Transcript Highlights:

• Despite this, he repeatedly was able to bond out. Pay 10 grand, you get out the same day.
• Despite this, he repeatedly was able to bond out. Pay 10 grand, you get out the same day.
• Bond was repeatedly granted. No risk-based detention was applied.
• Bond was repeatedly granted. No risk-based detention was applied.
• Someone's out on bond, and they set the plea date out 30 days, 45 days, some period there.

Bills: S0212, S0656, S0682, S0810, S0812, S0890, S0892, S0900, S0928, S1084, S1284

Keywords: sexual offender, sexual predator, sex offender registry, child protection, residency restriction, loitering, proximity restriction, public swimming pool, school safety, child care facility, day care center, park, playground, conditional release, probation, community control, warrantless arrest, background check, registry screening, minor victims

Summary: The committee took up a series of criminal justice and public safety bills. SB 1084, which exempts certain identifying and location information for non-legal support staff in state attorneys’ offices from public records requests, was supported by prosecuting attorneys and reported favorably. SB 212, as amended, created new restrictions related to sexual offenders and predators, including a 200-foot restricted presence provision near certain locations and updated notification/supervision requirements; it drew strong opposition from researchers, advocates, and affected families who argued it lacked evidence and would increase homelessness, but it was reported favorably. SB 682, addressing domestic violence, coercive control, strangulation, animal abuse, injunctions, and related training and enforcement issues, received emotional survivor testimony and support from animal welfare and law enforcement groups and was reported favorably. SB 656, creating and renaming FDLE Internet Crimes Against Children funding and grant programs, was amended and reported favorably and unanimously. The committee also considered SB 810 on sealing criminal history records, which would expand eligibility for some non-conviction records and one low-level misdemeanor conviction after waiting periods and judicial review; supporters said Florida is unusually restrictive, while one senator raised concerns about the scope, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 890, creating a standalone battery by strangulation offense applicable outside domestic relationships, was reported favorably after the sponsor said it would close a gap in current law. SB 892, revising habitual offender and violent career criminal sentencing procedures and notice requirements, was reported favorably, with defense lawyers supporting the clearer pretrial notice. SB 928, “Missy’s Law,” requiring immediate remand to custody after conviction of certain dangerous crimes, was amended to include computer pornography/child exploitation offenses and reported favorably after a family member of the namesake victim testified in support. Later, SB 1284 modernized arrest and search warrant statutes, expanding judicial summons options for some misdemeanors and broadening warrant/arrest authority in certain DUI, injunction, domestic violence, and misdemeanor force cases; defense lawyers supported the judicial-discretion portions but raised concerns about DUI/BUI arrests, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 812, a technical companion to SB 810 updating public records treatment for sealed criminal history records, was amended to clarify prosecutorial access for later cases and reported favorably. Several bills were supported by law enforcement, prosecutors, and advocacy groups, while others drew opposition from civil liberties, treatment, homelessness, and criminal defense advocates. The meeting adjourned after members recorded additional votes on selected tabs.

Transcript Highlights:

• would start doing instant arrests, so every vehicle, every driver was required to propose a $10,000 bond
• Sometimes they forfeited the bond and paid the $10,000 like it was nothing.
• I'm going to go ahead and put the $10,000 down, rather than bond, because that's just the cost of doing
• Because I would think that, you know, the 10% on the surety bond or the face value of a cash bond, these
• Because I would think that, you know, the 10% on the surety bond or the face value of a cash bond, these

Bills: SB2199, SB2200, SB2201, SB2949, SB2332

Keywords: overweight vehicle, vehicle weight limits, hazardous materials, hazmat, cargo tank, fuel transport, trucking, commercial vehicle, Transportation Code, criminal penalty, second-degree felony, loading violation, truck weight, axle weight, gross weight, public safety, commercial carrier, Texas, commercial truck, truck route

Transcript Highlights:

• Sorry, I don't believe that we're bonding it.
• Um, do you have any opinion on the blank amounts though or whether the $100 million bond would need cash
• is kind of a self-sustainable thing or if it will constantly require money from HHRF to float the bonds
• Um, do you have any opinion on the blank amounts though or whether the $100 million bond would need cash
• is kind of a self-sustainable thing or if it will constantly require money from HHRF to float the bonds

