Transcript Highlights:

• service opportunities for students, and to support students' career development.
• service opportunities for students, and also to support students' career development.
• Thank you. opportunities for students and also to support students' career development.
• Well done, students. Thank you. Well done, students.
• Delegated projects are typically...

Summary: The subcommittee held an informational budget hearing covering several GovOps, CDT, CPPA, and DGS items. GovOps reported that most deliverables under the Governor’s generative AI executive order have been completed, including guidelines, procurement tools, community-impact guidance, and a new project delivery lifecycle for Gen AI projects; one workforce-related deliverable remains. Members and public commenters raised concerns about privacy, labor impacts, and how the state will explain and oversee Gen AI use. The committee also heard a proposal to create a California Education Interagency Council with $5 million ongoing and 16 positions to coordinate workforce and education systems; LAO questioned duplication and recommended limited-term funding, while supporters said a neutral convening body is needed to improve coordination and student outcomes. GoServe presented the College Corps budget proposals, describing the program as a paid service and career-development opportunity for undergraduate students that helps reduce college costs while supporting communities through tutoring, food insecurity work, climate and disaster response, and other service. The administration sought one-time and ongoing funding to expand the program to more campuses and students, while LAO objected to the high administrative costs and recommended rejection. Several students and alumni testified that College Corps provided financial support, professional experience, and career pathways. The committee also heard a $5 million proposal for a Belonging Campaign to address loneliness and social isolation through research, outreach, and local grants; LAO said the proposal lacked clear goals and measures, while supporters said the effort is needed for youth, seniors, and community resilience. The Department of Technology updated the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative, saying construction is underway on the statewide open-access network and the project remains on track for the 2026 deadline, though LAO noted a required business plan had not yet been submitted. The California Privacy Protection Agency presented its Delete Act implementation request for the DROP platform, which will let consumers request deletion of personal information held by data brokers; LAO flagged oversight concerns because CDT is both developing the system and involved in project support. Public commenters from business groups urged caution on CPPA’s rulemakings, warning of compliance costs and job impacts. The Department of General Services then discussed implementation of Proposition 2 school facilities bonds, requesting staffing and administrative funding to manage the new bond program and continue school facility work. Officials said the program can also help districts affected by the January wildfires, including interim site funding and expedited assistance. Finally, DGS requested authority and positions to operate Building 18 for labor-agency tenants relocating from older Capitol Mall space; SEIU Local 1000 criticized the state’s four-day return-to-office policy and said telework has improved productivity and retention. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded after public testimony and member questions on each item.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a result of unreasonable delegation fees.
• It removes delegation fees in the rural area.
• Those delegation fees have been described as excessive. ...by the APRNs.
• I think, Senator Blanco, what you're describing relates to the delegation.
• You're saying within the delegation... From the Texas Medical Board.

Bills: SB128, SB640, SB672, SB904, SB1141, SB1263, SB1525, SB1528, SB2041, SB2306, SB2308, SB2357, SB2446, SB2695, SB2857, SB2891, SB2583

Keywords: hospital reporting, child abuse, neglect, administrative penalty, medical ethics, child protection, SB 640, Texas Family Code, Department of Family and Protective Services, DFPS, child welfare, foster care, managing conservatorship, suicide attempt, youth suicide, mental health, child protective services, state custody, annual report, reporting requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• Langrall, who was one of my students when I was on the County Council.
• Langrall, who was one of my students Langrall, who was one of my students when<00:05:02.960>
• Thank you for your dedication to your students.
• Judicial proceedings, any other standing committees, select committees, delegations, caucuses?
• , delegations, delegations, caucuses, caucuses, caucuses, uh<00:21:36.280> yes,<00:21:36.800><

