Transcript Highlights:

• Yesterday, Assembly Member Hyndman and I met with the four presidents of the university centers at SUNY
• The following agencies will be discussed: State of New York, City University of New York, Higher Education
• While we provide the necessary support to many of these universities and colleges that have been highlighted
• While we provide the necessary support to many of these universities and colleges that have been highlighted
• We've proposed significant investments, of course, in public colleges and universities to make sure everyone

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Higher Education Conference Committee met to discuss budget priorities for SUNY, CUNY, community colleges, TAP, student aid, and capital funding. Chair Toby Ann Stavisky emphasized the need for increased operating and capital support, protection against enrollment-based funding losses, no tuition increases, a review of TAP because it has not kept pace with living costs, and action on student loan access and research funding cuts. Assembly Chair Alicia Hyndman outlined the Assembly’s higher education proposal, including $475.7 million to expand TAP eligibility, raising income thresholds for TAP and the Excelsior Scholarship, creating a graduate tuition assistance program, adding community college operating aid, expanding the Opportunity Promise Scholarship, forgiving SUNY hospital debt service, increasing CUNY operating support, restoring opportunity program funding, creating a $110 million student loan support program called New York Rises, and funding five-year capital plans for SUNY and CUNY plus additional ECAP grants. Members broadly supported making higher education more affordable and accessible, while highlighting district-specific needs. Senator May praised SUNY Reconnect, community college workforce programs, hospital debt service relief, and a five-year SUNY capital plan. Senator Gonzalez framed the budget as an investment in economic mobility. Senator Griffo supported affordability, operating and capital aid, and additional support for medical schools and hospitals. Assembly Members Walker, Colton, and Fall backed TAP expansion, opportunity programs, disability supports, SUNY Downstate’s transformation, and capital needs at CUNY and SUNY campuses. Assembly Member Smullen, speaking for the minority conference, urged a five-way budget process, said TAP has not kept pace with inflation, and called for a more stable long-term funding model for community colleges. He also stressed aligning higher education with workforce needs. Assembly Member Pirozzolo pointed to the College of Staten Island as an example of the benefits of investment and warned that employers recruiting students directly from high school could weaken higher education unless colleges continue strengthening trade and career training. The meeting ended with no vote on the budget items, and the chairs adjourned the conference committee after concluding remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year, 11% of all households in Washington were food insecure, and according to University of Washington
• Fiscal impact is identified by the Washington State Patrol and the University of Washington.
• The University of Washington assumes indeterminate impacts due to workload from sharing additional data
• I represent the students of Western Washington University in support of Substitute House Bill 1570.
• and Western's administration, as well as conversations with representatives of the regional universities

