Transcript Highlights:

• And tomorrow, the Alabama Port Authority has a legislative information reception from 5:00 to 7:00 at
• and motor fuel relating to shity bonds and motor fuel assessments. assessments. assessments.
• <02:56:11.760> and liquid, have to have shity bonds and liquid, have to have shity bonds and
• How would law enforcement know that this person has the authority to wear this mask at this protest?
• know that this person has the authority know that this person has the authority to<04:06:58.399>

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :56:18.200> hopefully<00:56:18.760> the<00:56:19.160> chief<00:56:19.440> author
• <00:56:19.839> are and hopefully the chief author are and hopefully the chief author are meable
• trunk highway funds, but we're going to do the rest out of the general fund or general obligation bonds
• of the general fund or general rest out of the general fund or general obligation<01:02:36.520> bonds
• and now we have $20 obligation bonds and now we have $20 million<01:02:39.160> and<01:02:39.520

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• medical family exigency and bonding related<00:17:12.600> purposes<00:17:13.160> are<00
• that is that we do not have the that is that we do not have the unilateral<00:18:17.880> Authority
• <00:18:18.400> or<00:18:18.600> ability<00:18:19.080> to unilateral Authority
• There's a county family leave plan that provides 10 weeks of 100% salary replacement for bonding and
• to manage the utilization some authority to manage the utilization of<01:31:30.639> this<01:31

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee’s first official meeting was framed as an informational session, with the chair saying no legislation would be acted on and that testimony would focus on what is working and not working for businesses and workers in Minnesota. The stated topics included earned sick and safe time, paid family and medical leave, labor shortages, and broader business climate concerns. The chair also noted the absence of DFL members and invited questions to be held until the end so testifiers could present fully. Lauren Shodor of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce argued that Minnesota’s business climate has worsened because of high taxes, rising costs, regulation, and new workplace mandates. She cited chamber survey and research findings saying more businesses are considering leaving the state, that Minnesota companies are investing more in other states than vice versa, and that the state lags national growth rates. She said employers are especially concerned about earned sick and safe time and the upcoming paid family and medical leave program, which the chamber believes add compliance burdens and costs, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses. Matt Hilgart of the Association of Minnesota Counties said the new leave laws affect county budgets and operations because labor is the main county cost and services are often state-mandated. He said the programs were imposed outside the collective bargaining process and can duplicate existing county benefits, increase costs, and create staffing and service challenges. He asked for changes including clearer premium-sharing language, exclusion of elected officials and short-term election workers from paid leave requirements, better exemption and private-plan rules, coordination requirements for intermittent leave, and more clarity for essential employees during weather emergencies. Owen Worth of the League of Minnesota Cities said cities are facing similar implementation problems, with overlapping leave policies and concerns about stacking state and federal leave rules, and he indicated the league would support changes to reduce administrative and budget pressures on cities.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is an overreach of government authority and private discretion. This is not a sports bill.
• This was authored by a minority to make sure that people are... ...a minority to make sure that people
• House Bill 2320, relating to school bond elections. Third reading of House Bill 2320.
• It's about entrenching one policy so deeply that future voters lose meaningful authority over education
• I just feel like we've developed a bond, and I'm going to miss you. Mr.

