Transcript Highlights:

• Establishes a special, specialty license plate for retired firefighters.
• The animal friendly license plate is one of the 5 most popular specialty licensed plates offered in Texas
• This law created an animal-friendly fund through the sale of special motor vehicle license plates.
• Those license plates are $30.22 dollars of that $30 goes to spay and neuter services.
• Um, we also believe that the current license plate is outdated.

Bills: HB 341, HB 791, HB 1564, HB 1695, HB 1722, HB 1729, HB 1772, HB 2003, HB 2954, HB 2989, HB 3084, HB 3134, HB 3135, HB 3309, HB 3611, HB 3679, HB 3727, HB 3832

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, HB 791, Central Catholic High School, San Antonio, specialty license plate, specialty plates

Transcript Highlights:

• We have people with licensed therapists, we have doctors, and we have a lot of We have people with licensed
• Our program is comprised of licensed clinicians in-house.
• I know security companies that use them; they can run 27s and 28s or driver's licenses and license plates
• Driver's licenses and license plates; they can check for these things. They have GPS on them.
• No, no, you don't need a license.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Imitators are always possible. licensers were left out of the efforts licensers were left out of the
• needed the licensers involved. needed the licensers involved.
• <01:53:13.280> holders We are individual license holders We are individual license holders
• I'm a licensed psychologist.
• Because I assume they have my license Because I assume they have my license plate<02:07:46.240><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The license plate cash fund is 12 million dollars.
• It will help when we bring more licensing inspectors in-house.
• It will help when we bring more licensing inspectors in-house.
• This will licensing inspectors in-house.
• recommendations so that the licensing recommendations so that the licensing process<04:56:34.720

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It would bring partnership with counties to do site visits and ensure licensing.
• These become more than licensing violations because they create environments where serious harm can go
• This expedited licensing process has been critical to expanding health care capacity and access.
• Licensed midwives are a critical part... ...culturally responsive maternity care.
• Licensed midwives are a critical part of that solution.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Bidle, tobacco product licenses, additional license for electronic smoking devices.
• Senate Bill 249 requires any person with a cigarette business license or an OTP, which is other than
• tobacco products license, to also obtain an ESD, electronic smoking device license, in order to manufacture
• requirement to get a money and from the requirement to get a money transmitter's<00:30:39.760> license
• under the Maryland transmitter's license under the Maryland Money<00:30:41.200> Transmission<

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• license to include in the license application documentation verifying that the applicant completed a
• network operator, lency or license network operator, lency or license applicant<00:28:58.720>
• class nine limited distillery license class nine limited distillery license manufacturing<00:31:
• um issuance of a revocation of a license um issuance of a restricted<01:14:06.640> license<01
• >> to a a license suspension. >> to a a license suspension.

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• They're not a licensed setting. A clinic, a medical clinic, is licensed. A hospital is licensed.
• They're not a licensed setting. A clinic, a medical clinic, is licensed. A hospital is licensed.
• They're not a licensed setting. A clinic, a medical clinic, is licensed. A hospital is licensed.
• They're not a licensed setting. A clinic, a medical clinic, is licensed. A hospital is licensed.
• And neither grant on either side is a licensed setting. clinic a medical clinic is licensed a clinic

Bills: HF25, HF4

Keywords: pregnancy support, women's health, maternity homes, nonprofit organizations, grant funding, abortion, family services, tax relief fund, budget surplus, surplus revenue, tax rebate, tax refund, one-time refund, income tax, property tax, constitutional amendment, Minnesota Constitution, general fund, budget reserve, taxpayer relief

Transcript Highlights:

• <03:40:21.359> so oplc also gives them their licenses so oplc also gives them their licenses
• OPLC sets licensing requirements, so I don't know that if it's not a licensing requirement, I don't know
• The limiting factors of having a licensed acupuncture or licensed practitioner is necessary, um, and
• The limiting factors of having a licensed acupuncture or licensed practitioner is necessary, um, and
• define these things um there's licensing define these things um there's licensing issues<05:25:48.440

