Transcript Highlights:

• I understand that small breeders would probably complain about that because they would have to go and
• But if somebody's on a small piece of property and there's a drone hovering outside of your daughter's
• year-old daughter who was tragically killed as a result of an intoxicated person recklessly operating a boat

Summary: The committee heard and voted on a long agenda of criminal justice, public safety, and civil justice bills. Among the measures reported favorably were SB 984, which adds aggravating factors for capital sentencing when a murder occurs during religious, school, or public government gatherings; SB 1140, creating a Hillsborough County pilot program to address substance abuse among offenders on probation; SB 1180, expanding child pornography laws to cover lewd altered or filtered images and solicitation; SB 10, providing compensation to Sidney Holmes for a wrongful conviction; SB 500, creating a Spectrum Alert system and training for missing children with autism; SB 1054, increasing penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring devices; SB 1072, establishing an expedited DNA testing grant program; and SB 240, the Haven Act, which aligns domestic and dating violence protections and creates a feasibility study for a discreet emergency contact system for victims. Several bills were amended before passage, including funding for the Spectrum Alert program and technical changes to the DNA, juvenile justice, and other proposals. Members also advanced SB 494, creating a statewide FDLE animal abuse database and increasing sentencing consequences for aggravated animal cruelty, with strong support from animal welfare groups and county officials. SB 1422 was reported favorably to strengthen penalties for unmanned aircraft over critical infrastructure and for weaponized drones, though members raised concerns about the bill’s “reasonable force” language. SB 1268 updated FDLE statutes and increased reimbursement for retired police dogs. SB 1252 was amended into a feasibility study for a statewide pawn data database, and SB 1386 increased penalties for assaults and batteries on utility workers, drawing support from utility and industry groups. The committee also approved SB 1084 on sexual cyber harassment, which criminalizes dissemination of intimate images and digitally forged intimate images, and SB 1654, which revises sexual offender and predator registration rules, including online reporting for certain in-state travel residences. SB 1650 expanded the vexatious litigant law, and SB 1652 created a public records exemption for stricken non-criminal court filings. Finally, SB 1284, expanding Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow civil claims for the death of an unborn child, drew extensive testimony both for and against; supporters called it a life-affirming measure, while opponents warned it could increase litigation, affect abortion-related care, and discourage physicians from practicing in Florida. The bill was heard with multiple public comments, but the transcript excerpt does not show a final vote on SB 1284.

Transcript Highlights:

• infrastructure projects in the tunnels, days and nights, and really all around the city, including the Third Harbor
• A portion of that goes to the Department of Safety, a portion goes to the communities, and a small portion
• 13.599><c> the</c> of that goes to the communities and the of that goes to the communities and the small
• 40:15.119><c> goes</c><00:40:15.440><c> to</c><00:40:15.800><c> some</c><00:40:16.280><c> other</c> small
• portion of that goes to some other small portion of that goes to some other agencies<00:40:17.680><c

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Public Works and Highways Committee held an orientation meeting focused on introducing members, outlining committee norms, and hearing an overview from the Department of Transportation. Chair David Mills emphasized the committee’s long-standing bipartisan working style, asked members to share contact information for short-notice scheduling, and noted that the committee would need to complete as much work as possible before the building is vacated later in the year. Members introduced themselves and described backgrounds in engineering, construction, planning, local government, military service, education, and business. Several members highlighted prior service on planning boards, school boards, zoning boards, or in transportation-related fields as relevant to the committee’s work. Members repeatedly described the committee as collegial and nonpartisan, with most bills going to the consent calendar. The chair also noted that the committee’s work centers on state infrastructure, including roads, bridges, highways, and buildings. Representative Cluder, the ranking member, and others echoed that the committee is effective because it talks issues through and resolves disagreements collaboratively. One member mentioned a recent trip that reinforced the importance of infrastructure resilience after storms and rebuilding efforts in other states. Department of Transportation officials, led by Assistant Commissioner and Chief Engineer David Rodrig, gave a detailed organizational and operational overview. They described DOT’s structure, mission of “transportation excellence,” and major responsibilities across highways, bridges, rail, transit, aeronautics, maintenance, and administration. Rodrig reported 1,651 permanent positions and 404 vacancies, 2,160 state bridges with 115 on the Red List, 4,600 centerline miles of roadway, 25 public airports, 11 transit systems, and 194 active state-owned rail lines. He also outlined FY 2024 spending, project development activity, highway maintenance operations, fleet and fuel systems, and the distinction between the highway fund and DOT’s budget, including the role of federal funds and the turnpike enterprise fund. No votes were taken and no bills were acted on during this orientation meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Every state's in this boat. It's been really, really lightning fast.
• c><00:04:20.160><c> state's</c><00:04:20.519><c> in</c><00:04:20.640><c> this</c><00:04:20.799><c> boat
• Every state's in this boat. the funds. Every state's in this boat.