Summary: The Senate met, opened with prayer and the pledge, and then handled a series of messages and floor actions. The chamber transmitted a large group of Senate bills to the governor and Senate Concurrent Memorial 1004 to the Secretary of State. It also received House requests to return Senate Bills 1175 and 1198 for reconsideration, which were granted without objection. The Senate then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider several House concurrent resolutions. On H.C.R. 2001, a constitutional referral on election requirements, senators debated a Judiciary Committee amendment and a Hoffman floor amendment that would require voter ID, allow election-day tabulation of early ballots at polling places, and require legislative funding for implementation. Supporters said the measure would improve election security, voter confidence, and speed up results; opponents argued it was vague, could undermine mail voting, and lacked clear implementation details. The amendment was adopted, and after further debate the Committee of the Whole gave H.C.R. 2001 a do-pass recommendation by a 15-12 vote. Later, on third reading, the full Senate passed H.C.R. 2001 by a 16-12 vote and transmitted it to the House. The chamber also considered H.C.R. 2003, a referral on student athletics and biological sex. Senator Ortiz offered a floor amendment to replace the blanket ban approach with rules based on athletic ability and inclusion; supporters said it would preserve fairness while avoiding discrimination, while opponents said it would gut the measure and weaken protections for girls’ sports. The Ortiz amendment failed 11-16, and H.C.R. 2003 then received a do-pass recommendation in Committee of the Whole and later passed third reading. H.C.R. 2044, a referral on prohibiting preferential treatment and discrimination, also received a do-pass recommendation without recorded controversy. The Senate then adjourned after completing the remaining procedural motions and votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• may allocate its portion of the private activity bond state ceiling allocation.
• the private activity bond state ceiling the private activity bond state ceiling allocation.<01:58
• It states that the bill does not create new authority over IDEA-related matters.
• It states that the bill does not create new authority over IDEA-related matters.
• It states that the bill does not create new authority over IDEA-related matters.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The author of this definition of anti-Semitism, who also does not think it should be a legal definition
• Who, like, who made you the moral authority on other people's lives?
• We have spent so much time just talking and bonding and shopping, and I got my kid back because of this
• We have spent so much time just talking and bonding and shopping.
• And I got my kid back. and bonding and shopping and I got my kid back because of this and we were only

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And if the other senators want to give that authority, when I think some of them have already, that will
• senators want to give that authority senators want to give that authority when<01:08:24.480>
• If you want your bond rating to stay a plus, which is what it is, then you need the plan to replace as
• And if<01:17:29.520> you<01:17:29.760> want<01:17:29.920> your<01:17:30.159> bond
• rating to stay a if you want your bond rating to stay a plus,<01:17:33.440> which<01:17:33.679

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair. >> Did we refer that for bonding or are we starting to... We kept it.
• Chair. >> Did we refer that for bonding or are we starting to... We kept it.
• Chair. >> Did we refer that for bonding or are we starting to... We kept it.
• <01:48:13.640> the centralized provider would authorize the centralized provider would authorize
• Um, they still have the authority to pause payments.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, all right, let's do Senate bond initiatives. Number 10. Clerk, read the calendar.
• So, all right, let's do Senate bond initiatives. Number 10.
• Mount Elementary School, budget and taxation. >> Majority moved so be considered the reading of the bond
• Mount Elementary School, budget and taxation. >> Majority moved so be considered the reading of the bond

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, February 2, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate was called to order on February 2, 2026, with a quorum present. The session opened with an invocation by Rabbi Andrew Bush of Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, who reflected on Tu Bishvat, the 200th anniversary of Maryland’s 1826 legislation granting Jews the right to hold office, and broader lessons about language, imperfect solutions, persistence, and acting for others. His prayer was journalized without objection. The chamber also heard brief remarks recognizing his interfaith work and the significance of Tu Bishvat as an ecological holiday. The Senate then honored Maryland History Day participants and awardees. Students from several schools were introduced and congratulated as finalists in the 2025 National History Day competition, and the chamber adopted a resolution recognizing them. The Senate also recognized Lindsay Matthews of Eastern Middle School as the 2025 Maryland History Day Middle School Teacher of the Year and Sam Mowski of Loyola Blakefield as the 2025 National History Day High School Teacher of the Year, with resolutions adopted for both. Additional introductions included the doctor of the day, several Senate pages, and a personal recognition of Jasmine Miller, a Baltimore Polytechnic student and the niece of a senator. On the legislative calendar, the clerk read Senate Bill 444, Senator Kramer’s bill on certificate of need for intermediate healthcare facilities finance, and a bond initiative for Charles Mount Elementary School sponsored by Senator Sing. These items were ordered to the appropriate committees/subcommittee. No committee reports or substantive floor votes were taken beyond the ceremonial resolutions. The Senate also announced upcoming caucus meetings, reminded members to pay protocol dues, confirmed a quorum of 40 members, and adjourned until Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Foster parents or foster children maintain family bonds throughout their lives. Rep.
• Lopez: This is about fairness and recognizing the profound bonds created through foster care.

