Transcript Highlights:

• And like most counties, they are simply... ...pay us out of their own budget.
• We work with very tight budgets. We want to ensure quality services to the community.
• Without Sarah and Sheena from our payroll department, paychecks would be delayed and budgets would fall
• as well as a state budget deficit.
• Also, with the budget, the tight budget we have this year at the state, we definitely need to make sure

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement met for its first hearing of the session, adopted committee rules, and heard several labor-related bills. The chair reviewed hearing procedures, including limits on testimony and expectations for orderly conduct. Members then took up measures affecting public employee bargaining, contracting, confidentiality, school employee benefits, pay stub information, and state correctional health staffing. AB 672 would require public employers to notify PERB when filing court actions involving statutes PERB administers and allow PERB to intervene; it drew support from SEIU, AFSCME, school employees, labor groups, and no opposition, and was passed out of committee. AB 283 would move IHSS bargaining from the county to the state level; providers and recipients testified about low wages, long delays in bargaining, and care access concerns, while counties and public authorities raised cost, scope, and implementation issues. The bill passed 7-0 after members discussed family care worker concerns and the author said he would continue working on the issue. AB 339 would require local governments to give unions 120 days’ notice before contracting out bargaining-unit work. Labor supporters said the bill would make existing meet-and-confer rights meaningful and protect jobs, while counties, cities, special districts, chambers of commerce, and staffing groups argued it would burden local agencies and interfere with existing MMBA procedures. The committee also heard AB 340, which would make communications between employees and union representatives confidential for PERB purposes; supporters said it codified existing case law, while school administrators, special districts, counties, and business groups warned it could hinder investigations. AB 378 would extend the classified school employees summer assistance program to JPA employees, and AB 374 would require more detailed pay stubs for classified school employees; both had labor support and some education-sector opposition over implementation and cost concerns, and both advanced. AB 393 would require cost analyses before contracting out physician work at CDCR and the Department of State Hospitals; supporters argued the state was overpaying contractors amid high vacancy rates, and the bill also advanced. At the end of the hearing, the committee recorded final votes showing AB 283, AB 340, AB 374, AB 378, AB 393, and AB 672 all passing out of committee, while AB 339 remained on hold with a 4-0 vote and some members not voting.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that since the beginning of the year, we've seen a lot of policies and actions implemented by
• What do you see as some other opportunity areas that we could start thinking about maybe next budget
• What do you see as some other opportunity areas that we could start thinking about maybe next budget
• Their programs help me increase my budget to be able to piggyback off of many of their programs.
• I've got a budget of $16 million, hard for me to commit to that.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism held an informational hearing on the state of California tourism amid declining international visitation and broader economic and political headwinds. Visit California CEO Caroline Betetta said the industry remains a major economic driver, with 2024 visitor spending of $157 billion, 1.2 million jobs supported, and $12.7 billion in state and local tax revenue, but warned that 2025 forecasts show the first post-pandemic decline in visitation, driven largely by a projected 9.2% drop in international travel. She cited concerns about the strong dollar, visa wait times, border and immigration rhetoric, and a proposed federal visa integrity fee, while emphasizing Visit California’s marketing campaigns and the importance of upcoming mega-events like the World Cup and 2028 Olympics. A second panel of destination leaders described local impacts and strategies. Visit Sacramento’s Mike Testa said the city has diversified beyond conventions into music festivals, sports, and food events, but noted that international apprehension is affecting events like Terra Madre Americas and that California should do more to incentivize major festivals to stay in-state. Santa Monica Travel and Tourism’s Lauren Salisbury said the city is seeing lower international visitation, especially from Canada, Australia, and Europe, and that wildfire coverage and later federal troop presence in Los Angeles hurt local sentiment and caused cancellations. Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau’s Rhonda Salisbury reported steep drops in international visitation to the gateway region, ongoing concerns about wildfire, reservations, insurance costs, and park access, and praised a new federal requirement for quarterly meetings between national parks and gateway communities. San Diego Tourism Authority COO Carrie Verbeck-Cappich said tourism is the region’s second-largest sector, but 2025 is softer than 2024, with spending down despite modest visitation growth. She pointed to weaker Canadian and Asian travel, government-related meeting cancellations, and the need for more support to bid on and host major events; she also highlighted border-crossing delays, insufficient federal staffing at ports of entry, and the Tijuana River sewage crisis as major regional issues. Committee members discussed the effects of federal rhetoric, infrastructure, and cross-border conditions on tourism, and several witnesses urged continued support for Visit California, Brand USA, event incentives, and efforts to present California as welcoming and open. Public comment then opened, beginning with testimony from the California Attractions and Parks Association.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um during the 2024 budget years.
• The way the budget bill was written, we had to spread that out over two budget cycles.
• . budget. budget.
• It is that it is that budget year.
• The last two the two two budget years.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Protection, Energy and Environment, and Tourism met for its fourth meeting and approved the February 10 minutes. The committee then heard a presentation from the Cabinet for Economic Development, led by Secretary Jeff Noel, with staff from the cabinet and Kentucky Innovation. The presentation focused on the cabinet’s strategy, including workforce, entrepreneurship, innovation, infrastructure, and placemaking, and emphasized a goal of supporting higher-wage jobs while tailoring programs to urban, non-urban, and rural “heritage communities.” The cabinet reviewed several funding tools and programs, including economic development bond funds, EDF funds, KBI, the Kentucky Innovation Pool, KSTC-related startup and commercialization programs, veteran workforce programs, and Bluegrass State Skills Corporation training funds. Officials said many projects take years to close and that funds are often committed before they are actually disbursed because reimbursements occur after project completion. They also said Kentucky is less competitive than before because of changes in tax policy and that EDF funds are increasingly important to remain competitive with other states. Members asked about whether previously allocated money remained available, whether some funds could be clawed back, and the status of the Blue Oval project. The cabinet said it is oversubscribed, with some committed dollars likely to go unused and be reoffered to other projects. On Blue Oval, officials said progress had been made and described negotiations tied to repayment and job creation requirements. They also discussed the Ford/SK loan structure, saying the companies may assume the full $250 million obligation and that repayments would be required if job targets are not met. The presentation closed with discussion of workforce coordination and the need to connect economic development projects with training and support systems, including possible ripple effects for rural suppliers and related businesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• FOR PLAN YEAR 2026 AS A RESULT OF THE EXPIRATION OF THE FEDERAL SUBSIDIES AND THE FEDERAL RULE IMPLEMENTATION
• THIS WILL CAUSE A DECLINE FOR 2026 ALONG WITH ADDITIONAL IMPLEMENTATION FOR CONSUMERS.
• IT'S THE EXPANDED APPC AND SOME OF THE RULES THAT ARE IMPLEMENTED. >> Chair Anderson: YOU ARE RECOGNIZED
• SO 2026 THE BUDGET CRISIS WILL BE EVEN STEEPER SO I HOPE THE CHAIRS OF THE HEALTH COMMITTEES IN BOTH
• THERE ARE SEVERAL STATES THAT HAVE LOOKED AT DIFFERENT THINGS THEY ARE IMPLEMENTING AND I'M HAPPY TO