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

Summary: The Maryland Senate opened with an invocation by Reverend Rodney Hudson, who was introduced by the Senator from the 40th District and recognized for his work as a pastor, teacher, and community leader in West Baltimore. The chamber also welcomed several district night visitors, AFSCME members, and a new group of student pages from schools across the state. The Senate then took up a resolution honoring the Maryland Council for Social Studies and its Social Studies and Civics Educator Award recipients, with remarks praising their work in education and a unanimous celebratory vote. The named honorees included educators recognized for elementary and secondary social studies, new teacher of the year, instructional leader of the year, a related organization professional, and civic education educator of the year. The Senate also adopted a resolution recognizing the women of the 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion during Women’s History Month. The sponsor highlighted the battalion’s all-Black, overseas World War II service, its work clearing a massive mail backlog for troops, and the racism and sexism the women overcame. The resolution honored the service and legacy of the unit and was approved unanimously. In addition, the Senate passed Senate Bill 56, authorizing external data sharing by the Maryland Longitudinal Data System Center for multi-state reporting, and Senate Bill 100, concerning early voting centers and bus stops, both by 44 affirmative votes. Later, a late-filed bill was introduced after suspension of the rules: Senate Bill 1006, the Maryland State Flag Protection Act, a constitutional amendment intended to protect the state flag in the constitution. The bill was referred to the Rules Committee. The session concluded with caucus announcements, including a Democratic caucus meeting the next morning, a Republican caucus meeting at 8:30 a.m., and notice of a Jewish Caucus event marking the 200th anniversary of the Jew Bill. The Senate then adjourned until March 10 at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's my honor to rise today to recognize the Somerdale Elementary School and their students and staff
• And I'm proud that these young students take the interest in legislation and public service.
• They're the delegation leader, LaMita Mayor Mark Warnick, Torrance City Councilman Assam Shaikh, Chamber
• of Commerce President Donna Dupron, and all the members. of this year's delegation.
• I know that I and the San Diego delegation are proud and honored to recognize Brett Potter today and

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For some parents and students, that's going to be a private school; for many parents and students, that's
• like they're beneficial to public school students.
• or a disadvantage for EFA students.
• or a disadvantage for EFA students.
• That's not so much of a problem for younger students, but with junior high and high school students,

Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee reviewed a long agenda of agency rules, with most items approved without objection after brief presentations and no public comment. Early items included Department of Energy and Environment rules on landfill post-closure trust fund spending thresholds and liquefied petroleum gas standards, DFA’s electronic odometer disclosure rule, and several Department of Health rules covering ionizing radiation, mobile home and RV parks, lead-based paint, counseling board revisions, hearing instrument dispensers, athletic training, dental examiners, nursing, pharmacy, medical board, speech-language pathology and audiology, radiologic technology, massage therapy, community health workers, doula certification, and cosmetology/body art. Most of these changes were described as updates to match recent acts, federal standards, compact participation, fee adjustments, or cleanup/clarification, and the committee repeatedly approved them without objection. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on the Arkansas State Board of Nursing’s broad set of rule changes implementing multiple 2025 acts. Those changes included creating a dialysis patient care technician registry, updating contact information requirements, expanding APRN authority to delegate certain tasks, clarifying death certificate and pronouncement authority, allowing substitution of therapeutically equivalent medications, permitting purchase of compounded products, and updating certified medication assistant rules and training standards. Members asked detailed questions about the meaning of therapeutically equivalent substitutions, delegation limits, compounded products, and how often medication lists would be updated; the board said it would review rules annually and use future rulemaking as needed. The committee also approved new nursing rules for declaratory orders and the new dialysis registry. The Department of Education’s rules drew the most discussion, especially the Arkansas Children’s Educational Freedom Account Program. The department said the revisions, based on Act 920 of 2025, were intended to add guardrails, clarify eligible expenses, and streamline approvals. Changes included defining core educational expenses, limiting sports-related spending, adding an intentional misuse standard, restricting certain technology purchases and requiring extra justification over $1,000, capping carryover funds at $8,500, and creating a reconsideration process for denied expenses. Members raised concerns about oversight, appeal timelines, sports equipment, provider credentialing, and whether the rules were too restrictive; department officials said the rules were meant to protect taxpayer funds while preserving flexibility, and they noted the program had received extensive public comment. The committee also approved Education rules for scholarships, residency classification, teacher programs, accelerated learning, and graduate medical education, as well as Labor and Licensing rules on wage and hour standards, boiler rules, motor vehicle commission requirements, professional wrestling regulation, appraiser qualifications, and military recruiting incentives.

