Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Coleman, Senator Bullard, Bullard here. Senator Burns. Burns here.
• Senator Howard here. Senator Ye. Y here, Senator Jett. Jet here. Senator Howard here. Senator Ye.
• Senator Reinhardt, Senator Pew here Senator Raider, Raider here.
• The Clerk will now read the bills and resolutions introduced on first reading. »> Senate bills 1186 through
• Senate Joint resolutions 46, Senate concurrent resolutions 13 and 14, and Senate resolutions 23 through

Bills: SB1519, SB1775, SB1900, SB1948, SB2080, SB1226, SB1456, SB1462, SB1463, SB1980, SB1479, SB1608, SB1923

Keywords: municipal zoning, home-based businesses, no-impact businesses, local government, regulation, short-term rentals, municipal ordinance, municipal court, court of record, court not of record, city penalties, fine limits, penalty cap, ordinance enforcement, state statute, traffic offenses, speeding, parking, DUI, DWI

Transcript Highlights:

• And um um um I'll<00:22:16.800> I'll<00:22:16.960> see<00:22:17.120> what<00:22:
• Um Um Um I<00:22:20.920> do<00:22:21.200> think<00:22:21.560> you<00:22:21.679><
• > the<00:22:23.480> number<00:22:23.920> of<00:22:24.280> students<00:22:
• :22:27.320> the<00:22:27.400> sending<00:22:27.760> school<00:22:28.600> and<
• <00:22:31.080> they<00:22:31.200> are<00:22:31.320> differential<00:22:31.840>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate will come to order. Senator Birdwell, you're recognized to offer the prayer. Thank you, Mr.
• Thank you, Senator Birdwell.
• Senate concurrent resolution number 7.
• President, I move that the Senate stand in recess until 10:00 a.m.
• The Senate stands in recess until 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 24th.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator, will come to order. Senator Birdwell, you're recognized to offer the prayer.
• Thank you, Senator Birdwell.
• The chair announces the signing of the following in the presence of the Senate: Senate Concurrent Resolution
• President, I move that the Senate stand in recess until 10 a.m.
• The Senate stands in recess until 10 a.m. Friday, January 24th.

Bills: SJR36, SB1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure

Summary: The Senate convened briefly with an opening prayer by Senator Birdwell, who asked for protection and wisdom for Texans affected by severe weather, as well as for state and national leaders. The chair noted hazardous travel conditions from the winter storm and advised that attendance was not essential for affected members and staff; the journal was to reflect the weather event. The chair announced the signing of Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 in the presence of the Senate. On first reading and referral, the secretary read Senate Joint Resolution 36 by Hall, proposing a constitutional amendment related to appropriations for preserving certain items of historical moment, and Senate Bill 1 by Huffman, the General Appropriations Act. A motion in writing was then offered by Senator Zaffirini to recess the Senate until 10 a.m. Friday, January 24. With no objection, the motion carried and the Senate recessed until that time.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate will come to order. Senator Birdwell, you're recognized to offer the prayer.
• Chair: Thank you, Senator Birdwell.
• Senate Concurrent Resolution Number Seven.
• Senate Bill One by Huffman, the General Appropriations Act to finance.
• The Senate stands in recess until 10 a.m. Friday, January 24th.

Bills: SJR36, SB1, SJR36, SB1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate will come to order. Senator Birdwell, you're recognized to offer the prayer.
• Thank you, Senator Birdwell.
• The chair announces the signing of the following in the presence of the Senate: Senate Concurrent Resolution
• Senate Bill 1 by Huffman, the General Appropriations Act, to finance...
• The Senate stands in recess until 10 a.m. Friday, January 24th.

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer by Senator Birdwell, who asked for protection and wisdom for Texans affected by severe weather, as well as guidance for state and national leaders. The chair then noted hazardous travel conditions from the winter storm and advised that attendance was not essential for affected members and staff; the journal was directed to reflect the weather event. The chair announced the signing of Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 and then laid out first-reading items, including SJR 36 by Hall, a proposed constitutional amendment related to appropriations for preserving historical items, and Senate Bill 1 by Huffman, the General Appropriations Act. No debate or votes on those measures occurred in this transcript. Finally, Senator Zaffirini moved that the Senate stand in recess until 10 a.m. Friday, January 24. With no objection, the motion carried and the Senate recessed accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Maiden — here. Senator Maize Bledsoe — here. Senator McDaniel. Senator Mills.
• :00.000> on<00:22:00.720> um<00:22:00.960> how<00:22:01.600> they<00:22:01.840
• <00:22:03.200> Is<00:22:03.440> it<00:22:03.600> going<00:22:03.760> to
• <00:22:08.880> I<00:22:09.120> think<00:22:09.200> that's<00:22:10.559> kind
• 00:22:12.880> uh<00:22:13.039> ruling<00:22:13.440> of<00:22:13.600> this