Summary: The committee first suspended the five-day notice rule and then heard House Bill 2521 on firearm background check fees. Staff explained that the bill would remove the $18 fee cap and allow Washington State Patrol to set fees based on actual program costs, which could be about $33 to $35 per check. Supporters said the change was needed to keep the background check system operating and avoid delays and layoffs; opponents argued it would burden lawful gun owners and amount to an unconstitutional tax or barrier to a constitutional right. No vote was taken in the hearing. Members then heard Substitute House Bill 2475 on language-accessible public programs, which would direct the Office of Equity to develop uniform language-access guidelines, address interpreter and translator shortages, and require agency implementation reporting. Testimony was strongly supportive, emphasizing the need for consistent access for limited-English-proficient residents and the benefits for schools, families, and state services. The committee also heard Second Substitute House Bill 2479 on wage recovery, which would create a wage recovery fund to provide partial advance payments to low-wage workers with meritorious unpaid wage claims and adjust wage penalty provisions. Employers, labor advocates, and legal services representatives largely supported the bill as a bipartisan, worker-protection measure funded by penalties rather than the general fund. The committee next took up Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1960 on renewable energy tax incentives, which would replace existing property tax and excise tax provisions with a new state and local renewable energy excise tax structure and related grant programs for local governments and tribes. Counties, utilities, developers, and tribal representatives generally supported the bill’s goal of stabilizing tax treatment for renewable projects, though several witnesses said they wanted amendments to address rates, timing, and late-stage project impacts. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5932 on alternative jet fuel incentives, which would change the timing and duration of existing tax preferences; supporters said it would provide certainty for emerging sustainable aviation fuel projects, while one refinery sought clarification and a broader county threshold. Later, the committee heard Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2238 on statewide food security, directing the Department of Agriculture to monitor food system performance and develop a statewide food security strategy. Agricultural groups, grocers, anti-hunger advocates, and farmers supported the bill as a coordination effort to improve food access, affordability, and supply chain resilience. The committee then heard Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1903, which would create a statewide low-income energy assistance program through the Department of Commerce; supporters said it would address growing unmet need and complement existing utility programs, while opponents said it did not address the root causes of rising energy costs. Finally, the committee heard Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2416 on waste-to-energy facilities under the Climate Commitment Act and Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 2515 on large energy-use facilities (data centers), both of which drew mixed testimony centered on balancing emissions, ratepayer impacts, reliability, and environmental or tribal concerns. No final votes were taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• the academic excellence, professional ambition, and civic commitment of the California State University
• the academic excellence, professional ambition, and civic commitment of the California State University
• with all of you.
• I know many of you have experienced the magic of animatronics at Disneyland and Disney World, many of
• File Item 6 is a confirmation of Paul Toopee for appointment as Director of the Department of Alcoholic

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, a prayer marking World Water Day, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then suspended Senate Rule 55 to allow guests on the floor. Several special introductions followed, including California Wildlife Photo of the Year winner Alice Cahill, outgoing Fish and Wildlife Director Chuck Bonham, Avalon Fire Chief Michael Alegría, and a Cal Poly Pomona student delegation participating in CHESS/CSU Lobby Day. Members praised Bonham’s long service and the students’ advocacy on higher education issues. The Assembly’s passage of AB 2156 was announced, and the Senate approved the March 16–19 journals as corrected. The chamber then took up SCR 132, designating March 22, 2026 as California STEAM Robotics Day. The author and supporting senators emphasized robotics and STEAM education as hands-on preparation for careers in engineering, AI, manufacturing, and other technical fields, and highlighted partnerships with industry and programs such as FIRST Robotics. The resolution passed on a 34-0 vote. Afterward, the author introduced robotics students and industry representatives, including Ethan Wynn of Poway High School and leaders from Garner Holt Productions, to recognize their work in STEAM education and robotics. The Senate next considered five gubernatorial appointments, all brought by Senator Grove: Paul Toopee to lead the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Peter Britery to the Southwestern Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission, Dr. Youngping Chen and Gregory Lung to the California Acupuncture Board, and Roy Mather to the Board of Pilot Commissioners. Each nominee was described as experienced in the relevant field and each was confirmed unanimously, 34-0. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 62(a) to allow the Committee on Governmental Organization to hear AB 2156 on March 24 without sufficient notice. In closing, Senator Blakespear requested adjournment in memory of Anne Colchin, a longtime Carlsbad city councilmember and civic leader remembered for decades of public service, environmental stewardship, and community planning. The Senate agreed to memorialize her, then announced that members would proceed to the Assembly chambers for the joint convention and State of the Judiciary address, with the next floor session scheduled for March 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• , colleges, and CSUs and UCs that have long-range planning documents as part of this. universities, colleges
• Francisco Ornelas with the University of California Students Association; we're proud co-sponsor of this
• enrollment and that has an impact on the housing capacity of the communities that these universities
• we've been working with the University of California and the community colleges to make sure that this
• Housing outside of university campuses, but out in the community, has already produced 10 projects this