Transcript Highlights:

• For some parents and students, that's going to be a private school; for many parents and students, that's
• For some parents and students, that's going to be a private school; for many parents and students, that's
• or a disadvantage for EFA students.
• And an EFA student could go... ...to be provided equipment by the school, and an EFA student could go
• That's not so much of a problem for younger students, but with junior high and high school students,

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , not for an award, but to help that student succeed, because that's what teachers Do.
• Because today's students will be tomorrow's CEOs, scientists, Because today's students will be tomorrow's
• We need to prepare our students K through 12 for K through 16 or career of the military, wherever it
• There are 1,200 school districts and over 8,000 campuses and 365,000 teachers and 5.5 million students
• Its delegation of authority in exercising the authority to issue these permits, remove that authority

Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion to suspend Rule 5.14 and move the intent calendar deadline to 6 p.m. that day. It then took up and passed several bills, often by suspending the regular order of business and the constitutional three-day rule. HB 1866 gave limited Texas peace officer authority to National Park Service law enforcement officers within the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park; HB 4996 increased the penalty for refusing to release a fraudulent lien when the victim is a public servant; and HB 5033 created a trigger mechanism for ending vehicle emissions inspections if federal law changes. HB 1533 made a range of appraisal and property tax procedure changes, HB 2282 raised the arrest warrant reimbursement fee from $50 to $75, HB 3421 updated probate and estates procedures, and HB 4263 revised Texas Juvenile Justice Department grievance procedures. Each of these measures advanced through second reading, third reading, and final passage, with recorded votes generally showing strong support and some opposition on a few bills. The chamber also considered major policy bills. HB 2, the large public education and school finance package, drew extensive floor discussion and multiple amendments. Senators emphasized its $8.5 billion investment, including teacher and staff pay, school safety funding, special education, charter and traditional school funding changes, and other allotment adjustments. Several senators praised the bill as historic and collaborative, while also noting the need to monitor implementation and future effects. After adopting amendments and hearing supportive remarks from multiple members, the Senate passed HB 2 on final vote, 31-0. Other debated measures included HB 143, which codified cooperation between the Railroad Commission and the Public Utility Commission to address electrical safety hazards at well sites and related facilities, and CS SB 3074/3070, which allowed limited written communications from the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators to TCEQ commissioners about permit applications, with disclosure and response requirements. Senator Johnson raised concerns that the TCEQ bill could politicize an apolitical permitting process and potentially affect federal delegation, but the bill was amended and passed 28-3. The Senate also passed HB 4426 on Railroad Commission permits for commercial surface disposal facilities, HB 3161 giving TMRS cities more flexibility on employee contribution rates, and HB 2712 allowing future test years for certain water and sewer utility rate-making, with an amendment to protect ratepayers if projections overcharge them. At the end of the session, the Senate handled several procedural motions, including re-referring HB 1904 from Criminal Justice to State Affairs and suspending posting rules so committees could meet later that day. The chamber then recessed until 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 25, 2025, for a local and uncontested calendar, and planned to adjourn until 5:00 p.m. that same day after that calendar concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many students will be there until 1:30 this afternoon.
• The students come here accomplishments.
• <00:33:13.039> to legislators can meet with students to legislators can meet with students
• students will be there until 1:30 uh this<00:33:34.799> afternoon.
• ,<00:33:44.559> community body recognize these students, community body recognize these students

