Transcript Highlights:

• It is about making people afraid to organize. It is about making people afraid to organize.
• It didn’t make it because, I mean, I would think that because it didn’t make it all the way through,
• Chair, I don’t make decisions for the judge, and that’s God. I don’t do that. All right.
• Well, unfortunately, in this committee, we on both sides have to make decisions to provide public safety
• Makes mind my vote? Yes.

Bills: HB2047, HB2136, HB2198, HB2411, HB2662, HB2966, HB2970

Keywords: forcible entry, detainer, writ of restitution, criminal trespass, judgment enforcement, civil terrorism, disorderly conduct, vandalism, political activism, public order, subversion, government security, criminal records, sealing records, civil rights, expungement, rehabilitation, coerced abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, felony

Transcript Highlights:

• My fear, which is an overarching anxiety about the education policy decisions that we are making here
• This will give tenants information they need to assess their risk before they make decisions about where
• The two of us... ...the act of governing is making difficult decisions.
• And then we're asking them to look through a window and make a split decision on whether someone's touching
• I just haven't because we know it's not, but it is ultimately about us making a decision about our behavior

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, doctor and guest introductions, and then took up Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 168, the Tristan Murphy Act, on mental health. Senator Bradley described the bill as a major criminal justice and behavioral health reform measure that would expand pretrial mental health diversion, strengthen treatment-based probation conditions, broaden grant uses for mental health and substance abuse programs, add Hillsborough County to a forensic hospital diversion pilot, require certain DOC mental health evaluations, and create a Florida Behavioral Health Data Repository. Senators from both parties spoke in strong support, emphasizing treatment over incarceration, public safety, data collection, and the Murphy family’s role in advancing the bill. The Senate passed the bill 37-0 and then approved 37 co-sponsors. The chamber then received the Senate’s 2025-26 General Appropriations Bill, SB 2500, with Chair Hooper outlining a $117.4 billion budget that he said reduces spending, preserves reserves, and includes major investments in water quality, transportation, education infrastructure, and reporting requirements. Committee chairs summarized their portions: K-12 funding at $34.7 billion with increases for FEFP, scholarships, VPK, school hardening, and school safety; higher education at $11.5 billion with workforce, nursing, reading, autism, and student aid investments; health and human services with a $1.8 billion increase for Medicaid, mental health, opioid response, disability services, and veterans programs; criminal and civil justice at $7.6 billion for corrections, juvenile justice, law enforcement, courts, and judgeships; transportation/tourism/economic development at about $18 billion including roads, housing, Visit Florida, and cultural grants; and agriculture/environment/general government with major Everglades, water quality, citrus, food bank, and agency IT funding. Members then questioned several budget items, especially education funding formulas, the shift of scholarship dollars below the line, the impact on public school districts, AP/IB and other accelerated program funding, the APD wait list, opioid settlement spending, arts grants, and the My Safe Florida Home and condo pilot programs. Chairs generally said scholarship and accelerated-program dollars were being restructured for transparency and flexibility rather than cut, that school districts would still receive funding based on enrollment, and that APD and other human services issues would continue to be worked out in conference. The budget discussion concluded with remarks praising staff and noting a 4% across-the-board pay raise for state employees and targeted increases for law enforcement and firefighters, followed by a recognition for FAMU Day at the Capitol.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's evidence why this bill is so essential, giving the voters the opportunity to make the decision
• With that, when the time's appropriate, I'll make the motion. Senator Grayson.
• We're going to try to make good on it.
• This is a modest tax incentive, but it will make a real difference.
• We want to make sure it's used properly.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on public health, wildfire recovery, local government finance, transportation, and rural health care. SB 1124 by Senator Archuleta would require the California Department of Public Health to create and post lung cancer screening eligibility signage at tobacco retail locations. The author and a physician witness argued the bill would raise awareness of a highly underused screening that can save lives, while retailers and fuel/convenience groups raised implementation concerns about signage size, notice, and penalties. The bill passed to the Health Committee on a 4-0 vote after the committee later took up the on-call item. SB 1352 by Senator Valadao and Senator Allen would clarify that wildfire victims can rebuild homes up to 110% of the original size without triggering reassessment, so long as the property was destroyed in a governor-declared disaster. Supporters, including the L.A. County Assessor, the California Assessors Association, Realtors, and taxpayers groups, said the bill would reduce uncertainty and help families rebuild without higher property taxes. It passed to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote. SB 1343, presented by Senator Allen on behalf of Senator Dodd, would provide a $4,000 income tax credit for sales tax paid on furniture and appliances purchased to furnish a primary residence after a disaster; it drew one opposition witness from the California Teachers Association but otherwise had no public opposition and passed 5-0 to Appropriations. SB 1172 by Senator Hurtado would place caps and transparency requirements on consultant compensation in local tax-sharing agreements, responding to cases in Shafter and Dinuba where revenue was allegedly diverted to consultants. Local government and business groups supported the measure as a guardrail, while some members expressed concern about Sacramento limiting local control; it passed 4-0 to Appropriations. SB 1408 by Senator Arreguín would authorize the Contra Costa Transportation Authority to place a countywide sales tax measure of up to 1% on the ballot to continue transportation funding; transit agencies and local officials supported it, while taxpayer groups opposed it, and it passed 4-1. SB 1404 by Senator Stern would restore a fee on property owners in state responsibility areas to fund Cal Fire wildfire prevention and suppression, with supporters arguing the fee would broaden funding and opponents calling it an unfair tax on rural and wildfire-prone residents; it passed 4-1 to Appropriations. Finally, SB 1102 by Senator Dodd would create a $2,000 tax credit for frontline nurses working in rural hospitals; supporters said it would help recruit and retain nurses in underserved areas, and the bill passed 5-0 as amended to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that we should endorse it and let them make the decision.
• makes the decision to is the parent who makes the decision to apply<01:50:30.400> to<01:50:30.640
• positioned to make those decisions: the local planning boards.
• local<04:17:54.800> planning make those decisions, the local planning make those decisions
• decisions where to make these decisions where um um um where<04:18:59.480> shared<04:18:59.960

