house, all
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session, 4/2/2026 #1

Maryland Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • , communication, community development, communication, community development, and<00:04:43.880>
  • centers across the entire PJM region. centers across the entire PJM region.
  • the PJM region.
  • can occur anywhere in the PJM region. can occur anywhere in the PJM region.
  • developing that and programs, developing developing that and back<03:31:46.360> charging<03:31
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation by Reverend J.C. Austin of Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, and journalized the prayer. Members also introduced several guests and interns, including a shadow from the 45th District, a Legislative Black Caucus fellow, a ninth-grade author from Annapolis High School, a World Autism Acceptance Day group in the gallery, and a student shadowing the Senator from District 30. The chamber then moved to House bills on second reading and Senate bills on third reading. The Senate adopted favorable committee reports and passed several House bills without objection, including measures extending the Maryland Horse Industry Board sunset, requiring housing counseling information for certain first-time homebuyers, expanding the educator expense tax subtraction to full-time pre-K teachers, increasing funding for the State Library Resource Center, extending agricultural use assessment eligibility for community solar projects, allowing the Seat Pleasant Police Department to join the Law Enforcement Officers Pension System, authorizing changes to a tax sale legacy protection program, and granting special taxing authority for the Village of Drummond. The chamber also adopted seven amendments to Senate Bill 1007 on state debt authorizations and ordered it printed for third reading. On final passage, Senate Bill 956 on Maryland Transportation Authority video toll collections passed with 44 affirmative votes. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 841, a major energy affordability and utility reform bill, with two committee amendments adopted. The bill was described as providing short-, medium-, and long-term rate relief, including changes to EmPOWER Maryland, utility cost recovery, data center tariffs, net metering, solar policy, transmission planning, battery storage, nuclear incentives, and low-income assistance. Debate began on the amended report, and a motion to lay the bill over was withdrawn while members discussed waiting on additional amendments.