Keywords: 958, all

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, July 17, 2026, 960, senate, all

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, July 16, 2026, 960, senate, all

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 960, senate, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• The House Senate, Senate Bill 11.
• :09.120> Watson, Senator Feldman, chair, Senator Watson, Senator Feldman, chair, Senator Watson
• The Senate has appointed Senator Smith, chairman, Senator Love, Senator West.
• Just another<00:22:30.000> quick<00:22:30.240> question<00:22:30.400> for<00:22:
• >> Senator<00:22:32.000> May<00:22:32.159> proceed.

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:

• Senate Bill 159, Senator A.
• appoints Senator Watson Chair, Senator Harris, Senator Gallion.
• > Harris,<00:13:09.320> Senator Watson Chair, Senator Harris, Senator Watson Chair, Senator
• Thank you, Senator. Uh, Senator from the 42nd. Thank you, Senator.
• 22:21.200> not<02:22:21.400> even<02:22:21.600> at<02:22:21.960> the<02:22

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, April 10, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Associate Pastor Justin Wills of Miracle Temple Church in Lothian, followed by remarks recognizing his family’s ministry and requesting that the prayer be journalized. The chamber then moved through several introductions, including Johnston Square Elementary students who were recognized for strong grades, education-related guests, and staff and family members of senators. After the roll confirmed a quorum, the Senate returned to business. On third reading, House Bill 563, concerning emergency response animals, was amended to align the House and Senate versions. The amendment added self-defense as an affirmative defense, included horses used in search and rescue within the definition of emergency response animal, added a definition of law enforcement unit, and adjusted penalties. The bill then passed with 44 affirmative votes. The Senate also took up Senate Bill 159 on EMS vehicle supplies and neonatal care; the chamber refused to concur in House amendments and sent a message asking the House to recede or appoint a conference committee. The Senate introduced House Bill 420 and referred it to Rules. In Judicial Proceedings, Senate Bill 791 on immigration enforcement prohibitions in correctional facilities was reported favorably with three amendments, including technical changes, limits tied to certain convictions, notice requirements for state facilities, and authorization for judges or commissioners to consider immigration detainers in bail decisions. The minority leader and others requested that the bill be special ordered for more time to review and prepare amendments, arguing the issue was controversial and had been fast-tracked; supporters of the committee report said the bill had already been heard and discussed. The debate over the special-order motion was ongoing at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Floor<00:22:01.919> moves<00:22:02.159> for<00:22:02.240> the<00:22:02.400
• <00:22:05.360> On<00:22:05.520> the<00:22:05.600> amendments,<00:22:06.000><
• <00:22:09.520> Question<00:22:09.760> now<00:22:09.919> on<00:22:10.000>
• Senate Bill 578 which passed the Senate Senate Bill 578 which passed the Senate unanimously.<01:
• All right, let's do this concurrence calendar here. We've got a Senate bill concurrence.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, and handled several ceremonial and introductory matters before moving into committee reports. The chamber welcomed the doctor of the day, recognized an intern and a guest in the gallery, extended birthday wishes to Senator Chris West, and received remarks from the Romanian Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Andre Moraru, who emphasized Romania’s strategic partnership with the United States, NATO cooperation, investment ties, energy projects, and support for Ukraine. Senators also briefly noted Maryland’s military and diplomatic ties to Romania. The ambassador’s remarks were journalized, and members were given time to meet with him off the floor. The Senate then took up a series of second-reading bills, mostly from the Finance Committee, adopting committee amendments and favorable reports without objection. Among the measures advanced were Senate Bill 39 on behavioral health reimbursement rate methodology and a work group for certified community behavioral health clinics and outpatient mental health centers; Senate Bill 605 directing the Public Service Commission to study broadband and VoIP oversight; Senate Bill 721, Ralph’s Act, providing expedited DDA/Medicaid eligibility for certain recently relocated individuals; and Senate Bill 891 on perinatal mental health screening, coverage, training, and reporting. Each was amended in committee and ordered printed for third reading. The Senate also advanced several House bills, including House Bill 427 extending the task force on responsible use of natural psychedelic substances and adding an HBCU representative; House Bill 480 requiring transportation network companies to maintain written deactivation policies; House Bill 532 requiring overtime pay for firefighters employed by governmental units after 168 hours in a 28-day period; House Bill 816 reducing the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund assessment cap from 3% to 1% and authorizing an affordability program; House Bill 829 requiring human trafficking awareness training for certain for-hire and rideshare drivers; House Bill 862 requiring a two-person crew for certain freight rail operations in shared corridors, contingent on similar action in neighboring states; and House Bill 999 revising Class 9 limited distillery license rules and production limits. Most of these bills were reported favorably, with no objections, and were ordered to third reading or passed for third reading as applicable.

