Transcript Highlights:

• We have some resolutions. Uh, let's start with a senator from Prince George's.
• The Senate can please join me in welcoming them and read the resolution, Mr. President.
• :05.599> Bidel, >> Senate bill 247, Senator Bidel, >> Senate bill 247, Senator Bidel
• > Wald<00:41:58.960> Striker Senate Bill 356, Senator Wald Striker Senate Bill 356, Senator
• Augustine, Senate Bill 186, Senator Augustine, Senate Bill 186, Senator Augustine, state<00:55

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, February 12, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with 39 members present, heard the invocation from Reverend Meredith West, and journalized her remarks. The chamber then recognized several guest groups and observances, including Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s Second District Corridor 1 for “100 Q’s in Annapolis Day,” the Kent Island High School boys lacrosse team for winning the Maryland 2A state championship, Arts Day participants, Rural Maryland Council members, Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition advocates, and visitors from the Maryland Judiciary. Senators also spoke about the meaning of Kente cloth during Black History Month, and the chamber recognized a birthday and thanked protocol staff for Valentine’s Day decorations. The Senate’s featured presentation was the annual Lincoln Day speech by the Senator from the 37th District. The senator reflected on Abraham Lincoln’s life, political career, and moral leadership, emphasizing his self-education, opposition to the expansion of slavery, the Emancipation Proclamation, Gettysburg, and the idea that the nation’s founding principles of liberty and equality guided Lincoln through the Civil War. The minority leader praised the address, and the Senate agreed without objection to journalize the remarks. After the ceremonial portion, the Senate moved to business. Bond initiatives on the calendar were read and referred to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. The Executive Nominations Committee reported favorably on a list of recess appointees, including gubernatorial secretaries, district court judges, and a state board appointee, and the report was special ordered to Monday, February 16, 2026. The chamber then began second-reader consideration of Budget and Taxation bills: Senate Bill 25, altering the cyber security technology and service tax credit, was amended and ordered printed for third reading; Senate Bill 58, creating a property tax credit for retail service station conversions, was discussed with questions about who would receive the credit and why the incentive was needed, and consideration was ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:16.319> Nancy leaders of each party, Senators Nancy leaders of each party, Senators
• <00:03:53.680> of quorum being present, the Senate of quorum being present, the Senate of
• Senator from the 30th district. Uh, yes. Senator from the 30th district.
• Senate Bill 46, Senator Simonire, state veteran cemeteries intermittent.
• Thank Thank you, Senator. All >> Okay. Thank Thank you, Senator.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation from Rabbi Deborah Wexler of Pikesville, and journalized the prayer without objection. The chamber also recognized several visitor groups, including Maryland Realtors Day, Maryland March for Change participants advocating for infant and maternal health, and students, faculty, and staff from Avalon School. Senators briefly highlighted upcoming committee meetings and caucus events, including a Legislative Black Caucus press conference, Aviation Day, and a reminder about protocol dues. On legislation, the chamber read Senate Bill 955 on real property, condominiums, and homeowners association election rules and referred it to the Rules Committee. Two Senate bond initiatives were also read and sent to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. Senate Bill 888 was announced as reassigned to the Rules Committee. The main floor action centered on Senate Bill 46 concerning state veteran cemeteries, where Senator Simon offered a floor amendment. Senator from District 7 explained the bill was prompted by concerns about how caskets are moved at veteran cemeteries, describing a practice he found disturbing and saying the issue should be addressed separately from the bill. The amendment and the amended report were both adopted without objection, and the bill was ordered printed for third reading. The Senate then handled a brief procedural exchange when a senator asked about speaking on the reassigned bill, and the presiding officer ruled the matter out of order because it had already been reassigned. After additional committee announcements, the Senate remained in session with 40 members present and then moved to recess until noon in the House chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, we have one additional resolution today. Senator from Montgomery County. Yes.
• resolution today. resolution today.
• :21.520> Simonire, >> Senate Bill 199, Senator Simonire, >> Senate Bill 199, Senator
• Senate Bill 260, Senator C.