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'd like to recommend deferring decision-making on HB 1161 until Tuesday, March 18, at 3:00 p.m. here
• I just want to say to those who are going to be making a decision on this, I ask that before you make
• I just want to say to those who are going to be making a decision on this, I ask that before you make
• Okay, so why don't we do this: we'll go straight into decision-making on these measures, and we do have
• We would like to defer this for decision-making until Tuesday the 18th, this coming Tuesday, at 3:20

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees first heard House Bill 229, which would establish a statewide speed restriction for motor vehicles under certain circumstances. Testimony on the bill was limited and came in support from the City and County of Honolulu’s transportation services, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. No one testified in opposition, and there were no questions. The committees then took up House Bill 860, which would grant immunity from liability to the state or counties when they repair or maintain a street whose ownership or jurisdiction is disputed between them. The Department of Transportation and the Department of Land and Natural Resources submitted written testimony, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, Maui County Council Chair Alice Lee, Hawaii County Council member Heather Kimble, and the Iolani Homestead Community Association for Justice testified in support. The Ho Association for Justice opposed the bill, arguing the immunity was too broad and that the issue had already been addressed by prior legislation. In discussion, members raised concerns about liability and asked whether a different approach, such as extending the 2017 law transferring Oahu roads in limbo to the counties, would be acceptable; county representatives said that path could be considered if immunity were removed. House Bill 1161, which would authorize counties to use a road usage charge mechanism similar to the state’s, drew support from the Department of Transportation, the Energy Office, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, several county and city offices, and the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization. Rental car companies and industry groups supported the concept but asked for amendments, including a flat fee instead of a per-mile charge, relief for plug-in hybrid vehicles, and a delayed implementation date. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii also supported relief for hybrids. Members questioned the rental car representatives about the flat-fee proposal, and they said a per-mile charge would be difficult to calculate and pass on to customers. At the end of the joint agenda, the committees deferred decision-making on HB 1161 to Tuesday, March 18 at 3:00 p.m., and the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs committee also deferred the three measures to that date and time. The Transportation and Culture and the Arts committee then began hearing House Bill 925, which would create a Performing Arts Special Fund, and House Bill 1378, which would establish a Performing Arts Grants Program and Special Fund and revise the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts’ responsibilities and funding sources. HB 925 received support from the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts and written support or comments from DBEDT, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, and others. HB 1378 drew extensive testimony and discussion focused on preserving arts funding while addressing concerns about the use of Works of Art Special Fund dollars for positions and programming. The Governor’s office said it supported the intent but had concerns; the Attorney General warned that the bill’s cap and transfer provisions were unclear and could affect the tax-exempt status of bond-funded dollars; and the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts opposed the measure, urging an audit, tracking of deposits, and a shift of positions and programs to general funds instead of changing the law. The chair explained that the bill was intended to protect arts funding while tightening the legal guardrails around bond-financed dollars and preserving federal support, and asked testimony to focus on new points as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• move into an enforcement role in order to be able to review educational materials and make a decision
• making those decisions.
• This fragmentation can slow decision-making, lower accountability, and we can follow through, especially
• , legislative, legislation makers beyond us, all of the actors who are involved in basically the decision-making
• a big shift, that we actually consider the other bodies that are situated to make pretty critical decisions