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard testimony on House Bill 167, a PFAS-related measure to add ski, snowboard, and boat wax to the state’s list of banned consumer products containing PFAS. The sponsor said the product is already banned in many other places, alternatives exist, and the concern is that these products go directly into water rather than landfills. She cited high PFAS levels in several New Hampshire lakes and argued the bill would help stop further contamination. A member of the public also described personal experience with ski wax products disappearing from the market, suggesting PFAS may have been the reason. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 167. The committee next opened a hearing on House Bill 312, dealing with college athletes’ name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. Representative Moffett explained the bill was prompted by the U.S. Supreme Court’s NCAA v. Alston decision and was modeled on New Jersey law. He said the bill would prevent colleges from restricting NIL compensation, require athletes to use licensed attorneys or registered sports agents, and limit certain endorsements involving addictive drugs, adult entertainment, firearms, and weapons. He framed the measure as a proactive response to a changing college sports landscape and noted possible future conflicts involving schools, agents, and endorsements. Committee members raised several concerns and suggested changes. One member questioned the bill’s exclusion of two-year institutions, another objected to the weapons restriction, and others asked how the bill would affect scholarships. The sponsor said the intent was to protect scholarships, especially athletic scholarships, and clarified that need-based scholarships were not meant to be affected. He also acknowledged discomfort with the endorsement restrictions and said the committee might want to broaden or revise the language. The hearing remained open for further consideration, with no vote taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The holder of any valid big game animal license, trophy game animal license, any wild bison license,
• or a female or calf wild bison license may surrender said license to the Department for reissuance to
• The holder of any valid big game animal license, trophy game animal license, any wild bison license,
• or a female or calf wild bison license may surrender said license to the Department for reissuance to
• The holder of any valid big game animal license, trophy game animal license, any wild bison license,

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It could also be a licensed clinician operating within scope of practice.
• It could also be a licensed clinician operating within scope of practice.
• It could also be a licensed clinician operating within scope of practice.
• It could also be a licensed clinician operating within scope of practice.
• clinician, let's say, or a licensed clinician, let's say, or a licensed<01:26:44.400> practitioner

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The commission to study special education costs under SB 57 met for its second meeting, with members introducing themselves and reviewing background materials on New Hampshire special education identification rates, NAEP results, and a Wall Street Journal article about the rise in autism diagnoses. The chair explained that the commission is examining special education aid formulas, including how New Hampshire’s current catastrophic aid threshold works and how changes to that threshold might affect school districts, but noted that the needed data on how many students would shift into the aid system at lower thresholds is not yet available. The main testimony came from Henry Litman of HHS on Medicaid reimbursement in schools. He explained that school-based Medicaid funding is tied to health-related services, not all special education services, and that federal rules are changing in state fiscal year 2027. Under the new approach, schools will move away from an in-kind methodology to a certified public expenditure model that may also allow recovery of some overhead costs, such as support staff time. He said the state won a federal grant to help build the new system, hired a vendor, and is setting up training and a help center for districts. Members asked about why Medicaid claims have declined and whether districts are leaving money on the table. Litman said claims are down about 25% from pre-pandemic levels, with declines tied to federal and state rule changes, documentation requirements, provider qualification rules, and the end of temporary pandemic flexibilities. He said some districts adapted better than others depending on local medical-provider access and administrative capacity. He also said the new federal legislation does not directly affect schools, while New Hampshire’s return to pre-pandemic eligibility rules has reduced enrollment somewhat. No votes were taken, and the discussion ended with agreement that the commission needs better data to determine how much special education spending is truly Medicaid-eligible and whether additional legislation is needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• decision-making to licensed decision-making to licensed professionals,<01:04:57.119> and<
• Licensed naturopathic doctors have been licensed in New Hampshire for 31 years, and we've been taking
• Licensed naturopathic doctors have been licensed in New Hampshire for 31 years, and we've been taking
• Licensed naturopathic doctors have been licensed in New Hampshire for 31 years, and we've been taking
• Licensed naturopathic doctors have been licensed in New Hampshire for 31 years, and we've been taking