• Senate. Senate.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, confirmed a quorum, and welcomed several guests and groups, including Maryland Library Association members, Stephen Decatur High School’s boys soccer team, Clarksburg High School’s girls flag football team, NAMI representatives, Baltimore Promise, local soil conservation district representatives, and a 911 center leader. The chamber also journalized the invocation and prepared for the Governor’s upcoming State of the State address by exchanging messages with the House and appointing Senate members to escort the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. The body then took up a series of Finance Committee bills, most of them receiving favorable reports and being ordered to third reading without objection. Measures discussed included SB 14 on small business health insurance SHOP enrollment effective dates; SB 22 on Department of Disabilities housing programs and affiliated foundations; SB 134 on Medicare supplement policy enrollment periods; SB 139 on third-party administrator enforcement; SB 199 on the Individuals with Disabilities and Service-Disabled Veterans Voting Fund; SB 205 codifying federal mental health parity requirements; SB 216 on unemployment insurance confidentiality; SB 43 on the Maryland Community Investment Venture Fund; SB 46 on state veterans cemeteries interment provisions; and SB 226 on the Maryland Heritage Area Authority. Several bills had brief amendments or procedural issues. SB 22 received a technical amendment changing “Attorney General” to “Office of the Attorney General.” SB 199 received an amendment adding a co-sponsor, and SB 46 was briefly set to lie over under the rule after a senator requested time to review a technical clarification. The chamber also received House Bill 1, which was referred to committee, and SB 624 was reassigned to the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee. Most committee reports were adopted unanimously or without objection, and the Senate repeatedly congratulated the honored school teams and library advocates.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Senate Bill 773, Senator Augustine, >> Senate Bill 773, Senator Augustine, Health<00:18
• Senate Bill 823, Senator Smith, bills.
• Senator Harris, solar, >> Senate bill 923.
• Senate Joint Resolution Number 4, Senator A.
• Clerk read the bond initiatives. number four, Senate Senator A. number four, Senate Senator A.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, February 9, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with an invocation by the Reverend Mihi Kim Court of First Presbyterian Church in Annapolis, and received remarks praising her social justice work and support for the LGBTQ community. The chamber also welcomed several visiting groups, including the Poolsville Town Council, the Maryland Commission on Women, Citizens for a Cleaner County, BUILD, District 37 visitors, and child care advocates participating in an “Evening in Annapolis for Child Care.” The Senate also introduced its weekly pages from schools across the state. Before moving to legislation, senators briefly discussed Senate rules and quorum procedures, including whether the 2025 rules govern the 2026 session and how presence and voting work during a protest. The presiding officer confirmed that the 2025 rules remain in effect, that physical presence counts for voting, and that senators present may vote when called. The chamber then referred a large batch of newly introduced measures to standing committees, including bills on artificial intelligence in education, pharmacist vaccine orders, parole commission matters, lead risk reduction, solar and energy storage policy, and several joint resolutions and bond initiatives. The Senate also noted that 234 bills had been introduced that day, bringing the total to Senate Bill 954, and thanked the Senate staff and Department of Legislative Services for their work. Later, the body heard a Black History Month presentation from the senator from Baltimore City and Baltimore County highlighting the importance of historical memory and honoring figures such as Pauli Murray, Ella Baker, and Fannie Lou Hamer, with detailed remarks on their activism and contributions. The remarks were journalized, and the Senate adjourned without objection until Tuesday, February 10 at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clerk will read the bills. >> Senate Bill 643. Senator Bailey.
• Clerk will read the bills. >> Senate Bill 680. Senator West.
• Uh, next is Senate bond initiatives, calendar 14.
• Uh, the Senate of Maryland remains in session.