Summary: The committee began without a quorum and first heard AB 748, which would create pre-approved housing plans for single-family homes and small multifamily projects under 10 units, with delayed implementation for smaller cities and counties. The author said the bill is modeled on the state’s ADU preapproval process and is intended to make housing approvals ministerial and faster. Support came from housing and business groups, while several cities opposed it. Senators raised concerns about local control and whether small or rural jurisdictions have the staff and infrastructure to implement the program, but the author emphasized that local agencies would still control the plans and land-use decisions. No vote was taken because there was no quorum. The committee then heard AB 1621, which would tighten timelines and accountability for post-entitlement permits, limit plan-check resubmittals, and restrict field changes unless needed for health and safety. The California Building Industry Association and many housing groups supported the bill, arguing that permitting delays raise costs and slow housing production. The League of California Cities, counties, and several local governments opposed it, saying the two-plan-check limit is too rigid and that the bill could create litigation risk and reduce local flexibility to ensure code compliance. Members debated the proper standard for additional review and whether the bill should allow exceptions for state mandates; the author said the bill was meant to stop endless back-and-forth while preserving health-and-safety exceptions. The bill was recommended for a due-pass motion to Appropriations when quorum is reached. AB 2748 was next, proposing a three-year delay in the new electric-vehicle readiness requirements for 100% affordable housing projects, keeping the older 40% standard during that period. The author and affordable housing advocates said the change would reduce costs and help scarce housing dollars go further, while opponents from environmental, transportation, and clean-energy groups argued the current code is already cost-effective and that the bill would create a double standard and reduce EV access for low-income residents. Senators discussed whether the bill should require additional EV-capable infrastructure if projects use the older standard, and several members said they supported the bill but urged continued work on amendments. The committee also heard AB 1732, which would expand CEQA streamlining to student housing projects at public universities and community colleges with long-range plans. The author and student housing advocates said campus housing shortages are driving student homelessness and that the bill would help projects move faster; some senators supported the concept but questioned the bill’s geographic limits and whether labor standards or rural-campus criteria might be too restrictive. The meeting also included AB 1738, which would require jurisdictions to offer virtual inspections for certain simple home inspections. Supporters said remote inspections save time and money and have been used safely in California, while one senator said she could not support virtual inspections for more complex items like roofs and solar work. No final votes were taken during the transcript, and several bills were held pending quorum or further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also participated in 11 out-of-state events at colleges and universities, and I will read off the
• We attended job fairs at University of Nevada in Reno, Louisiana State University, UC Davis, Walla Walla
• University, University of Washington, Arizona State University, St.
• appropriated to the University of New Mexico to do a gap analysis to determine where we have behavioral
• And then a final suggestion of the report that we'd like to highlight is the creation of a universal

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we have next up University of Hawaiʻi system, Mr. Calbert Young.
• DHS agrees with the concerns of DLNR and the University of Hawaii. Okay, thank you very much.
• ><00:04:31.320><c> Mr</c><00:04:31.639><c> Calbert</c> University of Hawai e system Mr Calbert University
• </c><00:05:13.479><c> of</c> concerns of dlnr and the University of concerns of dlnr and the University
• </c> university for many years and office of university for many years and office of research<00:09:59.040