Transcript Highlights:

• And I just want to make sure, though, that that stays implemented with this, that any problem... ...have
• And I just want to make sure, though, that that stays implemented with this, that any project that we're
• But the state also did that with, I think, Prop 1, or basically legislation implementing Prop 1 to allow
• We also approve their budget. We also approve their budget. I guess we can love to do their budget.
• It doesn't always seem that way, but as long as this proposed structure is implemented in a way that's

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy convened with a quorum and first heard SB 254, a major utility affordability and wildfire package authored by Senator Becker and coauthored by Assemblymember Petrie-Norris. The bill was described as combining wildfire mitigation reforms, $6 billion in securitized financing for future fire-mitigation capital spending, a public ownership/transmission financing program, tighter scrutiny of utility profits, clean energy permitting streamlining, stronger customer connection timelines, and a successor wildfire fund/continuation account to replace the current fund. Supporters, including the Governor’s office, TURN, labor, clean energy groups, utilities, and public advocates, said the measure would lower bills, stabilize utilities, protect fire victims, and reduce wildfire-related bankruptcy risk. Opponents and some local government groups raised concerns about affordability impacts, the volumetric wildfire fee, strict liability, and provisions they said could affect local control. After discussion, the committee approved SB 254 on a 16-0 vote and sent it to the floor. The committee then held an informational hearing on AB 825, which would enable California to participate in a West-wide electricity market. The authors said the proposal could save ratepayers up to $1 billion annually, improve reliability by allowing California to draw on a larger regional supply, reduce curtailment of renewable power, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Support came from environmental organizations, labor, utilities, community choice aggregators, large energy users, and the Public Advocates Office, all emphasizing cost savings, reliability, and cleaner energy integration. TURN opposed the measure, warning that last-minute amendments removed safeguards against subsidizing out-of-state fossil generation and could expose California ratepayers to unwanted costs. Members questioned governance, exit rights, CPUC oversight, and local control, and the authors responded that the bill includes multiple safeguards, legislative reporting, the ability to exit without penalty, and continued local consultation. No vote was taken because the hearing was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:26:22.320> tight cost a lot of money in a very tight cost a lot of money in a very tight budget
• 24.559> the<00:26:24.720> state<00:26:24.960> to<00:26:25.159> defend budget
• year uh for the state to defend budget year uh for the state to defend it<00:26:26.320> so thank
• It's just we differ in views of perhaps perspective and implementation.
• and I think that's PE um implementation and I think that's PE um the<00:40:42.240> public<00:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Election Law Subcommittee met to review its report and vote on eight bills concerning voter registration, absentee voting, domicile qualifications, photographic identification, and related election procedures. The chair explained that the subcommittee’s mission was to consolidate and reconcile the bills, review constitutional and federal-law issues, and issue recommendations. Members thanked the chair, legislative staff, and outside contributors for the report and supporting materials, including research memos and testimony. The report was expected to be formally issued later in the week, with the bill recommendations finalized at the meeting. The subcommittee first voted on House Bill 27, relative to absentee ballots, where members discussed a proposed bipartisan follow-up bill to clarify language for voters in jail and correctional facilities. The bill was recommended ought to pass by a 3-2 vote. House Bill 289, on domicile qualifications for voting, and House Bill 323, requiring government-issued photographic identification to vote, were both retained by unanimous 5-0 votes. House Bill 385, concerning a prior voting law, was recommended inexpedient to legislate by a 3-2 vote after members cited constitutional concerns and cost. House Bills 418, 618, and 684 were each recommended inexpedient to legislate unanimously, with members saying the subcommittee was consolidating overlapping bills into one measure per topic. The final bill, House Bill 686, requiring identification when requesting an absentee ballot, was retained unanimously for further work over the summer and review by the full Election Law Committee in November. After completing all eight votes, members said the process helped them better understand the issues and that there was substantial bipartisan agreement on many principles, even where they differed on implementation. The meeting concluded with thanks and no further action beyond the subcommittee recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have a big role, and I want to make sure those agencies are effective and efficient in implementing
• Additionally, he will be providing an update on the implementation of HB 7071 from last year relating
• The implementation of this benchmark change will occur over the months following the final adoption of
• And then they provided to us a basically a corrective action plan that they implemented throughout the
• time, that's the assumption for actuarial purposes that is being used when the legislature does budgeting