• > remains<00:03:17.360> in the senator of Maryland remains in the senator of Maryland remains

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, February 6, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met in a brief pro forma session with a quorum call and the clerk calling the roll. The chamber considered the reading of the prior day’s journal and then introduced two bills: Senate Bill 643 by Senator Bailey, concerning natural resources, hunting, management, education, energy, and the environment, and Senate Bill 680 by Senator West, concerning intercepted communications penalty and judicial proceedings. Both bills were ordered read and referred to the appropriate standing committees. The Senate also took up Senate bond initiatives, including one for the American Legion Cook Pinkney Post 141, which was referred to the capital budget subcommittee. The presiding officer noted the approaching Monday deadline for bill introductions and commented on the growing number of measures filed. The session included remarks thanking the pages for their service and encouraging them to share their experience and apply again in the future. No substantive debate or votes on legislation occurred. The Senate then agreed to a motion to recess until Monday, February 9th at 8:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Kazone, human >> Senate bill 585.
• Senator Sidnor, Voting >> Senate bill 255.
• senator from the 29th district. senator from the 29th district.
• Senator Kagan, General >> Senate Bill Five.
• Senator from Howard. Senator from Howard.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, February 5, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation from Reverend Carissa Serber, and journalized her remarks. Members then welcomed several guests and groups in the gallery, including Maryland Community Action Partnership advocates, Cecil College students and Dr. Mary Bolt, Cecil County Executive Adam Strait, the Maryland Association of Justice, Faith Baptist School students, and several interns and staff members. The chamber also introduced Senate Bill 585 and a bond initiative for the Active Achievers Youth Center, both of which were referred to the appropriate committees or subcommittees. The main floor debate centered on Senate Bill 255, the Voting Rights Act of 2026 for counties and municipal corporations. Senators questioned the bill’s scope, especially whether it would affect county commissioner election methods, who could bring suit, what “vote dilution” means, and whether the measure was tied to district maps or candidate filings. The sponsor explained that the bill creates a state framework for the federal Voting Rights Act, provides standing rather than a remedy, and applies when a protected class believes its vote has been diluted; political party was said not to be a protected class. The committee amendment was adopted without objection, and the amended bill was ordered printed for third reading. On third reading, Senate Bill 5 and Senate Bill 29 passed with constitutional majorities. Senate Bill 93 also passed. Senate Bill 141, dealing with election misinformation, disinformation, and deep fakes, was moved back to second reader for a technical amendment and then special ordered to Tuesday. The Senate also held a lighthearted recorded vote on Seahawks versus Patriots, with the Seahawks winning 28 to 8, and then received committee scheduling announcements for upcoming hearings and voting sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate to order. Looks like we have the Senate to order.
• Senate Bill 520, Senator Kramer, property tax, charter counties, application of county tax limitations
• Clerk will read the bills. >> Senate Bill 570.
• Uh, let's go to Senate bond initiatives calendar 12.
• :01:39.840> Aaron's >> Number one, Senator Hershey Aaron's >> Number one, Senator

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened in a pro forma session, called the roll, and noted that the chamber doors had been secured. Members exchanged brief announcements, including birthday wishes for Senator Feldman, and the body proceeded through routine calendar items. Senate Bill 520, concerning property tax limits in charter counties and public safety budget taxation, and Senate Bill 570, relating to baby food testing and the definition of baby food, were read and referred to their appropriate standing committees. The Senate also considered a bond initiative for Senator Hershey’s Aaron’s Place Food Hub and Innovation Campus, which was referred to the capital budget subcommittee. On the House side, House Bill 444, prohibiting certain immigration enforcement agreements in judicial proceedings, was referred to the appropriate standing committee, and House Bill 488, dealing with election districts and representation in Congress, was sent to the rules committee. After a quorum call confirmed three members present and that the Senate remained in session, the majority leader moved to adjourn. The Senate adjourned without objection until Thursday, February 5th at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any further senators >> Thank you, Senator.
• And Senator, I was using >> Senator? Yes.
• Senate Bill 29. Senator Kagan.
• Hester, Senate Bill 141, Senator Hester, Senate Bill 141, Senator Hester, election<01:20:45.760
• Senate Bill 255, Senator Sidnor.