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional reading, then proceeded to first readings and committee referrals for six bills: H.841 on miscellaneous animal welfare procedures, H.842 creating a commission on public school employee health benefits, H.843 on monitoring municipal wastewater discharges, H.844 on sales tax and a surcharge related to short-term rental and second-home properties, H.845 on an income tax deduction for snow tires, and H.846 on artificial intelligence and elections. H.611, a bill with an appropriation affecting the Department of Vermont Health Access, was also referred to Appropriations under House Rule 35A. The chamber also read HCR 175, a concurrent resolution honoring the life of J. Stannard Baker of Shelburne, highlighting his role in Baker v. State, his work in mental health and the Episcopal Church, and his death in June 2025. During announcements, members welcomed guests including Baker’s husband and sister, representatives of the Vermont Access Network, a devotional speaker, Human Rights Commission participants, and students from rural community schools visiting for Rural Schools Day. The House also heard remarks about the Human Rights Commission’s upcoming press conference and a caucus meeting on state permit reform. Later, the member from Georgia gave a lengthy historical reflection on Henry Knox and the Fort Ticonderoga cannon expedition, followed by a correction from the member from Stow noting that teams of oxen pulled most of the cannon. On the floor, the House considered H.648, the Department of Financial Regulation’s annual housekeeping bill on banking, insurance, and securities. Representative Olsen offered an amendment clarifying section 48 on federally exempt securities and state notice filings; the amendment was adopted by voice vote, and the bill then passed. The House then took up H.790, the fiscal year 2026 budget adjustment bill. Representative Shai offered an amendment reallocating $45,000 in HIV/AIDS funding among Vermont CARES, the AIDS Project of Southern Vermont, and the HIV/HCV Resource Center; that amendment was also adopted. The bill passed on a roll call vote, 133-0, and the House suspended rules to message its action to the Senate forthwith. The session ended with a motion to adjourn until Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., which was put to the body.

Transcript Highlights:

• 500 of those students are dual credit students at our tribal colleges and universities.
• on campus, not just Hispanic or minority students. all students on campus, not just Hispanic or minority
• students.
• These are public institutions that have a student body of Native American students, which is 10% or more
• As far as those impact numbers and the decrease in graduate students, particularly international students

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:19:14.320> of willing to listen, and a student of willing to listen, and a student of
• We have a message to the Senate from the House of Delegates.
• We've appointed on the part of the House of Delegates, Delegates Moon and Buckel, by order Sylvia Seager
• The clerk will the House of Delegates.
• buckle of delegates, delegates moon and buckle of delegates, delegates moon and buckle by<00:

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened for the opening day of the 449th legislative session, with an invocation delivered by Reverend Amen Flowers and the prayer journalized without objection. The clerk then called the roll, establishing a quorum with 46 senators present and the Senate ready to conduct business. The first order of business was the election of a temporary presiding officer, followed by the election of the permanent presiding officer. Senator Ben Brooks nominated Senator Malcolm Augustine to serve as President Pro Tem, and Senator Karen Lewis Young seconded the nomination, both praising his policy knowledge, collaborative style, and ability to work across differences. The Senate then voted and elected Augustine as President Pro Tem, after which he was escorted to the rostrum and sworn in. Augustine thanked colleagues, his family, and the chamber, and said he looked forward to working through a challenging session together on behalf of Marylanders. The Senate next nominated and elected Senator William C. Ferguson IV as President of the Senate. Senator Charles Sydnor nominated him, and Senator Cory McCray seconded, describing Ferguson as an honest broker, steady leader, and compassionate presiding officer. Ferguson was elected with 46 affirmative votes, took the oath of office, and delivered extended remarks about the importance of federalism, the role of states in filling gaps left by the federal government, and the need for Maryland to lead through state-level action during a difficult political climate. He also thanked colleagues, staff, and his family, and emphasized that the session would require collaboration and focus on Marylanders' needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• And one of those times where our students Leave the state but then come back.
• of preparing for a pilot study to validate the use of artificial intelligence to provide graduate students
• She is on the student board of directors at the First National Bank. Wants to attend UCO.
• Maybe that's that's A fair question, but you know, still, you'd have the speaker and his delegates would
• Yes, I think that the insurance share would or should be one of the delegates.