Committee: Joint Health Services

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Figure out where the boat is, where the house is, where the bank accounts are, and then do that
• Figure<01:03:49.760><c> out</c><01:03:49.920><c> where</c><01:03:50.160><c> the</c><01:03:50.319><c> boat
• 50.559><c> is,</c><01:03:51.119><c> where</c><01:03:51.359><c> the</c> &gt;&gt; Figure out where the boat
• is, where the &gt;&gt; Figure out where the boat is, where the house<01:03:51.760><c> is,</c><01:03:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• As a mother of two small children, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find affordable, high
• draw your attention to line 702 of the amendment that basically deals with broadband facilities and small
• robots designed to travel on sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian areas to deliver food, groceries, or small
• These are small packages. I know this sounds like a good idea, I guess. Don't to me.
• And so because of that, it concerns me that we may be missing the boat, and some of the children will

Summary: The committee first took up CS for SB 896 on school safety, which would expand the Guardian program to public postsecondary institutions, require active assailant response plans and threat management protocols, improve reporting and information sharing, and make it a felony to discharge a weapon within 1,000 feet of a campus. A late-file amendment by Senator Polsky was adopted to clarify that students who are also employees or faculty at a public postsecondary institution are not eligible for the Guardian program. The bill drew strong opposition from faculty, students, and gun-safety advocates who argued that more guns on campus would create confusion, weaken safety, and undermine campus police; supporters said trained guardians would improve deterrence and protection. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably by a roll call vote. The committee then considered SB 1690 on child care and early learning services, which updates child care laws, reduces some regulatory burdens, and expands the Florida Education Foundation’s authority to fundraise for early learning from birth through VPK. Members discussed oversight of the related direct-support organization and the removal of certain notice requirements, while supporters from Moms Rising and other advocates said the bill would help families access affordable, high-quality child care and support home-based providers. One opponent argued the bill added more government regulation, but the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee passed CS for SB 118, a narrow bill on non-ad valorem special assessments for recreational vehicle parks, clarifying how assessments are calculated for RV spaces and campsites. The bill received supportive comments from RV advocates and was reported favorably without controversy. The committee then took up CS for SB 1220, the Department of Transportation package, which included provisions on seaports and airports, personal delivery devices, autonomous vehicles, broadband and utility permitting, and advanced air mobility. Amendments were adopted that revised research institute membership, limited some delivery-device provisions, and clarified cruiser light rules for law enforcement; after questions about utility preemption and PDD safety, the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1756 on medical freedom, which would require new vaccine educational materials, expand school-entry exemptions to include conscience-based objections, limit the Surgeon General’s emergency vaccination authority, and allow behind-the-counter ivermectin for adults with written information and liability protections. The bill drew extensive testimony from both supporters and opponents, with supporters emphasizing parental rights, informed consent, and vaccine injury concerns, and opponents warning about reduced immunization rates, public health risks, and the appropriateness of ivermectin provisions. The transcript ends during public testimony and debate on SB 1756, before final action on that bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of course, we're one of our agencies, and I'll talk about this a little bit later, but we're a very small
• Of course, moving down into just that little block down there—and I know that's really small, so I apologize
• I mean, we're all in the same boat.
• It's a small Slow process that we've got to get to SNAP and feeding people, and making sure they have

Committee: House Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• I see there are relatively small changes, so then you can share that.
• Those were the biggest changes, and then some other small things like adding perinatal to prenatal, requiring
• Because I kind of feel like we're in the same boat, and I do wonder, Madam Chair, Representative, and
• Then there are other small federal funds set up for specific things.

