Transcript Highlights:

• She had stated she was coming. Well, then we will defer this to March without objection. Okay.
• Representative Rye.”
• So if it’s their turnback from state, which of course is road money, then you’re absolutely right, Representative
• Representative Berry.
• And you second that, I presume, Representative Dalby? No, it's representative. It's representative.

Summary: The committee began with prayer and approval of the January 8 minutes, then received updates on delinquent private water and sewer reports. Staff reported that for the 2022 reports, 19 of 43 entities had had their turnback reinstated, while 24 remained in escrow; for the 2023 reports, 59 of 64 entities had filed, leaving five outstanding. The committee also filed a report on Adona, where staff said the city had made enough progress toward substantial compliance with municipal accounting laws to discontinue withholding turnback, and the committee adopted that recommendation. The bulk of the meeting focused on municipal accounting noncompliance cases. Gum Springs and Denning were presented with extensive repeat findings involving budgets not adopted by ordinance or resolution, missing or incomplete bank reconciliations, inadequate receipts and disbursement records, payroll issues, and improper handling of Act 833 funds or other city money. Both cities’ mayors and recorders-treasurers testified about efforts to correct records, obtain training, and work with the Municipal League; the committee voted to start the 60-day turnback-withholding clock for both and then filed the reports. Fargo was deferred because no city representative was present. Additional reports included Green Forest, Elaine, Strong, Brooklyn, Mineral Springs, Rondo, Waldo, Columbia County, and several private water and sewer entities. Strong drew significant concern over missing garbage-bag revenue, improper fund transfers, and deficit balances; the committee deferred that report to the March meeting. The committee also heard investigative or referred reports on the Faulkner County Fair Association, Brooklyn payroll direct-deposit fraud, and other entities with questionable disbursements or recordkeeping. In several cases, staff recommended filing the reports after responses were received; in others, the committee deferred action when responses were lacking or representatives were absent. The meeting ended with a motion to defer a Cross County Rural Water matter so the entity could appear at the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without objection, the objections?
• Without objection, the objections?
• Without objection, the objections?
• But the organization that represents all of the community colleges in the state is the one that has opposed
• Are there any objections? objections? Are there any objections?

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, April 13, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened on the final day of session, heard an invocation, recognized guests and pages, and outlined a tentative plan for multiple sessions and breaks through the day. The chamber then took up several messages between the Senate and House, including a refusal to concur in House amendments to Senate Bill 311 on the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and the appointment of conferees, as well as a House message on House Bill 9007 establishing a conference committee on third-degree assault. The Senate also considered a series of second-reader bills. House Bill 6, requiring MHEC to collect data on pregnant and parenting students, was amended to exempt Maryland Global Campus and limit certain provisions to public senior higher education institutions and community colleges before being ordered to third reading. House Bill 182, concerning replacement of faithless electors, was amended to conform with Senate Bill 237 and then passed. House Bill 575, creating excused absences for student civic engagement, drew the most discussion; senators asked about the definition of civic engagement, county discretion, and whether students could use the bill for repeated protests. The floor leader explained that county boards would retain discretion and that the bill would not require weekly absences. The bill’s two amendments were adopted and it was sent to third reading. Additional measures passed with little or no opposition. House Bill 640 revised boards, commissions, and reporting requirements; House Bill 1335 required an independent study of IT and cybersecurity staffing and pay; House Bill 587 created a work group to review transportation procurement procedures; House Bill 854 established a nonpublic special education school renovation program; and House Bill 898 adjusted economic development provisions, including VLT proceeds and film tax credit language, after questions about the general fund impact. The Senate also advanced House Bill 1247 on Prince George’s County tax increment financing for an immersive entertainment venue, with amendments making it an emergency bill and addressing zoning and outdoor advertising issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• That takes us down to, I believe, Representative Beck for the State Insurance Programs.
• It's within their power to object, and the state does have to give due process to all licensees, so that's
• Thank you, Representative. Representative Rose, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• and we have to deal with that objection.
• and we have to deal with that objection.