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

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Reverend Dr. Patrick Claybourne of Bethl AM Church in Baltimore, introduced by the senator from the 40th district, who highlighted the church’s long history, community work, scholarships, food pantry, school partnerships, and a planned rise center. The Senate journalized the invocation and then recognized several guests, including the Bethesda Roosters U16 rugby team, which was congratulated for winning the Maryland state title and the 2025 National U16 Championship, and members of the Joint Veterans Committee of Maryland. The chamber also welcomed a Johns Hopkins Police Accountability Board appointment letter, which was referred to the Executive Nominations Committee, and later a delegation from the Ghana Parliament legislative staff visiting with the Department of Legislative Services and NCSL representatives. The main floor business centered on Senate Bill 1, which would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings. The minority whip argued against the bill, saying it was unenforceable, an improper use of legislative time amid other state crises, and could create a system where local officers detain federal officers for a civil violation; he also said officers mask themselves because of threats and doxxing. Senators in support argued the bill was needed to address masked ICE agents, protect public safety, and respond to concerns about civil rights abuses and intimidation. After debate and vote explanations from senators, including one emphasizing immigrant heritage and another supporting the bill as a protection measure, SB 1 passed with 31 affirmative votes. The Senate then passed Senate Bill 17, an emergency bill on alcoholic beverages related event promoters permits, by unanimous affirmative vote. It next took up Senate Bill 245, an emergency bill prohibiting immigration enforcement agreements. The minority leader questioned whether the bill would eliminate formalized 287(g) agreements and replace them with county-by-county policies, arguing that this could reduce uniformity, weaken safety, and create a patchwork of local practices. The bill’s sponsor responded that counties would still be bound by constitutional and legal limits, that the agreements provide minimal training and resources, and that the state should stop formally cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. The sponsor also said the bill would not increase profiling and that public safety would remain intact. The debate continued with concerns about Montgomery County’s evolving policy and the impact on smaller counties, but the transcript ends before final action on SB 245.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, senators.
• Thank you, Senator.
• Thank you, Senator. Without >> Excellent. Thank you, Senator.
• And so if the clerk could please read the resolution in full. >> Be it hereby known to all that the Senate
• Senate Bill 444. Senator Kramer.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, February 2, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate was called to order on February 2, 2026, with a quorum present. The session opened with an invocation by Rabbi Andrew Bush of Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, who reflected on Tu Bishvat, the 200th anniversary of Maryland’s 1826 legislation granting Jews the right to hold office, and broader lessons about language, imperfect solutions, persistence, and acting for others. His prayer was journalized without objection. The chamber also heard brief remarks recognizing his interfaith work and the significance of Tu Bishvat as an ecological holiday. The Senate then honored Maryland History Day participants and awardees. Students from several schools were introduced and congratulated as finalists in the 2025 National History Day competition, and the chamber adopted a resolution recognizing them. The Senate also recognized Lindsay Matthews of Eastern Middle School as the 2025 Maryland History Day Middle School Teacher of the Year and Sam Mowski of Loyola Blakefield as the 2025 National History Day High School Teacher of the Year, with resolutions adopted for both. Additional introductions included the doctor of the day, several Senate pages, and a personal recognition of Jasmine Miller, a Baltimore Polytechnic student and the niece of a senator. On the legislative calendar, the clerk read Senate Bill 444, Senator Kramer’s bill on certificate of need for intermediate healthcare facilities finance, and a bond initiative for Charles Mount Elementary School sponsored by Senator Sing. These items were ordered to the appropriate committees/subcommittee. No committee reports or substantive floor votes were taken beyond the ceremonial resolutions. The Senate also announced upcoming caucus meetings, reminded members to pay protocol dues, confirmed a quorum of 40 members, and adjourned until Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 422, Senator Kramer, research facilities and testing facilities that use animals, adoption
• Senate<00:01:40.960> Bill<00:01:41.280> 422,<00:01:42.320> Senator<00:01:42.720>
• Kramer, Senate Bill 422, Senator Kramer, Senate Bill 422, Senator Kramer, research<00:01:43.759
• With three members present for the pro forma session, the Senate remains in session.