Bills: HB2975, HB3405, HB3406, HB3728, HB3902, HB3977, SB397, HB1161, HB2938, HB2939, HB3306, HB3722, HB4113, HB4123, HB2293, HB3176, HB3545, HB3546

Keywords: poultry waste, nutrient management, environmental regulations, agriculture, water quality, pollution prevention, best management practices, noxious weeds, poison hemlock, kudzu, landowner responsibilities, environmental control, public nuisance, eradication, burn bans, fire danger, drought conditions, emergency declaration, scrap metal, regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members, SB 1435 makes the ban on referring students to sexually explicit materials a Class
• This may include students who have dropped out of school, who are in foster care, are unhoused, or are
• But at the same time, I fully understand wanting to make sure every student has their, you know, high
• time the student spends in the released time course as... ...academic credit to participating students
• In H.R. 1 that provides scholarships for private and public school students.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard a long series of Senate bills, mostly on third-read consent, covering education, public safety, health, courts, labor, and water. Several bills were briefly explained and then pulled from consent for further discussion, including measures on public records review standards (SB 1078), sexually explicit materials in schools/libraries (SB 1435 and SB 1567), burial costs in death cases (SB 1135), military flags in HOAs/COAs (SB 1184), court-ordered treatment guardianship (SB 1243), standardized state hiring (SB 1665), released-time religious instruction (SB 1741), firearm safety instruction in schools (SB 1424), student participation in extracurriculars after certain convictions (SB 1475), Celebrate Freedom Week (SB 1572), federal scholarship-granting organizations/vouchers (SB 1142), immigration-related arrest notifications (SB 1055), defamation standards (SB 1099), peace officer certification for military police veterans (SB 1107), mandatory reporting of child abuse/neglect directly to DCS (SB 1127), attorney licensing and discipline issues (SB 1148 and SB 1039), concealed weapons on college campuses (SB 1068), and firearm muffling devices/silencers (SB 1069). Members also raised constitutional, policy, and school-safety concerns on several of these bills, while supporters emphasized alternative pathways for students, veterans, and workers, and tighter reporting or licensing rules. Other bills were described without extended debate, including claims against the state for unpaid contracted services (SB 1097), workers’ compensation death benefits for surviving spouses who remarry (SB 1136), burial expense increases (SB 1135), state agency web pages for internal guidance (SB 1586), court-ordered treatment procedures and service of process in mental health cases (SB 1113), medical examiner authorization (SB 1123), tribal MOUs with DCS (SB 1125), controlled-substance scheduling conformity with federal classifications (SB 1188), EMT personal information protections (SB 1193), mammography notice updates (SB 1318), assisted-living referral disclosures (SB 1477), accommodation school GED instruction for 11th graders and students over 16 (SB 1166), credit enhancement board continuation (SB 1422), school district and charter school obligations related to religious release time (SB 1741), school firearm safety instruction (SB 1424), and school civics/freedom-week instruction (SB 1572). The committee also heard bills on CPA certification pathways (SB 1181), insurance adjuster licensing (SB 1415), county voter-registration rules online (SB 1040), campaign address privacy (SB 1259), federal land acquisition notification (SB 1281), water supply/demand assessments (SB 1202), environmental compatibility for power plants and small modular reactors (SB 1418), and groundwater recovery rules (SB 1785). The meeting ended with announcements and a brief recognition of Rep. Stephanie Hamilton with an “Affordability Award.” No final votes are shown in the transcript excerpt; instead, many bills were either left on consent, pulled for later discussion, or flagged for closed caucus. The chair then asked guests to leave so members could hold a closed caucus.

