Transcript Highlights:

• A violation of this bill is an unfair abusive or deceptive trade practice under the Consumer Protection
• A violation of this bill is an unfair abusive or deceptive trade practice under the Consumer Protection
• <00:31:14.600> trade<00:31:14.920> practice abusive or deceptive trade practice abusive
• or deceptive trade practice under<00:31:15.520> the<00:31:15.640> Consumer<00:31:16.000
• financial practices financial practices uh<01:53:49.600> are<01:53:49.920> are<01:

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

Summary: The Senate reconvened with a quorum and began by reading House messages and first-reading bills, including SB 8 on identity fraud and deepfakes and HB 145 on election misinformation and deepfakes, which was referred to Rules. The chamber then handled several concurrence and conference matters. On HB 154, the Open Meetings Act bill for county boards of education, the Senate initially moved to recede from its amendments and accept the House version, but debate centered on a Senate transparency amendment limiting school boards’ ability to censor recordings. A motion to reconsider the amendments was laid over for 15 minutes. On SB 514, a third-degree assault bill, the House refused to recede and a conference committee was appointed. A guest introduction also welcomed a 10-month-old visitor to the gallery. In second-reader business, the Senate adopted committee amendments and advanced SB 504, which strengthens data privacy protections and limits use of personal data for immigration enforcement, and SB 790, the Public Health Reform Act, which revises the Commission on Public Health, updates the Maryland Medical Reserve Corps, adds health equity review processes, and makes related administrative changes. Both bills were reported favorably with technical and conforming amendments and ordered printed for third reading. The chamber then took up HB 191, which would require merchants to accept cash for essential consumer goods and set related rules and exceptions; members questioned its scope, exemptions, and enforcement, and the bill was laid over pending clarification about whether stadiums are covered. Finally, HB 564 on pet cremation and burial services added consumer protection and disclosure requirements for pet cremation providers; its technical amendment was adopted and the bill was ordered passed for third reading.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Legislature changed it a little bit, which I think was deceptive.
• Was deceptive, but that was the standard metric for which, you know, people paying fair share on income
• In practice, most farms are already paying above the minimum wage simply to attract and retain workers
• And they weren't racist exemptions; they were practical exemptions because they don't fit on that.
• And they weren't racist exemptions, they were practical exemptions because they don't fit on that.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from the co-chairs explaining committee procedures, testimony limits, submission instructions, and the new deadlines for acting on House and Senate bills. The committee then heard testimony on several bills related to agriculture, land use, environment, housing, transportation, and taxation, with legislators often taken out of turn. No votes were taken during the hearing. The first major topic was H. 3206, a bill to allow fossil fuel-free 529 college savings plans to qualify for the state tax deduction if MEFA does not offer a comparable option. Representative Steve Owens said the bill would not force MEFA or Fidelity to change existing plans, but would create a definition for fossil fuel-free funds and extend the deduction to qualifying out-of-state plans. The committee also heard strong local testimony on a Belmont home-rule petition, H. 3970, to change tax treatment for the Belmont Country Club under Chapter 61B. Belmont residents and officials argued the private golf course receives an unfair tax break that shifts costs to other taxpayers, while Senator Brownsberger and Representative Rogers supported the measure as a way to help the town recover revenue. Committee members asked about town meeting support, the club’s lack of payment in lieu of taxes, and the size of the tax savings. The committee next heard testimony on a vehicle miles traveled tax proposal, S. 1925, from Senator Barrett and economists Gilbert Metcalf and Christopher Knittel. They argued that declining gas-tax revenue and rising fuel efficiency, especially with electric vehicles, require a more stable transportation funding source; they also said a VMT tax could be designed to be revenue-neutral and mildly progressive, though members raised concerns about administration, fairness, EV disincentives, and the possibility of annual tax shocks. The largest block of testimony focused on the Ahead Act, H. 3194/S. 1973, which would double the deed excise fee and dedicate the new revenue to affordable housing and climate adaptation. Supporters from MACDC, MAPC, FICC, Boston Climate Action Network, CLF, 350 Mass, CHAPA, and a tenant advocate said the bill could generate about $300 million annually for housing production, vouchers, weatherization, resilience, and environmental justice communities, and that it links two urgent crises with a stable funding stream. The committee also heard testimony on the Conservation Land Tax Credit bills, H. 3147/S. 2083, which would raise the annual cap on the credit from $2 million to $5 million for three years and then sunset back down. Conservation groups and a landowner said the program has conserved thousands of acres and that the higher cap would reduce delays and help meet state conservation goals. Finally, the committee took testimony on the Fairness for Farm Workers bills, S. 2011/H. 3107 and S. 2012, which would extend overtime, minimum wage, breaks, and paid time off protections to farm workers and include a refundable tax credit to help farmers offset overtime costs. Senator Gomez and advocates described the bills as overdue civil rights and public health measures, citing low wages, long hours, dangerous conditions, and the racial history behind farm labor exclusions. The hearing also included testimony on H. 3240, a bill to give municipalities a local option vacancy tax on chronically vacant shopping malls, with the sponsor arguing it would help towns address blight, encourage redevelopment, and potentially create housing and tax revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• The proposals that we have before us represent practical and necessary steps to preserve federal funding
• taxpayers should continue absorbing health care costs that may be associated with the employment practices
• idea of an anti-weaponization fund that would basically be a slush fund, which is premised on a deception
• So it occurs when there's an intentional deception in the judicial system, thereby corrupting the integrity
• I appreciate you answering my questions as a senator, but also someone who still practices in the health

