Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> ofc><00:03:14.599><c> thec><00:03:14.720><c> DNRc><00:03:15.200><c> isc><00:03:15.319><c
• more of a hardwood are right now uh it's more of a hardwood type<00:41:17.400><c> facilityc><00:41
• 41:19.359><c> toc><00:41:19.560><c> thec> type facility but it it's Unique to the type facility but
• :48.639><c> toc><01:29:48.920><c> thatc><01:29:49.560><c> typec> certainly one of those key to
• that type certainly one of those key to that type of<01:29:49.920><c> workc><01:29:50.159><c> soc

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:01:09.799><c> thec><00:01:09.960><c> planc><00:01:10.320><c> isc><00:01:10.479><c> to
• c><00:03:37.680><c> isc><00:03:37.879><c> aimedc><00:03:38.560><c> atc><00:03:38.840><c> Hc><
• 01:16:48.520><c> orc><01:16:48.639><c> otherc><01:16:48.920><c> typec><01:16:49.120><c> ofc><
• 01:16:49.560><c> Technologyc> said laptops or other type of Technology said laptops or other type of
• is an<01:20:28.639><c> operatingc><01:20:29.320><c> typec> an operating type an operating type of

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chrisc><00:01:10.520><c> McDanielc><00:01:11.040><c> statec><00:01:11.240><c> senatorc><00:01
• 00:01:19.840><c> thatc><00:01:19.920><c> youc><00:01:20.000><c> seec><00:01:20.200><c> inc> committee
• :20.600><c> youc><00:01:20.759><c> todayc><00:01:21.079><c> isc><00:01:21.240><c> veryc><00:01
• <c> youc><00:01:22.560><c> votedc><00:01:22.840><c> onc><00:01:23.240><c> lastc><00:01:23.520
• c><00:09:48.079><c> bec><00:09:48.440><c> thec><00:09:49.839><c> uhc><00:09:50.839><c> thec

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:08 Senate Bill 79 (Sen. McDaniel): 00:48 Senate Bill 67 (Sen. Nemes): 08:09 Adjournment: 12:43, 958, all

Summary: The Senate State and Local Government Committee met and first took up Senate Bill 79, sponsored by Senator McDaniel, with testimony from McDaniel and Deputy Secretary Robert Long of the Personnel Cabinet. They described the bill as a cleanup measure for personnel law that would, among other things, add interns to the definition of employee while excluding them from full-time employee status, remove the Personnel Cabinet secretary as an ex officio member of the KERS Board, clarify personnel board membership and grievance rights, limit appeals of satisfactory-or-above evaluations, address layoffs and reemployment rights, allow leave donation in certain resignations or retirements, restrict remote work from outside Kentucky without approval, permit deductions for unreturned state equipment, and make DJJ facility supervisors non-merit positions. The committee voted on SB 79 and passed it with favorable expression. The committee then heard Senate Bill 67, presented by Chair Nemes, an elder property tax bill. The bill would freeze the assessed value of a primary residence for homeowners age 65 or older until the property is no longer their primary residence, while still taxing at the current rate. Nemes said the measure was intended to help seniors on fixed incomes and noted a fiscal analysis showing little to no direct revenue loss, though it could reduce projected budgeted growth in property tax revenue. Committee discussion noted a local impact and a statewide budget impact estimate of about $4 million for the first two fiscal years. SB 67 also passed with favorable expression, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• wec><00:00:39.040><c> havec><00:00:40.239><c> umc><00:00:41.239><c> onec><00:00:42.000><c> bill
• ><c> Senatec><00:00:45.600><c> filec><00:00:46.480><c> 1312c><00:00:47.480><c> goingc> this morning
• c> umc><00:00:52.680><c> uhc><00:00:52.800><c> toc><00:00:53.000><c> thec><00:00:53.160><c> table
• c> openc><00:03:25.200><c> withc><00:03:25.319><c> ac><00:03:25.400><c> fewc><00:03:25.640><c
• /c><00:03:31.720><c> ofc><00:03:31.959><c> thosec><00:03:32.640><c> umc><00:03:32.799><c> soc