Committee: House House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> [applause] And the small story that the good Senator doesn't want to say is that in his very first
• It's small world, small world. Uh, yes, recognize Senator from the 23rd. Uh, thank you, Mr.
• She was small in stature but mighty, quite a fighter, very passionate about serving her constituents,
• And she was truly a mighty warrior, small in stature, mighty warrior.
• And she was truly a mighty warrior, small in stature, mighty warrior.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, March 26, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with 39 members present and a quorum. The session opened with an invocation by Bishop Antonio Palmer of Kingdom Celebration Center, whose remarks were journalized. The President and members also welcomed several guests to the chamber, including former Delegate Sean Terrence, students from Charles H. Flowers High School and Garrison Forest School, Dr. Lee Snyder as doctor of the day, and Dr. Barbara Ann Palmer in recognition of Women’s History Month. The President also noted that the next day would be pro forma and that some scheduled items would be moved to the following week. The Senate considered Executive Nominations Report No. 6, covering gubernatorial nominees for boards and commissions including the State Board of Education, MEDCO, and the University System of Maryland Board of Regents. On motion of the committee chair, the report was special ordered to Tuesday, with members asked to review the list for recusals or related issues. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 890, which concerns an insurance premium receipts tax exemption for captive insurance procured by nonprofit hospitals and health care systems. On SB 890, the Senate adopted the committee amendments and then adopted a floor amendment offered by the bill sponsor. The amendment was described as replacing the bill’s earlier approach with a two-year moratorium on collection of any related liabilities, followed by a Maryland Insurance Administration report back on ongoing investigations. One senator raised concern that the amendment’s language could require the state to refund taxes already paid by hospitals and others, potentially costing millions, and asked for more time to review it; the motion to special order the bill was defeated. After discussion, the amendment was adopted and the bill was ordered printed for third reading. At the close of the floor session, committee and delegation announcements were made, including Finance, Triple E, Judicial Proceedings, Budget and Tax, Executive Nominations, and several county delegations. A senator from District 6 also spoke about the anniversary of the Key Bridge collapse and thanked colleagues for bipartisan work on related legislation and recovery efforts.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:13:55.200><c> Um,</c> bill this year is relatively small.
• Um, bill this year is relatively small.
• A, we couldn't prioritize small businesses.
• And B, even though the small businesses.
• So I know a lot of other members here are in this similar boat.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is<00:07:51.919><c> a</c><00:07:52.240><c> a</c><00:07:52.560><c> small</c><00:07:52.880><c
• </c><00:09:49.040><c> changes</c> Um there will also be some small changes Um there will also be some
• small changes to<00:09:50.560><c> our</c><00:09:50.959><c> application</c><00:09:51.519><c> form</c>
• Programs like Harbor Care in programs.
• So it's a very small percentage of patients that we see. One more follow-up.

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Three grams isn't even an eighth of an ounce, which is a common amount for people buying a very small
• Three grams isn't even an eighth of an ounce, which is a common amount for people buying a very small
• Three grams isn't even an eighth of an ounce, which is a common amount for people buying a very small
• Three grams isn't even an eighth of an ounce, which is a common amount for people buying a very small
• Three grams isn't even an eighth of an ounce, which is a common amount for people buying a very small

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard SB 1231, which would repeal the Parentage Uniform Act of 1973 and update Hawaii’s parentage laws, including parts of the Uniform Parentage Act of 2017. Supporters said the current statutes are outdated and do not adequately address assisted reproduction, surrogacy, and modern family formation. The Attorney General’s office supported the bill with technical amendments, including conforming changes to the Probate Code and child support provisions, and several testifiers urged passage as a needed modernization of the law. A major point of disagreement was Part 10, which concerns donor anonymity. Some supporters, including members of the task force, the Uniform Law Commission, fertility and family law practitioners, and LGBTQ+ advocates, backed the bill as written or said it should move forward even if Part 10 is removed. Others, including donor-conceived adults, parents, and advocacy groups, opposed Part 10 and urged the committee to adopt the 2024 version of Article 9 or delete Part 10 entirely, arguing that anonymous donation harms donor-conceived people’s access to genetic, medical, and identity information and that anonymity is not realistic in the DNA-testing era. One task force member and attorney said she supported the bill but preferred removing Part 10 if necessary to pass the rest. The hearing included extensive public testimony both in support and opposition, with many individuals describing personal experiences with adoption, IVF, surrogacy, and donor conception. No committee vote or final action on the bill was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the LBR recommends a small cut to our general funds.
• Um, the LBR recommends a small cut to our general funds.
• Um, the LBR recommends a small cut to our general funds.
• Um, the LBR recommends a small cut to our general funds.
• Um, the LBR recommends a small cut to our general funds.

Committee: Joint Appropriations

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 210; 21 January, 2026: 1:30 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I took Representative Bixby's suggestion, where the small producer comes on page 2, line 15.
• His feeling was that they would cover it if you're going to exempt the small producers.
• </c> you're going to exempt the small you're going to exempt the small producers.<00:48:56.800><c> I<
• </c><00:51:21.280><c> And</c> exemption for small producers. And exemption for small producers.
• </c> is that if we're going to exempt small is that if we're going to exempt small farmers<00:52:08.480