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:27.360> those convenient public transit makes those convenient public transit makes
• But I would like to just say that it does make our roads safer.
• Uh we that it does make our roads safer.
• <00:37:53.599> it have provisions in here that make it have provisions in here that make it
• <00:38:04.880> our provisions in the bill that make our provisions in the bill that make our

Bills: HF2438

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• decision to seek when someone makes the decision to seek treatment,<00:10:28.200> sometimes<00
• <00:10:57.480> It not improve medical decision-making.
• It not improve medical decision-making.
• decision should reflect the shared<00:21:14.400> decision-making<00:21:15.200> of<00:21
• :15.320> the<00:21:15.440> patient shared decision-making of the patient shared decision-making

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• challenged to that sometimes who make challenged to that sometimes who make decisions<00:10:16.600
• <00:19:53.640> making<00:19:54.000> at would take action for decision making at would
• take action for decision making at this<00:19:54.400> point<00:19:54.960> nothing<00:19
• We'll go through this process first, and then decision-making will be made all at the same time at the
• The Committee on Water and Land is going into decision-making on its agenda items.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land heard confirmation nominations for several DLNR-related boards and commissions, including GM 530 for Karen Ono to the Board of Land and Natural Resources, GM 582 for Jay Kenan to the Natural Area Reserves System Commission, and GM 584 for Adrien Trulock to the Hawaii Historic Places Review Board. The chair repeatedly noted the volunteer nature of these positions and said the committee would take up decision-making after hearing all nominees. Testimony and comments for each nominee were generally supportive, with agency representatives praising their preparation, experience, and willingness to serve. For Karen Ono, DLNR and several supporters from Kauai testified in favor, describing her as highly prepared and effective on the board. Senators questioned her about DLNR land use, especially state lands near rail stations and whether they should be used for affordable housing rather than commercial development. Ono said she had not taken a board position on those specific proposals because they had not yet come before the board, but she acknowledged the importance of housing and infrastructure. She also responded to questions about DLNR’s management of transferred agricultural lands, saying concerns about the department’s ability to manage such lands had been raised before and remain relevant. One senator expressed strong reservations about the nomination based on the land-use answers. For Jay Kenan, the NARS Commission testimony focused on the commission’s role in advising on land management and conservation policy. Kenan said he hoped to continue helping evaluate properties and policies, and he identified funding and staffing as the main challenge. DLNR staff explained that the position supporting NARS had been abolished and that the department had limited capacity to restore it because other priorities, such as fire-related positions, were taking precedence. The committee also discussed a separate bill affecting Legacy Lands funding through conveyance tax revenues, with members and agency staff expressing concern that the measure could reduce support for land संरक्षण efforts. For Adrien Trulock, SHPD and DLNR staff strongly supported the nomination, citing her preservation background and experience with historic properties. Members discussed the importance of her expertise for reviewing nominations and appeals and for helping with preservation planning. The committee also raised broader concerns about delays in historic-place designations and the difference between state and federal review processes; SHPD explained that board approval places a property on the state register, while federal National Register review can still require revisions and cause delays. No final votes or confirmations were taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, we see that every session, to be fair, and then we have to make informed decisions about what we
• But I guess my question goes to this: this entity doesn't make these decisions about how to spend the
• Does that make sense?
• So we need to do those; it makes sense, right?
• It makes them affordable.