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer, approval of the prior minutes, and a monthly revenue report from the Bureau of Legislative Research. The report showed gross general revenue collections up year to date and net general revenue above forecast, with the increase attributed in part to income tax growth, a fiscal-year shift, and lottery-related collections. Members asked no questions, and no action was required on the revenue report. Several subcommittee reports were then presented and adopted, including executive, administrative rules, game and fish/state police, hospital/Medicaid/developmental disability, occupational licensing, PEER, revenue, state insurance programs, and personnel. The executive report noted a waiver request for Jackson County School District construction services and an audit with no findings. The administrative rules report covered agency directives, rulemaking updates, and a few rules pulled for later consideration. The revenue subcommittee held one District 4 tire removal contract until its next meeting, while the state insurance subcommittee reviewed the EBD contract with Boston Consulting Group and approved pharmacy formulary and drug recommendations. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the State Insurance Department’s examination of pharmacy benefit managers, especially Navitus Health Solutions. Commissioners and staff explained that Navitus objected to producing certain claims data for self-funded plans, raising an ERISA preemption argument, and that the matter was being set for an administrative hearing, likely in April. Members questioned compliance, due process, and the implications of the objection, while the department said the state initiated the examination and was continuing to seek resolution. The committee also reviewed an Arkansas Teacher Retirement System agreement, with one member noting a potential conflict and abstaining. The meeting ended after members reviewed additional reports with no further action and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the general manager for the State Water Contractors.
• Investment in the State Water Project is an investment in the state.
• Since the 60s, the population has... ...in the State Water Project is an investment in the state.
• Without objection, SB 872 will move to the suspense file.
• Without objection, SB 872 will move to the suspense file.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Appropriations heard a large suspense-file agenda and established a quorum at the start. SB 1167 was announced as not being heard and will be rescheduled. The Department of Finance did not attend because it had no comments on the bills before the committee. Most measures on the agenda were taken up briefly with public testimony, then moved to suspense without objection. Two bills received fuller presentations. SB 872 by Senator McNerney would create a fund to support repairs to Delta levees and State Water Project canals, with testimony from Restore the Delta, State Water Contractors, and numerous water agencies and coalitions emphasizing flood protection, water reliability for 27 million Californians, protection of state assets, and long-term infrastructure costs. Committee members noted the importance of the investment and the likelihood it would be considered in the final suspense decision; SB 872 was moved to suspense. SB 962 by Senator Archuleta would authorize CDCR to use blue emergency lights on parole vehicles, with supporters from the California Correctional Peace Officers Association citing the line-of-duty death of a parole agent and the need for a low-cost, discretionary safety tool. The bill was also moved to suspense. SB 950, dealing with coverage for FDA-approved medically necessary treatments for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, was discussed as having a minimal near-term fiscal impact, though members noted costs could rise if new treatments emerge. The committee asked the author to consider a sunset amendment, but the bill received a do pass motion and was approved on a 7-0 vote, then placed on call for additional members. The remaining bills taken up, including SB 870, SB 1120, SB 888, SB 904, SB 986, SB 1029, SB 1186, SB 895, SB 1004, SB 1123, SB 909, SB 945, SB 1037, SB 953, SB 1001, SB 1188, SB 1407, SB 967, SB 1135, SB 1136, SB 988, SB 1069, SB 1000, SB 1024, SB 1179, SB 1025, SB 1040, SB 1081, SB 1091, SB 1131, SB 1138, SB 1146, SB 1279, SB 1158, SB 1401, SB 1162, SB 1293, SB 1334, SB 1382, SB 1397, SB 1178, SB 1414, SB 1214, SB 1218, SB 1257, SB 1265, SB 1286, SB 1322, SB 1337, SB 1340, SB 1276, SB 1358, and SB 1412, were moved to the suspense file without objection, with a few witnesses registering support or opposition on selected measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is objection.
• There is objection.
• There is objection.
• Is there objection? No objection. The rules are suspended.
• Is there objection? Seeing no objection, the rules are suspended.