• <00:03:53.599> of would I say that the uh Senate of would I say that the uh Senate of Maryland

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, January 30, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened for a brief pro forma session, with the clerk calling the roll and the presiding officer noting that three critical members were present and Maryland was back in session. There were a few light announcements, including a senator bringing his son to the chamber and a remark about the unusual week of multiple pro forma sessions. The presiding officer also welcomed the Senate pages and noted the historic nature of the week’s schedule. The chamber then processed calendar items without debate: Senate Bill 422, by Senator Kramer, concerning research and testing facilities that use animals and related adoption/reporting requirements, was read and ordered to its standing committee. A bond initiative sponsored by Senator King for Community Services for Adults and Children/Community School of Maryland was also read and sent to the capital budget subcommittee. The Senate received an executive message from Governor Wes Moore submitting a recess appointment for Senate confirmation under the Maryland Constitution. The message was read, journalized, and referred to the Executive Nominations Committee; the presiding officer identified it as a superintendent-related recess appointment. After a final quorum call, the Senate adjourned by unanimous consent until Monday evening at 8:00 p.m. for a regular session.

Transcript Highlights:

• them to the Senate floor. them to the Senate floor.
• Senator. Senator.
• Yes, Senator. Senator. Senator.
• Yes,<00:58:00.160> Senator. Yes, Senator. Yes, Senator.
• Yes, senator from McGomery you, Senator. Yes, senator from McGomery County. County. County.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, January 29, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate reconvened after a snow delay, heard an invocation from Reverend Scott Shelton, and conducted several floor introductions and recognitions, including birthday wishes for staff, a welcome for a temporary office staffer, recognition of the Center for Urban Families, and introduction of the week’s pages. The chamber then approved the prior journal and moved through bill and bond initiative readings, referring the listed measures to their standing committees or the capital budget subcommittee. The first substantive action was adoption of a favorable committee report on Senate Bill 17, an emergency bill authorizing the Baltimore City Board of Licensed Commissioners to issue a related event promoters permit for the CIAA tournament. The floor leader said the bill had no amendments, no fiscal impact, and no opposition in committee. The Senate adopted the report without objection and ordered the bill printed for third reading. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 1 from the Judicial Proceedings Committee, which would require the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission to adopt a statewide policy on law enforcement face coverings, apply it to state, local, and federal officers in Maryland, and enforce violations through a civil citation and discipline. The committee report included two amendments: one technical and one making the policy statewide and preempting local policies. During extended debate, the bill’s sponsor argued that masks undermine transparency and trust and that the measure would create a uniform standard. A senator from Frederick County questioned whether the bill would effectively create a policy for federal agents without Maryland-specific training and raised concerns about enforcement, temporary detention, complaints, and possible conflicts with federal authority. The sponsor responded that officers would retain discretion, that the bill would be enforced through civil citations, and that similar civil enforcement mechanisms have been upheld in Maryland. No final vote on the amended report is shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 390, Wicomico County Senators, Class A beer, wine, and liquor license alterations, Finance
• We've got Senate bond initiatives.
• Senate Bill 390, Wicomico County Senators, Class A beer, wine, and liquor license alterations, Finance
• We've got Senate bond initiatives.
• We've got Senate bond initiatives.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate met in a brief pro forma session with only three members present. The presiding officer welcomed several new student pages from across the state and noted that, despite the light floor schedule due to a snow day, committees were still active and more substantive debate was expected the following day. The chamber then considered the reading of the journal and introduced one bill, Senate Bill 390, a Wicomico County measure concerning Class A beer, wine, and liquor license alterations, which was referred to the Finance Committee. Two Senate bond initiatives were also introduced: one from Senator Brooks for 234 Main Street and one from Senator King for Washington Grove Playground; both were referred to the Budget and Taxation Committee and then ordered to the capital budget subcommittee. No floor votes were taken on the bill or bond initiatives. After a quorum call confirmed the Senate remained in session, the majority leader moved adjournment, and the Senate adjourned until Thursday, January 29 at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senate Bill 368, Senator Bailey, Calvert and St.