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• difference in the cost of the license. difference in the cost of the license.
• $250 to get this license from the state. $250 to get this license from the state.
• so I don't think that the the license so I don't think that the the license had<03:14:28.880>
• registars and the driver's license registars and the driver's license agents<03:58:24.640> and
• also found a way to make our license also found a way to make our license center<04:10:02.399>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• would be more unlicensed than licensed. would be more unlicensed than licensed.
• So they'll have a licensed intervals.
• They won't get a specific<00:58:07.599> license.
• All they will do is specific license.
• I am really interested in licensing.

Bills: HF3043, HF2891

Keywords: public safety, illegal remunerations, healthcare fraud, grants, criminal penalties, state law, grants management, state employees training, certification, monitoring grants, accountability, grant fraud, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So video games are licensed software.
• So my feeling is this: if a license is a license, it's a license, and that's all that you subscribe to
• So my feeling is this: if a license is a license, it's a license, and that's all that you subscribe to
• So I have another follow-up: Is it that most licenses, I don't care where I answer it, most licenses
• So I have another follow-up: Is it that most licenses, I don't care where I answer it, most licenses

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If I drive like that, they will end up canceling my license.
• He received his driver's license in June.
• He received his driver's license in June.
• He received his driver's license in June.
• make up nearly 8% of all licensed make up nearly 8% of all licensed drivers<01:37:11.360> but

Bills: HF2228, HF46, HF856, HF2149, HF2215

Keywords: homeowners insurance, property insurance, commercial property insurance, insurance affordability, insurance market stabilization, reinsurance, catastrophic reinsurance fund, self-insured pool, premium costs, coverage notice, liability reform, climate risk, climate change, housing affordability, multifamily housing, rental housing, common interest communities, cooperatives, small business insurance, Minnesota Commerce Department

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm a licensed psychologist here in Sacramento in strong support of AB 1876.
• Most of the license suspensions are on low-wage occupations, such as security guards, Most of the license
• Interfering with the parents' ability to earn income by suspending their license...
• Thanks to AB 1055, I didn't have to worry about my license being suspended anymore.
• When I first received my barbering license, they immediately suspended my license because of my arrears

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the are several questions in there, but I'll start with the licensed peace officer.
• There's an existing exception in the statute for a licensed peace officer.
• <00:30:48.399> peace I'll start with the um licensed peace I'll start with the um licensed
• the statute for a licensed peace offer. the statute for a licensed peace offer.
• peace officer, they active licensed peace officer, they would<00:31:01.760> be<00:31:01.840><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And what it does, it removes a moratorium on certain gear licenses, new gear license and renewals.
• On certain gear licenses, new gear license and renewals, my understanding is that we basically have in
• So that only new facilities that are applying for a license.
• But only new facilities that are applying for a license.
• Consumption is an option, as long as you have a license.