Committee: Senate Government Operations

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 412 HD1, which would expand the definition of lobbying to include certain communications with high-level officials about procurement decisions and create presumptions regarding lobbying on behalf of private clients. The State Ethics Commission and State Procurement Office supported the measure, saying it would improve transparency and align Hawaii with other states, while the Hawaii Primary Care Association opposed it over concerns that employers and others could be swept in too broadly. No public testimony or questions led to any action on the bill during the hearing. The committee then took up House Bill 131, which would allow agencies to disclose government records to researchers for certain research purposes and clarify the Office of Information Practices’ rulemaking authority. OIP and the Public First Law Center supported the bill, arguing it would create uniform standards and that concerns could be handled through rules. The University of Hawaiʻi system, DBEDT, DHS, DLNR, and others raised concerns about the breadth of the terms “research” and “researcher,” privacy, confidential information, and possible misuse; Hawaiian Electric also warned about access to sensitive infrastructure information. Members questioned whether the bill was premature and whether definitions should be narrowed in statute, and OIP said it would consider working with agencies and the University on clearer definitions. House Bill 792 HD1, relating to the Office of the Legislative Analyst, drew no testimony beyond a late written support from the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and the committee moved on without discussion. The committee then heard House Bill 1424, which would restrict transfers between appropriated funds for positions and operating expenses. Budget and Finance explained that current practice allows transfers from payroll to other current expenses when there are savings, but legislative appropriations for specific purposes must still be spent for that purpose. Several agencies expressed opposition or concerns, saying the bill could reduce flexibility, especially in response to federal funding changes or vacant positions, though members emphasized transparency and accountability. Budget and Finance suggested a reporting approach instead, and the committee discussed quarterly reporting as a possible alternative. Finally, the committee began House Bill 1153 HD1, which concerns funding adjustments for state programs and capital improvement projects and establishes a protocol fund. Budget and Finance, DAGS, and the State Procurement Office supported the measure, while the General Contractors Association and several construction-related groups opposed section two, arguing it would undo recent procurement protest-bond safeguards adopted in Act 162. The hearing then moved on toward House Bill 1297, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was fully discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, for the University of Hawaii, UH 700, sequence 2100-001, Senate.
• And finally, for the University of Hawaii, UH 700, sequence 2100-001, Senate.
• And finally, for the University of Hawaii, UH 700, sequence 2100-001, Senate.
• And finally, for the University of Hawaii, UH 700, sequence 2100-001, Senate.
• of Hawaii UH700 the the um University of Hawaii UH700 uh<00:23:33.960><c> 21</c> uh 21 uh 21 2100-001

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas Tech University and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Southern
• On Saturday, I was at the Governor's STEM Challenge, which was held at the University of New Mexico this
• But On that point, where do you see the shortfalls in funding for the university for areas of study that
• It's one of the best universities. I would like to visit with you.
• What is the role of the Board of Regents in policy review and development for a university?

Committee: Senate Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• Mexico, because of our wonderful universities, because of our national laboratories, because of our
• Vedro at the New Mexico Council of University Presidents represent the seven universities in New Mexico
• I'm government relations with the University of New Mexico.
• We created ion-trapped and neutral atom technologies at Sandia and the University of New Mexico.
• But the folks at the University of New Mexico, they've been doing it since the 1990s.

Committee: Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Summary: The committee first discussed the state budget and employee compensation, focusing on the 1% pay increase proposal and the broader cost of state employee raises and benefits. Members noted that over the past several years the state has invested heavily in payroll, pension contributions, pay studies, and band realignments, and several senators argued that the 80/20 health insurance change and other benefit improvements amount to significant compensation increases even without an additional raise. Others cautioned that recurring revenue is limited, that recent revenue collections were weaker than expected, and that the state should be careful about committing to ongoing costs given possible economic slowdown, federal uncertainty, drought, wildfire risk, and the possibility of future budget pressure. The committee then heard extensive testimony on SB 177, a major economic development proposal centered on quantum computing, advanced energy, robotics, synthetic biology, and related technologies. Supporters described the bill as a large strategic investment intended to leverage New Mexico’s national laboratories, universities, and existing quantum workforce to attract companies, create high-wage jobs, and diversify the economy. Testimony emphasized that much of the quantum workforce would be skilled trades and technicians rather than Ph.D.-level researchers, and members asked detailed questions about whether the state would receive long-term returns, how intellectual property and clawbacks would be handled, and whether the package included recurring costs. Witnesses also explained the bill’s trade association and workforce-development components, and several senators raised concerns about energy use, water use, guardrails, and ensuring the state does not subsidize outside interests without benefits returning to New Mexico. After debate, the committee moved to table SB 177 indefinitely, with members noting that the funding and structure were already incorporated into House Bill 2. The motion passed on an 8-0 vote, with several members excused. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• as members of trustees for the California State University.
• Members of trustees for the California State University.
• Next we have the appointment of Kelly Dermitie as a member of the trustee for the California State University
• Next, we have Andrea Evans as a member of the trustees of the California State University.
• Next we have Andrea Evans, J.D., as a member of the Board of Trustees, California State University.