• >> Number<00:02:32.000> one,<00:02:32.400> Senator<00:02:32.800> Hedleman,
• <00:02:33.360> Ishivas, >> Number one, Senator Hedleman, Ishivas, >> Number one, Senator
• With three members still present, Senator Maryland remains in session, recognizing the majority leader
• I move the Senate of Maryland stand adjourned until Wednesday, January 28th at 10 a.m. >> And that will

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate held a brief pro forma session with a quorum present. The presiding officer noted Holocaust Remembrance Day in Maryland and emphasized the importance of anti-hate efforts, and also welcomed representatives from the Council of State Governments who were visiting despite the snow. The chamber processed one bill introduction, Senate Bill 368 by Senator Bailey concerning living shorelines and non-structural shoreline stabilization measures, and referred it to the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee. One bond initiative, sponsored by Senators Hettleman, Ishivas, Torres, and Simcha, was also read and sent to the Capital Budget Subcommittee. During announcements, the Majority Leader invited members to a Council of State Governments reception at Harry Brown’s at 6 p.m. The Senate then completed a quorum call and adjourned, with notice that another pro forma session would be held the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is this come in as a resolution? Is this come in as a resolution?
• <00:01:47.600> bills do the uh introduction of Senate bills do the uh introduction of Senate
• Senate bill 328.
• Senator Fulen, property >> Senate bill 328.
• 00:02:23.840> Cromwell >> Number one, Senator Jackson, Cromwell >> Number one, Senator

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, January 23, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate held a brief pro forma session with a quorum call and routine procedural business. The chamber received a letter from the General Assembly Compensation Commission transmitting its 14th quadrennial report on legislative compensation and allowances, which was journalized. Senators also introduced Senate Bill 328, concerning property tax credits for disabled or fallen public safety officers, and several bond initiative items, including projects such as the Carroll County Youth Services Bureau, Cromwell Valley Elementary Playground, and Holland Hills Park; these were referred to the appropriate committees or the capital budget subcommittee. No substantive debate or votes occurred. Members shared announcements about delegation meetings, including the Eastern Shore delegation’s presentations from Congressman Andy Harris, MACo, and the Maryland Municipal League, and a mention of Western Maryland organizing activity. Leadership also noted that weather could affect the next meeting and advised members to check the website and watch for email updates. The Senate then adjourned, on motion of the majority leader, until Monday, January 26th, with the exact meeting time to be confirmed on the website.

Transcript Highlights:

• Good morning. >> President Ferguson, Senator Wall Striker, members of the Senate.
• Uh yes, Senator from >> Thank you, Senator.
• Uh, yes, Senator from Charles County. into the Senate. Uh please give a warm into the Senate.
• Senate Bill 314. Senator Waldstriker.
• Uh yes, Senator from Anna Senator. 8:45. Uh yes, Senator from Anna Rundle. Rundle. Rundle.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, January 22, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with an invocation by Reverend Abi Johni of Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church, followed by the roll call establishing a quorum with 44 members present. The chamber then featured numerous introductions and recognitions, including legislative interns, a shadowing student, a constituent assisting this session, visiting advocacy groups such as the Maryland Bankers Association, the Transportation Association of Maryland, and the Maryland Association of CPAs, as well as several pages and other guests. Members also announced upcoming caucus and delegation events, committee briefings, and weather-related schedule contingencies. On the legislative side, the Senate received bill introductions, including Senate Bill 314 on immunity from liability for donations of pet supplies in judicial proceedings, and a bond initiative for a neighborhood community track and field project, which was referred to the capital budget subcommittee. The main floor action was consideration of Rule 116; after brief discussion, the Senate adopted the rule by a unanimous 44-0 vote, completing adoption of the Senate rules. Committee announcements noted upcoming hearings and briefings: Finance planned briefings on health insurance subsidies and private passenger auto insurance; Education, Energy, and the Environment scheduled briefings on climate-smart agriculture and federal policy impacts; Budget and Taxation planned an interagency commission briefing; and Judicial Proceedings announced 12 bill hearings, including two lengthy bills. The Senate also journalized the invocation, recognized the new leadership of the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus, and adjourned until the next pro forma session, with the adjournment also honoring Edward Risinger, a former Baltimore City Council member who had recently died.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clerk will read the calendar. >> Senate Joint Resolution Number One, the President Governor Salary Commission
• Senate<00:01:19.280> Joint<00:01:19.520> Resolution<00:01:20.000> Number<00:01:20.240
• > Two,<00:01:20.479> the Senate Joint Resolution Number Two, the Senate Joint Resolution
• Calendar some Senate bond initiatives.