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :45.439><c> roomc><00:01:45.600><c> todayc><00:01:46.640><c> toc><00:01:47.119><c> uhc><00:01
• .<00:01:48.320><c> Soc><00:01:48.720><c> it'sc><00:01:49.439><c> goingc><00:01:49.600><c> toc
• c><00:03:40.080><c> Ic><00:03:40.159><c> Ic><00:03:40.480><c> seec><00:03:40.640><c> threec
• c><00:43:14.720><c> madec><00:43:14.960><c> somec><00:43:15.200><c> typec><00:43:15.359><c> of
• c> So if the district has made some type of So if the district has made some type of agreement<00:43

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call - 00:55 26RS SB 22 – 04:52 26RS SB 46 – 0:34:36, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Education met with a quorum and opened the session by recognizing staff and an intern before taking up SB 22, relating to the dual credit scholarship program. Senator Jimmy Higdon presented the bill with Laura Arnold of Nelson County Schools, explaining that it is a narrower version of a prior proposal that had been too broad and had drawn an unfavorable fiscal note. The bill would create a Grow Your Own teacher apprenticeship scholarship for students in registered teacher apprenticeship programs, beginning in the 2027-2028 school year, allowing up to 20 dual credit courses total and no more than eight per year. It requires a district-approved commitment form, annual completion of at least one teaching-and-learning pathway course, and maintenance of a 2.75 GPA on scholarship-funded coursework. Students who withdraw or fail to meet academic requirements would lose eligibility and could be required to repay scholarship funds, though waivers for cause are included. The sponsor said the estimated costs were relatively modest at first and could grow over time, and described the program as a way to address the teacher shortage and help students earn an associate degree in high school and then complete teacher certification with less debt. Testimony from Nelson County Schools described the Lead Nelson model as a partnership among the district, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, and Western Kentucky University, with students beginning education coursework in high school, earning dual credit, and receiving clinical hours in classrooms earlier than in traditional preparation programs. Witnesses said the model includes key assessments, university oversight, and collaboration on curriculum and outcomes, and that it has already produced at least one teacher who returned to Nelson County. Members asked about the GPA cutoff, possible reinstatement after academic recovery, federal funding opportunities, the amount and structure of apprentice pay, and the role of postsecondary partners. Mary Taylor of the Kentucky Department of Education said there appears to be federal support for similar apprenticeship efforts and noted a possible U.S. grant opportunity, while the presenters said high school apprentices are paid hourly and adult apprentices average about $24,000 annually. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> inc><00:01:33.680><c> Bolec><00:01:34.479><c> andc><00:01:34.640><c> Mercerc> is district
• :01:36.000><c> youc><00:01:36.119><c> forc><00:01:36.280><c> beingc><00:01:36.520><c> herec><
• ><c> andc><00:03:54.599><c> uhc><00:03:55.120><c> noc><00:03:55.319><c> onec><00:03:55.560><c
• c><00:04:20.519><c> sayc><00:04:20.840><c> Ic><00:04:21.680><c> Ic><00:04:22.000><c> thosec
• c><00:04:32.400><c> ifc><00:04:32.560><c> therec><00:04:32.759><c> isc><00:04:32.919><c> ac

Keywords: The live stream for this meeting cut off before the end. This is the complete meeting pulled from back ups. Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:05 HB 38: 00:02:42 HB 206: 00:29:22, 958, all