Bills: HB1849, HB2000, HB1753, HB1511, HB276, HB1513, HB2188, HB1876

Keywords: licensing, professional license, individual taxpayer identification number, immigration, state residency, right to repair, wheelchairs, consumer protection, repair providers, device documentation, HB1753, Hawaii Social Media Data Deletion Act, social media, account deletion, data deletion, privacy, consumer privacy, personal information, sensitive personal information, data retention

Summary: The committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met on February 10, 2026, and heard testimony on several bills. HB 1849 relating to licensing drew comments from DCCA’s Professional and Vocational Licensing Division and the Hawaii Real Estate Commission, both of which stood on written testimony. The Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights testified in strong support, emphasizing that some immigrants, including DACA recipients, are already contributing in Hawaii and that the state should help create pathways for them to remain and advance professionally. No vote or final action was taken on HB 1849 during the portion shown. The committee then heard HB 2000, the wheelchair right-to-repair bill. Encart opposed the measure, arguing that repair delays are largely driven by insurance prior authorization and that wheelchair repairs involve FDA-regulated medical devices where improper repairs could create health risks. Peter Fritz testified in support, saying the bill was modeled on similar laws in other states and that he had personal experience through his sister’s use of a wheelchair. Members questioned whether repairs done outside insurer networks might not be reimbursed, and Fritz said that was a concern but that the need for timely repair outweighed it. The committee also discussed HB 1753 on social media, where DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection supported the bill but suggested an amendment to the definition of personal information. On HB 1511 relating to consumer protection, DCCA’s Insurance Division supported the bill, while the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association offered comments seeking to preserve legitimate manufacturer and dealer communications about vehicles, warranties, recalls, and related services. The committee also took up HB 276 HD1 and HB 1513 on condominiums. The Hawaii Real Estate Commission offered comments on HB 276 HD1. For HB 1513, the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority supported the bill, but DCCA’s Insurance Division opposed it, warning that diverting HHRF funds could weaken reinsurance arrangements and raise premiums for consumers who rely on the fund. Members questioned whether the proposed condo loan program would need HHRF money and whether the amounts in the bill were necessary, and the division said it opposed using HHRF for that purpose. The committee also heard HB 2188 on housing, where OCP supported the measure and the Hawaii Association of Realtors raised concerns about conflicts with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the use of tenant screening reports, noting that a working group is already addressing landlord-tenant issues. Members asked OCP to research how other states handle similar laws and whether additional language is needed to avoid federal conflict. Finally, on HB 1876 relating to mental health, the Department of Health’s Adult Mental Health Division supported the bill but said it remains opposed to harmful, non-evidence-based treatment modalities; Pride at Work Hawaii also testified in strong support. No final votes or committee decisions were reported in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• 20 something million dollar in a bond 20 something million dollar in a bond for<00:59:12.480>
• The bond on the project is 100% of the construction value.
• from that bond.
• Well, for design-build, they have to have E&O insurance, and that is separate from the bond.
• that is separate from the bond that is separate from the bond yes<01:07:49.839> but<01:07:50.000