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If we want to prepare students for the real world, there are far more practical subjects that we should
• If we want to prepare students for the real world, there are far more practical subjects that we should
• If we want to prepare students for the real world, there are far more practical subjects that we should
• I wanted to make it clear that our own Hawaiʻi state judiciary affirmed that, as a matter of practice
• Hawaiʻi state judiciary affirmed that, as a matter of practice, family courts across the state already

Bills: HB2117, HB2155, HB1832, HB1601, HB2297, HB2397, HB1893, HB2533, HB1890, HB2004, HB1810, HB2323, HB1691, HB1671, HB2619, HB1481, HB2314, HB2319, HB2214, HB2488, HB2009, HB2007, HB1964, HB2218, HB1535, HB1977, HB2054, HB2046, HB146, HB2094, HB2181, HB2515, HB2444, HB2385, HB1724, HB1733, HB2416, HB2001, HB1603, HB1753, HB2140, HB1962, HB1963, HB2096, HB1959, HB1960, HB2293, HB2288, HB1752, HB1573, HB469, HB2091, HB1851, HB1688, HB1696, HB2417, HB2375, HB2333, HB2152, HB1881, HB2395, HB1721, HB1921, HB1730, HB1697, HB1824, HB2282, HB2078, HB2321, HB2279, HB1522, HB2097, HB2433, HB2106, HB2274, HB2452, HB1764, HB2438, HB1860, HB2604, HB2118, HB2017, HB2216, HB1934, HB2454, HB2427, HB2207, HB1840, HB1644, HB1645, HB1946, HB1648, HB2324, HB1509, HB1514, HB1515, HB2164, HB2165, HB2283, HB2386

Keywords: arts education, data mapping, task force, creative economy, cultural preservation, workforce development, geographic information systems, agriculture, data collection, statistical program, sustainable practices, Hawaii, aquaculture, biosecurity, food security, sustainable seafood, regulatory framework, interagency coordination, environmental stewardship, invasive species

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:01:48.680> and<00:01:48.800> address<00:01:49.200> identified current practices
• and address identified current practices and address identified gaps<00:01:50.600> in<00:01:50.800
• It is, yeah, it's a data practices clarification bill.
• Um, it is a data practices clarification bill.
• These proposals are practical, preventative, and focused on child safety.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We had our peer review, which is when your colleagues come in and check your audit practices.
• have limited the unlawful practices have limited the ability<00:31:08.720> of<00:31:08.840>
• fiscal notes in advance um the practice fiscal notes in advance um the practice has<00:54:26.440
• My own bill, 1836, made changes to the government data practices law.
• My own bill, 1836, made changes to the government data practices law.