Summary: The committee began with roll call and introductory remarks, including recognition of new members and guests. It then took up House Bill 38, sponsored by Representative Tipton, which would increase penalties for repeated violations of an order of protection. Under the committee substitute, a third violation involving the same order and same individual could be elevated from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class D felony. Tipton and domestic violence survivor Maryanne Pratt testified in support, with Pratt describing repeated abuse, protective-order violations, and ongoing fear despite arrests and jail time. Several members spoke in favor of the bill and praised Pratt’s testimony. Members and outside witnesses raised concerns about the substitute’s language, especially the requirement that the same victim be involved and whether the bill could leave gaps for repeat abusers with different victims. Representative Burke and others questioned whether the conduct was already covered by stalking or assault statutes. Scott West, speaking for the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, argued that the bill could allow technical contempt findings to be used as predicate offenses and noted that existing assault and stalking laws already address much of the conduct. Sponsor Tipton said the language was not final and that further changes might be considered in the Senate. Despite the concerns, the committee adopted the substitute and passed HB 38 with favorable expression by a 19-0 vote. The committee then heard House Bill 206, sponsored by Representative Nemes, on wrongful conviction compensation. Nemes introduced exonerees and representatives from the Kentucky Innocence Project, and the substitute was adopted without objection. Testimony came from Paul Herd, who spent 20 years wrongfully convicted and described the difficulty of reentry, and Jon Acar, who said he was wrongly convicted as a teenager and spent years in custody and on parole. Both urged passage of the bill as overdue support for people exonerated after wrongful convictions.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> itc><00:04:41.240><c> hasc><00:04:41.479><c> gonec><00:04:41.880><c> thisc><00:04:42.080
• itc><00:05:01.160><c> inc><00:05:01.280><c> thec><00:05:01.400><c> housec><00:05:01.600><c>
• c> okayc><00:05:21.520><c> umc><00:05:21.919><c> allc><00:05:22.120><c> inc><00:05:22.240><c>
• ><c> umc><00:06:08.919><c> butc><00:06:09.080><c> itc><00:06:09.160><c> wasc><00:06:09.319><c
• c> thec><00:09:28.600><c> thec><00:09:28.839><c> costc><00:09:29.480><c> onc><00:09:29.640><c

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Division II work session considered several amendments to HB 2. The first two items were rejected: a proposal to add a new “Lakes” license plate with proceeds to the cyanobacteria fund failed 7-8, and Amendment 1040, which would have imposed a 5% administrative fee on certain dedicated funds to raise general fund revenue, failed 4-5. Representative Maguire explained the fee would apply only to new revenue going forward and would not change existing fund balances; he also described exemptions for federal funds, bequests, and other special cases. Representative Murray questioned the consistency of the approach and who currently pays administrative costs, while Maguire said the charges are often handled case-by-case by agencies or the treasurer. The committee then revisited revenue distribution changes in HB 2. Members first reconsidered and reversed prior acceptance of sections affecting the Education Trust Fund, then adopted Amendment 1381H, which changes the distribution of business profits tax and business enterprise tax revenue, along with related sections, to shift more money to the General Fund. Supporters argued the change was needed to address revenue shortfalls and to align with historical distributions; opponents said it reduced support for education. The reconsideration motion passed 7-3, and the amendment itself passed 5-3. The committee also adopted Amendment 1413H, incorporating the language of HB 741 on open enrollment and student attendance in public schools. Supporters said it was House policy and had sufficient policy and fiscal impact to belong in HB 2; opponents noted the underlying bill had been controversial and passed the House by a relatively close margin. Finally, the committee considered a USNH budget reduction proposal that would cut the University System of New Hampshire by $25 million per year net. Supporters said the cut was necessary to balance the budget and that K-12 obligations had to take priority, while opponents argued the cut would harm workforce development, the state economy, and student retention. The transcript cuts off during extended debate, and no final vote on the USNH item is shown in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> nextc><00:03:19.319><c> measurec><00:03:19.799><c> isc><00:03:20.080><c> spc><00:03:20.319
• c> fromc><00:03:29.640><c> thec><00:03:30.159><c> Departmentc><00:03:30.519><c> ofc> changes
• <00:04:44.520><c> isc><00:04:44.680><c> toc><00:04:44.960><c> passc><00:04:45.280><c> withc>
• to to illustrate how this type<00:56:55.559><c> ofc><00:56:55.839><c> publicc><00:56:56.359><c> financing
• c><00:56:56.960><c> hasc><00:56:57.119><c> beenc> type of public financing has been type of public