Summary: The Senate Rules Committee met to consider several gubernatorial appointments and a referral item. It first acted on appointments not required to appear, including Michael Gunning to the Teachers’ Retirement Board, Eric Hines to the Gambling Control Commission, several nominees to the Civil Rights Council, nominees to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and Omar Passens to the Contractors’ State License Board. The committee also took up a reference of bills to committees. Most of these items were initially left open for absent members, then later approved on add-on votes, with some passing unanimously and others on split votes. The committee then heard testimony from two nominees to the California State University Board of Trustees, Kelly Dermody and Andrea Evans. Both emphasized access, student basic needs, housing affordability, enrollment balance across campuses, and the need to use artificial intelligence responsibly while preserving critical thinking and data privacy. Senators asked about intersegmental cooperation, CSU bachelor’s degree authority, tuition increases, and how the trustees would evaluate affordability and student outcomes. No public opposition was heard, and both nominees were advanced to the full Senate after committee votes. Finally, the committee heard from Dr. Cedric Jamie Rutland, nominated to the South Coast Air Quality Management District Board. He described his background as a pulmonologist and said he would bring a public health and science-based perspective to air quality policy, especially regarding pollution’s effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health. Senators focused on goods movement, warehouse growth, AB 617 communities, environmental justice, refinery and trucking impacts, and balancing emissions reductions with economic realities. After public comment, the committee voted to advance his nomination to the Senate floor, and the meeting concluded after add-on votes and a brief recess/closed session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a very large amount of work to get through today, with a lot of bills to be voted on.
• Chair lays out as a matter of pending business, HB 700, in lieu of committee substitute Senate Bill 2677
• So we were very supportive of the bill. So we were very supportive of the bill. Mr.
• My work involves a lot of reading, a lot of processing, a lot of analysis, and a lot of writing.
• And second, the compact requirement of a national database provides oversight and enforcement that universal

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and took up a long list of pending House bills, most of them on motions by Senator King or Senator Campbell. The committee adopted committee substitutes and favorably reported numerous bills, including HB 252, HB 700, HB 1500, HB 1545, HB 1562, HB 1732, HB 267, HB 2213, HB 2221, HB 2520, HB 2818, HB 3016, HB 3214, HB 3250, HB 3512, HB 3623, HB 3689, HB 3833, HB 4063, HB 4395, HB 4690, HB 4751, HB 5331, HB 3824, HB 4464, HB 4468, and HB 5247. Most of these were sent to the local and uncontested calendar, while some, including sunset and other significant measures, were reported to the full Senate. HB 146 was the only bill reported out on a divided vote, passing 6 ayes to 4 nays. Several bills received brief explanation of committee substitute changes. HB 3016, dealing with rental car collision damage waivers and stolen vehicles, was amended to change a cooperation standard from “fully cooperate” to simply “cooperate.” HB 3689, a major ESF/TWA financing bill, was described as making technical changes to align terminology with the Comptroller’s authority and to avoid creating state debt or new liability. HB 5247, a capital cost recovery bill for transmission in the Permian Basin, was revised to clarify how the new mechanism fits with existing Utilities Code provisions and to add a 2035 expiration date. HB 3824, the battery fire safety bill, also received technical changes to align terminology with industry usage. The committee heard public testimony on several pending measures. HB 3069, which would direct the PUC to develop supplemental multi-decade planning criteria for transmission certificates in ERCOT, drew support from industry, environmental, and manufacturing witnesses who said it would help address congestion costs while balancing consumer protections; the bill was left pending. HB 5196, requiring state agencies to adopt and post telework policies and use written telework agreements, received both support and concern: supporters said it would preserve productivity and retention, while a senator raised concerns about notice and family logistics; it was left pending after testimony. HB 3112, allowing closed deliberations on cybersecurity policy details, was laid out and left pending after brief discussion. HCR 102, supporting federal nuclear tax credits, drew testimony from nuclear industry and energy advocates, who argued the credits are essential for existing plants, new nuclear development, grid reliability, and U.S. competitiveness; the resolution was left pending, with discussion about whether the language should focus more exclusively on nuclear. HB 705, creating a cosmetology licensure compact, was supported by industry, employers, and compact experts as a mobility tool that preserves state authority; HB 3516, expanding a public information exemption for Railroad Commission administrative law judges and technical examiners, and HB 3388, authorizing group property and casualty coverage for personal lines, were also heard and left pending. At the end of the meeting, the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• I thank you for the privilege of serving the people of Alabama.
• When you begin to look at that in the context of the number of students and the parents... number of
• and the laying of the foundation of our nation as one of the pillars that our Founders used to derive
• I'm a constituent of District 53, Daniels district, and I taught math at the University of Huntsville
• I graduated from the University of Mississippi State, and again, this has never been an issue that me