Transcript Highlights:

• It will will have prior authorizations.
• <00:48:44.160> to the the cabinet has the authority to the the cabinet has the authority to
• transient merchants to file a shy bond transient merchants to file a shy bond if<01:50:39.520>
• Pensions Authority. Pensions Authority.
• >> Economic Development Finance Authority >> Economic Development Finance Authority

Keywords: 0:00 – Meeting start/roll call 0:10 - Roll call/approval of minutes 1:43 - Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Medicaid Services 27:40 - Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control 55:54 - Board of Veterinary Examiners 1:33:15 - Testimony in support of 804 KAR 13:010E, 020E, 030E and 040E. 1:49:04 - Education Professional Standards Board 1:49:58 - Attorney General, Office of Regulatory Relief 1:52:18 - Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (KPPA) 1:54:28 - Board of Nursing 1:56:44 - Board of Occupational Therapy 1:57:37 - Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy 1:58:58 - Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources 1:59:50 - Economic Development Finance Authority 2:01:34 - Department of Corrections 2:02:37 - Department of Juvenile Justice 2:04:02 - Department for Employment Services, Unemployment Insurance 2:04:57 - Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department for Public Health, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then took up Department for Medicaid Services regulations 907 KAR 23:010 and related rules. DMS explained that one regulation would establish a beneficiary advisory council and another would remove language barring coverage of GLP-1 drugs for obesity-related use. The department said coverage would still be limited by prior authorization and clinical criteria, with use tied to underlying chronic conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, and that the pharmacy and therapeutics committee would help set the detailed standards. Members discussed the potential health benefits, but several raised concerns about cost, timing, and whether the legislature and the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board should review the policy first. DMS said the drugs are already on the formulary, that current Medicaid users with diabetes are already covered, and that the fiscal impact was estimated using current utilization, rebates, and expected savings; the department also said it would only cover the drugs if subject to rebates. The committee then voted 5-1 to find 907 KAR 23:010 deficient. The committee next considered several emergency regulations from the Public Protection Cabinet’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control implementing SB 100. The rules covered tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product licensing, including the application form, denial standards, and transitional licensing. ABC counsel said the department had received about 5,500 applications and issued nearly 5,000 licenses, with additional provisional licenses issued to avoid interruption in sales after the law’s effective date. He said some applications remained pending because inspections and photographs revealed possible unauthorized nicotine vapor products, and the department was seeking documentation before approval. A staff amendment was adopted without objection before the ABC presentation continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• My lawyers are now working with OMA to pursue the bonds put up after recent legislation required them
• Or so, when you authorized the organized crime by multi-organized crime task force, we stood up two units
• You responded with the 50,000 dollars bond going forward, right?
• A bill, chairman Caldwell has filed a bill authorizing that, and we hope that it is approved.
• We would authorize.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That moment created a bond between our countries, our communities, that continues to be honored today
• Members, what this bill does is it just creates a single subject rule for municipal bonds to prevent
• Creates a single subject rule for municipal bonds to prevent logrolling. Yield for questions.