Bills: HB3077, HJR2, HJR7, HJR7

Keywords: alcohol, taxation, reporting requirements, sales, distribution, death tax, inheritance tax, estate tax, property transfer, constitutional amendment, water fund, Texas water supply, state revenue, infrastructure, HJR 7, Texas Legislature, quorum, majority quorum, two-thirds quorum, legislative procedure

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, you, you make a movie about Mr.
• The goal is to make things more efficient.
• We're going to make it easy for them to know where those rules are, and we're going to make it easier
• The governor will obviously make that decision.
• makes a recommendation a little bit.

Transcript Highlights:

• This program has been wildly successful in making sure that.
• our decisions, but we don't have staff.
• You know, y'all have the right information there to make that decision on whether or not that carries
• And they can make you meet anywhere that they want to make you meet in in the district and it doesn't
• To make the decision about cost thank you trade members any questions representatives wiener.

Bills: HB279, HB310, HB365, HB391, HB420, HB422, HB638, HB279, HB310

Keywords: HB 279, uranium mining, uranium permit, production area authorization, production zone, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, contested case hearing, administrative hearing, groundwater restoration, groundwater baseline, water quality, mining permit, restoration values, natural resources, environmental regulation, in-situ uranium mining, permit amendment, public hearing

Transcript Highlights:

• of the state that the government make of the state that the government make cuz<00:15:30.079>
• I see the people who are a part of this and make all of the decisions, and they have to approve also
• <00:23:03.360> and<00:23:03.600> they and make all of the decisions and they and make
• sure that we're making wise decisions through the appropriations process.
• <00:25:35.679> wise make sure that we're making wise make sure that we're making wise decisions

Bills: HB178, HB124, HB96, HB250, SB289, SB317, HB359, HB178, HB124, HB96, HB250, SB289, SB317, HB359

Keywords: HB178, Ten Commandments, public schools, K-12 education, Alabama, school display, religious display, Bible, Judeo-Christian, Establishment Clause, church-state separation, religion in schools, founding documents, Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, Northwest Ordinance, social studies, civics, history curriculum

Transcript Highlights:

• To them because, you know, the members ought to be engaged and making those sorts of decisions that should
• Sometimes people make mistakes.
• the fiscal note that you used to make that decision was off by more than it even was?
• Hopefully that does make a difference.
• Yeah, I just wanted to make sure.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Budget Committee met in executive session and considered Senate Bill 1470, as amended by a House Committee Substitute. The bill would update the Joint Committee on Legislative Research and oversight provisions, including reducing the committee from 20 members to 12, adding legislative leadership and minority leader appointments, allowing electronic delivery of reports, changing references to public colleges and universities, and creating post-implementation fiscal notes to compare projected and actual fiscal impacts after enactment. Supporters said the changes would modernize the process, improve engagement, and help lawmakers better evaluate fiscal estimates over time. A major point of discussion was a new provision allowing oversight staff to access certain Department of Revenue tax-return information for fiscal note work, subject to confidentiality requirements and criminal penalties for unauthorized disclosure. Several members raised privacy concerns and asked how the information would be used and protected; the sponsor said committee members themselves would not see the data, only authorized staff, and that the intent was to allow independent verification of tax-related fiscal estimates. Members also discussed striking language barring committee employees from opposing or urging legislation, with the sponsor explaining that LR no longer drafts general legislation and now mainly handles revision bills, so the language was outdated. The committee adopted the House Committee Substitute and then voted the substitute do pass. The final roll call passed the bill 25-1, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That makes absolutely, I find that a hard thing to make sense.
• My grandmother was still alive; she could not make decisions for herself. My grandfather...
• She could not make decisions for herself. My grandfather passed in 2007, okay?
• My grandmother could not make decisions for herself.
• I want to make sure I've got the timeline right. I want to make sure I've got the timeline right.