Bills: HF627, HF474, HF361, HF1837

Keywords: HF627, fiscal note, fiscal notes, Minnesota Legislature, state government, committee procedure, ranking minority member, minority party, standing committee, Ways and Means, Finance Committee, legislative process, budget analysis, fiscal impact, Minnesota Statutes 3.98, committee chair, legislative transparency, HF474, Hubert H. Humphrey, Henry Mower Rice

Transcript Highlights:

• The way the permits are being used today is a deceptive practice that allows lower priority use to be
• <00:40:50.920> practice uh is a deceptive practice uh is a deceptive practice that<00:40:52.480
• ,<01:04:40.080> like we want to curtail this practice, like we want to curtail this practice
• , threaten our traditional practices, threaten our traditional practices, which<01:25:33.480>
• <01:26:00.240> These suggests practical strategies. These suggests practical strategies.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And she still practices treatment.
• And a violation of the bill is an unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice under the Maryland Consumer
• <00:15:30.560> trade<00:15:30.959> practice abusive, or deceptive trade practice abusive
• , or deceptive trade practice under<00:15:32.079> the<00:15:32.240> Maryland<00:15:32.720
• And a violation of the bill is an unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice under the Maryland Consumer

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:

• Legally, this practice is significant under the Sherman Antitrust Act and the Federal Trade Commission
• Under New Hampshire RSA 358, a non-disclosure of readily available lower prices is an unfair or deceptive
• practice that harms consumers.
• Legally, this practice is significant under the Sherman Antitrust Act and the Federal Trade Commission
• practice that harms consumers.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• was a Minnesotan, but she lost $600,000 by succumbing to a very, very sophisticated real estate deception
• > um<00:22:28.000> uh sophisticated real estate um uh sophisticated real estate um uh deception
• 31.440> um<00:22:31.760> and<00:22:32.000> this<00:22:32.240> happens deception
• and that um and this happens deception and that um and this happens and<00:22:33.120> sometimes

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And that pattern suggests that we may have reached kind of a practical ceiling for participation among
• we may have reached kind of a practical we may have reached kind of a practical ceiling<00:15:39.760
• The practical implication is that Minnesota is likely to return to labor force growth rates that
• Chair, Senator, I certainly didn't mean to show numbers that were deceptive.
• Um, but I appreciate you uh deceptive.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's both misleading and deceptive. So what's going on at the federal level?
• 06:48.639> going<00:06:48.840> on<00:06:48.960> at<00:06:49.080> the deceptive
• so what what's going on at the deceptive so what what's going on at the federal<00:06:49.639> level
• I think you know this committee could certainly see to it to make our laws not misleading or deceptive
• I'm hoping that you can I've practiced I'm hoping that you can I've practiced this<01:54:58.119>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee opened a public hearing on HB 402, a bill dealing with whether Education Freedom Account (EFA) payments should be described in state law as not constituting taxable income. The bill sponsor argued that the current statute is misleading because New Hampshire should not imply a federal tax result, and said the bill would remove that language and could also be amended to clarify that families should consult tax advisors. He emphasized that the measure was not intended to impose a state tax on EFAs, but to avoid giving inaccurate advice about possible federal tax liability. Testimony was divided. A retired representative and a tax preparer both opposed the bill, saying EFA payments are already treated consistently with IRS rules and that the bill would create confusion, administrative burden, and possible tax consequences for low- and moderate-income families. They argued the bill is a solution in search of a problem and warned that requiring 1099s could add costs for the scholarship organization and recipients. A tax attorney supported the bill’s repeal of the state language, saying New Hampshire should not put tax advice into statute and that the current wording is inaccurate because federal law, not state law, controls taxability. He cited IRS Section 117 and Publication 970, explaining that only some scholarship-like payments are tax-free and that many EFA-eligible expenses may not qualify for federal exemption. Members asked questions about what would be misleading, whether the bill was trying to tax EFAs, and the cost of issuing 1099s. The sponsor and witnesses repeatedly said the bill was not a state tax on voucher payments, but a clarification about federal tax treatment. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:53:56.880> about prac you know, try to be practical about prac you know, try to be practical
• That's a known best practice. targets. That's a known best practice.
• practices in everything that we do.
• salespeople, and avoid deceptive salespeople, and avoid deceptive practices<01:08:53.080> in<
• practices in everything that we do. practices in everything that we do.