Bills: SB211 , HB96 , SB215 , SB257 , SB13 , SB13

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: school safety, local law enforcement, superintendent, complaints, school bus regulations, National Signing Day, athletic scholarships, military enlistment, postsecondary education, apprenticeship programs, high school students, educational commitments, education intervention, State Superintendent, local boards, provisional release, subpoena authority, compliance, educational operation control, fundraising

Transcript Highlights:

• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America...
• of Colorado Boulder, the University of Colorado Denver, and our community colleges.
• of Colorado Boulder, the University of Colorado Denver, and our community colleges.
• the</c> University of Colorado Boulder, the University of Colorado Boulder, the University<00:43:45.440
• :47.200><c> our</c> University of Colorado Denver, and our University of Colorado Denver, and our community

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill was brought by a University of Idaho law student...
• This bill was brought by a University of Idaho law student and from a family of morticians who worked
• So when the university dug into this, and there's a really, I'd say, gruesome report with a lot of links
• We actually spent most of our time discussing this with different places like Idaho State University,
• of Sheriffs, and the Association of Counties.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Rules

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of this kind of program.
• practice of athletic training and that we must still whether it ...change the scope of practice of athletic
• of Missouri.
• of Missouri, I ask for your support of House Bill 1844.
• David Pierce, on behalf of the University of Central Missouri.

Committee: House Professional Registration and Licensing

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I'm here to support HCR 183, testifying on behalf of the University of Hawaii.
• Uh, I'm here to support HCR 183, testifying on behalf of the University of Hawaii.
• Uh, I'm here to support HCR 183, testifying on behalf of the University of Hawaii.
• </c> HCR 183 testifying on behalf of HCR 183 testifying on behalf of University<00:04:34.720><c> of</
• We stand our University of Hawaii.