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee met with a quorum and began with member introductions and remarks from the chair emphasizing the committee’s focus on government efficiency, accountability, and oversight of executive branch agencies. Members shared their districts and backgrounds, with several noting hurricane recovery in their communities and a shared interest in reducing bureaucracy and improving service to Floridians. The committee’s only presentation was from Chris Spencer, Executive Director of the State Board of Administration, who gave an overview of the SBA’s governance structure, investment responsibilities, and divestment policies. He explained the SBA’s management of more than $257 billion in assets, including the Florida Retirement System, the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, and Florida PRIME, and reviewed the Protecting Florida’s Investments Act restrictions covering Northern Ireland, Cuba, Venezuela, Israel, Sudan, Iran, and China. He also described the implementation of HB 7071, including the required divestment from direct holdings in Chinese companies, and said the SBA had reduced its direct Chinese holdings from 33 companies totaling over $172 million to 13 companies totaling about $64 million, with completion expected ahead of the September 1, 2025 deadline. Members asked detailed questions about the Israel boycott list, Morningstar and MSCI, how the SBA gathers information, whether Cuba’s federal designation changes affect Florida law, how companies are removed from scrutinized lists, and whether divestment timing could affect returns. Spencer said the SBA uses public and paid research sources, gives companies a 90-day cure period in some cases, and brings list changes to the trustees for approval. He also explained that the China benchmark change is intended to reduce passive exposure while still allowing active investment decisions, and said the PFIA restrictions have had a modestly positive overall effect on pension performance. The chair also asked about the Florida Retirement System funded ratio and the CAT Fund’s capacity; Spencer said the pension fund is at 80.7% funded, that actuarial assumptions are reviewed regularly, and that the CAT Fund currently has more than $10.5 billion in liquid claims-paying capacity and is expected to remain well positioned for hurricane losses. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:20.760> these And DHS is actively implementing these And DHS is actively implementing
• We have implemented payment withholds and referred suspected fraud to law enforcement.
• We have implemented provisional licensure for EIDBI providers.
• lower-level professionals to implement lower-level professionals to implement the<01:07:08.240><
• developing, implementing, and assessing EIDBI<01:07:40.760> policies.

Bills: HF3542

Keywords: data privacy, investigative data, welfare system, public funds, transparency, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So I will certainly communicate back to our extension offices that we might have to implement this program
• From there, we determined what types of activities or interventions we want to implement to address the
• It's definitely one of the budget items, and we want to use our funding to help spread that everywhere
• People's budgets are an indication of their values.
• Their budget is telling you what their values are, and their values are not to take care of New Mexicans

Transcript Highlights:

• The findings and progress on these efforts must be reported to both the Governor's Budget Office and
• the Legislative Budget Board, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• We don't have an across-the-board pay raise in this budget cycle, and that is a problem that's going
• Your understanding is correct in our implementation. ...rules for the TEF programs, there is no exclusion
• The bill requires utilities to develop and implement comprehensive wildfire mitigation plans at the PUC

Bills: HB111

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Due to the lack of fidelity in the data, DOH has not implemented the uterine fibroid research database
• , and that is... ...and reissue the appropriation to facilitate the implementation, and that is the bill
• the economic forecast that we've been given over the last three years, that we get in the now the budget
• committee and the legislative budget commission, that our population is only growing and our population
• faced with reality checks, and health care is the largest silo that we have when we talk about our budget

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

Transcript Highlights:

• So anything that we're looking at in implementing. or opposition did you have any organized support?
• Implementing and deploying an integrated centralized system, I think it's important that we work with
• them, so they're going to also ante up and bring money to the fund to get these things built and implemented
• Like, what fund do you pay it out of, not just your general budget?
• I know in that, Department, because we've always had some huge budget requests over the years just to

Bills: SB132, SM16, SM17

Keywords: SB132, DOIT, Department of Information Technology, software replacement, equipment replacement, technology funding, revolving fund, capital equipment, enterprise services, state IT budgeting, software budgeting, amortization, depreciation, State Treasurer, Department of Finance and Administration, New Mexico, information technology, IT infrastructure, fund accounting, legislative appropriation

Transcript Highlights:

• Subdivision two confers authority and implementation elements, authorizing the installation, requiring
• Then section eight, there's a blank one-time general fund appropriation to fund the implementation of
• have to come out of our operating budget if this bill were to be enacted.
• <01:15:50.480> if to come out of our operating budget if to come out of our operating budget
• have to come out of our operating budget if this bill were to be enacted.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I was very fearful that if it was part of one of the Department's budgets, it might have a much easier
• be on that um knowing the budget be on that um knowing the budget situation<00:16:52.959> as<
• is this year so constrained the budget is this year so instead<00:19:40.120> of<00:19:40.600>
• <02:00:34.440> of write rules about the implementation of write rules about the implementation
• Like I said, there seems to be some technical issues with implementation.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• adopting or requiring the adoption of net zero policies, expending government funds to support, implement
• Fast forward a couple of years when we implemented the alternate authorizer, that was a couple of years
• out today and the potential property tax obligations that it could have on their base and their budgeting
• in the numbers that correspond to tax packages certainly have a great deal to deal with where the budget
• just the bonus depreciation part retrospective on the one big beautiful bill would have impacted our budget