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees considered a large number of Senate bills, with many measures advanced either unamended or with technical or substantive amendments. Early action included SB 88 and SB 11 SD1, both passed unamended, and SB 562 SD1 and SB 642 SD1, which were passed with amendments reflecting agency testimony. SB 1133 SD1 was amended to remove duplicative county requirements and clarify tax credit carry-forward eligibility, while SB 1569 SD1 on sports wagering was deferred. Later, SB 933 on nonprofit/federal funding support drew strong testimony from nonprofit and health advocates emphasizing the risk of federal funding freezes and the importance of protecting services such as early learning, domestic violence support, housing, and workforce supports; the committee recommended amendments to define eligible organizations, require reporting, and include the Judiciary. SB 934 and SB 935 were also amended, with SB 934 tying mass transit funding to Honolulu project milestones and SB 935 revising retirement-system language to change “fewer than five years” to “five or more years.” The committees then took up additional measures with targeted amendments. SB 1033 was amended to clarify that the bill applies to legal entities, not individuals, though members noted concerns about closely held family corporations and asked that the issue be reflected in the committee report. SB 1166, SB 1249, and SB 1256 were advanced with amendments or committee-report notes reflecting concerns from the Attorney General, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, and Hawaii Farmers Union United, respectively. SB 1432 and SB 137, both relating to electric utilities, were amended to require retention of covered employees after mergers or acquisitions and to direct the PUC to consider whether proposed transactions further state policy goals. SB 157 on antitrust was narrowed to focus on coordinator conduct in rental housing markets, SB 252 on invasive species received a defective effective date, and SB 336 on defense of state employers and employees passed unamended. SB 536 on the Hawaii Community Development Authority was deferred to a later hearing, and SB 1064 on medical cannabis was heavily amended to authorize cultivator licenses with limits on canopy size, license counts, physician fees, and a special-fund appropriation for enforcement. In the Ways and Means portion, the committee passed several bills unamended, including SB 19, SB 124, SB 264, SB 345, SB 422, and SB 741 and SB 747 later in the agenda. SB 361 was amended to remove references to the attorney general and delete an appropriation section, SB 438 was amended to redefine buffer zones and landfill-unit language, and SB 441 and SB 494 were amended to blank appropriations and, in SB 494, assign charter-school audit responsibility to the state auditor. SB 659 was substantially amended to promote local procurement, including county-level geographic preferences and higher thresholds for locally sourced purchases, and SB 732 was amended to adjust film tax credit provisions, including the streaming-platform definition and sunset-related language. SB 819 was amended to replace references to “educators” with “teachers.” Throughout, most measures were adopted without recorded opposition, though several members noted reservations on particular bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• :59.199><c> chairc><00:00:59.559><c> Ic><00:00:59.719><c> Ic><00:01:00.239><c> Ic><00:01:00.280
• ><c> thinkc><00:01:00.399><c> it'sc><00:01:00.519><c> thec><00:01:00.680><c> A1c><00:01:01.559
• c><00:01:31.159><c> lookingc><00:01:31.400><c> atc><00:01:31.560><c> ac><00:01:31.720><c> different
• ><c> forc><00:10:45.279><c> anyc><00:10:45.560><c> typec><00:10:45.720><c> ofc><00:10:45.880>
• <c> rentalc> they would for any type of rental they would for any type of rental building<00:10:47.279

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:04:25.880><c> wantingc><00:04:26.440><c> morec><00:04:27.440><c> andc><00:04:27.680><c>
• c> wec><00:04:51.520><c> tooc><00:04:52.440><c> arec><00:04:52.639><c> ac><00:04:52.800><c> part
• ><c> usc><00:05:43.319><c> bec><00:05:43.680><c> whoc><00:05:43.960><c> youc><00:05:44.199><c
• ><c> typesc><01:09:17.279><c> ofc> hour speed limit for these types of hour speed limit for these
• types of vehicles<01:09:18.159><c> andc><01:09:18.319><c> thisc><01:09:18.520><c> changesc><01