Summary: The Joint Budget Committee’s Claims Review and Litigation Oversight Subcommittee met to consider two proposed litigation settlements from the Department of Corrections and one appealed claim from the Claims Commission. In the first settlement, Caroline Arnett v. Larry Norris, et al., members asked about the underlying sexual assault allegations, whether policies had changed, and whether PREA audits and other safeguards were in place. The department said audits were underway and that steps had been taken to prevent similar conduct. The committee approved the settlement by voice vote. In the second settlement, Latasha Ridgel v. Arkansas Department of Corrections, members raised concerns about the length of the case and the fact that it involved similar allegations. The department cited attorney turnover, COVID-related delays, and scheduling difficulties; the settlement was approved by voice vote. The committee then reviewed Sharon Greer and Deanna Hayes v. Commissioner of State Lands, an appeal of a Claims Commission dismissal involving a 2009 tax sale of family property in Crittenden County. The claimants said they did not learn of the sale or the $4,200 in excess proceeds until 2025, and argued that notice was inadequate and that the overage should not have gone to the county. The Commissioner of State Lands’ office responded that notice was sent to addresses on file, certified mail receipts were returned, and a post-sale notice explained the process for contesting the sale and claiming excess proceeds. The office also argued the claim was untimely, that the commission lacked jurisdiction, and that state law bars monetary damages against the commissioner for actions related to tax-delinquent land sales. Members discussed broader concerns about the tax-sale and excess-proceeds process, including whether excess proceeds should be held longer or routed differently, but noted those issues would require legislative changes rather than action in this case. The committee then voted to affirm the Claims Commission’s dismissal of the claim. The meeting adjourned after the motion passed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I provide a recommendation to the board, and the board gets to make the decision in a public meeting.
• And you'll have a decision package to make on how to address those costs. Other questions?
• And you'll have a decision package to make on how to address those costs. Other questions?
• P&T is designed to limit some feedback so they can make decisions.
• "of bodies for a long time and making decisions outside of public view.

Bills: HB2176, HB2333, HB2435, HB2447, HB2617, HB2683, HB2686, HB2725, HB2726, HB2906, HB2953, HB2958

Keywords: health care, licensure, complaints, investigation, safety, patient care, regulatory compliance, prosthetics, orthotics, health insurance, Medicare, medical necessity, disability rights, coverage, reimbursement, internationally trained physicians, medical board, clinical training, provisional license, healthcare workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not gonna be able to make future decisions, even if we're ignoring what they've what they've said
• My suggestion is to lead Miami-Dade, make their decision without dragging the 66 other Florida counties
• to make.
• I worry just as everybody else that this will make it obsolete to make an impossible.
• Police used today's testimony to make the right decision for all voters and local economies.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for their child is a decision that no parent or caregiver should have to make.
• Unfortunately, many families are forced to make this decision, given the high cost of living in California
• AB 1041 creates a standardized credentialing process requiring plans to make timely decisions.
• Emergency room physicians are really well positioned to make these important decisions to determine whether
• these difficult medical decisions.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard a long series of health-related bills, with most measures focused on access to care, administrative simplification, and behavioral health. Early items included AB 583, allowing nurse practitioners to sign death certificates; AB 492, requiring DHCS to notify local governments when new alcohol or drug recovery facilities are licensed; and AB 280, which would tighten provider directory accuracy requirements, add enforcement benchmarks, and allow use of a centralized database. Testimony on AB 280 highlighted the harms of “ghost networks,” while insurers and some provider groups opposed the bill as written, arguing it placed too much responsibility on plans and did not fully address provider-side data problems. AB 280 passed on a roll call vote, and several other bills were placed on consent and approved. The committee also advanced AB 636, expanding Medi-Cal coverage for medically necessary diapers for children up to age 21 and lowering the age threshold for access; AB 1041, streamlining physician credentialing with a uniform form and 90-day review deadline; and AB 787, requiring health plans to help enrollees find in-network providers quickly when directories fail. Supporters of these bills emphasized family financial strain, delays in care, and the burden of administrative red tape, while opponents of AB 1041 and AB 280 raised concerns about provider participation, accuracy, and liability. All three measures were approved and sent to Appropriations. The committee then took up AB 4 and AB 29. AB 4 would allow income-eligible Californians to buy Covered California coverage regardless of immigration status, and AB 29 would authorize Medi-Cal reimbursement for community health workers and doulas conducting ACE screenings. Both bills drew strong support from immigrant-rights, health access, and community-based organizations, and both passed on roll call votes, with AB 4 receiving some no votes. The committee also approved AB 416, which would allow emergency physicians to place 5150 holds in certain circumstances; supporters said it would reduce delays and overcrowding in emergency departments, while Disability Rights California and others warned it could increase unnecessary involuntary hospitalization and transfers to locked facilities. Despite those concerns, the bill passed and was sent onward for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• , decisions, decisions, forms<00:05:18.160> development<00:05:18.680> by<00:05:18.800><
• And that makes a lot of sense.
• sure that access to transportation is not a barrier to any districts making the decisions that they
• make sure the dollars match the policy. make sure the dollars match the policy.
• We should have reports back in order to make those decisions next session.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The caucus of the whole received an update from Representative Kornheiser on House Bill 955, focusing on the Ways and Means amendment and how it aligns with Act 73 and the House Education Committee’s broader education transformation work. She said the amendment was assembled from separate pieces developed earlier in the session and covers three main areas: planned property tax updates, steps needed for the future education finance system and foundation formula, and policy changes to support collaborative education service agencies and district mergers. She emphasized that the bill is aimed at the future state of the system, with many provisions tied to later effective dates and pending reports. Kornheiser described the property tax provisions as further defining the new non-homestead/second-home classification so the Tax Department can continue form development and data collection before rates are set, and she said the bill also advances regional assessment districts and a more regular reappraisal cycle. On education finance, she said the amendment adds school construction and school debt provisions, reserve guidance, pre-K funding study language, special education funding protections, and transportation-related follow-up work so those pieces can fit the foundation formula. She also framed the bill as reducing cost drivers in the system, citing health care savings, reference-based pricing, mental health coordination, special education scale, deferred maintenance, and larger-scale school organization. During questions, members asked about merger support funding, transportation timelines, private equity ownership of school transportation, tuition restrictions for approved independent and public schools, and the timing and finality of the second-home tax definitions. Staff explained that merger support would be reimbursed through AOE for committee expenses and would not count against excess spending thresholds, that transportation and other grant categories will be addressed in future reports and decisions, and that the transportation study does not explicitly name private equity but could encompass staffing and cost issues. They also confirmed that the tuition-related provisions apply to approved independent, in-state public, and out-of-state public schools receiving tuition, but only when the foundation formula takes effect. No votes were taken during the caucus; the update was informational, with the bill noted as having been referred to Appropriations and expected to come up for action later in the week.