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• resolution directing the Energy and Environmental Cabinet to adopt revisions to the state air quality implementation
• resolution directing the Energy and Environmental Cabinet to adopt revisions to the state air quality implementation
• The hope is that we will establish this grant program, and then in future budget years we will invest
• total is $10 million, and the hope is that we will establish this grant program, and then in future budget
• The hope is that we will establish this grant program, and then in future budget years we will invest

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:56 SJR 28 Discussion 01:44 SJR 28 Roll Call Vote 03:32 SB 179 Discussion 04:08 SB 179 Roll Call Vote 07:33, 958, all

Summary: The committee opened with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the minutes. After no special guests were recognized, members took up a joint resolution carried by Senator Nemes for Senator Adams concerning reformulated gasoline requirements in Jefferson County and parts of Oldham and Bullitt counties. The resolution would direct the Energy and Environmental Cabinet to revise the state air quality implementation plan to remove the reformulated gas mandate. Senator Nemes argued the requirement is outdated and has little practical effect given modern vehicles and fuel standards, and members voted to pass the resolution unanimously. The committee then heard Senate Bill 179 from Senator Danny Carroll, which would create a nuclear energy development grant program within the Nuclear Energy Development Authority. Carroll explained that the bill would set aside $10 million from the previously appropriated $40 million investment for grants supporting nuclear energy development in Kentucky, with grants capped at $2 million and administered entirely by NEITA rather than through Economic Development. He and several members emphasized the need for Kentucky to invest in nuclear energy to keep pace with states like Tennessee, which was cited as having invested heavily and attracting business activity around small modular reactors. Members expressed strong support for the bill, with Senator West and others praising the initiative and calling it important for Kentucky’s energy future. The committee voted the bill out favorably with an expression that it shall pass. Before adjournment, the chair encouraged members to review the other energy bills that had been heard recently and stressed the importance of moving quickly on energy policy measures. A motion was then requested to close the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, you know, they have a base budget of more than $9 billion. They have 930 FTEs.
• They have a $260 million operations and admin budget.
• their budget. They're going to be cut. their budget. They're going to be cut.
• It's a lot an increase to their budget.
• Berg. numbers to implement the change in money numbers to implement the change in money in<00:34:18.720

Bills: HF2436, HF2929

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, HF2929, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, food assistance, nutrition assistance, public benefits, eligibility determination, income eligibility, federal poverty guidelines, poverty level, county agency, Tribal agency, human services, children and families, benefits administration

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:12:15.600> details specifically on implementation details specifically on implementation
• um uh no states that have implemented um uh no states that have implemented uh<01:08:00.960>
• note specifically for uh uh implementing note specifically for uh uh implementing a<01:11:32.719
• during the first year of implementation. during the first year of implementation.
• implement it. How does that work? implement it. How does that work?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:32:49.360> this is trying to do is implement this is trying to do is implement this mechanism
• >> We on the budget. >> We’re on the budget. >> Two new barges. >> Yes. >> Is it on order, or are they
• very concerned that we might be facing social service cuts and other budget problems.
• <00:53:42.240> year know that this is a tight budget year know that this is a tight budget
• social service cuts and other um budget social service cuts and other um budget problems.<00:53:

Bills: SB3275, SB3105

Keywords: cannabis, low-dose, personal use, cultivation, cannabis accessories, Hawaii cannabis law, medical cannabis, physician assistant, licensure compact, medical services, interstate practice, healthcare portability, military families, licensing authority, 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection reconsidered two condominium bills and adopted recommendations to pass both with amendments. For SB 2433, members approved amendments clarifying that condominium unit owners’ interests are to be recognized and protected in educational and related programs by the Real Estate Commission and DCCA, while making technical changes and changing the effective date. For SB 2838, the committee replaced the bill’s broader substantive language with a narrower requirement that associations provide electronic copies of specified documents, including master leases, reserve studies, audited financial statements, contracts, leases, and other agreements, along with technical changes and an amended effective date. Both measures were adopted unanimously by the members present, with Senator McKelvey excused. The committee then heard SB 2710 on animal issues, which would define and regulate dog breeders, set care standards, create county licensing authority, require records, and establish an animal abuser registry and related penalties. Testimony was mixed: the Public Defender and the American Kennel Club opposed the bill, arguing for stronger enforcement of existing laws rather than harsher penalties and warning that the bill would burden responsible breeders; the Hawaiian Humane Society supported the bill’s breeder regulation and registry provisions but urged removal of the hoarding section; and the committee noted 26 written testimonies in support, 14 in opposition, and four comments. In decision-making, the committee passed SB 2710 with amendments that blanked the license fee, deleted the animal abuser registry and shelter/pet store/breeder compliance checks, struck the hoarding provisions and proposed criminal penalty changes, and made technical changes with a deferred effective date. The committee also heard SB 2209 on rental discrimination, which would allow attorney’s fees to a prevailing party in source-of-income discrimination cases, and SB 2884, which would create a nonrefundable income tax credit for wind-resistant retrofits or hurricane shelters. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission supported SB 2209, and the committee later passed it with a deferred effective date. SB 2884 drew support from DCCA’s Insurance Division, the Department of Taxation, HEMA, the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, and a public witness who urged hurricane preparedness; it was passed with the Department of Taxation’s proposed amendments and a deferred effective date. Finally, the committee heard SB 2922 on cooperative associations, which would create a general cooperative associations framework. DCCA offered comments, while the Hawaii Co-op Hui, Purple Maya Foundation, Enliven Cooperative, and Hawaii Farmers Union supported the measure and argued that current law is too limited for worker, producer, and multi-stakeholder co-ops. After discussion about using the existing chapter 421C structure rather than creating a new regulatory scheme, the committee passed SB 2922 with amendments adopting changes proposed in testimony from the Hawaii Farmers Union and deferred the effective date.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's go to budget and tax. Let's go to budget and tax.
• to the budget?
• to the budget? to the budget?
• Budget and tax. >> Thank you, Mr. President. We have budget hearings at 1:00.
• budget after that. budget after that. >> All<01:53:02.639> right.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, journalized the prayer, and recognized Read Across America Day with a special resolution congratulating the Maryland State Education Association on the program’s 28th anniversary. Senators also welcomed several guests and student groups, including Eleanor Roosevelt High School students, Maryland Federation of Republican Women members for Red Scarf Day, medical shadows from Johns Hopkins, a student page prospect, and a group from Matthew Henson Elementary School. The chamber then took up multiple Finance Committee consent calendars and individual local alcohol-related bills, all of which were reported favorably, adopted without objection, and ordered printed for third reading. Measures included changes to alcohol license fee refunds for uniformed service members, Anne Arundel County license classifications and compensation for liquor board officials, a Baltimore City racetrack license extension, a Cecil County license quota change, and new or expanded licenses for golf courses, sports venues, and barber shop/beauty salon establishments. The Senate also advanced bills on social work licensing, a rural readiness economic development program, a Maryland-Ireland Trade Commission extension, peer-to-peer car sharing insurance rules, telematics-based auto insurance disclosures and appeals, and veteran status notation on public profiles. Several bills were amended before being advanced, generally with technical or clarifying changes and no recorded opposition. Senate Bill 18 would create a provisional social work license; Senate Bill 351 would regulate insurer use of vehicle telematics data; Senate Bill 395 would revise insurance and liability rules for peer-to-peer car sharing; and Senate Bill 197 would alter comprehensive plan elements in land use law. Senate Bill 439, protecting fire and rescue public safety employees from adverse action based on medical cannabis certification, also moved forward without amendment. One measure, Senate Bill 69, which would make permanent the nonprofit navigator position in the Department of Commerce, was discussed at length after a member raised concerns about oversight of nonprofit grant funding. On request, the bill was special ordered to the next day for further consideration. All other bills discussed in the transcript were advanced to third reading by unanimous or near-unanimous voice action, with no recorded roll-call votes.