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:01:17.000><c> ac><00:01:17.119><c> quorumc><00:01:17.479><c> wec><00:01:17.600><c> are<
• 01:35.600><c> getc><00:01:35.840><c> seatedc><00:01:37.079><c> umc><00:01:38.079><c> thec><00
• differentc><00:53:40.280><c> typesc><00:53:40.520><c> ofc><00:53:40.799><c> virtualc><00:53:
• 41.319><c> typec><00:53:41.480><c> ofc> all different types of virtual type of all different types
• of virtual type of learning<00:53:42.319><c> andc><00:53:42.520><c> inpersonc><00:53:43.079><c>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met with a quorum and heard first from the Washway Nicotine Youth Advocacy Group, which urged stronger enforcement of Kentucky’s Tobacco 21 law. Youth advocates described the harms of flavored vaping products, argued that nicotine use is targeting children, and called for retailer licensing, annual compliance checks, harsher penalties for illegal sales, and more funding for enforcement. Committee members praised the presentation, and one senator said he had heard a bill on licensed retailers may be coming soon. The committee then heard a lengthy presentation from Cloverport Independent School District and the Kentucky Virtual Academy about the state’s virtual school model. Superintendent Keith Haynes and principals Brandy Fagan and Sally Johnson said KYVA serves about 2,800 students, many of whom are at-risk or have health, safety, behavioral, or family reasons for choosing virtual education. They emphasized that the program uses live synchronous instruction, provides devices and materials, and offers special education and related services. They also said the school had a large wait list and that virtual programs need more flexibility in staffing ratios, scheduling, and testing windows. School leaders acknowledged criticism of KYVA’s proficiency scores and said many students entered far below grade level, with 59% not proficient in English language arts and 79% not proficient in math on recent state testing. They argued the program is too new to judge solely on one year of data and pointed to growth in MAP scores, as well as middle and high school rankings in the top half of Kentucky schools. Fagan and Johnson outlined improvement efforts, including daily interventions, small-group instruction, literacy programs, staff training, and expanded clubs and student activities. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• limitc><00:14:34.639><c> wec><00:14:34.720><c> willc><00:14:34.920><c> askc><00:14:35.079><c
• ><c> ourc><00:14:38.839><c> floorc><00:14:39.160><c> sessionc><00:14:39.920><c> soc> adjourn
• ><00:14:44.399><c> arec><00:14:44.519><c> notc><00:14:44.680><c> ablec><00:14:44.880><c> toc>
• :14:49.160><c> youc><00:14:49.320><c> arec><00:14:49.480><c> goingc><00:14:49.639><c> toc><00
• c><00:21:22.520><c> toc><00:21:22.640><c> goc><00:21:22.760><c> toc><00:21:22.880><c> thec>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on February 6, 2025, and heard testimony on several transportation-related bills. HB 667 would require DOT or county departments to scan deceased cats or dogs found on public roadways for microchips, record information, and report it to county animal services. DOT said it supported the bill, and the Hawaiʻi Humane Society and others strongly backed it, describing it as important for grieving pet owners. A private citizen also testified in support, saying the measure could help families learn what happened to missing pets. The chair noted there were nine supporters. The committee then heard HB 230 on sending a carbon copy of traffic citations to vehicle owners, followed by HB 77, which would make civil identification cards free to issue or renew. The Attorney General’s office said it had already submitted comments on HB 77, DOT opposed it, and a private citizen supported it as a way to reduce barriers to basic services. HB 668, which would make license suspension mandatory for operating a vehicle without insurance, drew opposition from the Office of the Public Defender and DOT. The Public Defender argued current law already allows suspension and that a mandatory rule would discourage people from obtaining insurance, increase court burdens, and disproportionately affect indigent drivers; the chair emphasized that driving is a privilege and raised concerns about uninsured driving in rural areas. The Public Defender also said it would look into whether state insurance options could help people who cannot get traditional coverage. The committee also took up HB 12, which would bar inspection certificates for mopeds or vehicles modified to increase NOx emissions. DOT offered comments, Citizens Against Noise supported it, and the Motorcycle Industry Council opposed it; the chair noted six additional supporters and ten opponents. HB 169 would raise the minimum age for moped operators from 15 to 16 and increase the helmet requirement age from 18 to 21; DOT supported it, while Moped Doctors, Moped’s Direct, and seven individuals opposed it. HB 220 would require moped operators to carry insurance under motorcycle/motor scooter insurance laws; DCCA offered comments, DOT supported it, and Moped Doctors and ten individuals opposed it. Finally, the committee heard HB 277, which would establish a statewide vehicle pursuit policy for law enforcement agencies. The Policing Project at NYU and the ACLU of Hawaiʻi supported the bill, citing national data on deaths and injuries from pursuits and arguing for a baseline limit on pursuits for minor offenses; the Hawaii Police Department and Maui Police Department opposed it. The committee also heard HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture. DOT supported it, while the Public Defender opposed it, arguing the bill was overly harsh, internally inconsistent, and likely to strain courts, law enforcement, and probation systems by turning a traffic offense into a felony with prison exposure and jury-trial rights. No votes or final actions were taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:47:27.920><c> thisc><00:47:28.480><c> typec><00:47:28.800><c> ofc> lack of people offering
• <01:55:40.400><c> typec><01:55:40.560><c> ofc> ahead and offer that that type of ahead and offer
• that that type of legislation.<01:55:41.679><c> Uhc><01:55:42.000><c> thisc><01:55:42.320><c> uh<
• <02:05:59.360><c> andc><02:05:59.599><c> thec><02:05:59.840><c> samec><02:06:00.320><c> typec
• c><03:11:21.880><c> whyc><03:11:22.880><c> thisc><03:11:23.279><c> typec> This exactly is the