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee held an informational briefing on construction defects and operational problems at the newly opened Hawaii State Hospital Halola building, a $160 million facility with 144 beds for forensic patients. Department of Health and DAGS officials described ongoing issues identified before and after occupancy in April 2022, including anti-ligature safety defects, roof and building-envelope leaks, drainage problems, plumbing failures, HVAC corrosion and moisture-control issues, mold, and corroding materials. They said the problems have affected patient areas, showers, hallways, the gym, and other parts of the building, creating daily operational and safety challenges for staff and patients. Officials said the state believes the defects are the responsibility of the design-builder, Hensel Phelps, but that they are working with the company and its subcontractors to address the problems while preserving the state’s legal position. The Attorney General’s office said it is conducting an inquiry and asked agencies to limit comments to factual matters. Witnesses explained that some defects appear to be latent and that repairs are being documented through photos, invoices, and testimony. They also said some work is being done by Hensel Phelps and some by other contractors, with efforts to preserve evidence for possible future claims. Committee members questioned how the defects were missed during design-build inspection, whether the state should pursue litigation sooner, and how evidence would be preserved if outside contractors make repairs. Officials said the state has two funding requests pending: about $8 million for emergency repairs and about $28.8 million for longer-term repairs, for a total near $40 million, while noting that additional defects may still be discovered. No votes were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• With that bill, we provided bond requirements for a grow operation that was applying for a new license
• So, in that case, if you were renewing your license, you had to have this bond in place.
• And the bond was a reclamation bond in the amount of $50,000. At least, it could be more.
• That reclamation bond was intended to come in and clean up these operations as they were abandoned.
• I do hope that as we do claim these bonds, we'll see some of these sites get cleaned up.

Bills: SB1969, SB1953, SB1277, SB1287, SB1061, SB1916, SB1589, SB2178, SB1444, SB1438, SB1501, SB1873, SB1364

Keywords: massage therapy, licensing, multistate compact, regulation, healthcare, professionals, Employer Health Plan Transparency Act, health insurance, claims data, contract provisions, health care providers, auditable materials, HIPAA compliance, insurance regulation, unemployment benefits, employment security, work search, job search, reemployment, jobless benefits

Transcript Highlights:

• amend the Internal Revenue Service Code of 1986 to include provisions for issuing private activity bonds
• The report stated that private activity bonds would align financial incentives with a growing interest
• We talked about this in passing earlier, these bonds are um.
• The bonds are let to fund major projects, as you said.
• Docks, uh, airports, uh, and private investors can buy shares in these bonds and increase their holding

Bills: HB176, HB180

Keywords: tax, ad valorem, voter-approval, local government finance, property tax, repeal, tax rates, school finance, tax reduction, compressed tax rate, education, funding

Transcript Highlights:

• We had a lot of fun on the bond committee. I will say I've never seen an off...
• We had a lot of fun on the Bond Committee.
• So I really appreciate all your years that I served on bond with you, and you will be dearly missed.
• The Bond Bill Committee will be meeting on Tuesday at 10 o'clock in a Joint Finance room to discuss bond
• The Bond Bill Committee will be meeting on Tuesday at 10 o'clock in a Joint Finance room to discuss bond

Summary: The Senate reconvened, read committee reports, and assigned House Bill 89 with House Amendment 1 and House Bill 393 with House Amendment 1 to the Senate Finance Committee. It then adopted Consent Calendar 64, which included resolutions recognizing Take Our Children to Work Day, Juneteenth, National Farmers Day, Invisible Disabilities Week, Stonewall Uprising Remembrance Day, National Nonprofit Day, and two property-assessment working group resolutions. The calendar passed by a unanimous roll call, and the chamber heard remarks supporting Juneteenth, Delaware agriculture, invisible disabilities awareness, and the nonprofit sector. The Senate passed the fiscal year 2026 and 2027 revenue estimates in Senate Joint Resolution 16 and Senate Joint Resolution 17, and approved the fiscal year 2027 operating budget in Senate Bill 335 after extended debate on budget growth, recurring costs, health care, education, public safety, retiree obligations, and fiscal restraint. It also passed Senate Bill 336, the one-time supplemental appropriation bill, which includes one-time investments such as a $100 million transition toward a weighted education funding formula, election support, early childhood education, classroom projects, lead remediation, and campaign finance modernization. Several members praised the budget process and staff, while others cautioned against future spending growth. Among policy bills, the Senate passed House Bill 369 to codify the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Community Safety, House Bill 268 to increase penalties for assaulting postal workers, House Bill 374 to require workforce reporting on large public works projects, Senate Bill 253 with House Amendment 1 to standardize school bullying parental-notification procedures, Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 342 to modernize the Delaware Motion Picture and Television Development Commission, House Bill 402 to extend Clean Air Act Title V permit fees, and Senate Bill 346 with Senate Amendment 1 to streamline Environmental Appeals Board timelines. The Senate also began consideration of House Bill 293, which would add hate crimes to the Victims’ Compensation Assistance Program, but the transcript cuts off before its vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• money that can go towards principal and interest, do we anticipate that that's going to lead to more bonding
• , like bonding more money for roaddes or why do we think we need that extra money in that area?
• Just in anticipation of what those future bonds may be, this may not actually be spent, but as It says
• I think this is just the anticipation of current bonds or current projects that are on the board.
• But it, I mean, as future bonds may come on board, then there may be the need to increase that or increase