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on three resolutions: HCR 61, HCR 182, and HCR 183. Testimony on all three was generally supportive, with support noted from the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, ACLU, Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Renewables Fuels Coalition, the University of Hawaii, and CARES. Angela Melody Young testified in strong support on behalf of CARES on multiple items, urging consideration of county processes, financing structures, and the need for procedures free from partisan influence. For HCR 183, the University of Hawaii said it stood on its written testimony and was available for questions. The discussion focused less on opposition and more on suggested policy considerations. Testimony on HCR 61 raised questions about how physical notes or related procedures should be administered and whether the process should be housed in a nonpartisan office. On HCR 182 and HCR 183, testimony emphasized coordinating state and county financing and planning, including references to property tax classifications, general obligation bonds, and long-term statewide projects such as Aloha Stadium. At the close of the hearing, the chair recommended taking all three resolutions together. The committee voted to pass HCR 61, HCR 182, and HCR 183 unamended, with all voting members present voting aye and two senators excused. The resolutions were adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• at the University of New Mexico, $56 million for the new multidisciplinary academic building at New
• Mexico State University, $40 million for renovations of an academic building at New Mexico State University
• University, 40 million for renovations of and major systems replacement for the mineral science and
• Many of those, many of those pieces of equipment... Mr.
• I am government affairs at the University of New Mexico.

Bills: HB2 , SB152

Committee: Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: general appropriation, budget, Medicaid, education funding, public safety, telecommunications, low-income assistance, lifeline, broadband, rural broadband, universal service fund, public regulation commission, PRC, 911 surcharge, telecommunications relay service, VoIP, mobile service, internet affordability, digital equity, digital inclusion

Summary: The committee heard a series of capital, bond, environmental, economic development, juvenile justice, and health care bills. Senate Bill 240, the capital outlay package, was presented as a $1.3 billion statewide appropriation, including discretionary capital projects and agency projects; after questions about CYFD projects and House/Senate capital allocations, the committee voted do pass on the committee substitute. House Bill 248, the general obligation bond package totaling about $392.5 million for senior centers, libraries, higher education, and tribal projects, also received a do pass after questions about project vetting, bond timing, and school bus funding. House Bill 80, which increases the share of oil and gas conservation tax revenue going to the Oil and Gas Reclamation Fund to speed orphan well plugging and site cleanup, drew strong support from business, environmental, and industry groups; members discussed funding balances, procurement bottlenecks, and the distinction between abandoned and orphan wells before voting do pass. House Bill 184, making technical fixes to the Conservation Legacy Permanent Fund and related distribution rules, passed with little debate. The committee also heard Senate Bill 172, which expands the TRIGGER program allowing companies to access national laboratory expertise; supporters from the labs, the governor’s office, universities, and business groups cited job creation, follow-on investment, and commercialization gains, while one senator raised concerns about the long extension of the program. The bill passed do pass. House Bill 95, creating a judge for the First and Second Judicial Districts, was described as matching a previously heard Senate bill and passed do pass. Senate Bill 165, a major juvenile justice bill, generated the most extensive debate: the sponsor said it updates the juvenile code, raises the age for certain serious offenses, extends services for youth sentenced as adults, and expands community corrections; law enforcement supported it, while the Public Defender, youth advocates, the ACLU, and a Bernalillo County commissioner opposed it, arguing it expands adult sentencing and relies too heavily on incarceration. Despite those objections, the committee voted do pass. Finally, House Bill 4, which increases the Health Care Affordability Fund distribution to support premium assistance and related coverage programs, was amended so that a portion of the premium surtax would go to the Behavioral Health Program Fund and any unexpended balance would revert to the affordability fund. Supporters from BeWell, health advocacy groups, the insurance office, and homeless services said the bill would protect coverage gains and help offset federal changes; members asked about the amendment’s effect on the behavioral health fund and the bill’s flexibility if revenues decline. The amendment was adopted, and discussion on the bill continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jen Chase on behalf of the University of California in opposition.
• Ed Howard, Children's Advocacy Institute, University of San Diego School of Law, in support.
• Ed Howard, University of San Diego School of Law, Children's Advocacy Institute. back to the adults in
• Chair, members at Howard University of San Diego School of Law, as children's advocacy.
• Ed Howard, University of San Diego School of Law, Children's Advocacy Institute.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection heard several bills focused on privacy, AI, surveillance, and consumer protections. AB 302 would bar schools from excluding students from extracurricular activities because they do not use social media and would require schools to use at least one non-addictive means of contacting students and parents; it drew support from Common Sense Media and no opposition. AB 1705, the Reclaim Act, would require websites hosting non-consensual pornography to verify consent before upload; district attorneys and the Commission on the Status of Women supported it, while TechNet and CCIA opposed or raised concerns. AB 2007 would separate parental consent for a child’s image/likeness from general program enrollment forms in youth programs; educators supported it, while local government and parks groups raised implementation and penalty concerns. AB 2212 would update higher education sexual harassment definitions to include tech-facilitated harassment such as cyberbullying, doxing, and nudification-related abuse; students and advocacy groups strongly supported it, with no opposition. AB 1837 would extend transit agencies’ authority to use camera enforcement in bus-only lanes and at transit stops, with privacy retention limits and human review; transit agencies supported it, while some senators expressed concern about automated enforcement and surveillance, and the bill was placed on call after a split vote. AB 2392 would create an intersegmental higher education working group on generative AI training and procurement standards; it passed 5-0 after amendments removed prerequisites tying AI deployment to completion of the report. The consent calendar was also approved on call. Later, AB 1798 would prohibit life and disability insurers from using non-diagnostic genetic information in underwriting; supporters argued it protects privacy and encourages testing, while insurers opposed the bill as undermining risk-based underwriting, and it advanced on a 3-0 vote on call. Finally, AB 1883 would restrict workplace use of emotion-recognition and neural-data surveillance tools; labor and privacy advocates supported it, employers and local agencies raised safety and litigation concerns, and it passed 3-0 to Labor after narrowing amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• a payment reform program of universal primary care that works for all Vermonters.
• </c><00:32:08.200><c> universal</c> a payment reform program of universal a payment reform program of
• best mechanism for the implementation of a universal primary care system.
• It is the intent of the General Assembly to invest in primary care and establish a program of universal
• The purposes of this bill are to develop a framework for implementation of universal primary care, optimize