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of individual with a reproductive system of the<01:54:20.639><c> typec><01:54:20.800><c> inc><01
• :54:21.040><c> whichc><01:54:21.280><c> normalc><01:54:21.679><c> functionc> the type in which
• /c><01:54:52.239><c> thatc><01:54:52.480><c> normallyc><01:54:52.800><c> producesc> about the type
• ><c> releasec><02:13:56.719><c> eitherc><02:13:57.040><c> gamtc><02:13:57.440><c> type.
• 29.359><c> intoc><02:22:29.600><c> thec> Pressure to make bodies conform into the binary type.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:04:44.960><c> andc><00:04:46.160><c> mostc><00:04:46.560><c> allc><00:04:46.720><c> ofc
• c><00:08:08.400><c> asc><00:08:08.639><c> asc><00:08:08.720><c> asc><00:08:09.360><c> wec>
• c><00:10:20.720><c> healthcc> And if one of them were to break a leg or whatever, get some type of
• lack of better words, words, words, a<00:16:14.079><c> newerc><00:16:14.480><c> typec><00:16:14.800
• c><00:16:16.800><c> Um,c> A newer type campus at Camp Shelby.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 15 January, 2026; 9:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee heard an update from the Mississippi National Guard leadership on deployments, operations, and the Guard’s budget request. The general described ongoing missions involving Mississippi units at the southern border, the National Capital Region, and Operation Safe and Beautiful, as well as the Guard’s role in Operation Midnight Hammer through the Meridian refueling unit. He also noted continued training of international partners at Camp Shelby and emphasized the Guard’s statewide, national, and global reach. The budget presentation focused on a modest increase over the prior year, including funding for state employees and the Youth Challenge Academy, the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum, the state education assistance program, readiness center maintenance for armories, and an increase in AC escalation authority from $164 million to $225 million to allow spending of federal funds on approved projects. The general said federal investment in Mississippi National Guard activities totaled $784 million in FY25, with $384 million for payroll, and explained that most permanent positions are federally reimbursed. Members discussed the state education assistance program, which the general said has helped stop recruiting losses to neighboring states by making Mississippi more competitive on tuition benefits. He said the program especially helps retain midcareer noncommissioned officers and supports younger service members who may lack health coverage when called to state active duty. Senators also asked about Camp Shelby Youth Challenge facilities and armory projects; the general reported that recent appropriations have improved the campus, that the program remains among the top three nationally, and that armory work is moving forward in Amory, Southaven, Corinth, and Carthage. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with expressions of appreciation and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> May<00:03:29.280><c> allc><00:03:29.680><c> seec><00:03:30.239><c> whatc><00:03:30.480><c>
• c> May<00:03:36.159><c> nonec><00:03:36.480><c> bec><00:03:36.720><c> leftc><00:03:36.959><c>
• /c><00:05:24.880><c> shec><00:05:25.039><c> isc><00:05:25.199><c> onec><00:05:25.360><c> ofc>
• c><00:08:29.199><c> typec> chachi and of the agenda and those type chachi and of the agenda and those
• type of<00:08:29.599><c> things.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, January 22, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with an invocation by Reverend Abi Johni of Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church, followed by the roll call establishing a quorum with 44 members present. The chamber then featured numerous introductions and recognitions, including legislative interns, a shadowing student, a constituent assisting this session, visiting advocacy groups such as the Maryland Bankers Association, the Transportation Association of Maryland, and the Maryland Association of CPAs, as well as several pages and other guests. Members also announced upcoming caucus and delegation events, committee briefings, and weather-related schedule contingencies. On the legislative side, the Senate received bill introductions, including Senate Bill 314 on immunity from liability for donations of pet supplies in judicial proceedings, and a bond initiative for a neighborhood community track and field project, which was referred to the capital budget subcommittee. The main floor action was consideration of Rule 116; after brief discussion, the Senate adopted the rule by a unanimous 44-0 vote, completing adoption of the Senate rules. Committee announcements noted upcoming hearings and briefings: Finance planned briefings on health insurance subsidies and private passenger auto insurance; Education, Energy, and the Environment scheduled briefings on climate-smart agriculture and federal policy impacts; Budget and Taxation planned an interagency commission briefing; and Judicial Proceedings announced 12 bill hearings, including two lengthy bills. The Senate also journalized the invocation, recognized the new leadership of the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus, and adjourned until the next pro forma session, with the adjournment also honoring Edward Risinger, a former Baltimore City Council member who had recently died.