Bills: HCR1006, SB1226, SB1239, SB1309, SB2132, SB1189, SB1344, SB1295, SB1355, SB1998, SB1330, SB1297, SB1338, SB1546, SB1378, SB1859, SB1333, SB1341, SB1377, SB1990

Keywords: campaign finance, election spending, political spending, money in politics, constitutional amendment, Citizens United, free speech, ballot measures, elections, corruption, dark money, outside spending, foreign influence, special interests, corporations, unions, federalism, self-government, political equality, term limits

Transcript Highlights:

• And for a lot of these EMS agencies to just go in and buy them and, and not bond them and have lower
• um, what this bill initially does is it just, it gives the uh Medical Service Act the capability to bond
• When you say that we, they, uh, rural areas were bind the ambulances but not bonding them, I'm not sure
• Whenever we used to buy fire trucks, we could bond the money in our fire fund, and there's not that option
• And so this just brings everything in line to where you can bond that money. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thirdly, amending chapter 206E, HRS, to authorize HCD to issue community facilities district bonds to
• Fourthly, provide legislative authorization for HCDA to issue bonds under new HRS 206- to finance infrastructure
• legislative authorization for hcda to legislative authorization for hcda to issue<00:02:53.959> bonds
• 55.040> HRS<00:02:55.640> 206-<00:02:56.640> and<00:02:56.760> the issue bonds
• under new HRS 206- and the issue bonds under new HRS 206- and the amount<00:02:57.120> of<00:

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 229 HD1, a transportation measure previously heard jointly with another committee. Members recommended passing it with amendments. The amendments would shift the left-lane restriction from a speed-based standard to apply to vehicles over 10,000 pounds and vehicles towing another vehicle or trailer on roads with three or more lanes in the same direction. The committee also indicated the Judiciary Committee would handle the penalty amounts, while preserving exemptions for passing, left turns, public transit, school buses, and emergency vehicles, and keeping the bill limited to counties with populations over 500,000. The motion was adopted without discussion. The committee then considered HB 1 HD2 relating to the HCDA and transit-oriented development financing. The proposed amendments would give HCDA authority to develop parcels outside community development districts, allow community facilities districts within TOD zones, authorize CFD bonds and HCDA bonds to finance infrastructure, especially transit infrastructure, and incorporate the structure and intent of SB 1669, along with technical changes. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted. Later, the committee heard HB 1167 HD1, an emergency appropriation to the Department of Transportation. DOT testified in support and clarified that the requested appropriation was $1 million from state highway funds. The committee recommended passing the bill with amendments, including changing the defective date to July 1, 2025 and noting the $1 million request in the committee report for further consideration by Ways and Means. The motion passed, with the chair, Senator Kanuha, and Senator Dort voting in favor and the vice chair excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• And let's be clear about what this is: this is interest on bonds that the state has already issued.
• So California bonds are primarily held by individuals.
• Either the Legislature and the voters are going to stop issuing general obligation bonds—so that's no
• housing bond, no support for Senator Hertzberg's bond, no future school facilities bonds—or the proponents

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And let's be clear about what this is: this is interest on bonds that the state has already issued.
• So California bonds are primarily held by individuals.
• Either the Legislature and the voters are going to stop issuing general obligation bonds—so that's no
• housing bond, no support for Senator Hertzberg's bond, no future school facilities bonds—or the proponents

Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee met and first approved the consent calendar, which included AB 2028, AB 2425, and committee bill AB 2795, all sent to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee also noted that AB 2558 and AB 2746 had been pulled from the agenda. The chair reviewed hearing procedures, including acceptance of written testimony and rules against disruptive conduct. The committee then heard AB 2116, which would require registration and basic conduct standards for certain small-business financing providers, including merchant cash advance companies, and prohibit confessions of judgment and power-of-attorney provisions before default. Supporters argued the bill would close an oversight gap and improve transparency for small businesses; a small business owner testified that a purported 13% loan turned out to have a 235% APR. Opponents said the bill mixed consumer and commercial regulation and could restrict access to capital, though they supported banning confessions of judgment. The bill passed on a roll call vote and was sent to Appropriations. AB 2243, by Assembly Member Haney, proposed creating a state bank commission to study whether California should establish a state bank or other public financing tools. Supporters said a public banking model could reduce borrowing costs, keep more public money in-state, and better finance housing, infrastructure, and other public priorities; opponents from banking groups raised concerns about taxpayer exposure, deposit guarantees, and the use of public funds and existing lending structures. The bill passed and was sent to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 2350, which would set guardrails on rent-now-pay-later products for rental housing; supporters said these products can lead to high fees, debt, and eviction risk, while industry groups opposed the bill unless amended. AB 2350 passed as amended and was sent to Appropriations. At the end of the meeting, the committee completed roll calls for absent members and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• world, even cash appropriations, um, still are required to follow the bonding rules.
• These budget rules relate directly to our assumption about future bonding bills in our forecast, and
• Bill uh even Assumption of a bonding Bill uh even though<00:50:38.559> it's<00:50:38.720>
• to our assumption about future bonding to our assumption about future bonding bills<00:51:25.559
• of a bonding of future bonding<00:51:46.640> bills<00:51:47.079> in<00:51:47.200> our

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Finance Committee met for its first 2025 meeting, with co-chairs Senator Marty and Senator Pratt opening the session and members and staff introducing themselves. No bills were heard; the meeting was focused on orientation and on reviewing the committee’s budget rules for the new biennium. Committee members and staff from both caucuses, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB), and legislative fiscal offices were introduced before the presentation began. MMB fiscal staff Brian D. and committee fiscal staff explained that budget rules are a nonbinding agreement between MMB and House and Senate fiscal staff that guides how fiscal proposals are tracked and understood. They reviewed the history of the rules, noting that the current document reflects the most substantial update since the rules were first adopted in the early 2000s, and that the 2025 version was reorganized into eight sections after extensive interim work by House, Senate, and MMB staff. The presenters emphasized that the rules are updated annually, are intended to promote consistent fiscal tracking and transparent communication, and are used as guidance for budget bills rather than as law. The presentation highlighted several substantive rule areas: general tracking rules and comparison points for budget documents; appropriation drafting guidance; treatment of transfers, revenues, and inflation; planning estimates and “budget tails”; and rules for extending, canceling, or reappropriating existing appropriations. Staff also described new or revised provisions, including guidance on understanding current-law changes, using Department of Revenue estimates for tax revenue, and treating inflation in the forecast as a general pressure estimate rather than appropriated dollars. The committee was asked to review the updated rules, but no vote or formal action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 585 is a no-risk opportunity for the state, utilizing special purpose revenue bonds that are repaid
• SB 585 is a no-risk opportunity for the state, utilizing special purpose revenue bonds that are repaid
• SB 585 is a no-risk opportunity for the state, utilizing special purpose revenue bonds that are repaid
• SB 585 is a no-risk opportunity for the state, utilizing special purpose revenue bonds that are repaid
• SB 585 is a no-risk opportunity for the state, utilizing special purpose revenue bonds that are repaid