Summary: The committee first considered several local property-transfer and wildlife/fisheries bills, including SB 229 (Bojeur Parish property transfer), SB 71 (Lafayette Parish property transfer), and a series of Department of Wildlife and Fisheries measures. SB 203 simplified possession rules for fish on multi-day trips and remote camps; SB 429 created an administrative path to register “orphan” boats with lapsed registrations; SB 204 removed a residency-based restriction on certain commercial fishing gear licenses; SB 205 reduced duplicate registration requirements for federally documented boats; SB 213 clarified titling rules for vessels and outboard motors; and SB 257 removed Social Security number requirements from certain commercial fishing tags. Each of these bills was reported favorable, generally without objection, after brief explanations from sponsors and department counsel about reducing red tape, improving enforcement, or modernizing records. The committee also heard SB 214, which would allow the Teche-Vermilion Fresh Water District to stop pumping during an imminent flood threat identified by the National Weather Service or GOSEP, addressing liability concerns and giving local officials more flexibility in emergencies. SB 274, as amended, required lead hazard risk assessments for certain child care, early learning, and pre-kindergarten facilities and required hazards found in assessments to be addressed before licensing. Both bills were reported favorable. SB 379, a technical reorganization bill for the Department of Conservation and Energy, received two amendment sets: one changing investment language and another standardizing judicial-review procedures and online notice requirements; it was reported favorable after those amendments. The committee then adopted HCR 62, urging FEMA to review flood maps every five years instead of every ten and to better account for local flood-protection projects, with members discussing the burden of flood insurance and the need for FEMA to recognize levees, pump stations, and elevated homes. HCR 78 was also reported favorable, memorializing Congress to pass the American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026 in support of Louisiana’s seafood industry. HB 662, as substituted, was reported favorable after being rewritten to codify the department’s internal protocol for seized sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife, prioritizing release, rehabilitation, placement, and euthanasia as a last resort. Finally, the committee considered two more contentious items. HR 216, which urged repudiation of the Louisiana Climate Action Plan of 2022, drew extended debate over whether the plan had been adopted without legislative input and whether it could affect permits or future policy; after discussion, the sponsor voluntarily deferred the resolution to return with a revised approach focused on a legislative hearing or review. SCR 24, dealing with chronic wasting disease rules, was introduced with amendments that would raise the prevalence threshold, cap samples, allow zone removal after three years without new detections, and lift baiting/feed prohibitions above a higher prevalence level; the transcript cuts off before final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• It will be licensed. It won't go up exponentially by adding more content.
• The first one is in regard to the EMS licensing that the department does.
• You can be licensed in one state and then you can practice in any state that was in the compact.
• We have met with the Board of Pharmacy on licensing—what type of license do we need?
• How would that license extend to the mobile units?

Summary: The committee first recognized Mark Roper of the Economic Development Department for his long service and retirement, with members and the secretary praising his work on economic development across the state. Secretary Rob Black then presented EDD’s budget and special appropriation requests, describing strong recent job and income growth and outlining the department’s strategy around science and technology, site readiness, workforce development, foreign direct investment, and rural/community programs. He highlighted wins in advanced energy, quantum, space and defense, and biosciences, and asked for funding for quantum/DARPA matching funds, additional site readiness work, LIDA closing funds, JTIP training support, New Mexico Partnership, and healthy foods and other community programs. Members asked detailed questions about the quantum proposal, site readiness, the new mapping tool for industrial sites, workforce participation, trade missions, foreign investment, tariffs, water and produced water, tribal site evaluation, and public engagement on major projects. Black said the quantum request was intended to match federal dollars and build a workforce pipeline, that the site-readiness software would be a set enterprise license, and that the department was working with tribes and local partners on future site evaluations. He also said tariffs have created uncertainty but New Mexico’s infrastructure and foreign trade zones could help attract manufacturing, and he acknowledged concerns about transparency and community input while noting that some projects, such as Pacific Fusion, had gone through extensive public processes. The committee also discussed specific projects and funding balances, including Mantis Space’s move to Albuquerque, the status of Virgin Galactic’s spaceport lease, and the current LIDA fund balance and encumbrances. Black and Deputy Secretary Isaac Romero said the department was trying to use State Investment Council-backed venture funds to attract companies and that the new investments were already producing deals and jobs. Members generally supported the department’s direction but pressed for more targeted expertise, faster deployment, and stronger community involvement in future economic development decisions. Later, Secretary de Blassie of the Department of Health presented the department’s budget request and progress report. He said DOH had improved revenue cycle management, reduced old Medicaid-pending cases, increased census at facilities, improved budget and contract timeliness, and responded effectively to the measles outbreak. The department requested additional base funding for epidemiology and response, the DOH helpline, the Vital Records Virtual Vault, state labs, and the veterans home, along with special requests for respiratory vaccinations and marketing and lab equipment replacement. He also noted progress on MOUD and the medical psilocybin program, and said the department was not seeking to launch new programs given the limited time left in the administration.