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from its June 30 meeting and then considered Capital Project 2515, a request from the Pease Development Authority Division of Ports and Harbors to spend up to $125,000 from the Harbor Dredging and Pier Maintenance Fund to replace a deteriorated 99-foot floating dock at Rye Harbor. Acting Director Richard Hartley said the dock is used for passenger loading and unloading for charters and whale-watching tours and is in poor condition. Representative Edgar moved approval, Representative Wiler seconded, and the motion carried. The committee then received several informational items, including quarterly and maintenance reports from the Department of Administrative Services, the Community College System of New Hampshire, and the Pease Development Authority. It also heard a presentation from the Department of Health and Human Services on Capital Project 2516, the Beneficiary Service Improvement project supporting closed-loop referrals and related systems. DHHS described the project as a mix of Medicaid enterprise functions and New Hampshire Care Connections tools, including provider modules, third-party liability, event notifications, and closed-loop referrals to connect health and human service providers. Officials said the project is largely federally funded, with capital funds representing only part of the overall effort. Members asked about the accounting breakdown, prior committee review, provider participation, patient experience, and public response. Representative Burr questioned whether the project had been fully presented previously and raised concerns about the scope and necessity of the $8 million effort; DHHS responded that earlier work was discussed in other committees and that the current presentation covered only capital funds. Senator Waters asked about user response and patient experience, and DHHS said feedback has been generally positive but the system is still in design and implementation. In response to questions about participation, DHHS said 84 providers are currently on the network and clarified that a “provider” generally means an individual organization or health system, not each individual clinician. The committee also set its next meeting for December 9 at 9:00 a.m. at Granite Place, Room 228, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ryan C. Fattman: Yes. Ryan C. Fattman: Yes. Senator Cyr: No.
• John C. Velis. No. No. John C. Velis? No. All members have been required. Yes.
• Mark C. Montigny. Miranda. Mark C. Montigny. Michael O. Moore. Patrick M. O'Connor. Jacob R.
• John C. Velis. Bruce Tarr? Yes. Yes. John C. Velis. Senator Brady. Thank you, Madam President.
• John C. Velis? No. No? John C. Velis? No. All members? Mm-hmm. Good job.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate considered a series of amendments to a primary care health care bill and also took up a separate literacy bill. Several amendments were withdrawn, including one on artificial intelligence in health care and others related to cost controls, direct primary care, and provider studies. The Senate adopted amendments on preserving access to treatment for serious mental illness, modernizing the definition of primary care, clarifying payment rates for community health centers, excluding pharmaceutical spending from primary care expenditure calculations, and strengthening health equity reporting. Other amendments on rate bands, alternative payment systems, private equity reporting, scope of practice, and ownership disclosure were rejected. The Senate then approved the Ways and Means amendment and ordered the primary care bill to a third reading. The chamber also took up final passage of An Act Relative to Teachers Preparation and Student Literacy, with senators describing it as a long-awaited compromise focused on improving early reading outcomes. Supporters said the bill requires evidence-based K-3 literacy curricula, regular student screening and family notification, dyslexia screening protocols, professional development for teachers, and a free state-developed curriculum option. Senators emphasized the need to address declining third-grade reading proficiency and equity gaps. The bill passed to be enacted by a unanimous roll call and was sent to the Governor. After the literacy bill, the Senate returned to the primary care bill, where senators again debated cost containment, innovation, and access. The final version included the adopted amendments and was passed to be engrossed by a roll call vote of 35-4. The Senate then adopted an adjournment order and recessed, adjourning in memory of Henry Thomas III, former Representative Ben Swan, and Mr. Dennis Frane.

Transcript Highlights:

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Keywords: 1191, senate, all