Transcript Highlights:

• if it cannot and cannot run government programs, make decisions or set policies.
• giving the courtesy and making the time. giving the courtesy and making the time.
• hold accountable should make that vote. hold accountable should make that vote.
• And so, uh, you know, the folks in Minnesota, they are going to make the best decisions that they think
• > make<01:22:31.920> people scared, make people hide, make people scared, make people hide

Keywords: House streaming session for Thursday, February 12, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 124 members present, opened with prayer, and approved the previous day’s journal. Members then adopted a congratulatory House resolution honoring the Kent Island High School boys lacrosse team for winning the 2025 Maryland Class 2A state championship. The House also journalized Baltimore City 2026 bond/loan authorization resolutions and moved a series of introductory House bills and bond initiatives through first reading and committee referral without objection. On the special order calendar, House Bill 28, concerning higher education/private career schools advertising, received a favorable report and was ordered printed for third reading. House Bill 226, creating a Department of Disabilities housing programs and affiliated foundations structure, was also reported favorably as amended. Two floor amendments were adopted to that bill: one clarifying that any affiliated foundation may only raise funds or provide support and may not run programs or set policy, and another restoring conflict-of-interest and ethics protections, including limits on family members and public ethics application requirements. A later amendment to HB 226 was rejected by a recorded vote of 95 in the negative, and the bill was ordered printed for third reading. The most extended debate centered on House Bill 229, which increases the Maryland Transportation Authority’s revenue bond limit from $4 billion to $5 billion to help finance the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild. One amendment sought to prohibit toll increases without General Assembly approval; its sponsor argued the added borrowing would likely lead to future toll hikes and that elected representatives should vote on them. The floor leader opposed the amendment, saying it would weaken MDTA’s independent rate-setting authority, harm its bond rating, and increase financing costs, while noting the bill is intended to cover bridge reconstruction costs and federal reimbursement timing. After debate, the amendment failed on a recorded vote, and HB 229 was ordered printed for third reading.