Bills: HB4319, HB4317, HB1225, HB3076, HB3081, HB4226, SCR17, HB4432, HB3304, HB3411, HB3435, HB4339, HB4331, HB4341, HB4342, HB1770, HB1016, HB4113, HB2950, HB4141, HB3277, HB2988, HB3029, HB3338, HB1889, HB3834, HB3831, HB2939, HB3045, HB3657, HB1739, HB3759, HB3755, HB4484, HB4486, HB4108, HB1250, HB2961, HB1219, HB3025, HB1782, HB1907, HB3718, HB4459, HB2976, HB3548, HB3545, HB2952, HB2929, HB2956, HB2973, HB3055, HB3086, HB3040, HB3794, HB4336, HB3151, HB1590, HB3581, HB3313, HB3429, HB3448, HB1752, HB2650, HB3584, HB4202, HB3586, HB4321, HB4280, HB3650, HCR1020, HB2116, HB2206, HB4301, HB3625, HB3147, HB3403, HB3498, HB3970, HB3975, HB3976, HB3980, HB4265, HB4266, HB3638, HB3880, HB3930, HB3942, HB3944, HB4191, HB3242, HB3678

Keywords: administrative procedures, rulemaking authority, specific authority, legislative review, agency rules, accounting, CPA, licensure, educational requirements, reciprocity, professional conduct, vital records, birth certificate, birth registration, biological sex, sex designation, male, female, nonbinary, gender identity

Transcript Highlights:

• They could forfeit a bond by not appearing.
• If bond is posted by mail within 14 days, they could indicate a hearing request or not.
• They could request a hearing, and at a hearing, the official can waive, reduce, or suspend the bond,

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee opened with a hearing on HB 1596, which would change low-level marijuana and THC possession and paraphernalia offenses into non-criminal citations or infractions, with fines and court procedures varying by amount and age. The bill’s sponsor said it was intended to reduce burdens on law enforcement, prosecutors, indigent defense, and the courts, while still deterring possession; testimony from the Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents supported the bill but suggested an amendment to keep those under 21 in infraction status rather than non-criminal citation status, to align more closely with alcohol laws. Committee members questioned whether the bill was based on weight rather than potency, how it would affect criminal records, and whether the proposed amendment would treat 20-year-olds with marijuana similarly to 20-year-olds with alcohol. Opposition came from the Chiefs of Police Association, Ward County Sheriff’s Department, and the Sheriffs’ and Deputies’ Association, which argued the bill would decriminalize a Schedule I substance and move North Dakota toward legalization contrary to voter decisions. They also said existing local plea practices already reduce workload and that the bill would still leave law enforcement with evidence handling and reporting duties. After debate, the committee adopted a do not pass recommendation on HB 1596 by a 5-2 vote. The committee then took up HB 1416, a gaming-related bill involving charitable gaming and the ability to conduct multiple gaming activities at a site. Members discussed concerns about rural facilities, local flexibility, and whether the bill was necessary given that gaming activities can be paused or covered during another event. Senator Myrdal moved a do not pass recommendation, which passed on a 5-2 vote. The committee then adjourned until the next morning, with two bills still pending for later consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, just to be clear, all this bill does is, is authorize the creation of this grant program.
• And so it's a very limited scope of authority that they have.
• Had given that opportunity, that authority to non-citizens.
• of revocation authority for the Terrorist offender registry.
• As the very first APD officer convicted of an on-duty shooting, Taylor is currently out on bond bond

Transcript Highlights:

• That was a consultation with DBEDT as well as the Stadium Authority that just recently, well within the
• That was a consultation with DBEDT as well as the Stadium Authority that just recently, well within the
• relied just on the 1%, which is incredibly restrictive because we can only use it; it's made up of bond
• relied just on the 1%, which is incredibly restrictive because we can only use it; it's made up of bond

Bills: HB2436, HB2438, HB2532, HB2566

Keywords: arts integration, fine arts education, public schools, cultural education, student engagement, school coordinators, Hawaii education, Hawaii Cultural Trust, income tax credit, arts funding, cultural preservation, charitable contributions, HB2532, Hawaiian flag, Ka Hae Hawaiʻi, flag display, condominium, condo association, planned community association, cooperative housing corporation