Transcript Highlights:

• Smith,<00:36:08.480> fire Senate Bill 513, Senator Smith, fire Senate Bill 513, Senator
• Senate Bill 581, which passed the Senate Senate Bill 581, which passed the Senate unanimously.<01
• > Rosapep, Senate Bill 960, Senator Rosapep, Senate Bill 960, Senator Rosapep, Maryland<01:03:
• Zucker, Senate Bill 765, Senator Zucker, Senate Bill 765, Senator Zucker, property<01:11:49.960
• Senate Bill 605, Senator M.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate reconvened with a quorum present and proceeded through a series of committee reports and floor actions, mostly on House bills. Several measures were advanced without opposition, often after brief floor explanations and unanimous adoption of committee amendments. Topics included behavioral health rate-setting modernization (HB 772), expedited Medicaid eligibility for relocated individuals with developmental disabilities (HB 1015), perinatal behavioral health screening and coverage (HB 1118), mammogram notices about breast arterial calcification (HB 1364), menopause provider training and coverage (HB 1365), cannabis licensing and training changes (HB 622), cemetery sale and transfer oversight (HB 892), travel services insurance requirements (HB 994), cash transaction rounding authorization (HB 1026), specie as legal tender (HB 1312), menstrual hygiene product ingredient labeling (HB 1357), health care quality reporting and a health centralization commission (HB 1372), special pediatric hospital transfer and review procedures (HB 1376), telehealth continuity of care for out-of-state counselors (HB 1483), and child placement protections for unlicensed settings and pediatric overstay patients (HB 1559). Most of these bills were ordered passed for third reading after the chamber adopted the committee amendments and favorable reports. The Senate also considered environmental and consumer-related measures. HB 146 would delay implementation dates for onsite wastewater system regulation and licensing requirements, while striking provisions on inspections and pumping for rental properties and sales. HB 254, a Department of Natural Resources bill, was described as facilitating community engagement in planning and development of departmental projects. HB 969 on retail electric vehicle fuel sales and charging equipment requirements was also taken up and reported favorably. In each of these cases, members noted no committee opposition and no fiscal impact, and the bills were advanced. Two bills were set aside rather than immediately acted on. HB 1037, concerning a Public Service Commission study on broadband and voice over internet protocol service, was special ordered until Friday at the request of a senator. HB 1312, the specie/legal tender bill, prompted questions about the definition of specie and was also special ordered for consideration the next morning. No roll-call votes were recorded in the excerpt; actions were taken by unanimous consent on amendments and committee reports, with multiple bills ordered to third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate has appointed Senator Hayes, chairman, Senator Rei, and Senator Lamb.
• The Senate has appointed Senator Hayes, chairman, Senator Rei, and Senator Lamb.
• chairman, Senator Rei, and Senator Lamb. chairman, Senator Rei, and Senator Lamb.
• :30.240> Gallian, >> Senate Bill 849, Senator Gallian, >> Senate Bill 849, Senator
• Amendment number<00:22:47.919> two<00:22:48.240> alters<00:22:48.640> the<00:22:

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation by Rabbi Ari Goldstein, whose remarks were journalized at the request of the senator from District 33. The chamber then recognized the doctor of the day, Dr. Maryann Lamont, for her 50 years in medicine and her work in neurology and stroke care, and also thanked a legislative aide, Samantha Briggs, who is leaving for law school. The presiding officer noted a quorum was present and moved into the day’s floor work. The Senate handled several messages and committee reports, including a conference committee appointment on Senate Bill 18, which concerns provisional social work licensure. In Finance, the chamber advanced Senate Bill 246 on Health Services Cost Review Commission member terms, Senate Bill 370 on acupuncture board revisions, Senate Bill 564 creating a Division of Data Protection in the Attorney General’s office and a related work group, Senate Bill 782 on telecommunications infrastructure protections, Senate Bill 808 on health insurance provider panel requirements, Senate Bill 849 on agricultural equipment warranties, Senate Bill 867 on the Maryland Aerospace and Technology Commission, and Senate Bill 982 on mutual insurance holding companies converting back to mutual insurers. Most of these bills were reported favorably with technical or conforming amendments, which were adopted without objection, and each was ordered printed for third reading. The committee also considered several House bills with Senate cross-files or identical measures. These included House Bill 118 on money transmitter licensing, House Bills 339 and 512 on Anne Arundel County Board of License Commissioners compensation, House Bill 1100 on telecommunications infrastructure protections, House Bill 1395 on agricultural equipment warranties, House Bill 1473 creating Maryland’s Future Board, House Bill 226 on Department of Disabilities housing programs, House Bill 278 codifying the Longevity Ready Maryland plan, and House Bill 746 on collaborative care model coverage and cost-sharing limits. In each case, the committee reports were adopted, amendments were approved where offered, and the bills were advanced to third reading or passed for third reading, with no recorded opposition on the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:22:30.360> just<00:22:30.720> but<00:22:31.000> one<00:22:31.280> little
• But<00:22:33.960> nearly<00:22:34.480> two<00:22:34.960> decades<00:22:35.840>
• And<00:22:56.160> what<00:22:56.520> have<00:22:56.800> been<00:22:57.040> the
• Senate Bill 197 as it passed the Senate Senate Bill 197 as it passed the Senate earlier<00:53:31.800
• c><01:33:37.880> Bill Senate birthday wish to Senator Bill Senate birthday wish to Senator Bill