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Pastor Tedrick Woods, followed by routine chamber actions including excusing Senator Gutierrez and receiving House messages that the House had passed HB 21 and HB 49. Senators also recognized advocates visiting the gallery on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis awareness and introduced the Doctor of the Day. The chamber adopted several resolutions, including HCR 66, by voice vote. The Senate then took up and passed a series of measures, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. Among the bills finally passed were HJR 2, which would prohibit state death taxes; HB 206, limiting counties from requiring cash bonds for pipeline construction; HB 517, barring property owners associations from fining homeowners for discolored vegetation during watering restrictions; HB 2756, requiring TDCJ correctional officers to receive de-escalation and behavioral health training; HB 451, expanding screening for commercial sexual exploitation risk among children in DFPS and TJJD custody; SB 705, cleaning up the air conditioning and refrigeration contractors advisory board; SB 2017, creating an offense for burnouts and wheelies; SB 1858, expanding body armor grant eligibility to ISDs; SB 1400, directing a study on transfer-student outcomes for community college funding; SB 2764, requiring notice to manufactured home buyers about converting homes to real property; SB 748, a licensing cleanup bill on laser hair removal; SB 2519, restricting certain ad valorem tax uses and bonds after amendment; SB 2878, the courts bill with amendments on Brazoria County courts and youth diversion provisions; SB 466, allowing families to request fetal death certificates at any gestational age; SB 1608, requiring timely physical exams for inpatient mental health admissions; SB 1730, limiting civil damages claims arising from certain uses of force or deadly force; SB 2417, clarifying Attorney General antitrust investigation work product and discovery rules; and SB 1946, creating a family violence, criminal homicide prevention task force. The Senate also passed HB 3204, renaming and updating the Polytechnic College at Sam Houston State University, and SB 1986, requiring opioid warning labels. Several bills drew brief debate or amendments. Senators discussed broader HOA reform while considering HB 517, and SB 2203 on TCEQ discovery procedures was amended to require party motions, set a 15-day expiration for certified issues, and limit hearing abatement. SB 2017 was amended to change the mens rea language from knowingly to intentional. SB 2519 was narrowed by amendment to a forward-looking policy statement separating maintenance-and-operation taxes from debt-service taxes. SB 2878 also received amendments to reduce the number of new Brazoria County courts and add youth diversion and crisis-response provisions. SB 466 prompted a floor debate over whether fetal death certificates are appropriate for pre-20-week losses, with supporters emphasizing family closure and opponents arguing the document has no estate-related purpose. SB 1730 also prompted questions about the relationship between criminal findings and civil liability in self-defense cases. The session concluded with additional House and Senate measures being signed in the presence of the Senate and continued consideration of SB 2177, a grant program to help local law enforcement solve violent and sexual offenses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Johnson: For what purpose, Mr. Speaker? Speaker: State your inquiry.
• Speaker, state your inquiry. Representative Johnson: Mr.
• Representative Johnson: Fair. Final parliamentary inquiry. State your inquiry.
• Representative Johnson: Mr. Speaker, parliamentary inquiry? State your inquiry.
• Representative Johnson: So Parliamentary Inquiry. State your inquiry.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If there's no objection, Senate Bill 519 will be left pending. Is there objection?
• There's no objection. HCR 81 will be left pending. Is there objection? Chair's none.
• There's no objection. HCR 84 will be left pending. Is there objection? Chair's none.
• This bill represents a critical step in protecting wildlife and improving driver safety in the state
• Uh, there's no objection, Senate Bill 1247 will be left pending. Is there objection?

Transcript Highlights:

• and the great state of Texas.
• Representative Raymond moves to add all members' names to the resolution. Is there objection?
• , um, Representative Mitch Little, Representative Ben Ben Bumgardner, and Representative Cassandra Garcia
• all 50 states and US territories.
• I represent Irving, and it's, I'm proud to represent a very diverse community.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative McLaughlin. Representative Holt. Representative Pearson, Representative Hickland.
• Thank you, Representative Lopez. Um, if there's no objection, the bill will be left pending.
• House Bill 3354 by Representative Van Dever seeks to formally designate the portion of State Highway
• House Bill 2061 by Representative Holt recognizes Lance Corporal Armando Hernandez by designating State
• House Bill 2337 by Representative Frank relating to the concurrent jurisdiction of this state over United

Transcript Highlights:

• Without objection, so ordered. so. Without objection, so ordered.
• House Bill 436, Representative Smith, an act relating to state parks.
• Representative Gordon. Mr.
• Representative Commonwealth of Kentucky. Representative Watkins. Watkins. Watkins.
• Representative Burke. Representative Burke.