Transcript Highlights:

• out to our federal delegation.
• And so, you know, being able to delegate, you know, assist those constituents.
• What expenditures are allowed for homeschool and private school students?
• But your department estimated 37,000 people or students would be involved this year.
• Rogers said, it kind of levels out because we had about 2,500 students graduate.

Summary: The committee first considered the Lieutenant Governor’s Office budget and personnel request. Office representatives said they wanted to move the office to the state pay plan to better align salaries with other constitutional offices and remain competitive, noting that OPM had approved the positions and grades. Senators questioned the size of the requested increases and the office’s workload, and after discussion the motion to adopt the proposal failed on an 8-8 tie. The committee then voted to expunge that vote and returned to the regular agenda. The committee approved a series of Governor’s letters involving position transfers and appropriation adjustments across several agencies. These included changes for AETN, the Department of Health and Nursing Board/Dietetics Board, multiple DHS divisions, DFA shared services and budget management, and the Department of Public Safety shared services division. Most of these items involved moving positions and associated salary appropriations between divisions, with no major opposition and motions passing. A lengthy discussion followed on the transfer of child nutrition and related nutrition programs from the Department of Education to the Department of Agriculture. Education and DFA officials explained that the programs fit better under Agriculture because the funding and commodities are tied to USDA programs, and they clarified that both state and federal funding and all related positions would move. Senators raised concerns about the math in the letters, the split between state and federal funding, and whether all program resources were being transferred. After the explanation, the committee approved the Education side of the transfer and then approved the Agriculture companion letter. The committee also discussed the Educational Freedom Account program budget. Officials said the $309 million request matched current participation and included a $70 million reserve in case applications increase. Several senators expressed concern about the program’s growth and its effect on public education funding and adequacy, while others noted that the program’s rules and funding levels could be adjusted through the State Board and future legislative action. The committee then approved a Public Safety classification change and a member amendment changing a title at East Arkansas Community College from assistant to the president to assistant to the chancellor, with no change in positions or appropriation.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that may mean we're working with constituents who have issues where we need to delegate and reach
• out to our federal delegation.
• But your department estimated 37,000 people or students would be involved this year.
• Rogers said, it kind of levels out because we had about 2,500 students graduate.
• So then when you have about that same number come in with homeschool students, it balances out.

Summary: The committee first considered the Lieutenant Governor’s Office budget and personnel request to move that office onto the state pay plan and increase salaries for its positions. Office representatives said the request was intended to make pay competitive with other constitutional offices and state agencies, that OPM had approved the grades, and that the office did not plan to max out any positions. Members questioned the size of the increase and the office’s workload. A motion to adopt the proposal failed on a tie vote, and the committee then voted to expunge the vote before moving on. The committee then approved a series of Governor’s letters and related personnel transfers, including cuts for Arkansas Educational Television Network, transfers within the Department of Health and several DHS divisions, and a DFA shared services reorganization. The committee also approved moving child nutrition and related nutrition programs from the Department of Education to the Department of Agriculture, with department officials explaining that the programs fit better under Agriculture because the grants come from USDA and the transfer would include the positions and funding tied to the programs. Members raised questions about how the appropriations and positions were split between state and federal funding, and about the broader implications of the transfer, but the committee ultimately approved both the Education and Agriculture sides of the move. The meeting also included extended discussion of the Educational Freedom Account program. Members questioned the $309 million appropriation, whether it matched current participation, and whether future demand could require additional funding. Department officials said the amount covered current participation and that the governor had set aside an additional $70 million in case applications increased, but that any amount beyond the appropriation would require returning to the committee. Some members argued the program’s growth could threaten funding for public schools and adequacy, while others noted that the program is governed by rules under the LEARNS Act. The committee also approved a technical title change at East Arkansas Community College from assistant to the president to assistant to the chancellor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Joining us are Porter Garner, president and CEO of the Association of Former Students.
• Jeff Stein, chair of the board, the Association of Former Students.
• students in 240 schools and 22,857 team members.
• I want to recognize students from Westlake High School. If you'll stand, please.
• Currently there are 83 students enrolled in the UTRGB School of Pediatric Medicine, and 22 students in