Bills: HF4560, HF4559, HF2317, HF3179, HF4880, HF2862, HF4374

Keywords: Public Utilities Commission, PUC, energy regulation, utility regulation, electric utility, public utility, rate case, multiyear rate plan, decoupling, rate decoupling, greenhouse gas, social cost of carbon, environmental cost, resource planning, certificate of need, distributed renewable energy, interconnection, budget billing, electronic filing, contested case

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not an acceptable practice to be tolerated by we, the people, and then not hold them accountable
• I should not have to. give up my private space for a liar deception. So thank you for this bill.
• It is our practice of doing that when we...
• In fact, most people forget that this This has not just been common practice, but federal law as well
• And I am a commercial interior designer registered in the state of Texas and have been practicing for

Bills: SB240, SB1183, SB1184, SB1577, SB2043, SB2051, SCR42, SJR68

Keywords: biological sex, gender identity, public facilities, civil penalties, local government, EBT, electronic benefits transfer, food stamps, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, TANF, temporary assistance for needy families, welfare benefits, benefit card fraud, fraud hotline, card replacement, photo ID, recipient photograph, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not. an acceptable practice to be tolerated by we the people and then not hold them accountable,
• have to give up my private space my rights I should not have give up my private space for a liar deception
• It is our practice of doing that when we...
• In fact, most people forget that this has not just been common practice, but federal law as well, to
• The male student that was involved in that deception of being able to be a player on the women's team

Bills: SB240, SB1183, SB1184, SB1577, SB2043, SB2051, SCR42, SJR68

Keywords: biological sex, gender identity, public facilities, civil penalties, local government, EBT, electronic benefits transfer, food stamps, SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, TANF, temporary assistance for needy families, welfare benefits, benefit card fraud, fraud hotline, card replacement, photo ID, recipient photograph, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a physician; I practice in Houston, Texas, for nearly 30 years.
• How did this practice shift?
• So the chair recognizes Senator Cook for some more practice.
• If someone's practicing medicine outside their scope of practice, the Texas Medical Board is the best
• within their scope of practice. practice or actions were correct or not.

Bills: SB95, SB268, SB493, SB619, SB660, SB922, SB984, SB1098, SB1188, SB1307, SB1332, SB1822

Keywords: immunization, written informed consent, civil liability, health care provider, vaccine compensation, administrative penalty, health care, licensing, complaint procedure, disciplinary action, law enforcement, pharmacy benefit manager, PBM, gag clause, prescription drug pricing, out-of-pocket cost, cash price, pharmacist, pharmacy, prescription drug benefit

Transcript Highlights:

• After years of deception, the reading charlatans have been exposed and their fraud has been revealed.
• the reading Charlotte years of deception the reading Charlotte have<00:17:59.480> been<00:17:
• <00:37:07.880> which evidence-based literacy practices which evidence-based literacy practices
• <01:01:55.920> practices<01:01:56.279> to<01:01:56.400> help uh to of best practice
• practices to help uh to of best practice practices to help teach teach teach students<01:01:58.440><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• However, the Commission has identified good governance standards and best practices that would strengthen
• However, the mission has identified good governance standards and best practices that would strengthen
• However, the Commission has identified good government standards and best practices that would strengthen
• However, the commission has identified good governance standards and best practices that would strengthen
• trade practice to not give this notice.

Bills: HB1520, HB1525, HB1530, HB1535, HB2068, HB2091, HB2347, HB2372, HB2805, HB2815, HB2867, HB3154, HB3482, HB3483, HB3663, HB3781, HB3901, HB3915, HB4135, HB4153, HB4158, HB4329, HB4331

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Transcript Highlights:

• You will gut Florida's main consumer protection statute, and as a legal aid lawyer practicing consumer
• and housing litigation, we, And as a legal aid lawyer practicing consumer and housing litigation, we
• You will gut Florida's main consumer protection statute, and as a legal aid lawyer practicing consumer
• and housing litigation, we, And as a legal aid lawyer practicing consumer and housing litigation, we
• It would be governed under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism met with a quorum present and considered several bills. It first took up SB 232 on debt collection, where the sponsor explained a strike-all amendment and the committee adopted a Gruters amendment clarifying that email communications may be sent at any hour while other off-hours communications remain restricted. Testimony was sharply divided on a proposed change from “any person” to “debt collector,” with consumer advocates, legal aid, and the Florida Justice Association warning it would narrow Florida’s consumer protections, while supporters said the bill and amendment would address ambiguity affecting businesses. After debate, the committee rejected the broader amendment, adopted the email-only clarification, and reported CS for SB 232 favorably by roll call vote. The committee then heard and unanimously reported favorably CS for SB 126, which would allow prescription hearing aids to be sold and distributed by mail after a Florida-licensed audiologist or hearing aid specialist conducts the required examination, including remotely through telehealth. Supporters said the bill would improve access and reduce barriers for seniors and others with hearing loss, and no opposition was heard. The committee also heard SB 600 and SB 602 on manufacturing, which would create and fund a statewide Office of Manufacturing, a promotional campaign, workforce grants, and related fees; multiple industry and economic development groups appeared in support, and both bills were reported favorably. Next, the committee considered CS for SB 92 on hit-and-run accountability in vehicle repair shops. The sponsor described the bill as a response to rising hit-and-run incidents and explained that repair shops would have to complete a transaction form or retain a crash report for certain repairs, with a clarifying amendment adopted without objection. Prosecutors and law enforcement supporters said the bill would help identify offenders, while auto dealer representatives argued it could impose burdens and penalties on repair shops. The committee nevertheless reported CS for SB 92 favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 412, the Motorized Wheelchair Right to Repair Act, which would require manufacturers to provide repair manuals, diagnostic tools, and parts to owners and independent repair providers under fair and reasonable terms. Disability advocates and wheelchair users testified that repair delays can leave users stranded for weeks or months, and the committee reported the bill favorably by roll call vote before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you do look at the hindering statute, that's preventing or obstructing by means of force or deception
• anyone who might be trying to appease... ...of force or deception anyone who might be trying to appease
• It says it's all... of force deception anyone from who might be trying to a peace offer who might be

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures. HCR 2059, a resolution reaffirming support for county sheriffs and recognizing their constitutional authority, drew debate over language describing sheriffs’ authority as “supreme” or “supreme constitutional.” Supporters said it was a tribute to sheriffs’ work, especially in rural areas, while opponents objected to the phrasing as tied to fringe legal theories. The resolution passed with a do-pass recommendation, 8-3. HB 2811 was presented as closing a gap in Arizona law by making interference with a lawful arrest involving violence or threats of violence a felony under obstructing governmental operations. Supporters said it would clarify the law and align it more closely with federal standards; opponents argued the conduct was already covered by existing resisting-arrest and hindering statutes and that the bill was duplicative and confusing. The bill received a do-pass recommendation, 8-4. HB 4129 would create a Department of Public Safety mental health and wellness program for law enforcement officers and appropriate $15 million for confidential counseling, peer support, family counseling, telehealth, and related services, with some funding reserved for smaller agencies. The sponsor and supporters emphasized officer trauma and suicide prevention, while opponents said similar services already exist and raised cost concerns. Before a final vote, the sponsor requested the bill be held for further work, and the committee agreed. The committee also advanced HB 2270, which expands protections for county seals, logos, insignia, and related identifiers and gives sheriffs exclusive authority over naming and dissolving posses. Sheriffs and county officials said the bill was needed after disputes over posse names and branding; critics warned the language was too broad and could raise First Amendment and due process concerns. The bill passed 12-1. HB 2416, appropriating $20 million for local border support and law enforcement costs related to drug trafficking, smuggling, prosecution, detention, and equipment, also passed after testimony both for and against the funding, 7-5. HB 4018, a strike-everything amendment clarifying sheriffs’ authority over volunteer posses and reserves, passed 10-0 after testimony from sheriffs’ office staff and a member of the public who opposed expanded use of armed volunteers. HB 2253, barring retaliation against employees who testify in law-enforcement disciplinary appeal proceedings, passed unanimously after an amendment removed language voiding restrictive policies. The committee then began hearing HB 4044, which would create a Public Safety Parity Fund using investment earnings from the state rainy day fund to pay DPS and corrections salaries, with the sponsor saying he intended to remove the forfeiture component before floor consideration.