Keywords: Convene 00:00 Senate Message 05:09 Calendar/2nd Readings 05:59 Report of Committees 07:10 Orders of the Day 08:11 HJR 25 08:26 HB 66 11:58 HB 305 16:20 HB 432 22:44 HB 313 27:29 HB 44 30:26 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 34:30 Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 42:07 Recess for ConC/Rules Meeting 43:38 ConC/Rules Report 47:26 Floor Amendments 48:25 Adjournment 48:54, 958, all

Summary: The House convened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 94 members present. The chamber excused absent members, suspended rules to allow co-sponsorship and vote modifications, and received notice that the Senate had passed Senate Bills 136 and 183 and requested concurrence. The journal was approved, and several bills were reported for second reading, including measures on vehicle wheels, proactive post-secondary admission, choking prevention in schools, state parks, background checks, public post-secondary employment, tuition waivers, veterans benefits, and a resolution urging a federal accreditation pathway for veterans-benefits assistance companies. Committee reports advanced a number of bills, including measures on privacy protection, theft by deception, social work, licensed occupations, members of the bar, and alternative high school diplomas. The House then adopted House Joint Resolution 25, which declares Kentucky a “food is medicine” state and directs agencies to coordinate pilot studies and partnerships around nutrition, public health, and Kentucky-grown products; the resolution passed 95-0. The chamber also passed House Bill 66, as amended, on video teleconference meetings for agencies and boards. The bill requires posting board member contact information, permits video-only meetings for informational or routine matters, requires a physical quorum for final actions on law, regulation, taxation, and large grants, and allows agencies to set their own video-meeting procedures; it passed 95-0 after adoption of a committee substitute, floor amendment, and title amendment. House Bill 305, the grand jury service bill renamed the Crystal Rogers Act, was amended by committee substitute and floor amendment after a successful motion to suspend the rules for a technical correction. The bill strengthens grand jury confidentiality rules, prohibits knowing recording or disclosure by those present, and extends the statute of limitations for violations; supporters cited the Crystal Rogers case as the reason for closing a gap in the law. It passed 93-0. House Bill 432 on local purchasing also passed, 82-7, after committee substitute changes clarified the 75% threshold for used vehicles and equipment and updated rules for noncompetitive purchasing and local government flexibility. The House then passed House Bill 313, reducing the notice period for city utility franchise agreements from 18 months to 6 months, by a vote of 93-0, and House Bill 44, which creates a robotics program trust fund and grant program for grades 7-12 to support STEM and workforce training, by a vote of 91-0. The session concluded with motions and announcements, including the bringing up of House Resolution 60 from committee and a resolution recognizing February 11, 2026 as Recovery Advocacy Day in Kentucky, with remarks on overdose deaths, recovery efforts, and the importance of prevention and services. Members also announced upcoming receptions and meetings, and one bill, House Bill 372, was withdrawn.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 689, Representative Neighbors, an act relating to the establishment of a Medicaid state directed
• Later, he was elected to the United States Congress as a member of the House of Representatives.
• And in the 1850s, he was Speaker of the House of the United States Representatives.
• Representatives. Representatives.
• United States Representatives. United States Representatives.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House convened, received the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum, excused absent members, and approved the journal. The clerk also announced Senate passage of Senate Bills 59, 137, 177, and 199 and requested concurrence. The chamber then moved into second reading, reporting a slate of bills and resolutions on health care, energy, child welfare, Medicaid, workplace violence, and coal/energy assessment, before proceeding to third reading and passage of several measures. A major focus was House Bill 542 on eminent domain. The sponsor described it as a transparency measure to improve communication with property owners, require better notice, prohibit misleading statements, allow owner-paid appraisals to be used throughout negotiations, and account for agricultural improvements and access. Members discussed the bill’s intent to treat property owners fairly and reduce court costs; the House adopted House Committee Substitute 1 and passed the bill 89-0. House Bill 565 on fire protection was presented as technical cleanup to clarify enforcement authority for local fire appeal boards created last year, and it passed 91-0. The House also passed House Bill 611 on domestic relations, which creates a 10-year interpersonal protective order for certain felony assault convictions involving family members, unmarried couples, or dating partners, and updates domestic violence data reporting requirements; the committee substitute was adopted and the bill passed 91-0. House Bill 657 on professional licensing background checks was explained as giving five licensure boards authority to obtain FBI ORI numbers so they can receive fingerprint background checks and comply with interstate compacts; it passed 91-0. House Bill 762 on legal representation was amended on the floor to avoid excluding appellate attorneys, then passed 91-0; it was described as clarifying Department of Public Advocacy representation and related salary provisions. The House also passed House Bill 108 on solid waste management, which its sponsor said closes a loophole allowing residual waste landfills to be sited in a different county from the industry without local input; it passed 79-8. House Bill 67 on schools, a cleanup measure to prior legislation requiring traceable communication systems for school employees, was introduced with a committee substitute and discussed as clarifying definitions and exemptions while preserving protections for students; the transcript cuts off before the final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Pittman, you're recognized. Representative Pittman, you're recognized.
• Thank you, Representative.
• Thank you, Representative. Any questions on the bill? Chairman. Thank you, Representative.
• Your follow-up, Representative? Well, another question? Yes. Do you follow up, Representative?
• I'm... ...and if there's some major moral objection, I'm not telling you what to do as a representative