Summary: The committee on Culture and the Arts heard several measures related to arts funding, administration, and access. Testimony was largely supportive across the agenda. For HB 2218 and HB 1815, the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts supported the bills, and members discussed transition timing and administrative support, including the need for an additional year in one measure and a temporary administrative position to help with the transfer. HB 1764, the music accessibility pilot program, drew broad support from the Retail Merchants of Hawaii, Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, Hawaii Public Library System, Hawaii Youth Symphony, and others, with testimony emphasizing library-based music programming, community access, and economic benefits. HB 2117, which would create an arts data mapping task force, also received extensive support, though witnesses suggested narrowing the initial scope, adding representatives from independent and charter schools and neighbor island arts programs, and ensuring adequate funding and a realistic timeline for the work. The committee also heard HB 2436 on arts integration in public schools, HB 2438 on the Hawaii Cultural Trust, and HB 2532 on the Hawaiian flag. HB 2436 and HB 2438 received support from SFCA, while the Cultural Trust bill prompted a lengthy explanation from the chair about how the proposed tax credit would work and amendments to clarify that donations to the trust and to qualifying cultural nonprofits must be made in tandem, with eligible organizations listed and updated annually by SFCA and OHA. HB 2532 drew testimony from Dr. Adam Jansen in support of protecting the Hawaiian flag as a historical and cultural symbol; he said the flag should continue to be used for solidarity, protest, inclusion, and identity. At the decision-making portion, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations on the measures considered. HB 2118, HB 764, HB 1815, and HB 2117 were passed with amendments, including date deferrals and technical changes; HB 764 also had its appropriation blanked out. HB 2436 was passed with amendments, and HB 2438 was advanced with substantial clarifying amendments to the cultural trust structure. The chair indicated that HB 2117 would include an interim report due in 2027 focused on music and dance, with a final report due in 2029 on arts education more broadly.

Transcript Highlights:

• In 1998, voters passed Referendum 49, which provided additional transportation funding through bonding
• In 1998, voters passed referendum 49, which provided additional transportation funding through bonding
• Even though I'm going to make more money, I have more power and authority,' and... ...to a mate, even
• though I'm going to make more money, I have more power and authority and position, I don't want to make

Summary: The committee met to hear an update from Washington State Ferries on capital projects and workforce issues, beginning with a briefing on the agency’s long-term fleet and terminal needs. WSF officials described the history of underinvestment after the late 1990s, the current fleet reduction from 25 to 21 vessels, and the need to keep older boats in service while moving toward a 26-vessel long-range fleet and hybrid-electric operations. They said the agency is transitioning to a new vessel procurement strategy, with Eastern Shipbuilding selected to build up to three 160-car hybrid-electric ferries, and outlined a schedule that includes contract execution, about a year of design work, steel cutting in fall 2026, and several years of construction. Members raised concerns about the higher cost of electrified vessels, the length of the schedule, the adequacy of liquidated damages and incentives, the risks of building in Florida and transporting vessels to Washington, and whether the contract sufficiently protects the state from cost overruns and design problems. The committee also received an update on the Wenatchee conversion, which officials said is days away from entering service as the first large hybrid-electric ferry conversion. WSF explained that the conversion combined required midlife preservation work with propulsion upgrades and battery installation, and that the project took longer and cost more than originally expected because it was a prototype with significant lessons learned. Officials said the Tacoma and Puyallup conversions would follow later, but those decisions were being delayed until after the World Cup to avoid service disruptions. Members asked about the cost-effectiveness of the conversion, the expected fuel and emissions reductions, and what happens to engine crews during long conversion periods; WSF said crews were embedded in the project and that the conversions should reduce diesel use substantially once terminal charging is available. The meeting then shifted to workforce development, with Siegel consultants reviewing their 2021 and 2024 studies of ferry staffing, overtime, recruitment, and workplace culture. They said the earlier problems stemmed from seasonal staffing practices, low winter hours, limited career progression, a narrow maritime recruiting pipeline, and a culture that made retention difficult. Since then, they reported major improvements: staffing has increased from about 1,500 to 1,900, turnover has fallen, captain and engineer shortages have eased, and recruitment has broadened beyond the traditional maritime pool, including more women and other underrepresented workers. They credited new programs such as guaranteed hours, paid pilotage, AB-to-mate pathways, and the “Turning of the Tide” culture campaign, while noting remaining issues with communication, HR access, accountability, and quality of life. Members generally acknowledged the progress but asked whether staffing levels are now sufficient and how interchangeable crews are across vessels and routes. Finally, terminal engineering staff began a presentation on capital terminal work, starting with the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal. They described the terminal’s age, low elevation, vulnerability to sea level rise and earthquakes, and the need for replacement piles, beams, and improved vehicle circulation. The agency said it has completed a planning and environmental linkage study, is moving into NEPA/state environmental review, and has been working with the community to balance the needs of Southworth and Vashon riders with neighborhood concerns in Fauntleroy. The preferred alternative is a larger offshore dock footprint that would improve capacity and reliability while reducing impacts to eelgrass habitat. The meeting ended before the terminal discussion was complete.