Transcript Highlights:

• As a law student, I had the opportunity to participate in the 2004 Iowa Presidential Caucus.
• You got 25 votes, you got one delegate. 32 votes, you got one delegate. 50 votes, two delegates. 63 votes
• , still two delegates, and so on.
• Where candidates couldn't get an extra delegate, you could get an extra delegate, making the case for
• My name is Bryn Garrity, and I'm a Boston University student majoring in political science.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Election Laws held a hearing on ranked choice voting, focusing primarily on Boston’s home rule petition (H. 4262) and Bedford’s petition (H. 4916). Committee chairs Dan Hunt and Senator Keenan opened the hearing, explained the three-minute testimony limit, and noted that written testimony would also be accepted. The hearing featured testimony from a wide range of supporters, including advocacy organizations, community leaders, Boston City Council members, and Bedford residents. Witnesses generally argued that ranked choice voting would produce majority-supported winners, reduce vote-splitting and negative campaigning, encourage coalition-building, and give voters more freedom to rank candidates without fear of wasting their vote. Several speakers emphasized local control and said Boston and Bedford should be allowed to decide for themselves whether to adopt the system. Others highlighted potential benefits for women, historically marginalized communities, and voter participation more broadly. Boston councilors and supporters also described the city’s local approval process and said the proposal would still require voter ratification if enacted by the legislature. No opposition testimony was presented in the excerpt. The committee took no substantive vote on the bills during the hearing; after testimony concluded, the chairs thanked participants and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have and students in our schools.
• <00:13:39.120> and valley with the Range delegation and valley with the Range delegation and
• since that happened. wrestled with the student just wrestled with the student just spent<01:36:01.240
• 02.440> helping spent time with the students helping spent time with the students helping them
• were grateful and it gave our students were grateful and it gave our students and<01:36:17.440><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I had the opportunity along with Senator Parker to speak to these outstanding student athletes earlier
• To our five-time champions, student athletes, future change-makers, and future occupants of this body
• And ultimately, she became a delegate because she said that she did not want to miss the opportunity
• , New York, you're entitled to the delegates that you won even if you did not win the whole state.
• You're entitled to your delegates.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior Journal, and began with ceremonial recognitions before moving to legislative business. Members honored the Schenectady Belmont Pop Warner football team for winning the Eastern Regional Championship and being a top-ranked national team, with Senators Parker and Tedisco praising the players, coaches, and volunteers. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 1636, mourning the death of Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson and recognizing his lifetime of civil rights, labor, voting rights, and social justice advocacy. Multiple senators spoke in support, reflecting on his influence on politics, the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, and the message that “I am somebody.” After the resolution, the Senate took up the calendar and passed a series of bills, largely focused on health care, insurance, and public health. These included measures on municipal law, mental hygiene, correction law, executive law, and several insurance and public health bills addressing prescription drug pricing, pharmacy benefit managers, rebates, and anti-competitive drug practices. Senators Myrie, Borrello, Jackson, Fernandez, and others explained votes in support of transparency, patient access, and lowering drug costs; some members noted concerns about pharmacy deserts and corporate consolidation. Most bills passed with broad margins, though a few drew more opposition, including Calendar 304 on anti-competitive drug agreements. On Calendar 289, an amendment concerning domestic violence was ruled non-germane by the chair. Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick appealed, arguing the amendment would create a public registry for persistent domestic violence offenders to help protect potential victims. The Senate voted on the appeal, the ruling of the chair stood, and the bill was then restored to the non-controversial calendar and passed. The Senate then completed the calendar, had no further business, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 25 at 3:00 p.m.