Committee: House Environment and Agriculture

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environmental Policy Subcommittee took up HB 1621, which would require a baseline environmental impact study before development of certain manufacturing and storage facilities. Members said the concept had merit, but they could not resolve major drafting and implementation issues, including how to define covered facilities, what the study would require, and how enforcement would work at the municipal or county level. Several members expressed concern about unintended consequences and said the proposal was not ready; the subcommittee voted unanimously to recommend inexpedient to legislate (ITL), and the full committee later adopted that recommendation on a 16-0 roll call vote, placing the bill on consent. The committee then discussed HB 1053, involving electronically submitted pesticide use reports. Representative Comtois presented an amendment creating a department database and protecting confidential information, but said she still needed to check whether it was germane and to review administrative issues with the Department of Agriculture. After hearing from David Russo of the Division of Pesticide Control, the committee agreed to continue work on the amendment and took no action that day. The committee also reviewed HB 1186 on egg labeling and producer exemptions. Representative Comtois offered an amendment exempting small producers from most requirements except labeling, but Commissioner Sean Jasper asked for more time to review the impact and suggested the state might not need the existing egg law at all if federal USDA rules already cover the field. Members agreed to hold action until the following week. Finally, the committee began discussion of HB 1780 on penalties for violations involving seeds, plants, and nursery stock, focusing on labeling rules and germination-date requirements; testimony from industry and department representatives indicated they were working toward a compromise that would allow multiple relabelings, add production dates, and set a 36-month sale limit, but no final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lives lost: about 727,000 adults, 4.26%, harbor serious suicidal thoughts, ranking Florida 4th in the

Summary: The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee heard and advanced several health care bills. HB 909, joining the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, was presented with a strike-all amendment and reported favorably as amended by a 13-0 vote. HB 911, the related public records exemption protecting certain biological information, was also adopted and reported favorably as amended by a 14-0 vote. CS for HB 597, allowing schools to procure and administer glucagon for students with diabetes under trained personnel, passed unanimously 14-0 after a technical amendment. HB 519, aligning state law with federal language on controlled substances administered by paramedics, passed as amended 14-0. The committee then took up HB 919 on nursing education programs. Sponsor Rep. Overdorf argued the bill would create accountability for underperforming nursing schools by requiring remediation, tuition refunds in the lowest-performing programs, and public reporting of passage rates. Supporters said it would improve quality and protect students from debt without licensure success, while opponents from private nursing schools warned it could close programs and reduce nurse supply. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably 15-0. HB 1553, which would require health care providers to submit identified uterine fibroid data so the Department of Health can implement the research database previously authorized by law, passed unanimously 15-0. The final bill, HB 883, would allow psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners to practice autonomously; supporters said it would expand access to mental health care, especially in rural and underserved areas, while opponents raised concerns about quality and physician oversight. After lengthy testimony and debate, the bill was reported favorably 14-3.

Transcript Highlights:

• compared to the this one is very small compared to the other<00:10:10.640><c> one.
• </c> Uh so so Rocky serves just a very small Uh so so Rocky serves just a very small portion<02:06:38.640
• </c> yeah, we just we serve a small yeah, we just we serve a small portion<02:07:12.640><c> of</c><02
• </c> And then Fort Washakie we had a boat And then Fort Washakie we had a boat with<03:09:49.480><c>
• We're in the same boat as them, you know, we really are.

Committee: Joint Select Committee on Tribal Relations

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• unit bottom of 382 you see accounting unit 5046<02:41:33.000><c> recreational</c><02:41:33.680><c> boat
• <02:41:34.000><c> safety</c><02:41:34.359><c> Grant</c><02:41:35.279><c> and</c> 5046 recreational boat
• It seems like an unusually small...
• So the one that's maybe a little bit too small, the Education Trust Fund document for all three of these
• </c><03:09:13.399><c> is</c> 32 sorry 28 I'm talking about small is 32 sorry 28 I'm talking about small