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, April 6, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, received an invocation from Pastor Shannon Watkins of Souls One Outreach Cathedral in Cumberland, and welcomed several guests and student pages. The chamber also announced the week’s schedule for the final days of session, including likely double sessions later in the week and a possible Saturday hold. Administrative items included the reading of House messages, a favorable executive nominations report that was special ordered for Tuesday, and the introduction of several House bills and Senate bills on the calendar. The main floor debate centered on Senate Bill 841, the Utility Relief Reducing Energy Load Information for Every Family Act. Senators discussed energy affordability, ratepayer relief, utility costs, data center growth, in-state generation, and the role of programs such as RGGI, EmPower, and the RPS. Supporters said the bill provides a comprehensive short- and long-term response, including consumer transparency and low-income relief, while critics argued it did not go far enough and should have included stronger relief or pauses on renewable energy mandates. After debate and several explanations of vote, the Senate passed SB 841 by a constitutional majority, 38-affirmative votes. Earlier in the session, Senate Bill 213 on state procurement transparency and procedures also passed with 40 affirmative votes. After SB 841 passed, the Senate took up House Bill 1532, a conforming companion to the utility relief measure. The committee offered an amendment to align HB 1532 with SB 841, the amendment was adopted without objection, and the bill then passed on third reading. Senators who explained their votes largely echoed the same themes from the SB 841 debate, with some emphasizing the need for more relief and others stressing the bill’s broader policy changes and regional energy-market constraints.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, April 3, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's recognize the Senator from the 38th District for a resolution today. Good morning, Mr.
• Senate Bill 956, this bill expressly Senate Bill 956, this bill expressly authorizes<00:22:24.480>
• 00:22:26.720> any<00:22:26.880> portion<00:22:27.440> of<00:22:27.600> a
• ><00:22:34.640> account<00:22:35.040> instead<00:22:35.440> of<00:22:35.880>
• > being<00:22:36.720> authorized<00:22:37.280> to<00:22:37.360> do<00:22:

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Father Mark Bilek of Westminster, introduced by the Senator from the 42nd District and praised by members for his community service and Lenten message of reconciliation. The prayer was journalized. The chamber then recognized several guests, including interns, family members, a shadowing student, and the doctor of the day, Dr. Ann Benfield, before moving to floor business. A scheduling note indicated a light floor agenda, with committee work later in the day and a longer floor session expected the next day. The Senate considered several second-reading committee reports and moved multiple bills to third reading, generally without objection. These included House Bill 229, increasing Maryland Transportation Authority bond capacity from $4 billion to $5 billion; House Bill 266, allowing resource-sharing revenues to support state communications infrastructure, with an amendment conforming it to Senate Bill 85; House Bill 472, extending and adjusting the theatrical production tax credit; House Bill 607, setting constitutional officers’ salaries; House Bill 810, creating a study on blockchain-based lease recordation verification with an amendment adding the Maryland Blockchain Association; House Bill 1095, granting a Calvert County property tax credit for former tobacco barns; House Bill 1142, creating a task force on county and municipal revenue structures; and House Bill 1165, addressing apprenticeship program accountability and completion. The Senate also advanced Senate Bill 956, authorizing the Maryland Transportation Authority to waive portions of video tolls or civil penalties on delinquent accounts, with a sponsor amendment. Members briefly joked about April Fools’ Day during the proceedings, but the chamber continued to adopt reports and amendments without recorded opposition. At the end of the session, leaders announced committee schedules for the afternoon and the next day, including Finance, Triple E, Budget and Taxation, and Judicial Proceedings meetings. The Senate then held a quorum call, confirmed 45 members present, and adjourned until Thursday, April 2 at 10:00 a.m.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 960, senate, all