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Pertaining to amendments nine through 21, they pertain to the University of Maryland System.
• </c><00:24:04.160><c> of</c><00:24:04.200><c> Maryland</c> pertain to the University of Maryland pertain
• to the University of Maryland System.<00:24:05.600><c> Amendments</c> System.
• </c><01:16:51.080><c> System</c><01:16:51.400><c> of</c> Taxation Committee, University System of Taxation
• Committee, University System of Maryland<01:16:52.080><c> Academic</c><01:16:52.560><c> Facilities</

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with 42 members present and a quorum, opened with an invocation by Pastor Jaylen Robinson, and recognized several guests and honorees. Early floor remarks included a welcome to students from Forest Oak Middle School, a young Senate shadow from Woodlawn High School, and guests from Charles H. Flowers High School. The chamber also noted a doctor of the day and announced that panoramic photos in the Senate lounge were available for order by March 27, with eye exams available in the State House. The main legislative business was Senate Bill 283, the President’s Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan of 2026. The Senate Budget and Taxation Committee presented 291 amendments, described as funding priorities for jobs, infrastructure, and reliability while staying within debt affordability limits. The amendments covered school construction, natural resources, higher education, housing, Maryland Environmental Service, miscellaneous grants, local Senate bond initiatives, jails and detention centers, and pre-authorizations for fiscal 2028. Four amendments were separated for individual roll calls: 30, 35, 46, and 241, all of which were adopted. The remaining committee amendments were adopted without objection, and the favorable committee report as amended was then taken up. During debate on the capital budget amendments, one senator raised concerns about the bill and the difficulty of tracking the amendments on the electronic system, prompting discussion about technical issues and the availability of the documents on the website and in paper form. The chair said the committee had been working on the bill for months and urged the body to proceed. A question was raised about Amendment 264, which deauthorized a Willing Helper Society renovation project in Charles County; the chair explained the money had not been spent, was about to expire, and was repurposed to a Boys and Girls Club of Southern Maryland project to keep the funding in Charles County.