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees first heard Senate Bill 151 relating to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and geothermal development on Hawaiian homelands. DHHL and Ulupono Initiative testified in strong support, saying the measure would help advance clean energy goals, create economic opportunities, and support DHHL’s mission. Fine Electric also supported the bill. Several members of the public testified in opposition, raising concerns about consultation with beneficiaries, water impacts, land issues, and the scale of the proposed spending. In response to questions, DHHL staff explained slimhole drilling, the permitting distinctions between water exploration and geothermal exploration, and said prior studies and geophysical testing had been done. The chair then recommended passage with amendments, including SMA technical amendments, a directive to establish a permitted interaction group to study geothermal options, removal of the appropriation language, and a new effective date. The committees adopted the recommendation and passed SB 151 with amendments, with one senator voting no and several excused. The joint committees then took up Senate Bill 371 on property damage to critical infrastructure facilities. The Department of the Attorney General supported the bill with amendments, recommending broader critical infrastructure language to cover systems such as transportation, gas, power, water, and oil, and suggesting additional changes to improve prosecution. Utility and other supporters also testified in favor. The chairs proposed adopting the AG’s amendments except one, and further expanding the bill to make manslaughter explicit when a death results from disruption of critical infrastructure, and to add water as a covered infrastructure category. The committees adopted the amended recommendation and passed SB 371 with amendments. Finally, the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee heard Senate Bill 585 on special purpose revenue bonds for Bana Pacific. The Attorney General noted a possible issue with the company’s entity status and the bill title, but Bana Pacific stated it was in the process of converting from an LLC to a corporation and was satisfied with the title. The State Energy Office supported the concept, and Bana Pacific described the project as an integrated biogas and green hydrogen facility that would support energy security, create jobs, and reduce emissions. The committee then moved on to Senate Bill 964 on waste-to-energy, where the State Energy Office offered supportive comments but many testifiers opposed the measure, arguing incineration is costly, polluting, and inferior to recycling. Written testimony showed more opposition than support, and public testimony focused on environmental and cost concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• , and political subdivision bond elections in general.
• change in making sure that the information provided to taxpayers on truth and taxation notices and bond
• Just looking through this, I do have some concerns also, seeing that it updates the language for bonds
• The bonds are payable without limits to the rate or amount. I have some issues with that.
• Representative Luna-Nájera. have some concerns also seeing that updates the language for bonds the bonds

Bills: HB2016, HB2104, HB2105, HB2288, HB2289

Keywords: tax penalties, filing, tax returns, administration, Arizona Revised Statutes, agricultural property, classification, county assessor, property inspection, appeal process, property tax, agricultural classification, Department of Revenue, property valuation, inspection notice, inspection report, on-site inspection, full cash value, rural land, farm land

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair will alternate recognition between the parties, with time equally allocated between the parties
• 00:05:43.520> with<00:05:43.880> time<00:05:44.240> equally<00:05:44.720> allocated
• the parties with time equally allocated the parties with time equally allocated between<00:05:45.479
• 04:20:31.520> the<04:20:31.640> illegal<04:20:32.080> aliens<04:20:32.600> Bond
• <04:20:32.880> at judge set the illegal aliens Bond at judge set the illegal aliens Bond at

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• look at that, we are in the process of doing that project, but we are also in the process of issuing bonds
• Our plan is to issue bonds by the first week of June.
• If we're not able to issue those bonds, this project is going to be delayed and ...this project is going
• do this was yesterday." ...And there were letters that we received that created confusion about a bond
• That's a bond schedule, and those things change on a regular basis.

Bills: SB330

Keywords: water management, regional boards, municipal governance, ethics compliance, public utility, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But there are measures and triggers, whether it's a bond or fundraising or raising tuition fees; they
• , in accordance with the Institutional Bond Act, property taxes, bonds in accordance with the Institutional
• Bond Act, property taxes, levies, federal and tribal support, student fees, da-da-da-da-da-da-da.
• Higher education construction projects cost grew 81%, while bond capacity increased by 12%.
• While bond capacity increased by 12%. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, gentlelady.