• 00:01:34.000> at >> Number one, Senator Hedleman at >> Number one, Senator Hedleman

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate met in a brief pro forma session focused on administrative business and the formal start of budget season. The chamber waived the reading of the prior journal and substituted the previous day’s invocation. Leaders noted that the budget would be introduced and that committees would handle the detailed work later in the day. Several measures were read and referred to committees: Senate Bill 282, the President’s fiscal year 2027 budget bill, was sent to the Budget and Taxation Committee; Senate Joint Resolution 1, concerning salary recommendations for the governor and lieutenant governor from the President Governor Salary Commission, was also referred to Budget and Taxation; and Senate Joint Resolution 2, concerning judicial compensation recommendations from the President Judicial Compensation Commission, was likewise referred to Budget and Taxation. A Senate bond initiative from Senator Hedleman for a Pikesville High School comfort station was read and sent to the capital budget subcommittee. After the introductions, the presiding officer announced that the Senate had completed its constitutional duties for the day and that committee work would proceed. A quorum call confirmed three members present, and the Senate remained in session long enough for the majority leader to move adjournment. The chamber adjourned without objection until Thursday, January 22nd at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, senators.
• We do have a resolution today. Uh, see the senator from Howard and An Arundel counties. Thank you.
• Senate welcome. Welcome to the Senate. Senate welcome. Welcome to the Senate.
• Augustine, Senate Bill 280, Senator Augustine, Senate Bill 280, Senator Augustine, Natural<00
• >> Senator may proceed. >> Senator may proceed.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with a quorum present and began the session with an invocation by Rabbi Ari Goldstein of Temple Beth Shalom, who urged senators to listen carefully, act with humility and integrity, and keep policy focused on real people and practical justice. His remarks were journalized without objection. The chamber also welcomed several guests, including a senior Girl Scout troop from Jefferson, family members of a senator, and visiting teachers, educators, and students from the College Board Foundation. The main floor action was a resolution recognizing Korean-American Day and honoring the Korean Society of Maryland and the broader Korean American community for their contributions to Maryland and the nation. The sponsor highlighted the community’s history since the first Korean immigrants arrived in North America in 1903 and named several Korean American leaders present in the gallery. The resolution was read in full and adopted unanimously, with applause and thanks extended to the guests. The Senate then handled first-reader bill introductions: Senate Bill 280, relating to state parks terminology in the Natural Resources/Education/Energy/Environment committees, and Senate Bill 281, the Metro Funding Modification Act of 2026, referred to Budget and Taxation. Leadership noted that the early weeks of session would be committee-heavy, with most bills going to standing committees rather than the floor. Committee chairs then gave scheduling updates, including truncated hearing formats due to bill volume, upcoming hearings on longevity, the AHEAD model and emergency department wait times, election law bills, controller briefings, and departmental hearings. The Senate adjourned without objection until Wednesday, January 21, for a 10:00 a.m. pro forma session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Call the Senate to order. Call the Senate to order.
• senator from the 45th district. senator from the 45th district.
• Well, thank you, Senator.<00:02:59.040> And Senator. And Senator.
• Uh senator from district 8. right. Uh senator from district 8.