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard several insurance- and trust-related bills. CS/HB 265, relating to post-judgment execution proceedings involving terrorism, was presented as a measure to help victims enforce long-standing judgments against terrorist assets; it received no opposition in testimony and was reported favorably. CS/HB 1173, concerning the Florida Trust Code, clarified that the Florida Attorney General is the only public official with standing to enforce charitable trusts administered in Florida; members discussed that it was intended to resolve ambiguity identified by a court decision, and it also passed favorably. The committee then took up PCS/HB 643 on residual market insurers. The bill would remove the “diligent effort” requirement for surplus lines placements, revise surplus lines eligibility, and let Citizens policyholders elect arbitration through DOAH or the courts at renewal or issuance. The sponsor argued the changes would reduce red tape and give consumers more options, while an opponent from the Florida Justice Association warned that removing diligent-search protections could push more policyholders into higher-cost, less-regulated surplus lines coverage and that arbitration could favor insurers. Committee members raised concerns about the lack of premium credits for arbitration, the effect on Citizens, and the loss of consumer protections, but the bill was reported favorably. Finally, PCS/HB 1047 on insurance regulation generated extensive debate. The bill would reduce pre-licensure hours for general lines agents from 200 to 60, clarify restrictions on public adjuster conduct, require claims-handling manuals only for active residential property insurers, and define “sufficient evidence” for bad-faith claims with examples and a 10-day objection/response process. Supporters said it would streamline claims handling and clarify timelines; opponents and several members argued it could burden policyholders, especially after disasters, and might make it easier for insurers to delay or deny claims. There was also concern about the reduced training hours for new agents and the lack of detail on what constitutes sufficient evidence or a specific objection. After a divided debate, the bill was reported favorably by a 12-6 vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing no objection. So ordered. Seeing no objection. So ordered.
• Seeing no objection.
• This is your state government.
• It's a state agency.
• Romero, Representative Abeyta, Representative Chavez, and Representative Borrego.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:21:03.360> College State alum, and the State College State alum, and the State College
• The chief sponsor of this legislation, Representative Stwie, hails from the state of Florida, which is
• The chief sponsor of this legislation, Representative Steube, hails from the state of Florida, which
• been championing the cause for years. representative representatives Brian representative representatives
• Representatives Van Dyne and Panetta are doing tremendous work here to ensure that states have the enforcement

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 27, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Couture, Representative Dolio, Representative Goodman, Representative Taylor.
• Representative Caldier, Representative Paul, Representative Paul.
• Representative Barkas, Representative Hackney, Representative Paul.
• Representative Couture, Representative Paul, Representative Wallen. Every member voted.
• Representative Couture, Representative Paul, Representative Walen.

Summary: The House considered Substitute Senate Bill 5393, relating to closing Rainier School by June 30, 2027. After many withdrawn amendments, the House adopted striking Amendment 1455, which changed the bill to allow current residents to remain at Rainier School as long as they choose and can live there, while also creating opportunities for community care transitions, return to Rainier if needed, and regular reporting from DHS on transition outcomes, mortality, and related data. Members speaking in favor emphasized the need to move away from institutional care, protect vulnerable residents, and improve accountability; some noted the emotional and personal significance of the issue. The bill then passed the House 76-22 and was immediately transmitted to the Senate. The House also took up several Senate-amended bills and concurred in the Senate changes before final passage. Second Substitute House Bill 1207 passed 54-44 after debate over a fee increase and whether the revenue would benefit local jurisdictions enough. Substitute House Bill 1498 passed 70-28 after a modest Senate adjustment giving more first-year flexibility. House Bill 2003 passed 53-45 despite concerns that it would reduce fishing opportunities. Substitute House Bill 2047 passed 58-40; supporters praised the Senate changes, while opponents argued it still ended a valuable employee ownership program and remained subject to appropriations. House Bill 2050 passed 56-42 after the Senate removed an apportionment shift from the bill, though some members still objected to the remaining ALE enrollment cap. The House also received messages from the Senate indicating passage of a gross substitute House Bill 249 and that the President had signed gross substitute Senate Bill 5041. The chamber then adjourned until 10 a.m. Sunday, April 27.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Without<02:08:12.320> objection. >> Without objection.
• >> Without<03:25:30.000> objection. >> Without objection.
• Objection.
• <04:46:12.160> highway states seeking to use state highway states seeking to use state highway
• c><04:46:30.400> state<04:46:30.638> highway states seeking to use state highway states