Bills: HB111, HJR1, HB61, HB8, HB30, HB43, HB156, HJM2, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50, HB70, SB3, HJM3

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• This is Tab 13, SB 1674 on unrated bonds by Senator Fein.
• additional rating requirements that conflict with state law, making it harder to invest in Israel bonds
• do not override this exception, and there is still the opportunity to continue purchasing Israeli bonds
• This amendment further clarifies that the bill's language only applies to Israel bonds.
• , Miami Gardens to not be responsible for any pipes, any bond commitments, but we'll leave it on the

Summary: The committee first took up CS/SB 1730, a Live Local Act bill on affordable housing. The sponsor described it as a set of technical and policy adjustments to strengthen implementation, including changes to zoning, height, parking, moratoriums, attorney fees, and related land-use rules. An amendment by Senator Claudio was adopted, adding provisions such as a 10-story height limit near single-family neighborhoods, exclusions for certain protected areas, and changes to fee and use definitions. The committee then reported the bill favorably. Members next considered CS/SB 1674 on unrated bonds for Israel bonds, with a clarifying amendment adopted to make clear the bill applied only to Israel bonds. CS/SB 140 on charter schools was also approved after debate over parent-led conversion of public schools, municipal job-engine charter schools, and surplus school property; opponents warned about local control and impacts on teachers and communities, while the sponsor said the bill preserved district authority and created new school-choice and economic-development options. The committee also passed SB 96, a claims bill for Jacob Rogers, and CS/SB 954 on recovery residences, after strike-all amendments that addressed zoning, ADA concerns, bed caps, staffing ratios, and limits on operation in certain multifamily settings. Senators expressed support for expanding treatment housing but also raised neighborhood and staffing concerns. The committee then approved CS/SB 1714 on local housing assistance plans, which would allow SHIP funds for limited lot-rental assistance for mobile-home owners and require local plans to address mobile-home park closures. SB 658 on standardized construction lien release forms was reported favorably despite testimony from contractors and lawyers warning about possible effects on lien rights and the separate House proposal. The committee also reconsidered and then approved CS/SB 482 after a late-filed amendment addressing local government art fees and a key issue over defining “extraordinary circumstances,” with counties and cities saying more work remained. Finally, the committee passed SB 24 and CS/SB 4, both local claims bills, CS/SB 712 on synthetic turf and related construction rules, SB 952 repealing the emergency firearms/ammunition restriction, CS/SB 1164 allowing email notice delivery in landlord-tenant matters with opt-in safeguards, and SB 202 on municipal water and sewer rates, which drew extensive opposition from North Miami Beach and Miami Gardens officials over utility surcharges and revenue impacts. The meeting ended with SB 202 still under heavy questioning and testimony about the fairness and financial consequences of the surcharge structure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 283, the President, Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan of 2026, Budget and Taxation.
• <00:14:48.920> Loan<00:14:49.200> of<00:14:49.360> 2026, Consolidated Capital Bond
• Loan of 2026, Consolidated Capital Bond Loan of 2026, Budget<00:14:50.800> and<00:14:50.880><
• uh Senate Bill 283, the<00:14:55.200> annual<00:14:55.520> capital<00:14:55.839> bond
• program of the the annual capital bond program of the year,<00:14:57.760> uh<00:14:58.280>

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened on March 25, 2026, with an invocation by Father Frank Crumble III, who was introduced as the guest of the Senator from the 36th District. The chamber also recognized several guests and groups, including leaders from Cherry Hill on the occasion of the community’s 80th anniversary, Doctor of the Day Maryam Diallo, the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee, students from Andrew Jackson Academy, and several women honored for Women’s History Month. Additional recognitions included the Greater Baltimore Committee, Boy Scouts, Tarbiyah Academy, and a Senate intern. The main floor action was a special resolution congratulating the Cherry Hill community on the 80th anniversary of Cherry Hill Homes, a purpose-built community for African Americans returning from World War II. Senators spoke about Cherry Hill’s history, resilience, and recent community investments such as new schools and a recreation center. The resolution was read in full and adopted unanimously. Senate Bill 890, concerning an insurance premium tax receipts exemption for captive insurance procured by nonprofit hospitals and health care systems, was special ordered for another day at the sponsor’s request. The Senate also took up Senate Bill 283, the Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan of 2026. After brief remarks praising the committee’s work and the statewide investment program, the bill passed third reading by unanimous vote. Committee and delegation announcements followed, including Finance, Triple E, and Judicial Proceedings holding House bill hearings at 1:00 p.m., and the Prince George’s County delegation meeting later that day. The Senate then remained in session long enough to confirm a quorum and adjourned until March 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.