• Clerk will read the calendar. >> Senate Bill 257. Senator Simonaire.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, January 19, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with an invocation by Pastor Ray Cotton of Mount Si Baptist Church, who prayed for wisdom, integrity, courage, compassion, and protection for lawmakers. The senator from the 45th district introduced the pastor and praised his long ministry and community leadership. The chamber then recorded a quorum and moved through brief introductions of guests, including constituents from District 22, local elected officials, a junior senator from District 8, Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier, and a new group of student pages from several districts. The Senate handled limited business, including the reading and referral of Senate Bill 257, the Mel Noland Woodland Initiatives and Fellowship Fund reporting bill, and two bond initiatives for the Linthicum Ferndale Youth Athletic Association and Carol Manor Elementary School. Leaders noted that committee hearings would be busy in the coming week and that the desk was otherwise clear. There was also an announcement encouraging members to watch the documentary "Ain't No Back to a Merry-Go-Round," tied to Glen Echo Park desegregation history and the legacy of former Senator Gwen Britt. The main event was the annual Martin Luther King Jr. remarks by the senator from the 45th district. The speech focused on passages from the "Letter from Birmingham Jail," emphasizing King’s discipline, nonviolent strategy, the interconnectedness of communities, the role of constructive tension, the need to demand justice rather than wait indefinitely, and the moral distinction between just and unjust laws. The senator framed King as both a strategist and a builder of institutions, and argued that lawmakers should measure their work against those principles. The chamber responded with strong applause, and the remarks were journalized without objection. After a final quorum call confirmed 43 members present, the Senate remained in session briefly and then adjourned without objection until Tuesday, January 20 at 10 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senate Bill 246. Senator Bidel, Health Services Cost of Office of Members, Finance.
• Senate Bill 18. Senator M.
• Senate Bill 42, Senator Simonire, Reduction in Facilities and Veteran Service Organizations, reassigned
• Senate Bill 106, indicated below.
• Senate bill 186, indicated below.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Friday, January 16, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate held a brief pro forma session, waived reading of the prior journal, and received the first calendar item, Senate Bill 246, which was referred to the appropriate standing committee. The chamber also announced several committee reassignments under Rule 33D. The reassignments included Senate Bill 18, concerning the State Board of Social Work Examiners, moved to Finance; Senate Bill 42, relating to reduction in facilities and veteran service organizations, moved to Judicial Proceedings; Senate Bill 106, the vehicle emissions inspection program repeal, moved to Judicial Proceedings; Senate Bill 119, the State Board of Environmental Health Specialist sunset extension, moved to Finance; and Senate Bill 186, concerning optometry examination requirements, moved to Finance. The presiding officer noted the reassignment process and joked that the chief of staff had a 98% accuracy rate on initial committee assignments. No substantive debate or votes on legislation occurred. The Senate thanked the pages for their service, held a quorum call for the pro forma session, and then adjourned without objection until Monday, January 19th at 8:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 232, Senator Salling, state procurement preferences, historically underutilized business
• Thank you, Senator. Uh, yes, Senator from District 1. >> Thank you, Mr. President.
• Thank you, Senator.
• Thank you,<00:09:21.360> Senator.
• >> Yes, Senator. >> Thank you.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, January 15, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened on January 15 with a prayer offered by Reverend Sheridan Almond of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Kensington, introduced as a guest of the senator from the 18th district. Her remarks were journalized without objection. The chamber also welcomed several guests, including Carter Pry, a recent Crofton High School graduate interested in cybersecurity and AI, interns Isabelle War and Daniel Mora, and the Catonsville Middle School Student Council and adviser Katie Tucci. Members also recognized the day’s pages and thanked them for their service. The only bill read at the desk was Senate Bill 232, by Senator Salling, concerning state procurement preferences for historically underutilized business zone businesses; it was referred to the appropriate standing committee. Committee announcements followed, with Finance, Education, Energy, and the Environment, Judicial Proceedings, and Ethics all scheduling organizational meetings and related briefings later that day. Additional announcements noted Baltimore City and Baltimore County delegation meetings, a Fire EMS Coalition meeting, and Cecil Day events in Annapolis. A senator from Montgomery County highlighted an art exhibit, Art in Full Spectrum, on the fourth floor of the House office building, featuring artists with disabilities from many districts and a future reception. The Senate then confirmed a quorum of 45 members and, on motion of the majority leader, adjourned pro forma until Friday, January 16 at 11:00 a.m.