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here representing Assist Associated Security Services and Investigators of the state of Texas.
• across the state.
• There's they're temporary state active duty or state employees.
• We represent the 39 LMHAs across the state.
• We haven't brought a statewide task force to look at this objectively as a state and try to come up with

Bills: SB 36

Keywords: transportation, regional authorities, mobility, infrastructure, sales tax

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Rose. Here. Representative Swanson. Here. Representative Noble. Here.
• Morales, Representative Slauson, Representative DiRisio, Representative Schatzel. representative Davis
• Representative Morales, Representative Slauson, Representative DeRazio. Representative Schatzine.
• Representative Morales moves that... Representative...
• Representative noble representative Morales representative Slauson representative to raise Thank you.

Bills: HB2646, HB3941, HB5153, HB5155, HB5394, HB 1106, HB426, HB4529, HB3984, HB4273, HB 1097, HB3940, HB1941, HB4377, HB3153

Keywords: child care, task force, high-quality care, affordability, prekindergarten partnerships, foster care, transitional living, Medicaid reform, youth assistance, independent living, services for youth, employment training, educational support, mental health services, health care, public health, child health program, reimbursement, local health entities, maternal health

Transcript Highlights:

• Of the United States and of this state. So help me God. Right.
• Representative Button moves to add all members' names to the resolution. Is there an objection?
• Representative Toth moves to add all members' names to the resolution. Is there any objection?
• HR 189 by Dyson honoring former state Representative John Haney Rainey on his service.
• Representative Lambert moves to add all members' names to the resolution. Is there any objection?

Transcript Highlights:

• who call this state home. who call this state home.
• Anyone object? Anyone wish to in block. Anyone object?
• Anyone<01:14:51.200> object? Anyone object? Anyone object?
• Anyone object? Anyone final passage. Anyone object?
• Anyone object? requested. Anyone object?

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 19 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, received an invocation from Reverend Kenny McGill, and approved dispensing with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. The chamber then spent a substantial amount of time introducing guests in the galleries, including local officials, electric cooperative and farm bureau representatives, a doctor of the day, and student groups, with repeated recognition of workers involved in storm recovery and other public service efforts. Senators also offered brief remarks of support for Senator Warren Barnett’s recovery. The main business was the appropriations calendar. Senator Hopkins gave an overview of the budget process and projected FY 2027 general fund figures, noting that the Senate was still early in the process, had only considered Senate-originated bills, and was awaiting House bills such as education and Medicaid. He highlighted major budget pressures and items including university professor pay raises, agricultural unit increases, education enhancement funds, CAPEX projects, TRICARE funding, and a veterans home appropriation. He also noted that some bills were final passage while others contained reverse repealers and would go to conference. The Senate then considered several appropriations bills. Senate Bill 3051, the Department of Finance and Administration budget and related agencies, was explained by Senator DeBar; it included reductions tied to vacancy projections, contractual and nonrecurring funding changes, and reappropriations for America 250, the Capital City Water Project, coronavirus fiscal recovery expenses, and Bureau of Buildings invoices. It was adopted and passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3052, the Governor’s Office and Mansion budget, was presented as final action without a reverse repealer, with funding reduced from last year due to the loss of federal GEAR and EANS funds; it also passed by morning roll call. Senate Bill 3053, IHL general support, included a $2,000 professor raise and a $20 million CAPEX item, with a total budget of about $1.673 billion; it passed. Senate Bill 3054, IHL subsidiary programs, was explained as having no dollars over LBR and a total of $87.8 million, with a reverse repealer; after a brief question about the university professor raises, it too was adopted and passed.