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 129, which would redefine “evidence-based” in public education. The Department of Education testified that the bill’s definition would conflict with federal definitions and be very restrictive, potentially affecting a wide range of instructional methods, curriculum materials, teacher training, civics requirements, suicide prevention training, and other programs. The department said the bill could force a broad overhaul of school practices, create local implementation burdens, and require at least one new state position, with a fiscal note estimating roughly $118,000 in FY 2026 rising in later years. Members also raised concerns about possible impacts on federal pass-through funding and whether the bill was workable. Representative Papovich moved to retain HB 129, and the motion passed 7-0. The committee then heard HB 133, a Department of Safety/DMV bill involving follow-up when a person votes using an out-of-state license or non-driver ID and then does not obtain a New Hampshire credential within the statutory timeframe. DMV officials said the bill would require a $40,000 technology upgrade plus a new full-time position, and that the fiscal note did not include postage or fully account for the manual work needed to match records, send notices, and review responses. They said the proposal also raised broader tracking issues because it would apply not only to voters but to anyone who had not obtained a New Hampshire license within 60 days, and they questioned whether DMV was the proper agency to make those inquiries. Committee members pressed the department on how the 60-day clock would be determined, whether the bill could amount to a kind of poll tax or raise privacy concerns, and whether voter ID cards or other exceptions would avoid that problem. The department explained that New Hampshire offers a free voter identification card through town clerks for people without a license or state ID, but said the bill did not exempt those cards and that the DMV would still be asked to investigate status after voting. Officials also said the bill would be difficult to enforce, that some cases would be ambiguous, and that any response from the DMV would likely amount to a request for information rather than an enforceable consequence. No vote on HB 133 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:11:14.960><c> owners</c><01:11:15.440><c> of</c> would argue we need more small owners of would
• argue we need more small owners of rentals.<01:11:16.640><c> Not</c><01:11:16.880><c> the</c><01:11:
• or low density communities and I small or low density communities and I will<02:02:35.199><c> not</c
• HB 631 disproportionately impacts the town of Newington and similarly situated small communities, and
• creating small, naturally affordable housing.<05:10:43.360><c> Accessory</c> housing.

Committee: House Housing

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I think we missed the boat. And I do believe it goes back to the targets.
• So, I think we missed the boat. And it. So, I think we missed the boat.
• </c><01:53:33.719><c> modifications</c> agreement with some small modifications agreement with some small
• In the trades, a small amendment.
• It isn't just a very small number of people who, when they really need it, are using this benefit.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Our small business program enrollment has held steady at about 35,000 individuals served among 4,000
• small businesses.
• We will not be directing them to anyone specifically, but we do know that we float all boats when we
• I know that was one of the analysis points, you know, on the lower amount, and it is a small token of
• So this is a very small appropriation to update the materials so that families still know that, yes,

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As a mother of two small children, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find affordable, high-quality
• draw your attention to line 702 of the amendment that basically deals with broadband facilities and small
• robots designed to travel on sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian areas to deliver food, groceries, or small
• These are small packages. I know this sounds like a good idea, I guess. Don't to me.
• And so because of that, it concerns me that we may be missing the boat, and some of the children will

Bills: S0118 , S0896 , S1690 , S1756

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Keywords: recreational vehicle parks, special assessments, property tax, occupancy rates, commercial assessment, school safety, guardian program, firearms, crimes near schools, security assessments, public postsecondary education, medical freedom, vaccination, ivermectin, healthcare practitioner liability, immunization exemptions

Summary: The committee first took up CS for SB 896, a school safety bill expanding the Guardian program to public postsecondary institutions. The bill requires active assailant response plans, security risk assessments, threat-management protocols, use of the suspicious activity reporting tool, and allows voluntary participation in Guardian for colleges and universities. A late-file amendment by Senator Polsky was adopted to clarify that students who are also employees or faculty are not eligible for Guardian. Members debated campus carry concerns, storage of firearms, and whether the bill could lead to broader gun access on campuses. Several faculty and gun-safety advocates testified against the bill, while supporters argued trained guardians can deter violence. The committee reported the bill favorably by roll call vote. The committee then approved CS for CS for CS for SB 1690 on child care and early learning services. The bill updates child care laws, clarifies regulations, and reduces overregulation of before- and after-school programs. An amendment expanded authority for the Florida Education Foundation to fundraise for early learning from birth to VPK. Testimony was largely supportive, emphasizing affordability, access to quality child care, and relief for working families, though one speaker opposed the bill as an expansion of government. The bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee passed CS for CS for SB 118, which clarifies how non-ad valorem special assessments are applied to recreational vehicle parks and limits the square footage used for assessment purposes to the maximum size of an RV space. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 1220, the Department of Transportation package, which addresses seaport and airport planning, personal delivery devices, autonomous vehicles, advanced air mobility, toll programming, and other transportation-related changes. Amendments modified provisions on personal delivery devices, utility permits, autonomous vehicle penalties, and law-enforcement cruiser lights. Both bills were reported favorably. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1756, the medical freedom bill, which proposes new vaccine information requirements, conscience-based school immunization exemptions, limits on compelled vaccination during public health emergencies, and behind-the-counter access to ivermectin for adults. The sponsor and supporters framed the bill as strengthening informed consent and parental rights, while opponents and some senators raised concerns about vaccine hesitancy, herd immunity, and the inclusion of ivermectin. Public testimony was extensive and sharply divided. The transcript ends during continued testimony and debate on SB 1756, before a final vote is taken.