Transcript Highlights:

• is the most important thing that we need to do to make sure that we have a strong legislative authorization
• The one that I do, that there is relatively good data on is actually the High-Speed Rail Authority.
• I will say speaking for myself but I imagine my colleagues you are asking us to take legislative authority
• And Mark Tulleson, Chief of Staff with the High-Speed Rail Authority with me.
• And so it's not a source of funding that the bond market is likely to look at and say, yes absolutely

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 02:12:51.599> the Bridges concerning the repeal of the Bridges concerning the repeal of the bond
• balance of the bond assistance program cash<02:12:57.280> fund<02:12:57.520> to<02:12:
• I don't think we truly have the authority to direct the executive branch, the office of the treasurer
• I I don't think we truly<02:55:41.120> have<02:55:41.279> the<02:55:41.520> authority
• truly have the authority truly have the authority to<02:55:43.600> direct<02:55:44.080>

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It's for $30,000 in spending authority.
• This is for $5 million in spending authority.
• This is worth $379,000 in spending authority.
• This is worth $379,000 at Spending Authority.
• This is for $40,000 in spending authority.

Summary: The committee considered and approved several temporary appropriation requests in Section B, including spending authority for the Court of Appeals to pay appointed counsel in criminal appeals, Commerce/Aeronautics airport and aviation grants, and Insurance Department items for workers’ compensation benefits and premium tax refunds. It also approved ARPA-related requests in Section C to return unused federal funds from DHS aging, mental health, substance abuse, and Older Americans Act grants. In Section D, the committee reviewed and approved Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requests, including Agriculture grants for wildfire preparedness and forestry capacity, a large Commerce broadband BEAD request, environmental recycling-related reallocations, and Oil and Gas Commission grants for facility repairs and sample preservation. Members questioned the broadband program’s audit process and performance safeguards; the State Broadband Director said the funds are federal, subject to audits, and payments are released only after engineering certification of completed work. The committee also approved DHS reallocations in Section E, including major transfers within Medical Services from hospital medical appropriations to private and public nursing home lines, as well as transfers for children and family services, developmental disabilities, and youth services. The committee then reviewed cash fund requests, miscellaneous federal grants, pay plan and performance fund transfers, methods of finance, and a large set of contracts. A Northwest Arkansas Community College official explained storm-damage repairs and insurance settlement issues, and DHS explained its hospital medical transfer was moving excess appropriation rather than cash. Members also questioned several UAPB tobacco prevention subgrants, especially arts-based outreach, and asked for more data on effectiveness; the committee later voted to expunge and re-refer the J-2 item for further review at a later ALC meeting. Additional discussion covered a DEQ grant to Free Geek of Arkansas for e-waste recycling, a UAPB tobacco program, and various contracts for universities, DHS services, corrections, and public safety. The meeting ended with reports filed for information and a brief member comment thanking others for concern after a tornado in Stone County; no one was injured.